The cover features a couple simply wrapped in the cables of love with a microphone beside them. Once you read the story, you will realize the connections.
Name: 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story
Author: Chetan Bhagat
Format: Hardcopy
Number of pages: 410
Availability: Amazon (Buy the paperback here)
Rating: 4/5
The title is apt for the book, as it is related to what the narrator goes through because he is 12 years older than the love of his life. The book is divided into 3 parts: Mumbai, Dubai, Mumbai. There are no subtitles or chapters, as such.
The language used was easy Indian-English, as usual.
The new English word combination that was fascinating was sadepathetic. It isn’t a real word. Only when you read the book will you know when you can probably use it. 😉
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The story is narrated in the first person by Saket Khurana, who is 34 and a Punjabi. He talks about his messed-up love story that involves his girlfriend, Payal Jain, who is 22 and a Jain. She is young and smart, but has never had a boyfriend before. Their relationship goes on well for about a year, but his stand-up comedy profession wasn’t up to the standards of the Jain community, besides his age, marital status and culture. In this story, the rift between rigid communities and their respective beliefs pull everything downhill for them and Payal is ultimately forced to marry someone else. So, was the relationship between Saket and Payal love or pure lust? Read to find out.
*It was a simple and easy read, though 410 pages.
*CB’s writing has considerably improved.
*It was a sweet story about love and crazy love-making.
*It had sufficient humour in it to keep a smile on my face now and then.
*It was interesting, and at times hilarious, how the author made funny references to serious situations.
*The story shows us how parents tend to mess up the lives of their children because of societal status, religion, age, community and self-interests.
*There are a few negligible errors that could be overlooked.
*There was too much private equity jargon that I wasn’t too interested in reading about.
I have read a book by Chetan Bhagat after many years. I had only read his first two books before giving up because, after reading the Sidney Sheldon and Enid Blyton types, it was difficult not to note the wrong English and errors present. Back then, I didn’t know it was called Indian-English and stopped reading his work altogether.
Now, I’m a calmer reader and open to reading good stories even in Indian-English. Also, I found this book to be quite well-written this time with almost no errors. There was a lot of hype before its release and opinions were thrown all over the internet about people making a fuss or accepting the age difference between the protagonists. I was curious. I must say that the end was quite nice, too.
I would suggest you read this book if you’re open to reading Chetan Bhagat’s book of 410 pages in simple Indian-English, with relatable life choices and lots of humour.
What were your thoughts on this book?
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15 Comments
I also read CB after a decade maybe? I can relate with you as I am also a fan of classical English. But I really enjoyed this book. It’s a sweet and fast read with loads of humour.
Thank you for sharing an honest opinion about the book. Will check this out
An intersting review, Cindy. I am in two minds to read this now. The story, humour is tempting. But 410 pages for romance is worrying:)
That’s too long a book to go through when it’s Chetan Bhagat behind it. I’ve read a few of his books and find his writing style repetitive. This one sounds different but am not too keen to find out. Good review though.
Thank you for a honest take on this book. Loved your detailed review!
I’m not really a fan of his work (forget even which was his first or last book I read) and you being upfront about the bits that didn’t quite land for you (like the private-equity jargon) was a grounded and real review.
No more in love with predictable love stories… Chetan Bhagat stories intially I read 1 or 2 but never impressed me. I still think what made him a best seller. But Cant deny that 2 States movie conceptualized on one of his story I liked. Boy and Girl and love…. there is something beyond that too to write. I will give it a skip
Thanks for this review, your take on 12 Years was succint and fruitufl,. As a writer and reader I found your observations on storytelling simplicity and impact quite insightful.
I liked reading the book, and it was the first book by CB that I have read. The hype was a smart choice to make the readers curious; truly speaking, it doesn’t make much of a difference, as a Gen X, as it was quite normal during the times we were born.
definitely laughed and chuckled a lot while reading this one…
you said ‘There was too much private equity jargon that I wasn’t too interested in reading about.’ something I never reflected on but now that you pointed it out yes that did make the reading a bit boring
I’ve never read his books nor am I inclined to. I am old fashioned when it comes to language–the more polished, the better the experience for me. I find his plots kiddish, and marriage is a strain for people with different ideas about life. But, anyone who is new to reading would probably enjoy reading this book, as you have mentioned it has some hilarious moments with romantic interludes.
Your review sounds interesting, Cindy. Like you, I have not read any of his books after the initial two. After all is said and done, I think Chetan is a mediocre writer. But if you are saying this book is good. I shall read this one.
I am not a CB fan but this book has for sure created a hype and now I am reading all kinds of reviews. Honestly this one brings the book in some good light.
Thank you for your detailed review Cindy. When i doubt I like to read your reviews as they are the most honest ones and help me in deciding whether a book is for me or not. I do not like CB books and have had mixed reviews about it some saying the stand up bits do not come across as funny in print but all said, it does call for a read even if a skimming.
Yeah, Preeti, this one’s not so bad. For sure you will enjoy the light read at night.