Review of
“The Sialkot Saga” – Ashwin Sanghi
Though set in the backdrop of political and
economic clashes in India post-Independence, this tome is a story which started
way back in 250 BCE when Ashoka reined most of the Indian subcontinent. Ashwin
Sanghi, the Dan Brown of India, weaves a saga where secrets are passed on from
then till the present day India. The front story is that of Arvind and Arbaaz,
different religions, different upbringings, different people altogether; but
with a single aim of making money. Arvind, a true blue Marwari, in the
aftermath of breaking up with his childhood sweetheart, delves into business
and uses his acumen to conning people into parting from their money. Arbaaz on
the other hand, uses his intelligence to reach to the very top of a mafia and
diversifying into high profile politics. Both of them are however at
loggerheads with each other throughout but manage to be together at the end.
The Good: The relationship shown between the
past and the present is commendable and that is exactly what the author is
known for. Comparing him to Dan Brown may be a bit if a stretch, but he is definitely
on the right track there. We have seen better works than this one before, so
the expectations were obviously sky high. The fact that the book ended where it
began was remarkable. The story is paced well and major events are incorporated
to support the timeline.
The Bad: A few minor plots seem to be stale and
lifted off motion pictures or literature. There is one too many clichés,
specially used as punchlines while ending little sequences. The ending could
have been a little more dramatic than mere stating of facts. There were
portions which I feel could have been done without and were there just to add
to the volume.
The Ugly: It is disheartening to find little
big mistakes in a work of this stature. The direct/indirect involvement of the protagonists
in each and every disaster in history gets on your nerves.
Verdict: Read it for the sake of curiosity.
Till you reach the last 50 pages or so, you’
Book Courtesy: Vivek Tejuja (Flipkart)
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