Sunday 20 August 2017

One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat

I think I have read all of Chetan Bhagat's novels except One Night at the Call Centre. I have always enjoyed reading his books a lot (except Revolution 2020). I find that they provide a very good entertainment value. I always feel like I am watching a Bollywood masala movie and not really reading a book. No wonder, almost all his books have been made into movies. To be honest, I have not watched every single movie of his books but the ones that I have, do not end in the same way in the book (except for 2 States maybe).

Coming to One Indian Girl. I pre-ordered it on Amazon. It was first of Bhagat's book where he is writing from a perspective of a woman. Now, before the book was released, I heard that it is going to break stereotyping of women. Unfortunately though, he was unable to do it well. I actually thought, he did the exact opposite.




I understand completely that it is not easy for a man to write from a perspective of a woman. While I appreciate his effort, it fell short of my expectation. For example, no woman is going to think- "that is what we women do..". I wonder if men think like this- I doubt it. The book has several such unrealistic dialogues and phrases which are a put off. I thought he was trying way too hard to not leave any speck of doubt in the minds of readers that it was a woman. However, using unrealistic phrases and sentences made it obvious that a man has written it and could not make the necessary connection especially with female readers.

I enjoyed the storyline though and I am sure it would be made into a movie as well. The way the book has been written is also indicative that Chetan Bhagat wrote it with a movie in mind. Trust me when I say this, it does feel like one is watching a movie and not like a book is being read. The plot is quite unique or rare where a highly educated woman doing very well in her career is in a place getting ready for her wedding and the book flashes back into her past where there are 2 exes in 2 different locations and the dilemma that she faces on her wedding day- choosing her past or present. I would not be able to reveal more details as it would be a complete spoiler.

I read this book at a time when I was going through a lot stress and this book definitely helped me unwind. Read this book for pure entertainment- you will not find anything deep or profound in it. I rate this book 3/5.