Sumthing of a Mocktale

by Soma Das

Kaya steps into JNU to discover an unofficial dress code of kurta-chappaljhola and a mini-india that fast arranges itself into regional subgroups. The misfits like Kay, Shubra and Ragini create a cosmopolitan corner with others. Together, they embark on a roller-coaster ride to experience JNU's trivia, geography, psychology, ideology and more. Enroute, they measure the Bong club's oomph; spend nights at Ganga dhaba, the official predating spot; discover the secret of drinkers, dopers and lovers in Parthasarathy rocks; grapple with Ragini's eccentric love-chase; stumble in misadventures of behenjis turned hip; accidentally expose and ugly truth during the floriculture survey; solve the climactic puzzle of Kaya's surreal love-story; feel the surrounding maddening preparation for IAS... Life comes full circle in JNU for Kaya, Shubhra and Ragini as they introspect their transformation - from carefree, funfilled youngsters to grown up students; naivete to maturity, juvenile hearts to socially conscious conscience-realising that they can neither leave nor live in JNU anymore.

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Veena Sridhar]

relived the campus life after having forgotten!

[Sangini M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
Felt very real, it was as if I was seeing it all live, right infront of me.

[Vikas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't like this book at all. This book just didn't work for me and didn't go anywhere at all. Some books just doesn't click with readers and however much you try they just fail to appeal to you and that's what happened with this book which was just what more can I say.

My dream of being a writer is realised and I am now a Goodreads Author. People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.

[Ishani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this book was a mix of really great moments and not-so-good ones. At some places, the story seems to be going hay-wire but there are some parts which I really liked. The philosophical take of the writer on Kaya's journey in JNU is worth reading. I especially love how she describes the essence of Ganga Dhaba of JNU. A good book with some flaws in the fluidity of the story.

[Nivedita]

The book described the college life quite well, but with its descriptions on female infanticide, and how Mannu got burnt in the fire, with no big reactions from the protagonist, made me feel kind of helpless. Kaya would have felt the same thing, no doubt, but these moments, in my opinion, were dealt too lightly.

[Rishi Prakash · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book definitely gives a good insight on life in JNU but that is about it! A good attempt to create a story around JNU by a first time author for sure.

[Beryl Thomas]

It was real fun reading this book.

[Sunaina Patnaik · Rating 1 out of 5]

terrible!

[Siddharth Sharma · Rating 2 out of 5]

very ordinary!..The author seems to be the spokesperson of Marxism/Communism.

[Maunil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another Campus lovestory.. Timepass read..!