ByVivek Subramanyamon 22 June 2016
There are books that entertain, that entertain and educate, and those that entertain, educate and inspire. Sandeep's debut novel is definitely in the category that entertains, educates, inspires and much more! It's a riveting story that takes us through India's heartland and the dynamics of life there with the influence of politics, crime, religion and how those shape the nature of progress. And in sharp contrast is the part of the storyline that sketches the tribal inhabitants and their purity and frustrations. Add to these the realistic depiction of the malaise that ails our world in the form of corruption, irrational religiousness, mafia driven female and child exploitation, relentless rape of mother earth driven by corporate greed etc. Throw in a protagonist that wants to disrupt retail and benefit the farmers and one who battles demons in his mind and demons in reality and navigates through complex situations using his brains and also doles out some philosophical thought that make the reader think as well and what do we end up with...
A sure shot winner!
My advice: Grab your own copy of this unputdownable book and set off on an entertaining, educating and inspiring experience!
A sure shot winner!
My advice: Grab your own copy of this unputdownable book and set off on an entertaining, educating and inspiring experience!
5.0 out of 5 starsWhat an intense account of roller coaster life that Sandeep has taken us through in this book
ByRakesh Mishraon 3 July 2016
Call it a thriller, call it a mysterious spiritual journey or call it an action-packed adventure story - this book promises a close up experience of an unreal life that is filled with hard realities, so close-up that it will shake you, it will hurt you.
This book is filled with everything that I didn't expect to find in this book. A snake charmer who won't have any significance in the mind of most readers, a Tantrik that has paper communication technology, a murder that changes an IITians's high-flying cozy dreamy life, a nerve-seizing value-system struggle in the life of an idealistic father, a whole new world of God-fearing forest tribals awakening to ugly world outside and amidst all this, the lead character Bharat seeing his well-evolved and well-groomed identity crashing down to mortal insignificance while fighting the battle with mining mafia.
When I started reading, the title kept disturbing me - I was not ready to settle with the whole snake charming business. It took few chapters for me to realise that book is about powerful venomous human evils that are thriving in the dark and we can’t flight them without mastering the mind-games that snakes are used to. Here is one of my favourite picks from this books - “They (snakes) go by what is right for their survival and there is no other confusion in their minds. There is no second chance. This is how nature tells them to be. It was worth reflecting how nature gave more importance to survival than to right or wrong”.
I feel that this book and the story within will have different shades for different readers. Each one of us looking at this story from our lens of worldly wisdom will see different pictures in their mind. Here is the message that took from this book - “To discover real purposeful happiness in life, we need to re-learn universal laws of life, go back to basics that are essence of human life and reinstate all of it in our life”. Pick your copy of the book today, you will not regret.
This book is filled with everything that I didn't expect to find in this book. A snake charmer who won't have any significance in the mind of most readers, a Tantrik that has paper communication technology, a murder that changes an IITians's high-flying cozy dreamy life, a nerve-seizing value-system struggle in the life of an idealistic father, a whole new world of God-fearing forest tribals awakening to ugly world outside and amidst all this, the lead character Bharat seeing his well-evolved and well-groomed identity crashing down to mortal insignificance while fighting the battle with mining mafia.
When I started reading, the title kept disturbing me - I was not ready to settle with the whole snake charming business. It took few chapters for me to realise that book is about powerful venomous human evils that are thriving in the dark and we can’t flight them without mastering the mind-games that snakes are used to. Here is one of my favourite picks from this books - “They (snakes) go by what is right for their survival and there is no other confusion in their minds. There is no second chance. This is how nature tells them to be. It was worth reflecting how nature gave more importance to survival than to right or wrong”.
I feel that this book and the story within will have different shades for different readers. Each one of us looking at this story from our lens of worldly wisdom will see different pictures in their mind. Here is the message that took from this book - “To discover real purposeful happiness in life, we need to re-learn universal laws of life, go back to basics that are essence of human life and reinstate all of it in our life”. Pick your copy of the book today, you will not regret.
5.0 out of 5 starsSandeep has weaved a passionate and beautiful story which showcases the indomitable spirit of the protagonist ...
Byarun alberton 16 June 2016
Sandeep has weaved a passionate and beautiful story which showcases the indomitable spirit of the protagonist to conquer all obstacles ( so many of them) as a entrepreneur in India to build something lasting. The story starts slowly then picks up tremendous pace in the middle to end with a twist leaving hint of a sequel. The characters in the book have been fairly well etched whether it is Tilak or Dua or Tulsi or the parents.
Reading this book makes me wonder what will happen to all heritage and culture unless we have more Bharat's to try and save what is left. Now every time i hear of the struggle of the tribals in Niyamgiri against Vedanta, i will relate to this book
I finished the book in a continuous sitting of 3-4 days as the book was totally unputdownable and hope Sandeep will publish a sequel. I would recommend this as must read to all. Please go ahead and buy it
Reading this book makes me wonder what will happen to all heritage and culture unless we have more Bharat's to try and save what is left. Now every time i hear of the struggle of the tribals in Niyamgiri against Vedanta, i will relate to this book
I finished the book in a continuous sitting of 3-4 days as the book was totally unputdownable and hope Sandeep will publish a sequel. I would recommend this as must read to all. Please go ahead and buy it
5.0 out of 5 starsWant to know the real India... read this book.
BySastha Prakashon 17 July 2016
A brilliant novel on modern India and its inherent problems that is as unique as India. It starts with a well meaning young man coming back to the hinterland to begin a socio-economic venture. Things go well and the sharks come to know of its huge potential, and naturally they want a part in the business without lifting a finger. They start antagonizing the young man and finally try to murder him. The young man escapes with the help of some tribals with serious injuries. He learns what human nature is and learns to lead his life without compromising his inbuilt values, and finally learns how business is done in those parts. He slowly starts rebuilding his life and understands the complexities of the bureaucracy, the underworld, the politicians and learns beat them in their own game without breaking the law of the land. I could learn more about the exploitation of resources, the tribal folks, the small landowners, the small businessmen, and about the exploitation racket using women and children in the north Indian cities. The vivid description of the Satpura forests makes one to travel to those parts to experience a slice of that life in the forests.
This is a book of our times and how well intentioned young men/women can change our country and bring about change to the marginalized people in our society. One of my best reads in recent times...
This is a book of our times and how well intentioned young men/women can change our country and bring about change to the marginalized people in our society. One of my best reads in recent times...
5.0 out of 5 starsMust Read! One of the Special Books that come once in a long time.
ByBasilon 12 July 2016
I am looking to make many important decisions in personal life and job, when I happen to read this book. Just one page into it, and I felt it had to be finished first before other things. Now I am so thankful for it. Wish this book was there ten years ago, but as the author says, everything is Transcendental, and appears to the ready mind.
The author brilliantly takes one on a journey along with Bharat, when he realizes that he has no skills or knowledge left that can make him overcome the enormous problems in his life, and even think of a future. Add the snake charmer and their distressed tribal lot, and their world views interchange. In that churn, we get so many life lessons. Some folks will see the beauty and shortcomings of India (Bharat) in it, some will see the psychologically thrilling drama, while I saw the fight between hope and despair, and truth and falsehood.
Must Read for everyone irrespective of their orientation, and beliefs. It rips one inside, then joins the fragments with deep lessons and one is reborn!
The author brilliantly takes one on a journey along with Bharat, when he realizes that he has no skills or knowledge left that can make him overcome the enormous problems in his life, and even think of a future. Add the snake charmer and their distressed tribal lot, and their world views interchange. In that churn, we get so many life lessons. Some folks will see the beauty and shortcomings of India (Bharat) in it, some will see the psychologically thrilling drama, while I saw the fight between hope and despair, and truth and falsehood.
Must Read for everyone irrespective of their orientation, and beliefs. It rips one inside, then joins the fragments with deep lessons and one is reborn!
ByJoseph Rajaduraion 5 July 2016
The book covers the engrossing story of Bharat, a highly educated (IIT-IIM) entrepreneur as his life goes through several twists and turns soon after starting his business in Central India. The author paints very vivid images of the forests of central India and it is easy to visualize the forests, the animals and the lifestyle of the tribals who inhabit the forests. The imagery of the conflicts between those who have lived in the forests for generations, and the profiteers who will go to any lengths to protect their income from the forests and the surrounding lands gives one an idea of the challenges in the environment and the stakeholders involved. Set against this larger conflict, is the amazing portrayal of Bharat's journey as he sheds some of his prior views on business practices, adapts to the new circumstances and then comes up with innovative ways to manage the ecosystem. He gains the trust of the tribals who crown him the new "Nagababa". The thing that is very moving is despite all the hard lessons, physical injury and an environment where one's faith in humanity would be shaken, Bharat learns that staying on the side of Truth ultimately allows one to prosper. It is heartening to read about how the trust he forms for the tribals begins to do very well allowing him to develop plans for the tribals to educate their children. So, there is a moral lesson in the story as well. In summary, a great book and something I would recommend
BySatwickon 16 July 2016
Incredible ! There are many adjectives that I can use to describe Sandeep's book - gripping, eye-opener, heart-warming, pacy. The book is all of this, but to me, it is the story of enlightenment of a human being. The evolution & enlightenment that many aspire to, but most do not attain in their lifetime.
The autobiography of a simple, well-educated professional, who sets out to do something good but gets caught in the complex web of the "system"; and emerges triumphant. Not through intelligence, money, power or deceit. But through true enlightenment. In the process the author raises our awareness of the deep problems facing our country & our hidden treasures which hold the key to bringing the country back to its zenith.
Thank you Sandeep for sharing your story.
The autobiography of a simple, well-educated professional, who sets out to do something good but gets caught in the complex web of the "system"; and emerges triumphant. Not through intelligence, money, power or deceit. But through true enlightenment. In the process the author raises our awareness of the deep problems facing our country & our hidden treasures which hold the key to bringing the country back to its zenith.
Thank you Sandeep for sharing your story.
5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing read. Highly recommended for one and all.
ByGeetika Goelon 19 July 2016
An amazing book and very highly recommended. The way Sandeep paints every event is so intricate that it almost feels like one is seeing the book rather than reading it. The way it captures the dark realities of a beautiful landscape in amazing. Somewhere in initial chapters he says very simply that when we visit beautiful places as tourists we never realize the hidden crimes happening there. But the subsequent readings really made me dwell upon that thought again and again. Really, beautiful surfaces do cover the filth underneath. Whether the book is straight out of a blockbuster thriller or a blockbuster is waiting to come out of it is besides the point.
I would highly recommend this book to one and all.
I would highly recommend this book to one and all.
ByPaurush R.on 10 July 2016
Being the debut novel, I was sceptical, but was left in awe of the story telling ability of Sandeep. He has excelled in building up of characters, situations and story telling - very engaging indeed. The narrative is very visual in its appeal, and it seems that one is seeing the places and characters through the author's eyes. The author has also taken ample effort to make it close to reality by using real places (i was intrigued enough to look up the villages on google maps!)
Few of my friends who are overseas now used to ask how is the real india now and which movie / book shall get them this exposure and now I have one in 'The diary of a snake charmer' which meets this need perfectly.
Few of my friends who are overseas now used to ask how is the real india now and which movie / book shall get them this exposure and now I have one in 'The diary of a snake charmer' which meets this need perfectly.
ByManeeshon 9 June 2016
Sandeep takes you on an incredible journey. A life experience shaped in fiction it keeps you riveted to the last page. The story resonates with the throbbing heart of India. A lesson how politics and capital fail to make an impact and to succeed in doing good makes you a Super Hero. A must read for those who lecture in 5 start hotels in world capitals to raise money for the poor in darker parts of the world. Hope Sandeep develops into a fabulous author to bring stories which should be read and discussed.
5.0 out of 5 starsUr story is amazing as is your storytelling
BySKon 8 June 2016
Unputdownable... Ur story is amazing as is your storytelling. Read cover to cover in a non stop session. Enjoyed every bit of the journey. The twists and turns, hope and despair, the thrill of a noble rescue, the keeping of promises and the backstabbing. Each chapter goes into a new emotion of human existence and explores something which is pristine - the will power of a Man. Highly recommended as a must read.
5.0 out of 5 starsNice presentation
ByAmazon Customeron 29 May 2016
Really really a very nice and attractive way of presentation of India in the form of Novel. Really liked it
5.0 out of 5 starsSimply wonderful
BySanjeev gargon 23 July 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
No comments:
Post a Comment