No,
this is not a self help book for ambitious people who have got it into their
head that reading what rich fuckers have written will help them achieve their
goal of becoming rick fuckers who write for other prospective rich fuckers to
read and get inspired.
In
fact this is anything but that.
And
while, this may not be a book that warrants a full fledged review from my end
owing to its short length and a lack of depth in story that I have come to
associate with the writer's previous work as well (The Reluctant Fundamentalist)-but
which nowhere becomes a hindrance during the read, mind you- this book is Mohsin Hamid at
his sublime, free-flowing best.
His
observations spot on, his language his sentence structuring most singular and
his description of events and people so minimal that never does he use two
words when one will suffice or two scenes when the description of a single
static image will be strong enough to convey the author's heart-wrenching
vision to the audience.
And
what more, Hamid this time around employs an innovative narrative style of
presenting the tale as a guidebook written in present tense where the reader is
the protagonist and Hamid, the helpful voice plotting for them a way forward to
successfully thriving in a present day city of the subcontinent. This certainly
acts as icing to an already delicious cream cake (only to the literary eye of
course).
Then
there is the author's trademark high note ending to speak of, to discuss of, to
debate on but more so- to simply cherish. An ending so perfect in the literary
sense, it made me squeal in part elation part envy.
As
a published book 'How to get filthy rich..' may not have anything new to offer
in terms of story or ultimate purpose. But this is a must read if you have
already tasted any of this true artist's previous works.
I
found it intriguing. I hope you do too.
1 comment:
Not sure about the book but your review makes it sound like a real piece of cake.Lovely review, Ravi. I'm picking this up, for sure!
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