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The Last Surge
"...the day we face each other, she will be sorry; sorry for rendering me emotionally impotent. And that will be my victory." Their blazing courtship was nearing marriage, before fate played its vicious card. Rimi dumped Gabriel and married the choice of her family but Gabriel decided to remain single. Why did Rimi take such a drastic decision? How did Gabriel keep up his single hood? Did they meet again or did fate succeed in keeping them apart? How does Sneha fit into the picture? Crafted with the characteristic flavors of Bengal, THE LAST SURGE brings you the tale of an ace football player turned relationship counselor and what made this protagonist a great brother, a greater father and an even greater romantic.
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2015
The Last Surge by debutant Pramit Sarkar is a fantastic choice to spend the night with, because of the following reasons:
1. Firstly, the printing and media quality are excellent. Gargi Publisher hasn't compromised on quality.
2. The storyline and plot is a completely refreshing one. It isn't a coffee-table read. The more you read on, the more you get engrossed in the psychological twists.
3. The author's command over the language, as well as his storytelling capabilities are commendable.
4. The flow of the narration will keep you up all night.
In my opinion, the book has a slight drawback of the story ending too soon. I wished to get a bit more emotionally involved with the characters, especially the protagonist.
Let the blurb not belie you; this book would be appreciated by anyone who likes to read psychological novels with a dash of retro-theme.
1. Firstly, the printing and media quality are excellent. Gargi Publisher hasn't compromised on quality.
2. The storyline and plot is a completely refreshing one. It isn't a coffee-table read. The more you read on, the more you get engrossed in the psychological twists.
3. The author's command over the language, as well as his storytelling capabilities are commendable.
4. The flow of the narration will keep you up all night.
In my opinion, the book has a slight drawback of the story ending too soon. I wished to get a bit more emotionally involved with the characters, especially the protagonist.
Let the blurb not belie you; this book would be appreciated by anyone who likes to read psychological novels with a dash of retro-theme.
June 22, 2015
This story revolves around the protagonist, Gabriel a footballer by passion and devoted lover at heart. This tale unravels ties of every bond a man beholds with his life. Rimi the female lead in the tale is Gabriel’s love interest and hiss wife-to-be when she leaves him at the altar for another man. Shattered and broken in betrayal, Gabriel quits his passion to nurture a beautiful daughter. A daughter not his own. While Rimi married a choice of her family.
Once a lover always a lover. This tale is an untwining journey of love. Not it isn’t a traditional love story. It’s a tale of relationships, it’s a tale that reflects vibrancy of the most beautiful emotion. While Rimi is repenting her decision and wanting to break free in one world, Gabriel is falling in love all over again; is daughter , he leaves no effort hitched when he is a playing a brother. A saga of a beautiful love encarved story is the Surge. Rimi and Gabreial meet again, fate brings them together. But it isn’t easy anymore. There are lives behind. There is a parallel livelihood that both have lived in.
The author has an excellent hold on his language vocab. His playful tone of vintage lingual treasure is a pleasure to read. His tale has the complete capacity to not just compel a reader to read his tale but to develop an urge to flip very page uncovering a very different meaning of relationships. This tale is a Pandora’s Box of mixed sentiments. Readers will have a journey of sheer anticipation in every page. This tale managed to beautifully hook a pace. There were moments of stillness but very rightly placed. The author, a very young chap, so adapt in communication that you will feel yourself in the tale. There are many characters in this story, each very subjective and equally relevant. Never in this read did I for once feel the need to turn back pages. It’s so very well connected. Every character justified if u don’t find yourself in Rimi or Gaberiel you will definitely find yourself in some other character but from right within the book!
for complete review visit: https://thenotepadreviews.wordpress.c...
Once a lover always a lover. This tale is an untwining journey of love. Not it isn’t a traditional love story. It’s a tale of relationships, it’s a tale that reflects vibrancy of the most beautiful emotion. While Rimi is repenting her decision and wanting to break free in one world, Gabriel is falling in love all over again; is daughter , he leaves no effort hitched when he is a playing a brother. A saga of a beautiful love encarved story is the Surge. Rimi and Gabreial meet again, fate brings them together. But it isn’t easy anymore. There are lives behind. There is a parallel livelihood that both have lived in.
The author has an excellent hold on his language vocab. His playful tone of vintage lingual treasure is a pleasure to read. His tale has the complete capacity to not just compel a reader to read his tale but to develop an urge to flip very page uncovering a very different meaning of relationships. This tale is a Pandora’s Box of mixed sentiments. Readers will have a journey of sheer anticipation in every page. This tale managed to beautifully hook a pace. There were moments of stillness but very rightly placed. The author, a very young chap, so adapt in communication that you will feel yourself in the tale. There are many characters in this story, each very subjective and equally relevant. Never in this read did I for once feel the need to turn back pages. It’s so very well connected. Every character justified if u don’t find yourself in Rimi or Gaberiel you will definitely find yourself in some other character but from right within the book!
for complete review visit: https://thenotepadreviews.wordpress.c...
July 7, 2015
“Truth is everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.” This actually summarizes the relationship factor. The Last Surge is a brilliant tale by Pramit Sarkar which actually travels around different relations and make you feel the true sense of being a human.
The story is about Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chakraborty. They fall in love with each other in very strange circumstances. Gabriel was at first was reluctant but soon realized his love for Rimi. Soon the story takes up a U-Turn with the death of Rimi’s only guardian, his uncle. She was forced to marry according to her family and that made Gabriel and Rimi part away.
Gabriel falls in love once again, this time with his daughter Sneha. His life started to shape around her only. Sneha was not his own daughter but he never made her realize the same. After years, Sneha got to know about her father’s story. She decided to make them meet again. The beauty and beast, both lies in the climax of the story. Something unexpected awaits the reader at the end.
The writing style of the author is brilliant. He knows how to play with words and is having great command on expressions and relationships. The book is surely a great read.
Now the drawbacks of the book. The climax was abrupt; could have been better. Another thing is sometimes, the author gets lost in detailing and the usage of metaphors makes it a bit difficult to relate for a normal reader.
The story is about Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chakraborty. They fall in love with each other in very strange circumstances. Gabriel was at first was reluctant but soon realized his love for Rimi. Soon the story takes up a U-Turn with the death of Rimi’s only guardian, his uncle. She was forced to marry according to her family and that made Gabriel and Rimi part away.
Gabriel falls in love once again, this time with his daughter Sneha. His life started to shape around her only. Sneha was not his own daughter but he never made her realize the same. After years, Sneha got to know about her father’s story. She decided to make them meet again. The beauty and beast, both lies in the climax of the story. Something unexpected awaits the reader at the end.
The writing style of the author is brilliant. He knows how to play with words and is having great command on expressions and relationships. The book is surely a great read.
Now the drawbacks of the book. The climax was abrupt; could have been better. Another thing is sometimes, the author gets lost in detailing and the usage of metaphors makes it a bit difficult to relate for a normal reader.
July 17, 2015
Now a days Indian Writers are busy in describing tales about love only but still there are some books that do indulges in the same genre but are still refreshing when comes to the way it is being narrated and sometimes unusual twists with the plot provides the cherry on the cake.
The last Surge being the debutant work of Pramit Sarkar successfully makes a place in the hearts of his readers. The best part of the book is the freshness that comes as the intelligent writing style of the author. It's unique and interesting as well.
The story of Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chakraborty is pretty touching and does leaves a long impact on reader's heart. Some love stories are meant to stay and seep in your memory for long time. Some stories are immortal and their love story is one of them.
The Last Surge is emotionally overloaded and may leave you with wet eyes in the end, so be prepared.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and would like to rate it 4/5 .
The last Surge being the debutant work of Pramit Sarkar successfully makes a place in the hearts of his readers. The best part of the book is the freshness that comes as the intelligent writing style of the author. It's unique and interesting as well.
The story of Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chakraborty is pretty touching and does leaves a long impact on reader's heart. Some love stories are meant to stay and seep in your memory for long time. Some stories are immortal and their love story is one of them.
The Last Surge is emotionally overloaded and may leave you with wet eyes in the end, so be prepared.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and would like to rate it 4/5 .
May 22, 2015
Life's treated on merit. You be the judge, jury and the executioner. Actions count and deeds matter. Relationships are formed. Some subtle yet trivial and some pleasing yet enlightened. The author perspires to get people from all walks of life together to carve out a niche out of the crumbling stones. So does it work with the readers? Let's tend to it.
The melodramatic quotient of the story is effective. By and large life's essence and faith and loss of trust are given equal weightage in the book. The presentation is what sets the story apart. From making believe the actions to a lull before the storm and then to overlooked aspects it kin of caters to the ignorance of the masses. Then it treats ideas on merit with it's mastered narration. It hits the nerve wrecking points with ease and spills over to the facts of life rather quickly and swiftly. The bluff of everything being straightforward is present but it is far from easy. It's an accurate messed up recipe of life and relationships.
The plausible downside of the story is lack of a definite end. Introduction of a completely new character towards the fag end makes the book lose its charm. The situation spills out of hand with rather a very over dramatized finish. Sticking to the basic outline was more of a good idea.
All in all the book has some excellent expressions and maneuvers around it's own idea with good command. Rather being a plain fiction it's more of a motivation and self help kind of a story which gives space to all. The lack of a picture perfect ending mars the book but before the ultimate showdown the story runs the show with panache. It's a soulful read.
The melodramatic quotient of the story is effective. By and large life's essence and faith and loss of trust are given equal weightage in the book. The presentation is what sets the story apart. From making believe the actions to a lull before the storm and then to overlooked aspects it kin of caters to the ignorance of the masses. Then it treats ideas on merit with it's mastered narration. It hits the nerve wrecking points with ease and spills over to the facts of life rather quickly and swiftly. The bluff of everything being straightforward is present but it is far from easy. It's an accurate messed up recipe of life and relationships.
The plausible downside of the story is lack of a definite end. Introduction of a completely new character towards the fag end makes the book lose its charm. The situation spills out of hand with rather a very over dramatized finish. Sticking to the basic outline was more of a good idea.
All in all the book has some excellent expressions and maneuvers around it's own idea with good command. Rather being a plain fiction it's more of a motivation and self help kind of a story which gives space to all. The lack of a picture perfect ending mars the book but before the ultimate showdown the story runs the show with panache. It's a soulful read.
July 16, 2015
A Book which had beautifully explained the indepth of relationship with full emotions and again the problem of Intercast marriage a hindrance to society. A recommended book to those who want to value the relationship.
Full Review:http://www.himanipassion.com/book-rev...
Full Review:http://www.himanipassion.com/book-rev...
June 26, 2015
Awesome narrative from the debutant writer....
loved it
loved it
August 8, 2015
Good narration. The metaphors used always left me with a smile.
November 21, 2015
MY REVIEW
I. COVER OF THE BOOK
Front Cover
The front cover of the book seems interesting. It has pictures of the Howrah bridge, river (River Hooghly),a mysterious and solitary man( since his legs are only visible) crossing the bridge which gives a hint that the story is based or connected to Kolkata and the main protagonist might be a male character.
And the last but not the least the black and grey colour of the cover suggests monotone, the absence of the colours in the main protagonist’s life.
II. TITLE
The title of the novel “The Last Surge” clearly suggests that the story deals with strong human emotions, bond which increases and develops slowly. It is a kind of title that will draw the attention of the readers to have a look at the book.
III. SUB-TITLE
The sub-title of the book ‘a tale of relationship’ blends perfectly with the title and gives the readers a peek at the content of the book and reflects the story in a nut-shell that the readers will be served with a tale dealing with interesting relationships.
IV. THE PLOT
The novel “The Last Surge” is divided into three parts (Part-I/Part-II/Part-III), 30 chapters, a prologue and an epilogue.
Part I- Chap 1 to 13
Part II –Chap 14 to 18
Part III – Chap 19 to 30
The plot of the novel is set in the city of joy, Kolkata and is narrated in a stream-of-consciousness method. The prologue opens up with an abrupt beginning, the present scenario at the main protagonist Gabriel Hopkins’ house where Gabriel is a middle aged man and a relationship counsellor whereas the first chapter immediately rewinds and takes the readers 25 years back in Gabriel’s life when he was just a school going kid.
Similarly the whole novel is woven which switches between the past and present lives in each and every character.
The main plot which deals with the lives of Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chatterjee is beautifully interlinked with many sub-plots of the novel. The author has very wisely weaved the main plot with the different sub-plots and has united them perfectly through his master strokes into one story.
V. Characterization
The characters of the novel are very well sketched. There are more than twenty minor characters along with the male protagonist Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chatterjee, the female protagonist. And with no doubt we may safely say that the author has successfully done justice to each one of them. Here, each character is very symbolic and represents a section of the mortal world. It portrays a story and shares its problems, sorrows, mistakes, sins, regrets, love, lust, weaknesses, pains and pangs which circumstances, destiny, life and society compelled them to do it at some point of time or bestowed upon them.
VI. Pros and Cons
a. Pros
1. The Characters are portrayed with a realistic approach.
2. It portrays different human psychologies and characters.
3. It points out different issues faced by youngsters.
4. It gives out many social messages.
5. Excellent narration.
6. Use of Bengali culture and the well known places in Kolkata
7. Uses of images in the novel are beautifully done like a veteran writer
b. Cons
1. Due to innumerable sub-plots at times the attention of the readers may quite often be diverted from the main plot.
I would like to conclude my review with this note that “The last Surge” is a good example of a refined writing among the present Indian writings in English. It is a well weaved heart-warming and heart wrenching story. The novel mostly deals with the unhappy side of life and states that life is not a bed of roses but a bed of thorns as because life is unpredictable and mostly it goes by its own set of rules and regulations and deprives of many things which one quenches for in their lives. The scars and pains of the unfulfilled dreams remain with them till the last breath where no earthly balm can heal their aches as seen in the life of Gabriel and other minor characters of the novel. And it only flushes out as the last surge while one departs from the mundane world. As one finishes reading the novel it leaves a question in the one’s mind that what is the use of segregating Men on the basis of religion? Did the segregation between Rimi and Gabriel do any good to the society except keeping two good souls unhappy all their lives???
I. COVER OF THE BOOK
Front Cover
The front cover of the book seems interesting. It has pictures of the Howrah bridge, river (River Hooghly),a mysterious and solitary man( since his legs are only visible) crossing the bridge which gives a hint that the story is based or connected to Kolkata and the main protagonist might be a male character.
And the last but not the least the black and grey colour of the cover suggests monotone, the absence of the colours in the main protagonist’s life.
II. TITLE
The title of the novel “The Last Surge” clearly suggests that the story deals with strong human emotions, bond which increases and develops slowly. It is a kind of title that will draw the attention of the readers to have a look at the book.
III. SUB-TITLE
The sub-title of the book ‘a tale of relationship’ blends perfectly with the title and gives the readers a peek at the content of the book and reflects the story in a nut-shell that the readers will be served with a tale dealing with interesting relationships.
IV. THE PLOT
The novel “The Last Surge” is divided into three parts (Part-I/Part-II/Part-III), 30 chapters, a prologue and an epilogue.
Part I- Chap 1 to 13
Part II –Chap 14 to 18
Part III – Chap 19 to 30
The plot of the novel is set in the city of joy, Kolkata and is narrated in a stream-of-consciousness method. The prologue opens up with an abrupt beginning, the present scenario at the main protagonist Gabriel Hopkins’ house where Gabriel is a middle aged man and a relationship counsellor whereas the first chapter immediately rewinds and takes the readers 25 years back in Gabriel’s life when he was just a school going kid.
Similarly the whole novel is woven which switches between the past and present lives in each and every character.
The main plot which deals with the lives of Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chatterjee is beautifully interlinked with many sub-plots of the novel. The author has very wisely weaved the main plot with the different sub-plots and has united them perfectly through his master strokes into one story.
V. Characterization
The characters of the novel are very well sketched. There are more than twenty minor characters along with the male protagonist Gabriel Hopkins and Rimi Chatterjee, the female protagonist. And with no doubt we may safely say that the author has successfully done justice to each one of them. Here, each character is very symbolic and represents a section of the mortal world. It portrays a story and shares its problems, sorrows, mistakes, sins, regrets, love, lust, weaknesses, pains and pangs which circumstances, destiny, life and society compelled them to do it at some point of time or bestowed upon them.
VI. Pros and Cons
a. Pros
1. The Characters are portrayed with a realistic approach.
2. It portrays different human psychologies and characters.
3. It points out different issues faced by youngsters.
4. It gives out many social messages.
5. Excellent narration.
6. Use of Bengali culture and the well known places in Kolkata
7. Uses of images in the novel are beautifully done like a veteran writer
b. Cons
1. Due to innumerable sub-plots at times the attention of the readers may quite often be diverted from the main plot.
I would like to conclude my review with this note that “The last Surge” is a good example of a refined writing among the present Indian writings in English. It is a well weaved heart-warming and heart wrenching story. The novel mostly deals with the unhappy side of life and states that life is not a bed of roses but a bed of thorns as because life is unpredictable and mostly it goes by its own set of rules and regulations and deprives of many things which one quenches for in their lives. The scars and pains of the unfulfilled dreams remain with them till the last breath where no earthly balm can heal their aches as seen in the life of Gabriel and other minor characters of the novel. And it only flushes out as the last surge while one departs from the mundane world. As one finishes reading the novel it leaves a question in the one’s mind that what is the use of segregating Men on the basis of religion? Did the segregation between Rimi and Gabriel do any good to the society except keeping two good souls unhappy all their lives???
November 16, 2015
My take:
Gabriel and Rimi meet each other in a most unusual manner. The thing that starts with an urge for revenge ends up in love. Gabriel is Catholic and Rimi, a Hindu. Does love see religion? No! It doesn’t. Gabriel and Rimi dream about their future.
Meanwhile, Rimi’s guardians fix up her marriage with a boy from their community. Rimi reveals about her relationship to her family who take the entire situation negatively. Death of her uncle adds more to the emotional drama. Rimi gives in to her family’s decision and breaks all contacts with Gabriel.
Gabriel abandons everything that reminds him of Rimi. He finds solace in serving in an orphanage. He takes to relationship counselling as his profession and during all this chaos, Sneha happens to him.
Does Gabriel move on? Who is Sneha and how is she related to Gabriel? Do Rimi and Gabriel cross each other’s path in future? What do they say to each other?
Pramit Sarkar has amazed me with his story in Innocence Lost Anthology and so has his debut novel – The Last Surge.
The Last Surge is not just one story- many stories are woven together and made in to one. The narration is next to perfect. The development of each character has been thoughtfully done. The story exhibits a kind of maturity and lovable innocence which touches your heart.
If I was to sum up ‘The Last Surge’, I would say
“The Last Surge is a story of relationships- relationship between lovers, relationship between father and daughter and relationship between a counsellor and patient. It teaches you the true meaning of love and sacrifice.”
Likes:
The use of Bengali words.
Gabriel Hopkins- as a person.
I rate:
Cover: 3/5
Story: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
My overall rating for The Last Surge is 4/5.
Gabriel and Rimi meet each other in a most unusual manner. The thing that starts with an urge for revenge ends up in love. Gabriel is Catholic and Rimi, a Hindu. Does love see religion? No! It doesn’t. Gabriel and Rimi dream about their future.
Meanwhile, Rimi’s guardians fix up her marriage with a boy from their community. Rimi reveals about her relationship to her family who take the entire situation negatively. Death of her uncle adds more to the emotional drama. Rimi gives in to her family’s decision and breaks all contacts with Gabriel.
Gabriel abandons everything that reminds him of Rimi. He finds solace in serving in an orphanage. He takes to relationship counselling as his profession and during all this chaos, Sneha happens to him.
Does Gabriel move on? Who is Sneha and how is she related to Gabriel? Do Rimi and Gabriel cross each other’s path in future? What do they say to each other?
Pramit Sarkar has amazed me with his story in Innocence Lost Anthology and so has his debut novel – The Last Surge.
The Last Surge is not just one story- many stories are woven together and made in to one. The narration is next to perfect. The development of each character has been thoughtfully done. The story exhibits a kind of maturity and lovable innocence which touches your heart.
If I was to sum up ‘The Last Surge’, I would say
“The Last Surge is a story of relationships- relationship between lovers, relationship between father and daughter and relationship between a counsellor and patient. It teaches you the true meaning of love and sacrifice.”
Likes:
The use of Bengali words.
Gabriel Hopkins- as a person.
I rate:
Cover: 3/5
Story: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
My overall rating for The Last Surge is 4/5.
September 3, 2015
As the title depicts this is a story about the tale of relationships from the perspective of a man who is a resident of Kolkata (as shown and could be made out from the cover design). Many of you, might be thinking as it what is so special or say so different about this not-so-seemingly-different man? Well, this is what this story is all about. As learnt about the author – Pramit Sarkar from the author introduction page; he hones impeccable writing technique. In today’s time, only handful authors have the enigma to keep the readers bonded with the story till the end and more importantly through the pages and he is one amongst the blessed brigade.
The language used is simple and very connecting. The descriptions provided are vivid and full of life such that at many instances I felt as I was myself being teleported from one place to another along with the acting persons. To be a little artistic in my review I would say that I felt that as if “there is a character in the characters”. By writing this, I actually meant to state that there is some life in every character and you will feel its presence, some feeling walking beside you – not a ghost but a true companion, indeed.
He never lets you fall short of his promise outlined as – a tale of relationships. There are so many relations dealt in the story and the mesh work created by them is amazing.
Source: https://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/...
The language used is simple and very connecting. The descriptions provided are vivid and full of life such that at many instances I felt as I was myself being teleported from one place to another along with the acting persons. To be a little artistic in my review I would say that I felt that as if “there is a character in the characters”. By writing this, I actually meant to state that there is some life in every character and you will feel its presence, some feeling walking beside you – not a ghost but a true companion, indeed.
He never lets you fall short of his promise outlined as – a tale of relationships. There are so many relations dealt in the story and the mesh work created by them is amazing.
Source: https://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/...
July 28, 2015
The novella is a bodice ripper set in the land of Bengal. The theme is appealing. The characters are crafted very well. Somewhere the climax of the story resembles the climax of the Bollywood movie, “Raanjhaana”. None-the-less the depiction of relationships is impeccable. The story gives an insight into the relationship shared by an adopted child, with her father and that is ethereal. Love is unpredictable, it makes you realize how weak you are and how strong you can be. The love struck protagonist, Gabriel, is successfully able to grab the attention of the readers such that they feel connected to the story. It is always said that a women is the only creation of God that has the ability to fit into different roles of life, perfectly. But Gabriel proves this saying wrong. A perfect brother who caters to the needs of her sister- emotionally, psychologically and mentally; a perfect father who cherry picks the opportunites for his adopted daughter and tries to make life, a bed of roses, for her; a die-hard romantic who continues to suffer through the pangs of betrayal even though there is a chance to move on and have a life of his own. On the contrary, the female protagonist, Rimi, has been portrayed as the person who is all things to all people and believes in calling a spade a spade. The author has put forward a balancing act in sketching the character of these two people.
Overall, a delightful story!
Overall, a delightful story!
November 1, 2015
Playing with words using right grammar and metaphors is not at all an easy task. Pramit Sarkar has done an appreciable job here too. No such editing errors were found in the book and that made my reading journey a soothing one. Kudos to the editor of the book.
characters were very well built. Writing with patience is all we need to make a book worth readable. Yes, Pramit your patience could be felt while reading about the characters and other minute details which you provided wherever needed shows that you’re a mature writer.
To read the full review : https://nehalilalwani.wordpress.com/2...
characters were very well built. Writing with patience is all we need to make a book worth readable. Yes, Pramit your patience could be felt while reading about the characters and other minute details which you provided wherever needed shows that you’re a mature writer.
To read the full review : https://nehalilalwani.wordpress.com/2...
June 20, 2015
Typical Bollywood style story-line, a good read. (3/5)
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-5G
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-5G
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews