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A Pulp Fiction Textbook
A thrilling, interactive journey through crime, mystery, and forbidden passions.
Narrated by characters who have either been killed or taken their own lives, each chapter unveils a new perspective, revealing the dark connections between murder, suicide, and the hidden desires driving it all. As you delve deeper into India's underground sex toy trade, you'll uncover a web of illegal activities, entwined with simmering rivalries and tangled emotions.
A Pulp Fiction Textbook explores a series of gruesome deaths, unravelling clues and revealing the killer through exercises, drawings, and questionnaires.
Narrated by characters who have either been killed or taken their own lives, each chapter unveils a new perspective, revealing the dark connections between murder, suicide, and the hidden desires driving it all. As you delve deeper into India's underground sex toy trade, you'll uncover a web of illegal activities, entwined with simmering rivalries and tangled emotions.
A Pulp Fiction Textbook explores a series of gruesome deaths, unravelling clues and revealing the killer through exercises, drawings, and questionnaires.
- GenresIndia
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2025
About the author
V.M. Devadas
15 books23 followersV.M. Devadas was born in 1981 in Wadakkancherry, Kerala. A prominent voice in contemporary Malayalam literature, he has authored five novels and seven short story collections in Malayalam, three of which have already been translated into English. His writing is characterized by a unique stylistic flair, and he often delves into the political and philosophical dimensions of modern life. Devadas's works are known for their unconventional themes, which focus on the hybrid politics of people in our society. He is constantly experimenting with the structure, theme and narration of his works, which has earned him many accolades. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Malayala Manorama Novel Carnival Award, Swami Vivekananda Yuva Prathibha Award, O.V. Vijayan Memorial Literary Award and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer Malayala Padana Kendram Award, among others. Currently he is living in Chennai and working as an IT professional.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 16, 2025
For the first time in my Goodreads history, I get to be the first one to rate a book. Just wanted to point that out. Now to the review -
I finished reading this book in one sitting, a short, crisp, mind-boggling mystery that unfolds with the POVs of charachters that are already dead. I had to keep flipping back and fourth to be able to make out head and tails of the story. The charachters were diverse and we'll written, I was hooked from start to end. Highly recommended.
I finished reading this book in one sitting, a short, crisp, mind-boggling mystery that unfolds with the POVs of charachters that are already dead. I had to keep flipping back and fourth to be able to make out head and tails of the story. The charachters were diverse and we'll written, I was hooked from start to end. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2025
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I picked up A Pulp Fiction Textbook. The title felt like a dare-part joke, part warning—and the pages lived up to that tension. This isn’t a book you just read. It’s a book that reads you back.
It pulls you into a strange, fragmented space where stories feel more like memories—unfiltered, messy, sometimes disturbing, always intimate. The voice is direct, sometimes confrontational, like the author is sitting across from you, asking hard questions you’re not sure you’re ready to answer.
There’s something almost uncomfortable about how involved you become. You’re not just watching things unfold—you’re asked to reflect, to write, to respond. There are exercises, drawings, pieces of myth and memory that slowly start weaving together. At times it feels like therapy. At other times, like you’re trespassing into someone’s most private thoughts.
One of the most powerful threads for me was how the book talks about loss—not just in the obvious sense of death or disappearance, but in the quieter, stranger ways. A character who loses a breast after surgery still feels pain in it. Another loses a lover who disappears without explanation. There’s this haunting sense that grief doesn’t always have a clear reason or a tidy ending. It just sits there, in your body.
The writing shifts constantly-one moment poetic, the next clinical, then suddenly confessional. It mirrors the chaos of emotion. It doesn’t let you settle. And maybe that’s the point. This book isn’t here to comfort you…it’s here to wake something up.
It also doesn’t shy away from taboo. It dives headfirst into the underground sex toy trade in India, into myths like Ottamulachi-a wild, sensual woman feared for her power—and into queerness, desire, shame. But it never feels exploitative. It’s more like someone trying to make sense of the world’s contradictions, out loud, with all the messiness intact.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t even sure how to describe what I’d just read. A novel? A memoir? A thought experiment? It’s all of those and none. But what I do know is that it stayed with me. It made me pause. Made me reflect on things I usually leave untouched.
If I were to give a final verdict:
This book won’t be for everyone. It’s raw and weird and at times deeply uncomfortable. But if you’re open to something different—something that blurs the line between story and experience…you might just find something beautiful in the discomfort. I sure did !
It pulls you into a strange, fragmented space where stories feel more like memories—unfiltered, messy, sometimes disturbing, always intimate. The voice is direct, sometimes confrontational, like the author is sitting across from you, asking hard questions you’re not sure you’re ready to answer.
There’s something almost uncomfortable about how involved you become. You’re not just watching things unfold—you’re asked to reflect, to write, to respond. There are exercises, drawings, pieces of myth and memory that slowly start weaving together. At times it feels like therapy. At other times, like you’re trespassing into someone’s most private thoughts.
One of the most powerful threads for me was how the book talks about loss—not just in the obvious sense of death or disappearance, but in the quieter, stranger ways. A character who loses a breast after surgery still feels pain in it. Another loses a lover who disappears without explanation. There’s this haunting sense that grief doesn’t always have a clear reason or a tidy ending. It just sits there, in your body.
The writing shifts constantly-one moment poetic, the next clinical, then suddenly confessional. It mirrors the chaos of emotion. It doesn’t let you settle. And maybe that’s the point. This book isn’t here to comfort you…it’s here to wake something up.
It also doesn’t shy away from taboo. It dives headfirst into the underground sex toy trade in India, into myths like Ottamulachi-a wild, sensual woman feared for her power—and into queerness, desire, shame. But it never feels exploitative. It’s more like someone trying to make sense of the world’s contradictions, out loud, with all the messiness intact.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t even sure how to describe what I’d just read. A novel? A memoir? A thought experiment? It’s all of those and none. But what I do know is that it stayed with me. It made me pause. Made me reflect on things I usually leave untouched.
If I were to give a final verdict:
This book won’t be for everyone. It’s raw and weird and at times deeply uncomfortable. But if you’re open to something different—something that blurs the line between story and experience…you might just find something beautiful in the discomfort. I sure did !
April 10, 2025
When I first picked up A Pulp Fiction Textbook by V.M. Devadas, I didn’t quite know what to expect. The title itself felt like a warning and an invitation rolled into one—and I was hooked. If you're looking for a book that defies traditional storytelling and dares to take you somewhere darker, stranger, and surprisingly human, this is it.
What struck me most was how interactive the experience was. This isn’t a book you just read—it’s one you participate in. With its questionnaires, exercises, and even crude, almost unsettling illustrations, the book forces you to pause and think. Not just about the mystery, but about your own reactions to the themes it confronts. You aren’t a passive reader here; you become part of the investigation.
Now, let me say this straight: this book is not for the faint of heart. It dives headfirst into the underground sex toy trade in India—an industry most of us don’t talk about, let alone explore in fiction. The murders, suicides, and hidden clues are compelling, yes, but it’s the raw portrayal of human desire, shame, and secrecy that lingers long after the pages are turned.
You’ll hear voices of the dead—victims, maybe suspects—each one with a story that feels disturbingly real. These aren’t just plot devices; they’re people. Flawed, broken, and brutally honest in their narratives. And as you start connecting the dots, you realise the killer isn’t the only one with secrets.
There were moments I felt disturbed. Uncomfortable. Even a little guilty. And maybe that’s the point. This book wants you to examine the darker corners of the human psyche—yours included.
If you're someone who likes neatly wrapped plots, you might struggle. But if you enjoy a challenge, if you want a reading experience that pushes boundaries and keeps you thinking, A Pulp Fiction Textbook is well worth diving into.
Just… be prepared. This isn’t just a book. It’s a mirror.
What struck me most was how interactive the experience was. This isn’t a book you just read—it’s one you participate in. With its questionnaires, exercises, and even crude, almost unsettling illustrations, the book forces you to pause and think. Not just about the mystery, but about your own reactions to the themes it confronts. You aren’t a passive reader here; you become part of the investigation.
Now, let me say this straight: this book is not for the faint of heart. It dives headfirst into the underground sex toy trade in India—an industry most of us don’t talk about, let alone explore in fiction. The murders, suicides, and hidden clues are compelling, yes, but it’s the raw portrayal of human desire, shame, and secrecy that lingers long after the pages are turned.
You’ll hear voices of the dead—victims, maybe suspects—each one with a story that feels disturbingly real. These aren’t just plot devices; they’re people. Flawed, broken, and brutally honest in their narratives. And as you start connecting the dots, you realise the killer isn’t the only one with secrets.
There were moments I felt disturbed. Uncomfortable. Even a little guilty. And maybe that’s the point. This book wants you to examine the darker corners of the human psyche—yours included.
If you're someone who likes neatly wrapped plots, you might struggle. But if you enjoy a challenge, if you want a reading experience that pushes boundaries and keeps you thinking, A Pulp Fiction Textbook is well worth diving into.
Just… be prepared. This isn’t just a book. It’s a mirror.
March 20, 2025
Crime is never just about the act; it is about the people, the motives, and the tangled confluence of desires that drive them. In A Pulp Fiction Textbook, V M Devadas turns the genre inside out, crafting a narrative where the dead speak, their voices guiding the reader through a labyrinth of murder, illicit trade, and forbidden passions. This is not a conventional whodunit. It is an immersive, cerebral journey that demands participation, peeling back layers of deception to reveal unsettling truths.
At its core, the novel dissects the dark underbelly of India’s underground sex toy industry, a backdrop that serves as both a literal setting and a metaphor for hidden urges and societal hypocrisies. Through fragmented testimonies from victims and perpetrators alike, Devadas masterfully blurs the line between justice and vengeance, complicity and innocence. The noir inspired prose, paired with an interactive format complete with drawings, exercises, and questionnaires, heightens the novel’s psychological grip, making the reader an active detective rather than a mere observer.
Beyond its gripping mystery, A Pulp Fiction Textbook is a study of human nature. It explores how desire, power, and guilt intertwine to shape destinies. It is a bold and boundary pushing thriller that redefines storytelling, forcing us to question who truly holds the power in any crime. The killer, the victim, or the unseen forces at play.
This experimental book, turned out so well. It's anthropo-crime fiction (I totally made up that term, by the way.😅) It's undoubtedly an unsual contribution to the genre. Give it a read.
@hachette_india
#readwithak #crimefictionbooks #bookstagram #APulpFictionTextbook
#PulpFictionTextbook
Do you like crime fiction?
At its core, the novel dissects the dark underbelly of India’s underground sex toy industry, a backdrop that serves as both a literal setting and a metaphor for hidden urges and societal hypocrisies. Through fragmented testimonies from victims and perpetrators alike, Devadas masterfully blurs the line between justice and vengeance, complicity and innocence. The noir inspired prose, paired with an interactive format complete with drawings, exercises, and questionnaires, heightens the novel’s psychological grip, making the reader an active detective rather than a mere observer.
Beyond its gripping mystery, A Pulp Fiction Textbook is a study of human nature. It explores how desire, power, and guilt intertwine to shape destinies. It is a bold and boundary pushing thriller that redefines storytelling, forcing us to question who truly holds the power in any crime. The killer, the victim, or the unseen forces at play.
This experimental book, turned out so well. It's anthropo-crime fiction (I totally made up that term, by the way.😅) It's undoubtedly an unsual contribution to the genre. Give it a read.
@hachette_india
#readwithak #crimefictionbooks #bookstagram #APulpFictionTextbook
#PulpFictionTextbook
Do you like crime fiction?
June 17, 2025
Book Review: A Pulp Fiction Textbook by V.M. Devadas
Honestly, I didn’t expect this book to affect me the way it did.
I thought it was just going to be another mystery novel, but it’s something else. The way it’s written — the voices, the feelings, the way the story unfolds — it makes you feel things you didn’t see coming.
The story is told by people who are no longer here, and somehow, their voices feel so real. They speak with so much emotion, confusion, pain, and sometimes guilt. And while reading, I kept thinking, these aren’t just characters… they feel like actual people with secrets, regrets, and stories that were never told properly.
There are drawings and questions at the end of each chapter that really pull you in. Not just to the plot — but into your own thoughts. I actually stopped reading sometimes just to process what I read. It’s not something you rush through. It stays in your head.
The whole backdrop of the illegal trade is shown in a way I’ve never read before — not just for shock, but as something that connects to people’s loneliness, wants, and silence. It’s dark, but it’s not just darkness for drama. It actually has meaning.
I won’t lie — some parts made me feel weird. But maybe that’s what the book wanted — to make me think about uncomfortable things we usually avoid.
It’s not a simple story. It’s not light. But it’s powerful in its own way.
And I think that’s why it works.
I really appreciate the author for writing something so bold and different — and for making me think this deeply.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly, I didn’t expect this book to affect me the way it did.
I thought it was just going to be another mystery novel, but it’s something else. The way it’s written — the voices, the feelings, the way the story unfolds — it makes you feel things you didn’t see coming.
The story is told by people who are no longer here, and somehow, their voices feel so real. They speak with so much emotion, confusion, pain, and sometimes guilt. And while reading, I kept thinking, these aren’t just characters… they feel like actual people with secrets, regrets, and stories that were never told properly.
There are drawings and questions at the end of each chapter that really pull you in. Not just to the plot — but into your own thoughts. I actually stopped reading sometimes just to process what I read. It’s not something you rush through. It stays in your head.
The whole backdrop of the illegal trade is shown in a way I’ve never read before — not just for shock, but as something that connects to people’s loneliness, wants, and silence. It’s dark, but it’s not just darkness for drama. It actually has meaning.
I won’t lie — some parts made me feel weird. But maybe that’s what the book wanted — to make me think about uncomfortable things we usually avoid.
It’s not a simple story. It’s not light. But it’s powerful in its own way.
And I think that’s why it works.
I really appreciate the author for writing something so bold and different — and for making me think this deeply.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 2, 2025
This is definitely one of the best crime fiction novels I’ve read in a long time! @devadasvm unique story telling pulls you in completely. From the very first page, I was hooked, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book in one sitting. An unputdownable read!
The plot unravels into a gripping, interactive journey filled with crime, mystery, and forbidden desires.
What really stands out about this book is
✔️Its unusual storytelling style.
✔️The exercises at the end of each chapter, along with some really interesting drawings.
✔️The story is narrated by characters who have either been killed or taken their own lives. Through their voices, we get to know their past, their secrets, and the dark connections that link them all together.
As the story progresses, the more disturbing and intense it becomes leading to some truly shocking moments and gruesome deaths.
Everything starts to intertwine in ways I didn’t expect where the story takes us to a dark world, one that explores the illegal s€x toy trade in India.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time because of the twists, captivating & fast-paced writing. I kept thinking about the book even after I
finished it, wishing there had been more. You should
definitely add this to your reading list if you enjoy dark, gripping, and unputdownable criminal thrillers!
The plot unravels into a gripping, interactive journey filled with crime, mystery, and forbidden desires.
What really stands out about this book is
✔️Its unusual storytelling style.
✔️The exercises at the end of each chapter, along with some really interesting drawings.
✔️The story is narrated by characters who have either been killed or taken their own lives. Through their voices, we get to know their past, their secrets, and the dark connections that link them all together.
As the story progresses, the more disturbing and intense it becomes leading to some truly shocking moments and gruesome deaths.
Everything starts to intertwine in ways I didn’t expect where the story takes us to a dark world, one that explores the illegal s€x toy trade in India.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time because of the twists, captivating & fast-paced writing. I kept thinking about the book even after I
finished it, wishing there had been more. You should
definitely add this to your reading list if you enjoy dark, gripping, and unputdownable criminal thrillers!
April 25, 2025
A Pulp Fiction Textbook isn’t a typical read; it’s an experience. It pulls you in with fragmented stories that feel more like memories or confessions, raw and unfiltered. Some parts made me uncomfortable, others made me pause and reflect. It dives into grief, identity, queerness, even taboo topics like India’s underground sex-toy trade—without ever feeling forced or gimmicky.
What really makes it stand out is V.M. Devadas’s voice. He writes with so much honesty and boldness, constantly playing with structure and tone. It’s poetic one moment, clinical the next, then suddenly intimate. You never quite know what’s coming, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. This book stays with you. It asks questions most books avoid—and it doesn’t offer easy answers, which I loved.
Not for everyone, maybe. But if you’re looking for something honest, different, and emotionally real, this is one you won’t forget!!
What really makes it stand out is V.M. Devadas’s voice. He writes with so much honesty and boldness, constantly playing with structure and tone. It’s poetic one moment, clinical the next, then suddenly intimate. You never quite know what’s coming, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. This book stays with you. It asks questions most books avoid—and it doesn’t offer easy answers, which I loved.
Not for everyone, maybe. But if you’re looking for something honest, different, and emotionally real, this is one you won’t forget!!
April 24, 2025
If you’re looking for a neat plot, look elsewhere.
This book hands you a corpse, then burns the evidence mid-way through and gives you a multiple choice exam. A psychological maze, told by the dead, for the living.
Plot twists? Messy.
Morals? Optional.
Experience? Unforgettable.
This book hands you a corpse, then burns the evidence mid-way through and gives you a multiple choice exam. A psychological maze, told by the dead, for the living.
Plot twists? Messy.
Morals? Optional.
Experience? Unforgettable.
Read
June 29, 2025such a strange but interesting book.
March 17, 2025
'A Pulp Fiction Textbook' by V.M. Devadas is a bold and unconventional take on crime fiction, blending elements of noir, psychological thriller, and interactive storytelling. It takes readers on a dark, immersive journey through crime, mystery, and forbidden desires, all while exploring India's underground sex toy trade and its entanglement with illicit activities.
What sets this book apart is it's unique narrative style - each chapter is told from the perspective of characters who are already dead. Whether murdered or victims of their own despair, these voices guide the reader through a labyrinth of crime, revenge, and psychological turmoil. The nonlinear storytelling combined with interactive elements like exercises, drawings, and questionnaires, transforms the reading experience into a participatory investigation.
It delves deep into themes of morality, repression and the hidden forces that drive human behaviour. It exposes the seedy underbelly of society, where desire and crime intersect in unexpected ways. The noir atmosphere is thick with suspense, and as the reader pieces together the clues, the narrative unfolds like a puzzle - sometimes shocking, sometimes disturbing, but always compelling.
Major Highlights:-
🌺The mix of storytelling and interactive elements makes the reader feel like an active participant in solving the mystery.
🌺It does not shy away from graphic details, making it an intense and immersive read for crime fiction lovers.
🌺The use of deceased narrators adds an eerie, introspective quality, offering unique insights into the motives behind crime and self-destruction.
"A Pulp Fiction Textbook" is an inventive and gripping book that pushes the boundaries of crime fiction. With it's unconventional storytelling, interactive mystery-solving elements, and deep psychological intrigue, it's a must-read for fans of noir and experimental literature. However, it's dark themes and unique format make it best suited for readers who enjoy complex, boundary-pushing narratives.
Must read♥️♥️
What sets this book apart is it's unique narrative style - each chapter is told from the perspective of characters who are already dead. Whether murdered or victims of their own despair, these voices guide the reader through a labyrinth of crime, revenge, and psychological turmoil. The nonlinear storytelling combined with interactive elements like exercises, drawings, and questionnaires, transforms the reading experience into a participatory investigation.
It delves deep into themes of morality, repression and the hidden forces that drive human behaviour. It exposes the seedy underbelly of society, where desire and crime intersect in unexpected ways. The noir atmosphere is thick with suspense, and as the reader pieces together the clues, the narrative unfolds like a puzzle - sometimes shocking, sometimes disturbing, but always compelling.
Major Highlights:-
🌺The mix of storytelling and interactive elements makes the reader feel like an active participant in solving the mystery.
🌺It does not shy away from graphic details, making it an intense and immersive read for crime fiction lovers.
🌺The use of deceased narrators adds an eerie, introspective quality, offering unique insights into the motives behind crime and self-destruction.
"A Pulp Fiction Textbook" is an inventive and gripping book that pushes the boundaries of crime fiction. With it's unconventional storytelling, interactive mystery-solving elements, and deep psychological intrigue, it's a must-read for fans of noir and experimental literature. However, it's dark themes and unique format make it best suited for readers who enjoy complex, boundary-pushing narratives.
Must read♥️♥️
July 31, 2025
This book is not what you think it is. And that’s exactly why it works.
This is wild, unsettling, and oddly brilliant. At first glance, it might look like another gritty crime thriller, but once you’re inside, you realise you’ve entered something far stranger and far more personal. The dead are narrating. There are drawings. Exercises. Maps. Clues that feel more like confessions. And in between all of that, there’s you, the reader, trying to piece it together like some morally confused detective.
The story explores murder, suicide, forbidden desires, and India’s underground sex toy trade. But what makes it so gripping is how it's told: from the point of view of people who are already dead. You’re not following a detective. You’re hearing directly from the victims, and they’re not always who you expect them to be. Their voices are sharp, sad, angry, sometimes sarcastic and they feel real. Almost too real.
There’s something deeply uncomfortable about reading this book, and I mean that in the best way. It makes you pause. It makes you question why you’re drawn to certain parts of the story more than others. At times, I found myself re-reading a sentence, not because I didn’t understand it, but because it hit harder than I expected.
Yes, the book is unconventional,there are pages that look like case files, others with doodles that seem juvenile until you realise they’re not. It’s more than a novel. It’s an experience. Sometimes disjointed, often disorienting, but never dull.
This isn’t a book you recommend lightly. But if you’re someone who enjoys fiction that challenges you, that asks you to be part of the narrative and sit with your discomfort then this book will stay with you long after the last page.
Just don’t go in expecting answers. This book isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to make you look.
This is wild, unsettling, and oddly brilliant. At first glance, it might look like another gritty crime thriller, but once you’re inside, you realise you’ve entered something far stranger and far more personal. The dead are narrating. There are drawings. Exercises. Maps. Clues that feel more like confessions. And in between all of that, there’s you, the reader, trying to piece it together like some morally confused detective.
The story explores murder, suicide, forbidden desires, and India’s underground sex toy trade. But what makes it so gripping is how it's told: from the point of view of people who are already dead. You’re not following a detective. You’re hearing directly from the victims, and they’re not always who you expect them to be. Their voices are sharp, sad, angry, sometimes sarcastic and they feel real. Almost too real.
There’s something deeply uncomfortable about reading this book, and I mean that in the best way. It makes you pause. It makes you question why you’re drawn to certain parts of the story more than others. At times, I found myself re-reading a sentence, not because I didn’t understand it, but because it hit harder than I expected.
Yes, the book is unconventional,there are pages that look like case files, others with doodles that seem juvenile until you realise they’re not. It’s more than a novel. It’s an experience. Sometimes disjointed, often disorienting, but never dull.
This isn’t a book you recommend lightly. But if you’re someone who enjoys fiction that challenges you, that asks you to be part of the narrative and sit with your discomfort then this book will stay with you long after the last page.
Just don’t go in expecting answers. This book isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to make you look.
September 25, 2026
Before starting the review let me tell you something... this book shocked me! Like I was expecting crime thriller BUT! When I start reading this book I was like... WTF!
This book talks about dead people, literally!! Every chapter tells a story about characters who are already dead or have taken their own lives. And you wouldn't know how creepy this book can be until you read this.
Every chapter is like a puzzle. Puzzles which are waiting for the readers to find them and solve them.
Throughout the book, there are drawings, question answers, and exercises. And I can't help but pay deep attention to every detail. Also this book is definitely not built for light read, in fact you can't light read this book! You have to pay attention to understand it better.
The themes in this book is very bold—suicide, murder, sex, toy trade, forbidden desires, rivalries, hidden emotions, underground work etc. This is my first time reading all of them in one book.
I still can't believe... this is barely a 100 page book and the way I was reading it like I'm the detective. I was taking notes, highlighting points, scribbling on the edges and underlining like a mad scientist. I loved the experience!
The funniest part was I started reading this book in metro and that too was a crowded metro. I was so indulged in it that I kept giving expressions and people were looking at me as if I've gone crazy but the truth is... This book is creepy and it was constantly giving me chills, shivers and goosebumps.
What. The. Hell. Did. I. Read.
This book talks about dead people, literally!! Every chapter tells a story about characters who are already dead or have taken their own lives. And you wouldn't know how creepy this book can be until you read this.
Every chapter is like a puzzle. Puzzles which are waiting for the readers to find them and solve them.
Throughout the book, there are drawings, question answers, and exercises. And I can't help but pay deep attention to every detail. Also this book is definitely not built for light read, in fact you can't light read this book! You have to pay attention to understand it better.
The themes in this book is very bold—suicide, murder, sex, toy trade, forbidden desires, rivalries, hidden emotions, underground work etc. This is my first time reading all of them in one book.
I still can't believe... this is barely a 100 page book and the way I was reading it like I'm the detective. I was taking notes, highlighting points, scribbling on the edges and underlining like a mad scientist. I loved the experience!
The funniest part was I started reading this book in metro and that too was a crowded metro. I was so indulged in it that I kept giving expressions and people were looking at me as if I've gone crazy but the truth is... This book is creepy and it was constantly giving me chills, shivers and goosebumps.
What. The. Hell. Did. I. Read.
Read
September 26, 2026The Pulp Fiction was such a weird and disturbing read and I genuinely don’t think this is going to sit well with everyone but somehow that’s also what made it feel so real because some realities are just uncomfortable to look at
The story revolves around four deaths and one survivor and I have my own theory about who the real culprit is and honestly in my opinion the person who survived is the main culprit but I’m not going to say who survives because I think that’s something you should experience yourself
The girl who jumped from the police building was probably the story that affected me the most her story was genuinely disturbing and sad and after knowing everything she had gone through I really wished she could have had a happier ending
The woman who fell from the building also had such a sad story and I think the pressure women face from their parents and society played a huge part in what happened to her and that part felt painfully real
I also felt bad for the customs officer who died in the crash but I honestly felt no remorse for the man who killed himself in his electronic shop and I can’t lie I kind of feel like the survivors deserve some sort of karma too and I really hope they get it someday
This book definitely won’t be for everyone because of how dark and uncomfortable some of the things get but I think that’s also the point it shows you parts of reality that are ugly and disturbing and impossible to simply ignore
Overall this was a solid four star read for me
The story revolves around four deaths and one survivor and I have my own theory about who the real culprit is and honestly in my opinion the person who survived is the main culprit but I’m not going to say who survives because I think that’s something you should experience yourself
The girl who jumped from the police building was probably the story that affected me the most her story was genuinely disturbing and sad and after knowing everything she had gone through I really wished she could have had a happier ending
The woman who fell from the building also had such a sad story and I think the pressure women face from their parents and society played a huge part in what happened to her and that part felt painfully real
I also felt bad for the customs officer who died in the crash but I honestly felt no remorse for the man who killed himself in his electronic shop and I can’t lie I kind of feel like the survivors deserve some sort of karma too and I really hope they get it someday
This book definitely won’t be for everyone because of how dark and uncomfortable some of the things get but I think that’s also the point it shows you parts of reality that are ugly and disturbing and impossible to simply ignore
Overall this was a solid four star read for me
May 25, 2025
A Pulp fiction novel that explores themes of morality, justice, and societal hypocrisy. The story seems to be set in India's underground markets, specifically Palika Bazar, and involves dark themes, crime, and potentially traumatic events.
Some potential themes and elements include:
1. *Morality and justice*: The novel blurs the lines between right and wrong, justice and vengeance.
2. *Societal hypocrisy*: The story highlights the contradictions and double standards in society.
3. *Crime and trauma*: The plot involves crime, violence, and potentially traumatic events.
4. *Psychological exploration*: The interactive format and noir-inspired prose suggest a deep dive into the characters' psyches.
Character and story I like the most -
Lilith's story is captivating - a powerful exploration of feminism, autonomy, and resistance. She refused to be bound by societal expectations, seeking freedom and independence. Her legacy inspires artists, writers, and feminists to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate individuality. A true icon for those seeking empowerment and self-expression.
This book is a thought-provoking and gripping read that explores dark themes and societal hypocrisy. The interactive format and noir-inspired prose make it a unique and immersive experience. Not for the faint of heart, but recommended for fans of bold fiction.
Some potential themes and elements include:
1. *Morality and justice*: The novel blurs the lines between right and wrong, justice and vengeance.
2. *Societal hypocrisy*: The story highlights the contradictions and double standards in society.
3. *Crime and trauma*: The plot involves crime, violence, and potentially traumatic events.
4. *Psychological exploration*: The interactive format and noir-inspired prose suggest a deep dive into the characters' psyches.
Character and story I like the most -
Lilith's story is captivating - a powerful exploration of feminism, autonomy, and resistance. She refused to be bound by societal expectations, seeking freedom and independence. Her legacy inspires artists, writers, and feminists to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate individuality. A true icon for those seeking empowerment and self-expression.
This book is a thought-provoking and gripping read that explores dark themes and societal hypocrisy. The interactive format and noir-inspired prose make it a unique and immersive experience. Not for the faint of heart, but recommended for fans of bold fiction.
June 2, 2025
"A Pulp Fiction Textbook" by V.M. Devadas is a thrilling, interactive journey through crime, mystery, and forbidden passions. The book explores a series of gruesome deaths, unraveling clues and revealing the killer through exercises, drawings, and questionnaires.
The narrative is presented through multiple perspectives, each chapter unveiling a new viewpoint that sheds light on the dark connections between murder, suicide, and hidden desires. The story delves into India's underground sex toy trade, exposing a web of illegal activities, rivalries, and tangled emotions.
V.M. Devadas is known for his unique stylistic flair, often incorporating unconventional themes and experimenting with structure, theme, and narration. As a Malayalam writer, he has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary fiction, having authored four novels and six collections of short stories.
The book's themes are complex and haunting, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for those willing to confront unpleasant questions. This book may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who demand safety, predictability, or plain entertainment. However, for readers who enjoy diving into muddied emotional depths and exploring darker themes, "A Pulp Fiction Textbook" offers a rare and shocking reward.
The narrative is presented through multiple perspectives, each chapter unveiling a new viewpoint that sheds light on the dark connections between murder, suicide, and hidden desires. The story delves into India's underground sex toy trade, exposing a web of illegal activities, rivalries, and tangled emotions.
V.M. Devadas is known for his unique stylistic flair, often incorporating unconventional themes and experimenting with structure, theme, and narration. As a Malayalam writer, he has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary fiction, having authored four novels and six collections of short stories.
The book's themes are complex and haunting, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for those willing to confront unpleasant questions. This book may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who demand safety, predictability, or plain entertainment. However, for readers who enjoy diving into muddied emotional depths and exploring darker themes, "A Pulp Fiction Textbook" offers a rare and shocking reward.
September 24, 2026
Okay, this book was WILD 😭
I genuinely didn't know what to expect going into A Pulp Fiction Textbook, but it turned out to be such a dark, weird and addictive read. The whole concept of having the story narrated by characters who are already dead or have taken their own lives was so intriguing.
I also really enjoyed the interactive parts—the exercises, drawings and questionnaires made me feel like I was actually involved in figuring out the mystery instead of just reading it.
The murder, secrets, forbidden desires and all the connections kept me curious throughout. And the exploration of India's underground sex toy trade was definitely something I hadn't come across before.
It's definitely unconventional and a little disturbing at times, but honestly, that's what made it so memorable for me.
There were quite a few moments where I was just sitting there thinking, “WHAT is happening?! 😭”
Such a unique reading experience. Definitely not your usual mystery, and that's exactly why I loved it.
I genuinely didn't know what to expect going into A Pulp Fiction Textbook, but it turned out to be such a dark, weird and addictive read. The whole concept of having the story narrated by characters who are already dead or have taken their own lives was so intriguing.
I also really enjoyed the interactive parts—the exercises, drawings and questionnaires made me feel like I was actually involved in figuring out the mystery instead of just reading it.
The murder, secrets, forbidden desires and all the connections kept me curious throughout. And the exploration of India's underground sex toy trade was definitely something I hadn't come across before.
It's definitely unconventional and a little disturbing at times, but honestly, that's what made it so memorable for me.
There were quite a few moments where I was just sitting there thinking, “WHAT is happening?! 😭”
Such a unique reading experience. Definitely not your usual mystery, and that's exactly why I loved it.
September 24, 2026
Some books you read, and some books make you wonder, “How did the author even think of this?” A Pulp Fiction Textbook was definitely the second kind for me. 🖤
This is not a typical crime mystery. The storytelling through characters who are already dead, the different perspectives, the dark secrets, and the unusual use of exercises, drawings and questionnaires make the whole reading experience feel strangely interactive. The way murder, suicide, desire and the underground world of illegal activities are woven together kept me curious about what was actually happening.
But honestly, what stood out to me the most was the writing and the author’s sheer imagination. It takes a lot of creativity to turn such a dark and complicated concept into a book that feels this distinctive. V.M. Devadas has definitely created something that stays in your mind even after you put it down. 🖤📖
This is not a typical crime mystery. The storytelling through characters who are already dead, the different perspectives, the dark secrets, and the unusual use of exercises, drawings and questionnaires make the whole reading experience feel strangely interactive. The way murder, suicide, desire and the underground world of illegal activities are woven together kept me curious about what was actually happening.
But honestly, what stood out to me the most was the writing and the author’s sheer imagination. It takes a lot of creativity to turn such a dark and complicated concept into a book that feels this distinctive. V.M. Devadas has definitely created something that stays in your mind even after you put it down. 🖤📖
April 11, 2025
Reading “ A Pulp Fiction Textbook” by V M Devadas was like watching a movie with multiple layers.
The book makes you assume the reasons behind each of the characters actions, but the moment you flip the page you are met with a different narrative.
The author has brilliantly interconnected the newspaper reports in the first page to where the story ends in the last page. The reader is taken through a fascinating journey depicting the truth and lies about the report, most importantly how each person in the report has their own story before they became a newspaper story.
The exercises given in the end of each chapter offer a chance for readers to analyze their own feelings towards the story. A masterpiece writing from an award winning writer. Must read.
The book makes you assume the reasons behind each of the characters actions, but the moment you flip the page you are met with a different narrative.
The author has brilliantly interconnected the newspaper reports in the first page to where the story ends in the last page. The reader is taken through a fascinating journey depicting the truth and lies about the report, most importantly how each person in the report has their own story before they became a newspaper story.
The exercises given in the end of each chapter offer a chance for readers to analyze their own feelings towards the story. A masterpiece writing from an award winning writer. Must read.
June 24, 2025
The book titled a pulp fiction text book , translated from Malayalam by v.m.devadas draws the reader to explore a series of gruesome deaths, unrevealing clues , and revealing the killer through exercise and drawings. The underground sex toy trade in India , and how deep it gets, Palika bazar , and its importance going down through years , and shady part seen now, a few laws Described when to be used , and pathetic situations of people who committed suicide is seen, fake encounters , planned murders , shown as accidents are also seen by the reader in the end. Many anecdotes are given after some chapters , quotations are also mentioned for the reader to engage in the story. An interesting read.
September 15, 2025
Review of A Pulp Fiction Textbook
📖 A unique translation by V. M. Devdas that pulls you straight into a world of pulp, crime & desire.
🩸 Narrated by the dead themselves—murdered or driven to suicide—the storytelling feels raw, eerie & unforgettable.
🔥 Explores the underground sex-toy trade in India, mixing crime, passion, and hidden rivalries.
🕵️♂️ Each chapter is like solving a case—clues, drawings & questionnaires make it feel interactive and immersive.
💀 Gruesome deaths, forbidden passions & tangled emotions keep you hooked till the last page.
🎭 More than a novel—it’s a dark, experimental journey into the human psyche.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A chilling, interactive pulp masterpiece that dares readers to unmask the killer themselves.
📖 A unique translation by V. M. Devdas that pulls you straight into a world of pulp, crime & desire.
🩸 Narrated by the dead themselves—murdered or driven to suicide—the storytelling feels raw, eerie & unforgettable.
🔥 Explores the underground sex-toy trade in India, mixing crime, passion, and hidden rivalries.
🕵️♂️ Each chapter is like solving a case—clues, drawings & questionnaires make it feel interactive and immersive.
💀 Gruesome deaths, forbidden passions & tangled emotions keep you hooked till the last page.
🎭 More than a novel—it’s a dark, experimental journey into the human psyche.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A chilling, interactive pulp masterpiece that dares readers to unmask the killer themselves.
January 10, 2026
Very interesting in terms of structure, has interesting quirky characters too but falls a bit short in terms of the plot, it felt a bit too loose.
That said, it gave me good company on an overnight train journey :)
That said, it gave me good company on an overnight train journey :)
June 22, 2026
Diabolical
July 19, 2025
"A Pulp Fiction Textbook" by V.M. Devadas is a gripping and dark thriller that will make you think deeply. It's a well-researched and informative book that sheds light on the illegal trade of sex toys and the various crimes related to this dark market, as well as the controversial police encounters that arise.
Not all news we see, hear, or read is true, is it? It may be manipulated or twisted, right? As the book begins, we are presented with four headlines from news reports—two from Kochi and two from New Delhi—highlighting the deaths of several individuals. What makes this book stand apart is that the chapters are narrated from the perspectives of characters who are dead, either murdered or having taken their own lives. These characters don't just speak, they connect with the readers.
As you read each chapter, the truths will unfold, diving deeper into the complex web of interconnected characters. I particularly enjoyed the chapters titled 'Lilith' and 'One Who Is the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea'.
The book also includes questionnaires (exercises with answers), brain breaks, maps, and pictures that will keep readers engaged. However, I felt that some questionnaires could have been shortened or omitted. At times, the content may make you feel uncomfortable, but the mystery will blow your mind.
'Don't judge a book by its cover' is all I can say about this novel. It's different and much more than it appears. "A Pulp Fiction Textbook" is a highly immersive read and is a must for fans of crime fiction with suspense.
Not all news we see, hear, or read is true, is it? It may be manipulated or twisted, right? As the book begins, we are presented with four headlines from news reports—two from Kochi and two from New Delhi—highlighting the deaths of several individuals. What makes this book stand apart is that the chapters are narrated from the perspectives of characters who are dead, either murdered or having taken their own lives. These characters don't just speak, they connect with the readers.
As you read each chapter, the truths will unfold, diving deeper into the complex web of interconnected characters. I particularly enjoyed the chapters titled 'Lilith' and 'One Who Is the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea'.
The book also includes questionnaires (exercises with answers), brain breaks, maps, and pictures that will keep readers engaged. However, I felt that some questionnaires could have been shortened or omitted. At times, the content may make you feel uncomfortable, but the mystery will blow your mind.
'Don't judge a book by its cover' is all I can say about this novel. It's different and much more than it appears. "A Pulp Fiction Textbook" is a highly immersive read and is a must for fans of crime fiction with suspense.
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