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The Bovine Redemption
The bull-taming sport, Jallikattu is banned by the court. Meenakshi’s law firm is in the forefront of fighting against this ban. She is accused of conspiring with an animal rights group that had originally filed the petition for the ban. It gets murkier with the involvement of the dairy and pharma lobby. At the helm of this conspiracy is Apoorva, wife of a business tycoon. Meenakshi’s engagement too is called off. Her life goes through a major upheaval and a turbulent phase.
A chance encounter leads her to befriend a social activist, Adharva. With his help, she orchestrates, across major cities, the largest protest in independent India. The government is under pressure to revoke the ban. Apoorva, meanwhile, plans to unleash the bloodiest violence in Indian history to stop the government from overturning the ban. Meenakshi is the only one who can stop this bloodshed but it could come at the cost of her own life. Will she survive the calamity? Most importantly, will the bovine survive?
A chance encounter leads her to befriend a social activist, Adharva. With his help, she orchestrates, across major cities, the largest protest in independent India. The government is under pressure to revoke the ban. Apoorva, meanwhile, plans to unleash the bloodiest violence in Indian history to stop the government from overturning the ban. Meenakshi is the only one who can stop this bloodshed but it could come at the cost of her own life. Will she survive the calamity? Most importantly, will the bovine survive?
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2018
9 people want to read
About the author
Jagdish Joghee
5 books5 followersJagdish Joghee was born and brought up in the hill town of Coonoor, The Nilgiris.
Growing up amid serenity, Jagdish had enough inspiration to write short poems
during his school days and participate in plays and declamation that kindled his
artistic interest. His passion for writing started early during his school days and was
initially confined to journals and blogs.
Jagdish has four books to his credit, In Love and Free (2015), The Colour of Love
(2016), A Stranger by the Stream (2017) and The Bovine Redemption (2018), all of
which were published by Notion Press. His books are mainly thrillers and romances
that touch upon social ills and concerns. He is currently working on his fifth book, a
mystery. He now lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and works for a leading IT services
company.
Growing up amid serenity, Jagdish had enough inspiration to write short poems
during his school days and participate in plays and declamation that kindled his
artistic interest. His passion for writing started early during his school days and was
initially confined to journals and blogs.
Jagdish has four books to his credit, In Love and Free (2015), The Colour of Love
(2016), A Stranger by the Stream (2017) and The Bovine Redemption (2018), all of
which were published by Notion Press. His books are mainly thrillers and romances
that touch upon social ills and concerns. He is currently working on his fifth book, a
mystery. He now lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and works for a leading IT services
company.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 10, 2022
This is modern day story involving politics, tactics, betrayal and cultural history. Its based on real life events that happened in Madhurai. Bull taming is an important sport in Madhurai and is of great importance. But what happens when greed takes over people with power and this sport is in their way of success? Story revolves around Meenakshi who is also a lawyer. She has a great family and a dad who thinks and does things with no regards of 'log kya kahenge'. We need more people like him. I had no knowledge on this topic earlier. I had an idea of bull taming somewhere in the back of my head but no good information. The current book is full of detailed information. This is truly a well researched work. The hardwork shows on the papers. Never did I ever felt bored, it was so interesting. The facts blended with the plot line in a nice manner. So in all, not just the history of bull taming, but the story line was also great. Recommended to beginners and readers alike.
August 20, 2022
*book review*
The Bovine Redemption
by: Jagdish Joghee
Rating: 4.5/5
Jallikattu holds cultural, traditional and emotional importance in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, the government has banned it.
Meenakshi Sundaram, outraged by this ban, is ready to fight. Therefore, she decided to study law.
But all of this isn't that easy. During this period she meets a man. He makes her believe in true love but also causes her to experience heartbreak.
Overall this is a fascinating book. But there were a few things that I would object to.
Another thing is that Meenakshi's relationship with Adharva was not up to my expectations.
I would recommend this book to everyone though. Why?
1. It is about a topic, I have never seen any fiction written before.
2. I recommend it to beginners since this book has limited characters and a simple plot.
Thank you for this review copy! I can't wait to read the other two and thank you for being so patient with my reading speed :)
Crack the Spine!
The Bovine Redemption
by: Jagdish Joghee
Rating: 4.5/5
Jallikattu holds cultural, traditional and emotional importance in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, the government has banned it.
Meenakshi Sundaram, outraged by this ban, is ready to fight. Therefore, she decided to study law.
But all of this isn't that easy. During this period she meets a man. He makes her believe in true love but also causes her to experience heartbreak.
Overall this is a fascinating book. But there were a few things that I would object to.
Another thing is that Meenakshi's relationship with Adharva was not up to my expectations.
I would recommend this book to everyone though. Why?
1. It is about a topic, I have never seen any fiction written before.
2. I recommend it to beginners since this book has limited characters and a simple plot.
Thank you for this review copy! I can't wait to read the other two and thank you for being so patient with my reading speed :)
Crack the Spine!
January 17, 2026
When I read The Bovine Redemption by Jagdish Joghee, I realized very quickly that this was not an ordinary novel. It is deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and the emotional life of rural India, and it stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
The book opened my eyes to a world that many of us hear about but rarely understand in depth — village life, its beliefs, its power structures, and its unspoken rules. Through the story, I felt like I was walking through dusty lanes, witnessing conflicts, conversations, and silent struggles that shape everyday lives. The way the author described the people, their values, and their connection to land and animals felt very real and respectful.
What moved me the most was how the novel treated the bulls not just as animals, but as living beings with dignity, purpose, and emotional presence. Their portrayal made me think differently about how humans interact with animals, especially in the name of tradition or sport. The theme of fighting sport was handled in a complex way — not simply condemned or glorified, but questioned deeply. I found myself reflecting on cruelty, power, and what we call progress.
The book also raised important ethical and philosophical questions. I often paused while reading to think about humanity, responsibility, and the fine line between culture and harm. Instead of giving easy answers, the story invited me to sit with discomfort and think more critically about long-held beliefs.
I could sense the amount of research behind every chapter. The details about rural customs, village politics, and animal life felt authentic rather than forced. The characters were strong, layered, and memorable, each representing different sides of tradition and change.
Emotionally, the story touched me in unexpected ways. There were moments of sadness, anger, empathy, and quiet hope. By the end, I felt changed as a reader and as a person.
The Bovine Redemption is not just a story — it is a meaningful conversation about culture, compassion, and humanity. If you enjoy thoughtful, powerful, and socially relevant fiction, I believe this book is truly worth reading.
December 15, 2025
This book is about a clarion call that fuses law, culture, activism, and conscience into a gripping political thriller. Rooted deeply in one of India’s most emotionally charged traditions, the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu, the book dares to ask uncomfortable questions: Who decides what is humane? Where does culture end and cruelty begin? And when power, profit, and ideology collide, who pays the price?
The story opens at a moment of cultural rupture. Jallikattu is banned by the court, sending shockwaves through rural Tamil Nadu and igniting nationwide debate. At the center of this storm stands Meenakshi, a formidable lawyer and the face of the Meenakshi Law Firm, which leads the legal battle against the ban. Intelligent, principled, and fiercely committed to justice, Meenakshi initially appears to be the perfect champion for tradition and constitutional rights. However, the narrative soon peels back layers, revealing a far more complex and treacherous reality.
Meenakshi is shockingly accused of conspiring with the very animal rights group that had filed the petition leading to the ban. What follows is a masterfully written descent into suspicion, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The plot thickens with the discovery of a mysterious diary, hinting at hidden alliances, and the shadowy involvement of the pharma lobby, whose vested interests in synthetic alternatives and experimental markets expose the sinister economics behind “ethical” activism.
The novel’s climax is both heartbreaking and profound. Meenakshi is forced to confront the ultimate question: Is a life worth sacrificing for a legacy? Her choices, steeped in courage and tragic clarity, leave the reader shaken and contemplative. With unforgettable characters, razor-sharp political insight, and an emotionally charged narrative, this book stands as a powerful testament to the idea that redemption—whether of a person, a tradition, or a nation—often demands the highest sacrifice.
The story opens at a moment of cultural rupture. Jallikattu is banned by the court, sending shockwaves through rural Tamil Nadu and igniting nationwide debate. At the center of this storm stands Meenakshi, a formidable lawyer and the face of the Meenakshi Law Firm, which leads the legal battle against the ban. Intelligent, principled, and fiercely committed to justice, Meenakshi initially appears to be the perfect champion for tradition and constitutional rights. However, the narrative soon peels back layers, revealing a far more complex and treacherous reality.
Meenakshi is shockingly accused of conspiring with the very animal rights group that had filed the petition leading to the ban. What follows is a masterfully written descent into suspicion, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The plot thickens with the discovery of a mysterious diary, hinting at hidden alliances, and the shadowy involvement of the pharma lobby, whose vested interests in synthetic alternatives and experimental markets expose the sinister economics behind “ethical” activism.
The novel’s climax is both heartbreaking and profound. Meenakshi is forced to confront the ultimate question: Is a life worth sacrificing for a legacy? Her choices, steeped in courage and tragic clarity, leave the reader shaken and contemplative. With unforgettable characters, razor-sharp political insight, and an emotionally charged narrative, this book stands as a powerful testament to the idea that redemption—whether of a person, a tradition, or a nation—often demands the highest sacrifice.
January 18, 2026
Hi kidss!
I picked up The Bovine Redemption deliberately to change my reading pace a bit and to read an Indian author engaging with a bold and uncommon subject in Indian English fiction.
The book tackles Jallikattu, indigenous cattle breeds, and protest politics with clear conviction and strong research. The cultural detailing is well done, and the procedural clarity around how protests actually work is one of the book’s strongest aspects. The plot is dramatic and fast moving, almost cinematic, and I appreciated the use of dreams as symbolism and foreshadowing, as well as the attempt to weave personal conflict with larger political movements.
However, as someone who gravitates strongly toward literary fiction, the book did not leave a lasting emotional impact on me. The pacing feels rushed, especially in the early chapters, with significant moments such as patriarchal norms around marriage choice or the emotional weight of being an unwanted girl child introduced and then quickly moved past.
Many scenes explain rather than dramatise, particularly when it comes to media behaviour, government logic, and crowd psychology, which often makes the prose feel closer to a report or essay than an emotionally immersive novel. Time transitions between flashbacks and the present are not always smooth, and the lack of imagery and deeper psychological or ethical reflection flattens what could have been a much more powerful reading experience.
The ideas and subject matter are no doubt strong and unique, but I wished the narrative had slowed down and lingered more on emotional and moral complexity.
Love,
A
I picked up The Bovine Redemption deliberately to change my reading pace a bit and to read an Indian author engaging with a bold and uncommon subject in Indian English fiction.
The book tackles Jallikattu, indigenous cattle breeds, and protest politics with clear conviction and strong research. The cultural detailing is well done, and the procedural clarity around how protests actually work is one of the book’s strongest aspects. The plot is dramatic and fast moving, almost cinematic, and I appreciated the use of dreams as symbolism and foreshadowing, as well as the attempt to weave personal conflict with larger political movements.
However, as someone who gravitates strongly toward literary fiction, the book did not leave a lasting emotional impact on me. The pacing feels rushed, especially in the early chapters, with significant moments such as patriarchal norms around marriage choice or the emotional weight of being an unwanted girl child introduced and then quickly moved past.
Many scenes explain rather than dramatise, particularly when it comes to media behaviour, government logic, and crowd psychology, which often makes the prose feel closer to a report or essay than an emotionally immersive novel. Time transitions between flashbacks and the present are not always smooth, and the lack of imagery and deeper psychological or ethical reflection flattens what could have been a much more powerful reading experience.
The ideas and subject matter are no doubt strong and unique, but I wished the narrative had slowed down and lingered more on emotional and moral complexity.
Love,
A
January 7, 2026
The Bovine Redemption is a rare novel that dares to walk the delicate line between tradition, law, ethics, and power and does so with remarkable depth. Rooted in the emotionally charged debate around Jallikattu, the story goes far beyond a cultural conflict to examine who controls narratives of humanity, cruelty, and progress.
At the heart of the book is Meenakshi, a determined woman whose journey from personal conviction to public resistance is both compelling and painful. Her fight is not just legal but deeply personal, shaped by love, betrayal, and the weight of inherited values. The author skillfully layers her character with strength and vulnerability, making her struggle feel real and lived-in.
What truly elevates this novel is its research. The portrayal of rural life, the corporate and pharma lobby angles, and the clash between activism and profit feel disturbingly authentic. The philosophical undertones questions of good versus bad, success, purpose, and sacrifice linger long after the final page.
The father’s character stands out as a quiet pillar of wisdom, representing integrity without dominance, guidance without control. His presence adds emotional grounding to the narrative.
With a powerful cover, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, The Bovine Redemption is not just a novel, it’s a conversation starter. A bold, philosophical, and emotionally resonant read that leaves a lasting mark.
At the heart of the book is Meenakshi, a determined woman whose journey from personal conviction to public resistance is both compelling and painful. Her fight is not just legal but deeply personal, shaped by love, betrayal, and the weight of inherited values. The author skillfully layers her character with strength and vulnerability, making her struggle feel real and lived-in.
What truly elevates this novel is its research. The portrayal of rural life, the corporate and pharma lobby angles, and the clash between activism and profit feel disturbingly authentic. The philosophical undertones questions of good versus bad, success, purpose, and sacrifice linger long after the final page.
The father’s character stands out as a quiet pillar of wisdom, representing integrity without dominance, guidance without control. His presence adds emotional grounding to the narrative.
With a powerful cover, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, The Bovine Redemption is not just a novel, it’s a conversation starter. A bold, philosophical, and emotionally resonant read that leaves a lasting mark.
January 26, 2026
The plot of the book unfolds around the sudden ban on Jallikattu, a decision that shakes rural Tamil Nadu and sparks debates across the country. The writing felt so real that I could almost see every scene play out in front of me. It’s been a while since a story pulled me in like this one. The story mainly follows Meenakshi, a strong and determined lawyer who stands at the center of the legal fight when Jallikattu was banned. Her character feels human, flawed, and emotionally grounded, which makes it easy to connect with her journey. Meenakshi’s journey is about learning what it truly costs to stand up for what’s right in a world ruled by power and money. The usage of rich and lucid language makes it easy for the readers and even beginners to understand.
As we flip the pages, the story grows more intense, and the political tension and social conflict become impossible to ignore, adding depth and weight to the narrative. Author Jagdish Joghee’s writing flows so naturally that you find yourself completely immersed without even noticing how quickly the pages are turning. The book is available on Amazon, so grab your copies now and dive into this powerful story to know what happens next. The author did a great job of bringing emotions to life. Highly recommended. If you enjoy political thrillers with strong characters and meaningful themes, this book is definitely worth reading.
As we flip the pages, the story grows more intense, and the political tension and social conflict become impossible to ignore, adding depth and weight to the narrative. Author Jagdish Joghee’s writing flows so naturally that you find yourself completely immersed without even noticing how quickly the pages are turning. The book is available on Amazon, so grab your copies now and dive into this powerful story to know what happens next. The author did a great job of bringing emotions to life. Highly recommended. If you enjoy political thrillers with strong characters and meaningful themes, this book is definitely worth reading.
August 3, 2022
"The bovine redemption" is an amazing amalgamation of indian traditions and modern ethics. It is based on real life events in madurai " bull taming" one of the important sports of madhurai . Storyline revolves around meeenakshi who is a lawyer. Book is written after all sort of research which is quite evident in the plot. To be honest i havent read anything related to this subject . But thankfully i got a chance to read this book which has all the information in detail.
At few points you will find this novella quite philosphical one . Because author tries to share some amazing valuable teachings . Characters are well developed by the author . Especially i like the character of father . "Father and daughter" relationship worked well for this book. And it showcases us that how a good relationship with her father not only shapes a girks childhood experience but it also influences her behaviour towards other men.
The language of the book is lucid with incredible usage of vocabulary . Moreover narration is crispy and writing style of the author is classy . Plot has lots of potential to keep you hooked till the end . Overall i really enjoyed reading this book.
At last i must recommend this book to all the lovely readers to give it a try for once . I am sure you all are going to love this book.
Must read❤❤
At few points you will find this novella quite philosphical one . Because author tries to share some amazing valuable teachings . Characters are well developed by the author . Especially i like the character of father . "Father and daughter" relationship worked well for this book. And it showcases us that how a good relationship with her father not only shapes a girks childhood experience but it also influences her behaviour towards other men.
The language of the book is lucid with incredible usage of vocabulary . Moreover narration is crispy and writing style of the author is classy . Plot has lots of potential to keep you hooked till the end . Overall i really enjoyed reading this book.
At last i must recommend this book to all the lovely readers to give it a try for once . I am sure you all are going to love this book.
Must read❤❤
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews