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The Edge Series #1
The Edge of Desire
When journalist Shruti Ranjan, newly-wed wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj in the lawless Bihar of the 1990s is brutally raped by a politically sheltered local goon all of her attempts at getting justice are crushed by a corrupt and complicit state government. That s when the charismatic Sharad Malviya, a leading member of the Opposition party, offers her an unlikely his party s ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Left with little to choose from, Shruti agrees, only to realize that being catapulted to an enviable position of power in an all-man s world comes at a price. Caught between her mentor and her spouse both upright but ultimately flawed men and a host of envious others who continue to cast aspersions on her character, she struggles to address the larger problems of the country. Taunted for being a Draupadi she makes the curse her identity and resolutely fights her fate...
- GenresIndian Literature
324 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
20 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Tuhin A. Sinha
17 books62 followersTuhin was born and brought up in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. He completed his schooling at Loyola School, and obtained a B.Com (H) from the Hindu College, University of Delhi and Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Communications Management from the National Institute of Advertising, New Delhi. He is married to Ramyani DasGupta Sinha.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 23, 2015
3.75 STARS!
When I discovered The Edge of Desire by Tuhin A. Sinha, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The blurb sounded promising and the reviews gave a positive feedback. But, the thing about Indian writing is that I could never feel connected to it. Some books just work out fine for me, while others lead to a disappointment. So it is obvious that I was a bit skeptic about it. Still, I decided to give it a try, and I kept an open mind. Well, after reading this book, I’m glad I made the right choice.
The story starts with three simultaneous scenes, one of a jail, where our protagonist, Shruti Ranjan is sitting inside a cell; the second of a bookstore where Shruti’s book, The Edge of Desire is becoming a successful novel and third scene is that of Shruti’s ex-husband, Rohit’s house where across him lies a copy of her book. Everything comes down to one story, the story that is going to unfold in the next 300 pages. Thus, this book gave a very intriguing start. I was drawn into the novel instantly. The story is about Shruti Ranjan, how the men in her life shaped her future, and circumstances led from on incident to another, leading to a whole new life for Shruti.
The book gives an insight into what India really looks like. Deep inside the beauty, cultures and traditions, there is a very dark side, a side which everyone is familiar with, but nobody wants to talk about. Tuhin Sinha, brilliantly talks about the truth, and makes us realize how dirty things can get.
When Shruti Ranjan is met with a really bad experience, she fights for it. But due to the political fiasco, money-backed criminals escape the punishment that they deserve. When things appear to be the darkest, Sharad Malviya, charming, yet intelligent gives an ultimate solution to her problem, a ticket to elections to win and grasp the justice she deserves. What ensues is a string of events, which convinces Shruti that the things that appear to be correct, is in reality, is wrong.
“Good and evil keep happening in this world. It just takes a little longer for us to take the bad in our stride. And just when we think we’ve come to terms with bad, we’re shocked to be haunted by that one query whose answer is ever as elusive – why on earth did it have to happen to me ?”
In this book there is love and hatred, lust and betrayal, attachment and revenge. I was never interested in the politics of our country, but reading this really opened my eyes to what is reality and what is not. Even though things did turn bland and repetitive in the middle, it quickly took momentum.
Something else which really I loved were the characters and how realistic they felt. Shruti is like any other Indian girl and like any other girl, she is exposed to the crime in India. She represented every Indian girl and her fears and insecurities, whether it’s related to crime, marriage or love. Rohit represents every narrow minded man this country has while Sharad represents every open minded and progressive male. Salim Yadav, our villain, characterized every corrupt Indian, who uses money power to escape the hands of justice.
Thus this book is an eye-opener which deserves to be read, because inside lies a lesson that needs to be learnt by all Indians. This review was first published on www.thetalespensieve.com
When I discovered The Edge of Desire by Tuhin A. Sinha, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The blurb sounded promising and the reviews gave a positive feedback. But, the thing about Indian writing is that I could never feel connected to it. Some books just work out fine for me, while others lead to a disappointment. So it is obvious that I was a bit skeptic about it. Still, I decided to give it a try, and I kept an open mind. Well, after reading this book, I’m glad I made the right choice.
The story starts with three simultaneous scenes, one of a jail, where our protagonist, Shruti Ranjan is sitting inside a cell; the second of a bookstore where Shruti’s book, The Edge of Desire is becoming a successful novel and third scene is that of Shruti’s ex-husband, Rohit’s house where across him lies a copy of her book. Everything comes down to one story, the story that is going to unfold in the next 300 pages. Thus, this book gave a very intriguing start. I was drawn into the novel instantly. The story is about Shruti Ranjan, how the men in her life shaped her future, and circumstances led from on incident to another, leading to a whole new life for Shruti.
The book gives an insight into what India really looks like. Deep inside the beauty, cultures and traditions, there is a very dark side, a side which everyone is familiar with, but nobody wants to talk about. Tuhin Sinha, brilliantly talks about the truth, and makes us realize how dirty things can get.
When Shruti Ranjan is met with a really bad experience, she fights for it. But due to the political fiasco, money-backed criminals escape the punishment that they deserve. When things appear to be the darkest, Sharad Malviya, charming, yet intelligent gives an ultimate solution to her problem, a ticket to elections to win and grasp the justice she deserves. What ensues is a string of events, which convinces Shruti that the things that appear to be correct, is in reality, is wrong.
“Good and evil keep happening in this world. It just takes a little longer for us to take the bad in our stride. And just when we think we’ve come to terms with bad, we’re shocked to be haunted by that one query whose answer is ever as elusive – why on earth did it have to happen to me ?”
In this book there is love and hatred, lust and betrayal, attachment and revenge. I was never interested in the politics of our country, but reading this really opened my eyes to what is reality and what is not. Even though things did turn bland and repetitive in the middle, it quickly took momentum.
Something else which really I loved were the characters and how realistic they felt. Shruti is like any other Indian girl and like any other girl, she is exposed to the crime in India. She represented every Indian girl and her fears and insecurities, whether it’s related to crime, marriage or love. Rohit represents every narrow minded man this country has while Sharad represents every open minded and progressive male. Salim Yadav, our villain, characterized every corrupt Indian, who uses money power to escape the hands of justice.
Thus this book is an eye-opener which deserves to be read, because inside lies a lesson that needs to be learnt by all Indians. This review was first published on www.thetalespensieve.com
May 18, 2012
Thanks to Hachette India for providing me a Review Copy.
Heads Up : This is going to be one of my longest reviews ever.
Anyone who knows me would know that I don't read much of Indian writing, not because I have something against it (which obviously, I don't) but more because I can't relate to the writing style. However, after reading the synopsis, I started reading The Edge Of Desire, not just with an open mind but also with a lot of interest because the plot seemed to be deep and powerful.
Let me begin with this - Tuhin Sinha's writing is nothing like the stuff I've read before by Indian writers. It's simple and concise and sometimes, that makes for the best kind of story telling, like it does this book. His to-the-point writing style gave the protagonist - Shruti Ranjan - 's voice an added strength that leads you to both understand and admire her.
Shruti is an ex-journalist from Delhi who, after finding her boyfriend in bed with her best friend, moves back to her hometown to live with her parents. Due constant pressure from her parents, Shruti caves in and agrees to an arranged marriage to Rohit, Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj; a town in Bihar that's not ruled by the Government but instead thugs, with the local government authorities helping them. This marriage and move leads to the most traumatic event of Shruti's life, one that eventually ends in her taking a completely different direction/journey than the one she imagined.
The Edge of Desire is a book that explores almost every form of sin and corruption that exists in India and it's legal system. I'm from India and I've lived in my own protected bubble but even I know that politics can get down right dirty in my country and it's best to stay clear of it.
I can't put my thoughts completely in words about this book.
I felt a whole range of emotions - sadness, anger, frustration, more anger, betrayal and anger again. The sad thing is, you read about things like this in the paper all the time and you feel sorry for the girl - someone you don't know -and that's it. That's as far as you feel about these issues but when you read a book, it's a completely different experience. You get to know the character, understand her and feel a sense of loyalty. That makes reading/hearing/seeing the things happen from her point of view so much harder to deal with. Well, at least, it's what happened to me while reading this.
With The Edge Of Desire, Tuhin Sinha has created vivid characters and a violet, powerful plot that will definitely affect all its readers. I should warn you, it's not for the faint of heart because the author isn't afraid to get to the dark and gritty places and that's what makes it literally unputdownable. I actually felt pained when I read about what was happening to Shruti. There were characters I absolutely hated but I have to hand it to the author for evoking such strong emotions in me just through his words.
If you think you can handle it, get yourself a copy of The Edge of Desire right away!
Heads Up : This is going to be one of my longest reviews ever.
Anyone who knows me would know that I don't read much of Indian writing, not because I have something against it (which obviously, I don't) but more because I can't relate to the writing style. However, after reading the synopsis, I started reading The Edge Of Desire, not just with an open mind but also with a lot of interest because the plot seemed to be deep and powerful.
Let me begin with this - Tuhin Sinha's writing is nothing like the stuff I've read before by Indian writers. It's simple and concise and sometimes, that makes for the best kind of story telling, like it does this book. His to-the-point writing style gave the protagonist - Shruti Ranjan - 's voice an added strength that leads you to both understand and admire her.
Shruti is an ex-journalist from Delhi who, after finding her boyfriend in bed with her best friend, moves back to her hometown to live with her parents. Due constant pressure from her parents, Shruti caves in and agrees to an arranged marriage to Rohit, Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj; a town in Bihar that's not ruled by the Government but instead thugs, with the local government authorities helping them. This marriage and move leads to the most traumatic event of Shruti's life, one that eventually ends in her taking a completely different direction/journey than the one she imagined.
The Edge of Desire is a book that explores almost every form of sin and corruption that exists in India and it's legal system. I'm from India and I've lived in my own protected bubble but even I know that politics can get down right dirty in my country and it's best to stay clear of it.
I can't put my thoughts completely in words about this book.
I felt a whole range of emotions - sadness, anger, frustration, more anger, betrayal and anger again. The sad thing is, you read about things like this in the paper all the time and you feel sorry for the girl - someone you don't know -and that's it. That's as far as you feel about these issues but when you read a book, it's a completely different experience. You get to know the character, understand her and feel a sense of loyalty. That makes reading/hearing/seeing the things happen from her point of view so much harder to deal with. Well, at least, it's what happened to me while reading this.
With The Edge Of Desire, Tuhin Sinha has created vivid characters and a violet, powerful plot that will definitely affect all its readers. I should warn you, it's not for the faint of heart because the author isn't afraid to get to the dark and gritty places and that's what makes it literally unputdownable. I actually felt pained when I read about what was happening to Shruti. There were characters I absolutely hated but I have to hand it to the author for evoking such strong emotions in me just through his words.
If you think you can handle it, get yourself a copy of The Edge of Desire right away!
April 6, 2013
The desires and decisions made by a woman who is emotionally forsaken by her lover and brutally raped by local goons.The story delves on how politics has a positive turnover on Shruthi's life which she later discovers as an acute obstinance . Men had been the reason behind her success and losses. The author had beautifully stroked the male characters who had been pillars behind the impeding times, she faces an enigma to define her relationship between them ( one who betrayed her(lover), her mentor and her husband) the author explains this to us by relating it with Ramayana and Mahabharatha( the part which I solely enjoyed).The readers will also develop a fervor on the political trauma faced by a good politician ,the aftermath of media , the intensity of public etc...
The author has truly shown justice in explaining the problems faced by a modern woman who is twisted umpteen on various plots..The language was very much satisfactory when compared to the rest of the Indian authors I've ever read..
The author has truly shown justice in explaining the problems faced by a modern woman who is twisted umpteen on various plots..The language was very much satisfactory when compared to the rest of the Indian authors I've ever read..
May 14, 2012
The book is a not so good treatment of a very electric subject. The author attempts to cover up a long and tragic journey of a women but lacked the depth whether its the portrayal of the characters and there actions. Language is good but sounds more like a news report than a story. At times author tried to draw a parallel between the "Draupadi" in the Mahabharata with the protagonist of the novel which were too deliberate to make an impact. Though the story has its grip and flow in the beginning but lost it in the rush of events. The success of protagonist as a politicians severely lacked in details and conviction that it become merely a fact not a moment that carries the story forward. The story also end abruptly with only a customary epilogue. Instead of portraying the soundness of the character of protagonist the story depict her as a confused and sometimes mindless lady.
July 16, 2012
one of the best i have read so far..u can't put the book down without finishing it..
September 19, 2012
By Tuhin A Sinha. Grade: B
This is perhaps the bestselling novelist’s most anticipated release. We have seen him steadily trying his hand at radically different – and difficult – plots, from That Thing Called Love to The Captain and later, Of Love and Politics. Naturally, I too was undeniably eager for this one, and the blurb proved fodder to my imagination.
When journalist Shruti Ranjan, newly-wed wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj in the lawless Bihar of the 1990s, is brutally raped by a ‘politically sheltered local goon’ all of her attempts at getting justice are crushed by a corrupt and complicit state government. That’s when the charismatic Sharad Malviya, a leading member of the Opposition party, offers her an unlikely solution: his party’s ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections.
Left with little to choose from, Shruti agrees, only to realize that being catapulted to an enviable position of power in an all-man’s world comes at a price. Caught between her mentor and her spouse – both upright but ultimately flawed men – and a host of envious others who continue to cast aspersions on her character, she struggles to address the larger problems of the country.
Shruti Ranjan is a gutsy journalist in Delhi who has been dumped by her boyfriend of five years. Shaken and in need of security, she flees Delhi to return to her parents’ home. Her parents, like most other parents, try to warm her up towards the idea of arranged marriages. Almost despite herself, she agrees and finds herself the wife of Rohit, an IAS officer from Patna. They like each other but still don’t know enough to develop trust, or fall in love. Circumstances improve a little then. She becomes pregnant and a tentative bond begins developing between the husband and wife. However, on one fateful night, she is raped brutally in Kishanganj by a politically-sheltered local goon and loses her baby. The media casts aspersions on her character, plays it into a scandal, and the goon who performed the deed remains untouched. Even her husband begins doubting her integrity. Just when it looks like her life has come to another impasse, a leading member of the Opposition party offers her an unlikely solution: the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections and get justice meted out.
Shruti agrees, but only to see to it that her rapist is put behind the bars and justice is delivered. However, fate has other plans and when it looks like her initial purpose is complete, she is offered the post of the chairperson of the National Commission of Women. Under the tutelage of her charismatic mentor, Sharad Malviya, she is almost immediately elevated to the post of Deputy Home Minister. Rohit, who is having trouble bridging the geographical gap between Kishanganj and Delhi, wants her to resign and come back home. She chooses being MP over being a wife, and finds herself increasingly attracted to the brilliant Home Minister, Sharad Malviya – an attraction which is certainly reciprocated.
–
Tuhin Sinha is certainly one of the better writers we have. His writing style is easy and to the point. The author also knows his politics, and often makes liberal use of mythology and history to drive home his point, an aspect I found very interesting. It is also commendable that he explored some different topics with The Edge of Desire through a woman’s point of view and succeeded, to a certain extent.
My main problem was Shruti Ranjan. I couldn’t warm up to her, I just could not. Not only her rapid ascent in politics left me aghast, I also couldn’t understand what Sharad – or for that matter other readers who loved her – saw in her. Most of her displays of “guts” were off-stage, and we never got to see exactly what was in her that made her deserving of everything she got. She is not a public speaker, her mind is indecisive and cluttered, and I failed to see one iota of leadership in her. Everything that she got was because Sharad had a soft spot for her.
The author perhaps noted this and has shown Shruti to ask herself the very same question: do I deserve it? The answer is no, but does she do anything about it? No, she continues just as she was and eventually starts coming across as an excessively passive woman who was incapable of taking charge of her life.
“The man who basically made me an MP insulted me? Fine, I won’t go to office for the next three days. Because that is the sort of faithful government employee I am.”
“My husband is upset because he thinks I am having an affair with my boss? Such an idiot. After all, I have only stayed away from him for ninety percent of the duration of our marriage and spend just the entire day and evening with my boss…every day. He doesn’t trust me, so I wouldn’t bother with him or his family either.”
Am I nitpicking? Yes, because believe me, the book isn’t that bad. My friend read it and the thoughts I just mentioned never entered her head. She thought that the author had portrayed her wonderfully, and has shown all the sides of a woman. I am sorry but I couldn’t swallow it. The scene of the rape, which moved many readers, also failed to evoke much of a response. I regularly read Women’s Fiction and have scene much better narration. It was so much more telling than showing and read like a news report.
Overall, I would accept that the book’s good and will certainly please the Indian public but nit-pickers like me will be disappointed. Perhaps my hope with the author were too high…I guess we’ll never know.
Originally reviewed at :www.vaultofbooks.com
This is perhaps the bestselling novelist’s most anticipated release. We have seen him steadily trying his hand at radically different – and difficult – plots, from That Thing Called Love to The Captain and later, Of Love and Politics. Naturally, I too was undeniably eager for this one, and the blurb proved fodder to my imagination.
When journalist Shruti Ranjan, newly-wed wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj in the lawless Bihar of the 1990s, is brutally raped by a ‘politically sheltered local goon’ all of her attempts at getting justice are crushed by a corrupt and complicit state government. That’s when the charismatic Sharad Malviya, a leading member of the Opposition party, offers her an unlikely solution: his party’s ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections.
Left with little to choose from, Shruti agrees, only to realize that being catapulted to an enviable position of power in an all-man’s world comes at a price. Caught between her mentor and her spouse – both upright but ultimately flawed men – and a host of envious others who continue to cast aspersions on her character, she struggles to address the larger problems of the country.
Shruti Ranjan is a gutsy journalist in Delhi who has been dumped by her boyfriend of five years. Shaken and in need of security, she flees Delhi to return to her parents’ home. Her parents, like most other parents, try to warm her up towards the idea of arranged marriages. Almost despite herself, she agrees and finds herself the wife of Rohit, an IAS officer from Patna. They like each other but still don’t know enough to develop trust, or fall in love. Circumstances improve a little then. She becomes pregnant and a tentative bond begins developing between the husband and wife. However, on one fateful night, she is raped brutally in Kishanganj by a politically-sheltered local goon and loses her baby. The media casts aspersions on her character, plays it into a scandal, and the goon who performed the deed remains untouched. Even her husband begins doubting her integrity. Just when it looks like her life has come to another impasse, a leading member of the Opposition party offers her an unlikely solution: the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections and get justice meted out.
Shruti agrees, but only to see to it that her rapist is put behind the bars and justice is delivered. However, fate has other plans and when it looks like her initial purpose is complete, she is offered the post of the chairperson of the National Commission of Women. Under the tutelage of her charismatic mentor, Sharad Malviya, she is almost immediately elevated to the post of Deputy Home Minister. Rohit, who is having trouble bridging the geographical gap between Kishanganj and Delhi, wants her to resign and come back home. She chooses being MP over being a wife, and finds herself increasingly attracted to the brilliant Home Minister, Sharad Malviya – an attraction which is certainly reciprocated.
–
Tuhin Sinha is certainly one of the better writers we have. His writing style is easy and to the point. The author also knows his politics, and often makes liberal use of mythology and history to drive home his point, an aspect I found very interesting. It is also commendable that he explored some different topics with The Edge of Desire through a woman’s point of view and succeeded, to a certain extent.
My main problem was Shruti Ranjan. I couldn’t warm up to her, I just could not. Not only her rapid ascent in politics left me aghast, I also couldn’t understand what Sharad – or for that matter other readers who loved her – saw in her. Most of her displays of “guts” were off-stage, and we never got to see exactly what was in her that made her deserving of everything she got. She is not a public speaker, her mind is indecisive and cluttered, and I failed to see one iota of leadership in her. Everything that she got was because Sharad had a soft spot for her.
The author perhaps noted this and has shown Shruti to ask herself the very same question: do I deserve it? The answer is no, but does she do anything about it? No, she continues just as she was and eventually starts coming across as an excessively passive woman who was incapable of taking charge of her life.
“The man who basically made me an MP insulted me? Fine, I won’t go to office for the next three days. Because that is the sort of faithful government employee I am.”
“My husband is upset because he thinks I am having an affair with my boss? Such an idiot. After all, I have only stayed away from him for ninety percent of the duration of our marriage and spend just the entire day and evening with my boss…every day. He doesn’t trust me, so I wouldn’t bother with him or his family either.”
Am I nitpicking? Yes, because believe me, the book isn’t that bad. My friend read it and the thoughts I just mentioned never entered her head. She thought that the author had portrayed her wonderfully, and has shown all the sides of a woman. I am sorry but I couldn’t swallow it. The scene of the rape, which moved many readers, also failed to evoke much of a response. I regularly read Women’s Fiction and have scene much better narration. It was so much more telling than showing and read like a news report.
Overall, I would accept that the book’s good and will certainly please the Indian public but nit-pickers like me will be disappointed. Perhaps my hope with the author were too high…I guess we’ll never know.
Originally reviewed at :www.vaultofbooks.com
July 28, 2012
Its a tale of Shruthi Ranjan who leaves Delhi resigning her job as a journalist discovering her boy friend with a common friend..She is utterly devasted at the indifference of her boyfriend's attitude..Living with her parents she is subjected to constant pressure of marriage ,enters Rohit Verma, Deputy commissoner of Kishanganj in Bihar..Lawless is in every aspect of life in Kishanganj..Her life turns upside down when she is raped and justice is denied ..When justice is nearly denied she grabs the oppurtunity provided by Sharad Malviya Charismatic politician to become an elected member of Lok sabha to fight her case..What follows is the roller coaster ride of Shruthi life where is a constant subject of mockery that even earns her the name Draupadi..
The subject and the treatment of the story-line is so good that the you start to admire the protagonist Shruthi..Shruthi is a strong, straight-forward and a girl next door whose fate gives little choice to remain so making her shrewd, ambitious and politically correct personality..This novel explores every aspect of Indian politics and the so called democracy that is at stake..The kind of experience that shruthi goes through is an everyday news that we come across in new paper so often that nobody is surprised by them .Its as though they have all become a part of life ..In spite of all these reading the book one can feel the emotional trauma that Shruthi is subjected to.. At one point life itself turns unfair to her not letting her do what she desires but life itself takes her in its flow..She is all by herself to deal with things with no backup from her family or her friends...She finds strength in herself and from enigmatic Sharad Malviya..
Time and again as per plot characters are put in reference to the characters in epic of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other famous personalities of India like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru..When Shruthi is being dragged into every newspaper portraying as a girl with no moral values rather than sympathizing with her situation , anger , anger and more anger is what I felt at the media judiciary and the people of society.. Every time she had go through this and her family too not sparing her I felt she was raped more than what she had to undergo during her physical abuse ...
The book is fast paced that blows on to a full toss as it ends..Overdose of politics is the best part of it..The apt portrayal of a woman's struggle in all man's territory couldn't have been better told..I shared my part of surprise and wonder with Shruthi, when she was offered a seat to contest election.. I wondered Lok sabha ticket for being raped!!!
Tuhin Sinha is quiet different from other Indian writer and thats the best and refreshing part of his writing ..He has indeed niche a mark for himself..The topic is boiling and explosive and justice has been done to it..The honestly of the state of the country and people where a relationship between a man and woman is most often blown out of proportion for wrong reasons is highlighted well...Yes of course you may not read it over and over but its worth for that single read leaving Shruthi in you mind for sometime...
The subject and the treatment of the story-line is so good that the you start to admire the protagonist Shruthi..Shruthi is a strong, straight-forward and a girl next door whose fate gives little choice to remain so making her shrewd, ambitious and politically correct personality..This novel explores every aspect of Indian politics and the so called democracy that is at stake..The kind of experience that shruthi goes through is an everyday news that we come across in new paper so often that nobody is surprised by them .Its as though they have all become a part of life ..In spite of all these reading the book one can feel the emotional trauma that Shruthi is subjected to.. At one point life itself turns unfair to her not letting her do what she desires but life itself takes her in its flow..She is all by herself to deal with things with no backup from her family or her friends...She finds strength in herself and from enigmatic Sharad Malviya..
Time and again as per plot characters are put in reference to the characters in epic of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other famous personalities of India like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru..When Shruthi is being dragged into every newspaper portraying as a girl with no moral values rather than sympathizing with her situation , anger , anger and more anger is what I felt at the media judiciary and the people of society.. Every time she had go through this and her family too not sparing her I felt she was raped more than what she had to undergo during her physical abuse ...
The book is fast paced that blows on to a full toss as it ends..Overdose of politics is the best part of it..The apt portrayal of a woman's struggle in all man's territory couldn't have been better told..I shared my part of surprise and wonder with Shruthi, when she was offered a seat to contest election.. I wondered Lok sabha ticket for being raped!!!
Tuhin Sinha is quiet different from other Indian writer and thats the best and refreshing part of his writing ..He has indeed niche a mark for himself..The topic is boiling and explosive and justice has been done to it..The honestly of the state of the country and people where a relationship between a man and woman is most often blown out of proportion for wrong reasons is highlighted well...Yes of course you may not read it over and over but its worth for that single read leaving Shruthi in you mind for sometime...
December 25, 2013
This book is a narrative of Shruti Ranjan a former journalist whose fate takes her to become deputy home minister to Sharad Malviya a charismatic political leader who envisions India as a nationally n culturally integrated country. The book intends to take the reader through dilemas, suffering, anxities, anguish of victim of rape to the becoming of a national leader. The book is intricately woven with adequate closure in the end. The disconnect between emotion and narration seems apparent. I couldn't feel the emotions of any of the characters in the book, rather felt gaining of historical knowledge instead, as if just when you start relating to the character of shruti the pivot shifted to some preachings or political concerns of Sharad Malviya. The author may have deliberated on narrating Shruti Ranjan's life, it seemed to be much of a distant engagement in storytelling. Rather than understanding Shruti Rajan as a character of substance she seemed much of a puppet in the hands of male figures around her. She allowed positioning herself as spectator to her own fate. I gave three stars to the book for its flow, organization and good historical research. The authors attempt to appraise reader of the pressures, turmoils and issues faced by politicians is much appreciated.
May 18, 2012
The Edge of desire is an excellent book. One because it is fast-paced and keeps you hooked and two because it interests you at many different levels. There is a variety of themes that Tuhin Sinha effortlessly weaves into one awesome read! The book explores relationships, politics, social issues and is a very vivid insight into the India of the 90's. Tuhin does not steer clear of handling controversial topics but handles them in a subtle dignified manner without making them unnecessarily sensationalist. What I really like about the book is its portrayal of the Indian woman as a strong, fearless entity rather than the meek subservient person she is usually made out to be. Tuhin's protagonist is not scared to walk-away from a cheating partner, to avenge a crime against her, give up on her ambitions to save her marriage, to walk with her head held high even as society taunts her for being a modern-day Draupadi and accept her emotions for her political mentor by standing by him through thick and thin. The book is definitely worth every minute spent reading it!
May 18, 2012
Nice book. I liked the story and the theme but I felt that it was a little overdose of politics. I would have liked more focus on the relationships. Somewhere I think the author has tried to include too many political issues. But apart from that, I feel the book has a good pace and is written very well. It is a very apt portrayal of male chauvinism and a woman's struggle against it. Unfortunately, though the book is written about the India of the 1990s, whether it's politics or male domination or lack of justice to rape victims, very little has changed! So the book is very relevant even today!
May 19, 2012
I heard great stuff about writings of Mr Tuhin Sinha and was expecting something different and refreshing.But all I could find was same old beaten story about victimization glossed with unwanted tragedies.
But I would like to congratulate the author for venturing into politics,victimization and human emotions in a reader friendly manner.
But I would like to congratulate the author for venturing into politics,victimization and human emotions in a reader friendly manner.
July 25, 2016
Not very impressed.
The first 5 chapters were almost similar to 1999 bollywood film Shool. Thankfully the plot changed after that, but unfortunately that too felt like reading another boring bollywood script.
The first 5 chapters were almost similar to 1999 bollywood film Shool. Thankfully the plot changed after that, but unfortunately that too felt like reading another boring bollywood script.
Read
July 6, 2012Ok....Nothing exceptional.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2012
By Tuhin A Sinha. Grade: B
This is perhaps the bestselling novelist's most anticipated release. We have seen him steadily trying his hand at radically different - and difficult - plots, from That Thing Called Love to The Captain and later, Of Love and Politics. Naturally, I too was undeniably eager for this one, and the blurb proved fodder to my imagination.
When journalist Shruti Ranjan, newly-wed wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj in the lawless Bihar of the 1990s, is brutally raped by a ‘politically sheltered local goon’ all of her attempts at getting justice are crushed by a corrupt and complicit state government. That’s when the charismatic Sharad Malviya, a leading member of the Opposition party, offers her an unlikely solution: his party’s ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections.
Left with little to choose from, Shruti agrees, only to realize that being catapulted to an enviable position of power in an all-man’s world comes at a price. Caught between her mentor and her spouse – both upright but ultimately flawed men – and a host of envious others who continue to cast aspersions on her character, she struggles to address the larger problems of the country.
Shruti Ranjan is a gutsy journalist in Delhi who has been dumped by her boyfriend of five years. Shaken and in need of security, she flees Delhi to return to her parents' home. Her parents, like most other parents, try to warm her up towards the idea of arranged marriages. Almost despite herself, she agrees and finds herself the wife of Rohit, an IAS officer from Patna. They like each other but still don't know enough to develop trust, or fall in love. Circumstances improve a little then. She becomes pregnant and a tentative bond begins developing between the husband and wife. However, on one fateful night, she is raped brutally in Kishanganj by a politically-sheltered local goon and loses her baby. The media casts aspersions on her character, plays it into a scandal, and the goon who performed the deed remains untouched. Even her husband begins doubting her integrity. Just when it looks like her life has come to another impasse, a leading member of the Opposition party offers her an unlikely solution: the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections and get justice meted out.
Shruti agrees, but only to see to it that her rapist is put behind the bars and justice is delivered. However, fate has other plans and when it looks like her initial purpose is complete, she is offered the post of the chairperson of the National Commission of Women. Under the tutelage of her charismatic mentor, Sharad Malviya, she is almost immediately elevated to the post of Deputy Home Minister. Rohit, who is having trouble bridging the geographical gap between Kishanganj and Delhi, wants her to resign and come back home. She chooses being MP over being a wife, and finds herself increasingly attracted to the brilliant Home Minister, Sharad Malviya - an attraction which is certainly reciprocated.
--
Tuhin Sinha is certainly one of the better writers we have. His writing style is easy and to the point. The author also knows his politics, and often makes liberal use of mythology and history to drive home his point, an aspect I found very interesting. It is also commendable that he explored some different topics with The Edge of Desire through a woman's point of view and succeeded, to a certain extent.
My main problem was Shruti Ranjan. I couldn't warm up to her, I just could not. Not only her rapid ascent in politics left me aghast, I also couldn't understand what Sharad - or for that matter other readers who loved her - saw in her. Most of her displays of "guts" were off-stage, and we never got to see exactly what was in her that made her deserving of everything she got. She is not a public speaker, her mind is indecisive and cluttered, and I failed to see one iota of leadership in her. Everything that she got was because Sharad had a soft spot for her.
The author perhaps noted this and has shown Shruti to ask herself the very same question: do I deserve it? The answer is no, but does she do anything about it? No, she continues just as she was and eventually starts coming across as an excessively passive woman who was incapable of taking charge of her life.
"The man who basically made me an MP insulted me? Fine, I won't go to office for the next three days. Because that is the sort of faithful government employee I am."
"My husband is upset because he thinks I am having an affair with my boss? Such an idiot. After all, I have only stayed away from him for ninety percent of the duration of our marriage and spend just the entire day and evening with my boss...every day. He doesn't trust me, so I wouldn't bother with him or his family either."
Am I nitpicking? Yes, because believe me, the book isn't that bad. My friend read it and the thoughts I just mentioned never entered her head. She thought that the author had portrayed her wonderfully, and has shown all the sides of a woman. I am sorry but I couldn't swallow it. The scene of the rape, which moved many readers, also failed to evoke much of a response. I regularly read Women's Fiction and have scene much better narration. It was so much more telling than showing and read like a news report.
Overall, I would accept that the book's good and will certainly please the Indian public but nit-pickers like me will be disappointed. Perhaps my hope with the author were too high...I guess we'll never know.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
This is perhaps the bestselling novelist's most anticipated release. We have seen him steadily trying his hand at radically different - and difficult - plots, from That Thing Called Love to The Captain and later, Of Love and Politics. Naturally, I too was undeniably eager for this one, and the blurb proved fodder to my imagination.
When journalist Shruti Ranjan, newly-wed wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj in the lawless Bihar of the 1990s, is brutally raped by a ‘politically sheltered local goon’ all of her attempts at getting justice are crushed by a corrupt and complicit state government. That’s when the charismatic Sharad Malviya, a leading member of the Opposition party, offers her an unlikely solution: his party’s ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections.
Left with little to choose from, Shruti agrees, only to realize that being catapulted to an enviable position of power in an all-man’s world comes at a price. Caught between her mentor and her spouse – both upright but ultimately flawed men – and a host of envious others who continue to cast aspersions on her character, she struggles to address the larger problems of the country.
Shruti Ranjan is a gutsy journalist in Delhi who has been dumped by her boyfriend of five years. Shaken and in need of security, she flees Delhi to return to her parents' home. Her parents, like most other parents, try to warm her up towards the idea of arranged marriages. Almost despite herself, she agrees and finds herself the wife of Rohit, an IAS officer from Patna. They like each other but still don't know enough to develop trust, or fall in love. Circumstances improve a little then. She becomes pregnant and a tentative bond begins developing between the husband and wife. However, on one fateful night, she is raped brutally in Kishanganj by a politically-sheltered local goon and loses her baby. The media casts aspersions on her character, plays it into a scandal, and the goon who performed the deed remains untouched. Even her husband begins doubting her integrity. Just when it looks like her life has come to another impasse, a leading member of the Opposition party offers her an unlikely solution: the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections and get justice meted out.
Shruti agrees, but only to see to it that her rapist is put behind the bars and justice is delivered. However, fate has other plans and when it looks like her initial purpose is complete, she is offered the post of the chairperson of the National Commission of Women. Under the tutelage of her charismatic mentor, Sharad Malviya, she is almost immediately elevated to the post of Deputy Home Minister. Rohit, who is having trouble bridging the geographical gap between Kishanganj and Delhi, wants her to resign and come back home. She chooses being MP over being a wife, and finds herself increasingly attracted to the brilliant Home Minister, Sharad Malviya - an attraction which is certainly reciprocated.
--
Tuhin Sinha is certainly one of the better writers we have. His writing style is easy and to the point. The author also knows his politics, and often makes liberal use of mythology and history to drive home his point, an aspect I found very interesting. It is also commendable that he explored some different topics with The Edge of Desire through a woman's point of view and succeeded, to a certain extent.
My main problem was Shruti Ranjan. I couldn't warm up to her, I just could not. Not only her rapid ascent in politics left me aghast, I also couldn't understand what Sharad - or for that matter other readers who loved her - saw in her. Most of her displays of "guts" were off-stage, and we never got to see exactly what was in her that made her deserving of everything she got. She is not a public speaker, her mind is indecisive and cluttered, and I failed to see one iota of leadership in her. Everything that she got was because Sharad had a soft spot for her.
The author perhaps noted this and has shown Shruti to ask herself the very same question: do I deserve it? The answer is no, but does she do anything about it? No, she continues just as she was and eventually starts coming across as an excessively passive woman who was incapable of taking charge of her life.
"The man who basically made me an MP insulted me? Fine, I won't go to office for the next three days. Because that is the sort of faithful government employee I am."
"My husband is upset because he thinks I am having an affair with my boss? Such an idiot. After all, I have only stayed away from him for ninety percent of the duration of our marriage and spend just the entire day and evening with my boss...every day. He doesn't trust me, so I wouldn't bother with him or his family either."
Am I nitpicking? Yes, because believe me, the book isn't that bad. My friend read it and the thoughts I just mentioned never entered her head. She thought that the author had portrayed her wonderfully, and has shown all the sides of a woman. I am sorry but I couldn't swallow it. The scene of the rape, which moved many readers, also failed to evoke much of a response. I regularly read Women's Fiction and have scene much better narration. It was so much more telling than showing and read like a news report.
Overall, I would accept that the book's good and will certainly please the Indian public but nit-pickers like me will be disappointed. Perhaps my hope with the author were too high...I guess we'll never know.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
July 18, 2016
A tranquil and stable life of Shruti falls apart after she is brutally raped by politician-cum-goon, Salim Yadav. In order to find justice for herself and other rape victims, she accepts the offer of oppositionist politician Sharad Malviya, and enters politics. Soon she finds herself in the world led and manipulated by men.
I truly admire Tuhin Sinha for touching issue of unpunishable rapes in India. Shruti symbolizes every woman who wss1.jpgas raped and could not find justice. It always works the same way. It is not criminal who needs to defend himself, it is raped woman who must to prove to the whole world that she did not provoke the rape. In other words, that she did not ask for it. Rapist walks fee and proud of himself while woman remains stigmatized for the rest of her life. There is also a problem with family’s attitude to raped women. Parents of Shruti are good example. Instead of supporting and helping their daughter to recover, they told her to forget about everything as soon as possible and come back to normal life. Take into consideration that her family was perceived as modern and progressive one.
It should be highly appreciated that male author tries to write about women’s suffering and struggle. Writing from the perspective of woman, about her traumatic experience and feelings accompanied it is extremely hard task.
While I truly appreciate the whole idea and message the author sends, I need to point out some flaws of the book. The Edge of Desire is written like a report rather than a novel. The author passes too quickly from one event to another. For example, I would expect to read more about Shruti’s recovery but the author jumps from rape to elections. Of course, this fast pace makes book very readable and if somebody has reading slump this book might help to get over it. Nevertheless, the book lacks of depth. I would like to see more insightful analysis of the situations and feelings, transition from one event to another.
The book explains a lot about Indian politics and traditions but again, it lacks focus on what Shruti accomplished as a politician. What about her believes and visions for her country? The only ‘moment of Shruti’ was the introduction speech in Parliament in which she talked about pervasive rapes and blame that society puts on women. I think that examples of her tasks and achievements would make the story more convincing.
I got impression that author wrote this book is a hurry. Maybe this is because of Tuhin Sinha is a journalist and he is not experienced novel writer yet. There is a huge difference between writing article for a newspaper and writing a novel. If he wants to become respected author he needs to master his writing skills.
The Edge of Desire…I think the tittle is unfitting and misleading; I do not see any connection between the tittle and the content. Anyways, the book is worth reading and should not be judged by its tittle.
I truly admire Tuhin Sinha for touching issue of unpunishable rapes in India. Shruti symbolizes every woman who wss1.jpgas raped and could not find justice. It always works the same way. It is not criminal who needs to defend himself, it is raped woman who must to prove to the whole world that she did not provoke the rape. In other words, that she did not ask for it. Rapist walks fee and proud of himself while woman remains stigmatized for the rest of her life. There is also a problem with family’s attitude to raped women. Parents of Shruti are good example. Instead of supporting and helping their daughter to recover, they told her to forget about everything as soon as possible and come back to normal life. Take into consideration that her family was perceived as modern and progressive one.
It should be highly appreciated that male author tries to write about women’s suffering and struggle. Writing from the perspective of woman, about her traumatic experience and feelings accompanied it is extremely hard task.
While I truly appreciate the whole idea and message the author sends, I need to point out some flaws of the book. The Edge of Desire is written like a report rather than a novel. The author passes too quickly from one event to another. For example, I would expect to read more about Shruti’s recovery but the author jumps from rape to elections. Of course, this fast pace makes book very readable and if somebody has reading slump this book might help to get over it. Nevertheless, the book lacks of depth. I would like to see more insightful analysis of the situations and feelings, transition from one event to another.
The book explains a lot about Indian politics and traditions but again, it lacks focus on what Shruti accomplished as a politician. What about her believes and visions for her country? The only ‘moment of Shruti’ was the introduction speech in Parliament in which she talked about pervasive rapes and blame that society puts on women. I think that examples of her tasks and achievements would make the story more convincing.
I got impression that author wrote this book is a hurry. Maybe this is because of Tuhin Sinha is a journalist and he is not experienced novel writer yet. There is a huge difference between writing article for a newspaper and writing a novel. If he wants to become respected author he needs to master his writing skills.
The Edge of Desire…I think the tittle is unfitting and misleading; I do not see any connection between the tittle and the content. Anyways, the book is worth reading and should not be judged by its tittle.
June 1, 2012
Tuhin A. Sinha has done a wonderful job in creating this novel. The journey of woman from no-one to someone is awesome. I enjoyed reading her journey. But my enjoyment was short lived.
After about 150-160 pages (half of the story). The turn of events seems irrelevant. The first half of the story is a treat but the other half is like reading Indian history via some documentary files. I had to force myself to finish this story, I lost interest after I finished like 60-65% of it. Most of the things are about how India is, how is the election process, how you get things done, how money laundering is done in Kerala, how naxals operate in some parts of Chhattisgarh etc. Where/What is the desire and where do one find its edge? Mr. Sinha failed to justify the title properly.
I do admire the way Mr. Sinha portrayed the uncertainties that crawls inside a human mind AND the way he presented a simplified version of the complexities of politics. But I can't avoid the presence of some of the unwanted characters and descriptions. The language he used is good.
Throughout the story the feelings of the lead character is given utmost importance but her inaction to do anything without her mentor gives a feeling that she can only feel and think not act.
I'd recommend this novel to all those who are looking for average paced Indian woman story that involves politics and Indian history.
<
After about 150-160 pages (half of the story). The turn of events seems irrelevant. The first half of the story is a treat but the other half is like reading Indian history via some documentary files. I had to force myself to finish this story, I lost interest after I finished like 60-65% of it. Most of the things are about how India is, how is the election process, how you get things done, how money laundering is done in Kerala, how naxals operate in some parts of Chhattisgarh etc. Where/What is the desire and where do one find its edge? Mr. Sinha failed to justify the title properly.
I do admire the way Mr. Sinha portrayed the uncertainties that crawls inside a human mind AND the way he presented a simplified version of the complexities of politics. But I can't avoid the presence of some of the unwanted characters and descriptions. The language he used is good.
Throughout the story the feelings of the lead character is given utmost importance but her inaction to do anything without her mentor gives a feeling that she can only feel and think not act.
I'd recommend this novel to all those who are looking for average paced Indian woman story that involves politics and Indian history.
<
December 22, 2013
This book displays the story of women who arise as phoenix bird from the ashes.
The story revolves around Protagonist shruti Ranjan .Who used to work as journalist and her boyfriend Abhay betrays her love. Then she is married to honest IAS Officer Rohit who was posted to Bihar there was no place for law n order. One day, she is raped by the villainous politician-cum-goon, Salim Yadav.
She fails to obtain justice. At that time opposition leader Sharad gives her election ticket to contest Lok Sabha Election. She enters into Political Life. She handles various posts in her political career.
She always needs to make balance between professional n personal lives. Her relationship gets estranged with her husband due accusation of her affair with her mentor sharad. Towards the end of the story, we see Shruti getting divorced, but she never marries charismatic politician Sharad Malviya, the main person responsible for her political ascent.
While reading some moment’s just imprints on readers mind n heart. One of them is rape victims emotions, her helpless pathos is beautifully n subtlety portrayed.
Shruti Ranjan character is loosely inspired from Draupadi n Shard’s Character from Krishna.
While reading reader get to see the changing dynamics of relationship between shruti n sharad.
Some place it resembles Krishna n arjuna.Over period they seek solace in each other’s company.
Their relationship is different n precious which cannot fit in any social norms relationship.
In the End author has beautifully describes shruti motherly love towards shard’s daughter. First time she feels the loss of unborn child.
The author has used simple language which can be read by all age group of reader. Use of quotes from the epic gives a deep and somewhat unique touch. Some chapters of books made me loss of in connection n distraction. But overall it is nice book.
It must be read by all reader who loves political series which can part of their personal book shelf.
The story revolves around Protagonist shruti Ranjan .Who used to work as journalist and her boyfriend Abhay betrays her love. Then she is married to honest IAS Officer Rohit who was posted to Bihar there was no place for law n order. One day, she is raped by the villainous politician-cum-goon, Salim Yadav.
She fails to obtain justice. At that time opposition leader Sharad gives her election ticket to contest Lok Sabha Election. She enters into Political Life. She handles various posts in her political career.
She always needs to make balance between professional n personal lives. Her relationship gets estranged with her husband due accusation of her affair with her mentor sharad. Towards the end of the story, we see Shruti getting divorced, but she never marries charismatic politician Sharad Malviya, the main person responsible for her political ascent.
While reading some moment’s just imprints on readers mind n heart. One of them is rape victims emotions, her helpless pathos is beautifully n subtlety portrayed.
Shruti Ranjan character is loosely inspired from Draupadi n Shard’s Character from Krishna.
While reading reader get to see the changing dynamics of relationship between shruti n sharad.
Some place it resembles Krishna n arjuna.Over period they seek solace in each other’s company.
Their relationship is different n precious which cannot fit in any social norms relationship.
In the End author has beautifully describes shruti motherly love towards shard’s daughter. First time she feels the loss of unborn child.
The author has used simple language which can be read by all age group of reader. Use of quotes from the epic gives a deep and somewhat unique touch. Some chapters of books made me loss of in connection n distraction. But overall it is nice book.
It must be read by all reader who loves political series which can part of their personal book shelf.
July 25, 2016
after reading last 6-7 books in kindle , i decided its high time to go for a physical book .No offence to my kindle which has time and again stood by me and proved to be a very useful friend but there is something about holding a physical book and it's smell of old ,new pages . that's how i met the edge of desire,with a beautiful cover page, at our local book shop :)
now about the book."in today's age of monosyllabic phrases and grammatically horrifying sms-lingo ,its commendable to have a writer like Sinha who can so adeptly weave Shakespearean phrases" -the Hindu. exactly my thought after reading the book.i have nothing against the authors of those quick read campus novels or every other college youth writing a love story to add his/her name to the list of yet another Indian author . my point is when i pick a book i really want to read something which would stay with me as a beautiful read for a very long time.so in that aspect ,though the edge of desire has its little little flaws in the story plot ,due to its very real and layered characterization , hits the right cord to be a beautiful read.the characters are so genuine and griping that once i started reading the novel i could only put it down after reading all the 317 pages . definitely a good read on the last day of my holiday. NOW BACK TO DELHI :(
now about the book."in today's age of monosyllabic phrases and grammatically horrifying sms-lingo ,its commendable to have a writer like Sinha who can so adeptly weave Shakespearean phrases" -the Hindu. exactly my thought after reading the book.i have nothing against the authors of those quick read campus novels or every other college youth writing a love story to add his/her name to the list of yet another Indian author . my point is when i pick a book i really want to read something which would stay with me as a beautiful read for a very long time.so in that aspect ,though the edge of desire has its little little flaws in the story plot ,due to its very real and layered characterization , hits the right cord to be a beautiful read.the characters are so genuine and griping that once i started reading the novel i could only put it down after reading all the 317 pages . definitely a good read on the last day of my holiday. NOW BACK TO DELHI :(
August 6, 2013
Just couple of few days more and we will celebrate our Independence Day once again, but it’s not a topic. My mind suddenly strikes with some issues that are interrelated with women empowerment & freedom with their dignity. On last year I was going through this book and just ended on the eve of Independence Day, no doubt a decent story but comprehensive narration that holds the reader between character’s individual contest and political screw. The bout to get the justice, the struggle to get the dignity and to think something beyond of our personal lives, that’s really overwhelming.
It’s really overwhelming writing skills that an author who is not a female but expressed the whole pain & feelings that looks real not a dramatic script. The character Shruti somewhere represents the same view & dodges that really exist in today’s era of modern generation. Might be we are used to talk very easily with these situation but somewhere still we are not accepting the true facts, lacking with narrow mentality. No doubt Tuhin got success to recognize the political view simply, which is good on behalf of various characters.
It doesn't mean I was expecting a nice finale someplace rather than death of Sharad & jail of Shruti etc…but any way its respectable reflection of our current society.
It’s really overwhelming writing skills that an author who is not a female but expressed the whole pain & feelings that looks real not a dramatic script. The character Shruti somewhere represents the same view & dodges that really exist in today’s era of modern generation. Might be we are used to talk very easily with these situation but somewhere still we are not accepting the true facts, lacking with narrow mentality. No doubt Tuhin got success to recognize the political view simply, which is good on behalf of various characters.
It doesn't mean I was expecting a nice finale someplace rather than death of Sharad & jail of Shruti etc…but any way its respectable reflection of our current society.
April 4, 2016
Based on the rape of a woman in Bihar. The protagonist gets married after catching her live-in partner in an intimate position with her girl-friend. She leaves her career in journalism and joins her IAS husband who is posted in a remote district of Bihar. The caste politics has just peaked in Bihar and a person called Salim Yadav, having the right caste and religion has become a menace in the district.
She tries to prevent his cohorts from raping a mentally retarded girl in public. Her husband tries to disband his extortion network by conducting raids and having him arrested. In turn, he and three of his cohorts rape her at the first opportunity that comes his way.
This is a turning point in her life and she starts fighting back. Her husband supports her first, but soon starts suspecting her. He ex-boyfriend who is now a journalist creates more trouble her by raising doubts about her morality.
She embraces politics to fight her battle, at the suggestion of a political leader who becomes her mentor in the political world.
The book continues on how she goes on to fight different battles both in her personal front and on the political front.
Hope more such women with guts come up to fight the prejudice that exists in our country.
A decent read.
She tries to prevent his cohorts from raping a mentally retarded girl in public. Her husband tries to disband his extortion network by conducting raids and having him arrested. In turn, he and three of his cohorts rape her at the first opportunity that comes his way.
This is a turning point in her life and she starts fighting back. Her husband supports her first, but soon starts suspecting her. He ex-boyfriend who is now a journalist creates more trouble her by raising doubts about her morality.
She embraces politics to fight her battle, at the suggestion of a political leader who becomes her mentor in the political world.
The book continues on how she goes on to fight different battles both in her personal front and on the political front.
Hope more such women with guts come up to fight the prejudice that exists in our country.
A decent read.
December 20, 2014
As far as the politics fans go, it is the best roller coaster ride that you can get on. Tuhin has done complete justice to the story. He has touched upon all the state, central politics issues, terrorism and naxalism. Even the Kashmir issue has been handled very well by him. The characters in the book are defined very well and you can easily relate to them. The best part of the book is that it’s a very well researched book and though it’s a complete work of fiction, most of the characters would feel very real to you. The flow in story is not broken even for a second and this is what makes it hard for you to keep the book down once you have started reading it.
This book has the capacity to stir your soul. You are forced to ask yourself that when is this political system of ours is going to change and when will our society give the respect to females which is overdue for long.
For complete review: https://bibilophile.wordpress.com/201...
This book has the capacity to stir your soul. You are forced to ask yourself that when is this political system of ours is going to change and when will our society give the respect to females which is overdue for long.
For complete review: https://bibilophile.wordpress.com/201...
July 29, 2012
I had read Tuhin's first book more than a year back which incidentally was also his first book. It was a nice book but somehow had forgotten about him till I saw this book release! He has already written 4 books in last 6 years which is not bad by any standards and now I won't forget that is for sure!
This book is a good take on an individuals fight against the Indian legal, political and social system. It has touched lot of issues which must have happened some time in the last 3 decades in India. The story of the Protagonist revolves around these incidents and that is how the plot moves forward. In the end you feel like the story would have been better placed if he had left few issues for another book but I guess it is difficult to stop a storyteller when he gets going!
All credit to Tuhin for picking a difficult subject/plot and going ahead with it. He is definitely here to stay!
This book is a good take on an individuals fight against the Indian legal, political and social system. It has touched lot of issues which must have happened some time in the last 3 decades in India. The story of the Protagonist revolves around these incidents and that is how the plot moves forward. In the end you feel like the story would have been better placed if he had left few issues for another book but I guess it is difficult to stop a storyteller when he gets going!
All credit to Tuhin for picking a difficult subject/plot and going ahead with it. He is definitely here to stay!
January 8, 2016
Author try to narrate very strong subject at very beginning. i was too excited to read about the condition of Bihar and life of people over there in 90's. Which was well carried by the author at the beginning. but as the story goes further it take the new direction.
Story completely change it's subject from Bihar commotion, and author try to give new picture to complete story.
Rohit character was completely shadowed though his lives was equally full of turmoil and out of control, though he was also suffering from emotional ground too.
Frankly speaking, Story was quite exciting at inception, but as i flip off the pages, my interest seems to be loose, indeed i have to complete the novel to find out the life of shruti and her political carrier, which was build on sacrificing on every ground of her life.
First book of the year...
Story completely change it's subject from Bihar commotion, and author try to give new picture to complete story.
Rohit character was completely shadowed though his lives was equally full of turmoil and out of control, though he was also suffering from emotional ground too.
Frankly speaking, Story was quite exciting at inception, but as i flip off the pages, my interest seems to be loose, indeed i have to complete the novel to find out the life of shruti and her political carrier, which was build on sacrificing on every ground of her life.
First book of the year...
September 26, 2012
The biggest USP of this book is that it is a fast-paced story - keep you at the edge of your seat. However, it can get too cliched at times. There are some inexplicable twists especially Shruti's ascendancy in politics, and Sharad Malviya's affinity towards her. The strong, iron-willed character that the author tries to make you believe Shruti is, is hardly ever corroborated with a strong bias for action in the front stage. The fact that the author shows her as a confused and indecisive individual on more occasions just adds to the disillusionment.
However, all said and done it has all the ingredients of a Bollywood potboiler. Don't be surprised if it's "scripted" into a motion picture pretty soon. Here's wishing Tuhin all the very best!
However, all said and done it has all the ingredients of a Bollywood potboiler. Don't be surprised if it's "scripted" into a motion picture pretty soon. Here's wishing Tuhin all the very best!
June 21, 2015
Overall a good story but the author seems to have a very skewed sense of history. I wonder which school taught him that people in north India look different to those in the south because of the rapes done by Aryans to the locals. While the Aryan invasion theory itself is proven to be a hoax and trying to force-fit such analogies leave a very bad taste. It is almost that the reader is trying to prove his point by obstructing the normal flow of the story. Similar analogies can be found with the forceful injection of Draupadi and at times her being subjected to derogatory terms and along with that to prove the point of protagonist Kunti being pulled in the mud as well. I'd have rather enjoyed the story than such retarded attempts to define history from a particular leftist angle.
April 29, 2013
i just finished reading the edge of desire yesterday. i started in the afternoon as a casual read and i thought i will just read a few pages and keep it. but i was surprised that it hooked me from the very beginning. i was done with 100 pages in 1-2 hours and after a long time a book had gripped me so badly. i just took a break for eating and even missed the ipl match which i am so fond of! the edge of desire is an amazing read and the story and its characters are so beautifully written, i kept wondering how has a man expressed emotions of a woman so damn well! by far among the most thought provoking and interesting books i have read and though it suddenly ended too fast making me want for more, i still recommend everyone to read it atleast once...
February 24, 2014
I must say i am impressed with the book although still reading about to finish... impressed because of the following points.
1. good pace is maintained throughout the book.
2. No unnecessary lengthy descriptions wasting paper and time on unwanted object of the plot.
3. language is simple and precise.
4. the writer has touched many controversial topics by the medium of characters and posed an impressive view point on the issues by means of juxtaposition of characters movements in the whole plot.
5. Ofcourse it cannot be compared to Ashwin Sanghi's books or devdutt patnaik books being from altogether a completely different jonour and there style of writing but, at any given day it is way better than chetan Bhagats CRAP.
1. good pace is maintained throughout the book.
2. No unnecessary lengthy descriptions wasting paper and time on unwanted object of the plot.
3. language is simple and precise.
4. the writer has touched many controversial topics by the medium of characters and posed an impressive view point on the issues by means of juxtaposition of characters movements in the whole plot.
5. Ofcourse it cannot be compared to Ashwin Sanghi's books or devdutt patnaik books being from altogether a completely different jonour and there style of writing but, at any given day it is way better than chetan Bhagats CRAP.
Read
June 6, 2016The writers nicely autographed first book came in my hands during the Times Literary Carnival,2014.Bihar being my in-laws place, I was quite curious about this story.The heightened curiosity was also because my husband had told me that it was based on a true story.Reading few pages got me hot-glued to the book; the reason being twofold-1) I was a working woman and had just resigned voluntarily after few months of marriage while I started this book 2) the book had quite a lot of historical references , along with a smooth engaging flow of story telling.I loved the book.Though I felt the incidents could have been better connected, which, actually came in very sudden and crisp at times.
July 21, 2012
The plot and the story of the book to me is a symphony of stories picked from real life incidents.. However the presentation is very well. Mr. Malviya's character is kind of interesting and I think Tuhin did justice with the characters and their presentation...
Overall the book is worth a read if only you understand a bit of political dynamics.. From a fiction stand point this is overly exaggerated. Nevertheless Tuhin's writing style is catchy.. I would certainly wait for his next
Overall the book is worth a read if only you understand a bit of political dynamics.. From a fiction stand point this is overly exaggerated. Nevertheless Tuhin's writing style is catchy.. I would certainly wait for his next
September 20, 2012
The book was fast paced..very succint and kept my interest throughout..read it in a day..liked the story..the political backdrop,
a girl's struggle to prove herself in the difficult field of politics,how she is pulled between her husband and her mentor
However,the writer's attempt of a comparison between the main character and Draupadi was not required and i think he was not able to do justice to that.Overall a good quick read.
a girl's struggle to prove herself in the difficult field of politics,how she is pulled between her husband and her mentor
However,the writer's attempt of a comparison between the main character and Draupadi was not required and i think he was not able to do justice to that.Overall a good quick read.
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