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सेठजी
The return of India’s raciest storyteller . . .
Sethji is the head of the ABSP, a crucial coalition partner in the government. Shrewd, ruthless and an inveterate fighter, he is a man who refuses to play by any moral codes or lose a single battle. Easing his way is Amrita, his ravishing, ambitious and aloof daughter-in-law who guards her own secrets. But when two of the country’s most powerful men team up to challenge Sethji, the wily old politician has to fight the deadliest battle of his life – a battle in which he must stake everything. The one person he is forced to trust is Amrita, a woman who gives nothing away, not even to Sethji.
Exposing the dark, venal heart of Indian politics, Sethji is a powerful novel about ambition, greed – and above all trust. It will do to politics what Starry Nights did to Bollywood, laying bare Delhi’s fixers and politicians and the ugly machinations that drive India’s biggest players. Returning to fiction after a decade, Shobhaa Dé has created an unforgettable character, a man who is indomitable and powerful and will stay with you long after the book ends. Gripping, revelatory and absolutely unputdownable, this is Dé at her dazzling best.
Note: This book is in the Hindi language and has been made available for the Kindle, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Paperwhite, iPhone and iPad, and for iOS, Windows Phone and Android devices.
Sethji is the head of the ABSP, a crucial coalition partner in the government. Shrewd, ruthless and an inveterate fighter, he is a man who refuses to play by any moral codes or lose a single battle. Easing his way is Amrita, his ravishing, ambitious and aloof daughter-in-law who guards her own secrets. But when two of the country’s most powerful men team up to challenge Sethji, the wily old politician has to fight the deadliest battle of his life – a battle in which he must stake everything. The one person he is forced to trust is Amrita, a woman who gives nothing away, not even to Sethji.
Exposing the dark, venal heart of Indian politics, Sethji is a powerful novel about ambition, greed – and above all trust. It will do to politics what Starry Nights did to Bollywood, laying bare Delhi’s fixers and politicians and the ugly machinations that drive India’s biggest players. Returning to fiction after a decade, Shobhaa Dé has created an unforgettable character, a man who is indomitable and powerful and will stay with you long after the book ends. Gripping, revelatory and absolutely unputdownable, this is Dé at her dazzling best.
Note: This book is in the Hindi language and has been made available for the Kindle, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Paperwhite, iPhone and iPad, and for iOS, Windows Phone and Android devices.
- GenresIndia
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2012
23 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Shobhaa Dé
61 books153 followersShobha Rajadhyaksha known as Shobhaa Dé is an Indian columnist and novelist. She graduated from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai with a degree in psychology. After making her name as a model, she began a career in journalism in 1970, during the course of which she founded and edited three magazines – Stardust, Society, and Celebrity.
In the 1980s, she contributed to the Sunday magazine section of the Times of India. In her columns, she used to explore the socialite life in Bombay lifestyles of the celebrities. At present, she is a freelance writer and columnist for several newspapers and magazines.
De is married to Dilip De, her second husband and they have six children from their first marriages. She lives in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
In the 1980s, she contributed to the Sunday magazine section of the Times of India. In her columns, she used to explore the socialite life in Bombay lifestyles of the celebrities. At present, she is a freelance writer and columnist for several newspapers and magazines.
De is married to Dilip De, her second husband and they have six children from their first marriages. She lives in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 10, 2013
I still regret the day I wasted 250 bucks on this book. It is a rotten egg laid by an old and diseased hen. If you love to read books full of cuss words, whoring women and filthy old men, then this book is for you. If you say NO to any of the above 3 things, forget the book and don’t even bother reading this review further. Because that is what I’m going to do in the following paragraphs – vent my frustration for wasting a hard earned 250 bucks.
Full Review here: Sethji Book Review
Full Review here: Sethji Book Review
June 29, 2013
This is an easy read, and I enjoyed reading it to the end. It's a good plot with doses of sex and Indian slang, reflecting contemporary politics and business in India. I think many readers have been very harsh in judging it, its pure entertainment with no literary value in the same genre as Harold Robins. After straining your brain reading books written by noble laureates and booker prize winners you need to relax and unwind reading brainless fiction ( one shouldn't be ashamed in confessing to trashy reading tastes). Highly recommended
November 10, 2012
Sethji is a politician trying to maintain his position in the politics of New Delhi, but right before a crucial party meeting, Sethji is informed that his younger son has raped a girl. So, Sethji quickly arranges for his son to disappear from the country to avoid arrest. He turns to his daughter in law to help co-ordinate the escape, which is easily managed eventually. The daughter in law, Amrita, is depicted to be the man-of-the-house, second only to Sethji. Sethji's two sons are worthless. Not only does Amrita coordinate the escape of the younger son, but she also tactfully manages the media, and does so in such a manner that her single TV interview ensures that Sethji wins his political battle during the party meeting held later in the evening (of the same morning his son rapes and escapes). But soon afterwords, things turn for the worse, because there are enemies who did not want Sethji to continue maintaining his political clout. In the event, both Sethji and Amrita are kidnapped and taken to Mumbai. The rest of the story then narrates the fight to freedom of these two characters.
I had read a work of non-fiction by Shobha De many years ago, and for some reason that I am not sure why, I purchased this book thinking it will be a high quality, literary fictional work on politics. Perhaps because one reads about and hears of De in popular media all the time, mostly representing (or trying to represent) the intellectual side of a debate or a talk-show, I presumed her to be a writer of high calibre. Instead, it turned out to be a very ordinary novel.
Firstly, the writing is lost in translation. Literally. In trying to narrate the setting of a Hindi speaking political family based in Delhi, the author has combined English sentences with Hindi words. The result is that the narration reads very contrived. It reminded me narratives of British imperialists of 19th century India, where a Britisher would often sprinkle English sentences with a word of Hindi here or there. A fine example of how such narrative needs to be handled is Amitav Ghosh's writing (the Ibis series, for instance), but then perhaps this is wishful thinking on my part to think of such a comparison.
Secondly, it is unclear whether the story is about Sethji, an elderly and a wily politician, or about his daughter in law, Amrita? I would say it very much about the latter, so not sure why this novel was titled 'Sethji', and all the blurbs about the book portrayed Sethji as the central character. The result is that one feels a bit lost in deducing this anomaly.
Thirdly, the plot itself has nothing new to offer. There are many existing Bollywood scripts that are similar in their theme- corrupt politicians, evil mafia dons, rich spoilt brats committing rapes, or non-fictional accounts that one gets to read in newspapers almost everyday. The canvass and sweep of this theme could be huge, but this novel narrates the events of just a few weeks (though there are narratives about the past of most characters, but they are almost like flash-backs) more in an adventure-thriller like way rather than serious fiction.
Fourthly, EVERY character in this novel is narrated as being a major deviant in one form or the other. Killers, rapists, nymphomaniacs, promiscuous, adulterous, corrupt, deceitful, wily, immoral, and many things more. The result is that there is a constant heavy and dark tenor to the narrative, where nothing "normal" happens.
Fifthly, there is an overdose of sexual rendezvous. At times it is consensual, at times forced, and most other times as a matter of barter or a quid pro quo.
So, overall, if sex, lies, deceit and corruption narrated in ordinary story-telling is what you are looking for in a 'thriller', go ahead and read this. If you are a little more discerning, give this a go.
I had read a work of non-fiction by Shobha De many years ago, and for some reason that I am not sure why, I purchased this book thinking it will be a high quality, literary fictional work on politics. Perhaps because one reads about and hears of De in popular media all the time, mostly representing (or trying to represent) the intellectual side of a debate or a talk-show, I presumed her to be a writer of high calibre. Instead, it turned out to be a very ordinary novel.
Firstly, the writing is lost in translation. Literally. In trying to narrate the setting of a Hindi speaking political family based in Delhi, the author has combined English sentences with Hindi words. The result is that the narration reads very contrived. It reminded me narratives of British imperialists of 19th century India, where a Britisher would often sprinkle English sentences with a word of Hindi here or there. A fine example of how such narrative needs to be handled is Amitav Ghosh's writing (the Ibis series, for instance), but then perhaps this is wishful thinking on my part to think of such a comparison.
Secondly, it is unclear whether the story is about Sethji, an elderly and a wily politician, or about his daughter in law, Amrita? I would say it very much about the latter, so not sure why this novel was titled 'Sethji', and all the blurbs about the book portrayed Sethji as the central character. The result is that one feels a bit lost in deducing this anomaly.
Thirdly, the plot itself has nothing new to offer. There are many existing Bollywood scripts that are similar in their theme- corrupt politicians, evil mafia dons, rich spoilt brats committing rapes, or non-fictional accounts that one gets to read in newspapers almost everyday. The canvass and sweep of this theme could be huge, but this novel narrates the events of just a few weeks (though there are narratives about the past of most characters, but they are almost like flash-backs) more in an adventure-thriller like way rather than serious fiction.
Fourthly, EVERY character in this novel is narrated as being a major deviant in one form or the other. Killers, rapists, nymphomaniacs, promiscuous, adulterous, corrupt, deceitful, wily, immoral, and many things more. The result is that there is a constant heavy and dark tenor to the narrative, where nothing "normal" happens.
Fifthly, there is an overdose of sexual rendezvous. At times it is consensual, at times forced, and most other times as a matter of barter or a quid pro quo.
So, overall, if sex, lies, deceit and corruption narrated in ordinary story-telling is what you are looking for in a 'thriller', go ahead and read this. If you are a little more discerning, give this a go.
December 19, 2012
You wouldn't have expected a book that plastic-y from a "veteran" author such as Shobhaa De. Maybe once upon a time in a distant, ancient, rural and rustic India, such indecency would have shocked the people of this country and indeed would have made her a runaway success (it actually has!). But today, books like 'Sethji' look extremely amateurish - especially written for addicts, perverts and highly frustrated guys.
Not one guy/gal in this book (except for some very docile old ladies!) is normal and it seems everyone loves having extramarital affairs!
The plot line of this book has been chewed in, in thousands of Bollywood 'dishum-dishums'. Plus, this book lacks in content or emotion. Well, if your sons die, you would at least feel sad for 2 minutes, right? But Sethji is like Maggi noodles.....2 minute main ready...
Well of course, Ms. De wanted to create Howard Roark and Dominique Francon out of MK and Amrita, what she had managed to do is indeed laughable. Amrita is described as a stony lass with a cold reasoning mind, but all she has done in this book is to toss in one man's arms and turn in other's. She as one of the book's primary characters is a nobody! She neither is headstrong nor does she take any such decisions that would make readers feel in awe of her. Only due to Ms. De's promptings and nudges, we grudgingly accept that some particular deed in the book maybe, minutely, passably be considered as daring. Sethji himself is extremely gross, all I remember of him is that, "He scratches his groin while thinking" splattered across the book 2-3 times. This is like saying that Chacha Chaudhary's brain works faster than a supercomputer, but it is just at least a 1000 times vulgar.
Well, I am not crying ethics and conscience! I am not a saffron-clad purist, but this is an insult to the reader!! Does number of sultry and wet scenes guarantee that an Indian reader (though he may be starved and constricted in the choking grips of the hypocritical and narrow-minded customs of this country) would simply adore the book? That maybe be the icing, but don't pass it up as a cake. The cake has to be content.
Plus the Hinglish used was extremely jarring, as if each and every character in this book was a "Gori Mem" of the Pre-Independence era. Well, Ms. De does know few North Indian expletives, but to use it even when the setup doesn't require it - maybe, she is trying to sound cool.
But of course, Ms. De is a good English writer. Her writing is extremely fluent. All I would like to do is to request her not to consider her readers as dogs whose saliva is always dripping, who are gullible, stupid and unconscionable lechers.
Not one guy/gal in this book (except for some very docile old ladies!) is normal and it seems everyone loves having extramarital affairs!
The plot line of this book has been chewed in, in thousands of Bollywood 'dishum-dishums'. Plus, this book lacks in content or emotion. Well, if your sons die, you would at least feel sad for 2 minutes, right? But Sethji is like Maggi noodles.....2 minute main ready...
Well of course, Ms. De wanted to create Howard Roark and Dominique Francon out of MK and Amrita, what she had managed to do is indeed laughable. Amrita is described as a stony lass with a cold reasoning mind, but all she has done in this book is to toss in one man's arms and turn in other's. She as one of the book's primary characters is a nobody! She neither is headstrong nor does she take any such decisions that would make readers feel in awe of her. Only due to Ms. De's promptings and nudges, we grudgingly accept that some particular deed in the book maybe, minutely, passably be considered as daring. Sethji himself is extremely gross, all I remember of him is that, "He scratches his groin while thinking" splattered across the book 2-3 times. This is like saying that Chacha Chaudhary's brain works faster than a supercomputer, but it is just at least a 1000 times vulgar.
Well, I am not crying ethics and conscience! I am not a saffron-clad purist, but this is an insult to the reader!! Does number of sultry and wet scenes guarantee that an Indian reader (though he may be starved and constricted in the choking grips of the hypocritical and narrow-minded customs of this country) would simply adore the book? That maybe be the icing, but don't pass it up as a cake. The cake has to be content.
Plus the Hinglish used was extremely jarring, as if each and every character in this book was a "Gori Mem" of the Pre-Independence era. Well, Ms. De does know few North Indian expletives, but to use it even when the setup doesn't require it - maybe, she is trying to sound cool.
But of course, Ms. De is a good English writer. Her writing is extremely fluent. All I would like to do is to request her not to consider her readers as dogs whose saliva is always dripping, who are gullible, stupid and unconscionable lechers.
December 23, 2012
First Shobhaa De book that I have ever read, have always liked her opinion and commentary coloumns. Good things first, her writing style is brilliant, the story is half-decent as well, however she has a tendency to link anything and everything with sex. It is almost as if, she is working overtime to dispel the notion that Indians are coy talking about sex and this results in overcompensation. In addition, she has a tendency to provide a background to every insignificant character, pretty unnecessary at times.
November 26, 2012
Sethji and I had read my first Shobhaa De novel. I wish I hadn’t. It goes from bad to nonsensical. It tries and portrays Balasaheb Thackeray as Bhau – bad timing – if she had made Bhau the hero of her character – rather than Sethji – supposedly inspired by Sitaram Kesri – probably she would have sold more copies. It covers politics, bollywood, real estate, law, corporate wars, gives us a sneak preview of Dubai and country side UP and moves from one chapter to another without developing the story. Amritaji – the character – Sethji’s daughter-in-law is well developed and that is probably the only saving grace of the novel. She quotes from Kautilya – I wonder why? Yuck – Don’t waste your money and more importantly – Don’t waste your time.
April 1, 2013
It was a surprise package for me. The story contains so many twists and turns that creates curiosity to finish it as soon as possible. The most villainous character is the hero of the story.
It focuses on dirty politics, rampant corruption and degrading humanity that is making the country hollow. Amrita who deals with everything and made the story a bit interesting finds herself in dilemma in the end- whether she is worth living or not.
The most striking part of the novel is the boldness of the writer. Miss De used all the domestic words and slangs that makes an indian reader stick to it. All-in-all the story is like watching or imagining a bollywood movie.
It focuses on dirty politics, rampant corruption and degrading humanity that is making the country hollow. Amrita who deals with everything and made the story a bit interesting finds herself in dilemma in the end- whether she is worth living or not.
The most striking part of the novel is the boldness of the writer. Miss De used all the domestic words and slangs that makes an indian reader stick to it. All-in-all the story is like watching or imagining a bollywood movie.
December 12, 2012
The entire book feels like a Bollywood script full of crude language. Story is not extraordinary. Somehow Sethji's character tends to run in the background and Amrita sounds like the protagonist. We have seen much political chaos in our movies. A story like this could well have been a product of our innumerable aspiring script writers.
October 30, 2018
I like her articles in newspapers, her wit in various interviews and had never read a book.
This one was a library read. Shobhaa has a way with words and it can hit you like a rock. The satire was amazing.
The book is okay. It was too dark for my liking.
This one was a library read. Shobhaa has a way with words and it can hit you like a rock. The satire was amazing.
The book is okay. It was too dark for my liking.
January 15, 2013
Managed to read the first thirty-odd pages,
I don't think I'll ever pick it up again.
(puts any C-grade bollywood potboiler to shame)
I don't think I'll ever pick it up again.
(puts any C-grade bollywood potboiler to shame)
November 23, 2013
a waste of good time.. good money.. and good energy! Just a mixture of The Godfather and The White Tiger, combined with loads of sex. Certainly not worth a read.
April 1, 2013
This was the 1st book from Shoba De that I took the courage to buy & read. I wanted to know why so much hoopla surrounds her books or articles. Why the critics seem more or less impressed with her books, her choice of topics or her storyline.
However after reading this book, my worst fear came true. It's definitely not an exceptional piece of literature with the kind of writing that is present. In fact the book is a sordid tale that shows women in poor light. I am no fan of Indian politics & am well aware of the kind of on-goings behind back doors or in front of cameras. But the book focuses more on the physical misdeeds happening to the woman rather than political misdeeds & shady workings of the political class. The book should have been titled 'Amritaj'i instead of 'Sethji'. The language is too ordinary & the use of hindi cuss words and expletives on every 2nd page doesn't add to the plot at all.
After such a disappointing read I doubt if I will purchase another Shoba De book in future.
However after reading this book, my worst fear came true. It's definitely not an exceptional piece of literature with the kind of writing that is present. In fact the book is a sordid tale that shows women in poor light. I am no fan of Indian politics & am well aware of the kind of on-goings behind back doors or in front of cameras. But the book focuses more on the physical misdeeds happening to the woman rather than political misdeeds & shady workings of the political class. The book should have been titled 'Amritaj'i instead of 'Sethji'. The language is too ordinary & the use of hindi cuss words and expletives on every 2nd page doesn't add to the plot at all.
After such a disappointing read I doubt if I will purchase another Shoba De book in future.
November 6, 2012
Too much sleaze, too much cuss words(in hindi) a week plot but easy read .
To begin Sethji started as a formidable character who would stop at nothing. In fact two starting chapters deal with how he gets his massage including details of every inch of his body and also of his malishwala and his barber( who have no role in story). But somehow he fails to convince of a a seasoned politician. His bahu is shown as a strong character but ends up being a sexy doll who can sleep with anyone except with her husband.
Midway the story takes a dramatic turn and become a B grade Bollywood thriller or a TV soap. The ending was pathetic.
Much was expected of this novel as it was written by writer of fame after so many years. Only thing good about this novel was the style of writing(just like she writes in newspaper columns). It seems she has deliberately kept it simple for mass appeal.
But for the writer this book could have been given a lower rating.
To begin Sethji started as a formidable character who would stop at nothing. In fact two starting chapters deal with how he gets his massage including details of every inch of his body and also of his malishwala and his barber( who have no role in story). But somehow he fails to convince of a a seasoned politician. His bahu is shown as a strong character but ends up being a sexy doll who can sleep with anyone except with her husband.
Midway the story takes a dramatic turn and become a B grade Bollywood thriller or a TV soap. The ending was pathetic.
Much was expected of this novel as it was written by writer of fame after so many years. Only thing good about this novel was the style of writing(just like she writes in newspaper columns). It seems she has deliberately kept it simple for mass appeal.
But for the writer this book could have been given a lower rating.
January 9, 2013
a very disappointing read... the plot promised a lot.. delivered very little... the interconnecting stories between characters could be woven much better ... the surprise elements could have been more.. umm well... surprising... all in all ... didn't enjoy it as I hoped to have when I bought the book
March 27, 2013
Reading Sethji reminded me why I'd avoided Shobha Dé for so long. The book is grossly vulgar. Perhaps Dé thought she was writing something realistically shocking, but it's disgusting, has amateurish language, and each page drips with sleaze. I was surprised that a female author could paint women in such a demeaning manner.
Terrible book. Please avoid!
Terrible book. Please avoid!
August 18, 2013
Perfectly trashy.
Not exactly the book I thought it was going to be but what the hey I read it any way. It started off well however it seems the author got bored a third of the way through ( I suspect she started watching Come Dine With Me and lost the umph to carry on) The only reason I have given it three stars is because I like the Hinglish and the copious swear words.
Not exactly the book I thought it was going to be but what the hey I read it any way. It started off well however it seems the author got bored a third of the way through ( I suspect she started watching Come Dine With Me and lost the umph to carry on) The only reason I have given it three stars is because I like the Hinglish and the copious swear words.
August 21, 2013
Its a boring book about a seasoned politician and his life and family which makes storyline for every second Bollywood movie. An old man, shrewd, having hots for his daughter in law and this ambitious and intelligent daughter in law makes headline in all polity flicks. Not a captivating read. Nothing new. Wonder why Shobha De would chose such a topic..
November 21, 2012
This very racy, very like a hindi movie book surprised me with it's really crude language and novel heroine. I have never read Shobha De fiction before and I guess it takes guts to write such a crude, true picture of how politicians function in their world of absolute power. Interesting
Read
December 8, 2012Well my first of Shobha De .. And confirms my belief why I steered clear of the lady's writings.. Well not my type at all.. too simple and quite silly .. even shames some of our non-sense bollywood writers .. LoL
December 19, 2012
It's quite mediocre compared to the political books I have read earlier.End of the day Shobha De writes cheap literature intended to titilate the audience and this book is no different.
February 7, 2013
Shudnt have read!!!!
Read
February 24, 2013Utterly nonsensical book. First time I had to leave a book without completing it. This was first time I had tried Shobha De & I am afraid to touch her other books.Not worth even a single star rating.
March 29, 2024
Shobha De's "Sethji" is a captivating journey into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Indian politics, where ambition knows no bounds, and secrets lurk around every corner. Set in the bustling city of Mumbai, the novel follows the lives of its diverse characters, each with their own agenda and desires, all orbiting around the enigmatic and influential Sethji.
At the heart of the story is Sethji himself, a powerful and enigmatic figure whose reach extends far beyond the political arena. Deftly weaving together multiple storylines, De explores the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that define Sethji's world. From his loyal aides to his ambitious family members, each character is intricately drawn, with their own motivations and vulnerabilities.
What sets "Sethji" apart is De's keen insight into the intricacies of Indian society and politics. Through her sharp observations and biting wit, she exposes the underbelly of power, revealing the lengths to which people will go to attain and maintain it. From backroom deals to scandalous affairs, the novel pulls back the curtain on a world where morality is often sacrificed at the altar of ambition.
While "Sethji" is undeniably a page-turner, it is not without its flaws. At times, the sheer number of characters and subplots can be overwhelming, making it difficult to keep track of who's who and what's what. Additionally, some readers may find the depiction of certain characters and situations to be overly sensationalized or melodramatic.
Despite these minor criticisms, "Sethji" remains a compelling and thought-provoking read. De's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the glitzy yet perilous world of Mumbai's elite. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and incisive commentary on power and privilege, "Sethji" is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into its pages.
At the heart of the story is Sethji himself, a powerful and enigmatic figure whose reach extends far beyond the political arena. Deftly weaving together multiple storylines, De explores the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that define Sethji's world. From his loyal aides to his ambitious family members, each character is intricately drawn, with their own motivations and vulnerabilities.
What sets "Sethji" apart is De's keen insight into the intricacies of Indian society and politics. Through her sharp observations and biting wit, she exposes the underbelly of power, revealing the lengths to which people will go to attain and maintain it. From backroom deals to scandalous affairs, the novel pulls back the curtain on a world where morality is often sacrificed at the altar of ambition.
While "Sethji" is undeniably a page-turner, it is not without its flaws. At times, the sheer number of characters and subplots can be overwhelming, making it difficult to keep track of who's who and what's what. Additionally, some readers may find the depiction of certain characters and situations to be overly sensationalized or melodramatic.
Despite these minor criticisms, "Sethji" remains a compelling and thought-provoking read. De's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the glitzy yet perilous world of Mumbai's elite. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and incisive commentary on power and privilege, "Sethji" is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into its pages.
March 9, 2022
This novel is a Rohit Shetty equivalent in the book world.
What an idiotic abrupt ending to a story with a decently promising concept. Indian politicians and politics is a juicy setting for a novel. But Sethji turned out to be a damp squib.
Even though I had started enjoying it when the characters reach Mumbai. I was eager to know how it ends. But it was phusss. It seems the writer got bored and just ended it for the sake of finishing the book she started.
When i read the blurb on the book which said something like Amrita controls Sethjj's life etc etc. I thought I would get to read a complex dynamic between the two as they navigate a world of politics. But it was reduced to just sex. That's a pity.
All the characters in the story are immoral. Now that's a consistency she managed to maintain throughout the novel. Even as she randomly kept introducing character after character all over the novel.
This narrative style of narrating the backstory of each new character as soon as they are introduced started appearing repetetive. Like a summary.
I wonder why everyone is obsessed with Amrita's body. It's so blah. Sex sex sex. That's all the men think about. And no other worthwhile female character in the book except for Amrita. Not a single female is there. All men. Lacherous men.
I would suggest read it if you want pure mindless entertainment that ends on a damp note. You can read it with only half a brain kept awake. But there are other more entertaining books out there so i wonder why anyone would want to pick this.
What an idiotic abrupt ending to a story with a decently promising concept. Indian politicians and politics is a juicy setting for a novel. But Sethji turned out to be a damp squib.
Even though I had started enjoying it when the characters reach Mumbai. I was eager to know how it ends. But it was phusss. It seems the writer got bored and just ended it for the sake of finishing the book she started.
When i read the blurb on the book which said something like Amrita controls Sethjj's life etc etc. I thought I would get to read a complex dynamic between the two as they navigate a world of politics. But it was reduced to just sex. That's a pity.
All the characters in the story are immoral. Now that's a consistency she managed to maintain throughout the novel. Even as she randomly kept introducing character after character all over the novel.
This narrative style of narrating the backstory of each new character as soon as they are introduced started appearing repetetive. Like a summary.
I wonder why everyone is obsessed with Amrita's body. It's so blah. Sex sex sex. That's all the men think about. And no other worthwhile female character in the book except for Amrita. Not a single female is there. All men. Lacherous men.
I would suggest read it if you want pure mindless entertainment that ends on a damp note. You can read it with only half a brain kept awake. But there are other more entertaining books out there so i wonder why anyone would want to pick this.
July 31, 2020
In her politically charged book about a UP veteran politician called Sethji, Dè manages to cramp every sensation that a corrupt, heartless politician from India's biggest Lok Sabha seat shoud be capable of. This capacity includes profanity, rape, iligitimate affairs, incest and good old fashioned murder. The story arch visits Mumbai so it does not end in the Hindi belt and it's inter state, wow.
Although the book bares the name of Sethji, the protagonist is Amrita, the Bahurani (daughter in law) of Sethji who manages to outsmart every character who dares step in her way. Amrita's story rings true in real life and Dè sets her up at a high pedestal while reminding the reader of her dark side too. The book is not character heavy and Dè finds no need to create depth for anyone but Sethji and Amrita, the only character depth a character gets is when they have sex with Amrita.
Dè has a talent to tell a suspensful drama without too much suspense and does not want you to ever forget that she's a briliiant writer who is daring to write about profanity and sex. It reads as a trashy novel but Dè doesn't seem to care nor does she seem to comprehend it.
Although the book bares the name of Sethji, the protagonist is Amrita, the Bahurani (daughter in law) of Sethji who manages to outsmart every character who dares step in her way. Amrita's story rings true in real life and Dè sets her up at a high pedestal while reminding the reader of her dark side too. The book is not character heavy and Dè finds no need to create depth for anyone but Sethji and Amrita, the only character depth a character gets is when they have sex with Amrita.
Dè has a talent to tell a suspensful drama without too much suspense and does not want you to ever forget that she's a briliiant writer who is daring to write about profanity and sex. It reads as a trashy novel but Dè doesn't seem to care nor does she seem to comprehend it.
May 26, 2017
It took me alot of effort to complete reading this book. The biggest reason behind this was that the crude road side Hindi and abundance of abuses in the book made it very difficult for me to connect to it and disrupted the flow of the story. I am not against usage of Hindi in English novels but in this book, it felt unnecessary and forced at a lot of places.
Secondly, I hate the fact that the author has completely ignored the character of Sethji in the book. After a few pages you start wondering whether the book should have actually be called “Amritaji”- Sethji’s daughter in law.
The character don’t make sense, are very...Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/sethji-book-rev...
Secondly, I hate the fact that the author has completely ignored the character of Sethji in the book. After a few pages you start wondering whether the book should have actually be called “Amritaji”- Sethji’s daughter in law.
The character don’t make sense, are very...Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/sethji-book-rev...
December 18, 2022
See, I actually liked Ms. Dé's 'Starry Nights.' Despite its onslaught of horrid characters and sordid goings-on, I did find myself feeling and rooting for the protagonist. Even 'Socialite Evenings' was wicked but smart, if not wicked smart.
'Serhji,' however, is vile and boneheaded. Nothing makes sense and everyone is terrible. I know, I know...I was not expecting 'Richard III' (but make it New Delhi), but, bro, I was straight up not having a good time.
I give it 2 stars because a) there are a few funny lines in here, b) it's short and c) it's better than that awful, terrible, no-good, wouldn't-wipe-my-ass-with-the-pages Tom Kratman novel I was reading at the same time.
'Serhji,' however, is vile and boneheaded. Nothing makes sense and everyone is terrible. I know, I know...I was not expecting 'Richard III' (but make it New Delhi), but, bro, I was straight up not having a good time.
I give it 2 stars because a) there are a few funny lines in here, b) it's short and c) it's better than that awful, terrible, no-good, wouldn't-wipe-my-ass-with-the-pages Tom Kratman novel I was reading at the same time.
September 15, 2023
Sethji by Shobhaa De is a book about the Indian political system. However, unlike other authors who have done a good job exploring this theme, De falls short. She portrays politicians as predictable and negative stereotypes, making the story uninteresting. The book follows a predictable pattern, with events unfolding exactly as you'd expect. The ending is also predictable and lacks any surprises. Overall, Sethji is not recommended for those who want an engaging and thought-provoking read about politics.
May 12, 2020
A senseless book from an accomplished author. The book is about a politician called sethji, how he rises from a low caste poor status to become a top minister and influencer.
A lot of true political events are woven as fiction. The corruption, sleaze, business politics nexus all find their way.
However it's an avoidable book.
A lot of true political events are woven as fiction. The corruption, sleaze, business politics nexus all find their way.
However it's an avoidable book.
October 10, 2019
Complete trash....poor Penguin have no choice.
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