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Chhotu: A Tale of Partition and Love
“Like the hero, it’s a modest little gem.” – India Today
Winner of Two Comic-Con India Awards, including ‘Best Writer’
The year is 1947. The British are slowly marking their departure from the country. And while Partition looms large over India, Chhotu, a student-cum-paranthe-cook in the dusty gullies of Chandni Chowk, has other things on his mind-like feeling the first flushes of love of his crush, Heer, the new girl at school.
When he finally decides to make a move, Chhotu soon finds the town's aloo has suddenly gone missing, reluctantly embroiling himself into the world of corruption, crime and dons. As he struggles to understand what freedom truly means, Chhotu realizes one thing is for certain-that his world, and the world of those around him, is about to change forever.
Set against the backdrop of Partition and the horrors that followed, Chhotu is a coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero and a parable of a past that doesn't feel too removed from the present.
“All in all, a beautiful amalgamation of love, exploration, politics, and tonnes of Bollywood masala, Chhotu is definitely not one to be missed.” - Homegrown
“Wild, imaginative and tender, it may be only through love stories like Chhotu that we can return to our darkest hour and begin reparations for another kind of future to which we can all belong.” - Vazira Zamindar, author of The Long Partition
“With sharp irony and crackling humor, it offers a poignant understanding of a time when fear, bigotry, political machinations, and violence overtook everyday life.” - Gyan Prakash, author of Emergency Chronicles
“Storyboarded with crisp cinematographic frames, zoomorphic characters enact the socio-economic and communal chaos that followed the partition with stylishly wry humour and depth...” - The Hindu
"Part novel, part art and equal parts tender love and boundless suffering... The graphic artistry sparkles in black and white, supplementing the fiction that is actually a very clever allegory on what most people would call a weird, shameful chapter of our history." - Outlook Magazine
Winner of Two Comic-Con India Awards, including ‘Best Writer’
The year is 1947. The British are slowly marking their departure from the country. And while Partition looms large over India, Chhotu, a student-cum-paranthe-cook in the dusty gullies of Chandni Chowk, has other things on his mind-like feeling the first flushes of love of his crush, Heer, the new girl at school.
When he finally decides to make a move, Chhotu soon finds the town's aloo has suddenly gone missing, reluctantly embroiling himself into the world of corruption, crime and dons. As he struggles to understand what freedom truly means, Chhotu realizes one thing is for certain-that his world, and the world of those around him, is about to change forever.
Set against the backdrop of Partition and the horrors that followed, Chhotu is a coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero and a parable of a past that doesn't feel too removed from the present.
“All in all, a beautiful amalgamation of love, exploration, politics, and tonnes of Bollywood masala, Chhotu is definitely not one to be missed.” - Homegrown
“Wild, imaginative and tender, it may be only through love stories like Chhotu that we can return to our darkest hour and begin reparations for another kind of future to which we can all belong.” - Vazira Zamindar, author of The Long Partition
“With sharp irony and crackling humor, it offers a poignant understanding of a time when fear, bigotry, political machinations, and violence overtook everyday life.” - Gyan Prakash, author of Emergency Chronicles
“Storyboarded with crisp cinematographic frames, zoomorphic characters enact the socio-economic and communal chaos that followed the partition with stylishly wry humour and depth...” - The Hindu
"Part novel, part art and equal parts tender love and boundless suffering... The graphic artistry sparkles in black and white, supplementing the fiction that is actually a very clever allegory on what most people would call a weird, shameful chapter of our history." - Outlook Magazine
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 20, 2019
2 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Varud Gupta
4 books8 followersVarud Gupta is the award-winning author of the graphic novel Chhotu: A Tale of Love and Partition (Comic Con India “Best Writer”) and the travelogue Bhagwaan Ke Pakwaan: Food of the Gods (Gourmand award for “Peace”). His words have also appeared in America’s Test Kitchen, National Geographic, and Mint Lounge.
His career as a writer began after quitting a short-lived career as a management consultant to travel and eat his way across the globe. When not writing, he is usually experimenting in the kitchen, collecting Instant Noodles, or playing Dungeons & Dragons. He received his bachelors in Finance from New York University and teaches the Indian Institute of Art and Design, Gotham Writers, and 826NYC.
His career as a writer began after quitting a short-lived career as a management consultant to travel and eat his way across the globe. When not writing, he is usually experimenting in the kitchen, collecting Instant Noodles, or playing Dungeons & Dragons. He received his bachelors in Finance from New York University and teaches the Indian Institute of Art and Design, Gotham Writers, and 826NYC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 10, 2020
Very interesting concept of reimagining the Partition struggle with characters as animals. The beginning of the book was very captivating. Simple concepts that hides bigger implications were presented. I found the aloo-shortage (and hoarding) fascinating and shocking. There are many Easter eggs to find and I found many (and missed many). It was interesting to see how the love story panned out in a period of unrest as the Partition. Real life figures were reimagined. The book being set in Chadni Chowk gave an added glory to the story—how did the political issues affect common man, how did misunderstandings lead to riots, what happened to communal harmony, what is the role of media in agitating the crowd.
However the second half of the book did not meet my expectations. Since the book handles an important period in Indian history and also since it was excellent in the beginning in pointing the readers to the several problems that existed during Partition-independence period, I expected so much more. I wanted the story to go deeper in several portions. At some points, I was unsure whether it was fiction or reality reimagined. I wish the book had finished on a stronger level. Nevertheless, good concept and accompanying art to shine light on Indian history.
Much thanks to Penguin In for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
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However the second half of the book did not meet my expectations. Since the book handles an important period in Indian history and also since it was excellent in the beginning in pointing the readers to the several problems that existed during Partition-independence period, I expected so much more. I wanted the story to go deeper in several portions. At some points, I was unsure whether it was fiction or reality reimagined. I wish the book had finished on a stronger level. Nevertheless, good concept and accompanying art to shine light on Indian history.
Much thanks to Penguin In for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
May 23, 2023
The only three graphic novels I've read till now share an amazing similarity among them. All of them are written in the settings of the events that changed the course of history for their respective countries.
●Persepolis is the coming of age memoir of Marji(the author herself), in the setting of the Islamic Revolution and it’s immediate after effects in Iran.
●Maus, a memoir by Art Spiegelman, visualizes the horrors of holocaust from the accounts of his Polish father, who is carrying the survivor's guilt.
●Chhotu, my last read, a coming of age fiction set in the tumultuous times of partition, follows the journey of a boy, who observes it all, while the girl he loves has to flee her home for the assurance of safety.
•The book shows how a small group of privileged of the society spread hatred and instigate fear in the minds of the masses to set them against one another and then continue to gain profit from them.
•The use of dark humor is enticingly implemented. After every "news" on the horrific happenings in the country, Bol Gappa continues to advertise a new product that is popularized by the cultivation of fear. Thus the privileged continue to make profit on the expense of the commoners' safety and sanity.
•One can trace a parallel to the events of the present. As the faces of the privileged group change according to their background and time period, but their ways of influencing and controling the thoughts and actions of the mass remain unchanged.
•Another similarity this book holds to Maus is in the illustrations. Just like the previous book here too the characters are depicted as animals. But, whereas in Maus only three types of animals were used, i.e. cats for Germans, Mous for Jews, and Pigs for other Polish. Chhotu presents a multitude of animals living together, beginning from small and common animals like monkeys, dogs, and cats, to animals like lions, tigers, and elephats, to even birds. This seemed to me to be a telling representation of the cultural and racial diversities that we have in India. The painting style is very intriguing and detailed.
●Persepolis is the coming of age memoir of Marji(the author herself), in the setting of the Islamic Revolution and it’s immediate after effects in Iran.
●Maus, a memoir by Art Spiegelman, visualizes the horrors of holocaust from the accounts of his Polish father, who is carrying the survivor's guilt.
●Chhotu, my last read, a coming of age fiction set in the tumultuous times of partition, follows the journey of a boy, who observes it all, while the girl he loves has to flee her home for the assurance of safety.
•The book shows how a small group of privileged of the society spread hatred and instigate fear in the minds of the masses to set them against one another and then continue to gain profit from them.
•The use of dark humor is enticingly implemented. After every "news" on the horrific happenings in the country, Bol Gappa continues to advertise a new product that is popularized by the cultivation of fear. Thus the privileged continue to make profit on the expense of the commoners' safety and sanity.
•One can trace a parallel to the events of the present. As the faces of the privileged group change according to their background and time period, but their ways of influencing and controling the thoughts and actions of the mass remain unchanged.
•Another similarity this book holds to Maus is in the illustrations. Just like the previous book here too the characters are depicted as animals. But, whereas in Maus only three types of animals were used, i.e. cats for Germans, Mous for Jews, and Pigs for other Polish. Chhotu presents a multitude of animals living together, beginning from small and common animals like monkeys, dogs, and cats, to animals like lions, tigers, and elephats, to even birds. This seemed to me to be a telling representation of the cultural and racial diversities that we have in India. The painting style is very intriguing and detailed.
August 30, 2020
That the characters are animals is interesting to see. This one joins Art Spiegelman’s Maus, and the brilliant series Bojack Horseman in conveying a lot of things through animals in human forms. Ayushi Rastogi has done a good job with her inks, and the life she has given to the characters written wonderfully by Varud Gupta. Varud Gupta’s writing makes it a smooth read, taking us through that chapter of the life of its protagonist, Chhotu, and making you root for the boy throughout. Along with that making a key point about harmony and hatred.
June 5, 2020
For someone who has been recently diving into Graphic Novels from Jeff Kinney and Victor Santos, this book turned out to be a surprise addition to my TBR.
True as advertised, Chhotu is a coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero and a parable of a past that doesn't feel too removed from the present.
In this reimagining of the Partition struggle of 1947, men are replaced with animals as characters. A captivating book pointing the readers to the several problems that existed during Partition-independence period, where simple concepts hide bigger implications and plenty of Easter eggs that you may simply miss out of ignorance. From political issues, misunderstandings leading to riots, communal harmony, to the role of media, this book covers all.
But this book is after all about Chhotu, a student-cum-cook of Chandni Chowk, who has other things on his mind-like feeling the first flushes of love of his crush, Heer. When he finally decides to make a move, Chhotu soon finds the town facing a shortage of aloo, reluctantly embroiling himself into the world of corruption, crime and dons. As he struggles to understand what freedom truly means, Chhotu realizes that his world, and the world of those around him, is about to change forever.
True as advertised, Chhotu is a coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero and a parable of a past that doesn't feel too removed from the present.
In this reimagining of the Partition struggle of 1947, men are replaced with animals as characters. A captivating book pointing the readers to the several problems that existed during Partition-independence period, where simple concepts hide bigger implications and plenty of Easter eggs that you may simply miss out of ignorance. From political issues, misunderstandings leading to riots, communal harmony, to the role of media, this book covers all.
But this book is after all about Chhotu, a student-cum-cook of Chandni Chowk, who has other things on his mind-like feeling the first flushes of love of his crush, Heer. When he finally decides to make a move, Chhotu soon finds the town facing a shortage of aloo, reluctantly embroiling himself into the world of corruption, crime and dons. As he struggles to understand what freedom truly means, Chhotu realizes that his world, and the world of those around him, is about to change forever.
October 13, 2020
It's a good attempt, loved the art, but it turned out be quite a breezy read despite its heavy setting. I would have liked it to have more history, more depth. For now, it wasn't anything new.
January 2, 2020
A fabulous book and happened to read it on the 1st day of 2020.
I always believe that graphic novels are written in a different language and each one has its own narrative style. One cannot look at the story isolated from the visual narrative adopted for the tale. Saying so chhotu is a genre of its own... I was pleasantly surprised that how intelligently they pack in the tale with metaphors. And that’s the interesting part. Its a tale which apparently may seem to be a Masala Bombay Film (and I use Bombay Film intentionally and not Bollywood to refer to the sly allusions and references thrown around casually yet forming the rich tapestry of story-telling...the separation at the #mela, the imprisonment of the innocent, the lure of the underworld, the final confrontation in a staged drama which had to be ubiquitous #ramleela, the awakened consciousness of the masses at the end.. so on and so forth...all signature of the Bombay film in its early years 50a ans 60s) with its socialist message, the ones RajKapoor and the era saw post partition while the country was still reeling under a burden of #displacednation. However it’s equally topical and becomes a #fable (and to my delight a political one) which questions the role of media. The radio broadcast at the end of every sombre and sinister “breaking news” also advertises-the use of animal heads while depicting people- since as said by the antagonist “we are all animals” after all. The visual allusions as already mentioned are stunning along with the running texts. Few instances you find yourself exclaiming “we will make India great again”-the spectacles that “Bapu” wears. I would suggest don’t only go by the story, immerse yourself in the visuals, the small innuendos where the creators are trying to tease your senses... and then you will feel like reading, re-reading it. I am glad that in current times there is piece of work or art which embraces the political with personal compassion and wit, and that is hope enough to start a new year.
I always believe that graphic novels are written in a different language and each one has its own narrative style. One cannot look at the story isolated from the visual narrative adopted for the tale. Saying so chhotu is a genre of its own... I was pleasantly surprised that how intelligently they pack in the tale with metaphors. And that’s the interesting part. Its a tale which apparently may seem to be a Masala Bombay Film (and I use Bombay Film intentionally and not Bollywood to refer to the sly allusions and references thrown around casually yet forming the rich tapestry of story-telling...the separation at the #mela, the imprisonment of the innocent, the lure of the underworld, the final confrontation in a staged drama which had to be ubiquitous #ramleela, the awakened consciousness of the masses at the end.. so on and so forth...all signature of the Bombay film in its early years 50a ans 60s) with its socialist message, the ones RajKapoor and the era saw post partition while the country was still reeling under a burden of #displacednation. However it’s equally topical and becomes a #fable (and to my delight a political one) which questions the role of media. The radio broadcast at the end of every sombre and sinister “breaking news” also advertises-the use of animal heads while depicting people- since as said by the antagonist “we are all animals” after all. The visual allusions as already mentioned are stunning along with the running texts. Few instances you find yourself exclaiming “we will make India great again”-the spectacles that “Bapu” wears. I would suggest don’t only go by the story, immerse yourself in the visuals, the small innuendos where the creators are trying to tease your senses... and then you will feel like reading, re-reading it. I am glad that in current times there is piece of work or art which embraces the political with personal compassion and wit, and that is hope enough to start a new year.
January 1, 2020
I was born in independent India as an independent Indian. From the very starting of my life, I have been taught about the partition and the phases of Indian independence. But there are so many stories that no one can listen to all of them.
Chhotu is one of them.
For me, Chhotu is the story that every Indian must have faced or been a part of during the tough times of 1947.
Chhotu is a graphic novel created by Varud Joshi and illustrated by Ayushi Rastogi.
The story is a blend of satire on the politicians at the time of partition, the role media played at that time and the way communal riots spread due to small misunderstandings. The graphics used are amazing and the storytelling is perfect. The flow of the story and the characters were well described. References to pop culture and movies were hilarious. Somehow the novel also teaches the art of writing advertisements.
A small story and vividly described incidents made the plot more amazing and understandable. I have always been a fan of graphic novels and this has been one of the best in the series.
Note to the author and illustrator: Thank You for giving me a perfect end to 2019. Wishes for your book.
Chhotu is one of them.
For me, Chhotu is the story that every Indian must have faced or been a part of during the tough times of 1947.
Chhotu is a graphic novel created by Varud Joshi and illustrated by Ayushi Rastogi.
The story is a blend of satire on the politicians at the time of partition, the role media played at that time and the way communal riots spread due to small misunderstandings. The graphics used are amazing and the storytelling is perfect. The flow of the story and the characters were well described. References to pop culture and movies were hilarious. Somehow the novel also teaches the art of writing advertisements.
A small story and vividly described incidents made the plot more amazing and understandable. I have always been a fan of graphic novels and this has been one of the best in the series.
Note to the author and illustrator: Thank You for giving me a perfect end to 2019. Wishes for your book.
January 6, 2020
A light, fun read that circles around dark and exceptionally humane subjects. The artwork and the plot, both are quite engaging.
January 29, 2020
There are so many positives to be taken out of this graphic novel. Let's start with two most important factors: story and illustrations.
The story, though not very unpredictable, is set at the time of Indian independence and partition in the heart of Delhi, Chandni Chowk. The subtitle says that it is a story of partition and love but it is way more than that. It is a story of choices, individual and collective. The story is so relevant in the current scenario when again the powerful are set to divide the people on religious lines to get away with their incompetence. It ends with a moving call for the reader to see that it isn't a story of past, but a call to make a decision so that we all don't end up as rotten tomatoes. (You'd have to read the book to get that bit.) .
.
Illustrated like Maus, the classic holocaust graphic novel, the characters are sketched as animals. There is something very moving when we see animals play the roles of humans. We look at them with a different emotional depth, without the bias-tinted lens of religion. Absolutely love the illustrations and how they bring more out of a story that's not very complex. .
.
Now, there's one more thing that this novel has done. We usually find graphic novels to be too expensive to have mass reach. It has broken this barrier. .
.
Lastly, the best thing about this graphic novel is that both the writer Varud Gupta and the illustrator Ayushi Rastogi are so young and going by this book, we're in for a treat if they polish their skills and churn out more novels of this quality.
The story, though not very unpredictable, is set at the time of Indian independence and partition in the heart of Delhi, Chandni Chowk. The subtitle says that it is a story of partition and love but it is way more than that. It is a story of choices, individual and collective. The story is so relevant in the current scenario when again the powerful are set to divide the people on religious lines to get away with their incompetence. It ends with a moving call for the reader to see that it isn't a story of past, but a call to make a decision so that we all don't end up as rotten tomatoes. (You'd have to read the book to get that bit.) .
.
Illustrated like Maus, the classic holocaust graphic novel, the characters are sketched as animals. There is something very moving when we see animals play the roles of humans. We look at them with a different emotional depth, without the bias-tinted lens of religion. Absolutely love the illustrations and how they bring more out of a story that's not very complex. .
.
Now, there's one more thing that this novel has done. We usually find graphic novels to be too expensive to have mass reach. It has broken this barrier. .
.
Lastly, the best thing about this graphic novel is that both the writer Varud Gupta and the illustrator Ayushi Rastogi are so young and going by this book, we're in for a treat if they polish their skills and churn out more novels of this quality.
January 21, 2020
I received my copy of Chhotu in California just a few nights ago. I was a bit worried at first with having lived in the United States my whole life that some of the history and context of the Partition period during India would go over my head. But I found the narrative to be very explanatory in a subtle way. The illustrations by Ayushi Rastogi really gave me sense of the emotional atmosphere during all of these scenes and guided me further into the story. Chhotu prompted me to do more research on the division of India and Pakistan, which peaked my interest after finishing the graphic novel.
The illustration are so detailed and beautiful, I feel like I must read Chhotu again to pick up on all of the visual clues that are sprinkled throughout. Chhotu tugged at my heart strings and educated me on oppression and traumas in India. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends!
The illustration are so detailed and beautiful, I feel like I must read Chhotu again to pick up on all of the visual clues that are sprinkled throughout. Chhotu tugged at my heart strings and educated me on oppression and traumas in India. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends!
February 13, 2020
This charming graphic novel, ‘Chhotu’, by ‘Varud Gupta’ & ‘Ayushi Rastogi’, is here to reminisce us into the history of India with a twist of love. The book is packed with warmth & gentle humour. The illustrations are charming & amusing.
The All India FM was really entertaining. It provided the sufficient details of the happenings in the surroundings and ending each announcement with a funny advertisement.
I wanted to finish this book in one go, but at the same time I don’t want this story to end so soon. Yes, it sounds weird, but some stories are like this, which you want to enjoy slowly, sinking deep into the feeling and cherish every single detail of it, which is why I took more time to finish it.
It is a great story, subtle yet powerful. Medium-paced novel with a real plot. The ending is more optimistic rather than happy and fulfilling.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
The All India FM was really entertaining. It provided the sufficient details of the happenings in the surroundings and ending each announcement with a funny advertisement.
I wanted to finish this book in one go, but at the same time I don’t want this story to end so soon. Yes, it sounds weird, but some stories are like this, which you want to enjoy slowly, sinking deep into the feeling and cherish every single detail of it, which is why I took more time to finish it.
It is a great story, subtle yet powerful. Medium-paced novel with a real plot. The ending is more optimistic rather than happy and fulfilling.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
January 19, 2020
I was happy to find another Indian graphic novel but this time one that takes place during the partition of India and events of independence. Reminded me a lot about Maus!
This book was beautiful to look at and draws so many relevant parallels to the world today. A little humor and food from old Delhi and a lot of Bollywood romance. Great start to the new year. Thanks Chhotu for the journey :)
This book was beautiful to look at and draws so many relevant parallels to the world today. A little humor and food from old Delhi and a lot of Bollywood romance. Great start to the new year. Thanks Chhotu for the journey :)
July 5, 2020
3.5 stars. While i enjoyed reading this graphic novel, it did lrave me dissatisfied in some ways. It is a good beginning for graphic no el readers though and the topic is something most Indians will be able to connect with.
July 16, 2024
A script for a never-ending Bollywood film masquerading as a graphic novel.
January 24, 2020
It's a wonderful novel with animal faces. All the faces are very much symbolic and tell much more about their characters. The storyline is good. Worthy of reading.
March 27, 2020
Set against the backdrop of Partition and the horrors that followed, Chhotu is a coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero and a parable of a past that doesn't feel too removed from the present. .
Firstly, I loved the idea of the book. The way it's curated is amazing. The way the authors imagined the era, the struggles of partition as characters of animals is wonderful. From the characters to the storyline, everything is amazing. .
The plot is filled with humour, history, friendship and love. The way the era is described, the fear, the misunderstandings, the violence that overtook everyday's, role of media, life is astounding. You'll be surprised the way it is portrayed. .
This one is the best graphic novel I have ever come across. The descriptive backdrop of Chandni chowk, crisp writing style, fantastic narration and the dialogues keep the reader hooked throughout.
.
Overall, it's a wonderful book. Want to read a fresh graphic novel? Experience the partition feels in a different way, Go for it.
Firstly, I loved the idea of the book. The way it's curated is amazing. The way the authors imagined the era, the struggles of partition as characters of animals is wonderful. From the characters to the storyline, everything is amazing. .
The plot is filled with humour, history, friendship and love. The way the era is described, the fear, the misunderstandings, the violence that overtook everyday's, role of media, life is astounding. You'll be surprised the way it is portrayed. .
This one is the best graphic novel I have ever come across. The descriptive backdrop of Chandni chowk, crisp writing style, fantastic narration and the dialogues keep the reader hooked throughout.
.
Overall, it's a wonderful book. Want to read a fresh graphic novel? Experience the partition feels in a different way, Go for it.
March 15, 2020
A very important read. While it is set against Partition, it covers fake news, religious and communal hatred and all things relevant today. And it's got more than a dash of humour which makes it an even greater read.
April 17, 2020
Beautifully drawn, this graphic novel urgently captures old Delhi in contemporary conjunction with its newer counterpart. Then and Now- both on the verge of uncovering something necessary and progressive (revolution in young voices trying to overcome communalist violence) while still flirting with familiar tropes and set ways (by the many nods to pop culture and Bollywood-isms). Chhotu as a character was so likeable from the beginning, and the ending was great and thought-provoking. The book itself is beautiful and important particularly in the current climate.
April 11, 2020
This is a story set in partition times. The characters of the story are animals. I think the idea was inspired by Maus but there is no theme to the animals similar to Maus and it seems a bit random. The story is okay and the artwork could be better. Still a decent attempt at a comic book based on historical events.
July 15, 2020
The art was amazing , but i think in terms of storytelling it lacked some depth. I expected a lot considering the theme this book chose was such an important event in Indian history and full of controversies .
June 13, 2020
Chhotu is a graphic novel that explores a variety of themes keeping the partition as the general theme. The storyline is very crisp, and the authors have taken care to keep the parallel themes running through the story. The narration is quite enriching, and the scenes are quite realistic. Another thing that works for the book is its simplicity and the way each of the plot point is treated. I loved the way in which small details were put up with the help of various props. The language is quite simple and its quite a breezy read. Varud has taken the topic of partition and transformed it into a tale that would interest people of all ages, and personally, that is the biggest impact that it can have as a story and as a book.
Coming to the characters, the protagonist of the tale is Chhotu who is a student and a cook at Bapu’s Paratha Shop in Chandni Chowk. His character has shades of heroism, courage and love, and the way his character develops over the story as he experiences love, pain and loss is remarkable. The character of Shere was another gem for me, the way it was written and created. One character that plays quite an important role is the humble Radio, that features in multiple panels and acts as the narrator of the story. creating a non-human world yet retaining the essence of it is the true art that shines through the pages of Chhotu.
Being a graphic novel, Chhotu’s artwork is as critical as its storyline and the way the panels are sketched brought back memories of the comics I read as a child. Though more nuanced and detailed, Chhotu’s detailed artwork, with a monochrome tone adds a completely different flavor to the tale. A special mention for Ayushi for sketching the panels so beautifully and giving life to the story of Chhotu.
Coming to the characters, the protagonist of the tale is Chhotu who is a student and a cook at Bapu’s Paratha Shop in Chandni Chowk. His character has shades of heroism, courage and love, and the way his character develops over the story as he experiences love, pain and loss is remarkable. The character of Shere was another gem for me, the way it was written and created. One character that plays quite an important role is the humble Radio, that features in multiple panels and acts as the narrator of the story. creating a non-human world yet retaining the essence of it is the true art that shines through the pages of Chhotu.
Being a graphic novel, Chhotu’s artwork is as critical as its storyline and the way the panels are sketched brought back memories of the comics I read as a child. Though more nuanced and detailed, Chhotu’s detailed artwork, with a monochrome tone adds a completely different flavor to the tale. A special mention for Ayushi for sketching the panels so beautifully and giving life to the story of Chhotu.
April 7, 2021
Rewriting partition through the medium of visual border is quite engaging and witty at the same time.
I think all the kids of India has grown up listening to the stories narrated by their grandfather/grandmother and we always have had imagined our own version of those stories in our mind. So that's what is evident in Varud Gupta's writing as well and in the end of the novel writer himself has admitted his grandfather's influence over him to write the story.
"Chhotu" is the term used here to signify all the chhotus out there in the world. Chhotu can be a person with less power, chhotu can be a person who is the youngest in the family, chhotu can be a small change in the society, chhotu can be the small step to overcome the fear,anxiety and loss.
Use of graphic novel's elements like speech balloons, gutter, motion lines, background colours (although black & white), sound effects has been well used to portray the fear, the turbulent atmosphere, the violence, the loss, love and humour. Overall I liked the concept of victory of good over evil at the end. A big thumbs up for this book.
I think all the kids of India has grown up listening to the stories narrated by their grandfather/grandmother and we always have had imagined our own version of those stories in our mind. So that's what is evident in Varud Gupta's writing as well and in the end of the novel writer himself has admitted his grandfather's influence over him to write the story.
"Chhotu" is the term used here to signify all the chhotus out there in the world. Chhotu can be a person with less power, chhotu can be a person who is the youngest in the family, chhotu can be a small change in the society, chhotu can be the small step to overcome the fear,anxiety and loss.
Use of graphic novel's elements like speech balloons, gutter, motion lines, background colours (although black & white), sound effects has been well used to portray the fear, the turbulent atmosphere, the violence, the loss, love and humour. Overall I liked the concept of victory of good over evil at the end. A big thumbs up for this book.
July 11, 2022
From the drawing to the story -- awesome! Chhotu's character moved me, I learned about the partition of India and Pakistan, which I hadn't known about, from a first person perspective (and semi biographical account of an authors family member). Moving, beautifully illustrated, a historical graphic novel at its best.
January 10, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but it is quite derivative. While the inspiration from maus could have been appropriate, the bojack horseman style illustrations were quite jarring. The story meanders as there are anachronistic jokes and disjointed episodes. If the idea of a metaphorical parallel to the partition was commendable, it stumbles in its execution.
March 6, 2025
It’s a quick read. I am personally not fond of movie references in books but it was seamlessly woven into the story. After all, the premise is gripping, realistic.. I read about our history during school but that time the purpose of reading was for an exam or memorising the text. This tried to evoke some emotions- which I liked.
April 7, 2025
Inspired by Maus, this tale is around partition.
Simple frames, that aura of Radio, streets of Delhi, Hindu Muslim conflicts, with a backstory.
Why it was picked?
Loved other book of Varud, Bhagwaan ke Pakwaan. Had better expectations from this graphic format.
Overall:
Passable. From Indian graphic novel context, reminded of Munnu by Malik Sajad which was much better executed.
Simple frames, that aura of Radio, streets of Delhi, Hindu Muslim conflicts, with a backstory.
Why it was picked?
Loved other book of Varud, Bhagwaan ke Pakwaan. Had better expectations from this graphic format.
Overall:
Passable. From Indian graphic novel context, reminded of Munnu by Malik Sajad which was much better executed.
March 18, 2020
Very insipid..and has nothing fresh to offer..it is a careful narrative trying to be politically correct..however I think the idea that they had in their heads has not been properly conveyed..while it is a good try..I wish they had given it more thought and were not afraid to express their views openly
December 8, 2020
I read this book because I wanted to explore the Indian graphic novel genre. The book was fine. A very good start, but a disappointing end. The analogies are very good. But the main story is weak. A one time read.
June 22, 2020
mixed feelings.
i really wanted to like this book, and i did appreciate parts of it, but somethings are very off.
also i think this book might be casteist.
i really wanted to like this book, and i did appreciate parts of it, but somethings are very off.
also i think this book might be casteist.
September 22, 2020
2.5 *'s. The art was good but the story was a bit filmy and poignant.
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