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Dvarca Trilogy #1
Dvarca
ONE NATION | ONE RELIGION | ONE WAY OF LIFE Welcome to a land called Dvarca. At the turn of the 22nd century, the world is a mess of warring factions (surprise!). The powers-that-be have fought insanity with an equal and opposite insanity. India has been remodelled under a new bicolour flag, and a State religion called Navmarg. Anyone who does not belong, is a threat. Madhav Mathur's Dvarca is a dark and humorous satire that follows the life of an ordinary family, struggling to get by, in this totalitarian regime. Gandharva, is a patriotic and pious low-level bureaucrat at the Ministry of Finance and Salvation, working hard on his status and overdue promotion. His dutiful and curious wife, Jyoti, works at Dvarca Mills and witnesses a ghastly act of terror, leading to perilous flirtations with dissent. Their two little children, Nakul and Mira, are model students in their predestined streams, indoctrinated and well on their way to becoming faithful and productive citizens. The State religion and cutting-edge science combine to create new ways to make citizens safe, and to hound and hunt those who do not conform. Everything is 'perfect' in this controlled and policed system, until one fateful night, a man happens to break routine . . .
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
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66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 30, 2017
I added Dvarca to my wishlist considering it as mythological fiction, but when I interviewed (link to interview post) Madhav Mathur two months back on our blog I read few reviews and blurb. To my surprise, Dvarca was a dystopian book. I consider myself lucky that I got a copy of the book from the author in exchange for honest review. It was my first read in the dystopian genre, yes you heard me right I haven't read 1984 yet and I call myself an avid reader / bookworm. :)
The 22nd century of Dvarca is 1970th USSR communism with 1400th-century Christianity. It is a country in the digital age where every citizen is a forced believer of state defined gods. The only freedom he gets in his life is the early death. Otherwise starting from his name (one from 10-20 selected Hindu names), his last name (block code), school, profession, life partner (I repeat life partner), kids (you are not allowed to have sex, govt send doctors to your wife for IMP) everything will be decided by government. With added help of digital aids, government controls everything starting from at what time you should wake up to what time to sleep. Sensors are placed in bedroom, hall, kitchen and bathroom. It is actually a black satire for those who want to support only one belief. The family of Gandharva was stuck in this state with each family member with different issues at hand. Their initial struggle was portrayed in this first part. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel.
If you check back cover of the book you will find the comment of Shovon Chowdhury "1984 meets the Meluha series. If you like either, you'll love this." My point is if you have read Meluha series or the first part of Ramchandra Series you would be able to relate this story with muscularity of religious or kingdom's dominion. When we try to bring "zero entropy" system, we ourselves add multiple problems. It feels so perfect when you read how people should be governed. At the macro level, things look wonderful, but at the micro level, things were so frustrating that people are forced to do almost everything. I can start a GD or Debate on the book, but writing about it is quite difficult. I have less space and many things are coming in mind to write about. Let me keep some points for next part as well. :)
The only thing I disliked about the book is the paper quality of pages. It has hampered my overall reading experience. Otherwise, a must read.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/05...
The 22nd century of Dvarca is 1970th USSR communism with 1400th-century Christianity. It is a country in the digital age where every citizen is a forced believer of state defined gods. The only freedom he gets in his life is the early death. Otherwise starting from his name (one from 10-20 selected Hindu names), his last name (block code), school, profession, life partner (I repeat life partner), kids (you are not allowed to have sex, govt send doctors to your wife for IMP) everything will be decided by government. With added help of digital aids, government controls everything starting from at what time you should wake up to what time to sleep. Sensors are placed in bedroom, hall, kitchen and bathroom. It is actually a black satire for those who want to support only one belief. The family of Gandharva was stuck in this state with each family member with different issues at hand. Their initial struggle was portrayed in this first part. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel.
If you check back cover of the book you will find the comment of Shovon Chowdhury "1984 meets the Meluha series. If you like either, you'll love this." My point is if you have read Meluha series or the first part of Ramchandra Series you would be able to relate this story with muscularity of religious or kingdom's dominion. When we try to bring "zero entropy" system, we ourselves add multiple problems. It feels so perfect when you read how people should be governed. At the macro level, things look wonderful, but at the micro level, things were so frustrating that people are forced to do almost everything. I can start a GD or Debate on the book, but writing about it is quite difficult. I have less space and many things are coming in mind to write about. Let me keep some points for next part as well. :)
The only thing I disliked about the book is the paper quality of pages. It has hampered my overall reading experience. Otherwise, a must read.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/05...
March 1, 2017
FingerPrint publication is one of those in the industry that never talks much but keeps on doing their job perfectly by releasing one great book after another. This time I picked up one of their recent releases,”Dvarca” written by Madhav Mathur, whom I have never read before. I had read many people comparing this book with the classic “1984” and now that I am done reading this book, I can say that this one of the rarest books that you will get to read by an Indian author. This is not a simple and straightforward book written like an essay with personal opinions of authors spread across a book making it sound more preachy and cheesy. This one is thought-provoking and intelligent.
Author has built up his characters very well and the way he portrays different scenarios through them does the wonder a reader expects in a book. Author talks about our past, present and future in such a manner that you can actually relate with few of the things. The book talks about all the problems that we are facing in our country and how a great leader can change all of it. The discussion of mythology and how it is related with this fast-paced story is commendable. I liked the mythology part the most. The book is written as if it is a poetry which does not make you in slowing down your reading pace.
It is one of the few books which manage to talk substance, seriousness along with the pinch of humour and satire. The satirical takes are so mature that I believed the writer is a full-time editor for a National daily. The only drawback is that the initial pages are very tough to understand because of the unnatural way of writing but once the characters are built up completely, you start enjoying the backdrop of the novel. I give this book 3.75* out of 5. I am waiting for 2nd part now.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!
Author has built up his characters very well and the way he portrays different scenarios through them does the wonder a reader expects in a book. Author talks about our past, present and future in such a manner that you can actually relate with few of the things. The book talks about all the problems that we are facing in our country and how a great leader can change all of it. The discussion of mythology and how it is related with this fast-paced story is commendable. I liked the mythology part the most. The book is written as if it is a poetry which does not make you in slowing down your reading pace.
It is one of the few books which manage to talk substance, seriousness along with the pinch of humour and satire. The satirical takes are so mature that I believed the writer is a full-time editor for a National daily. The only drawback is that the initial pages are very tough to understand because of the unnatural way of writing but once the characters are built up completely, you start enjoying the backdrop of the novel. I give this book 3.75* out of 5. I am waiting for 2nd part now.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!
January 20, 2017
Dvarca is a stunning book. It is fearless and boldly takes the reader into the dark recesses of a frightening dystopia based on very real events of today.
The mood of the novel shifts often from action to introspection and between world-building and sharp satire, but it always holds your attention. It finds its own space somewhere between what our shops call "literary fiction" and "thrillers". Though this is not a traditional thriller at all!
The family at the center of the story is complex, as everyone is close but estranged. I won't say any more than that to avoid spoilers. The characters - Gandharva, Nakul, Jyoti are as well defined as the powerful financial system that controls everything. Even the omnipresent corporation - OMNI, seems to have a life of its own. I particularly liked the character of Jyoti. Her journey moved me and the last few pages made me tear up. She goes through a lot and starts from a position of "privilege", but starts to question everything. Samyukta too, though she arrives late in the book, was a lovely character. I know so many girls like her, who never get their due.
The layered criticism of all blind faith in this book is done with such heart and sensitivity. The author criticizes but also sympathizes with traditions. Even the need to be connected to mythology is explored beautifully through a technological advancement in Dvarca...i could not get enough of this and wished that there were more such episodes in the book.
I must also praise the invention and care with which language is used in this book. I have lived all my life in India and I love that this book used so many everyday words and phrases to concoct new ones and create new concepts.
This is not your typical book by a young Indian author. There is no spoon-feeding and you are left to see what is shown. There is so much to be observed and pondered in this nuanced book, and i found myself reading between the lines all the time. I have a feeling this one will stay with me for a long time. How long must one wait for the next book in this trilogy?
The mood of the novel shifts often from action to introspection and between world-building and sharp satire, but it always holds your attention. It finds its own space somewhere between what our shops call "literary fiction" and "thrillers". Though this is not a traditional thriller at all!
The family at the center of the story is complex, as everyone is close but estranged. I won't say any more than that to avoid spoilers. The characters - Gandharva, Nakul, Jyoti are as well defined as the powerful financial system that controls everything. Even the omnipresent corporation - OMNI, seems to have a life of its own. I particularly liked the character of Jyoti. Her journey moved me and the last few pages made me tear up. She goes through a lot and starts from a position of "privilege", but starts to question everything. Samyukta too, though she arrives late in the book, was a lovely character. I know so many girls like her, who never get their due.
The layered criticism of all blind faith in this book is done with such heart and sensitivity. The author criticizes but also sympathizes with traditions. Even the need to be connected to mythology is explored beautifully through a technological advancement in Dvarca...i could not get enough of this and wished that there were more such episodes in the book.
I must also praise the invention and care with which language is used in this book. I have lived all my life in India and I love that this book used so many everyday words and phrases to concoct new ones and create new concepts.
This is not your typical book by a young Indian author. There is no spoon-feeding and you are left to see what is shown. There is so much to be observed and pondered in this nuanced book, and i found myself reading between the lines all the time. I have a feeling this one will stay with me for a long time. How long must one wait for the next book in this trilogy?
February 15, 2017
Deeply engrossing and intriguing. Reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale, Brave New World and of course 1984. But most of all, this book reflects what is happening in the world today.
Almost all the characters start out in in this book as pawns, at the mercy of the State-and that is what makes it so unique. There is a band of rebels fighting the Government but they are not the focus of the story. The focus is on so-called insiders who are also abused and mistreated in amazing ways.
The atmosphere of this book is oppressive and stays with you, you start seeing Dvarca-like events all around you…this was one of the reasons I took my time with this book. Some of the references to Sanskrit and religious concepts were a bit hard to follow, but there was a glossary at the back of the book – a very welcome addition. As an artist myself I loved the references to famous paintings and painters, as well as the sharp and hilarious satire of censorship. Looking forward to the next installment.
Almost all the characters start out in in this book as pawns, at the mercy of the State-and that is what makes it so unique. There is a band of rebels fighting the Government but they are not the focus of the story. The focus is on so-called insiders who are also abused and mistreated in amazing ways.
The atmosphere of this book is oppressive and stays with you, you start seeing Dvarca-like events all around you…this was one of the reasons I took my time with this book. Some of the references to Sanskrit and religious concepts were a bit hard to follow, but there was a glossary at the back of the book – a very welcome addition. As an artist myself I loved the references to famous paintings and painters, as well as the sharp and hilarious satire of censorship. Looking forward to the next installment.
December 24, 2016
On the surface, Dvarca may look like one of the dystopian series, that is on the mushroomatic rise in international forums.
Or it may look like an abridged translation or adaptation of one or the other. You can picture it as a sci-fi movie as well.
But once you complete it, it will stand out with its originality and thought provoking mechanism. Throughout the story, illustrated descriptions and lucid writing takes you to the verge of utter shock and awe. It helps you to create the imagined stage for the story as thought by the writer. The prose is layered with careful introspection, with a pinch of satire and sometimes, a smidgen of balanced drama. The title of the chapters are unique, as well, holding the attraction of the readers.
The author used some of the very ancient customs and regulatory rules like Maika system, gender biasing, curse words, giving it a totally different dark perspective. The tale provides a very grim picture, of a society driven by state religion and cutting-edge science. A society, where you cannot become mother by your own choice. The state decides the time and the artificial method, which will help you attain motherhood. The food given to every family is rationed, no wonder many times, family members are left hungry. You need to unleash your imagination, when you read Dvarca. At one point of time, you may feel the pain and humiliation of belonging to such a society.
A simple man Gandharava, her loving but estranged wife, Jyoti. Their beloved daughter, Meera and son, Nakul, on the verge of being a hero. It's mainly the tale of this family that we pursue and how they lose and found their respective paths in the haywire of judgement and terrible laws and treachery.
A must read for the sci-fi lovers. Looking forward for the sequels.
Or it may look like an abridged translation or adaptation of one or the other. You can picture it as a sci-fi movie as well.
But once you complete it, it will stand out with its originality and thought provoking mechanism. Throughout the story, illustrated descriptions and lucid writing takes you to the verge of utter shock and awe. It helps you to create the imagined stage for the story as thought by the writer. The prose is layered with careful introspection, with a pinch of satire and sometimes, a smidgen of balanced drama. The title of the chapters are unique, as well, holding the attraction of the readers.
The author used some of the very ancient customs and regulatory rules like Maika system, gender biasing, curse words, giving it a totally different dark perspective. The tale provides a very grim picture, of a society driven by state religion and cutting-edge science. A society, where you cannot become mother by your own choice. The state decides the time and the artificial method, which will help you attain motherhood. The food given to every family is rationed, no wonder many times, family members are left hungry. You need to unleash your imagination, when you read Dvarca. At one point of time, you may feel the pain and humiliation of belonging to such a society.
A simple man Gandharava, her loving but estranged wife, Jyoti. Their beloved daughter, Meera and son, Nakul, on the verge of being a hero. It's mainly the tale of this family that we pursue and how they lose and found their respective paths in the haywire of judgement and terrible laws and treachery.
A must read for the sci-fi lovers. Looking forward for the sequels.
December 27, 2016
"Dvarca" is a work of outstanding originality--it is easily one of the most innovative works to come out of India in recent times. I am guessing that it was conceived well before its launch year of 2016, and before the idea of a "Great Leader" running a homogenized society somehow became less far-fetched. Though I still think a Dvarca-like situation is impossible in India, it remains an interesting thought experiment, and it is very easy reading for some kinds of readers.
It helps that the novel seems to fluctuate between deadpan seriousness, sly humour and outright farce. E.g.: "Since time immemorial, citizens could expedite or prioritize their requests for a fee...the Exceptional Treatment Allowance (ExTrA)." The Great Leader's memoir is extracted as a gift to a "model young citizen", and that is a nice touch. There is a particularly unexpected twist when the aforesaid model young citizen meets the Great Leader in person...
If you are looking for a straightforward, linearly-plotted thriller this is not for you. It's a more slow-burning, thought-provoking work.
It helps that the novel seems to fluctuate between deadpan seriousness, sly humour and outright farce. E.g.: "Since time immemorial, citizens could expedite or prioritize their requests for a fee...the Exceptional Treatment Allowance (ExTrA)." The Great Leader's memoir is extracted as a gift to a "model young citizen", and that is a nice touch. There is a particularly unexpected twist when the aforesaid model young citizen meets the Great Leader in person...
If you are looking for a straightforward, linearly-plotted thriller this is not for you. It's a more slow-burning, thought-provoking work.
November 30, 2016
From the first pages, Dvarca is gripping. The reader is caught up in the dynamic rhythm of the novel's pendulum: from scenes of suspense, grand myths and aggression to moments of domesticity and introspection. In reading Dvarca one explores a new fictional world rich in fascinating detail while encountering startlingly familiar questions common to all of us sharing in the human condition.
Dvarca is an ambitious and, at times, a heartbreaking exploration of the costs of the pursuit of universal happiness, universal security, and universal order.
The prose is beautifully crafted and layered: at every stroke the author balances critique and hope on the blade of his satire.
Dvarca is an ambitious and, at times, a heartbreaking exploration of the costs of the pursuit of universal happiness, universal security, and universal order.
The prose is beautifully crafted and layered: at every stroke the author balances critique and hope on the blade of his satire.
February 7, 2017
What would happen if the Hindu Rashtra that some people want, became real? What would happen if the world becomes more and more like the demons it is fighting today? This book offers audacious black humour, big changes in main characters and a plot that offers no simple resolution. "Binaaydi", "Shahtooti Anjeer", "V-Labs"...some great new ideas fill this book. There is even a book within the book that explores the dangerous thinking behind this new world. My only complaint is that the pace slacks in some places...but it picks up soon enough. A great read for the ideas, characters and acidic humour.
January 10, 2018
Read the full review at Elgee Writes
As it says on its back over, this book can be the perfect mix of '1984 and Meluha series'. Dvarcais a dystopian fiction set in the 22nd century where the Indian nation is governed by a single religion called Navmarg. The State watches every move of the citizens, controlling their schedules including their sleep and food habits. It chooses their life partner, when and how to procreate as well. And anyone who didn't fall in line was considered outcasts and stranded without benefits. Reminds you a bit of the Handmaid's tale eh?
Oh, everything is not so gloomy, erm.. as long as you are not outcasts, most things work perfectly in the nation though. Each person is given a task according to their ability, the children are trained at what was required for their chosen lives. The nation represents what could be achieved with a great leader with a vision. Dvarca might be a little difficult to get into initially but it gets gripping as it can be. Be warned of the cliffhanger though.
Final thought: A dystopian nightmare.
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As it says on its back over, this book can be the perfect mix of '1984 and Meluha series'. Dvarcais a dystopian fiction set in the 22nd century where the Indian nation is governed by a single religion called Navmarg. The State watches every move of the citizens, controlling their schedules including their sleep and food habits. It chooses their life partner, when and how to procreate as well. And anyone who didn't fall in line was considered outcasts and stranded without benefits. Reminds you a bit of the Handmaid's tale eh?
Oh, everything is not so gloomy, erm.. as long as you are not outcasts, most things work perfectly in the nation though. Each person is given a task according to their ability, the children are trained at what was required for their chosen lives. The nation represents what could be achieved with a great leader with a vision. Dvarca might be a little difficult to get into initially but it gets gripping as it can be. Be warned of the cliffhanger though.
Final thought: A dystopian nightmare.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |
October 23, 2017
Disclosure:
1. Madhav is a friend of mine from school and was also my quiz teammate
2. He sent me a first draft to look through before it was published. (The published book has grown a little from that).
The Good , the Bad, the Ugly:
1. This needed better editing. Too many uncorrected errors of grammar and punctuation.
2. I think he sent the first draft to me in 2013 or so. Since then, the NDA3 government has been turning the book from a possible dystopia to a very likely one.
3. I had said about The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet that it was more a collection of vignettes than a straightforward plot. This is similar, except it ends on a cliffhanger. Actually, a couple of cliffhangers. (Madhav said he wants to turn it into a trilogy). The balance between vignettes and storyline didn't work out well for me.
4. That said, the vignettes lead to some excellent worldbuilding and the book is better off for that.
5. There are also two vignettes / chapters that work amazingly well as horror stories and make your skin crawl.
6. One of the plot points that is significant to driving the story is extremely funny in a grotesque way.
7. But the fact that different chapters are horror, farce, or satire means that it's difficult to see this book as a coherent whole.
8. I am very scared that this book will become famous because it was prescient. I would rather that the dystopia didn't come about and the book becomes famous as the valiant first attempt at what becomes a far better trilogy.
1. Madhav is a friend of mine from school and was also my quiz teammate
2. He sent me a first draft to look through before it was published. (The published book has grown a little from that).
The Good , the Bad, the Ugly:
1. This needed better editing. Too many uncorrected errors of grammar and punctuation.
2. I think he sent the first draft to me in 2013 or so. Since then, the NDA3 government has been turning the book from a possible dystopia to a very likely one.
3. I had said about The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet that it was more a collection of vignettes than a straightforward plot. This is similar, except it ends on a cliffhanger. Actually, a couple of cliffhangers. (Madhav said he wants to turn it into a trilogy). The balance between vignettes and storyline didn't work out well for me.
4. That said, the vignettes lead to some excellent worldbuilding and the book is better off for that.
5. There are also two vignettes / chapters that work amazingly well as horror stories and make your skin crawl.
6. One of the plot points that is significant to driving the story is extremely funny in a grotesque way.
7. But the fact that different chapters are horror, farce, or satire means that it's difficult to see this book as a coherent whole.
8. I am very scared that this book will become famous because it was prescient. I would rather that the dystopia didn't come about and the book becomes famous as the valiant first attempt at what becomes a far better trilogy.
March 24, 2017
I finished reading this book on March 19th 2017, and I can say without a doubt that this author can see the future. Dvarca gave me goose-bumps, as i was reading it at a time of frightening political change in Uttar Pradesh. Everything that is written in the book is coming true. Communal forces who want a Hindu Rashtra are working very hard to make it, and they are succeeding. Hats off to Madhav Mathur for seeing this before it happened and for writing so beautifully about it. Dvarca is a must read. Stop whatever you are doing and read this book now!!!
P.S. This is my first review of a book on goodreads...that is how amazing Dvarca was for me
P.S. This is my first review of a book on goodreads...that is how amazing Dvarca was for me
May 28, 2017
Scary dystopia that can even become a reality!
January 8, 2025
Don't waste your money. Go buy 1984 and read it again.
March 9, 2017
Fascinating as hell! The author's mind is a thing to marvel as within pages you are thinking about defense sciences, Eugene Delacroix, Amar Akbar Anthony and IVF. The transitions are seamless and still surprising. Thoroughly rewarding reading experience, though a tad bit slow in parts. It made me come here and write about it. Dvarca is a much needed and powerful satire, especially during times of anti-national Vs. national debates. 4.5 stars for me, rounding up to a full 5 because I don't want to be a Shahtooti Anjeer.
January 17, 2017
I was given a foray of books, new arrivals, from Fingerprint Publishers, and I was to choose from them to review. They were mostly non-fictions, this batch. I reverted back informing, as always, that we were not particularly into non-fictions and we would love if there were any fictions out there, that's when we were offered this.
Though the title wasn't so appealing, the plot got me gripped. I always been an obsessive fan of apocalyptic stories: those where the human race has gone almost completely extinct or half-extinct human race fighting the odds coming up with an glitchless societal system. This book is the story that is latter............................ (Read the whole review on my blog.)
The original review of this book is posted on my blog...
To read the original review of this book, click here...
Though the title wasn't so appealing, the plot got me gripped. I always been an obsessive fan of apocalyptic stories: those where the human race has gone almost completely extinct or half-extinct human race fighting the odds coming up with an glitchless societal system. This book is the story that is latter............................ (Read the whole review on my blog.)
The original review of this book is posted on my blog...
To read the original review of this book, click here...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews