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Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora
Rustom Iraqiwalla, a once-rich, green-eyed Parsi man, is all set to blow his brains out at his best friend's wedding. Debt-ridden and marked by the mafia, this is the only way he can secure his family's future and atone for all the rotten choices he has made in his life. This extraordinary situation comes by way of his grandfather Fali's last Will that states Rustom shall inherit the family fortune if he kills himself in a public place with the former's eponymous gun.
Before he has a chance to shoot himself his best friend Mani convinces him to meet an unlikely saviour in the Himalayan town of Almora - a drugged-out godman belting out strange visions through cryptic stories of love, power and loyalty. Will the last storyteller give Rustom a reason to live, or will his tales push Rustom further into an abyss of unimaginable loss?
By turns, dark and humorous, quirky and dead serious, Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora is a scintillating debut about a man ready to embrace death to redeem his life.
Before he has a chance to shoot himself his best friend Mani convinces him to meet an unlikely saviour in the Himalayan town of Almora - a drugged-out godman belting out strange visions through cryptic stories of love, power and loyalty. Will the last storyteller give Rustom a reason to live, or will his tales push Rustom further into an abyss of unimaginable loss?
By turns, dark and humorous, quirky and dead serious, Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora is a scintillating debut about a man ready to embrace death to redeem his life.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2015
5 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Gaurav Parab
1 book41 followersGaurav Parab is a marketer with a leading technology company. He has played many successful roles in life, including the favourite child of the multi-talented Nilima and Ullhas Parab, sticky salesman of chewing gum and adhesives, evil brains behind a betting syndicate at his B-School, reluctant dog walker, good-looking quizzing enthusiast, poet with the most thoughtful look on his face, that kid who attended a dozen schools and got kicked out from a few on circumstantial evidence, and motivational speaker.
In addition to contributing to newspapers and websites, he blogs at the cleverly titled Gaurav Parab Says. He lives in Pune with his beautiful wife Juhi, and their sloppy dog-child Joko. Joko is convinced that he is a horse, and Gaurav spends a good part of the day helping Joko deal with his multiple personality disorder.
In addition to contributing to newspapers and websites, he blogs at the cleverly titled Gaurav Parab Says. He lives in Pune with his beautiful wife Juhi, and their sloppy dog-child Joko. Joko is convinced that he is a horse, and Gaurav spends a good part of the day helping Joko deal with his multiple personality disorder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 3, 2015
If you are over 21 and still stuck up with reading fantasies of Chetan Bhagat (or his countless clones), I am sorry to break it to you that college time is over; it is high time that you graduated. And there is no better way to honor your graduation than to start reading ‘Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora’.
Charming, thoughtful, and often funny, ‘Rustom …’ is a decidedly mature story of a man seeking redemption. It is one of the few stories that I have read where homor is alloyed with pathos in the most deft way possible. It will also surprise you in how profoundly honest it is, and in the wonderful recognizability of the flaws of each of its characters.
The central character, Rustom, has elements of Shakespearian tragic hero in him – fallen, gullible and self-destructive – whose battle is not with the world, as he believes, but rather with himself. And then, there is Jennifer, Rustom’s wife, pompous and stoic, is sort of antithesis of Rustom. The most fascinating character, though, might actually be Kahani Baba, whose unwitting style of telling stories about his strange visions will engross you and at the same time, will make you think. With such kaleidoscopic characters in play, the story is naturally engaging and swift. Without going into too much detail of the story itself, let me tell you this: If the humor of the story doesn’t get you, the mystery of it surely will.
Anecdotal in his style, Parab keeps readers engaged with his gift of creating humor out of the most unexpected situations, while never losing the grip on the story itself. He dexterously plays around with multiple sub-plots only to cohesively bring them all together for an engrossing finale. While there is no doubt that Parab is a master story-teller, what is even more impressive is his keen sense of observation, which allows him to accurately depict Parsis, Yogis, Mumbaikars, Pahadhis -- all with the same ease and nuance. His musings about the existential questions about life, death and God were what I, personally, enjoyed the most.
A book with such unique story-telling and sensibility as ‘Rustom ..’ is a rare event in India. If you have even tiniest interest in reading books, make sure that you don’t miss this one.
Charming, thoughtful, and often funny, ‘Rustom …’ is a decidedly mature story of a man seeking redemption. It is one of the few stories that I have read where homor is alloyed with pathos in the most deft way possible. It will also surprise you in how profoundly honest it is, and in the wonderful recognizability of the flaws of each of its characters.
The central character, Rustom, has elements of Shakespearian tragic hero in him – fallen, gullible and self-destructive – whose battle is not with the world, as he believes, but rather with himself. And then, there is Jennifer, Rustom’s wife, pompous and stoic, is sort of antithesis of Rustom. The most fascinating character, though, might actually be Kahani Baba, whose unwitting style of telling stories about his strange visions will engross you and at the same time, will make you think. With such kaleidoscopic characters in play, the story is naturally engaging and swift. Without going into too much detail of the story itself, let me tell you this: If the humor of the story doesn’t get you, the mystery of it surely will.
Anecdotal in his style, Parab keeps readers engaged with his gift of creating humor out of the most unexpected situations, while never losing the grip on the story itself. He dexterously plays around with multiple sub-plots only to cohesively bring them all together for an engrossing finale. While there is no doubt that Parab is a master story-teller, what is even more impressive is his keen sense of observation, which allows him to accurately depict Parsis, Yogis, Mumbaikars, Pahadhis -- all with the same ease and nuance. His musings about the existential questions about life, death and God were what I, personally, enjoyed the most.
A book with such unique story-telling and sensibility as ‘Rustom ..’ is a rare event in India. If you have even tiniest interest in reading books, make sure that you don’t miss this one.
April 13, 2015
This is an awesome debut. The story of Rustom and the last storyteller of Almora flows effortlessly. Rustom is a protagonist that one would like to root for, and so is his wife. Well even David, the antagonist is likeable. The mood for the book comes across easily, and it plays like a thriller film from Indian cinema sans songs. There are some interesting questions on existence and God that the author attempts to explore with a oscar wild-ish amorality and wisdom of Hindu scriptures through its two leads - Rustom and The last Storyteller of Almora.
Above all, am happy that it is not a love story, like the ones that are dime and dozens in the market.
Only thing that I felt could have been better was - lack of certain subplots, that could have been there (like the one involving Rustom's colleague and the girl at the Storyteller's Ashram).
Do give it a read.
Strongly recommended.
Above all, am happy that it is not a love story, like the ones that are dime and dozens in the market.
Only thing that I felt could have been better was - lack of certain subplots, that could have been there (like the one involving Rustom's colleague and the girl at the Storyteller's Ashram).
Do give it a read.
Strongly recommended.
January 16, 2016
This one is a fast paced and interesting read. The embedded stories were well narrated, it reminded me of Jeffery Archer's short story collections. Good book to read on short route journeys as it will keep you hooked on till the end! The page turner that it was, would fall short for the final star only due to the filmy ending.
June 21, 2015
A great debut novel, with an intricate well thought out plot that brings to you several interesting experiences as well as places, I had a great time reading this book.
At the heart is the plot, which is an ambitious one for a first time author, given the breadth in terms of geography, character sketches, tonality (vascilating between thriller to philosophical) and is hence inspiring.
The characters are extremely sharp, Gaurav being able to bring them alive through many a quirk and many a background story.
I read it through the lens of also a wannabe scribe and there is a lot to learn from the book and from Gaurav.
Definitely worth a read and especially for those with literary ambitions.
Well done GUP :)
At the heart is the plot, which is an ambitious one for a first time author, given the breadth in terms of geography, character sketches, tonality (vascilating between thriller to philosophical) and is hence inspiring.
The characters are extremely sharp, Gaurav being able to bring them alive through many a quirk and many a background story.
I read it through the lens of also a wannabe scribe and there is a lot to learn from the book and from Gaurav.
Definitely worth a read and especially for those with literary ambitions.
Well done GUP :)
July 31, 2015
Rustom and the Last storyteller of Almora starts with a normal sounding story of a rich brat...but as you dig deeper, the story catches pace and keeps you hooked till the end, to the point that you might actually go back in the book to re-read things. Few books can do that you.
The storyline of the book is extremely unique, nothing like what I have ever read ( and I read a lot!) and the writings is crisp and engaging. The book takes you to a journey which is humorous, thrilling, mysterious but never boring...and the end is an icing on the cake. A must read.
The storyline of the book is extremely unique, nothing like what I have ever read ( and I read a lot!) and the writings is crisp and engaging. The book takes you to a journey which is humorous, thrilling, mysterious but never boring...and the end is an icing on the cake. A must read.
November 13, 2015
First of all, I am clean bowled by the ‘Rustom…’ It's an amazing read. Very well said, 'Since craze is your thing..' It's crazy, it's witty, it's deep, it's RUSTOM.
Highlights:
- Story-line is well paced and forces you to turn the page.
- Setting is different and interesting.
- Characters are three dimensional and lively.
- Language is easy and witty.
- Climax keeps you at the edge of the seat, even till the last few lines of the novel.
Overall a great debut!! Eagerly waiting for the next one from Gaurav :)
Highlights:
- Story-line is well paced and forces you to turn the page.
- Setting is different and interesting.
- Characters are three dimensional and lively.
- Language is easy and witty.
- Climax keeps you at the edge of the seat, even till the last few lines of the novel.
Overall a great debut!! Eagerly waiting for the next one from Gaurav :)
June 6, 2023
My favourite thing about this book was the writing. Parab manages to be poetic while maintaining simplicity throughout. The characters were colourful and complex and in no way perfect. Yet they were all likeable and made me want to root for them. My only gripe was that the ending was... weird - it felt like the pieces of a puzzle were forced to fit into spaces they didn't belong in. But honestly, I really enjoyed this story until the last couple of chapters. Simple, fun reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
September 27, 2015
This is one of the best debuts of this year. Each chapter is filled with good imagination, suspense and perfect words. After finishing a book,if you get an urge to go back and revisit some chapters again then I think author has successfully accomplished his task. Rustom made me do that. It an unfortunate fact that such good jewels get missed just because the book is a from a debut authors. Dont miss it guys.
March 5, 2019
It kept me hooked from the first page. With all the twists and turns you can't anticipate what comes next. It's almost so vivid the characters come relatable to you. With an amazing plot it's a must read for its uniqueness and quirk.
May 30, 2019
Unputdownable
I finished reading it in a stretch. My eyes were strained, but I could not keep it down. What a story. All sorts of unimaginable things put forth in a believable manner. Never knew suicide can be profitable. The Guru is a great character. If there is an ashram, I must visit it. Gaurav Parab is a great writer with a bright future. Looking forward to many more creations by him in future.
I finished reading it in a stretch. My eyes were strained, but I could not keep it down. What a story. All sorts of unimaginable things put forth in a believable manner. Never knew suicide can be profitable. The Guru is a great character. If there is an ashram, I must visit it. Gaurav Parab is a great writer with a bright future. Looking forward to many more creations by him in future.
May 27, 2019
Indian author - debut novel - not a love story! Already you are in my top reads section. I enjoyed reading the book as our Parsi protagonist figures out the best way out of the mess he has gotten himself into and how his paths cross with the last storyteller of Almora. Whilst the storyline has its set of predictable twists and turns like any Bollywood story, there is a tight plotline that the author tries to stick to and you have to give him credit for that. There is some meandering which he tries exploring and kills off, but broadly sticks to the plotline making it fast paced and enjoyable without having to context switch.
November 6, 2015
This is one of the most different books that I have read in recent times.
And it was so gripping! I did not actually expect it to be so. But it had me cut my sleep time.
The story is about a once upon a time rich Parsi guy gone broke now, named Rustom, who decides to commit suicide that shall help his family financially. But like most of his life, he manages to screw up even his death, and fortunately he ends up meeting a storyteller from Almora.
And this is the most intriguing, unique aspect of the book. The Baba, his character, his dialogues and his stories. The story teller from Almora gives three visions to Rustom, which are 3 short stories. And these stories are meant to help him recover from his current situation and solve all problems.
The three stories were the highlights of the book. Especially the third one (Mildly similar to The Gift of the Magi by O'Henry?).
This book is written in very simple language. It is short, a page turner, and it will not bore you at all. And there are witty lines scattered throughout, those that certainly make you laugh out loud (Jerry Seinfeld type observations).
I did feel that how Rustom drew his conclusions from the 3 visions was not explained properly. I guess, it was left to the audience as to whether there was something more to the stories than what Rustom could pick.
The funny lines and observations could have been a bit higher.
And the ending (especially where David goonda's part) could have been less filmy.
I am having difficulty in choosing the shelves for this book. Such extraordinary is the story and such amazing is the context!
A must read.
Well done Gaurav Parab. That, this is your first book (and hopefully not the last), is something that I am finding very hard to believe.
(Certainly has potential to be a Bollywood movie script with Ranbir Kapoor as Rustom and may be Naseeruddin / Paresh Rawal as Baba?)
And it was so gripping! I did not actually expect it to be so. But it had me cut my sleep time.
The story is about a once upon a time rich Parsi guy gone broke now, named Rustom, who decides to commit suicide that shall help his family financially. But like most of his life, he manages to screw up even his death, and fortunately he ends up meeting a storyteller from Almora.
And this is the most intriguing, unique aspect of the book. The Baba, his character, his dialogues and his stories. The story teller from Almora gives three visions to Rustom, which are 3 short stories. And these stories are meant to help him recover from his current situation and solve all problems.
The three stories were the highlights of the book. Especially the third one (Mildly similar to The Gift of the Magi by O'Henry?).
This book is written in very simple language. It is short, a page turner, and it will not bore you at all. And there are witty lines scattered throughout, those that certainly make you laugh out loud (Jerry Seinfeld type observations).
I did feel that how Rustom drew his conclusions from the 3 visions was not explained properly. I guess, it was left to the audience as to whether there was something more to the stories than what Rustom could pick.
The funny lines and observations could have been a bit higher.
And the ending (especially where David goonda's part) could have been less filmy.
I am having difficulty in choosing the shelves for this book. Such extraordinary is the story and such amazing is the context!
A must read.
Well done Gaurav Parab. That, this is your first book (and hopefully not the last), is something that I am finding very hard to believe.
(Certainly has potential to be a Bollywood movie script with Ranbir Kapoor as Rustom and may be Naseeruddin / Paresh Rawal as Baba?)
March 19, 2016
There are very few books that I have read more than once, and this is one of them. For multiple reasons.
One is the sheer drama in the story that you want to relish again, and again.
Second is the protagonist, Rustom. You hate him a lot, but also love him just enough to pray that he wins in the end. Not sure how the author has managed to create that strangely imbalanced sentiment in the readers mind.
And third is the short stories that exist within the story. The book so seamlessly takes you to multiple interesting places and into the lives of so many intriguing characters, that at the end of it you feel like you were on one of those once-in-a-lifetime journeys, whose pics you proudly post on your social media pages.
Overall, it's an extremely entertaining read, and in my opinion, based on my limited experience of creating visual content, this one can make one heck of a movie. It has a plot that can keep the audience at the edge of their seats and the popcorn somewhere between the bucket and the mouth. It has those moments where a song can create magic. And most importantly, it has characters whose stories people will crave to know.
If the movie does get made, I know I would love to do the screenplay for this.
I really hope someone picks it up, so we get to see a great, original story on celluloid coming from the Bollywood stable.
One is the sheer drama in the story that you want to relish again, and again.
Second is the protagonist, Rustom. You hate him a lot, but also love him just enough to pray that he wins in the end. Not sure how the author has managed to create that strangely imbalanced sentiment in the readers mind.
And third is the short stories that exist within the story. The book so seamlessly takes you to multiple interesting places and into the lives of so many intriguing characters, that at the end of it you feel like you were on one of those once-in-a-lifetime journeys, whose pics you proudly post on your social media pages.
Overall, it's an extremely entertaining read, and in my opinion, based on my limited experience of creating visual content, this one can make one heck of a movie. It has a plot that can keep the audience at the edge of their seats and the popcorn somewhere between the bucket and the mouth. It has those moments where a song can create magic. And most importantly, it has characters whose stories people will crave to know.
If the movie does get made, I know I would love to do the screenplay for this.
I really hope someone picks it up, so we get to see a great, original story on celluloid coming from the Bollywood stable.
July 20, 2015
This book is a story of a man on the run - from his past, from his mistakes and mostly from himself. What I loved about this book is that no character has been portrayed as perfect. People have grey areas and it is in these grey areas that life happens. Rustom, Jenny, Baba - all of them have their imperfections but magic happens when these imperfections come together to create a perfect story. The book shines the brightest when Rustom and Baba talk about "God" being the greatest "metaphor". I can read that chapter again and again and find new meanings. The book is clever, funny, introspective and thrilling. Kudos to the author to have managed to tie all these disparate threads. The biggest takeaway - it is not important to just live. What is more important is living a story - Kahani to bani!
August 19, 2015
An amazing read. I have been long time fan of his blogs and poems. But, with this book, he has taken his writing skills to the next level for sure. Mysterious yet always simple, the book manages to imprison your attention all through. When Rustom leaves behind the posh of Mumbai and stumbles into the woods of Himalayas, he finds more than a way out of his miseries. He discovers a new way of looking at life. With the mystic baba, by his side, he suddenly turns into a different man in finally control of the reins of his life. Wouldn't everyone love a old, wise and cool baba by his side for some friendly advise and a chilled beer. In this era of IITians and IIMians, some coming out with s***ty books, this book is surprisingly different, a real substance-full page turner. 5 out of 5.
March 18, 2016
Definitely a book that needs to be a part of your home library. One of the few recent fiction reads that will keep you gripped page after page.
Gaurav has the knack of using the right words that help fuel your imagination and in turn; helps you visualize the storyline..
The Story-within-a-Story plotline has been used by many authors, but only a few have been able to successfully implement it.
Gaurav ensures that there are no loose ends or any "Hey.. this is taken from..." or "I'm sure this is now going to lead to..." moments.
Kudos to Gaurav, the new "kid" on the writer's block (pun intended).
Gaurav has the knack of using the right words that help fuel your imagination and in turn; helps you visualize the storyline..
The Story-within-a-Story plotline has been used by many authors, but only a few have been able to successfully implement it.
Gaurav ensures that there are no loose ends or any "Hey.. this is taken from..." or "I'm sure this is now going to lead to..." moments.
Kudos to Gaurav, the new "kid" on the writer's block (pun intended).
September 2, 2016
I bought this book a couple of months ago, but was saving it for a quite rainy Sunday and I must say it was worth it.
The character, Rustom is in my head now, something like Ganesh Gaitonde (From Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra, he haunted me for months). Beautiful, almost poetic storytelling. Felt like virtual, irregular trek to lesser Himalayas. How the author played with dark side of the characters is inspiring. However one less star for the ending, seemed a little filmy to me or may be I was enjoying the read a little too much.
Nevertheless laudable debut, eagerly waiting for next book by him.
All the best brother.
The character, Rustom is in my head now, something like Ganesh Gaitonde (From Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra, he haunted me for months). Beautiful, almost poetic storytelling. Felt like virtual, irregular trek to lesser Himalayas. How the author played with dark side of the characters is inspiring. However one less star for the ending, seemed a little filmy to me or may be I was enjoying the read a little too much.
Nevertheless laudable debut, eagerly waiting for next book by him.
All the best brother.
September 11, 2015
Every book has a story to tell. This book has it laid out across all dimensions - back and forth, left and right, through the ups and downs. At a point one wonders, how on earth the author is going to connect it all in the end?
There lies the essence of the book. The humour, the wit and some masala sequences lead the loosely tied things to the big day. While thought provoking questions are asked through a variety of means there is that trademark nonchalance with which the author bowls you over.
Definitely a good read and a refreshing way of storytelling!
There lies the essence of the book. The humour, the wit and some masala sequences lead the loosely tied things to the big day. While thought provoking questions are asked through a variety of means there is that trademark nonchalance with which the author bowls you over.
Definitely a good read and a refreshing way of storytelling!
October 9, 2015
I am not very good in reviewing books. But as a foodies’ point of view, I can say the book has a nice aroma in it. Once you get your hands on it, you can't wait finishing it. Yes, the end was predictable (may be because I have a bad habit of reading the last page before reading the first :P), but how the small sequence of stories brought the drastic change in Rustom's life was worth reading. An awesome debut after a long time. A must read for everyone. In the initial chapters you might not be able to understand what is going on. But gradually you'll have a good grip on the story.
December 13, 2015
I have to admit, the story was absolutely unique! These days, most Indian authors either write about love stories or mythology. This story on the other hand talks about a broke Parsi who decided to kill himself on his best friend's wedding. It moves at a constant pace throughout and the lack of cheesy lines is a relief. Well-written book, definitely worth buying!
Ps. I won this book in a giveaway, but this did not influence my opinion.
Ps. I won this book in a giveaway, but this did not influence my opinion.
June 25, 2015
I still believe in story telling, not because I just read this book but the fascinating way the story tellers speak. It turned out to be a suspense mystery with a fair amount of action and fantasy. Sometimes you have to believe your gut is what Rustom says ultimately.
August 27, 2015
A good debut novel! Gaurav sure is quite a story teller; gripping read. The stories are nicely knitted together and there is never a dull moment.
However, at some places the plat/story becomes a bit too dramatic, like a bollywood movie, especially towards the end. May be, that was intended.
However, at some places the plat/story becomes a bit too dramatic, like a bollywood movie, especially towards the end. May be, that was intended.
February 4, 2016
Interesting story dealing with Rustom and his life after losing money. Real life incidents we get to read. Funny at times, entertain reader to the maximum.
March 21, 2016
Intricate, entertaining, pacy, funny. Inspiring, original, unpretentious, ironical. The kind of book that you can proudly tell your friends about and say, I know the guy who wrote that :)
Want to read
July 15, 2015I would like to read the book.
November 8, 2015
Nice creativity and good first attempt but was not my type.
September 18, 2015
Excellent work, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
May 14, 2020
3.5 stars.
The host of our Airbnb in Norway insisted on making breakfast the next day. Since we were dog-tired from our gruelling track to Trolltunga, we gladly accepted the offer. We woke up to the aroma of oatmeal, eggs and fresh bread wafting through the air. After helping myself with generous servings, I sprinkled a whole heap of Indian spice mix on the bland oatmeal in my plate. It was later that my friends told me about the horrified expressions of our host while he was clutching his heart on verge of an heart attack, looking at me blithely spoiling his preparation. I have learned now that oatmeal is supposed to be bland or sweet. I still like it spicy, thank you very much.
.
.
.
If you are an unrepentant masala lover like me, Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora is for you. The charming, once affluent, philandering Parsi bawa, Rustam Iraqiwalla, has got himself in danger by borrowing money from the wrong sort. According to his Grandfathers will, his only getaway is blowing out his brains in front of as many spectators as possible.
He chooses his best friend’s wedding as the last day of his life. The wedding leads him to the mountains where ‘Kahani’ Baba is the only hope, who is touted to tell stories with hidden prophecies . Is he a fraud or the real thing remains to be seen.
What will happen now is a persistent question that keeps popping up in your mind, propelling you through the book. I flew through the ending, skipping pages to get to it. Like a Bollywood formula movie, the story starts with a wedding, takes you to Himalya for soul searching and finishes off with an action packed, all ends well, uproarious climax in amchi Mumbai.
It won’t give you any logic, character arc or a great prose but delivers on three things Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment. The plot, and storyteller’s tales are the soul of this book, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. If you love a fast-paced immersive story, this one is for you. It’s a perfect read to take you out of a slump.
ps. I think Rustam looks a lot like Hrithik. Perhaps the author was thinking about a movie adaptation.
The host of our Airbnb in Norway insisted on making breakfast the next day. Since we were dog-tired from our gruelling track to Trolltunga, we gladly accepted the offer. We woke up to the aroma of oatmeal, eggs and fresh bread wafting through the air. After helping myself with generous servings, I sprinkled a whole heap of Indian spice mix on the bland oatmeal in my plate. It was later that my friends told me about the horrified expressions of our host while he was clutching his heart on verge of an heart attack, looking at me blithely spoiling his preparation. I have learned now that oatmeal is supposed to be bland or sweet. I still like it spicy, thank you very much.
.
.
.
If you are an unrepentant masala lover like me, Rustom and the Last Storyteller of Almora is for you. The charming, once affluent, philandering Parsi bawa, Rustam Iraqiwalla, has got himself in danger by borrowing money from the wrong sort. According to his Grandfathers will, his only getaway is blowing out his brains in front of as many spectators as possible.
He chooses his best friend’s wedding as the last day of his life. The wedding leads him to the mountains where ‘Kahani’ Baba is the only hope, who is touted to tell stories with hidden prophecies . Is he a fraud or the real thing remains to be seen.
What will happen now is a persistent question that keeps popping up in your mind, propelling you through the book. I flew through the ending, skipping pages to get to it. Like a Bollywood formula movie, the story starts with a wedding, takes you to Himalya for soul searching and finishes off with an action packed, all ends well, uproarious climax in amchi Mumbai.
It won’t give you any logic, character arc or a great prose but delivers on three things Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment. The plot, and storyteller’s tales are the soul of this book, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. If you love a fast-paced immersive story, this one is for you. It’s a perfect read to take you out of a slump.
ps. I think Rustam looks a lot like Hrithik. Perhaps the author was thinking about a movie adaptation.
August 8, 2017
Seems like a book with an identity crisis
It tries to be a book about mid-life crisis, betrayal, destiny, gurus and ends up being none of them
There is an attempt here to be different , but well different does not necessarily mean good
I picked up the book out of peer pressure (the author is a friend)
Have written off my investment in this book as a sunk cost
PS: It has a eerie resemblance to Chetan Bhagat's one night at call center (referring to the plot or the lack of it)
It tries to be a book about mid-life crisis, betrayal, destiny, gurus and ends up being none of them
There is an attempt here to be different , but well different does not necessarily mean good
I picked up the book out of peer pressure (the author is a friend)
Have written off my investment in this book as a sunk cost
PS: It has a eerie resemblance to Chetan Bhagat's one night at call center (referring to the plot or the lack of it)
May 9, 2015
Of Money, Mani, a Mystic and the Mafia
How wise is it to kill yourself at your best friend’s wedding? Not very, if he happens to catch you just as you’re about to pull the trigger. But if you have a friend like Mani, you can be sure that eventually some good will come out of it.
Rustom Iraqiwalla of Bombay finds himself in a most unenviable position, being heavily indebted to the money-lending mafia of the city, and they’re on his trail, baying for his blood. There’s no escape, or so he thinks, except for killing himself. At least in this way, a large sum of money would go to his wife and daughter, and could be used to pay off his debts. Sounds fishy?
According to the will of Fali, Rustom’s grandfather, he shall inherit the family fortune if he kills himself in a public place with the former’s legendary gun. And so he chooses a wedding – that of his best friend Mani. However before he has a chance to shoot himself, Mani convinces Rustom to pay a visit to a certain Babaji in the Himalayan town of Almora.
Knowing that he has nothing to lose, literally, Rustom does so and finds himself plunged into the world of this psychic man in saffron robes. This Godman belts out visions and claims to be able to see the future (more or less accurately) of one of those who visit his ashram everyday. Several such cryptic tales befuddle Mr. I, who wonders whether this yogi is just another fraud. But slowly and gradually he realizes the power of faith, and suddenly these stories of war, money and love show Rustom a way out of his abyss of life-threatening losses.
Rustom and the Last Story- Teller of Almora is a refreshing change on the bookshelf in an age of novels about revamped mythology and dystopian futures. It is a book of contrasts, dark and light, serious and humorous. It talks of mountain peaks and the flat lands of the city, of wealth and poverty, and of spirituality and reality. With a plot as convoluted as the roads on the mountains, this book tests a reader’s concentration and determination – to want to finish the book. At some points in time the story really drags, especially in the beginning and towards the end (the penultimate chapter too), and makes you want to just stop.
Nevertheless, the author has managed to keep the readers in the bind with unexpected twists and turns, making the reader just itch to go on reading. The fact that it is a fictional story in a very real location makes it easy to relate to – the places, the events, the kinds of people, everything. However, I was hoping to speed read the novel, but it was not possible. The story seems to stagnate at times - even though the pages were turning, the same concept or idea went on and on making it seem like I wasn’t reading anything.
All in all, it is an interesting novel, which touches upon our proclivity to turn towards God and spirituality, while fervently hoping that He will wave a wand and make everything alright again.
Do give it a shot if you are willing to experiment.
How wise is it to kill yourself at your best friend’s wedding? Not very, if he happens to catch you just as you’re about to pull the trigger. But if you have a friend like Mani, you can be sure that eventually some good will come out of it.
Rustom Iraqiwalla of Bombay finds himself in a most unenviable position, being heavily indebted to the money-lending mafia of the city, and they’re on his trail, baying for his blood. There’s no escape, or so he thinks, except for killing himself. At least in this way, a large sum of money would go to his wife and daughter, and could be used to pay off his debts. Sounds fishy?
According to the will of Fali, Rustom’s grandfather, he shall inherit the family fortune if he kills himself in a public place with the former’s legendary gun. And so he chooses a wedding – that of his best friend Mani. However before he has a chance to shoot himself, Mani convinces Rustom to pay a visit to a certain Babaji in the Himalayan town of Almora.
Knowing that he has nothing to lose, literally, Rustom does so and finds himself plunged into the world of this psychic man in saffron robes. This Godman belts out visions and claims to be able to see the future (more or less accurately) of one of those who visit his ashram everyday. Several such cryptic tales befuddle Mr. I, who wonders whether this yogi is just another fraud. But slowly and gradually he realizes the power of faith, and suddenly these stories of war, money and love show Rustom a way out of his abyss of life-threatening losses.
Rustom and the Last Story- Teller of Almora is a refreshing change on the bookshelf in an age of novels about revamped mythology and dystopian futures. It is a book of contrasts, dark and light, serious and humorous. It talks of mountain peaks and the flat lands of the city, of wealth and poverty, and of spirituality and reality. With a plot as convoluted as the roads on the mountains, this book tests a reader’s concentration and determination – to want to finish the book. At some points in time the story really drags, especially in the beginning and towards the end (the penultimate chapter too), and makes you want to just stop.
Nevertheless, the author has managed to keep the readers in the bind with unexpected twists and turns, making the reader just itch to go on reading. The fact that it is a fictional story in a very real location makes it easy to relate to – the places, the events, the kinds of people, everything. However, I was hoping to speed read the novel, but it was not possible. The story seems to stagnate at times - even though the pages were turning, the same concept or idea went on and on making it seem like I wasn’t reading anything.
All in all, it is an interesting novel, which touches upon our proclivity to turn towards God and spirituality, while fervently hoping that He will wave a wand and make everything alright again.
Do give it a shot if you are willing to experiment.
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