Rafflesia- The Banished Princess by Gautam (Book Review-3.75*/5) !!!

When it comes to pulp-fiction, there is not much left by the Indian authors to try. It becomes very challenging for the new budding writer to try something which is very different from what has already been written in thousand of books that has been published. I am just done reading debutante Gautam’s “Rafflesia- The Banished Princess” which is almost of 400 pages published by Leadstart publication house. Reading the title of the book and seeing the cover page too, it seems as if it’s a historical fiction or fantasy stuff but it’s a family saga basically covering the friendship of two boys and the turmoil’s that both of them have to go through in their respective lives.

Gautam’s writing style is very addictive. Once you pick up the book, it becomes hard to keep it aside until and unless you are not done with it. Though I read the book with 40 pages per day but it’s written in such a way that you won’t forget the plot of the story as it has been kept simple yet twisting. Though I didn’t like the detailing made for few characters that doesn’t have such peculiar part in the main story. It only killed the momentum that was built around the main protagonists. But there are few cameos which are worth-remembering even after the completion of the book. 

The timeline of the book is nicely managed by the author. As I read the book part by part, it did confuse me at times about what period is actually going on in the plot but after few pages, you remember the last few chapters automatically. The story goes on for 4 decades and 2 generations which is very well handled by the author. The family saga is also treated well by covering all the aspects of a family life. The chemistry between Appu and Rahul and the way their respective life moves on contemporarily is a worthy read and the USP of the book. The climax is also very well-handled for a book which is so lengthy. It becomes very necessary to give a proper ending to a long story which Gautam has managed well. I give this book 3.75* out of 5. 

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!