A cobra's bite doesn't hurt

by Anil Nijhawan

Kalu, kidnapped from an orphanage at the age of fourteen and trained to pick pockets, is forced into a gang of thieves in Bangalore. When Babu, their ruthless gang master, murders his best friend Ramesh, Kalu - fearing for his own life - runs away to Kolkata. While still being pursued by Babu he meets and falls in love with with Tanya, an educated girl from an upper middle-class family.

This powerful novel presents life in contemporary India with vivid realism. Evocative and beautifully written, it embraces a wide range of human emotions and has many intensely dramatic scenes.

Genres: Fiction, India

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2020

About the author

Born in India the author moved to UK at a young age. After completing education he worked in computing and business development. A keep fit enthusiast he has run London marathon six times. His other other hobby is world travel. Twice a year he with his wife, Adarsh, a school teacher, take off to some far away destination. He is also a keen artist, having exhibited his art at various prestigious venues, including in Mumbai.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review, but I had already bought this for my kindle as it was clearly a book that ought to have been right up my street.

There's nothing 'wrong' with this book but there's also nothing NEW within it. If you were to look at my Goodreads shelf, you'd see I've read and mostly reviewed nearly 170 books set in India in the past few years and many more before that time. India is what I read. Indian books are who I am. They are the blood in my white British veins. And the problem with 'A Cobra's Bite Doesn't Hurt' is that there's nothing in this book that I haven't seen and read before.

A few chapters in I was thinking "Hmm, letter (or Sanyo tape recording to be turned into a letter) to the President. I've seen that before". The White Tiger, Aravind Adiga's 2008 Booker Prize-winning novel did something very similar with a long letter to the Chinese president. Poor boy lured into crime - you can take your pick of plots about that angle too. Young poor boy falls for richer girl - you don't even need to go to the bookshelf; that's a Bollywood standard. There are just so many books about life as a poor boy without family and with everything stacked against him and......sorry to say it.....most of them are better than this one.

The plot is patchy. Our protagonist bounces about different Indian cities without giving us any sense of time or place in any of them. I didn't feel at any time that I understood who he was or why he was the young man he was becoming. The relationship with the girl barely developed, the final act of violence was almost entirely out of character with all that had gone before, and the final coming together of two elderly people was left as an unfinished and unresolved plot.

There's a trend these days for books being written with the follow-up sequel already in mind. I felt this ended with so many unresolved plotlines that it seemed to be set up for 'Return of the Cobra'. I always feel cheated by such books and if there is a sequel to this, I probably won't read it.

If you'd like some recommendations on great books about lives lived in poverty in India, I'd recommend just about anything by Rohinton Mistry, The Spaces Between Us and The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar, The Coolie and Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand, and Chowringhee or The Middleman by Bengali writer, Sankar. I could go on. Like I said, there's no shortage of books about hard lives in India.

[Angel Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

At single glance, the title will really attract you! How can a cobra’s bite not safe and won’t hurt. Is this a metaphor? Is the cobra here means a snake or referring to a person’s name? The title alone tells us that this book has so much. I like how the author come up with a striking title! Not so much with the cover, I am less attracted to it.
Anil’s work is phenomenal! The way he tells a story simply tells me that he is a born storyteller. Kalu is the character that will be with you no matter how many books and story you bump with. Kalu an orphan, kidnapped and molded to be a pickpocketer. He embraced this kind of life. But despite being in dark, a law breaker, he has a good soul which will make you loved him. He has a heart for those who were neglected, hungry, penniless, the disadvantaged. Reading, I imagined him as a combination of Robinhood and Oliver Twist.
Anil is so brilliant and clever in writing, challenging issues he attacked it with a combination of humour and less in drama.
The flow of the story is perfect! Huge lessons! This book feeds my soul! Highly recommendable. Absolutely, I’ll get his 2nd, 3th, all his books!
Thank you Anil for writing this story!
♥Nancy

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love the ingenuity of this book! Who would have thought that it'd be in the form of a letter and not just any letter but one addressed to the Prime Minister of India and from a Street Urchin nonetheless.
I love Kalu's honesty and what hurt me most as I read this was how he took me along those streets in India, the hopes of children, the hurt and betrayal they experience at the hands of adults, the corrupt police and I was even angered by how the depiction of politicians in this book rings true for most of those in my country, Kenya. Same goes for the police!
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC

[Akash Sangwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of the best book I have ever read full of action, adventure, love, pain, motivation and suspense.

It's a story of a boy named Kalu.

He is narrating this story. And recording it on a device to let prime minister Modiji know about him. And about a lot of kids like him.

Kalu is guy who got kidnapped at the age of fourteen. Very strong minded and courageous.

His mother left him after some years of his birth.

Then, he grew up in the orphanage in between a lot of bad things like sexual abusing, no one to love, violence etc.

There he faced a lot of difficulties.

Every single moment he was dreaming of to get out from there.

And suddenly he got kidnapped by some people.

There they told him to work for them as a thief or pocket picker. Kalu accepted it.

As, he had already faced so many bad things. So, he was courageous enough to do such things.

There he earned a lot of money and joy like clothes, watching movies etc.

But something was missing. And that was "Freedom." He was not able to do what he want. He was just like a pupeet with his control in the hands of his boss Babu.

So, somehow he escaped from there.

Then, he faced several difficulties.

In between all these things. Kalu always had a dream to meet his mother.

He once listened Modiji's speech. And then, he became motivated to tell Modiji his story.

And yes, Kalu is a thief due to his conditions. But a very kind hearted guy.

Whenever he robbed any poor person without knowing it. Then, every time after finding it, his heart became full of regret.

Like once he robbed an old man.

Then, when he opened his wallet. He saw that there was no money there.

Except a letter which that old guy Raju wrote for his love Saira.

So, Kalu immediately realized his mistake.

And became determined to reunite these two lovers. He became fully dedicated for it.

While trying to save his life from his old boss Babu.

So, what will Kalu do know ?

How will he save himself from Babu ?
And will he get succeess to reunite the two lovers Raju and Saira ?

What will happen to this story of Kalu trying to send his message to prime minister Modiji ?

My friends read this amazing book to find answers of all these questions.

Trust me guys, the way of presenting the content, the engaging way of writing, everything is amazing in this book.

The book is written in a really amazing way.

I am still having thoughts about Kalu. And his life.

I can feel the pain and those small moments of happiness. It's all because of author's amazing writing and creativity skills.

My friends, this book will make you realize the dark side of our country.

Where a lot of kids go through so many bad things like violence, sexual abuse, torture etc.

In their age of playing with toys they are doing crimes.

Guys, you will get shocked after reading this book.

You will see that how our country has the potential to do great things. How we have a strong mind and kind heart.

But due to some bad people in each sector of the system.

Our country is not growing that much.

Now you might be thinking that what can we do, right ?

So,my friends you will also realize that each and everyone of us can contribute a lot to stop these things.

Whether by helping some kids like Kalu's friend Sanju.

Or by informing the police. And other government officials if we see any of these things happening around us.

And nowadays by the use of social media. It's really easy for us to raise our voice against such injustice.

We can directly reach out to the highest government officials.

And for that we need to understand our responsibilities. Because it's our country. And we are responsible for everything happening here.

So, read this book guys.

And find out the story of Kalu.

I just want to thank the author for writing such an amazing book for highlighting these topics.

It's a really heart touching and eye opening book guys.

A must read for everyone.

My ratings :- 5/5

[Arvind Mohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neccessary shift in perspective

In a span of 29 chapters, Anil Nijhawan, manages to tell the story of a boy who has faced immense challenges and betrayals in life yet he continues to wear his heart on his sleeve. There is another boy who has ambitions higher than the stars and problems even higher than them, a couple parted by fate in cold blood, and a society that promotes all the wrong things.

The novel progresses in the form of a letter, in an attempt to catch the eye of the Prime Minister, inorder to bring to his attention the crime and violence prevalent in the elite of India.

The story revolves around Kalu, an orphan, who is kidnapped at the age of fourteen, trained by pick pockets and eventually forced to join a gang of thieves in Bangalore. When Babu, his ruthless gang leader, murders his best friend Ramesh, Kalu decides to run away to Kolkata. Kalu is deeply affected by his mother's absence from his life. He constantly dreams of finding her and has also on rare occasions, confused her identity with strangers.

An influential entity in Kalu's life, in Kolkata, is Sanju. Sanju is a college student, who used to work as a servant boy for a rich lady in Bangalore. He is a renegade at heart, and desires to be an integral part of politics in order to reconstruct and modify it. For Kalu, Sanju is a true friend in whom he can confide all his secrets. He even tells him about his tumultuous past in the orphanage and the control of Lal Bahadur and his goons.

Forced into the profession of pickpocketing, he is not proud of his actions and is often embarrassed of his origins. When he first meets Tanya, who he considers to be his dream girl, he feels like an outsider and inadequate in the company of her friends.

He is someone who feels guilty, stealing from other people, especially the needy. He feels depressed at the sight of people sleeping on the sidewalk, at the apparent class difference between him and the others, seeing the exploitation of women and children, the corruption in politics, the injustice of people in positions of authority and wishes that one day he could bring about social amendments.

With an abrupt but poignant ending, the author leaves the readers with a story that inspires great ardour and instills a deep rooted need for change.

[Priyakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Poignant, Satirical and Humorous Story
'A Cobra's Bite Doesn’t Hurt' by Anil Nijhawan, is the story of an orphan named Kalu. The novel is written in an epistolary form. Kalu dictates a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which his friend, Sanju, records in a ramshackle tape recorder and then types out. In this letter, he shares his life story and his observations of life in general. Abandoned by his mother when he was a baby, Kalu grows up in an orphanage in Uttarakhand where he encounters life in its most degrading form. Squalid living conditions, not having enough to eat, corruption, sexual abuse by the caretakers – these are commonplace occurrences. When an apparently well to do boy, Ramesh, arrives in the orphanage, Kalu takes an instant liking to him and they become friends. They make a plan to run away but before their plan can materialize, both the boys are kidnapped on different occasions and introduced to a life of crime. Kalu and Ramesh find themselves in the hands of a gang of pick-pocketeer which is managed by a dangerous and vicious criminal named Babu.
From here the story takes several twists and turns as the reader travels with Kalu through his various adventures. As Kalu narrates his story, he points out the various loopholes in our society and system and how the lower class is treated by the upper caste. He makes several witty observations and the reader can’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all.
Written in a humorous style, Kalu's story will keep you engrossed due to his sharp observations about life, politics and human behaviour. Though Kalu is a criminal, not once does the reader feel any revulsion towards him as he is a victim of his circumstances. Kalu didn’t choose to be a criminal. Given a choice, he would have loved to study and become a responsible citizen. He exposes corruption in the orphanage, in the police force and in the society around him. Despite his own circumstances, Kalu doesn’t grow up to be bitter or cynical. He has immense desire to do good to others and it’s ironical that the person who is on the wrong side of the law is a do-gooder while the people who uphold the law are of criminal mentality. It’s an Oliver Twist meets James Hadley Chase kind of novel and is poignant, sad, humorous and satirical in equal measures.

4 stars

[Booknerds · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Cobra's Bite Doesn’t Hurt' by Anil Nijhawan is the heart-wrenching story of a poor orphan boy named Kalu who lives in an orphanage. Narrated in the first person, we hear his story in the form of a letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi.
In this story Kalu talks about his miserable childhood in the orphanage, where children are routinely abused, sexually or otherwise, and some children are sold off to gangsters. Kalu is one such unfortunate child who is trained to become a pick-pocketeer. Will Kalu be able to escape his fate? Will he able to carve out a different destiny for himself?
The book holds up a mirror to the present day problems besetting India, especially of orphans like Kalu who become pawns at the hands of the people who control the orphanages and gangs. Kalu, through subtle humour, points out the various ills in our society, like corruption in the police force, the moral degradation of certain people and the behaviour of the rich and the powerful.
But throughout his travails Kalu manages to retain his innocence. His values are uncorrupted and he remains a good human being at heart. That is what endears him to his friends and also the readers.
It’s a book you must read if you want to experience India from a different perspective, a perspective that we tend to overlook most of the time. It is very well written and the prose flows, keeping you engaged in Kalu's adventures. The ending is left open- ended, perhaps for a sequel.A cobra's bite doesn't hurt

[Tony Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a fascinating tale of an orphan’s battle to survive and thrive when forced to become part of a criminal gang in modern-day India.
Teenage boy Kalu is snatched from a home for abandoned children by a Fagin-style gang that includes a priest. He is made to work the streets of Bangalore along with other juvenile thieves until he is shocked to discover his closest friend has been murdered by one of their masters.
He immediately steals money from one of his overlords and flees more than 1,000 miles to Kolkata, where he launches into his own successful career as a freelance pickpocket. As the enthralling story develops, we glimpse scenes of sadness, inhumanity, tragedy, humour and hope and inspiration.
We warm to our flawed juvenile hero, realising how easy it must be for a child with no family from a poor background to fall into criminal ways. But Kalu shows that, despite his odious daytime trade, he has a compassionate side to his nature. When he finds a poor retired teacher’s stolen wallet contains a treasured love letter, he attempts to reunite the man with his long-lost sweetheart and make amends.
Anil Nijhawan brings alive the colourful street life of contemporary India, with all its sights and sounds, in this fast-moving tale which encompasses intriguing characters, romance, friendship, thrills and suspense. Highly recommended.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This jewel of a novel is magnificent storytelling on a vast scale. This vast canvas shines a light on the Indian subcontinent with all its poverty, hardship, squalor and street crime. But it is the characters who inhabit the story that bring it to life in such an unforgettable fashion. The author has a deep understanding and connection with his characters, reminding me of the great Charles Dickens.
In fact, at times it reads like an homage to 'Oliver Twist' with the orphanage and the pickpockets and it isn't difficult to spot the Indian equivalents of Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Fagin, Bill Sikes and Nancy.
This is a work of art that is brave enough to lift the lid on the poor man's India where everyone must fight for the leftovers.
A compelling story of tragedy and triumph told with integrity and elegance.

[Ishika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story that tells the tale of the battle to survive. Full of adventure, this one kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Truly one of the best action packed novels I’ve read in recent times. Equally dramatic and humorous, this one is a total entertainer.

[Partha Biswas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A cobra's bite doesn't hurt" by Anil Nijhawan is poignant, satirical and humorous story of a boy named Kalu. Actually this is a letter of Kalu to Narandra Modi sharing his life story which is recorded buy his friend Sanju. In the initial part of the story writer shows Kalu's childhood story. In his childhood he is abandoned by his mother and after that he is admitted in a orphanage in Uttrakhand. In the orphanage he faces some mental and physical violence and some times letter he is kidnapped from the orphanage. Then he is trained to pick pockets in Bangalore. In the middle part author is trying to give a twist. In that portion Kalu gets his friend Ramesh dead by the gang leader Babu. Then he ran away from Bangalore and come into Kolkata. When he is in kolkata he finds his love named Tanya. And here the storyline moves in different angles and realises us the truth of the Indian society where people have forced to go to the crime. Kalu is a victim of situations. After reading the book i get emotional. I think this is a lesson for our society. Everybody should read this book.

[Arshdeep Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing style and narration is gripping. I liked the fact that book hasn't stretched a lot, and is gripping in the middle section. Overall this book stands on readers expectations.

[Vasu Chhabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anil Nijhawan writes beautifully and "A Cobra's bite doesn't hurt," deserves to find a wide audience. As I read, I thought back to the India of "A Suitable Boy." Nijhawan's work is good enough to be considered a worthy successor to that fantastic book. Everyone should read it to understand the history of indians in a better way.

[Subhajit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book mainly focuses on the topic of life in contemporary India with vivid realism. It decribes the journey of a kidnapped orphanage boy . The story of the book is dramatic and one can find this book very interesting . Anyone will love this book from beginning . And it's my suggestion that one should read this book atleast once .

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalu is a young Indian man who lives in an orphanage in northern India. At the age of 14, he is kidnapped and taken to Bangalore and trained to be a pickpocket. It is interesting in how the book is written, as it is Kalu dictating the story on an old cassette player, and his friend who is going to university types the story for him. He is writing his life story to Prime Minister Modji. Kalu is a sweet young man, but we see two very different sides of him. We see the side of a young man who is dealt a life of poverty and crime. He longs to meet his mother who he never knew, and while he lives through many devastating events he retains a sense of dignity and humanity. This is one of my favorite books in a very long time.

[Brian Aird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Culturally Rich and Eye-Opeining Read

A Cobra's Bite Doesn’t Hurt by Anil Nijhawan is a vivid account of a young boy's journey.

The hero's name is Kalu...Cobra Kalu.

The reader is introduced to this talented young orphan who resides in an orphanage. The beginning of his story is fairly gruesome as it describes his life in this despicable place along with countless other young neglected boys and girls. Their "care" is provided by employees who could care less about the abandoned children and not only abuse the financial system provided by the government, but abuse the children physically, sexually and mentally.

Of significant note is the author's attention to great detail in regards to describing the deplorable conditions of the orphanage as everyone deals with vermin, rodents, poor sanitation, and even, yes, a cobra. Additionally, the novel is replete with the customs, language, sights and sounds from the country of India.

Ultimately, Kalu is kidnapped from his "home" and is trained in the art of being a pickpocket. Uniquely, the story is narrated by him and the narration is provided to the Indian Prime Minister through a dictation type machine.

A Cobra's Bite Doesn’t Hurt by Anil Nijhawan is a well-written and engaging novel about a young boy through young adulthood who has been abandoned in the country of India and is forced to fend for himself despite the fact that he is a ward of the country in a local orphanage in Chitpur. Despite the living conditions of the children residing in the orphanage, adventures and a life to be lived in order to survive, the narritive is overall an inspiring story of friendship, looking out for each other and surviving together against incredible odds as Kalu indulges in questionable behaviors as he battle life and defends his friends.

It is a story of friendship, survival, a near death experience, revenge and love that transcends even the caste system of India and begs the question of whether the ends justify the means.

A culturally rich and eye opening read.

[David Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in the first-person, this is the story of Kalu, a fatherless boy in twenty-first-century India abandoned by his mother. After a brutal orphanage childhood he falls in, like Oliver Twist, with a pick-pocketing gang in Bangalore. Then he escapes to Kolkata and a more independent life, still stealing but making new friends, including a higher-caste sweetheart and an elderly teacher to whom Kalu plays Cupid, attempting to reunite him with a youthful love lost to time and circumstance.

As well as romance, the novel contains some grim retributive violence. Echoes of Dickensian London abound, not just in the criminal underworld but with the unsparing portrayal of the harshness of life for India’s dispossessed. The writing is contemporary, with a lot of profanity, but the dynamic pace makes for an unputdownable if harrowing read.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading about another culture and continent is always a learning experience, many people stick to travelogues written by someone like themselves. If you are from a poor Indian family, much of this tale will not be any surprise. If, like me, you come from a country with more wealth and higher standards (if only in the last generation or two) this version of Oliver Twist will enlighten you as to the poverty, exploitation, crime, bribery and general corruption in the teeming streets of Indian cities and towns.

The story appears to be mainly a copy of Oliver Twist, with Q&A (Slumdog Millionaire) characters. From the rural orphanage to the metropolitan streets, we meet the abused poor children, the trashy pickpocket gangsters, the pretty girl held in a lifestyle above that of our main character, Kalu, alternately hero of his own story and antihero. The city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state; Bangalore; Kolkata. When children are not being abused and beaten, they are made to be pickpockets, sent down sewers to clean them or beaten up by police looking for bribes. Violence and strong language are the first resorts of the ignorant. Having met a college student, who expands his vocabulary, Kalu first dictates his memoir into a dictaphone, then gets the rest typed on a laptop. He intends this as a letter to his nation's leader; not the first time this device has been used, but maybe a good idea as we wonder just how much reality the top politicians know. But would he confess to a major crime in such a document? I see no reason why Kalu would, who has lied often to save his skin.

I am sure India is also full of beauty, worth and opportunity, but this is an unbalanced story in that respect. Certainly, we could wonder why foreign aid is given to a country which spends on nuclear arms and a space race, when the aid just relieves the state of the necessity of providing care, and much money (from either source) is, we are shown, stolen anyway. Read this if you want to explore the background tourists don't see, the gritty and stinking back streets.

I received an ARC download from Net Galley. I chose to read in my own time. This is an unbiased review.

[Vidushi Nautiyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cobra's Bite Doesn't Hurt... It Kills

A Cobra's Bite Doesn't Hurt by Anil Nijhawan, is the metamorphic tale of an orphan boy who decides to take charge of his own destiny, despite countless struggles.

Orphaned at a young age, Kalu, the protagonist , is a clever little boy who knows how to take care of himself in this world. Deeply emotional and still reeling from his mother's desertion, he feels out of place and dreams of freedom and tranquillity.

The novel begins with his addressal to Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. Dictated by him, it is typed by his friend Sanju on his laptop, because Kalu doesn't know how to read or write properly.

Cathartic to the core, the story aims at provoking a universal response. One that is necessary and important in this time and age.

The narration and plot meanders through a labyrinth of different characters and storylines, all of which intend to enhance the purpose of the story.

From the mention of unreported employment of minors in hazardous conditions, to the deplorable professional training of public authorities, the message remains the same in every senario. Change is in order.

In this context, Kalu's dilapidated tape recorder becomes a metaphor for the decaying circumstances of the indian society and its eventual destruction , a sign for modification.

Although he is trapped in a desolate and bitter section of the world, Kalu continues to be hopeful and manages to retain his humanity. But that doesn't mean he remains quiet if someone decides to hurt his loved ones. An upholder of justice, Kalu isn't perfect and has his limits, which once crossed, he ensures to dole out judgement on his own terms.

A story encompassing politics, poverty, violence, love, friendship and transformation, A Cobra's Bite Doesn't Hurt is a revolutionary marvel meant to be imbibed by all who desire to make a difference.

[Fay Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Anil for writing this story. I’ve never been to India, of course I have some knowledge of the country, but we don’t necessarily hear stories such as Anil’s character, Kalu. I guess many people visit India visiting the ‘safer’ areas, so it would be easy to not truly understand what’s really going on in the outskirts, alleyways and more remote areas. Anil takes us on a Journey where we follow young Kalu and how he struggles to survive away from the walls of the sad orphanage, no doubt like so many young ones, with no choice in getting caught up with dangerous gangsters. Moving away from the harshness of crime, Kalu has a big heart making you want to follow him and keep him safe. I do enjoy reading books set in other countries, especially if they are written by an author who has done much research on the location. Here we have a book written by a man who grew up in India.

[Karo Nerenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultural view

Knowing the history of India, one can understand much of this implicitly. That it has such modern features plied to the caste system was unexpected.

[Lori Benetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed this book. It is worth reading. I was disappointed in ending but true stories don't always have the endings that we would like.

[Darryl Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalu is a young orphan in a government orphanage in India. Life is raw and unpleasant for him, but he is still upset when he is kidnapped and taken to a house where he is offered the chance to begin a new life where he can earn more money than he has ever seen before. Kolkata, the lady in charge of him treats him kindly as he is introduced into a world of petty crime in order to earn money for his criminal benefactors. Being virtually illiterate and faced with learning to adapt to an unforgiving world of prejudice and widespread poverty, including discrimination, life is far from easy for him but he manages to survive and even to become moderately successful. But there is also kindness and help from some surprising sources, which makes him begin to doubt the life of crime that he has been forced into.
All of this changes when he meets the beautiful and passionate Tanya who changes his world for him even although she is from a higher class in a society still ruled by a hideous and repugnant caste division. This sensitive and graphically written novel captures the poignant aspects of a society that few westerners understand or are even aware that it exists in todays modern society. This is a sculpture, executed in words, of the human psyche in all of its forms, from the hideous and the malignant, to the touchingly sensitive and beautiful. It is a strikingly graphic portrayal of humanity that reminds me of the eastern fascination of the beautiful lotus flower that is found growing but surrounded by mud in the dirty waters of cesspools and muddy ponds.
A moving and hauntingly graphic novel that is both absorbing and unforgettable.

[Hannah Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This transportive and honest tale provides the reader with a fascinating insight into Indian culture. It is rich in detail and unafraid of its own voice, drawing us in with an interesting narrative device. The protagonist of the novel, Kalu, recounts his story to the Indian PM, using both humour and vivid descriptions to explain his difficult early life. Nijhawan connects us to his real and developed main character through his engaging tale, reflecting both his flaws and compassion throughout the narrative. The character is fundamentally human; his difficult beginnings leading him into unsavoury circumstances, but still as a reader I found myself rooting for him, his trials and suffering bringing him out of the page and into reality. Despite the, at times, heavy subject material, which tackles issues such as poverty, deprivation and crime, ‘A Cobra’s Bite’ is uplifting at its heart; the themes of hope, comradery and love universal to all readers. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who is interested in learning more about the diverse cultures of our planet and the human experiences of those from different backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and hope there is a sequel!

[Kazi Rokon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much obliged to you Anil for composing this story. I've never been to India, obviously I have some information on the nation, however we don't really hear stories, for example, Anil's character, Kalu. I surmise numerous individuals visit India visiting the 'more secure' zones, so it is anything but difficult to not genuinely comprehend what's truly going on in the edges, rear entryways and progressively remote zones. Anil takes us on a Journey where we follow youthful Kalu and how he battles to endure away from the dividers of the tragic shelter, most likely like such huge numbers of youthful ones, with no decision in getting found perilous hoodlums. Moving endlessly from the cruelty of wrongdoing, Kalu has a major heart making you need to tail him and protect him. I do appreciate perusing books set in different nations, particularly on the off chance that they are composed by a writer who has done a lot of research on the area. Here we have a book composed by a man who experienced childhood in India

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vast differences in life in India

This story is about Kalu who was taken from the orphanage where he lived and taught a new life. Kalu ‘s new associate is Kolkata, who is responsible for the kidnapping of Kalu, begins to teach him the art of theft. When Kalu has had enough and can no longer follow this ruthless leader, he escapes and runs but he is of course followed by Kolkata. When Kalu meets Tanya sparks fly and his life could change forever if only he can escape his past. This story is a gripping view of the world in India and I found myself turning the pages to see what would happen next. The journey follows this teen as he struggles with right and wrong, escape, and finding love. This one will pull at the heart strings and emotions of anyone. Check it out folks. You won’t be disappointed.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always looking positive

Kalu is a bright boy, always looking out for his friends, despite his orphan circumstances. He has dreams of meeting his mother again, dreams of not worrying about where his next meal is coming from, and not losing sight of his friends. He meets bad people, wishing to enslave him into being beggars for them, but finds ways of escaping his circumstances. He makes some foolish mistakes that endanger his life. His friend, Sanju is going to college and agrees to write Kalu's story that is written for the benefit of his circumstances to a local government official. Since I have been to India, much of this story rings very true. It conveys the feel of what a young boy's struggles in such a life would reveal. I liked it very much.

[Aman Pardeshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalu, hijacked from a halfway house at fourteen years old and prepared to pick pockets, is constrained into a pack of cheats in Bangalore. At the point when Babu, their merciless posse ace, kills his closest companion Ramesh, Kalu - dreading for his own life - flees to Kolkata. While as yet being sought after by Babu he meets and begins to look all starry eyed at with Tanya, an informed young lady from an upper white collar class family.

This ground-breaking novel presents life in contemporary India with striking authenticity. Suggestive and wonderfully composed, it grasps a wide scope of human feelings and has numerous strongly emotional scenes.

[Indira Bishui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is immensely captivating and truly unputdownable in its narration. The story of the orphan boy Kalu is similar to Oliver Twist in a Morden Indian setting. It's a perfect marriage of a sattire and a bildungsroman. The story observes the emotions of this boy Kalu, whose targeted audience is the prime minister of the country. He is a criminal of sorts and busies himself in robbing and stealing but he has a kind heart and cares for poor and less fortunate people like him. The story is brilliantly narrated.

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story of Kalu, a young Indian boy writes about his life, starting when he was abandoned as a baby, through his life as a pickpocket, surrounded by danger on all sides. Even through so much adversity, Kalu keeps his innocence and wonder at life. Touching and relevant to today's society.