Book Review - The Return of Damayanti
This Book is the second book in the Detective series by Nisha Singh,
featuring our own home grown sleuth Bhrigu Mahesh , an ex-police inspector and
his friend Sutte , a writer .
The book starts with a rather innocuous but interesting case of a
retired head clerk Nataraj Bhakti ,whose wife Damayanti seems to be haunting
him after few days of her death .He requests Brighu Mahesh to take up his case
and solve this mystery .Bhrigu and Mahesh then set out for Krishna Dwar the
village where Natraj Bhakti resided.Krishna Dwar also happens to be a famous
place for pilgrimage where devotees flock from all over India .Once the duo
reach there , they are met with more mysteries , a murder and many more
colourful and interesting characters .The rest of the book deals with unfolding
of the mystery of the ghost of Damayanti and solving the murder mystery .
In some places I was reminded of "Malgudi Days " for the
immaculate narration of the life in a small village and in some places I was
reminded of Arthur Conan Doyle, the man who created "Sherlock Holmes and
Dr.Watson ".But it would be an injustice say that the book had any more of
the similarities .The similarities end just here .Brigh Mahesh is a gum chewing
socially affable Ex-cop and Sutte is no war veteran but is a sensitive writer.
What I liked about this book
For such a young writer, Nisha Singh has already developed an
inimitable writing style and to foray into the relatively male bastion of
detective stories with success is a commendable feat .One generally associates
female writers with either light ad frothy Chick-lit or mostly women centric
books .Nisha has done a fine job of storytelling and also of binding the
readers interest till the very last .Not only this , but certain observations
of human nature that the lead character makes seem to come from a very mature
and experienced mind that belies her years .
I was elated and very happy that after so many years I got to read
a very different writing style which I had not seen among the current crop of
writers .It has a laid back and elaborate feel to it where the author takes her
time to give us fully blown characters from their mannerisms to their
insecurities .In fact this book and Brighu Mahesh the main character who
investigates the Saga of the Ghost of Damayanti , talk in depth about human
behaviour and its peculiarities.
The writer transports you to Krishna Dwar with her narration, it
is quite in depth and detailed.
The story is interesting and the interest and mystery is
maintained till the very end.
What I did not like about the Book
At some places the author gets too much into details,theories and postulations , and the book starts feeling
tedious and the story trails .But since it holds your interest you cannot skip
any paragraphs !
FINAL VERDICT - I rate it a 4/5 , A good book , well written and well
executed though tedious and slow at places . “The Return of Damayanti ” makes
for an interesting read that will keep you engrossed.
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I loved this book!
ReplyDeletewww.docdivatraveller.com
It is quite an interesting read .
DeleteNice review, Preeti. The home-grown sleuth and a writer friend, that also reminds me of the famous detective Byomkesh Bakshi and Ajit... :-)
ReplyDeleteHow could I forget Byomkesh Bakshi Satyanveshi !
DeleteSounds lke a must read. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis is quite interesting about the author. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThe author has added a feminist angst in the undercurrents which you realise much later.
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