Yes, I finally completed the fattest of books by ASHWIN SANGHI; THE SIALKOT SAGA. I could do that as I have a rule that defines my reading habit. ‘Once I star reading a book, I read it completely, irrespective of the fact it is interesting or not’.
When you buy a book by Ashwin Sanghi, you’re expecting a breathtaking story that will grip and push you to complete it as fast as possible. Unfortunately, SIALKOT SAGA ( SKS) under performs on these basic criteria. It is still a good enough story but lacks the flow and the punch of his earlier books ‘The Rozabel Line’- a theological thriller, ‘Chanakya Chant’- a political thriller and ‘The Krishna Key’- a mythological thriller. I must confess I read ‘The Rozabel Line’ by Shawn Haigins, that’s the name Ashwin Sanghi wrote his first book. Then when I became aware of the mask, I devoured and was refreshingly hooked with Chanakya Chant and Krishna Key. They were damn good. And no, I am not saying because they were written by an Indian author. They were damn good. Period.
So, is ‘The Sialkot Saga’ a failure of Ashwin Sanghi trying to remain close to the genre with mixing of it-relevant events to create a necklace of flawless magic. Is the tag of Indian ‘Don Brown’ capping the creativity and power of a brilliant story teller?
SKS is no different than any of Ashwin Sanghi other works. However, it does not have the same magic. It is like the ‘Painted House’ by John Grisham. It is Grisham no doubt, but it is really no Grisham.
One part of me reacts strongly to it and ploughs through the story. There are two stories that run parallel. The first one starts at the blood-stained partition of India and Pakistan and another that starts at Patliputra in 250 BC with a chain of curators and custodian of a secret. Oh yes, a secret that used properly leads to power, peace, longer stress free life making world a better place. This secret must be guarded from evil powers or people who may misuse it.
Next is a clever mix of religion- there are two main characters in two polarised cities of India. Arvind Bahadia in Kolkatta and Arbaaz Khan in Mumbai. Arbaaz is like the Amitabh Bacchan of Cooli. He grows to become the dreaded don. Arvind becomes a successful businessman who is working within the rules, and you know what that means. The twisted fate and brotherhood have been the foundation of many stories. Destiny will bring them together once again after many events and incidents, including the love that they share. All it ends up doing is just increase the weight of the book. It is like most of Indian Movies, could and should have finished some 100 pages back.
There are enough bizarre coincidences that seem to happen at a click of the mouse- when tired Ashwin tries to bring the story to its logical end, like Dhoni’s premeditated sixes in the last over. At this stage, you thank him for some mercy.
On the other hand, SKS is a beautifully necklace but lagging in the quality of craftsmanship you expect from the author. It takes time to build up. The middle section is what grips you. You are part of every small detail and slowly unfolding events. And when you are waiting for the orgasmic climax suddenly it starts to slow down. It starts to explain things. And I hate when you have to do that.
There is research that helps him move through the period. You would find most of the iconic leaders and image imprinting events mentioned in the book. He tackles and beautifully sprinkles their images and refers to act without creating any ill will. His research is quite deep, though some of the instances are wrongly portrayed or are not true to the timeline, you can ignore them.
It seems that the Indian authors feel constipated when they are putting words to the passion. I am not sure if that is a publisher demand, a moralistic unwritten rule of political parties and social media thugs. Hence the references are weak and border at the edge of being silly.
The caption of the book is not so strong as Chanakya Chant or Krishna Key, but maybe the author is forced to remain true to image of titles. Otherwise, any title could have done. Sialkot is no way significantly linked or important for the event. It could have Pindi Saga or Lahore Saga. However, Sialkot has a reference and link for Indian readers, and that makes the title relevant and important.
Oh, so should you read it? You may notice phrasing in this question. It is READ not BUY.
Do you enjoy Indian Movies? Do you enjoy Salman KICK more than SRK’s Fan? Did you avoid watching Sarbjeet for its real-life portrayal? Have you been watching serial like Chakravborty Samrat Ahskoka? If there are two or more than two yes in your answers to above question, the reader in me thinks you will enjoy reading it. Nevertheless, Ashwin has to do a lot more than serving out another Sailkot Saga for his fans to appreciate.
Book: THE SIALKOT SAGA Author: Ashwin Sanghi Publisher: Westland Pages: 584 Rs: 350
