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Roots
“It is alright to cry”- says the soothing voice from the helpline. And the choked emotions come to the fore filling the line with his sobs… eventually making him confident enough to start reading his ancestor’s memoirs. From 1857 to 1984… the story of Delhi seems interwoven with his family history. It is a city that provided him with shelter, yet never was quite the home he yearned for.
‘Roots’ is the story of Ganesh, a priest and astrologer who makes a living predicting others’ future. Unknown to him, fate has woven a strange twist into his life. Concurrently, ‘Roots’ also tells the story of a town doomed to lose its existence in the march towards development. Who wants this development? Do the residents have any say regarding their future? Can there be any compensation for losing one’s home and hearth?
A suicide, a dam, a reality show… all come together in this gripping tale of longing and displacement that tugs at the heart for what could have been.
‘Roots’ is the story of Ganesh, a priest and astrologer who makes a living predicting others’ future. Unknown to him, fate has woven a strange twist into his life. Concurrently, ‘Roots’ also tells the story of a town doomed to lose its existence in the march towards development. Who wants this development? Do the residents have any say regarding their future? Can there be any compensation for losing one’s home and hearth?
A suicide, a dam, a reality show… all come together in this gripping tale of longing and displacement that tugs at the heart for what could have been.
- GenresFiction
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 20, 2016
'Roots' is a maiden effort at writing a book by Mr. Rahul Bhatt and he has made an utterly convincing debut. In the preceding 9 months of my book-reviewing career, I have come across 7 debut efforts and among them all, Mr. Bhatt's work stands tall. A book so enriching in plotting its stories and developing its characters that you will ultimately start feeling a part of it. This is a genuine effort at writing a standard novel where the author doesn't let the readers go off the hook even when they finish his work in multiple outings and every time you start picking up on this book, it makes sure it owns you. It's a voluminous book that demands the attention of readers and through it's sheer engrossing narrative and depth, weave magical spells on you.
In the center of this book is the life-stories of Nakua Panditjee and Sarita/Rashmi. Panditjee has his roots in Tehri of old which is as most of us now is under Tehri Lake when the construction of a dam was announced in this town. He had to leave the city quite early in his life for Delhi to make something useful out of his life and as per the profession of his uncle, becomes an astrologer. He is the custodian of an orphan, Aamna who likes to hear his bedtime stories. Sarita has also got her roots in that same town of Tehri but courtesy to her mother, Mira who as get to know later in the book is an old acquaintance-turned-lover of Punditjee. Sarita volunteers for a social service outlet named "helpline' in her pastime where she goes by the name of Rashmi and one day, fatefully, attends to the call of a desperate Panditjee. When she is Sarita, she is a Television producer and currently at helm of an under-production reality TV Show. She has got her Mom, her boss Mr. Sharma and an Assistant named Shelly in her life encircling her and they all get ample space and narratives of their own in the book. Panditjee has got Jaggi, an old acquaintance-turned-friend who is a Guru to masses; Shankar, the engineer who built the dam in his old Tehri and now a close friend and several clients encircling his life. After an unwanted and loathsome departure from his roots, Panditjee is living a troubled, unsatisfactory life where he has the success of a metropolitan citizen but he hasn't got the love of his life standing by her. He turns to Helpline then one day to find the outlet for all his repressed emotions and interacts with Sarita-turned-Rashmi and thus story gets rolling. We also get to know the history of Panditjee's ancestral forefathers and eventually of India's re-birth after its capture by the English. With suitable pauses and intertwined stories, readers go through a mixture of emotions which don't let them devoid of an ultimate one: the joy of readership. This book is enchanting.
Coming to its technical aspects; from the cover to the blurb, everything is designed with metronomic efficiency and beauty. Like the entire narrative, they are simple, elegant and mighty effective. At the end, this novel is a culmination of many humane stories that stem from familiar surroundings of our own and don't seem alien at all like the ones we are often getting to see in many other ambitious writers' writings. It doesn't need this formality to qualify its achievements but I shall like to assign my highest rating to this book.....a 5/5 all the way!!!!
In the center of this book is the life-stories of Nakua Panditjee and Sarita/Rashmi. Panditjee has his roots in Tehri of old which is as most of us now is under Tehri Lake when the construction of a dam was announced in this town. He had to leave the city quite early in his life for Delhi to make something useful out of his life and as per the profession of his uncle, becomes an astrologer. He is the custodian of an orphan, Aamna who likes to hear his bedtime stories. Sarita has also got her roots in that same town of Tehri but courtesy to her mother, Mira who as get to know later in the book is an old acquaintance-turned-lover of Punditjee. Sarita volunteers for a social service outlet named "helpline' in her pastime where she goes by the name of Rashmi and one day, fatefully, attends to the call of a desperate Panditjee. When she is Sarita, she is a Television producer and currently at helm of an under-production reality TV Show. She has got her Mom, her boss Mr. Sharma and an Assistant named Shelly in her life encircling her and they all get ample space and narratives of their own in the book. Panditjee has got Jaggi, an old acquaintance-turned-friend who is a Guru to masses; Shankar, the engineer who built the dam in his old Tehri and now a close friend and several clients encircling his life. After an unwanted and loathsome departure from his roots, Panditjee is living a troubled, unsatisfactory life where he has the success of a metropolitan citizen but he hasn't got the love of his life standing by her. He turns to Helpline then one day to find the outlet for all his repressed emotions and interacts with Sarita-turned-Rashmi and thus story gets rolling. We also get to know the history of Panditjee's ancestral forefathers and eventually of India's re-birth after its capture by the English. With suitable pauses and intertwined stories, readers go through a mixture of emotions which don't let them devoid of an ultimate one: the joy of readership. This book is enchanting.
Coming to its technical aspects; from the cover to the blurb, everything is designed with metronomic efficiency and beauty. Like the entire narrative, they are simple, elegant and mighty effective. At the end, this novel is a culmination of many humane stories that stem from familiar surroundings of our own and don't seem alien at all like the ones we are often getting to see in many other ambitious writers' writings. It doesn't need this formality to qualify its achievements but I shall like to assign my highest rating to this book.....a 5/5 all the way!!!!
September 5, 2016
Roots is a story of a priest and astrologer, the last one of his family to have survived, with no child to carry the family lineage. Pandit ji, besides fulfilling the basic duties of a priest, earns a living from fortune telling, which he fathoms has been passed on to him from his ancestors. Mira, mother of Sarita and a widow, has seen more male dominance than any woman she has ever seen in one lifetime. Sarita, a feminist, works for a TV channel and volunteers in a Helpline initiated to curb suicidal depressions. Pandit ji has lost all-purpose in life, Mira’s only purpose is her daughter, and Sarita still muses over the missing father in her life. Discovery of a journal written over centuries, a helpline, a reality TV show, and 3 lost souls, come together once again and the story unfolds.
For me, true to its title - Roots, is a simple and pragmatic story, giving way to an interesting and meticulous plot. It is largely constructed around the character of Ganesh, the priest, who not only loses his family but also his house in the mountains, which leaves him unstable for the rest of his life. Mira and Sarita are the quintessential mother-daughter duo, struggling to express their insecurities. The story gets very exciting at two places: first, when the priest starts reading his ancestor’s memoir, and then towards the end when the heartening truth about the past comes out. Based around Delhi, a lot of the major historical incidents over the centuries of North India have been incorporated, to make the story convincing and enjoyable at the same time. I did not know what to expect, but I was massively impressed with the author’s scholarly and (Complete review on the blog - http://www.defineyellow.com/2016/09/b...)
For me, true to its title - Roots, is a simple and pragmatic story, giving way to an interesting and meticulous plot. It is largely constructed around the character of Ganesh, the priest, who not only loses his family but also his house in the mountains, which leaves him unstable for the rest of his life. Mira and Sarita are the quintessential mother-daughter duo, struggling to express their insecurities. The story gets very exciting at two places: first, when the priest starts reading his ancestor’s memoir, and then towards the end when the heartening truth about the past comes out. Based around Delhi, a lot of the major historical incidents over the centuries of North India have been incorporated, to make the story convincing and enjoyable at the same time. I did not know what to expect, but I was massively impressed with the author’s scholarly and (Complete review on the blog - http://www.defineyellow.com/2016/09/b...)
May 16, 2016
About the story-
The story revolves around a priest, Ganesh, and his ancestors. The story of his ancestors and the effect of their past on his present has been shown in this book. Mira and her daughter Sarita’s independent life and their zeal to live a happy life have been shown beautifully. The fact that every character is linked to one other and that too, without knowledge, is what that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
Writing and narration-
The language of the book is quite simple and is easily understandable. However, I didn’t feel any uniqueness in the style of narration. But, the story has the capability of keeping readers fixated till the very end of the story. Readers may feel curiosity to know what will happen next. In short, it is a page turner.
Title and cover-
The title of the book has done justice with its theme. Throughout the story, the roots of the main leads haven’t left its significance. Not just the story but Roots has many other things to explore. On one hand where the title is apt, I didn’t find the cover much fascinating. But, it depicts how a person will always remain glued to the roots.
My verdict –
The story is full of mysteries. It will captivate the readers for sure. I liked how the author has linked the characters with one other. The story will give many enthralling turns and twists. I was imagining something else, but the story didn’t prove my imagination correct, which is good. Kudos for the creativity to the writer!
The story revolves around a priest, Ganesh, and his ancestors. The story of his ancestors and the effect of their past on his present has been shown in this book. Mira and her daughter Sarita’s independent life and their zeal to live a happy life have been shown beautifully. The fact that every character is linked to one other and that too, without knowledge, is what that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
Writing and narration-
The language of the book is quite simple and is easily understandable. However, I didn’t feel any uniqueness in the style of narration. But, the story has the capability of keeping readers fixated till the very end of the story. Readers may feel curiosity to know what will happen next. In short, it is a page turner.
Title and cover-
The title of the book has done justice with its theme. Throughout the story, the roots of the main leads haven’t left its significance. Not just the story but Roots has many other things to explore. On one hand where the title is apt, I didn’t find the cover much fascinating. But, it depicts how a person will always remain glued to the roots.
My verdict –
The story is full of mysteries. It will captivate the readers for sure. I liked how the author has linked the characters with one other. The story will give many enthralling turns and twists. I was imagining something else, but the story didn’t prove my imagination correct, which is good. Kudos for the creativity to the writer!
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June 26, 2016“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
‘Roots’ is a heart wrenching novella that has a twisted plot and a good climax. The cover of the book is superb: subtle and somber; the subtle orange mixed with gloomy brown and a tinge of black- all adding to the overall impact of the title, which is very captivating as well. The typesetting and editing is fine.
The plot is gripping and the lucid narration acts like a cherry on the cake. There are frequent monotonous lengthy descriptions/ monologues and that act as a turn off; the setting of the scenes is relatable and gives the readers ample opportunity to experience every moment. The use of vocabulary is fine. Also, I did not quite like the idea of using present simple tense as it made the content confusing. I had to re- read certain paragraphs twice to infer the correct idea.
The author has crafted the characters beautifully and their roles have been given justice. The narration gives life to the emotions and that can be felt when turning the pages. There are grammatical errors though- frequently missing of the comma, etc.
Overall, this story is strong, emotional and intelligent piece of fiction which will definitely touch your heart.
A book that has to be read at least once!
Best wishes to the author!
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
‘Roots’ is a heart wrenching novella that has a twisted plot and a good climax. The cover of the book is superb: subtle and somber; the subtle orange mixed with gloomy brown and a tinge of black- all adding to the overall impact of the title, which is very captivating as well. The typesetting and editing is fine.
The plot is gripping and the lucid narration acts like a cherry on the cake. There are frequent monotonous lengthy descriptions/ monologues and that act as a turn off; the setting of the scenes is relatable and gives the readers ample opportunity to experience every moment. The use of vocabulary is fine. Also, I did not quite like the idea of using present simple tense as it made the content confusing. I had to re- read certain paragraphs twice to infer the correct idea.
The author has crafted the characters beautifully and their roles have been given justice. The narration gives life to the emotions and that can be felt when turning the pages. There are grammatical errors though- frequently missing of the comma, etc.
Overall, this story is strong, emotional and intelligent piece of fiction which will definitely touch your heart.
A book that has to be read at least once!
Best wishes to the author!
June 24, 2016
The first thing that hits you when you read Roots is the excellent character description. The author has managed to sketch out each and every character so vividly that each and every character had a place in your heart.
Complex emotions have been handled so beautifully and maturely. The author has done a great job portraying the emotions and the complexities of the human emotions.
One of my favorite character in the book is Rashmi. She is this strong, independent woman who wants to focus on her job. She is not ready to leave her aspirations behind in order to get married. I loved the way her relationship with her mother has been portrayed. In fact, all the relationships that have been portrayed in this book somehow or other has a very realistic feel to it. You feel like all this is happening to your neighbors, people you know!
Complex emotions have been handled so beautifully and maturely. The author has done a great job portraying the emotions and the complexities of the human emotions.
One of my favorite character in the book is Rashmi. She is this strong, independent woman who wants to focus on her job. She is not ready to leave her aspirations behind in order to get married. I loved the way her relationship with her mother has been portrayed. In fact, all the relationships that have been portrayed in this book somehow or other has a very realistic feel to it. You feel like all this is happening to your neighbors, people you know!
March 27, 2016
The reason Nakua Pandit's tale remains with us after the last page has been read is that while all his struggles and success are ordinary, he is sucked into an extraordinary play of both history and destiny. The author uses all his license to weave his characters together into a potpourri of events and interactions. As they all lead their everyday ordinary lives, they are being quietly bound together into a tale which transcends their own lives, as they have known and experienced it. Silent, dutiful, law abiding ( or should one say, script abiding ) victims of the grand scheme of things.
October 7, 2016
An interesting story of a family.History of which is entangled with very important and historical incidents of our country. Author has beautifully described the feelings and attachment a person have for his motherland.In the core of this story there is a love-story , which is sweet and sad and the same time,unrequited and painful love which the reader will feel deeply.
Good one worth a read..
I have received this book as a a part of goodreads giveaway.
Good one worth a read..
I have received this book as a a part of goodreads giveaway.
April 16, 2016
Gripping story...A bit unusual but yes in this world of impossibilities, anything can happen. The dilemma, the pain and the longing for ones' Roots has come out very well...Characters flow with the plot and not for a single moment, anybody looks misplaced. A good read for all those who know the irony of displacement.
April 21, 2016
Absolutely loved it! Three things that deserve special mention:
1. The beautifully merged timeline, effortlessly cruising between the past and the present.
2. The depiction of the sense of loss of Tehri's inhabitants, something that I had sympathised with, but probably not empathised with, until now.
3. Complex yet relatable characters, especially the strong women in the story.
1. The beautifully merged timeline, effortlessly cruising between the past and the present.
2. The depiction of the sense of loss of Tehri's inhabitants, something that I had sympathised with, but probably not empathised with, until now.
3. Complex yet relatable characters, especially the strong women in the story.
April 24, 2016
Amazing book.. Must read.. emotions of a common man who has migrated from his small village to a metro for livelihood has been described in a touching story.. "Its alright to Cry" says the helpline to take out the feelings of a depressed and lonely man in a busy metro who is finding himself lost in heart of the country and calls the helpline.
Superb Novel in simple language!!
Superb Novel in simple language!!
March 29, 2016
Marvelous, all in all... the characters of ordinary life... burdened by the tragic national events... with simple prose and deep thought-provoking saga.. seldom a contemporary tale mixes with history in such a beautiful manner... Aptly justifies its title Roots.
April 18, 2016
very well crafted and lucidly presented...........had a good time reading this beautiful piece of writing at it's best....
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews