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The Game of Rochambeau
Papier might have been dead if it wasn't for his friends, Rock and Snippy. Ironically, Papier wouldn't have considered committing suicide if it wasn't for those very friends. Now, six years on, Papier finds himself at his balcony, with pills held tightly in his hand, considering suicide, yet again. Are his friends back to their old tactics again!
Papier, Rock and Snippy are out to aggressively salvage souls for three reasons. The first being that people have been dying left, right and center since they mastered the art of ignoring their inner voices. The second, because Azraella, the angel of death, is on the look-out to grab the unhappy souls at breakneck speed, in the attempt to relieve them of their misery. And the third, because a suicide attempt by Papier unfurls some buried secrets that make him doubt his decision to abort his suicidal plans. The loss of an innocent life only adds to his woes. In fact, enough to make all three, Papier, Rock and Snippy, consider giving up their tedious and thankless jobs, and take up Azraella's passionless, vet effortless one, instead. Are Papier, Rock and Snippy really cut out for this job? Are their ordeals more aggressive than their morals?
Papier, Rock and Snippy are out to aggressively salvage souls for three reasons. The first being that people have been dying left, right and center since they mastered the art of ignoring their inner voices. The second, because Azraella, the angel of death, is on the look-out to grab the unhappy souls at breakneck speed, in the attempt to relieve them of their misery. And the third, because a suicide attempt by Papier unfurls some buried secrets that make him doubt his decision to abort his suicidal plans. The loss of an innocent life only adds to his woes. In fact, enough to make all three, Papier, Rock and Snippy, consider giving up their tedious and thankless jobs, and take up Azraella's passionless, vet effortless one, instead. Are Papier, Rock and Snippy really cut out for this job? Are their ordeals more aggressive than their morals?
297 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2024
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 16, 2024
This book is a compilation of important life lessons blended with a good fictional story. It is full of positivity and reminded me slightly of The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak and Arribada by Samantha Kochharr.
The Game of Rochambeau is a book of under 300 pages and despite it covers a wide range of topics and themes like love, youth, friendship, marriage, ego, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, parenting, oneness with nature and many more.
The main characters of this book are Rock, Paper and Scissors.
The main concern of the Author as reflected through her characters is that what becomes of humans when they stop listening to their inner voices and intuitions. There is an angel death called Azraella in the book. Any person or character in the book, who stops listening to their inner voices becomes more vulnerable and opens a door their soul to Azraella. I felt like the main aim of the book is tell its readers that once we shut these voices out, we are as good as dead.
Despite it being a book on life lessons, the author has done a wonderful job of not making it seem boring. The writing style is warm, humorous and simple without being plain.
This book is definitely one of a kind, it has elements of contemporary as well as a good classic literature. Sometimes the side characters were a little difficult to keep track of because of their sudden entry and exit but the wit of main characters balanced it all.
It was a refreshing read for me and might be a good escape for you too!
The Game of Rochambeau is a book of under 300 pages and despite it covers a wide range of topics and themes like love, youth, friendship, marriage, ego, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, parenting, oneness with nature and many more.
The main characters of this book are Rock, Paper and Scissors.
The main concern of the Author as reflected through her characters is that what becomes of humans when they stop listening to their inner voices and intuitions. There is an angel death called Azraella in the book. Any person or character in the book, who stops listening to their inner voices becomes more vulnerable and opens a door their soul to Azraella. I felt like the main aim of the book is tell its readers that once we shut these voices out, we are as good as dead.
Despite it being a book on life lessons, the author has done a wonderful job of not making it seem boring. The writing style is warm, humorous and simple without being plain.
This book is definitely one of a kind, it has elements of contemporary as well as a good classic literature. Sometimes the side characters were a little difficult to keep track of because of their sudden entry and exit but the wit of main characters balanced it all.
It was a refreshing read for me and might be a good escape for you too!
May 31, 2025
A very stimulating and stirring novel that exhibits the complexities of human emotions. The tale is penned uniquely in epistolary style. The narration of tale through letters addresed to a person Mr. Razza whose identity revealed in the end a mystery alluring.
A simple game stone , paper and scissors is used a metaphor for the game of life.
Though thr first few pages move in a slow pace amid confusions the tale grips the reader
I recommend this book to readers who can give the book undivided attention and are patient
Thanks @Penmancy for the review copy
A simple game stone , paper and scissors is used a metaphor for the game of life.
Though thr first few pages move in a slow pace amid confusions the tale grips the reader
I recommend this book to readers who can give the book undivided attention and are patient
Thanks @Penmancy for the review copy
March 3, 2024
It happens very rarely that a book makes you question yourself, and the words run right through your mind so deep amid the array of characters, that you seem to hold yourself and think for a while, these are the best kind of write-ups because they peep not just into your mind, but into your soul. Let me tell you one thing before hand, she is going to give you some very important life lessons in the form of a story, or make you realise things in a nail biting manner, but above all, she has a genius knack for mixing the twist and turns so well. The book starts with a letter dedicated to Umana by Papier, whom he sarcastically questions about various random things, pointing out his aspiration towards timeless money making. And, as the whispers of the book start unfolding, with the unravelling of a whimsical magical world, you get brimmed with the questions of existence, its true meaning and essence, your inner self, viewing ourselves from other man's perspective, the author cleverly creates a space inside your mind under the ambit of the interplay of characters. The narration and editing of the book is par excellence, the author is an extremely self aware and observant person who understands how to jot down the minutest details of a reflex action, and she literally makes you feel so real with her book, that I really don't want to put spoilers for the composition that may have taken up years of research, observation, writing, and editing. The book takes you through a roller coaster ride of emotions and a strong plot formation, with impeccable character development. The brilliance unleashes itself as Papier interacts with the two kinds of messed up perspectives, and the feeling that enslaves all of us around the world. Papier ultimately questions the receiver on the worth of his life, and how he has been paying penalty for his life, and questions him on the subject of being a so-called soulmate to a mere stranger for him. While Papier demands answers from the letter receiver about ignoring him, removing him from his life and memory, and how he was left suffering, screeching, and dead internally, his grudges start taking a new height.
Papier's words leash your heart as he said "We could have made a great story together", but finally announces that he has written this letter to let the other person know, 'what he has missed on'.
By the end of the fast-paced thrilling letter of the prologue, the author cleverly reveals how this story is about human race and it's misgivings.
The story revolves around the crippled life of Papier who wishes to end his life, I love how the revelations are made with a facet of self-understanding, and that could not be done by the author without self-revelation and herself understanding the meaning of life with empathy and deep exploration into the inner self, and it's communication with the outer self. Rock and Snippy are his ultimate go to friends, who have saved him a million times, but he also writes a note telling them, that he is finally taking away his life because of them! Is it an illusion, delusion, a phrase written in rage or sheer disappointment, or a bitter truth, that you won't get to know until the very end, as you make your way into the masterpiece epilogue.
How do the greatest of friendships retain or sustain in our life? At times, we do question ourselves, if we are becoming a burden or a dependent one on someone, the same goes with Papier and his over thinking skills. I don't wall to spill more beans, as I want you to pick this book up and give it a read, as it's much better than so many self-help books, and deals with absolute reality, while being absolutely blunt in a way that all normal human beings can relate with. How would these three musketeers go ahead, or would time stop for them forever? I really want you to feel the journey and intertwining of the characters, and the lessons incorporated in it, but not in a sugar-coated manner. I would like to applaud the author on her real grounds of understanding the emotions and dilemma of human mind so thoroughly. And Nancy absolutely made fun of my imaginative skills by crafting the prologue, the plot, climax, and epilogue in such a crafty manner, and I was like, WHAT? Yeah, that's why you need to pick it up.
Papier's words leash your heart as he said "We could have made a great story together", but finally announces that he has written this letter to let the other person know, 'what he has missed on'.
By the end of the fast-paced thrilling letter of the prologue, the author cleverly reveals how this story is about human race and it's misgivings.
The story revolves around the crippled life of Papier who wishes to end his life, I love how the revelations are made with a facet of self-understanding, and that could not be done by the author without self-revelation and herself understanding the meaning of life with empathy and deep exploration into the inner self, and it's communication with the outer self. Rock and Snippy are his ultimate go to friends, who have saved him a million times, but he also writes a note telling them, that he is finally taking away his life because of them! Is it an illusion, delusion, a phrase written in rage or sheer disappointment, or a bitter truth, that you won't get to know until the very end, as you make your way into the masterpiece epilogue.
How do the greatest of friendships retain or sustain in our life? At times, we do question ourselves, if we are becoming a burden or a dependent one on someone, the same goes with Papier and his over thinking skills. I don't wall to spill more beans, as I want you to pick this book up and give it a read, as it's much better than so many self-help books, and deals with absolute reality, while being absolutely blunt in a way that all normal human beings can relate with. How would these three musketeers go ahead, or would time stop for them forever? I really want you to feel the journey and intertwining of the characters, and the lessons incorporated in it, but not in a sugar-coated manner. I would like to applaud the author on her real grounds of understanding the emotions and dilemma of human mind so thoroughly. And Nancy absolutely made fun of my imaginative skills by crafting the prologue, the plot, climax, and epilogue in such a crafty manner, and I was like, WHAT? Yeah, that's why you need to pick it up.
July 2, 2025
The author through her exceptional writing prowess succeeds in intertwining two storylines into a stimulating and emotionally stirring novel. She has demonstrated a flair for handling complex human issues with dexterity.
The novel is written in the epistolary style, using present tense in the first-person POV. The story is narrated through an open letter addressed to Mr. Razza Umana. Mr. Razza Umana’s identity is revealed on the last page of the book and the suspense is killing.
Rochambeau is sometimes used as an alternative term for the game of rock-paper-scissors. The author has used this as a metaphor for the game of life.
Papier, Rocky, and Snippy are three friends whose lives are interconnected to the members of the Rais family. The friends ensure that the couple Victor and Mira never drift towards making the wrong decision. They shadow their lives and echo their sentiments.
Papier attempts suicide twice blaming his decision on the insensitivity shown by his friends Rocky and Snippy. Both attempts are thwarted, and he lives on to narrate the story of Victor, Mira, and their three children.
The three friends try to salvage souls and ensure that they heed their inner voices. Do they succeed in making a difference in the Rais family as they ride through the troughs and crests of their lives? Do the couple reconcile their differences and live happily ever after? Who is the open letter addressed to? The answers to all of these questions form the crux of this novel.
The first few pages are slow-paced and may seem confusing but as the story progresses it becomes immersive. The author has shed light on how we tend to ignore our inner voices as we aggressively march toward attaining our goals.
The book enraptures the reader’s imagination, tugs at heartstrings, and leaves an everlasting imprint in their minds. The novel is a slow burn and is recommended for readers who can devote their uninterrupted time and undivided attention to the book.
I am sharing two short excerpts from the book that I could relate to and would stay with me as a reminder of having read the intellectually stimulating book.
“What is imperative is that your spouse’s smile doesn’t fade when you enter the room, their upper lip doesn’t twitch to one side as you begin to speak. What is imperative is that they do not look for a friend to have a drink with in the evening, and rather, find that friend in you.”
“Only when the painting is gone and the wall of ghosting the line of dust where the painting had been showcasing the emptiness left behind, hits us in the face, do we realize the value of what we had.”
The novel is written in the epistolary style, using present tense in the first-person POV. The story is narrated through an open letter addressed to Mr. Razza Umana. Mr. Razza Umana’s identity is revealed on the last page of the book and the suspense is killing.
Rochambeau is sometimes used as an alternative term for the game of rock-paper-scissors. The author has used this as a metaphor for the game of life.
Papier, Rocky, and Snippy are three friends whose lives are interconnected to the members of the Rais family. The friends ensure that the couple Victor and Mira never drift towards making the wrong decision. They shadow their lives and echo their sentiments.
Papier attempts suicide twice blaming his decision on the insensitivity shown by his friends Rocky and Snippy. Both attempts are thwarted, and he lives on to narrate the story of Victor, Mira, and their three children.
The three friends try to salvage souls and ensure that they heed their inner voices. Do they succeed in making a difference in the Rais family as they ride through the troughs and crests of their lives? Do the couple reconcile their differences and live happily ever after? Who is the open letter addressed to? The answers to all of these questions form the crux of this novel.
The first few pages are slow-paced and may seem confusing but as the story progresses it becomes immersive. The author has shed light on how we tend to ignore our inner voices as we aggressively march toward attaining our goals.
The book enraptures the reader’s imagination, tugs at heartstrings, and leaves an everlasting imprint in their minds. The novel is a slow burn and is recommended for readers who can devote their uninterrupted time and undivided attention to the book.
I am sharing two short excerpts from the book that I could relate to and would stay with me as a reminder of having read the intellectually stimulating book.
“What is imperative is that your spouse’s smile doesn’t fade when you enter the room, their upper lip doesn’t twitch to one side as you begin to speak. What is imperative is that they do not look for a friend to have a drink with in the evening, and rather, find that friend in you.”
“Only when the painting is gone and the wall of ghosting the line of dust where the painting had been showcasing the emptiness left behind, hits us in the face, do we realize the value of what we had.”
June 10, 2025
**Book:** The Game of Rochambeau
**Genre:** Fiction
**Author:** Nancy Chadha
The Game of Rochambeau may evoke memories of a childhood game we all enjoyed. This quirky story takes us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions while prompting deep self-reflection.
Narrated from the perspective of Papier, the story begins on an intriguing note. At first, you might find the plot challenging to grasp, but as you immerse yourself in the characters’ journeys, the narrative raises essential life questions.
Papier, Rock, and Snippy navigate various life stages together alongside their family members: Mira, Victor, Samar, Samara, and Robin. Together, they face distinct situations filled with laughter, tears, shared sorrows, guilt trips, and the burdens we all carry in this cocktail we call life.
I appreciate the author’s unique storytelling style, which combines humour, satire, insights, life lessons, sarcasm, and wit. The conclusion involving Mr. Umama leaves us pondering our humanity. It emphasises the importance of following our inner voice and embracing our flaws; ultimately, loving one another is what truly matters. The book reminds us of truths we often overlook as we move through different stages of life.
This book is a perfect pick for anyone who feels low or lost, seeks to mend broken relationships, or simply wants to reconnect with themselves. As a debut author, Nancy Chadha has done an excellent job. From her engaging storytelling to her thoughtful use of language, The Game of Rochambeau beautifully reflects the essence of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors freshly and uniquely.
I highly recommend this read.
**Genre:** Fiction
**Author:** Nancy Chadha
The Game of Rochambeau may evoke memories of a childhood game we all enjoyed. This quirky story takes us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions while prompting deep self-reflection.
Narrated from the perspective of Papier, the story begins on an intriguing note. At first, you might find the plot challenging to grasp, but as you immerse yourself in the characters’ journeys, the narrative raises essential life questions.
Papier, Rock, and Snippy navigate various life stages together alongside their family members: Mira, Victor, Samar, Samara, and Robin. Together, they face distinct situations filled with laughter, tears, shared sorrows, guilt trips, and the burdens we all carry in this cocktail we call life.
I appreciate the author’s unique storytelling style, which combines humour, satire, insights, life lessons, sarcasm, and wit. The conclusion involving Mr. Umama leaves us pondering our humanity. It emphasises the importance of following our inner voice and embracing our flaws; ultimately, loving one another is what truly matters. The book reminds us of truths we often overlook as we move through different stages of life.
This book is a perfect pick for anyone who feels low or lost, seeks to mend broken relationships, or simply wants to reconnect with themselves. As a debut author, Nancy Chadha has done an excellent job. From her engaging storytelling to her thoughtful use of language, The Game of Rochambeau beautifully reflects the essence of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors freshly and uniquely.
I highly recommend this read.
June 23, 2025
The Game of Rochambeau is a heartwarming and thoughtful read. On the surface it may seem like it’s written for middle graders, but it speaks to adults just as deeply. Nancy K. Chadha explores emotions like friendship, jealousy, and courage in a way that feels real and relatable.
At the centre of the story is Papier, who’s grappling with dark thoughts and deep pain. His friends, Rock and Snippy, are quirky, sharp, and sometimes exhausting, but also fiercely loyal. The irony? The same friends who once saved Papier also pushed him to the edge. That complicated, tangled bond is what makes the story so real.
Now, years later, they’re all back at it trying to help others stay alive while questioning their own purpose. As they battle loss, guilt, and the strange efficiency of the death angel, Azraella, they’re forced to ask: is it still worth fighting for hope when everything feels hopeless?
The author writes with humour, heart, and insight. The book explores friendship, grief, purpose, and the quiet ways we save each other, or push each other over the edge. The emotional honesty crosses the limits of the age lines and everyone will be felt see through the writing.
If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, loved someone who’s hurting, or wondered if you’re enough then this book will sit with you long after the last page.
It is a bold, and strangely comforting read. Told with tenderness, the book reflects both the world around us and the quiet truths we carry inside. Highly recommended for both young readers and grown-ups.
At the centre of the story is Papier, who’s grappling with dark thoughts and deep pain. His friends, Rock and Snippy, are quirky, sharp, and sometimes exhausting, but also fiercely loyal. The irony? The same friends who once saved Papier also pushed him to the edge. That complicated, tangled bond is what makes the story so real.
Now, years later, they’re all back at it trying to help others stay alive while questioning their own purpose. As they battle loss, guilt, and the strange efficiency of the death angel, Azraella, they’re forced to ask: is it still worth fighting for hope when everything feels hopeless?
The author writes with humour, heart, and insight. The book explores friendship, grief, purpose, and the quiet ways we save each other, or push each other over the edge. The emotional honesty crosses the limits of the age lines and everyone will be felt see through the writing.
If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, loved someone who’s hurting, or wondered if you’re enough then this book will sit with you long after the last page.
It is a bold, and strangely comforting read. Told with tenderness, the book reflects both the world around us and the quiet truths we carry inside. Highly recommended for both young readers and grown-ups.
July 14, 2025
The game or Rochambeau is the debut novel of Nancy Chadha. The book starts with the letter to Mr Ummana Razia and the whole book in written in present tense POV of Papier.
The first few chapters deal with suicide attempts of papier and how his friends Rock and Snippy are both a boon and a bane at the same time. As the book progresses it is intense and it revolves around a couple and their three children and how these friends play a role in it.
Initially I was confused about the identity of papier, rock and snippy and thought they might be pets or toys in the home. As I progressed through the book I understood that they stood for personified rock, paper and scissors . The writing style is a unique blend of a thriller, spiritual and dramatic.
The book is not for light reading but is some food for thought. A book that explores the inner voice of the person and what happens when you stop listening to the inner voice.
Did rock, papier and snippy remain as friends? Did the family of Victor, Mira and the three kids stay together? Was what Papier attempted a real suicide? The book gives answers to these questions and more.
This book is an exploration of something new in a new writing style.
The first few chapters deal with suicide attempts of papier and how his friends Rock and Snippy are both a boon and a bane at the same time. As the book progresses it is intense and it revolves around a couple and their three children and how these friends play a role in it.
Initially I was confused about the identity of papier, rock and snippy and thought they might be pets or toys in the home. As I progressed through the book I understood that they stood for personified rock, paper and scissors . The writing style is a unique blend of a thriller, spiritual and dramatic.
The book is not for light reading but is some food for thought. A book that explores the inner voice of the person and what happens when you stop listening to the inner voice.
Did rock, papier and snippy remain as friends? Did the family of Victor, Mira and the three kids stay together? Was what Papier attempted a real suicide? The book gives answers to these questions and more.
This book is an exploration of something new in a new writing style.
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May 31, 2025The Game of Rochambeau by Nancy Chadda is a very different and unique book. It pulls you in as you read, immersing you in the knowledge and truth of life.
The story starts as a letter that Papier is writing to explain his actions.
There are three friends, Papier, Rock, and Snippy, who are funny and carry out the work of teaching us the importance of friendship, relationships, and life. The story is beautifully woven with incidents that result in thought-provoking moments. You will fall in love with each character as they come and go, leaving behind a lesson to learn.
The author uses a blend of humour, serious conversations, and intense relationships to take us through the ups and downs of life. Pick up the book any time you feel hurt by your loved ones, unable to understand relationships and the reason behind why something happens.
You will enjoy, as you start the journey with Papier, Rock, and Snippy.
Some lines are hard-hitting truths that make us realize the value of life, relationships, friends and the overall human existence.
Highly recommended read. Go for it!
The story starts as a letter that Papier is writing to explain his actions.
There are three friends, Papier, Rock, and Snippy, who are funny and carry out the work of teaching us the importance of friendship, relationships, and life. The story is beautifully woven with incidents that result in thought-provoking moments. You will fall in love with each character as they come and go, leaving behind a lesson to learn.
The author uses a blend of humour, serious conversations, and intense relationships to take us through the ups and downs of life. Pick up the book any time you feel hurt by your loved ones, unable to understand relationships and the reason behind why something happens.
You will enjoy, as you start the journey with Papier, Rock, and Snippy.
Some lines are hard-hitting truths that make us realize the value of life, relationships, friends and the overall human existence.
Highly recommended read. Go for it!
May 31, 2025
This is a great book where the author has written a captivating and engaging story around hard-hitting emotions—hope, burnout, healing, and the weight of unspoken pain.
“Happiness is not something that can be found.
Happiness… has to be created.”
The book offers a powerful exploration of mental health and emotional exhaustion. It doesn’t shy away from showing what it truly feels like to lose hope—but it does so with grace and without overwhelming the reader.
Why should you read it?
1. Quirky characters (Papier, Rock, and Snippy) they want to help people to listen to their inner voice
2. Writing style – witty and emotionally intelligent.
3. A story that comforts and questions – it stays with you long after.
“Why can’t I be a kid again?” — A heartbreaking question that will surely get you feeling the characters' emotions .
Mira is a beautiful complex character. She reminds me of someone who is trying to keep it all together while everything is falling apart.
4. Explores burnout and healing in a way that feels both honest and hopeful.
This is a book you would want to return to again and again
“Happiness is not something that can be found.
Happiness… has to be created.”
The book offers a powerful exploration of mental health and emotional exhaustion. It doesn’t shy away from showing what it truly feels like to lose hope—but it does so with grace and without overwhelming the reader.
Why should you read it?
1. Quirky characters (Papier, Rock, and Snippy) they want to help people to listen to their inner voice
2. Writing style – witty and emotionally intelligent.
3. A story that comforts and questions – it stays with you long after.
“Why can’t I be a kid again?” — A heartbreaking question that will surely get you feeling the characters' emotions .
Mira is a beautiful complex character. She reminds me of someone who is trying to keep it all together while everything is falling apart.
4. Explores burnout and healing in a way that feels both honest and hopeful.
This is a book you would want to return to again and again
May 18, 2025
This thought-provoking story is about three quirky muses - Papier, Rock, and Snippy. Together, they are known as Rochambeau. Their job is to save lost souls by helping them listen to their inner voice.
But there’s a problem. Azraella, the angel of death, also wants these unhappy souls because she believes ending their life will end their suffering. She thinks that people who are deeply sad, or in pain would be better off if their struggle just stopped. In her view, taking them away is an act of mercy, not cruelty.
But Rochambeau (Rock, Papier, and Snippy) see it differently. They believe these souls can still heal, rediscover hope, and find meaning.
These spirits guide those who have lost their way. The story explores deep themes like friendship, hope, and the struggle to hold on to oneself in a confusing world.
It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, imagination and courage can light the way.
If you love fantasy with heart and meaning, this one’s for you.
But there’s a problem. Azraella, the angel of death, also wants these unhappy souls because she believes ending their life will end their suffering. She thinks that people who are deeply sad, or in pain would be better off if their struggle just stopped. In her view, taking them away is an act of mercy, not cruelty.
But Rochambeau (Rock, Papier, and Snippy) see it differently. They believe these souls can still heal, rediscover hope, and find meaning.
These spirits guide those who have lost their way. The story explores deep themes like friendship, hope, and the struggle to hold on to oneself in a confusing world.
It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, imagination and courage can light the way.
If you love fantasy with heart and meaning, this one’s for you.
May 31, 2025
I received a review copy of The Game of Rochambeau from the author, and honestly, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did — but it completely pulled me in.
What starts with the simple concept of rock-paper-scissors quickly evolves into a surprisingly deep dive into strategy, psychology, and the subtle ways we interact with others. The book uses the framework of a game we all know to explore much bigger ideas about human behavior, decision-making, and even manipulation (in the best sense of the word).
The tone is engaging and clever — it doesn't feel like a textbook or overly academic. It’s thought-provoking without being heavy, and I found myself thinking about the ideas long after I’d finished reading. If you like books that make you look at the world a little differently or enjoy analyzing how people think and compete, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Big thanks to the author for sharing this with me. Highly recommend to fans of pop psychology, strategy, and game theory!
What starts with the simple concept of rock-paper-scissors quickly evolves into a surprisingly deep dive into strategy, psychology, and the subtle ways we interact with others. The book uses the framework of a game we all know to explore much bigger ideas about human behavior, decision-making, and even manipulation (in the best sense of the word).
The tone is engaging and clever — it doesn't feel like a textbook or overly academic. It’s thought-provoking without being heavy, and I found myself thinking about the ideas long after I’d finished reading. If you like books that make you look at the world a little differently or enjoy analyzing how people think and compete, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Big thanks to the author for sharing this with me. Highly recommend to fans of pop psychology, strategy, and game theory!
June 1, 2025
Rock-paper-scissors is a childhood favourite game of many. Author Nancy Chadha reimagines this game in her fantasy novel, “A Game of Rochambeau”.
Rock, Papier and Snippy are a trio of sentient beings, and serve as metaphors for inner voices and guardian spirits. They are striving to guide humanity back to authenticity in this world which is getting increasingly disconnected from its emotional reality.
Set against the backdrop of a family—the Rais—Papier and his friends try to rekindle love between Mira and Victor, the parents, and try to bring solace to their children. Their success is disrupted by the sudden death of Samara, the daughter, prompting questions about the true antagonist: Azraell, the angel of death, or the broader human condition embodied by Mr. Umana—a symbolic representation of the human race.
The story explores themes of purpose, accountability, and the impact of personal choices on collective well-being through the characters’ struggles.
Author Nancy Chadha seamlessly blends fantasy elements with deep philosophical themes in this book.
Rock, Papier and Snippy are a trio of sentient beings, and serve as metaphors for inner voices and guardian spirits. They are striving to guide humanity back to authenticity in this world which is getting increasingly disconnected from its emotional reality.
Set against the backdrop of a family—the Rais—Papier and his friends try to rekindle love between Mira and Victor, the parents, and try to bring solace to their children. Their success is disrupted by the sudden death of Samara, the daughter, prompting questions about the true antagonist: Azraell, the angel of death, or the broader human condition embodied by Mr. Umana—a symbolic representation of the human race.
The story explores themes of purpose, accountability, and the impact of personal choices on collective well-being through the characters’ struggles.
Author Nancy Chadha seamlessly blends fantasy elements with deep philosophical themes in this book.
May 15, 2025
Nancy K Chadha is a Kuwait born and educated writer based in New Delhi. This is her debut fantasy novel . Rock- Paper - Scissors is a hand game between two players both with a random chance of winning .It has been a fairly unbiased method of resolving issues since 206 B.C.E. In the book, the main characters are quirky muses that are named Papier, Rock and Snippy, who go by the collective name of Rochambeau and bring the world of magic within reach. They are tasked with saving souls by helping them listen to their inner voice. Azraella, the angel of death ,seeks unhappy souls. As they go about their tasks and face ordeals even as a pandemic rages on, several home truths come tumbling out. The novel is written in an unconventional style and the story highlights the importance of achieving inner harmony.
Review copy from Penmancy
Review copy from Penmancy
June 6, 2025
What a debut, Nancy.
The game of Rochambeau is not a simple tale you go about reading just to while away time. It's thought provoking and makes the reader understand the importance of listening to one's inner voice.
Papier, Rocky and Snippy work industriously to save unhappy souls who keep on ignore their inner voices and are burdened by vagaries of life from Azraella, the angel of death who doesn't miss to engulf these people into its deadly claws.
Are you someone who has been ignoring your inner voice too ?
Do you want to connect to your inner self and not learn it from a boring self help book but a story that grasps yours attention and makes you keep reading to find out more and more?
Look no further dear reader because here's a book that fits the bill. Grab your copy now and you can thank me later.
The game of Rochambeau is not a simple tale you go about reading just to while away time. It's thought provoking and makes the reader understand the importance of listening to one's inner voice.
Papier, Rocky and Snippy work industriously to save unhappy souls who keep on ignore their inner voices and are burdened by vagaries of life from Azraella, the angel of death who doesn't miss to engulf these people into its deadly claws.
Are you someone who has been ignoring your inner voice too ?
Do you want to connect to your inner self and not learn it from a boring self help book but a story that grasps yours attention and makes you keep reading to find out more and more?
Look no further dear reader because here's a book that fits the bill. Grab your copy now and you can thank me later.
January 26, 2024
Discovering Nancy Chadha's "The Game of Rochambeau" was like stumbling upon a hidden literary gem after a drought of uninspiring reads. This book is a breath of fresh air, effortlessly combining cuteness with profound lessons. The characters feel alive, the story is a perfect blend of fun and maturity, and the witty humor sprinkled throughout adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Chadha's storytelling is nothing short of magical, making this book a must-read that reignites your love for literature. Trust me, picking up this book is not just a choice; it's an experience you'll be grateful for.
April 10, 2024
This book is a mirror to the wrongs done by mankind. It is a story of Rock, Paper and Scissors and author Nancy has very assertively crafted their roles in a comman man's life. Spoiler alert: end is heartbreaking. I did not see that coming, but then the book is all about the unpredictable phenomenon "Life".
May 24, 2025
The Game Of Rochambeau is a thought-provoking tale that delves into the complexity of humans emotions. A blend of dark humour, and intricate relationships. A compelling read that keeps you engaged till the end.
Amazing work.
Amazing work.
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