BANARAS TALKIES BY SATYA VYAS
A simple Banaras city scene on the cover does not give you much. It’s just nice and colourful. So, like me, if you love colourful covers, too, then the book will definitely pull you towards it.
Name: Banaras Talkies
Author: Satya Vyas (Translated by Himadri Agarwal)
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 210
Availability: Amazon (Buy it here)
Rating: 4/5
The title is simple and straight forward. Reminded me of another book I read – Bolly Talkies a couple of years ago.
The language was easy and simple with a few unheard-of words here and there.
The story is about the life of law students (enrolled in the Banaras Hindu University) with a little twist towards the end. In the beginning I was a little lost with the 6 characters thrown at the reader in the first chapter itself. There is Bau Sahib, Jaivardhan Sharma (popular word – ghanta), Anurag De (aka Dada/Dada Bhaiya who talks, walks and sleeps cricket), Suraj (Baba – who loves girls), Rampratap Narayan Dubey (who has only 1 formula to study), Rajiv Pande (important scholar who makes a guest appearance) and Navendu (good boy who is a films expert).
There is no real plot here. The story is simple. It starts with counselling, ragging and thereafter tricks, proxying and much more. The book is about professors yelling for normalcy, students begging for attendance, love, conspiracies and finally danger. In short, it is about an eventful 3 years of law school in someone’s life.
*I read the book in 2 days. I have kids or I would have finished it in 1!
*The cover was colourful.
*The font was spaced well and easy to read.
*Best quote – The difference between a criminal lawyer and a criminal is sometimes just of a degree.
*As the description of each character was done so well in the beginning, I think their personalities could have been brought out a little more in the story.
*Not an improvement as such but I read the first chapter twice to make note of the 7 characters. Thank goodness the rest of the characters are introduced in chapter 2.
*A little bit of efficient translation would have probably made the book even more fun to read.
*A non-Indian may not be able to enjoy this book.
On the whole, I quite liked the book. I imagined being with the characters and listening to all their talks like how some of my friends communicate with each other. Though I’ve not really attended physical university, it did bring back a few memories from school and beyond!
Have you also read this book? Let me know your thoughts.
This review is powered by Blogchatter’s Book Review Program
I’m also participating in Blogchatter’s #TBRChallenge
17 Comments
I totally agree with you for the cover of the book, it is colourful. And if you have finished it in 2 days then I can imagine how engaging story has been written. I will definitely check it out.
I really like your honest opinion about book. not many book reviewer do that. after reading your review, I felt that it did not offer much value. so I like to give this a pass. thanks for being honest and sharing it with us.
Seems like the book has tried to give us a glimpse of the life in a law school. That explains the multiple characters. I would probably enjoy reading it.
The title, the cover, the blurb, everything seems super interesting and the fact this is not too heavy on reading sound good. But I like well build characters taking the story ahead. I shall prefer to read it only if it’s on kindle.
Even I will like this book as it seems to be a breezy read. Plus stories set up in banaras attract me like anything. Going by your review I feel this book can have a TV adaptaion.
The review is quite informative, I love the fact that the book is bright and positive and this line took my hear away – The difference between a criminal lawyer and a criminal is sometimes just of a degree.
Seems to be an interesting read this is. I agree with numerous characters on your point. Will try to read
Now, this review looks so interesting to grab my own copy to read it. Thanks for sharing this book with us.
Wow the plot sounds really interesting. College life is fun and if you add thrill to it ,it would be even more intriguing . Will grab my copy soon.
Sometimes reading personal stories like these it quite I interesting, great review buddy, I will read this book at the soonest
Agree with you, the cover of Banaras Talkies is pretty impressive and would compel me to pick it up too. Looks like a cool easy read, will check it out.
Your review tempts me to grab a copy but I dunno what’s wrong with me? I started one book a month ago and haven’t finished it yet.I dunno how you manage with two kids…actually, I was a voracious reader even after my kids 🙂 So I know that the sleep takes a backseat.
Nope, my sleep is of utmost importance to me, Harjeet! I read when I get time, I also have 2 books lying on my bedside. But unlike them, this one was an easy read so finished asap!
You are right when author introduces so many characters at one go, it becomes really difficult to track each one. Looks like light hearted book. With no story plot and book without any message is a pass for me. Thanks for the detailed review, you are nailing the book review posts.
Thanks, MeenalSonal!
The location where the story is based at itself creates an intrigue in me. I have a strong feeling that this book is just the right one for me.
This sounds like one of those books that offers more of a reading experience than a story. Sure, too many characters can make it confusing but overall your positive review makes me want to pick this up.