Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai - Book Review
April 17, 2013 Book review 17 Comments

"Autistic. Schizophrenic. Psychotic…"

These were the words that they used to describe the protagonist of this story- Balwant Srivastava aka Babloo. He is a "differently able" elder son of middle-class railway junior clerk who was constantly reminded of his challenge by society and even his family members. As an Autistic, life was not easy for him and people' narrow-minded views had made it far difficult and frustrating. In spite of all this, he is courageous, super hygienic, loves to watch B grade Bollywood movies and in love with his "American dreams" harboring neighbor, Vandana Gupta, who saw him differently, making all good difference to his average life.

Once Upon the tracks of Mumbai is a love story of Balwant Srivastava aka Babloo and his not so perfect, jobless, friendless life with his dream girl- Vandana. Other characters in this novel are- Sikandar, a local goon with his own selfish machinations, Raghu- the self-centered, younger brother of Babloo and their parents. The Mumbai locals, the lifeline of a hustling and bustling city like Mumbai, also plays a central role in this book.

The story is set in a typical railway colony like atmosphere, fighting its own demons of life, gossiping mouths, prying eyes and more. The narrative is good for a beginner and description serves well to add to the visuals of the story.

This novel is an alternate mass fiction and written in self-narrative style. It may first give you a lazy expression but after few pages, builds your reading interests in self and becomes a page turner for many. The language is simple and the cover looks like a professional "Titanic" like the poster of a romantic Bollywood movie. This is the debut novel of the author Rishi Vohra who holds a degree in Green MBA, Masters Diploma in Environmental law and also certified in wine testing. The storytelling has quite some Bollywood elements in it, mildly suggesting author's impressions and interest for one of the biggest film industry of the world. Well, he may contemplate converting this story into a full-fledged Bollywood Masala movie and we can indeed love to suggest cast and screenplay. Yup, just don't make talk "F" ko 'F". Cheers! :)

Few excerpts from the book-

EACH DAY WAS AS EMPTY AS THE NEXT. NEITHER DID I have a Sunday to look forward to nor did I have a friend's birthday to dress up for. The only eventful part of my day was going to the cinema, where I was able to override my sense of self and get lost in the larger-than-life images on the silver screen. I was able to afford a movie now and then from the allowance my mother gave me for travelling, which I saved by either walking or running to my destination.

I preferred the masala films churned out by Bollywood, to other forms of entertainment, because they mostly ended on a note of justice. The bad guys rarely escaped moral punishment and the good guys always got the girl. I wished that this cinematic ideology of fairness would translate to my own life. But I was aware that there was a fine line between reel and real life. Outside the cinema hall, the so-called bad people literally got away with murder while good people lived a life of suffering.

Do I recommend reading this book?

The answer is Yes. The ~~best~~ good part was touching a sensitive subject as autism and bringing it up by weaving a story around a person challenged with the same, his life and his relations and a random twist of fate. If you think it is preachy and may end sluggish, do watch out for the climax as it will take you for a surprise. Without revealing much about the book, I suggest that if you find it appealing or interesting, go ahead, get a copy and read.
There is a video on youtube as well, Click this to check.

So, this was my brief review of the book "Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai" as requested by the author. Thanks, Rishi for the book and all the best for your upcoming book(s).

What Other readers have to say-

Prahlad Kakar -AdFilmmaker, Restaurateur.
"A man who lives in the wild fantasy of his mind. Shy, introverted and ineffectual. Surviving in the unforgiving landscape of Maximum City - Mumbai! Until one day, when fantasy and reality collide, changing his life forever! You'll find bits of yourself in this book.."

Kabir Bedi- International & Bollywood Actor, "Cavaliere" (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
"Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai" is a fresh, well-plotted, human story about love against all odds in middle-class Mumbai, with a "hero" for whom you care deeply. It's an entertaining read!"

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Other Book reviews by me-

Just Married pl Excuse

Tamarind City

The devotion of Suspect X

Krishna Key

The Bankster

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Check out my Daily posts for A to Z blogging challenge on Alphabets and Themes for haiku

Today's Letter- O and word- Owl (Haiku)

17 comments:

The Mukhtiars17 April
nice review
SG17 April
Thanks for the nice review. If you have given a rating of 4/5, then it is a must read.
JANU17 April
This is the 2nd review of the same book today. On my reading list now.
Unknown17 April
The book and the theme sure sound interesting ! :)
Bee17 April
Damyanti recommended this title today. Two in a row makes it a must read I guess :-)
Corinne Rodrigues17 April
That's the second mention of this book, I've read today. Must look for it.
Cynthia Rodrigues Manchekar18 April
Hi Ekta, interesting review. I must check out the book. Take care, and happy A to Zing.
Unknown18 April
Two reviews of the book and both make me want to get a copy :) Well written
Dr Genevive Angela19 April
Hi ! thanks for sharing a nice reveiw !