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The Accidental Apprentice
In life you never get what you deserve: you get what you negotiate...
What you do if, out of the blue, a billionaire industrialist decided to make you the CEO of his company? No prior business experience necessary. There is only one catch: you need to pass seven tests from 'the textbook of life.'
This is the offer make to Sapna Sinha, an ordinary salesgirl in an electronics boutique in downtown Delhi, by Vinay Mohan Acharya, one of India's richest men.
Thus begins the most challenging journey of Sapna's life, one that will test her character, her courage and her capabilities. Along the way she encounters a host of memorable personalities, from a vain Bollywood superstar to a kleptomanic Gandhian. At stake is a business empire worth ten billion dollars, and the future she has always dreamt of. But are the seven tests for real or is Acharya playing a deeper game, one driven by a perverse fantasy?
From acclaimed author of Slumdog Millionaire, one of the biggest films of the decade, comes this compelling, suspenseful tale of the power of dreams, the lure of money and the universal need to know who we are.
What you do if, out of the blue, a billionaire industrialist decided to make you the CEO of his company? No prior business experience necessary. There is only one catch: you need to pass seven tests from 'the textbook of life.'
This is the offer make to Sapna Sinha, an ordinary salesgirl in an electronics boutique in downtown Delhi, by Vinay Mohan Acharya, one of India's richest men.
Thus begins the most challenging journey of Sapna's life, one that will test her character, her courage and her capabilities. Along the way she encounters a host of memorable personalities, from a vain Bollywood superstar to a kleptomanic Gandhian. At stake is a business empire worth ten billion dollars, and the future she has always dreamt of. But are the seven tests for real or is Acharya playing a deeper game, one driven by a perverse fantasy?
From acclaimed author of Slumdog Millionaire, one of the biggest films of the decade, comes this compelling, suspenseful tale of the power of dreams, the lure of money and the universal need to know who we are.
436 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
110 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Vikas Swarup
19 books464 followersVikas Swarup was born in Allahabad (India) in a family of lawyers.
After his schooling, Vikas attended Allahabad University and studied History, Psychology and Philosophy. He also made his mark as a champion debater, winning National level competitions. After graduating with distinction, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1986, motivated by an interest in international relations and a desire to explore different cultures.
In his diplomatic career, Vikas has been posted to various countries such as Turkey (1987-1990), the United States (1993-1997) Ethiopia (1997-2000) and the United Kingdom (2000-2003). Since August 2006 he has been posted in Pretoria as India’s Deputy High Commissioner.
Vikas has participated in the Oxford Literary Festival, the Turin International Book Fair, the Auckland Writers’ Conference, the Sydney Writers’ Festival, the Kitab Festival in New Delhi, the St. Malo International Book & Film Festival in France, the 'Words on Water' Literary Festival at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Apart from reading, Vikas enjoys listening to music and playing cricket, tennis and table tennis.
His wife Aparna is an artist who has held exhibitions in India and abroad. They have two sons Aditya and Varun.
After his schooling, Vikas attended Allahabad University and studied History, Psychology and Philosophy. He also made his mark as a champion debater, winning National level competitions. After graduating with distinction, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1986, motivated by an interest in international relations and a desire to explore different cultures.
In his diplomatic career, Vikas has been posted to various countries such as Turkey (1987-1990), the United States (1993-1997) Ethiopia (1997-2000) and the United Kingdom (2000-2003). Since August 2006 he has been posted in Pretoria as India’s Deputy High Commissioner.
Vikas has participated in the Oxford Literary Festival, the Turin International Book Fair, the Auckland Writers’ Conference, the Sydney Writers’ Festival, the Kitab Festival in New Delhi, the St. Malo International Book & Film Festival in France, the 'Words on Water' Literary Festival at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Apart from reading, Vikas enjoys listening to music and playing cricket, tennis and table tennis.
His wife Aparna is an artist who has held exhibitions in India and abroad. They have two sons Aditya and Varun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
March 1, 2013
Highly disappointing, much like a badly made Bollywood movie. Way too many coincidences and randomness and even the tagline on the book cover makes no sense. "What would you do if your life changed in an instant" or something like that. But the point is, the main character's life doesn't change in an instant. It does over a painstaking 6 months she insists on dragging us through if we choose to read the book.
There's a lot happening, the writing is too simple (and I never thought I would ever say this about any book!) and there's also some bad editing work in the form of wrong grammar.
It was an impulsive buy at the airport and I finished the book in 3 days but I would love that 350 rupees back!
There's a lot happening, the writing is too simple (and I never thought I would ever say this about any book!) and there's also some bad editing work in the form of wrong grammar.
It was an impulsive buy at the airport and I finished the book in 3 days but I would love that 350 rupees back!
May 11, 2013
Without mincing words, this is the stupidest, most hare-brained story I have ever read. I feel like have to justify myself in using search harsh words... but having just finished the book, I am not in a pleasant mood. See, there are books that I plainly don't like. If these are popular books, I get why people who enjoy these books might do so... And when I say "I get", I do not mean it in a condescending kind of a way. It's just a plain and simple understanding that people's tastes can be different. There is a Five-Point-Someone at one end of the spectrum of such books, and then there's Midnight's children at the other end. Both of these are hugely popular books. I didn't like either.
But it's different with this book. This is, in my opinion, a badly constructed story, which seems to have run completely out of the author's control, and neither does the author have the flair of a Rushdie's language. Net-net, there is absolutely no redeeming quality of the book.
The book is about Sapna Sinha. She has to pass "seven tests of life" in order to become a CEO of multi-billion-dollar corporate group. The book starts with a dodgy premise... But I bull-dozed my way through the start. Especially since the protagonist shared my skepticism. Plus, I sort of thought that the author, who's book was adapted by Hollywood, would weave an intricate story which would lend a sensible, even a brilliant explanation to the start. After two tests, I already knew that there was little hope that this book would turn out to be good. But I really wanted to know how the book would end. So I kept going. And then the end... was positively horrendous. The author simply ditches the founding premise of the book as he tries to wrap things up.
The tests that Sapna eventually runs into are all simply snippets from regular news. The author wants to keep us on tenterhooks trying to guess whether the CEO who's evaluating Sapna, rigged these tests or did the events just happen to her. Eventual explanation given is just simply ridiculous.
The worst part though has to be this character Karan. He takes the position of the dumbest character I have ever encountered in fictional world.
The characters are imposed too heavily upon the reader, with the author literally having to spell out that "this is a good guy-like him, bad guy-hate him". Characters behave inexplicably at times. Plot holes are a plenty. Coincidences galore. Language... well english, while nothing to talk home about, is quite decent, but trying to give a desi-feeling with English (especially for characters who supposedly do not know English), by using interspersed Hindi is a difficult art to succeed at. It's not quite jarring in the book. But it's not as masterful as say... Shantaram either.
So that's about it then. The book is highly avoidable. THe only virtue is that it's a quick read. So even though as bad as the book is, you wont waste a lot of time on it. But I ask, why waste any time on it at all?
But it's different with this book. This is, in my opinion, a badly constructed story, which seems to have run completely out of the author's control, and neither does the author have the flair of a Rushdie's language. Net-net, there is absolutely no redeeming quality of the book.
The book is about Sapna Sinha. She has to pass "seven tests of life" in order to become a CEO of multi-billion-dollar corporate group. The book starts with a dodgy premise... But I bull-dozed my way through the start. Especially since the protagonist shared my skepticism. Plus, I sort of thought that the author, who's book was adapted by Hollywood, would weave an intricate story which would lend a sensible, even a brilliant explanation to the start. After two tests, I already knew that there was little hope that this book would turn out to be good. But I really wanted to know how the book would end. So I kept going. And then the end... was positively horrendous. The author simply ditches the founding premise of the book as he tries to wrap things up.
The tests that Sapna eventually runs into are all simply snippets from regular news. The author wants to keep us on tenterhooks trying to guess whether the CEO who's evaluating Sapna, rigged these tests or did the events just happen to her. Eventual explanation given is just simply ridiculous.
The worst part though has to be this character Karan. He takes the position of the dumbest character I have ever encountered in fictional world.
The characters are imposed too heavily upon the reader, with the author literally having to spell out that "this is a good guy-like him, bad guy-hate him". Characters behave inexplicably at times. Plot holes are a plenty. Coincidences galore. Language... well english, while nothing to talk home about, is quite decent, but trying to give a desi-feeling with English (especially for characters who supposedly do not know English), by using interspersed Hindi is a difficult art to succeed at. It's not quite jarring in the book. But it's not as masterful as say... Shantaram either.
So that's about it then. The book is highly avoidable. THe only virtue is that it's a quick read. So even though as bad as the book is, you wont waste a lot of time on it. But I ask, why waste any time on it at all?
January 29, 2013
''The Accidental Apprentice'' by Vikas Swarup was one the books I was eagerly waiting for, in the year 2013. Well to be honest, I had never ever read a book of around 450 pages in matter of 7 hours...
As his previous books, ''The Slumdog Millionaire'' & ''6 Suspects'' Vikas has managed to attract the curiosity of a reader towards this book. The story-line is very strong and gripping which persuaded me to pick the book without giving a second thought. It is a story of a girl Sapna Sinha, who is given an opportunity to become a CEO of a well known corporate group by a stranger, meeting her for the first time, on a condition that she has to pass 7 tests of life.
The story narrates how circumstances forces Sapna to accept the deal of the stranger and faces the challenges, life throws at her from time to time. The story is mix of some past recalls connecting with the present at times, which fits perfectly, all credits to author.
Towards the end, I started expecting what could be the end but then the best part of the book started and I dont know when i completed the last 100 odd pages. The only thought going through my mind as i was reading the story was,''What's next?'' along with a surprise expression on my face each time I turned the page.
The way author has expressed the characters of the book, making every small character playing their important role, the expression of emotions out of them conveys that book has been written with utmost sincerity and straight from heart. As per me one of best book I have read so far and one of the best fiction work written in present time, with a message and more importantly channeling a sense of optimism throughout my mind.
A 5 Star book for me. Cant get better than this. Movie coming soon.
As his previous books, ''The Slumdog Millionaire'' & ''6 Suspects'' Vikas has managed to attract the curiosity of a reader towards this book. The story-line is very strong and gripping which persuaded me to pick the book without giving a second thought. It is a story of a girl Sapna Sinha, who is given an opportunity to become a CEO of a well known corporate group by a stranger, meeting her for the first time, on a condition that she has to pass 7 tests of life.
The story narrates how circumstances forces Sapna to accept the deal of the stranger and faces the challenges, life throws at her from time to time. The story is mix of some past recalls connecting with the present at times, which fits perfectly, all credits to author.
Towards the end, I started expecting what could be the end but then the best part of the book started and I dont know when i completed the last 100 odd pages. The only thought going through my mind as i was reading the story was,''What's next?'' along with a surprise expression on my face each time I turned the page.
The way author has expressed the characters of the book, making every small character playing their important role, the expression of emotions out of them conveys that book has been written with utmost sincerity and straight from heart. As per me one of best book I have read so far and one of the best fiction work written in present time, with a message and more importantly channeling a sense of optimism throughout my mind.
A 5 Star book for me. Cant get better than this. Movie coming soon.
May 25, 2013
I became a fan of Vikas Swarup after reading Q&A (in the midst of the Slumdog Millionaire hype). Wanting more, I discovered Six Suspects, becoming ensnared by his fast-paced and innovative storytelling technique.
So I was excited to find out that he had a new book out. The Accidental Apprentice comes across almost as seven distinct short stories tied together by Sapna Sinha's life-arc, and initially I put this entire structure down to a repetitive storytelling style, almost going as far as accepting that Swarup had achieved a law of diminishing returns. However, I kept at it, drawn in by Swarup's cliff-hanger style chapters, and eventually, arriving at the book's climax, I began to see the cleverness behind the plot: the way Sapna's life story became entwined with the "seven lessons," and how everything started falling into place like some sort of puzzle.
The main character of Sapna is no different from any of Swarup's other heroes: she's determined, an underdog of sorts, fighting the struggles of life in the world's largest (and perhaps most corrupt) democracy. There are many times when you want to reach out and help her, want to just scream in frustration at the incompetence of the government officials who stand in her way or the many forces that impede her or corrupt her image. That's Swarup's writing prowess in its purest form: a powerful force that makes you root for his characters, and perhaps that same force that got him the film deal with Danny Boyle (for Q&A).
Having visited India, I couldn't help bringing back those memories of Delhi as I followed Sapna's journey through the bustling capital. Many of the landmarks referenced (the Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, even the various locales in Mumbai) elicited sensory recall of those places. It felt like I was back in that tumultuous, exciting country full of its struggles, hopes, and contrasts.
My only issues with the book: the feeling that Swarup resorted to a bit of deus ex machina in the final chapter... I don't want to give away any spoilers, but it did feel like he was rushing some of those aspects, almost conveniently tying a few things together. The big twist was great though, and definitely made reading the book worth it.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire/Q&A, fans of gripping thrillers set in exciting locales, or anyone looking for a good, different book to read.
So I was excited to find out that he had a new book out. The Accidental Apprentice comes across almost as seven distinct short stories tied together by Sapna Sinha's life-arc, and initially I put this entire structure down to a repetitive storytelling style, almost going as far as accepting that Swarup had achieved a law of diminishing returns. However, I kept at it, drawn in by Swarup's cliff-hanger style chapters, and eventually, arriving at the book's climax, I began to see the cleverness behind the plot: the way Sapna's life story became entwined with the "seven lessons," and how everything started falling into place like some sort of puzzle.
The main character of Sapna is no different from any of Swarup's other heroes: she's determined, an underdog of sorts, fighting the struggles of life in the world's largest (and perhaps most corrupt) democracy. There are many times when you want to reach out and help her, want to just scream in frustration at the incompetence of the government officials who stand in her way or the many forces that impede her or corrupt her image. That's Swarup's writing prowess in its purest form: a powerful force that makes you root for his characters, and perhaps that same force that got him the film deal with Danny Boyle (for Q&A).
Having visited India, I couldn't help bringing back those memories of Delhi as I followed Sapna's journey through the bustling capital. Many of the landmarks referenced (the Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, even the various locales in Mumbai) elicited sensory recall of those places. It felt like I was back in that tumultuous, exciting country full of its struggles, hopes, and contrasts.
My only issues with the book: the feeling that Swarup resorted to a bit of deus ex machina in the final chapter... I don't want to give away any spoilers, but it did feel like he was rushing some of those aspects, almost conveniently tying a few things together. The big twist was great though, and definitely made reading the book worth it.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire/Q&A, fans of gripping thrillers set in exciting locales, or anyone looking for a good, different book to read.
February 25, 2016
Mais um livro do Vikas Swarup que me surpreendeu com os seus ingredientes originais de construir uma história como esta que é trágica, nua e crua, e ao mesmo tempo, inesperada, surpreendente e inteligente.
O início começa com a Sapna Sinha presa por acusação de homicídio. E assim ela começa a relatar, na primeira pessoa, a sua história como chegou até a este ponto…
Testemunhamos a sua tragédia familiar: o suicídio da irmã Alka e a morte do pai que era o patriarca que sustentava a família. A Sapna teve que desistir dos estudos e ir trabalhar para sustentar a sua irmã Neha e a mãe doente. Um dia, quando a Sapna ia a sair do templo, foi abordada por um homem idoso com uma tika escalarte a adornar-lhe na testa e os dedos carregados de anéis cintilantes com diamantes e esmeraldas. Era o proprietário do Consórcio de Empresas Acharya. Tinha uma proposta para lhe dar que era a oportunidade para ela se tornar diretora-geral do Grupo de Empresas CEA, para liderar um império empresarial que equivalia a 10 milhões de dólares, mas para isto teria que passar por sete testes.
Porquê ela, a Sapna Sinha, uma mulher entre muitas e sem habilitações profissionais? Uma proposta louca e sem sentido!
Por força de circunstâncias e dificuldades financeiras, ela foi obrigada a aceitar a proposta, mesmo sem saber que tipo de testes seriam estes.
Só lendo é que vamos sabendo. Não são o que imaginamos. Deduzi todas as hipóteses possíveis e não acertei sequer uma. Na parte final do livro, quando há crime inesperado, fui transportado por uma forte avalanche de ação e de suspense, que me levou a devorar ávido de saber o desfecho. Quando rebentou a revelação, tudo passou a fazer sentido.
Gostei bastante da originalidade dos testes e o que aconteceu depois ao ponto de nos baralhar e surpreender.
Agora, falando da capa, que é o que mais me entristece por inteiro e me deixa enraivecido contra a publicidade das editoras, não corresponde absolutamente nada com a história. Se não fosse o Vikas Swarup, o autor de “Quem quer ser bilionário”, nunca teria pegado este cartucho, pensando de pertencer à categoria de Harlequim ou de histórias com floreados de cor-de-rosa.
A capa original, abaixo indicada, é que é fiel ao enredo do cartucho.
April 22, 2024
Giunta ormai al suo terzo e purtroppo finora ultimo libro posso dire che per me Swarup è sempre una certezza: riesce sempre a catturarmi con le sue trame da film di Bollywood, i suoi personaggi finemente descritti e i colpi di scena che alla fine fanno quadrare tutta la narrazione (ma come fa? mi chiedo sempre). Come uniche note negative devo dire che in certe parti ho trovato che la protagonista Sapna fosse un po' troppo retorica, e che non ho apprezzato le descrizioni, fin troppo dettagliate, delle molestie sessuali subite dai personaggi femminili.
October 3, 2020
5 Stars for The Accidental Apprentice (audiobook) by Vikas Swarup read by Sneha Mathan. This is a really creative story. The characters are great and I found the look into Indian culture fascinating. The narration was great too.
April 29, 2013
I haven't read Slumdog Millionaire or seen the film version but I'll certainly be doing both now.
Thoroughly enjoyed The Accidental Apprentice.
Vikas Swarup has an easygoing writing voice that is fun to read.
Loved the strong heroine Sapna and the choices she made.
And I definitely didn't see the MAJOR TWIST at the end coming.
Good read.
Thoroughly enjoyed The Accidental Apprentice.
Vikas Swarup has an easygoing writing voice that is fun to read.
Loved the strong heroine Sapna and the choices she made.
And I definitely didn't see the MAJOR TWIST at the end coming.
Good read.
May 31, 2014
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Sales assistant Sapna Sinha is offered a chance to change her life. All she has to do is pass seven tests. From the bestselling novel The Accidental Apprentice.
Sales assistant Sapna Sinha is offered a chance to change her life. All she has to do is pass seven tests. From the bestselling novel The Accidental Apprentice.
May 28, 2020
"It's a basic rule of human nature that the promise of unexpected wealth short-circuits both intelligence and common sense."
As with Vikas Swarup's hugely successful debut novel Q&A, which was subsequently made into the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, The Accidental Apprentice returns to the theme of: What would happen to your life if you were suddenly offered the chance of a lifetime.
Sapna Sinha is a twenty-three year old shop assistant in an electronics store, a dutiful daughter and main bread-winner after the death of father for her sickly mother and younger sister Neha. Sapna is too bright for her job but is too constrained by loss and responsibilities to pursue her own dream.
One day on a visit to a temple she meets one of India’s richest men, Vinay Mohan Acharya. who offers her the chance of a lifetime: he wants to make her his CEO and the heir to his vast business empire telling her that he sees a certain spark in her. However, the offer isn't unconditional. To get the powerful position and the fantastic salary that comes with it she must pass seven undisclosed tests. Sapna initially turns him down thinking him a madman and the offer a scam but when her family is faced with being evicted from their apartment after a massive rent hike, she accepts.
Sworn to secrecy as part of the deal Sapna must carry on her daily life ever unsure whether her experiences are part of the tests or merely the vagaries of life. So she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The first six tests in particular read like something out of a fairy tale but the seventh will really test Sapna's courage and strength. The tests that Sapna must pass are moral rather than physical but they are not without their dangers.
Growing up we all have dreams of making it big on the world stage whether it be as a sports star, an actor or a dancer, an astronaut or in this case the CEO of a multi-billion company. This doesn't alter the fact that this is a rather outlandish premise for a story but does mean that straight from the outset we feel an affinity with Sapna and are willing her to succeed. However, perhaps Swarup's greatest skill is that he doesn't allow it to veer into the absurd although I felt that Swarup's dealings with television reporter Shalini Grover (an integral character) and the police officer ACP Khan at the climax of this book came very close even if the final twist wasn't one that I had anticipated.
Swarup writes with beautiful elegance and a certain sly wit. Sapna is a well drawn character as are the minor characters who despite their apparent unimportance never felt incidental. Sapna is a modern woman, with traditional beliefs, normal desires and temptations,The tests that Sapna must pass are moral rather than physical,she must use guile and cunning to overcome them, but they are not without their dangers: at the end of it she will discover exactly who she really is and the reader is also asked to consider what they would have done in similar situations.
One of the quotes on the blurb for this book describes it as being "Gripping stuff- The Accidental Apprentice is awaiting its Danny Boyle" and for me that is where this book falls down. Given the phenomenal success of Slumdog Millionaire it is perhaps unsurprising that Swarup would want to emulate that but I personally couldn't help feeling that this book was aimed purely at the movie industry, whether it be Hollywood or Bollywood, rather than the reading public which felt like a bit of a cop out.
The reader is given a fleeting glimpse at middle-class life in India but perhaps the overarching message of this book is that extraordinary things can sometimes happen. As Swarup states at the very end of the book "Life does not always give us what we desire, but eventually it does give us what we deserve."
Overall a delightful and light bit of escapism that wouldn't be out of place on a long train/plane journey or on the beach once the various lock-downs have been lifted.
As with Vikas Swarup's hugely successful debut novel Q&A, which was subsequently made into the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, The Accidental Apprentice returns to the theme of: What would happen to your life if you were suddenly offered the chance of a lifetime.
Sapna Sinha is a twenty-three year old shop assistant in an electronics store, a dutiful daughter and main bread-winner after the death of father for her sickly mother and younger sister Neha. Sapna is too bright for her job but is too constrained by loss and responsibilities to pursue her own dream.
One day on a visit to a temple she meets one of India’s richest men, Vinay Mohan Acharya. who offers her the chance of a lifetime: he wants to make her his CEO and the heir to his vast business empire telling her that he sees a certain spark in her. However, the offer isn't unconditional. To get the powerful position and the fantastic salary that comes with it she must pass seven undisclosed tests. Sapna initially turns him down thinking him a madman and the offer a scam but when her family is faced with being evicted from their apartment after a massive rent hike, she accepts.
Sworn to secrecy as part of the deal Sapna must carry on her daily life ever unsure whether her experiences are part of the tests or merely the vagaries of life. So she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The first six tests in particular read like something out of a fairy tale but the seventh will really test Sapna's courage and strength. The tests that Sapna must pass are moral rather than physical but they are not without their dangers.
Growing up we all have dreams of making it big on the world stage whether it be as a sports star, an actor or a dancer, an astronaut or in this case the CEO of a multi-billion company. This doesn't alter the fact that this is a rather outlandish premise for a story but does mean that straight from the outset we feel an affinity with Sapna and are willing her to succeed. However, perhaps Swarup's greatest skill is that he doesn't allow it to veer into the absurd although I felt that Swarup's dealings with television reporter Shalini Grover (an integral character) and the police officer ACP Khan at the climax of this book came very close even if the final twist wasn't one that I had anticipated.
Swarup writes with beautiful elegance and a certain sly wit. Sapna is a well drawn character as are the minor characters who despite their apparent unimportance never felt incidental. Sapna is a modern woman, with traditional beliefs, normal desires and temptations,The tests that Sapna must pass are moral rather than physical,she must use guile and cunning to overcome them, but they are not without their dangers: at the end of it she will discover exactly who she really is and the reader is also asked to consider what they would have done in similar situations.
One of the quotes on the blurb for this book describes it as being "Gripping stuff- The Accidental Apprentice is awaiting its Danny Boyle" and for me that is where this book falls down. Given the phenomenal success of Slumdog Millionaire it is perhaps unsurprising that Swarup would want to emulate that but I personally couldn't help feeling that this book was aimed purely at the movie industry, whether it be Hollywood or Bollywood, rather than the reading public which felt like a bit of a cop out.
The reader is given a fleeting glimpse at middle-class life in India but perhaps the overarching message of this book is that extraordinary things can sometimes happen. As Swarup states at the very end of the book "Life does not always give us what we desire, but eventually it does give us what we deserve."
Overall a delightful and light bit of escapism that wouldn't be out of place on a long train/plane journey or on the beach once the various lock-downs have been lifted.
March 1, 2013
I had read Q&A, the first book of Vikas Swarup, during a train journey from Bombay to Delhi in 2006, me and my wife were returning from a memorable trip to Goa & Bombay. The book was bought and gifted to me by my dear friend GRV at one crossword shop in Bombay during the trip.
I loved that book and was pleasantly surprised when I came to know that a Hollywood director is making a movie based on the book.
Now this 'The Accidental Apprentice' seems to be written solely with the aim of turning it into another Bollywood/Hollywood movie. Though I have doubts if this movie, if ever made, would be as successful as Slumdog Millionaire.
It is fast paced and action packed alright, but it is also full of cliches and very predictable events. Though I must say the ending is very well written and the story takes a very different direction in the last few pages. But it was all expected, as each page of the book is filled up with the events inspired by news coverage in satellite news channels, plenty of them mushroomed in India in the last 10-15 years and all they do is deal in sensationalized news coverage, they do not even shy away from trying to create the news if they do not have the so-called 'breaking news'
Maybe I had higher expectations from the writer, I thought he would have become even better with the time, but I think with success and money from his earlier book experience, the writer may have opted for a short cut approach.
There is nothing in the book which one may not have read in the newspaper or seen on these television channels.
Teenage love and heart break, Khap Panchayats, dubious rich philanthropists, corrupt business houses, crowds of candle brigade following sundry crusaders, the contrasting gap between mobile & consumer durable revolution vis-a-vis ever growing poor population, reality tv shows, rising aspirations of the small town girls (and boys for that matters, these are all relevant topics of contemporary India on which a lot has been written, focused by TV and movies. Mr. Swarup had tried to mash them all up into one fast paced action thriller in a truly khichadi style here in this book.
I was left a bit disappointed after reading it this week. It looked more like the writer had tried to accommodate the suggestions from his publishers, agents, friends and well wishers on what would work and help sell the book.
Somehow I feel a bit cheated and am unable to appreciate it much. A well researched book is different from a book based on topic picked up from a very shallow Group Discussion and highly superficial research.
The writer should write what he feels inside, his story, which he wants the other to read and appreciate.
Regards,
Bhuwan
I loved that book and was pleasantly surprised when I came to know that a Hollywood director is making a movie based on the book.
Now this 'The Accidental Apprentice' seems to be written solely with the aim of turning it into another Bollywood/Hollywood movie. Though I have doubts if this movie, if ever made, would be as successful as Slumdog Millionaire.
It is fast paced and action packed alright, but it is also full of cliches and very predictable events. Though I must say the ending is very well written and the story takes a very different direction in the last few pages. But it was all expected, as each page of the book is filled up with the events inspired by news coverage in satellite news channels, plenty of them mushroomed in India in the last 10-15 years and all they do is deal in sensationalized news coverage, they do not even shy away from trying to create the news if they do not have the so-called 'breaking news'
Maybe I had higher expectations from the writer, I thought he would have become even better with the time, but I think with success and money from his earlier book experience, the writer may have opted for a short cut approach.
There is nothing in the book which one may not have read in the newspaper or seen on these television channels.
Teenage love and heart break, Khap Panchayats, dubious rich philanthropists, corrupt business houses, crowds of candle brigade following sundry crusaders, the contrasting gap between mobile & consumer durable revolution vis-a-vis ever growing poor population, reality tv shows, rising aspirations of the small town girls (and boys for that matters, these are all relevant topics of contemporary India on which a lot has been written, focused by TV and movies. Mr. Swarup had tried to mash them all up into one fast paced action thriller in a truly khichadi style here in this book.
I was left a bit disappointed after reading it this week. It looked more like the writer had tried to accommodate the suggestions from his publishers, agents, friends and well wishers on what would work and help sell the book.
Somehow I feel a bit cheated and am unable to appreciate it much. A well researched book is different from a book based on topic picked up from a very shallow Group Discussion and highly superficial research.
The writer should write what he feels inside, his story, which he wants the other to read and appreciate.
Regards,
Bhuwan
November 6, 2015
Murder, love, and greed: I was handed these three things on a golden platter in The Accidental Apprentice by Vikas Swarup. This novel took me places I have never dreamed of, in ways that I couldn’t possibly have conceived before reading this amazing book. This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read, in the context of character development and twist and turns.
Imagine a world where everything is stacked against you, because of one choice you made so long ago. That choice unleashing the true power of karma to you in it’s full color. This is the premise of The Accidental Apprentice, in which the main character, Sinha, has had a tough life ever since her young sister committed suicide. Her father fell into despair after the death of his youngest daughter and ended up becoming an empty husk. He then one day wandered into a road and was killed by a car. Every day after, Sinha has barely had a dime to her name and is forced to live in an apartment paid for by her uncle in the slums.
This novel threw me around with erratic twists and turns in its plot, and then stunned me with the ‘cloak and dagger’ play between the hidden enemy and Sinha. This is tastefully complemented by the ingenious subplot in which one of the most powerful businessmen in all of India, Vinay Achra, makes the heroine of this story undergo seven tests, each of which throw a different dilemma at the heroine, testing her CEO qualities every step of the way. Vinay Achra keeps her going through these tests by tantalizing Sinha with the promise of becoming the CEO of a very lucrative business.
Yet this book is not for everyone, for the plot picks up very slowly. Nevertheless, this novel was worth it to me because of the elegant subplot hidden under the setup of the story. The ending was disappointing for a book of this caliber and resembled the ending of a Scooby Doo movie.
In conclusion, this novel was a very good adventure even though the ending wasn’t exactly what I expected from a book that had led me along a primrose path all the way to the ending. Every single task threw something at the heroine that the strongest and bravest person may not have been able to overcome. Yet every time, Sinha succeeds at beating the tests and gets a step closer to the seemingly godlike job of CEO. I would recommend this book to anyone who would ask me for an adventure story with the best subplot I have ever seen in a story before.
Imagine a world where everything is stacked against you, because of one choice you made so long ago. That choice unleashing the true power of karma to you in it’s full color. This is the premise of The Accidental Apprentice, in which the main character, Sinha, has had a tough life ever since her young sister committed suicide. Her father fell into despair after the death of his youngest daughter and ended up becoming an empty husk. He then one day wandered into a road and was killed by a car. Every day after, Sinha has barely had a dime to her name and is forced to live in an apartment paid for by her uncle in the slums.
This novel threw me around with erratic twists and turns in its plot, and then stunned me with the ‘cloak and dagger’ play between the hidden enemy and Sinha. This is tastefully complemented by the ingenious subplot in which one of the most powerful businessmen in all of India, Vinay Achra, makes the heroine of this story undergo seven tests, each of which throw a different dilemma at the heroine, testing her CEO qualities every step of the way. Vinay Achra keeps her going through these tests by tantalizing Sinha with the promise of becoming the CEO of a very lucrative business.
Yet this book is not for everyone, for the plot picks up very slowly. Nevertheless, this novel was worth it to me because of the elegant subplot hidden under the setup of the story. The ending was disappointing for a book of this caliber and resembled the ending of a Scooby Doo movie.
In conclusion, this novel was a very good adventure even though the ending wasn’t exactly what I expected from a book that had led me along a primrose path all the way to the ending. Every single task threw something at the heroine that the strongest and bravest person may not have been able to overcome. Yet every time, Sinha succeeds at beating the tests and gets a step closer to the seemingly godlike job of CEO. I would recommend this book to anyone who would ask me for an adventure story with the best subplot I have ever seen in a story before.
April 6, 2020
I am very torn about this book. I really enjoyed the premise and felt pretty gripped by the story. It was also a pretty easy/quick read for an adult novel. It felt eye opening to how different Indian culture is to the Western world. I also loved the characters: Sapna, Vinay Mohan and Karan mainly. Sapna was such a wonderful, strong female character, full of a rage she couldn't display, and I was so gripped by the story because I cared about her. I just thought it was really great and I had no idea how it was all going to turn out. And then the twist and ending came and I just felt deflated. Most of the book was pretty unrealistic but the twist just pushed it over the edge. There were way too many coincidences needed for the ending to happen and it felt super rushed. The book ended so quickly; it was like the author was running out of time. It just felt like a real disappointment after such a strong plot. Ugh.
February 17, 2013
Extremely disappointing book. I had a hard time reconciling with the fact that this was the same guy who wrote Q&A. The writing is amateurish and so simple that it makes Chetan Bhagat's writing seem like Salman Rushdie. I had high expectations from the story but it was too much of a let down. It looked as if he suddenly saw a few episodes of Satyamev Jayate and decided to write a children's book on it.
October 10, 2013
Cada vez mais, este escritor tem sido uma agradável surpresa!!! já me rendi como fã :)
January 23, 2017
One of the books I completed over a weekend! Just couldn't put it down despite have a two year old 's constant nagging!!
April 8, 2021
Great story. Needs making into a film
June 18, 2025
Was just ok ok!😑
June 28, 2013
I picked up this book wanting to read something by the author on whose novel the Slumdog Millionaire was based. I was not disappointed, as I found it very difficult to put down once I'd started reading.
Although the basic concept of a billionaire businessman selecting a sales girl to be the C.E.O. of his business empire is pretty far fetched, the author has a compelling sense of narrative that makes even the bizarre believable. The description of locations and portrayal of the different levels of Indian society almost made me feel I'd personally visited that country. The challenges faced by the young heroine expose the whole gamut of human emotions, strengths and shortcomings.
Though only in the latter chapters touching on the crime genre, like the best murder mystery it has many unexpected twists in the story. And one feels that the young woman at the centre of the story eventually finds the purpose in her life.
Although the basic concept of a billionaire businessman selecting a sales girl to be the C.E.O. of his business empire is pretty far fetched, the author has a compelling sense of narrative that makes even the bizarre believable. The description of locations and portrayal of the different levels of Indian society almost made me feel I'd personally visited that country. The challenges faced by the young heroine expose the whole gamut of human emotions, strengths and shortcomings.
Though only in the latter chapters touching on the crime genre, like the best murder mystery it has many unexpected twists in the story. And one feels that the young woman at the centre of the story eventually finds the purpose in her life.
October 7, 2013
After the unexpected and absolutely original storyline of Q&A, expectations were high for Vikas Swaroop's second book.
While I don't distinctly remember the writing style in Q&A (I read it over 5 years ago) I do remember the feeling of "wow" at the end of the book - which is quite a bit missing in this one.
The story is fast paced and keeps you hooked though - only because you want to know what lies in store for Sapna, the main protagonist. Though way too much is happening to her to find it realistic.
Nevertheless, good movie material if executed intelligently - the final unfurling of the unexpectedly twisted plot is pretty good...the author successfully weaves you away from guessing it.
A hollywood take on it would be fun to watch too...I can totally picture it.
Yet, nothing memorable, I wont be recommending it to anyone...infact, you wont miss much if you give it a skip.
While I don't distinctly remember the writing style in Q&A (I read it over 5 years ago) I do remember the feeling of "wow" at the end of the book - which is quite a bit missing in this one.
The story is fast paced and keeps you hooked though - only because you want to know what lies in store for Sapna, the main protagonist. Though way too much is happening to her to find it realistic.
Nevertheless, good movie material if executed intelligently - the final unfurling of the unexpectedly twisted plot is pretty good...the author successfully weaves you away from guessing it.
A hollywood take on it would be fun to watch too...I can totally picture it.
Yet, nothing memorable, I wont be recommending it to anyone...infact, you wont miss much if you give it a skip.
August 30, 2016
The author of this book wrote the novel that became the film Slumdog Millionaire (which I loved) so I knew I'd enjoy this. Here, plucky heroine Sapna is chosen as a millionaire's apprentice - if she passes seven tests she will become CEO of his company. She doesn't really desire power, but she can certainly use the money to help her family. As the tests continue, however, Sapna discovers they are putting both her and her family in danger - but when she is framed for murder, there is no way out except to continue to the bitter end.
This book reads almost like seven linked short stories, and (like 'Slumdog') it shows the best and worst of Indian life. There are twists in this book I did not see coming, and while personally I found the ending a little harsh - I was hoping for more of a fairytale ending - it makes a really thought provoking read.
This book reads almost like seven linked short stories, and (like 'Slumdog') it shows the best and worst of Indian life. There are twists in this book I did not see coming, and while personally I found the ending a little harsh - I was hoping for more of a fairytale ending - it makes a really thought provoking read.
January 8, 2019
Interesting premise, with plot points as convoluted as a Bollywood drama. I didn't buy the main character's martyr-like behaviour and some of the supporting characters' roles are one-dimensional and only serve to explain away convenient coincidences in the narrative. Felt like too many unlikely situations coming together and by the time the ultimate villain reveal happened in a sea of red herrings, I'd already stopped caring.
June 16, 2014
Loved it! The first chapter may seem boring but hang in there, the story keeps getting better! The last few chapters becomes very dramatic rapidly, makes you not want to sleep till you know what's happening in the story! This is one of those books where you scan the previous chapters again after reading the entire book to see the link you figured out at the end of the story.
Some may find the situations are too cliche but to cover political corruption happening in the country, that sort of a story line was needed in my opinion. Vikas Swarup, you made it to my favorite Authors list!
Some may find the situations are too cliche but to cover political corruption happening in the country, that sort of a story line was needed in my opinion. Vikas Swarup, you made it to my favorite Authors list!
June 11, 2013
I loved this book. Sapna takes you into her life and on a journey. She meets her mentor and is challenged by 7 tests, all revolving around some form of exploitation or corruption encountered by not only people in Indian but people in the wider world. We meet hero's who are fighting for the rights of the underprivileged or dis-empowered, Sapna grows in her knowledge and strength. I'd like to see this book in film!
August 17, 2015
This was a page turner and an easy read. If you liked Q&A (slumdog millionaire) you'll like this one. It was quite similar, in that each chapter reads like a story in itself, in which the main character overcomes some hurdle & advances towards the main outcome. In this case, the outcome is a dream job which Sapna will earn if she passes seven tests. There were a couple of twists at the end. Quite satisfying.
September 24, 2014
Pretty thrilling stuff and has all the ingredients "for" a thrilling bolly/hollywood blockbuster a la Slumdog millionaire (pun intended)!
Still, I have to say that there is something uniquely Indian about this book. This book highlights the age-old Indian tradition of striving for uprightness, a central theme in all religions emanating out of the sub-continent.
A great read!
Still, I have to say that there is something uniquely Indian about this book. This book highlights the age-old Indian tradition of striving for uprightness, a central theme in all religions emanating out of the sub-continent.
A great read!
July 15, 2017
The is a very quick, entertaining, fun read, written by the same fellow that wrote Q&A/Slumdog Millionaire. The arc of the story is patently unbelievable but an enjoyable read nonetheless. A perfect summer read.
February 4, 2013
Finished the book in 5 hours flat, but by the end i felt the hangover of Q&A looms large over the author...too dramatic and not close to real life as the author tries to portray....
July 26, 2014
Reminiscent of Q&A, can't wait for the film...
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