Rohit Gore

The Guardian Angels

Kritika Narula

My Review: When I began reading the novel, I was initially skeptical about it, just like I have this preconceived notion that Indian writers, in a dire attempt to receive agreement from a wide readership design plots that cater out to the archetypal Indian mentalities. But as I became more and more engrossed and a part of the novel, I realized soon that it IS addictive, because it deals with the intricacies of human relationships and other such fundamental issues, just as universal as life itself.
I am grateful to the author and commend him for the same too, for creating an ending, which although made me lachrymose, credits its poignancy, made me revisit my perspectives upon several issues which it addresses without making it seem as if the text is burdened with irrelevant abundance of themes.
For the most part of the novel, the author keeps the things simple: the protagonists Radha and Adi are classmates and each other's saviours, visibly so.
And then it seems so true-to-life that you just don't want it to change. That is when something happens which forces the reader to ponder if the author took a cue from some bollywood movie! Nonetheless, the plot endears itself to the reader. But equally incontrovertible is the fact that if converted into a major motion film, and supported by direction and adaptation of highest order, it will qualify to the oscars. Reason? It not only touches the grim politics in Mumbai, the interpersonal aspect of relationships, but also leaves an imprint somewhere in the core of a reader's heart. However, it does not seem an indelible or ever-lasting imprint! When I read it, I felt it....but as soon as I closed the book and went on to carry on with my daily chores....I had apparently forgotten the pain. I am yet to figure out whether it's something about the story or with me!!
It's a clear message out there: their lives (that of the protagonists) are thoroughly entwined, inextricable even, but life is a practical replica of the same. No intention of spoilers, but it does echo the agony of a hereditary disease acquired by Radha, who led the cause of socialism with much vigour, but to no avail. Then enters Nicole and that is the turning point..... somehow we know as readers that it is. It is like stating the obvious.
One point of disapproval, something that really put me off, is that the author portrays both female lead characters raped in past or present, making it seem like a mainstream 90s movie, for which the plot finds my scorn.
The aspect worth mentioning is that it is an open ended book, leaving much to the interpretation and perception of the reader.
It is a great departure from the stories of contemporary novels, and leaves you touched to the core.
Some things happen in life, some people enter our life and we are never the same. If you want to experience the truth behind this aforementioned statement, grab your copy now!!

The Guardian Angels

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