Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai- A Book Review

                                             

The book cover surely deceives you. For it patronizes you to surmise the book to be another entrant in the laundry list of love stories. Well, the prelude made me pensive and skepticism mitigated my excitement. Nonetheless, I was overwhelmed to see my thoughts to be fallacious and theme of the book was totally different.

Babloo, the protagonist, is autistic, schizophrenic and psychotic. All these adjectives perfectly describe his character. Autistic because he has communication disorders and fails to concentrate. Schizophrenic because he is disturbed by unjust realities: happening against him, from his family and the outside world. I slightly disagree with Babloo’s characterization as psychotic, but it doesn't matter to those who keep calling him the same.

The Story

Here’s the perfect background for setting up this story: A middle class family struggling to accept their child's mental condition and considers him to be mentally abnormal. Thus the saner son is the center of attraction getting replete love and is considered to be the responsible person of the family because he has a job. Vandana is like another middle-class woman facing problems of being in middle-class family: from ignoring boss’ physical advances to convincing her parents for not getting her married so early and let her live the life she wants to for some time at least.

Babloo is soon inspired by his alter-ego called Rail Man. Rail Man is what Babloo wants to be: standing for what’s right, just and true. He has his own violent ways of doing things for imparting justice. These characters stay in railway colony in Bandra and the description of how the sound of local train passing day and night is part and parcel of their family is appreciable. For it depicts the naivety and reality of true middle-class Mumbaikars.

To summarize the story, it is a mix of everything you wish see, observe and feel in any ordinary family of Mumbaikar. The plot, throughout the book has nothing new to offer; however it offers a new taste to the same dish.

What’s special in this book?

I admit. Haven’t read any book after a long time from an Indian author who has maintained flawless characterization of the protagonist! Many novels seek to develop the personality of protagonist as and when the story proceeds further blended with unfamiliar experiences. But, Rishi adroitness is worth noticeable where the story is totally shaped to suit character of Babloo and he doesn’t instill ‘normal’ qualities from fellow humans until he finds the love of his life Vandana beside him. The love story looks impossible and you are in the moment dejection only to be confronted by unfortunate-yet-wonderful turn of events.

This book also presents an unlike version of media reporter who is doing constructive job. She helps Rail Man find light of the day and helps him to find himself- albeit indirectly.

Final Say:

For any voracious reader it’s hardly time consuming read. If you are looking for a plot florid with twists and turns, vengeance filled with gruesome treachery, be ready for disappointment. To read this book, you have to be relaxed and let yourselves into amazing yet simplistic narration of Rishi Vohra to take you on a soothing and rejuvenating ride. I have only one reservation- the climax was however tastes mundane and looks like he was obliged to do so.

Overall, it was an amazing read in terms of characterization. The book solely thrives on Babloo’s thoughts, Vandana’s struggle and the Rail Man.

Rating: 3/5

Author: Rishi Vohra

ISBN: 9788184953053

Cost: INR 175/-

Pages: 266

You can check out the book on facebook here:- Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai!!!

You can buy the book here.

P.S: I am so humbled by the humbleness of Rishi Vohra! He asked me to review this book and was lucky to get autographed copy. His honesty reflects in his writing. You are here to go miles Rishi; this book is just a start and I wish you to climb the ladder of success with same simplicity.