Book Review - The Man Who Lost India by Meghna Pant

 

BOOK: The Man Who Lost India
AUTHOR: Meghna Pant
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

Rating:
Storyline: 4/5
Literature: 3.6/5

MY TAKE:
The Man Who Lost India plunges the readers into a world teetering on the brink of chaos. It is 2032 and China’s lust for power and supremacy remains unabated. The most inevitable action by China will be to conquer India to cement its dominance and the author gave us a flavour of how daunting that scenario can look like through this book.

The story unfolds in the obscure town of Lalbag, which unexpectedly becomes the focal point of the conflict between India and China. Seth, one of the richest inhabitants of Lalbag, is relaxing in the cocoon of his house, thinking China’s invasion will not penetrate his safe bubble. He was in for a rude shock. The author made me feel this work of fiction to be very real and raw. What I loved about this book is how the author amalgamated the factual geopolitical situation of China and married that with the storyline which made it feel as if I am looking at the future.

However, I was pleasantly taken aback by the the infusion of supernatural elements which added layers of intrigue and suspense. The author has masterfully blended the horrors of war with supernatural occurrences, creating a unique and captivating narrative especially while describing the divine intervention of ‘Lord Shiva’ in saving Lalbag from external attack.

I loved the diverse cast of characters, each with their own struggles, secrets, and desires. From the Chinese cop stumbling upon a dangerous secret to the forbidden love between a servant and his mistress, the author has managed to weave a complex web of relationships that add allure to the storyline.

I felt that the literature could have been crafted better to be more suave however it depends on the creative liberty of the author how best she wants to convey her message.

Overall, this book is a masterfully crafted tale that blends elements of war, supernatural, and human drama to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. The author's rich storytelling and compelling characters ensure that this is a book that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction with a touch of the supernatural.