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Lal Salaam: A Novel
The manner of his arrival in the dusty little village of Ambuja, in Chhattisgarh, instantly establishes SP Vikram Singh as a man to watch out for. Over the next few weeks, as he attempts to bring order to a long-neglected police station and motivate his less-than-enthusiastic crew, Vikram can feel those eyes everywhere, following his every move, watching and waiting for the first misstep. At stake for him is the truth behind the vengeful killing of his old friend and fellow officer, Darshan—and the very idea of justice.
Vikram knows he cannot rest until he solves the case, but every day there is a new challenge: a local businessman with vested interests in both bureaucracy and Naxalism, an influential academic in Delhi at whose doorstep the trail runs cold, a young widow and her journalist friend, who quickly take centre stage in his vexed new life.
Inspired by the unfortunate killings of seventy-six CRPF personnel in Dantewada in April 2010, Lal Salaam seeks to humanise the daily conflicts and ethical dilemmas that confront people in the poorest and most troubled regions of our country. It is also a story of the brave men who serve the law even when the law fails to serve them.
Vikram knows he cannot rest until he solves the case, but every day there is a new challenge: a local businessman with vested interests in both bureaucracy and Naxalism, an influential academic in Delhi at whose doorstep the trail runs cold, a young widow and her journalist friend, who quickly take centre stage in his vexed new life.
Inspired by the unfortunate killings of seventy-six CRPF personnel in Dantewada in April 2010, Lal Salaam seeks to humanise the daily conflicts and ethical dilemmas that confront people in the poorest and most troubled regions of our country. It is also a story of the brave men who serve the law even when the law fails to serve them.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2021
8 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 1, 2022
Abundant suspense, numerous twists, gruesome crime, and timed bloodbath all are packed in this fast-paced novel by debut novelist "Smriti Irani". The author appears to have put lots of time into researching before writing this book because you can feel the attention to tiny details which take us closer to the realities of barbarism and corruption. How the idea of equality, progressiveness, and human rights are exploited by evil-minded academics to pollute vulnerable student minds is clearly depicted through characters and plot. The story is engaging even though it kinda follows the Bollywood style here and there, it doesn't bother us much since there are enough twists, actions, and thrill of solving the puzzles. Even though it has the outer texture of Bollywood style, the Characters and stories are believable and relatable.
Once we finish reading a book, we will have a basic understanding of the functioning of Maoist or Naxals, exploitation of the system by academics and powerful ones, and hardship in crime investigation.
Since it is a mixture of thriller, crime, twists, surprises, and mysteries, I have developed an interest in each character till the end of this book.
If we can waste time watching "HEROPANTHI 2", Why not read this book?. It's worth it.
Thank you for sending me to review this book "Indica Org" under the 1000 Reviewers Club.
Once we finish reading a book, we will have a basic understanding of the functioning of Maoist or Naxals, exploitation of the system by academics and powerful ones, and hardship in crime investigation.
Since it is a mixture of thriller, crime, twists, surprises, and mysteries, I have developed an interest in each character till the end of this book.
If we can waste time watching "HEROPANTHI 2", Why not read this book?. It's worth it.
Thank you for sending me to review this book "Indica Org" under the 1000 Reviewers Club.
December 2, 2021
Just finished reading Lal Salaam. Took me two sittings to finish - the break being the time that one devotes to earning a living!
Words that arose within me during these six to seven hours - well-researched, nuanced and multi-dimensional story telling. The first-time author has created layered characters, each one growing on you as one flips the pages. It also epitomises the author's own personal character of dealing with her fellow humans without a need to judge them.
Right through the story, we come across characters that are fallible and therefore believable. There is no protagonist who can see all and fix everything. The author, writing in first person singular, doesn't think twice before breaking down the narrator's character towards the end of the narrative. Maybe, it is just how the author herself feels about life - that ideals are a means and not an end and that social justice can and will always be a work in progress.
Having gone through the book, I somehow identified with the character of Madho, who seems to be in each one of us - righteous yet reticent in their approach to tackling things around them. They aren't the type that crib at things around, they do things silently but aren't capable of that bravado moment where death is acceptable to a life full of remorse.
The author also surprised me with her dedication of the book as well as the theme denoted by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. As she did with some of the detailed descriptions of situations, weaponry and stuff that one wouldn't normally associate with the author. There's also an impish humour that seems to appear at unlikely moments, and possibly tells us a bit more about the author's personality.
Finally, while one can easily relate to some of the incidents from real life, the same may not be true for others, given that one was a newshound and continues to be an information guzzler till date. All one cay say is that the author has a penchant for weaving a story around reality where those who do know will and those who do not, will think of it as a possible OTT release of the future.
Words that arose within me during these six to seven hours - well-researched, nuanced and multi-dimensional story telling. The first-time author has created layered characters, each one growing on you as one flips the pages. It also epitomises the author's own personal character of dealing with her fellow humans without a need to judge them.
Right through the story, we come across characters that are fallible and therefore believable. There is no protagonist who can see all and fix everything. The author, writing in first person singular, doesn't think twice before breaking down the narrator's character towards the end of the narrative. Maybe, it is just how the author herself feels about life - that ideals are a means and not an end and that social justice can and will always be a work in progress.
Having gone through the book, I somehow identified with the character of Madho, who seems to be in each one of us - righteous yet reticent in their approach to tackling things around them. They aren't the type that crib at things around, they do things silently but aren't capable of that bravado moment where death is acceptable to a life full of remorse.
The author also surprised me with her dedication of the book as well as the theme denoted by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. As she did with some of the detailed descriptions of situations, weaponry and stuff that one wouldn't normally associate with the author. There's also an impish humour that seems to appear at unlikely moments, and possibly tells us a bit more about the author's personality.
Finally, while one can easily relate to some of the incidents from real life, the same may not be true for others, given that one was a newshound and continues to be an information guzzler till date. All one cay say is that the author has a penchant for weaving a story around reality where those who do know will and those who do not, will think of it as a possible OTT release of the future.
December 6, 2021
Salaam Smriti Irani
Ms Irani has given John Grisham a run for his money ! Her debut thriller is spell binding and sustains your interest till the very end.
Look forward to many more novels from her, not necessarily thrillers, provided she can find the time.
Proshanto Banerjee
Ms Irani has given John Grisham a run for his money ! Her debut thriller is spell binding and sustains your interest till the very end.
Look forward to many more novels from her, not necessarily thrillers, provided she can find the time.
Proshanto Banerjee
December 14, 2021
This was a gripping tale !... The storyline is crisp and up to the point. Fast paced and intriguing.
Smritiji has done a fabulous job. I hope she keeps writing and enthralls her readers in the future too....
Smritiji has done a fabulous job. I hope she keeps writing and enthralls her readers in the future too....
July 9, 2022
“Laal Salam”, Authored by Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, is good to read book. Simple narration, gripping events, and fast pace are the entrails of this two fifty page book. Starts with tense action and ends with a gripping event. The author never lets the reader relax or skip pages in the course of unraveling the people and the reason for the brutal killings.
The specialty of the book is, that it managed with very few lady characters and the story never digressed from the main theme of a few murders and the investigation. The novel certainly is a reflection of current social ways of living, political ways of business deals, and the shallowness of ideological movements like Naxalism.
The only inconceivable point in the storytelling is the long lecture by the character to give out the most critical clues, holding a pistol to the head of the victim.
In the novel the event to event narration by the protagonist, SP Vikram Pratap Singh is very convincing and human. He would be posted to Ambuja, an area infested by the Maoist movement, to investigate the murder of his colleague friend, Darshan. Darshan was brutally killed in an ambush by Naxals. SP would nurture a personal vendetta for the killers of his close friend Darshan and would start his investigation.
SP would start brisk work after taking a few assistants like Gayaram and Keshav from the department. Very early he would make the required breakthroughs into the total network operating in that border village Ambuja. He would get connected to people like Devika, a reporter, and Sethi a contractor with high connections. Sethi had a daughter, Anjli a friend of Devika. Dhruva, husband of Anjali would be a victim of Maoists.
SP and team would succeed in arresting good leads in the mystery twice. But on both occasions, they would fail by their indiscreet actions with the culprits. Then the story would move fast with the murders of almost all the characters which were introduced in the earlier part. SP would come under pressure from his superiors for the delay and spate of killings.
Resolute SP and team would act firm and bold to bring to the surface the nexus between the Maoist groups and high profile people. They would finally succeed to catch the culprit in the act of committing killing and killer justified that as a revenge killing. This character would be completely new to the story at that point. His name was Kranti.
The last few pages were given to Kranti, to give an elaborate story of all those people, who were killed. Those people were responsible for the brutal killing of the sister of this character after rape. And that was the reason given by Kranti for killing them. At this point Kranti would take away all the sympathies of the readers despite his being a hard core murderer.
The author made sure that the interest of the reader is kept to the last page and last sentence. Wish to read more from the author.
The specialty of the book is, that it managed with very few lady characters and the story never digressed from the main theme of a few murders and the investigation. The novel certainly is a reflection of current social ways of living, political ways of business deals, and the shallowness of ideological movements like Naxalism.
The only inconceivable point in the storytelling is the long lecture by the character to give out the most critical clues, holding a pistol to the head of the victim.
In the novel the event to event narration by the protagonist, SP Vikram Pratap Singh is very convincing and human. He would be posted to Ambuja, an area infested by the Maoist movement, to investigate the murder of his colleague friend, Darshan. Darshan was brutally killed in an ambush by Naxals. SP would nurture a personal vendetta for the killers of his close friend Darshan and would start his investigation.
SP would start brisk work after taking a few assistants like Gayaram and Keshav from the department. Very early he would make the required breakthroughs into the total network operating in that border village Ambuja. He would get connected to people like Devika, a reporter, and Sethi a contractor with high connections. Sethi had a daughter, Anjli a friend of Devika. Dhruva, husband of Anjali would be a victim of Maoists.
SP and team would succeed in arresting good leads in the mystery twice. But on both occasions, they would fail by their indiscreet actions with the culprits. Then the story would move fast with the murders of almost all the characters which were introduced in the earlier part. SP would come under pressure from his superiors for the delay and spate of killings.
Resolute SP and team would act firm and bold to bring to the surface the nexus between the Maoist groups and high profile people. They would finally succeed to catch the culprit in the act of committing killing and killer justified that as a revenge killing. This character would be completely new to the story at that point. His name was Kranti.
The last few pages were given to Kranti, to give an elaborate story of all those people, who were killed. Those people were responsible for the brutal killing of the sister of this character after rape. And that was the reason given by Kranti for killing them. At this point Kranti would take away all the sympathies of the readers despite his being a hard core murderer.
The author made sure that the interest of the reader is kept to the last page and last sentence. Wish to read more from the author.
May 29, 2022
An amazing book, an absolute page-turner. A must-read if you want an insight into the lives of hard-working and dedicated civil servants who give their everything for the country.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from the book. I just bought it out of curiosity after news broke that Westland Publications was closing (a real tragedy). Who knew, I would love the book so much (so much that I would have a book hangover after a long time)!
The plot and characters are very well developed. The ending is completely unexpected, though some parts before it are somewhat predictable (I could go as far as to say that it is like the Agatha Christie murder mystery you can’t put down until finished). It is also a perfect mix of intimate and close friendship, romance, crime, and revenge.
The characters are what made me love the book. Be it the honest IPS officer who has a lot on his plate or the journalist who is unaware of her father’s (dark) past, the characters are simply awesome!
The book gives a very detailed view into the lives of the people who protect the law, the challenges, and the ethical dilemmas they face. It is also a rant on the way our judicial (and executive, at times) system functions and how it is plagued by multiple problems due to which real justice is hardly ever possible.
As expected from Smriti Irani’s cinematic background, the way the fighting scenes have been narrated is excellent, I loved visualising it so much!!
The book ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger which provides much food for thought. It seeks to intrigue the reader on the concept of justice and our understanding of it.
However, the number of supporting characters gets a bit overwhelming at times, and the need for a list of all the supporting characters (not included in the book) is clearly felt.
Also, colloquial Hinglish is used very prominently and no translations to pure English are provided. Translation would’ve helped for people not very fluent in Hindi.
I’m really surprised this book didn’t receive much attention, but I guess it’s one of those books that would be read widely only after a movie is released based on it. (And yes, this book would make a simply superb crime movie)
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from the book. I just bought it out of curiosity after news broke that Westland Publications was closing (a real tragedy). Who knew, I would love the book so much (so much that I would have a book hangover after a long time)!
The plot and characters are very well developed. The ending is completely unexpected, though some parts before it are somewhat predictable (I could go as far as to say that it is like the Agatha Christie murder mystery you can’t put down until finished). It is also a perfect mix of intimate and close friendship, romance, crime, and revenge.
The characters are what made me love the book. Be it the honest IPS officer who has a lot on his plate or the journalist who is unaware of her father’s (dark) past, the characters are simply awesome!
The book gives a very detailed view into the lives of the people who protect the law, the challenges, and the ethical dilemmas they face. It is also a rant on the way our judicial (and executive, at times) system functions and how it is plagued by multiple problems due to which real justice is hardly ever possible.
As expected from Smriti Irani’s cinematic background, the way the fighting scenes have been narrated is excellent, I loved visualising it so much!!
The book ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger which provides much food for thought. It seeks to intrigue the reader on the concept of justice and our understanding of it.
However, the number of supporting characters gets a bit overwhelming at times, and the need for a list of all the supporting characters (not included in the book) is clearly felt.
Also, colloquial Hinglish is used very prominently and no translations to pure English are provided. Translation would’ve helped for people not very fluent in Hindi.
I’m really surprised this book didn’t receive much attention, but I guess it’s one of those books that would be read widely only after a movie is released based on it. (And yes, this book would make a simply superb crime movie)
April 24, 2022
Well, absolutely not bad for a novel - Smriti Irani doesn’t write like a novice.
The story, characters and the pace are all well binded and full of surprises.
Every time you would think you know what’s going to happen and start thinking about turning away from the book, she’ll pull something from under the hat and get you glued to the book again.
In all, a good story with well woven characters.
The story, characters and the pace are all well binded and full of surprises.
Every time you would think you know what’s going to happen and start thinking about turning away from the book, she’ll pull something from under the hat and get you glued to the book again.
In all, a good story with well woven characters.
February 27, 2022
I like Smriti Irani for her exceptional oratory skills in English and Hindi (Indian Language). There are no interviews or speech of hers that I haven’t seen. Then, how can I not read her debut novel?
A well-researched book with loads of twist and unfolding of events. Story is about SP Vikram Singh who is stationed in Ambuja, who also wants to avenge his friend, fellow Officer Darshan’s death. However, as and when he progresses with his investigation, he realizes all is not as simple as it looks and lot of dirt has to be uncovered.
My Thoughts –
Each and every chapters are engrossingly connected and with the plot beautifully tide up
Most of the book is a real page turner with on the edge kind of thrill.
The book has to be read till the end (Including Epilogue) for the story to make a complete sense
A person who is not a native to Hindi, may find it difficult to read certain conversations
Overall, as a debut writer, Smriti did a fabulous job with this book. I am looking forward for many more books by her.
Rating 4.5
A well-researched book with loads of twist and unfolding of events. Story is about SP Vikram Singh who is stationed in Ambuja, who also wants to avenge his friend, fellow Officer Darshan’s death. However, as and when he progresses with his investigation, he realizes all is not as simple as it looks and lot of dirt has to be uncovered.
My Thoughts –
Each and every chapters are engrossingly connected and with the plot beautifully tide up
Most of the book is a real page turner with on the edge kind of thrill.
The book has to be read till the end (Including Epilogue) for the story to make a complete sense
A person who is not a native to Hindi, may find it difficult to read certain conversations
Overall, as a debut writer, Smriti did a fabulous job with this book. I am looking forward for many more books by her.
Rating 4.5
December 26, 2021
One good thriller for the year. The real twist is in Epilogue.
January 10, 2022
Impressive build up to a suspensful ending.
March 2, 2022
Such a suspenseful pageturner!
August 25, 2022
Initially I was hesitant to start the book, because the author and the genre of the book did not feel like they will go together, but compelled by my duty to write a review for the book forced me to read the book. After finishing the book, I am so glad that I have read the book. It was an engaging read, with little hiccups here and there.
The arc of the story was good, thought at times some of the scenes look like Bollywood scenes and were predictable but those are ignorable. The main protagonist’s character was well developed while some of the side character needed more development. The book is a well-researched, the detailing of dealings, inter connection between different section of society are praise worthy.
The most interesting part of the books were the links between the elite academics, the Naxals, the law enforcement, business men and the social activists. Many a times elite academics in top notch university and the so called social activist gets a free pass from judgement because common men think that; since the person is well educated and involved in social work they are bound to be socially righteous. But if recent times has taught anything it is that how false these notions are.
The story arc connecting the student, the academics, the university and Naxal is intriguing. This connection rarely gets mentioned in mainstream literature while nexus between police and business men are told often. The book also gives an insight into how academics use their position to brainwash the youth and turns them into puppet. Another highlight of the book was the arrest scene of the academic. The spontaneity with which the whole drama is staged by the wife and student to be video graphed was wonderful. The viral video and the subsequent pressure from higher authority and NGOs were perfectly written. Also, in the end when realization draws that nothing can be linked to the academic legally brings a sense of helplessness to the reader. This whole part regarding the academic and his work seemed very authentic. Finally, the epilogue is where the reader goes numb.
This book is not a high class thriller, but it is definitely worth a read as this book gives a good fictitious account of the nexus that aims to destabilize the country.
The arc of the story was good, thought at times some of the scenes look like Bollywood scenes and were predictable but those are ignorable. The main protagonist’s character was well developed while some of the side character needed more development. The book is a well-researched, the detailing of dealings, inter connection between different section of society are praise worthy.
The most interesting part of the books were the links between the elite academics, the Naxals, the law enforcement, business men and the social activists. Many a times elite academics in top notch university and the so called social activist gets a free pass from judgement because common men think that; since the person is well educated and involved in social work they are bound to be socially righteous. But if recent times has taught anything it is that how false these notions are.
The story arc connecting the student, the academics, the university and Naxal is intriguing. This connection rarely gets mentioned in mainstream literature while nexus between police and business men are told often. The book also gives an insight into how academics use their position to brainwash the youth and turns them into puppet. Another highlight of the book was the arrest scene of the academic. The spontaneity with which the whole drama is staged by the wife and student to be video graphed was wonderful. The viral video and the subsequent pressure from higher authority and NGOs were perfectly written. Also, in the end when realization draws that nothing can be linked to the academic legally brings a sense of helplessness to the reader. This whole part regarding the academic and his work seemed very authentic. Finally, the epilogue is where the reader goes numb.
This book is not a high class thriller, but it is definitely worth a read as this book gives a good fictitious account of the nexus that aims to destabilize the country.
May 10, 2023
"This is straight out Bollywood trash," I said tossing the book aside.
"What else were you expecting?" asked Sarah.
"Well… Some nuances at least. After all this is from our ex-Education Minister," I replied.
"with a Yale degree," added Sarah.
Pongalswamy chided, "You all are biased liberals. You have soft corner for those jhola-walas. How can you understand the plight of people in the hinterland? Maoists are bloody anti-national terrorists. And do you think Smritiji would have any sympathy for those rural and urban Naxals?"
"No No. I was not expecting any deep meaningful debates understanding both sides. But at least, something that is not cliched and stereotypical. This is pure juvenile black and white revenge potboiler. Filmy! Very Filmy!!" I reasoned.
"That's the right way to reach out to the masses by talking to them in their language. Exposing the hard truth of the Maoist leaders hiding behind the academic walls of Delhi was her primary goal," said Pongalswamy.
"But…"
"No If. No But. Only Sach," thundered Pongalswamy.
Sarah asked, "Isn't Sach subjective?"
"What else were you expecting?" asked Sarah.
"Well… Some nuances at least. After all this is from our ex-Education Minister," I replied.
"with a Yale degree," added Sarah.
Pongalswamy chided, "You all are biased liberals. You have soft corner for those jhola-walas. How can you understand the plight of people in the hinterland? Maoists are bloody anti-national terrorists. And do you think Smritiji would have any sympathy for those rural and urban Naxals?"
"No No. I was not expecting any deep meaningful debates understanding both sides. But at least, something that is not cliched and stereotypical. This is pure juvenile black and white revenge potboiler. Filmy! Very Filmy!!" I reasoned.
"That's the right way to reach out to the masses by talking to them in their language. Exposing the hard truth of the Maoist leaders hiding behind the academic walls of Delhi was her primary goal," said Pongalswamy.
"But…"
"No If. No But. Only Sach," thundered Pongalswamy.
Sarah asked, "Isn't Sach subjective?"
June 13, 2022
It is one of those books which you can't wait to finish once you start reading.
The book takes you to the Naxal heartland and the politics surrounding it. The main plot resolves around police trying to investigate a Naxal attack. But the plot gets murkier when business, politics and academia gets mixed up with the investigation. There is also a love story running on side track. This fictious book is as close to reality as it can be.
TV Star, politician, minister and now author - multitalented Smriti Irani has done justice with all the roles she has played. Pick up this book while we wait to see her next avatar.
The book takes you to the Naxal heartland and the politics surrounding it. The main plot resolves around police trying to investigate a Naxal attack. But the plot gets murkier when business, politics and academia gets mixed up with the investigation. There is also a love story running on side track. This fictious book is as close to reality as it can be.
TV Star, politician, minister and now author - multitalented Smriti Irani has done justice with all the roles she has played. Pick up this book while we wait to see her next avatar.
July 11, 2022
I ordered this book out of curiosity to understand the style of writing of Smriti Irani since we all are aware of how good an orator she is! Some people speak well, some write well and I think she is good at both. What an engaging book this was! I am sure there might be several readers who might’ve found the plot cliché - the classic good cop led by his own loss and emotional turmoil to catch hold of the murderers of his late close friend, only to discover himself wrapped around a cobweb of the multilayered realities of life, corrupt officers and the operation of the Maoists. In his quest he is led to another mysterious trail. Sounds familiar right? Much like watching it unfold on OTT platform through movie/series. However, for me it was refreshing, perhaps because I had been doing a lot of non-fictional academic reading and this was a breath of fresh air. In spite of a clichéd plot, Irani uses a very simple language, drawing our attention to minute details and having a very lucid way of writing that keeps us engrossed until the end. While she makes us squirm with disgust by the gruesome realities of life, she also manages to balance it out by a touch of humanity. Oh and once you reach the end, especially the epilogue, you’ll definitely find yourself flipping through the previous pages to put two and two together in order to solve the mystery or rather to convince yourself if the revelation is real! All in all it’s a typical eventually good triumphs over evil kind of a book. Happy Reading :)
July 9, 2022
Lal Salaam is one of books which you always wish to finish once you have started.
The book initially starts like any happy bollywood movie, slowly picks up the pace and takes you to the reality of Naxal areas and politics surrounding it. Actual plot is simple but how it's being paced is what makes it interesting.
Coming on to the main plot, it revolves around Vikram going to Ambuja, a place always neglected by people to investigate the brutal killing of his friend, slowly getting entangled in politics there and finally ending up in getting involved in a completely different case which is now somehow related.
Characters introduction and the way they have been defined in the book is brilliant. Further, the amount of suspense on the verge of every chapter is what holds the reader to move to the next chapter every single time.
Overall, It would not be an exaggeration if I say that once a tv serial artist, now looks to be successfully transformed into a great author.
Recommendation --- Always.
The book initially starts like any happy bollywood movie, slowly picks up the pace and takes you to the reality of Naxal areas and politics surrounding it. Actual plot is simple but how it's being paced is what makes it interesting.
Coming on to the main plot, it revolves around Vikram going to Ambuja, a place always neglected by people to investigate the brutal killing of his friend, slowly getting entangled in politics there and finally ending up in getting involved in a completely different case which is now somehow related.
Characters introduction and the way they have been defined in the book is brilliant. Further, the amount of suspense on the verge of every chapter is what holds the reader to move to the next chapter every single time.
Overall, It would not be an exaggeration if I say that once a tv serial artist, now looks to be successfully transformed into a great author.
Recommendation --- Always.
July 9, 2022
The title of the book and the name of author evokes intrigue and curiosity to read this fictional yet realistic account of the troubled Naxalism wrecking some parts of our country for long.
As an important political figure who deals with the grassroots and familiar with the bureaucratic setup, Smriti has weaved-in details which brings alive the dire situation and make the characters relatable from their moral dilemmas to their fears, vulnerability and the challenges that the brave men face while working in these deadly zones.
The story could almost be a script of a Bollywood potboiler, written in easy English with Hindi conversations thrown in. Based on the April 2019 Dhantewada killing of CRPF personnel the story gives a birds eye view of the whole issue. SP Vikram Singh plays the main protoganist who has been posted to a nondescript village in order to investigate the killing of his close friend and fellow officer by Naxals.
She is able to put a human face to the Naxals in the form of Saroj who is pregnant and needs medical attention which the police officers assisted her in.
The story also highlights how the movement is being misused by money-hungry businessmen, morally corrupt academics and self-preserving journalists - exposing the corruption in the system and why those caught in the movement will never get a fair chance to speak about their side of the story.
An exciting revelation towards the end makes you go back to browse through the character once again and re-live the stories of very real people navigating through political mazes in a search for justice and peace.
Written for @IndicaBook's #1000ReviewerClub
As an important political figure who deals with the grassroots and familiar with the bureaucratic setup, Smriti has weaved-in details which brings alive the dire situation and make the characters relatable from their moral dilemmas to their fears, vulnerability and the challenges that the brave men face while working in these deadly zones.
The story could almost be a script of a Bollywood potboiler, written in easy English with Hindi conversations thrown in. Based on the April 2019 Dhantewada killing of CRPF personnel the story gives a birds eye view of the whole issue. SP Vikram Singh plays the main protoganist who has been posted to a nondescript village in order to investigate the killing of his close friend and fellow officer by Naxals.
She is able to put a human face to the Naxals in the form of Saroj who is pregnant and needs medical attention which the police officers assisted her in.
The story also highlights how the movement is being misused by money-hungry businessmen, morally corrupt academics and self-preserving journalists - exposing the corruption in the system and why those caught in the movement will never get a fair chance to speak about their side of the story.
An exciting revelation towards the end makes you go back to browse through the character once again and re-live the stories of very real people navigating through political mazes in a search for justice and peace.
Written for @IndicaBook's #1000ReviewerClub
June 4, 2022
@IndicaBooks thanks for sending this book. What a gripping novel by Smriti irani mam. Completed the whole book in only 2 sitting. Story of agony, suspense, love all woven together nicely. Also show the humane face of our forces.
Over the course of novel journey What started as a gruesome murder of officer in Ambuja district, that turns into a far more dangerous games.
Over the course of novel journey What started as a gruesome murder of officer in Ambuja district, that turns into a far more dangerous games.
June 26, 2022
I thank INDICA BOOKS for the review copy of this heart pounding book!
The author has written this book with such detail that it's hard to put it down once the reader starts reading. The story takes place in Ambuja a small village which is always ignored by people. Vikram goes there to investigate the brutal killing of his friend and ends up getting involved in a completely different case that is somehow related.
The characters are perfectly written and the amount of suspense is overflowing throughout the book. It is advisable to know a little bit of Hindi as a good number of sentences are written in Hinglish. The book ends with a great revelation that indicates a book 2 coming up! Overall, it's a great book that can be read in one sitting and is recommended to everyone.
The author has written this book with such detail that it's hard to put it down once the reader starts reading. The story takes place in Ambuja a small village which is always ignored by people. Vikram goes there to investigate the brutal killing of his friend and ends up getting involved in a completely different case that is somehow related.
The characters are perfectly written and the amount of suspense is overflowing throughout the book. It is advisable to know a little bit of Hindi as a good number of sentences are written in Hinglish. The book ends with a great revelation that indicates a book 2 coming up! Overall, it's a great book that can be read in one sitting and is recommended to everyone.
December 14, 2021
Smt Smriti Irani in her first very novel has proved that she's again the boss. This non fictional story has got it all- thrill, romance and mystery murder. All this kept me engaged to the story and in my break time, I was constantly looking forward to opening the book again.
July 21, 2022
When I first heard about a book authored by Smriti Irani, I was expecting it to be a non-fiction, documenting her journey from TV Serial days to parliament. I was intrigued when I got to know that it was instead a thriller. So, I was itching to read the book when IndicaBooks presented it to me. The book – titled “Lal Salaam” – turned out to be an engrossing read. The story takes the reader to a little village named Ambuja in Chhattisgarh where Maoists have managed to eliminate 70 CRPF personnel in a deadly ambush. The SP – Vikram Singh – not only intends to investigate the murder but also seeks revenge for death of his friend – CRPF officer Darshan. The plot gets murkier as more local characters are introduced who seem to have been connected to Maoists yet manage to evade police. The SP tries to set the house in order –from instilling a strict sense of discipline on police personnel to fast-tracking the investigation. As the battle between Police and Maoists heats on, the SP finds his lady love in a fiery and extrovert journalist Devika. Despite receiving initial setbacks in the investigation, the SP battles on and gets a good lead in the case. Just when the situation finally seems to be turning in favor for him – both in personal front and in profession front – all hell breaks loose with an unexpected murder, followed by other high-profile murders. The plot thickens as a police force finally manages to nab a few Maoists and in return for the promise of rehabilitation, gets “access” to their world and politics. The story reaches its climax when the beleaguered SP comes face to face with the killer.
The book surely provides a reader enough twists and turns to keep him/her engaged throughout the journey. A reader will be no doubt hooked till the end in his/her guess to find out who is clean and who isn’t. Moreover, the book throws light on the difficult situation in which police and CRPF personnel operate and the life risk that they take in their duty to safeguard themselves and local populace against Maoists attacks. An ordinary reader like me will have more respect and gratitude towards these security agencies who work in difficult terrains to keep us safe.
The book surely provides a reader enough twists and turns to keep him/her engaged throughout the journey. A reader will be no doubt hooked till the end in his/her guess to find out who is clean and who isn’t. Moreover, the book throws light on the difficult situation in which police and CRPF personnel operate and the life risk that they take in their duty to safeguard themselves and local populace against Maoists attacks. An ordinary reader like me will have more respect and gratitude towards these security agencies who work in difficult terrains to keep us safe.
June 30, 2022
A powerful debut novel by Smriti Irani
When i received this book, i was sceptical about it. Smriti Irani is not well known for her writing abilities, yet. But let me assure you, she can write well. Well enough that someone like me, who is least interested in the topic of this short novel, finished it in matter of days.
The story deals with a officer trying to solve a murder of friend, who was also an officer killed by maoists in remote areas of India. The story unfolds slowly and tries to reflect problems in our system. How deep corruption can spread and how powerful can media person become.
The story ends with a classic twist , which if you read a lot of suspense novels can guess when you are going through last pages of this book.
The story was definitely out of my comfort zone but it was a great read indeed. Smriti Irani somehow couldn't pull off her female characters in books as distinctly as she did her male characters. Her female characters felt same with one track personality.
Next time, if i see something up by Smriti Irani in book stores, i will definitely check those books out.
When i received this book, i was sceptical about it. Smriti Irani is not well known for her writing abilities, yet. But let me assure you, she can write well. Well enough that someone like me, who is least interested in the topic of this short novel, finished it in matter of days.
The story deals with a officer trying to solve a murder of friend, who was also an officer killed by maoists in remote areas of India. The story unfolds slowly and tries to reflect problems in our system. How deep corruption can spread and how powerful can media person become.
The story ends with a classic twist , which if you read a lot of suspense novels can guess when you are going through last pages of this book.
The story was definitely out of my comfort zone but it was a great read indeed. Smriti Irani somehow couldn't pull off her female characters in books as distinctly as she did her male characters. Her female characters felt same with one track personality.
Next time, if i see something up by Smriti Irani in book stores, i will definitely check those books out.
July 26, 2024
Intriguing, but not up to mark, it's totally for Indian readers. Hinglish is used in abundance. It's like a Bollywood drama.
January 25, 2022
Lal Salaam by Smriti Zubin Irani 📚
Lal Salaam was an action packed, Bollywood style, political thriller. It had elements of drama, romance and mystery to it. It was set in place where the Maoists were in abundance. A lot of clashes between the police, army and naxalites were seen.
The actual plot of the book was simple and interesting. The book was fast paced. It had characters which made the book feel like a sit-com. There was a lot of death and violence in the book.. There were a lot of twists as well.
The book was about SP Vikram Singh who was assigned to village of Ambuja after the death of his friend and fellow officer Darshan. He wanted to solve the case and avenge the death of his friend. But once he gets there, he understands not everything is simple.
There was an ambitious journalist called Devika in the story. She added some depth and feelings to the book. A series of murders occur where " Lal Salaam" was painted at the crime scene. Read the book to know who was the killer! I would recommend this book to people who like Indian cop stories.
Lal Salaam was an action packed, Bollywood style, political thriller. It had elements of drama, romance and mystery to it. It was set in place where the Maoists were in abundance. A lot of clashes between the police, army and naxalites were seen.
The actual plot of the book was simple and interesting. The book was fast paced. It had characters which made the book feel like a sit-com. There was a lot of death and violence in the book.. There were a lot of twists as well.
The book was about SP Vikram Singh who was assigned to village of Ambuja after the death of his friend and fellow officer Darshan. He wanted to solve the case and avenge the death of his friend. But once he gets there, he understands not everything is simple.
There was an ambitious journalist called Devika in the story. She added some depth and feelings to the book. A series of murders occur where " Lal Salaam" was painted at the crime scene. Read the book to know who was the killer! I would recommend this book to people who like Indian cop stories.
January 13, 2022
Completely Bollywood style
June 27, 2025
A Fast-Paced Story Rooted in Real-World Issues
Lal Salaam is an excellent read. The plot grows increasingly complex and gripping with every page, keeping you hooked till the very end. The climax ties together the suspense beautifully — while still leaving you with just enough intrigue to want more.
That said, I felt the book could have benefited from more depth, especially in its portrayal of characters and the vivid locations it references. A bit more background and development would have enriched the narrative further. In fact, the story has enough potential to be expanded into a multi-book series — perhaps a duology.
Still, for a debut novel, this is an impressive effort. Smriti Irani shows strong promise as a storyteller, and if Lal Salaam is any indication, she has a bright future in writing ahead.
Lal Salaam is an excellent read. The plot grows increasingly complex and gripping with every page, keeping you hooked till the very end. The climax ties together the suspense beautifully — while still leaving you with just enough intrigue to want more.
That said, I felt the book could have benefited from more depth, especially in its portrayal of characters and the vivid locations it references. A bit more background and development would have enriched the narrative further. In fact, the story has enough potential to be expanded into a multi-book series — perhaps a duology.
Still, for a debut novel, this is an impressive effort. Smriti Irani shows strong promise as a storyteller, and if Lal Salaam is any indication, she has a bright future in writing ahead.
May 19, 2023
A well written book by Smriti Irani. A fiction with some basic facts in the background, the story is based in the naxalites territory, starting with the Massacre of 72 CRPF cops by the Maoists. This actually happened in 2010.
What follows is a crisp narrative, moving at a fast pace with multiple murders and police investigation. It is enlightening to read about the population living in the Maoist area, their exploitation, the nexus between the contractors, politicians, cops and local administration.
A thriller with a difference, well researched.
What follows is a crisp narrative, moving at a fast pace with multiple murders and police investigation. It is enlightening to read about the population living in the Maoist area, their exploitation, the nexus between the contractors, politicians, cops and local administration.
A thriller with a difference, well researched.
December 11, 2021
A book which surprised me. While I read the 1st chapter almost hearing Smriti Irani in my head, by the 3rd chapter the story picked up and kept me hooked enough to finish the book in a day.
April 6, 2022
Awesome...the book make u engrossed in the plot....good read
January 11, 2023
Interesting….stick like glue until you finish it! Love the plot, twists and storyline!
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