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Day Scholar
Zorawar Singh Shokeen of Chandrawal is one of those Delhi musclemen who run its politics from the shadows. He owns a house in the environs of the University North Campus, which he lets out as a hostel for boys. Occasionally, he uses the hostel to host his mistress, Madam Midha. Otherwise, he recruits from among his young tenants the footsoldiers for his campus campaigns; their leader, a scrawny MA (Previous) student from Bihar -- the legendary Jishnu da. It is 1992, and at this aggressively male world, ordered along the simple principles of caste, class and region, arrive two kids from Patna. The fresh-faced Pranjal Sinha and his up-for-it best friend, and the narrator of Day Scholar, Hriday Thakur.
In the twilight years between adolescence and adulthood, the Shokeen Niwas boys are concerned with elections, girls and examinations. And Hriday, who hopes to be a writer some day, is drawn, like moth to flame, irresistibly to the material they provide. Forsaking his first love, he becomes trapped instead by a series of misjudgements that lead him finally to the doorstep of Madam's house and, in it, her fourteen-year-old apple-cheeked daughter Sonya. If Hriday can be saved, it is only by the act of reading and writing.
This is a novel about love, ambition, and the fragility of both. As tender as fumbling youth and as hard as a calloused fist, Day Scholar is a clear-eyed, gritty and, ultimately, beautiful exposition of innocence under fire. It marks Siddharth Chowdhury as one of the most extraordinarily gifted writers of his generation.
In the twilight years between adolescence and adulthood, the Shokeen Niwas boys are concerned with elections, girls and examinations. And Hriday, who hopes to be a writer some day, is drawn, like moth to flame, irresistibly to the material they provide. Forsaking his first love, he becomes trapped instead by a series of misjudgements that lead him finally to the doorstep of Madam's house and, in it, her fourteen-year-old apple-cheeked daughter Sonya. If Hriday can be saved, it is only by the act of reading and writing.
This is a novel about love, ambition, and the fragility of both. As tender as fumbling youth and as hard as a calloused fist, Day Scholar is a clear-eyed, gritty and, ultimately, beautiful exposition of innocence under fire. It marks Siddharth Chowdhury as one of the most extraordinarily gifted writers of his generation.
- GenresFiction
164 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 4, 2017
Definitely not my kind of book or my kind of writing. The 'story' is all over the place & the editing is pathetic. I felt lost at certain times while reading this book.
December 1, 2019
Some fun stuff in here, but rather disjointed. Not really worth the trouble.
February 26, 2022
Writer creates an interesting world. But the story seems disjointed at places. Though the world - Delhi University North Campus & bits and pieces of Patna - is thoroughly enjoyable.
May 26, 2014
It is always a very nice feeling when you read a book that describes the society, people and culture of a place in such detail. Siddharth Chowdhury tries to do it honestly and full points to him, because he manages successfully in painting the accurate picture of Patna and Delhi in this novel.
Siddharth spent many important years of his life in Patna and Delhi so it is not a surprise that the people, streets and life of Patna formed such an integral part of this story. Same can be said about the life of Delhi and Delhi University. That's just love for the place which gave you so much. What is really commendable and admirable is the way he has done it.
Reading through the words, you wouldn't even realize and yet the picture of both the cities will start sketching in your head. Specially the part where Zorawar is standing on the terrace of the house he inherits is a very special. You will find quite a few such creative pieces of literary marvels in this book.
What disappoints is the story-line. It feels almost like a plain autobiography as the story lacks any spark. Although it won't bore you, it also won't give you chills. A good literary piece that lacks the strength to keep your heart pumping. However, I believe even the writer realized this and thus kept it short and smart. A good read but not a must unless you are from Bihar or Delhi. Don't miss it if you are from Bihar or Delhi because you'll surely love the book and it may also bring back lots of memories and oh-yes-that's-so-true smiles on your face while you surf through the pages.
Siddharth spent many important years of his life in Patna and Delhi so it is not a surprise that the people, streets and life of Patna formed such an integral part of this story. Same can be said about the life of Delhi and Delhi University. That's just love for the place which gave you so much. What is really commendable and admirable is the way he has done it.
Reading through the words, you wouldn't even realize and yet the picture of both the cities will start sketching in your head. Specially the part where Zorawar is standing on the terrace of the house he inherits is a very special. You will find quite a few such creative pieces of literary marvels in this book.
What disappoints is the story-line. It feels almost like a plain autobiography as the story lacks any spark. Although it won't bore you, it also won't give you chills. A good literary piece that lacks the strength to keep your heart pumping. However, I believe even the writer realized this and thus kept it short and smart. A good read but not a must unless you are from Bihar or Delhi. Don't miss it if you are from Bihar or Delhi because you'll surely love the book and it may also bring back lots of memories and oh-yes-that's-so-true smiles on your face while you surf through the pages.
March 29, 2011
An ultimate showcase of best of Indian writing. Being studied in Delhi and lived most of the time there, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Siddharth Choudhury. The story of Zorawar Singh Shokeen breathes Delhi in and out. While reading this, I was taken back in college years in Delhi University. The writer has presented the cases of college guys from Bihar-UP in Delhi University-North Campus. Lucidly written but witty in many parts, this is a sure shot page turner. No wonder it was selected for Man Asian Literary Prize. What I liked about this is honesty of author in presenting the story, events and feelings. Each character is near to reality. What I didn't like was too much detail on sexual encounters of Zorawar Singh which other readers might find interesting ;)
February 11, 2012
I know I missed so much of the texture of this story due to my lack of knowledge about Indian culture, geography and language. Wish there was a glossary at the back to help translate words, idioms, cultural references and even personalities mentioned - it could have provided a bit of education along the way for someone new to this part of the world. If this a culture familiar to you, I trust you will find it easier to connect with the characters, plot and feel of the story.
May 29, 2011
Bihari students, property dealers, campus elections, goons, sex, IAS aspirants etc all come alive in this fascinating book. about life in the hostels of Delhi University's North campus. Read it for a better perspective of another aspect of the city called Delhi
March 25, 2013
To be honest, I read it only because it's set in North Campus and being on the bring of attaining alumni status it was a strange pleasure reading of Batra Cinema, Hudson Lines and Kamala Nagar. A bit half-baked though.
May 21, 2013
A finely wrought narrative, about the Bihari student subculture in Delhi University's North Campus. Among the dross of Indian Writing in English, a remarkable work, one that will stay with the reader for a long time
June 7, 2015
A mystical mishmash of D.U. students, property dealers, IAS aspirants, North campus elections, goons and sexual escapades. Everyone makes a fool of themselves, and almost everyone is hiding a heartbreak. Oh, the bittersweet 90s.
June 22, 2015
Patna Roughcut was far better.Didn't like this one.not at all.Very cheap writing,plot also very predictable and full of sexual innuendos.Very doubtful about it was shortlisted for Man Asia literary
prize 2009.
prize 2009.
October 11, 2011
A humorous coming of age story and a trip down memory lane for us Delhi University alums.
November 19, 2014
except for a few portions this book is full of shit.
February 16, 2015
A well written and honest book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews