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All Quiet in Vikaspuri
Scintillating graphic fiction from the master of the genre A Homeric tale of a man's journey to the centre of the earth in search of the mythical river Saraswati, this graphic novel is set against the fictitious yet ever-so-real Water Wars of Delhi. It is a dystopian landscape where neighbourhoods fight brutal battles against each other and even victory must end in defeat.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Sarnath Banerjee
9 books53 followersSarnath Banerjee (born 1972) is an Indian graphic novelist, artist, and film maker and a co-founder of the comics publishing house, Phantomville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 22, 2016
This is a book to be savored and re read, so as not to miss the sarcasm and humor deftly weaved into the plot that makes " All Quiet in Vikaspuri" an interesting read. The book is an unabashed social commentary in the time of gated communities and educational institutions which churn out 'template' graduates (as opposed to visionaries) by the dozen.
Sarnath Banerjee's provocative (part) fictional account of water wars in Delhi (or any other Indian city/urban landscape) is also about the still alive embers of 'sensitivity to inequality' in a minority. The book has this quality of commenting upon (unfair) life in a direct, unapologetic way. It is hard to miss this; For instance, Banerjee talks about the golden ghettos of the rich, the gated communities, with the incessant supply of the necessities of life such as water and electricity, that the poor cant afford and the sport of golf that is a barometer of social status. It is as if the tall walls of gated communities 'desensitize' its inhabitants to poverty and inequality surrounding them.
All is not lost however. For every disappointed, cynic like Rastogi who becomes a (criminal) real estate baron there is a skilled, idealistic plumber like Girish or an educated, privileged, cynic like Varun Bhalla - to take on the scum that capitalism produces.
Behind the wit and sarcasm lies an incisive understanding of the existence of a first world within the third world. This is reflected in the narrative when he asks "How long can a society bear such inequality? It is a surprise that people have not exploded yet, but when that happens......" and the image of a beheaded corporate wallah - reminiscent of the French revolutionary upsurge.
Sarnath Banerjee is at his best when he points out the quirks of the Indian middle class which "..thinks that corporates are benevolent philanthropic organizations...." Or when he lays bare the logic of capitalism underlying "profit minded corporations whose responsibility lies first and foremost with the (our) shareholders" or still, the company's head who faints upon hearing the the 'staggering' amount spent on employee welfare. He zooms in and out of life in India and gives us an idea how the 'political' plays out. The Central Governments policy on disinvestment, employees affected by the closure of a PSU, trade unions and migrant labor issues, the race for money and privileged life.
This graphic novel is a not-to-miss socio-political commentary of post-liberalized India and reminds me of Arvind Adiga's "White tiger".
Sarnath Banerjee's provocative (part) fictional account of water wars in Delhi (or any other Indian city/urban landscape) is also about the still alive embers of 'sensitivity to inequality' in a minority. The book has this quality of commenting upon (unfair) life in a direct, unapologetic way. It is hard to miss this; For instance, Banerjee talks about the golden ghettos of the rich, the gated communities, with the incessant supply of the necessities of life such as water and electricity, that the poor cant afford and the sport of golf that is a barometer of social status. It is as if the tall walls of gated communities 'desensitize' its inhabitants to poverty and inequality surrounding them.
All is not lost however. For every disappointed, cynic like Rastogi who becomes a (criminal) real estate baron there is a skilled, idealistic plumber like Girish or an educated, privileged, cynic like Varun Bhalla - to take on the scum that capitalism produces.
Behind the wit and sarcasm lies an incisive understanding of the existence of a first world within the third world. This is reflected in the narrative when he asks "How long can a society bear such inequality? It is a surprise that people have not exploded yet, but when that happens......" and the image of a beheaded corporate wallah - reminiscent of the French revolutionary upsurge.
Sarnath Banerjee is at his best when he points out the quirks of the Indian middle class which "..thinks that corporates are benevolent philanthropic organizations...." Or when he lays bare the logic of capitalism underlying "profit minded corporations whose responsibility lies first and foremost with the (our) shareholders" or still, the company's head who faints upon hearing the the 'staggering' amount spent on employee welfare. He zooms in and out of life in India and gives us an idea how the 'political' plays out. The Central Governments policy on disinvestment, employees affected by the closure of a PSU, trade unions and migrant labor issues, the race for money and privileged life.
This graphic novel is a not-to-miss socio-political commentary of post-liberalized India and reminds me of Arvind Adiga's "White tiger".
June 10, 2024
This was a wonderful graphic novel and I always try to support authors by buying graphic novels by Indian authors as soon as find them and if they are reasonably priced. Returning to the book it was full of social satire, puns, and laughs galore but you can't deny that it addresses some fundamental issues. I loved this and would recommend it to everyone and now I shall keep on reading.
I have always loved comics, and I have I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I have I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.
April 8, 2024
A biting satire on the ever-so-real Water Wars of Delhi and its inhabitants. Particularly enjoyed the jibes taken at Gurgaon and neoliberal industrialists, who undertake wild development projects in the name of “progress”.
February 4, 2018
A graphic novel that chronicles a fictional Delhi in which water has run out and there are water wars between neighborhoods. The dystopian story unfolds with a plumber as the savior and protagonist who finds the mythical river Saraswathi and tries to prevent the villain from monopolizing the waters to derive commercial profit. The narrative flows smoothly though end is a little abrupt. The author slyly does social commentary on contemporary commercialization of public resources such as water, air, forests and minerals.
The artwork (watercolor sketches) in mostly 2/3 tone colour is quite good. I liked especially the full page poster-like watercolour riffs on popular war movies such as "Bridge on the river Kwai", "Guns of Navarone" and "Saving Private Ryan" to document war between neighborhoods. A good Indian graphic novel.
The artwork (watercolor sketches) in mostly 2/3 tone colour is quite good. I liked especially the full page poster-like watercolour riffs on popular war movies such as "Bridge on the river Kwai", "Guns of Navarone" and "Saving Private Ryan" to document war between neighborhoods. A good Indian graphic novel.
August 13, 2018
"Isn't it heartbreaking when people at the margins still believe in the legal system?"
First graphic novel of the year!
With some extremely poignant sentences dotting the novel, Sarnath Banerjee's could well be on his way to becoming India's answer to Joe Sacco. His prose is relaxed and unhurried and he takes you on a trip with his wildly imaginative Delhi Water Wars. The descriptive images compliment the writing. The blunt observations strike home unexpectantly. Here you're laughing at a character's plight and the next nodding your head helplessly as his world changes.
I can't wait to read more of him!
First graphic novel of the year!
With some extremely poignant sentences dotting the novel, Sarnath Banerjee's could well be on his way to becoming India's answer to Joe Sacco. His prose is relaxed and unhurried and he takes you on a trip with his wildly imaginative Delhi Water Wars. The descriptive images compliment the writing. The blunt observations strike home unexpectantly. Here you're laughing at a character's plight and the next nodding your head helplessly as his world changes.
I can't wait to read more of him!
March 28, 2021
This book is a 3-star rating but I gave an extra star for the gorgeous illustration work.
Synopsis: It is a story of the proletariat and the bourgeois in the city of Delhi, where one sees the difference between the have and have nots in a stark manner. While one section just wants to do honest work, the other will cut shortcuts, shady deals and cause environmental degradation for their own gain. This story chronicles the tales of a humble plumber who is digging into the earth in search of the mystical river in a parched Delhi area, and the adventures he has on his way down.
In signature Sarnath style, the writing is a cacophony of characters, themes, and social commentary but unlike the predecessors, the narratives actually tie up together to form a winded but coherent story structure. Short read but such books can be read again and again
Synopsis: It is a story of the proletariat and the bourgeois in the city of Delhi, where one sees the difference between the have and have nots in a stark manner. While one section just wants to do honest work, the other will cut shortcuts, shady deals and cause environmental degradation for their own gain. This story chronicles the tales of a humble plumber who is digging into the earth in search of the mystical river in a parched Delhi area, and the adventures he has on his way down.
In signature Sarnath style, the writing is a cacophony of characters, themes, and social commentary but unlike the predecessors, the narratives actually tie up together to form a winded but coherent story structure. Short read but such books can be read again and again
September 27, 2018
in this case, i judged a book by its cover and expected the contents to contain more illustrations like the one on the cover. sadly, the crown jewel is revealed on the outside and the inside pages mostly include black and white with scrawled handwriting. banerjee seeks to tell an interesting story - something about water wars through a dantesque approach, but for me there were too many references and unknowns that left me confused instead of riled up about the issue.
January 28, 2017
Absurdist brilliance, loaded with sarcasm, humor and witty punch-lines by an author who probably just wanted a compact, entertaining canvas for his macroscopic world views. Enjoyed it!
October 21, 2018
Journey of the psychic plumber who has been given the task to find the mythical river Saraswati. Set in dystopic India, pitted against a background of development, corruption, political instability and opportunism, gang wars. A political satire that critically mocks self induced amnesia of ignorance of middle-class India, and Delhi is an example of that amnesia.
Uses lot of tropes from Bollywood, has some exceptionally well put funny scenes. The characters I felt were under developed, through everything is happening through Girish's eyes, he was lost somewhere in the great shoot out of themes. It's an ambitious book, talks about the water crisis of Delhi is facing and how soon water wars will erupt.
Girish is set on the task by evil boss, is also the voice of the thousands of migrants workers who float to capital for jobs. The issues of class, caste, power, capitalistic greed are all well drawn. I loved story of Jagat Ram and his ever demoting floors.
The art is much more coherent than the previous book I read by Sarnath. The panels were strict so were the speech bubbles. There was some colour play and the lettering was bare of style and looked handwritten, if so it is a daring task. I loved the use of rare dashes of red like on the bow tie and of murder panel. The one blue panel did a good work of drawing attention.
Overall it is a socially apt book for our times when development is fading from our political narrative, a good criticism on culture of how we we middle class Indians think the rich people are on our side for good.
I would have loved if there was more involvement in the character development, characters failed to capture my attention, the moment I moved to next page they were gone from my had. Narrative like this needs more investment in its character than focusing on the obvious elephant in the room.
Uses lot of tropes from Bollywood, has some exceptionally well put funny scenes. The characters I felt were under developed, through everything is happening through Girish's eyes, he was lost somewhere in the great shoot out of themes. It's an ambitious book, talks about the water crisis of Delhi is facing and how soon water wars will erupt.
Girish is set on the task by evil boss, is also the voice of the thousands of migrants workers who float to capital for jobs. The issues of class, caste, power, capitalistic greed are all well drawn. I loved story of Jagat Ram and his ever demoting floors.
The art is much more coherent than the previous book I read by Sarnath. The panels were strict so were the speech bubbles. There was some colour play and the lettering was bare of style and looked handwritten, if so it is a daring task. I loved the use of rare dashes of red like on the bow tie and of murder panel. The one blue panel did a good work of drawing attention.
Overall it is a socially apt book for our times when development is fading from our political narrative, a good criticism on culture of how we we middle class Indians think the rich people are on our side for good.
I would have loved if there was more involvement in the character development, characters failed to capture my attention, the moment I moved to next page they were gone from my had. Narrative like this needs more investment in its character than focusing on the obvious elephant in the room.
May 30, 2021
This book's genre basically revolves around Politics, yet-so-real fiction and can be compared to India's present scenario under the right-centric government.
So, here's my detailed non spoiler review -
1. Sarnath Banerjee, again giving his simple, yet so brilliant art or rather illustration.
2. Story mostly is political and how certain ideologies may lead to the doomsday in a society, especially where people of several classes live, like India.
3. Though, not a masterpiece but yeah, definitely an unique work of art, which is Sarnath Banerjee's specialty to be honest.
4. Most of the concept is basically metaphorical or works as a symbol to some really intense situation of daily lives.
5. This will sure change your perspective towards a particular ideology, and you will ponder upon the question "Why" for quite sometime.
6. The story length is quite short... I mean a bit too short. Some parts could have been written and dealt upon more to make the reader's swim through the wave more.
7. The author makes the reader understand what he wants to and his message is clearly visible if you understand and read it from a neutral perspective.
8. Overall yeah, it's good and as I said, it's political and you will think "Why" ;) for quite some time.
Thank you,
Rishabh.
(instagram@ rishabhxart)
So, here's my detailed non spoiler review -
1. Sarnath Banerjee, again giving his simple, yet so brilliant art or rather illustration.
2. Story mostly is political and how certain ideologies may lead to the doomsday in a society, especially where people of several classes live, like India.
3. Though, not a masterpiece but yeah, definitely an unique work of art, which is Sarnath Banerjee's specialty to be honest.
4. Most of the concept is basically metaphorical or works as a symbol to some really intense situation of daily lives.
5. This will sure change your perspective towards a particular ideology, and you will ponder upon the question "Why" for quite sometime.
6. The story length is quite short... I mean a bit too short. Some parts could have been written and dealt upon more to make the reader's swim through the wave more.
7. The author makes the reader understand what he wants to and his message is clearly visible if you understand and read it from a neutral perspective.
8. Overall yeah, it's good and as I said, it's political and you will think "Why" ;) for quite some time.
Thank you,
Rishabh.
(instagram@ rishabhxart)
February 10, 2025
I read this for the first time when I was in college and at the time it felt spell-binding. It's a great read first read for someone who's been sheltered from Indian politics and social commentary. The art fits the narrative and the narrative has its aha moments. The author's creative imagery and ability to succinctly paint a picture of their India must be commended.
Reading it as an adult, the UC male author fingerprints are a lot clearer. Readers will find a caste slur thrown in unceremoniously and seemingly unknowingly. Women are effectively erased in the author's world, only showing themselves for explicit feminine tasks such as being shapely and swimming in a bikini. "Endangered tribes" feature in the narrative but remain nameless, voiceless, and faceless.
The author does better than average. India’s literary scene is characteristically class-, caste-, disability-, and gender-ignorant. The author gets class.
But in a silo. It is understandable that their personal experiences may not be able to colour class with anything meaningful about caste, disability, and gender. Why there has been no attempt to bring these intricacies to the book through observation (in lieu of personal experience) is unclear.
Would genuinely recommend this to anyone as a Indian Left 101 but only if they’re confident in their discernment of 3 of the 4 biases that the Indian literary scene can’t seem to shake off.
Reading it as an adult, the UC male author fingerprints are a lot clearer. Readers will find a caste slur thrown in unceremoniously and seemingly unknowingly. Women are effectively erased in the author's world, only showing themselves for explicit feminine tasks such as being shapely and swimming in a bikini. "Endangered tribes" feature in the narrative but remain nameless, voiceless, and faceless.
The author does better than average. India’s literary scene is characteristically class-, caste-, disability-, and gender-ignorant. The author gets class.
But in a silo. It is understandable that their personal experiences may not be able to colour class with anything meaningful about caste, disability, and gender. Why there has been no attempt to bring these intricacies to the book through observation (in lieu of personal experience) is unclear.
Would genuinely recommend this to anyone as a Indian Left 101 but only if they’re confident in their discernment of 3 of the 4 biases that the Indian literary scene can’t seem to shake off.
January 3, 2024
I'm a little late to the party, but I'm glad I finally read 'All Quiet in Vikaspuri' by Sarnath Banerjee
I always love stories that give you a picture into the question of "What If?" and this book does just that. If you're a Delhiite then you will be very familiar with the city's water woes. This book tells you the story of a man who goes on a journey to the centre of the earth in search of the mythical river Saraswati.
Even though the story is fictitious and the setting is dystopian, you feel like each and every bit of it is happening around you in real-time. I love how they have made small spin-offs of popular movies like Chronicles of Narnia has become Chronicles of Narayana and Saving Private Ryan has become Saving Private Gupta.
Going by what's happening in Delhi, I'm sure we're not away from a day when neighbourhoods will be engaged in the Water Wars. The overall message that comes to you from the beginning to the end of this book is to save water and respect the environment.
I'm glad I picked it up as the first read of 2024 and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! ✨
I always love stories that give you a picture into the question of "What If?" and this book does just that. If you're a Delhiite then you will be very familiar with the city's water woes. This book tells you the story of a man who goes on a journey to the centre of the earth in search of the mythical river Saraswati.
Even though the story is fictitious and the setting is dystopian, you feel like each and every bit of it is happening around you in real-time. I love how they have made small spin-offs of popular movies like Chronicles of Narnia has become Chronicles of Narayana and Saving Private Ryan has become Saving Private Gupta.
Going by what's happening in Delhi, I'm sure we're not away from a day when neighbourhoods will be engaged in the Water Wars. The overall message that comes to you from the beginning to the end of this book is to save water and respect the environment.
I'm glad I picked it up as the first read of 2024 and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! ✨
October 26, 2017
The graphic novel is a humorous take on the water woes of urban India and how it affects lives far and beyond the water sources. It's a political satire on Delhi's local communities and the futuristic water wars that they will be engulfed in because of the inequity created by tanker mafias and the powers to be in the public organizations handling the distribution of water. The story traces the life of a plumber who lost his job when a flourishing PSU company was privatized in the name of ushering in efficiency and better work ethics in the company's operations. With subtle illustrations and astute political commentary, Sarnath Banerjee narrates how plumber Girish moves in search of job and lands up amidst the Delhi water mafias, the political observations he makes in this journey, and the allegorical tunnels he digs in search of the perennial Saraswati river that would end all wars and establish a dystopian peaceful, coexistence of water-struck communities in Delhi.
April 28, 2025
Excellent graphic novel. Highlights the importance of water. With the recent Pahalgam attacks and Indus Water Treaty being moved to abeyance, so topical as well.
Sarnath weaves a beautiful story on how water is an essential resource and how it's made into a business, Gurgaon with its condos vs Delhi's daily struggles. Even in this, there are believers and the presence of the mythological 'Saraswati' shows how beautiful the world can be, only if we are more inclusive and aware of our actions.
Highly recommend. Easy read - <1 hour!!
Sarnath weaves a beautiful story on how water is an essential resource and how it's made into a business, Gurgaon with its condos vs Delhi's daily struggles. Even in this, there are believers and the presence of the mythological 'Saraswati' shows how beautiful the world can be, only if we are more inclusive and aware of our actions.
Highly recommend. Easy read - <1 hour!!
October 6, 2018
All Quiet in Vikaspuri is a fun, trippy read. Set in a very Mad Max-esqe Delhi, this book is an allegory on the perils of unchecked capitalism.
Additionally, if you've lived in Delhi for a while, you're going to love the little nuances of various localities during the Battle of Kalkaji.
The only drawback I'd note about All Quiet in Vikaspuri is that it ends too soon & leaves you with more questions than answers. Unless that was Sarnath Banerjee's intent all along. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Additionally, if you've lived in Delhi for a while, you're going to love the little nuances of various localities during the Battle of Kalkaji.
The only drawback I'd note about All Quiet in Vikaspuri is that it ends too soon & leaves you with more questions than answers. Unless that was Sarnath Banerjee's intent all along. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
This read like vignettes that come together at the end, and here there is an interesting blurring of lines between reality and imagination. The satire is embedded deeper, the despair more shallow. If it's supposed to be dystopian, it doesn't feel so in 2025. The centering of lack of clean water and the turbulations that sets into motion is something to deeply ponder (and something to still reckon with despite this book being 10 years old exactly).
September 14, 2017
A deeply satirical book with clever pop-references and misleading title. Since I live in Vikaspuri, I picked up this book hoping for some familiarity - rather it let me into water-war dystopia in which my part of the city was devoted just about one page (or less). But smart content and interesting graphics made up for it.
March 30, 2020
A guillotine of sibylline language, its blades sharpened by the whetstone of a cogent (contemporary) class analysis, this graphic novel takes a torch to the vehement n(e)oliberalism that the metropolitan elite of India has appropriated toward peddling a myth of public prosperity while usurping political legitimacy and power.
November 1, 2020
Enjoyed reading this graphic novel with lovely trademark artwork by Sarnath Banerjee. Since I stay in Delhi (where the story is based) and hence I could identify more with the story. A Dystopian tale of Water wars breaking out in the city and a plumber's quest to find the mythical river and its consequences.
Sub-plots include social commentary on commercialization of public assets and displacement of people. I liked how all of these have been woven together in the story.
Sub-plots include social commentary on commercialization of public assets and displacement of people. I liked how all of these have been woven together in the story.
November 12, 2017
"Is it not heartbreaking when people at the margin still believe in the legal system?"
Absolutely loved the book.
Absolutely loved the book.
January 31, 2023
Quite creative. But the font family and size was a very bad choice. I also found very hard to follow the story, probably because Im not familiar with the Indian history.
February 8, 2023
"Twitter does not bring revolution. Hunger does."
Sarnath Banerjee the only reason I delved into Indian Graphic Novels :)
Sarnath Banerjee the only reason I delved into Indian Graphic Novels :)
December 10, 2023
Enjoyed the quirkiness in the first third of the book, but things soon devolved into a pointless mess.
June 27, 2024
a delightful little satire
January 5, 2025
2 of 2 books to start the year. rating is closer to 3.5
December 1, 2025
Loved the art and the sarcastic tone of the entire text. A must read!
December 29, 2025
Banerjee presents an interesting view of dystopian Delhi through the issue of water scarcity, that culminates into a full blown war.
August 26, 2018
This is one of those books that makes you glad to have a weird library. I found it recently and was instantly interested, and I have to admit... it's awesome. I will say that I am not a politics person (beyond, you know, people deserve basic human rights) and even less of an economics person (except 'eat the rich') so I don't think I honestly understood this as well as I could have-- but that's on me, and I'd still recommend this to people who want to read a graphic novel that's 'more' than a comic, if that makes sense. This book has roots.
With that said: I'd like to see more from Banerjee in the future, especially regarding the art-- the composition is flawless, but I want to see him try new things, make more dynamic lineart... maybe I am just speaking in tongues... The point is that this book fell just short of 5 stars for me because of little things like the typeface (very small, sometimes oddly placed) and the fact that I genuinely believe Banerjee could've done more with the art.
That said, overall just a good book. I enjoyed reading it and would probably do so again.
With that said: I'd like to see more from Banerjee in the future, especially regarding the art-- the composition is flawless, but I want to see him try new things, make more dynamic lineart... maybe I am just speaking in tongues... The point is that this book fell just short of 5 stars for me because of little things like the typeface (very small, sometimes oddly placed) and the fact that I genuinely believe Banerjee could've done more with the art.
That said, overall just a good book. I enjoyed reading it and would probably do so again.
February 4, 2016
An utterly disappointing and vain project. A brain fart of vague generalities and poor stereotypes that had the good fortune to be published. Follow link for (a slightly more) detailed review:
http://theinsomniacsleepwalker.tumblr...
http://theinsomniacsleepwalker.tumblr...
April 10, 2016
Very raw, fresh and real account of Delhi, albeit set in a fictional future. Bit hasty when wrapping the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews