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Gulab
From the author of DOWN AND RISING, award-winning filmmaker Rohith S. Katbamna delivers his second novel, GULAB. A meditative urban noir.
In October of 2013, a man from across the world arrives on the doorstep of a struggling young family. He tells them that his name is Manu. But in the quieter circles, he is infamously known as Gulab.
Set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of the 2008 economic crisis, Gulab flees to London, England with his two trusted men, British-born Saleem and hardened Indian native Rajesh.
Seeking refuge, Saleem arranges for Gulab to stay with the family of his close childhood friend. But from the outset, it is fast-apparent that this stopover is destined to be an unconventional one, especially when the visitor opts to sleep in the family’s lock-up garage.
Faced with an unforgiving ticking clock and a relentless string of entities in pursuit, Gulab, for the next vital days, must keep his true identity a secret. Not only for self-preservation, but for the lives of the innocent family, who have opened their humble home to him.
Gulab is an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.
In October of 2013, a man from across the world arrives on the doorstep of a struggling young family. He tells them that his name is Manu. But in the quieter circles, he is infamously known as Gulab.
Set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of the 2008 economic crisis, Gulab flees to London, England with his two trusted men, British-born Saleem and hardened Indian native Rajesh.
Seeking refuge, Saleem arranges for Gulab to stay with the family of his close childhood friend. But from the outset, it is fast-apparent that this stopover is destined to be an unconventional one, especially when the visitor opts to sleep in the family’s lock-up garage.
Faced with an unforgiving ticking clock and a relentless string of entities in pursuit, Gulab, for the next vital days, must keep his true identity a secret. Not only for self-preservation, but for the lives of the innocent family, who have opened their humble home to him.
Gulab is an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.
- GenresNoir
474 pages, Hardcover
Published December 6, 2024
2 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Rohith S. Katbamna
2 books536 followersBorn in Hammersmith, England, Rohith S. Katbamna began his writing career in the film and television industry.
Following on from his work with the BBC, Channel 4 and IFC, including his acclaimed documentary, Hooking in JoBurg, Rohith’s feature debut came at the age of 28 when he wrote, produced, shot and directed the British television miniseries, PREMature. A culmination of a decade of work on the professional circuit, of which he was nominated for a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
With the success of the series, he dedicated the next three years towards honing his writing craft through his debut hybrid novel, Down and Rising. An idea originally conceived in response to social and political tensions with an emphasis on humanistic themes and psychological drama.
After developing an international readership, he commenced work on his follow-up novel, Gulab (more information here). A meditative urban noir set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of Britain’s economic crisis.
On Gulab: "It's an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.” - Rohith S. Katbamna
Following on from his work with the BBC, Channel 4 and IFC, including his acclaimed documentary, Hooking in JoBurg, Rohith’s feature debut came at the age of 28 when he wrote, produced, shot and directed the British television miniseries, PREMature. A culmination of a decade of work on the professional circuit, of which he was nominated for a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
With the success of the series, he dedicated the next three years towards honing his writing craft through his debut hybrid novel, Down and Rising. An idea originally conceived in response to social and political tensions with an emphasis on humanistic themes and psychological drama.
After developing an international readership, he commenced work on his follow-up novel, Gulab (more information here). A meditative urban noir set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of Britain’s economic crisis.
On Gulab: "It's an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.” - Rohith S. Katbamna
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 9, 2024
Fantastic Minimalist Story with Worldwide Implications
The author gave away some copies a couple months back at our community centre so was happy to give it a shot.
I was a little taken back by the crazy cover art. Not that it was bad. It was stunning but it made me wonder what I was in for.
Right from the get go you're in the backseat of a car watching and listening to the main characters interact and the tension can be cut with a knife. You still don't know what's about to happen but you know that something just isn't right.
This feeling did not end at the closing of this chapter. It was a bass line for the entire book. Unpredictable with shifts in gears and some shocking turns. But it was all contained in a minimal style with just a fantastic level of realism.
Gulab as a central character acted like a nucleus to everything around him and I think that's what made his presence so effective. How his immediate arrival may have been understated by his preferred choice but still managed to send ripples to everyone else's lives.
I'm not normally a fan of philisophical ramblings because I've been burned in the past by these types of books that often feel like a collection of the best possible sayings. Gulab on the otherhand totally subverted that and delivered some incredibly powerful scenes and conversations that felt very natural and not banging me over the head. Subtle done well.
The advertised subject matter was really a backdrop as the blurb originally mentioned. I reckon the real subject matter was about vindication and overcoming regret. That stood out to me. Hit hard at times. The character of Karan was the guy I connected with the most. Felt his pain and just lived and breathed the story through him. Some beautiful and touching moments with his son that made what was a heavy and dark book a little easier to find relief.
Never been schooled to the farming crisis in India but it wasn't a surprise to read on the western invasion on argiculture in this part of the world. I can only assume that some of this was inspired by reality. Heartbreaking moments that fired you up to see justice delivered in some way.
Loved the 'background chapters' at the end. Made you look at the entire book preceding this in a whole other way while keeping things familiar. It felt like a time machine moment and I kind of wanted this part to be longer only cause it was that good. An entire section set in India with new flavours to the book.
We'll be keeping the book at the community centre for others to read.
The author gave away some copies a couple months back at our community centre so was happy to give it a shot.
I was a little taken back by the crazy cover art. Not that it was bad. It was stunning but it made me wonder what I was in for.
Right from the get go you're in the backseat of a car watching and listening to the main characters interact and the tension can be cut with a knife. You still don't know what's about to happen but you know that something just isn't right.
This feeling did not end at the closing of this chapter. It was a bass line for the entire book. Unpredictable with shifts in gears and some shocking turns. But it was all contained in a minimal style with just a fantastic level of realism.
Gulab as a central character acted like a nucleus to everything around him and I think that's what made his presence so effective. How his immediate arrival may have been understated by his preferred choice but still managed to send ripples to everyone else's lives.
I'm not normally a fan of philisophical ramblings because I've been burned in the past by these types of books that often feel like a collection of the best possible sayings. Gulab on the otherhand totally subverted that and delivered some incredibly powerful scenes and conversations that felt very natural and not banging me over the head. Subtle done well.
The advertised subject matter was really a backdrop as the blurb originally mentioned. I reckon the real subject matter was about vindication and overcoming regret. That stood out to me. Hit hard at times. The character of Karan was the guy I connected with the most. Felt his pain and just lived and breathed the story through him. Some beautiful and touching moments with his son that made what was a heavy and dark book a little easier to find relief.
Never been schooled to the farming crisis in India but it wasn't a surprise to read on the western invasion on argiculture in this part of the world. I can only assume that some of this was inspired by reality. Heartbreaking moments that fired you up to see justice delivered in some way.
Loved the 'background chapters' at the end. Made you look at the entire book preceding this in a whole other way while keeping things familiar. It felt like a time machine moment and I kind of wanted this part to be longer only cause it was that good. An entire section set in India with new flavours to the book.
We'll be keeping the book at the community centre for others to read.
December 24, 2024
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR 'GULAB'
RACISM
PROFANITY
PTSD
VIOLENCE
ABUSE
SEX
... some more
Was forced to take a break 300 pages in due to work commitments but the wait was worth it. Just a super engaging chronicle of a just as interesting man. Parts of Gulab (book) felt like biographical portions of a person that actually exists and more than likely he does. Maybe not Gulab (character) in every way but certainly many elements and that helped to really tack myself onto his journey.
At this point my review is in 'vomit mode' and pretty disorganised but what the hey!
Every character was purposeful and fleshed out/developed in service of the story and the experience. The story itself was elevated by its tension and twists alongside the poetic prose. The backdrop of the 2008 'Depression' and the (to my ignorance, the little known) farmer's struggles. This played like a contrast at first but obviously when you met the family who Gulab was staying with it was in many ways connected. A detonation in one part of the world sending shockwaves to another part of the world essentially.
Though I loved Gulab as a character I really latched onto Neha and Red. They weren't annoying or detering. They were as human as human gets and it was just great to read female characters written really well. How they were folded into the story made so much sense and the impact of their feminity on Gulab humanised who on the outside seemed relatively cold at first.
It's a book that I'm going to re-read in the new year as it was a breeze to get through aside from the interruptions in life. Read the bit on the copyright page about an audiobook coming so I'm curious and excited to have a listen.
All in all just a super experience. 5 stars all the way!
RACISM
PROFANITY
PTSD
VIOLENCE
ABUSE
SEX
... some more
Was forced to take a break 300 pages in due to work commitments but the wait was worth it. Just a super engaging chronicle of a just as interesting man. Parts of Gulab (book) felt like biographical portions of a person that actually exists and more than likely he does. Maybe not Gulab (character) in every way but certainly many elements and that helped to really tack myself onto his journey.
At this point my review is in 'vomit mode' and pretty disorganised but what the hey!
Every character was purposeful and fleshed out/developed in service of the story and the experience. The story itself was elevated by its tension and twists alongside the poetic prose. The backdrop of the 2008 'Depression' and the (to my ignorance, the little known) farmer's struggles. This played like a contrast at first but obviously when you met the family who Gulab was staying with it was in many ways connected. A detonation in one part of the world sending shockwaves to another part of the world essentially.
Though I loved Gulab as a character I really latched onto Neha and Red. They weren't annoying or detering. They were as human as human gets and it was just great to read female characters written really well. How they were folded into the story made so much sense and the impact of their feminity on Gulab humanised who on the outside seemed relatively cold at first.
It's a book that I'm going to re-read in the new year as it was a breeze to get through aside from the interruptions in life. Read the bit on the copyright page about an audiobook coming so I'm curious and excited to have a listen.
All in all just a super experience. 5 stars all the way!
December 19, 2024
A gut punch. Maybe several.
Gulab punched above its weight and did so with confidence and skill. From the characters to the subject matter(s), right to the unpredictable and often disarming narrative. It is an accomplished piece of literature.
As a standalone main character, Gulab's ambience was ever present even when he wasn't. The figures around him from his comrades to the strangers and the other vulgar people, showed how much of an effective force he was/is in their lives. By the closing of the main story, I was so torn between disappointment and appreciation but ultimately understood why things happened the way they did. This made the supplementary story or the prequel-ish section of the book just a delight to dive right into and explore the lore and come to a larger and sobering understanding of the subtext. Gut punch after gut punch. Heavy and emotional.
A nod to the poetic prose and visually engaging writing that had a surprising emphasis on colour and nature.
Can't recommend enough.
Gulab punched above its weight and did so with confidence and skill. From the characters to the subject matter(s), right to the unpredictable and often disarming narrative. It is an accomplished piece of literature.
As a standalone main character, Gulab's ambience was ever present even when he wasn't. The figures around him from his comrades to the strangers and the other vulgar people, showed how much of an effective force he was/is in their lives. By the closing of the main story, I was so torn between disappointment and appreciation but ultimately understood why things happened the way they did. This made the supplementary story or the prequel-ish section of the book just a delight to dive right into and explore the lore and come to a larger and sobering understanding of the subtext. Gut punch after gut punch. Heavy and emotional.
A nod to the poetic prose and visually engaging writing that had a surprising emphasis on colour and nature.
Can't recommend enough.
January 18, 2025
Gulab is an ambitious, yet slightly flawed but overall existential experience.
We follow some of the most pivotal days of the title character - Gulab as he meditates in what is essentially a necessary 'pause' in his life. During this pause we see a man who is in the process of change. But it isn't a change that is particularly being attached to him from the outside. It is a change that has been lying dormant inside of him and suddenly being given the light of day.
It can be complex to describe what the book is centrally about but that is the actual beauty of this book. It is interpretable in the sense that there is a pin site for the story a la stranger comes to town and affects change. This alongside the background of an inflation crisis and the monopolisation of the farming industry play much more than just set decoration. They are integral to the full-throated impact on the characters and the world in Gulab.
For me, the story more than meets the expectation that it really is about regret and redemption, and on a larger platform it's about securing or at least, the dedicated pursuit of some form of justice in an unjust world. The themes are the story and they are explored beautifully.
My only criticism is that the violence (though infrequent) was incredibly brutal. But that is very much a personal taste. I understand that such violence detail can be necessary but it just made me feel a little vomitus at a couple of points. Again, a personal taste so that is why I retain the 5 stars.
Gulab is gripping from start to finish. The perfect kind of slow-burn that builds to a fever pitch that you really do not expect and if that doesn't satisfy one enough, there is an equally compelling supplement set in three chapters that continues to add richness to the characters, motives and more depth to why Gulab is where he is in the main story. These easter eggs are appreciated!
We follow some of the most pivotal days of the title character - Gulab as he meditates in what is essentially a necessary 'pause' in his life. During this pause we see a man who is in the process of change. But it isn't a change that is particularly being attached to him from the outside. It is a change that has been lying dormant inside of him and suddenly being given the light of day.
It can be complex to describe what the book is centrally about but that is the actual beauty of this book. It is interpretable in the sense that there is a pin site for the story a la stranger comes to town and affects change. This alongside the background of an inflation crisis and the monopolisation of the farming industry play much more than just set decoration. They are integral to the full-throated impact on the characters and the world in Gulab.
For me, the story more than meets the expectation that it really is about regret and redemption, and on a larger platform it's about securing or at least, the dedicated pursuit of some form of justice in an unjust world. The themes are the story and they are explored beautifully.
My only criticism is that the violence (though infrequent) was incredibly brutal. But that is very much a personal taste. I understand that such violence detail can be necessary but it just made me feel a little vomitus at a couple of points. Again, a personal taste so that is why I retain the 5 stars.
Gulab is gripping from start to finish. The perfect kind of slow-burn that builds to a fever pitch that you really do not expect and if that doesn't satisfy one enough, there is an equally compelling supplement set in three chapters that continues to add richness to the characters, motives and more depth to why Gulab is where he is in the main story. These easter eggs are appreciated!
January 21, 2025
Just as was the case with Katbamna's debut novel, Gulab is imbued with full-throttle realism and consistent tension.
The details are in the subtleties found mostly in the character work. Certain expressions and tonal responses are carefully crafted to question the reader's thinking on motive etc. I loved this aspect.
As for the story, Gulab tells a tale in the sense that this has all happened in our reality. A strange visitor/migrant fleeing his homeland who seeks refuge from the pursuit of certain forces. But there is more as this is just the tip of the iceberg. Without giving too much away, Gulab's background is much more deeper and influential that just an 'average joe' making his way across the world. He comes from a world of high-stakes risk and consequential power-brokers. What we get in the initial stages of the book is Gulab entering the working class sphere of a struggling family in the aftermath of an irrecoverable financial crisis. It isn't so much an action-led piece but more leaning towards character drama with a heavy focus on mental health. Each character is tussling with their own psychological and emotional toils with the theme of 'breathing' or the need to 'exhale' throughout. Again, this is very subtle but if one catches onto this - it really does allow you see things in a whole other light.
With respect to the work, I will not go into any further details of the story. Investment in the characters is key and with that investment you can sink deeper into the plot that only thickens to eventually step up greatly within the final few chapters that are set back in India.
I cannot recommend Gulab enough. If you have the time, the book is a breeze to read but the difficulty comes in surviving long bouts of the tension. That's more of a personal thing. I took breaks as I did with Down and Rising but it was well worth it. Superb work!
The details are in the subtleties found mostly in the character work. Certain expressions and tonal responses are carefully crafted to question the reader's thinking on motive etc. I loved this aspect.
As for the story, Gulab tells a tale in the sense that this has all happened in our reality. A strange visitor/migrant fleeing his homeland who seeks refuge from the pursuit of certain forces. But there is more as this is just the tip of the iceberg. Without giving too much away, Gulab's background is much more deeper and influential that just an 'average joe' making his way across the world. He comes from a world of high-stakes risk and consequential power-brokers. What we get in the initial stages of the book is Gulab entering the working class sphere of a struggling family in the aftermath of an irrecoverable financial crisis. It isn't so much an action-led piece but more leaning towards character drama with a heavy focus on mental health. Each character is tussling with their own psychological and emotional toils with the theme of 'breathing' or the need to 'exhale' throughout. Again, this is very subtle but if one catches onto this - it really does allow you see things in a whole other light.
With respect to the work, I will not go into any further details of the story. Investment in the characters is key and with that investment you can sink deeper into the plot that only thickens to eventually step up greatly within the final few chapters that are set back in India.
I cannot recommend Gulab enough. If you have the time, the book is a breeze to read but the difficulty comes in surviving long bouts of the tension. That's more of a personal thing. I took breaks as I did with Down and Rising but it was well worth it. Superb work!
December 21, 2024
Went in thinking it was about one thing and slowly realised it was about much more. Solid page turner with gripping characters and an underlying tension where the water was quietly simmering throughout.
Balin was adorable and his mother was like a lioness protecting her cub but even she showed cracks of vulnerability. A woman written well and with plenty of life.
I wasn't familiar with much of the subject matter pertaining to agriculture and business practices. It was probably a good thing that this wasn't the entire breadth of the story but rather a backdrop and it suited it perfectly. It provided an impetus for the regret and pain and of course the guilt of characters.
I'm tempted to write some spoilers but I can't. The twists are shocking and painful but there is a tying up of things that is more suited to reality than fantasy. That is what made this hit pretty hard.
The visual writing especially in the India section was vivid and contiued to capture my attention and keep me engaged. It was just as much a character as the characters themselves.
Just a gripping book with important messages.
Balin was adorable and his mother was like a lioness protecting her cub but even she showed cracks of vulnerability. A woman written well and with plenty of life.
I wasn't familiar with much of the subject matter pertaining to agriculture and business practices. It was probably a good thing that this wasn't the entire breadth of the story but rather a backdrop and it suited it perfectly. It provided an impetus for the regret and pain and of course the guilt of characters.
I'm tempted to write some spoilers but I can't. The twists are shocking and painful but there is a tying up of things that is more suited to reality than fantasy. That is what made this hit pretty hard.
The visual writing especially in the India section was vivid and contiued to capture my attention and keep me engaged. It was just as much a character as the characters themselves.
Just a gripping book with important messages.
February 3, 2025
I read Gulab once on kindle and a second time on paperback. Two different experiences because of the formats and obviously the fact that I was going into the story the second time with the knowledge of what was going to unfold. However, it was amazing how much I'd missed the first time around.
My initial reading kept me on edge and my mind racing over what might happen. More often than not I was subverted by the turns in the story as the unpredictable nature grew deeper. I think this also hindered my own processing of the plot at times because I was trying to out think the story - I shouldn't do this!
With that said I started to shake off this kind of neurosis towards the second half of the book and really enjoy the experience. I was firmly in the saddle of every character including Davey. A strangely sympathetic (at first) but deeply troubled character (no spoilers), who reveals himself to be more of an effective force in the book. The light touches of his relationship with his grandmother did not go amiss especially the short and quiet moments they were alone together. Although these 2 characters were not featured so heavily, they were without a doubt 2 characters that in their absence - I truly wondered about.
With Gulab I felt that I was following a hypnotic journey of someone who was in the throes of a kind of limbo. Considering what happens - this feeling was completely warranted. The way his character was written and motivations behind his actions in the past and present were justified. I've never met someone like him before in the sense of what he's done but I could really emphasise with his emotions and the tragic heartache.
The family unit of Karan, Neha and the adorable Balin were breathing off of the page. I know this family. They are local to me. I grew up around them. That is what I felt reading these people. The dysfunction brought about by outside forces and the vicious impact put upon them by it. Their resilience throughout was admirable and the dynamics between them were as real as real gets.
Female voices - each female voice for example, Neha, was written with an authenticity that felt human and outreaching. I normally find that female characters are written today with Mary-Sue qualities or just plain unlikeable traits that we're suppose to fall in love with or root for. Maybe it's part of the general growth of writers forcing or telling the reader or viewer (shows and films) that we have to like this character in an algorithmic way. Here we have female characters like Neha and Red who are human with the faults between. They are wholly likeable and resonating because we get to know them in the quieter moments just as much as the sociable and actionable times. They're written with the confidence that they're characters can stand alone. To add - they have beautiful maternal qualities and strong mindedness with a gentleness about them.
Gulab is a fabulous book with strong messages and even with a second read I caught so much of what I missed (to my own fault) the first time around. It made the experience much more than I thought it would be.
Would give it a 6th star if I could.
My initial reading kept me on edge and my mind racing over what might happen. More often than not I was subverted by the turns in the story as the unpredictable nature grew deeper. I think this also hindered my own processing of the plot at times because I was trying to out think the story - I shouldn't do this!
With that said I started to shake off this kind of neurosis towards the second half of the book and really enjoy the experience. I was firmly in the saddle of every character including Davey. A strangely sympathetic (at first) but deeply troubled character (no spoilers), who reveals himself to be more of an effective force in the book. The light touches of his relationship with his grandmother did not go amiss especially the short and quiet moments they were alone together. Although these 2 characters were not featured so heavily, they were without a doubt 2 characters that in their absence - I truly wondered about.
With Gulab I felt that I was following a hypnotic journey of someone who was in the throes of a kind of limbo. Considering what happens - this feeling was completely warranted. The way his character was written and motivations behind his actions in the past and present were justified. I've never met someone like him before in the sense of what he's done but I could really emphasise with his emotions and the tragic heartache.
The family unit of Karan, Neha and the adorable Balin were breathing off of the page. I know this family. They are local to me. I grew up around them. That is what I felt reading these people. The dysfunction brought about by outside forces and the vicious impact put upon them by it. Their resilience throughout was admirable and the dynamics between them were as real as real gets.
Female voices - each female voice for example, Neha, was written with an authenticity that felt human and outreaching. I normally find that female characters are written today with Mary-Sue qualities or just plain unlikeable traits that we're suppose to fall in love with or root for. Maybe it's part of the general growth of writers forcing or telling the reader or viewer (shows and films) that we have to like this character in an algorithmic way. Here we have female characters like Neha and Red who are human with the faults between. They are wholly likeable and resonating because we get to know them in the quieter moments just as much as the sociable and actionable times. They're written with the confidence that they're characters can stand alone. To add - they have beautiful maternal qualities and strong mindedness with a gentleness about them.
Gulab is a fabulous book with strong messages and even with a second read I caught so much of what I missed (to my own fault) the first time around. It made the experience much more than I thought it would be.
Would give it a 6th star if I could.
May 15, 2025
When it happens... it bloody well happens!
What can I say? As I read Gulab and I read and I read and I read, I wondered if it was me that wasn't seeing anything of particular note that would steer the story into a more pacey phase. How wrong I was.
Gulab settles you into an easy or so rhythm where you meet a small set of characters and follow their conversations and interactions sharply detailed. You know something is off by what you've read of the blurb and the general tone of the prose. It's disconcerting but not obvious. But when the story hits its first 'casualty', a ripple effect of increased interest and stakes begin to take shape and you realise that this was already being set up in the initial first chapters. I thought that was incredible. The sudden ripples became several incidents and events that crossed and intersected brilliantly and I phrase it this way so as not to spoil anything. The way it all unfolds and reveals itself is worth the time and the patience.
High marks go to how well Neha was written. I love a strongly written female character that isn't agenda-driven and Neha was perfect. I felt so much empathy for her and her own troubles that I felt a little suffocated just walking in her shoes. This applied to a few of the other male characters too. But Neha was distinct in this capacity. In a male-dominated story, she stood out like a beacon. Her own personal history and the common thread throughout Gulab of 'longing'. Delicately written with all of the subtleties to match.
Strong praise goes to the main man - Gulab. A seriously complicated and complex person where his character is truly defined by those around him. I thought that was a great approach in what I can only describe as a character study. Environmental language that describes who Gulab is.
The ending seems to be a style of the author. I'm not sure I get it completely but I want to know. I have ideas about what it could be and why but perhaps this can be cleared up with a question to the author himself.
Great book. Great messages. Great read!
What can I say? As I read Gulab and I read and I read and I read, I wondered if it was me that wasn't seeing anything of particular note that would steer the story into a more pacey phase. How wrong I was.
Gulab settles you into an easy or so rhythm where you meet a small set of characters and follow their conversations and interactions sharply detailed. You know something is off by what you've read of the blurb and the general tone of the prose. It's disconcerting but not obvious. But when the story hits its first 'casualty', a ripple effect of increased interest and stakes begin to take shape and you realise that this was already being set up in the initial first chapters. I thought that was incredible. The sudden ripples became several incidents and events that crossed and intersected brilliantly and I phrase it this way so as not to spoil anything. The way it all unfolds and reveals itself is worth the time and the patience.
High marks go to how well Neha was written. I love a strongly written female character that isn't agenda-driven and Neha was perfect. I felt so much empathy for her and her own troubles that I felt a little suffocated just walking in her shoes. This applied to a few of the other male characters too. But Neha was distinct in this capacity. In a male-dominated story, she stood out like a beacon. Her own personal history and the common thread throughout Gulab of 'longing'. Delicately written with all of the subtleties to match.
Strong praise goes to the main man - Gulab. A seriously complicated and complex person where his character is truly defined by those around him. I thought that was a great approach in what I can only describe as a character study. Environmental language that describes who Gulab is.
The ending seems to be a style of the author. I'm not sure I get it completely but I want to know. I have ideas about what it could be and why but perhaps this can be cleared up with a question to the author himself.
Great book. Great messages. Great read!
September 24, 2025
A brilliant examination of salvation through the eyes of a complicated man. Gulab earned my time and attention with the careful molding of every character from start to finish. As someone familiar with council housing and the installation of 'luxury apartments' I felt the connection on a social-economic level right away. This was my open door to the book. The description of how Gulab and his men first enter the location where the story mostly takes place was visual and real. It took me back a few years from my time in London. I saw how my parents were affected by the 2008 crash and the heavy anxiety that was plaguing our lives. That uncertainty was no joke. This feature of the book really set the general tone for the rest of the story.
I actually stopped reading Gulab after the first 3 chapters because I felt that things were a little too slow or maybe uncomfortable for me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. But after a break and coming back to it, things were pretty clear why the pace was as it was. Pre-meditated to lull you into this false sense of calm but simultaneously offering that uncertainty that I mentioned. I'm glad that I picked the book back up because things got even more interesting with the plot quietly thickening.
An appreciation goes towards the quick-release of action and violence like letting the steam out of a kettle so the boil can continue. I noticed this in other books that I've read and have come to really enjoy that. Gulab is wonderful in doing this.
So much of the experience relies on you going into it blind as there is a vagueness like a mist through the book that only begins to clear later on making all of the set up before it much more valuable.
Gulab is easily a socially and politically charged piece of literature but for me it's more of a psychological deep-dive of self-imposed handcuffs. A brilliant read and one of the best of recent memory.
I actually stopped reading Gulab after the first 3 chapters because I felt that things were a little too slow or maybe uncomfortable for me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. But after a break and coming back to it, things were pretty clear why the pace was as it was. Pre-meditated to lull you into this false sense of calm but simultaneously offering that uncertainty that I mentioned. I'm glad that I picked the book back up because things got even more interesting with the plot quietly thickening.
An appreciation goes towards the quick-release of action and violence like letting the steam out of a kettle so the boil can continue. I noticed this in other books that I've read and have come to really enjoy that. Gulab is wonderful in doing this.
So much of the experience relies on you going into it blind as there is a vagueness like a mist through the book that only begins to clear later on making all of the set up before it much more valuable.
Gulab is easily a socially and politically charged piece of literature but for me it's more of a psychological deep-dive of self-imposed handcuffs. A brilliant read and one of the best of recent memory.
December 31, 2024
"What is hell?... Holding your breath forever."
There was something distinct about this book and it started with the prologue. Yes, the cover is striking and exquisite but the prologue had me curious and hooked. Passages of what might constitute as failure in life and a code to live by so one doesn't fall into the general fold of society. It was all beginning to ring true.
Set over a few days, Gulab drew me into a world of characters and a thickening plot that was enveloping and riveting. Once more was the latent hostility throughout the read that eventually manifested in ways unforseen.
This book is probably not for everyone but it is certainly a book that people can take something from. As another reviewer mentioned - this is a minimalist story with global ramifications and I think that this is the hooking point. We live our day to day lives like the family of Neha in this book and fluently drawn ourselves into this world even when a stranger like Gulab arrives on their doorstep. This is our entry point into the high stakes world of Gulab through the family's interaction with the 'guest'.
Some highlights for me were the sequences with Red. Passages written like dreams with surreal but palpable descriptions. I should mention the sweet moments between father (Karan) and son (Balin) matched beside the loyalty between Gulab and Saleem. The subtlty displayed between Neha and the old woman whom she cares for. Rajesh's wit and sometimes vulgar humour and of course the final sequence and the 'Old Country' chapters. A book of moments interspersed with meaningful messages.
One of the most enthralling books that I've read and glad to have squeezed this read in before the end of 2024.
There was something distinct about this book and it started with the prologue. Yes, the cover is striking and exquisite but the prologue had me curious and hooked. Passages of what might constitute as failure in life and a code to live by so one doesn't fall into the general fold of society. It was all beginning to ring true.
Set over a few days, Gulab drew me into a world of characters and a thickening plot that was enveloping and riveting. Once more was the latent hostility throughout the read that eventually manifested in ways unforseen.
This book is probably not for everyone but it is certainly a book that people can take something from. As another reviewer mentioned - this is a minimalist story with global ramifications and I think that this is the hooking point. We live our day to day lives like the family of Neha in this book and fluently drawn ourselves into this world even when a stranger like Gulab arrives on their doorstep. This is our entry point into the high stakes world of Gulab through the family's interaction with the 'guest'.
Some highlights for me were the sequences with Red. Passages written like dreams with surreal but palpable descriptions. I should mention the sweet moments between father (Karan) and son (Balin) matched beside the loyalty between Gulab and Saleem. The subtlty displayed between Neha and the old woman whom she cares for. Rajesh's wit and sometimes vulgar humour and of course the final sequence and the 'Old Country' chapters. A book of moments interspersed with meaningful messages.
One of the most enthralling books that I've read and glad to have squeezed this read in before the end of 2024.
January 31, 2025
It is evidently clear from the get-go that this book is both a huge progression in the art of prose for Rohith Katbamna and that the themes that GULAB will explore are reserved for the patient thinker.
With the prologue speaking from the perspective of our main character Gulab, there is a vague and engaging sentiment on what life and failure might be composed of, right along side with an ambition from the author to take the reader on a deep dive character study.
What is most appreciated is that we are not centrally focused on just Gulab but the lives he affects and on a larger scale, the sects of people and industry whom and what he has been in the midst of. There is a larger play at work and the book carefully brings all of this together in meticulous and rhythmic pace.
The political observations seem to be a trademark theme considering its huge contribution in Rohith's debut novel DOWN AND RISING. Right up there with it are the hymns of violence that occur infrequent, brief and brutally realistic. You are constantly connected to a world that is tangible and filled with the anxiety one lives with and among in our own metropolises.
This leads me to mention the social aspects that are handled with subtleness and respect. Relationships between characters that spend the bulk in the gray and naturalistic areas. Perhaps another trademark of the author in keeping everything as honest as possible in an ever-growing 'faux-world' where perception is not necessarily reality but more of a 'show' or a 'put-on'. GULAB is the anti-thesis to this where we are surrounded by characters who break this mold. Truly refreshing.
I'm glad to have this book and it was time well-spent! A different read to DOWN AND RISING and dare I say a supremely improved command of words.
With the prologue speaking from the perspective of our main character Gulab, there is a vague and engaging sentiment on what life and failure might be composed of, right along side with an ambition from the author to take the reader on a deep dive character study.
What is most appreciated is that we are not centrally focused on just Gulab but the lives he affects and on a larger scale, the sects of people and industry whom and what he has been in the midst of. There is a larger play at work and the book carefully brings all of this together in meticulous and rhythmic pace.
The political observations seem to be a trademark theme considering its huge contribution in Rohith's debut novel DOWN AND RISING. Right up there with it are the hymns of violence that occur infrequent, brief and brutally realistic. You are constantly connected to a world that is tangible and filled with the anxiety one lives with and among in our own metropolises.
This leads me to mention the social aspects that are handled with subtleness and respect. Relationships between characters that spend the bulk in the gray and naturalistic areas. Perhaps another trademark of the author in keeping everything as honest as possible in an ever-growing 'faux-world' where perception is not necessarily reality but more of a 'show' or a 'put-on'. GULAB is the anti-thesis to this where we are surrounded by characters who break this mold. Truly refreshing.
I'm glad to have this book and it was time well-spent! A different read to DOWN AND RISING and dare I say a supremely improved command of words.
April 22, 2025
For some reason, Amazon wouldn't let me review this so I've created a Goodreads account just to praise this book.
Gulab is a deep and profound read. No ifs. No buts. Can't recommend it enough for the polished characterisation and narrative structure. Every little nook and cranny seems to have life throughout this almost 500 pager. You feel like a silent passenger or even a ghost who gets to watch these characters in their most private moments and conversations with joy and discomfort.
The main figure in this urban noir is obviously Gulab. He's a man like no other in the vein that most likely, neither of us have ever met in person. It's possible that we've seen these people through history but not with such a personal touch that we get witness this controversial figure unravel to really see what's inside. Flawed, layered but never too far from some kind of redemption.
The supporting cast are just as endearing and if not that, highly engaging. Conversational dialogues that gently push a story that you really don't know where it's going, into areas that shock and reveal. It feels as if the writer has written the book like a TV viewer with a remote control in their hand. As soon as the obvious is flagged, it's time to backtrack and re-write a new turn in the road that makes sense while surprising and sustaining enough interest to put the control down. That's my theory anyway.
The themes are time-relevant and frightening. It will re-emphasise and echo back the sentiments many feel about our society and humanity as a whole. But there is a wonderful throughline voice of rebellion and protest that encourages change and I picked this up early on.
I'm tempted to pick up a copy of Down and Rising.
Gulab is a deep and profound read. No ifs. No buts. Can't recommend it enough for the polished characterisation and narrative structure. Every little nook and cranny seems to have life throughout this almost 500 pager. You feel like a silent passenger or even a ghost who gets to watch these characters in their most private moments and conversations with joy and discomfort.
The main figure in this urban noir is obviously Gulab. He's a man like no other in the vein that most likely, neither of us have ever met in person. It's possible that we've seen these people through history but not with such a personal touch that we get witness this controversial figure unravel to really see what's inside. Flawed, layered but never too far from some kind of redemption.
The supporting cast are just as endearing and if not that, highly engaging. Conversational dialogues that gently push a story that you really don't know where it's going, into areas that shock and reveal. It feels as if the writer has written the book like a TV viewer with a remote control in their hand. As soon as the obvious is flagged, it's time to backtrack and re-write a new turn in the road that makes sense while surprising and sustaining enough interest to put the control down. That's my theory anyway.
The themes are time-relevant and frightening. It will re-emphasise and echo back the sentiments many feel about our society and humanity as a whole. But there is a wonderful throughline voice of rebellion and protest that encourages change and I picked this up early on.
I'm tempted to pick up a copy of Down and Rising.
December 10, 2024
Having read Katbamna's first book, this follow up was a joy in the context that the writing was so much more polished yet keeping the rawness from his debut. The prose was just as strong if not stronger and the command of rhythm and pace was still intact.
Smaller in scope in reference to the amount of character histories featured, Gulab was streamlined with enough building and narrative arcs to justify a story that contained complexities and sub-plots.
The harkening back of map usage was a nice little touch. I must say that this concept of geography really adds a deeper sense of location and realism.
Speaking on Gulab and the story itself, it is accurate in that it is a noir that exercises in slow burning with an intent to subvert and surprise. The characters are fully formed and very real. Neha's plight is heart wrenching and the internal struggles with many of these characters are as real as real gets. Considering that this is set over 10 years ago, not much has really changed in the our ether aside from the developments of those adverse changes i.e. gentrification and monopolisations of entire industries.
What spoke to me the most was the idea of being able to change or at least reach down inside oneself to pull out the good-child regardless of the misdeeds you may have committed throughout your life. This was redemption through and through. Gulab - what a figure.
I'm trying not to spoil the read but the revelations are intense and I'm looking forward to the audible version of this.
Smaller in scope in reference to the amount of character histories featured, Gulab was streamlined with enough building and narrative arcs to justify a story that contained complexities and sub-plots.
The harkening back of map usage was a nice little touch. I must say that this concept of geography really adds a deeper sense of location and realism.
Speaking on Gulab and the story itself, it is accurate in that it is a noir that exercises in slow burning with an intent to subvert and surprise. The characters are fully formed and very real. Neha's plight is heart wrenching and the internal struggles with many of these characters are as real as real gets. Considering that this is set over 10 years ago, not much has really changed in the our ether aside from the developments of those adverse changes i.e. gentrification and monopolisations of entire industries.
What spoke to me the most was the idea of being able to change or at least reach down inside oneself to pull out the good-child regardless of the misdeeds you may have committed throughout your life. This was redemption through and through. Gulab - what a figure.
I'm trying not to spoil the read but the revelations are intense and I'm looking forward to the audible version of this.
December 22, 2024
Unforgettable Character
With a cover like this, I would speak easy in expressing how enduring the character of Gulab will be. For me at least.
This was a fish out of water story but with a hard edge that found its smoother moments through contemplative dialogues and musings over life and the actions in that life (past, present and future). But I found more than just this. I experienced several lives in their deepest breaths within the shortest spaces of time. A handful of days.
Thrust into the daily struggles of a working class family, the mother and father of a young and curious boy steered the ship of life while fighting in their own ways to keep it all steady. Storm after storm I saw a quiet resilience even if the surface spoke in contrast, to persevere and survive.
Meanwhile from the other side of the world was a strange visitor arriving on their doorstep seeking a place to keep his head low. A man under an alias with a demeanour that felt alien on the outside but deeply human on the inside.
This clashing of two worlds became kismet. The good, the bad, the ugly and the uglier. All for the sake of tearing away masks and shedding skin, bare to each other and to themselves. For what? To simply exhale.
With a social, political and economic backdrop like that of a financial crisis and the predatory takeover of agri-business, the focus really came down to what it means to be human and retain a moral code.
Style and substance. This was a fulfilling read of the highest order.
With a cover like this, I would speak easy in expressing how enduring the character of Gulab will be. For me at least.
This was a fish out of water story but with a hard edge that found its smoother moments through contemplative dialogues and musings over life and the actions in that life (past, present and future). But I found more than just this. I experienced several lives in their deepest breaths within the shortest spaces of time. A handful of days.
Thrust into the daily struggles of a working class family, the mother and father of a young and curious boy steered the ship of life while fighting in their own ways to keep it all steady. Storm after storm I saw a quiet resilience even if the surface spoke in contrast, to persevere and survive.
Meanwhile from the other side of the world was a strange visitor arriving on their doorstep seeking a place to keep his head low. A man under an alias with a demeanour that felt alien on the outside but deeply human on the inside.
This clashing of two worlds became kismet. The good, the bad, the ugly and the uglier. All for the sake of tearing away masks and shedding skin, bare to each other and to themselves. For what? To simply exhale.
With a social, political and economic backdrop like that of a financial crisis and the predatory takeover of agri-business, the focus really came down to what it means to be human and retain a moral code.
Style and substance. This was a fulfilling read of the highest order.
July 7, 2025
Favourite read of the last few years. Katbamna's poetic prose lifted up what I thought was going to be a familiar tale. Of course to my pleasings it was an armour-piercing story that hit at multiple nerves. The best part of this experience was not really knowing where 'Gulab' was going to take me. Diversions and subversions were a huge part of the recipe here and done with conviction and suave at a pace that felt effortless. Themes may have been in abundance but never flooding. Tight, smooth and confident.
Many characters stood out for me but alongside Gulab himself, I adored Red. An apparition like presence who appeared in a few brief moments and then finally this delicately put together sequence of Red and Gulab where we hear her speak and the both interact with words and actions for the first real time. The description of this entire scene alone was just as powerful as the rest of the book put together. It was a chapter i re-read a few times and made it all more heartbreaking while gaining a deeper understanding of Gulab's path to come.
My only minor criticism is that I wanted a little more in the initial story with Davey's character. Just a little more. Maybe with his grandmother. But I still found the window of a scene with the two of them sitting silently together in the lounge to be great. I get that the author wanted to say more with less and it did. Reader's greed on my part.
Will be sure to check out the audiobook when it's released. Until then - steller work!
Many characters stood out for me but alongside Gulab himself, I adored Red. An apparition like presence who appeared in a few brief moments and then finally this delicately put together sequence of Red and Gulab where we hear her speak and the both interact with words and actions for the first real time. The description of this entire scene alone was just as powerful as the rest of the book put together. It was a chapter i re-read a few times and made it all more heartbreaking while gaining a deeper understanding of Gulab's path to come.
My only minor criticism is that I wanted a little more in the initial story with Davey's character. Just a little more. Maybe with his grandmother. But I still found the window of a scene with the two of them sitting silently together in the lounge to be great. I get that the author wanted to say more with less and it did. Reader's greed on my part.
Will be sure to check out the audiobook when it's released. Until then - steller work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
This was close to home in many ways. The side character of Karan hit me hard and brought back some raw feelings from 15 years ago. A low point in my life of which I've since bounced back. But it was well worth the re-visit to see how far I've come.
I took a lot from the redemption theme in Gulab. Knowing now more than ever that things do not have to be the way the are or were. Change is possible. I was really rooting for these characters in particular Karan. I saw much of myself in him and I wanted him and his family to find some semblance of hope.
Gulab as the main character was layered in ways that required me to re-read passages and understand the process of his change. Where his mind was compared to where it used to be. The true mystery was where his mind was going.
My review is a little cryptic sounding as I don't want to spoil anything. The book doesn't always read conventionally even though the structure is easy to follow. The unconventional bits come in the form of shaping characters that are complicated and threaten unpredictability just by their nature. This kept me on edge at times. To narrow the book down to a few simple themes/topics would almost feel like I'm short changing it. What I read was a window of time in several intersecting lives. The twist of this was that it was elevated in global stakes impacting the smaller lives of us regular people.
A pretty great read with loads to offer.
I took a lot from the redemption theme in Gulab. Knowing now more than ever that things do not have to be the way the are or were. Change is possible. I was really rooting for these characters in particular Karan. I saw much of myself in him and I wanted him and his family to find some semblance of hope.
Gulab as the main character was layered in ways that required me to re-read passages and understand the process of his change. Where his mind was compared to where it used to be. The true mystery was where his mind was going.
My review is a little cryptic sounding as I don't want to spoil anything. The book doesn't always read conventionally even though the structure is easy to follow. The unconventional bits come in the form of shaping characters that are complicated and threaten unpredictability just by their nature. This kept me on edge at times. To narrow the book down to a few simple themes/topics would almost feel like I'm short changing it. What I read was a window of time in several intersecting lives. The twist of this was that it was elevated in global stakes impacting the smaller lives of us regular people.
A pretty great read with loads to offer.
September 30, 2025
Low-key cinematic quality. Socially engaging and politically challenging. Gulab stakes its claim for underrated novel of 2025 for me. With Down & Rising still fresh in my memory (the brutality of the end of the world) I had a feeling this follow up was sure to be just as blunt in its agenda (truthful) and subtle in its storytelling (subversive). Gulab ended up being this and more. The writing was elegant and honest and sometimes required a few re-reads (2nd language) here and there. Just as unconventional as Down & Rising but so much more polished and sleek. By the time I finished the book I still had questions. Not that I was unfulfilled because the story concluded wonderfully. It was the idea of wanting to see the next phase of the world in the story and the characters in that world. But I get it.
Redemption is as powerful as nostalgia. Both are monumental drugs that fulfil you and tear you apart and if you allow it, bring you whole again. Gulab was about this. Style and substance through confident visual writing.
Redemption is as powerful as nostalgia. Both are monumental drugs that fulfil you and tear you apart and if you allow it, bring you whole again. Gulab was about this. Style and substance through confident visual writing.
December 25, 2024
“One would be very fortunate in life, if they had choices… not ultimatums.”
It was lines like these that really brought home the idea of how we choose to live our lives. The line between a choice and an ultimatum and which is truly which. I loved this!
Gulab was extraordinary in many ways from the poignancy to the interplay between characters and to the constant unsettling and settling anxiety that is the characters' lives. I gathered that this book was really about finally getting to exhale.
As Gulab recounts in the prologue and once again later in the book. He was asked "what is hell?" and his answer was hauntinginly beautiful. "Holding your breath forever."
My only issue with the book was that I wish it was longer! Even at close to 500 pages, I still wanted more! However, there was still so much to digest and think about. It was a book that made me a greedy reader and I loved that!
It was lines like these that really brought home the idea of how we choose to live our lives. The line between a choice and an ultimatum and which is truly which. I loved this!
Gulab was extraordinary in many ways from the poignancy to the interplay between characters and to the constant unsettling and settling anxiety that is the characters' lives. I gathered that this book was really about finally getting to exhale.
As Gulab recounts in the prologue and once again later in the book. He was asked "what is hell?" and his answer was hauntinginly beautiful. "Holding your breath forever."
My only issue with the book was that I wish it was longer! Even at close to 500 pages, I still wanted more! However, there was still so much to digest and think about. It was a book that made me a greedy reader and I loved that!
February 17, 2025
Powerful prose carries a subversive story about the resolve of people in some of the most difficult conditions. Gulab is an addictive read with a unique quality in its realism even in the most fantastical aspects of the book.
Gulab might be the central figure but Neha holds her own. An important female character written as if it was by a woman (compliments to the author). Her pain and her resilience is to be admired and certainly oozes inspiration. Because of her, Gulab is elevated even more. That's not to say the character of Gulab was lesser. He was fantastic and compelling just like the rest of the book.
Gulab might be the central figure but Neha holds her own. An important female character written as if it was by a woman (compliments to the author). Her pain and her resilience is to be admired and certainly oozes inspiration. Because of her, Gulab is elevated even more. That's not to say the character of Gulab was lesser. He was fantastic and compelling just like the rest of the book.
December 15, 2024
Gulab = Legend! If this character or someone like him exists, justice is possible.
What a ride through the deeper layers of the mind. Exploration of how one can come full circle by facing everything that made that person but also facing these things with your bare soul.
Close to 500 pages but was a breeze to read in the sense of time taken. Would be interested in where this story goes beyond the last page.
What a ride through the deeper layers of the mind. Exploration of how one can come full circle by facing everything that made that person but also facing these things with your bare soul.
Close to 500 pages but was a breeze to read in the sense of time taken. Would be interested in where this story goes beyond the last page.
January 14, 2025
Couldn't put it down and when I eventually did, I had to pick it back up again. Gulab is a book driven by a specific energy in its characters and the atmosphere described so vividly. You're led to believe the book is about one thing but it soon unravels and expands into a large narrative locale. Smart natural dialogue with real characters in a story that breathes from off the pages.
March 23, 2025
A powerful story about humanity in several microcosms somehow intrinsically connected to the other. What started off pretty slow was a precursor for something impactful. Gulab demonstrated how to let a story and its characters simmer to several boiling points. Elegant writing and a staunch command of character development.
December 21, 2024
A kind of character study that goes into several directions but always comes back to Gulab. Was he the visitor that they all wanted? Maybe he was the visitor they all needed.
January 2, 2025
Tremendous character study with boiling point anxiety running throughout.
January 6, 2025
Gulab is a deeply empathetic look at flawed human beings with a concentration on morality and the codes we choose to live by.
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