Book Review: One Arranged Murder by Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat’s One Arranged Murder is a fast-paced crime thriller that blends mystery, family drama, and Bhagat’s trademark light-hearted style. The story centers around the mysterious death of Prerna, a young woman who is engaged to Saurabh, one of the main characters. On the night of Karva Chauth, a ritual symbolizing love and longevity in Indian marriages, Prerna is found dead under suspicious circumstances. What begins as a tragic accident soon turns into a murder investigation, led informally by Keshav and Saurabh—close friends and amateur detectives.

The real suspense of the novel lies in the unmasking of the killer. As the investigation unfolds, Bhagat throws in red herrings and emotional twists, keeping readers engaged. The big revelation—that Prerna's own cousin (Actual Sister), Anjali, was behind the murder—adds a shocking layer to the story. Driven by jealousy, insecurity, and fear of losing her place in the family, Anjali’s motive is both disturbing and believable. This twist adds emotional weight to the narrative, highlighting how envy and unresolved trauma within families can lead to dark consequences. The revelation isn't just about solving a crime—it also exposes deep flaws in relationships and how blind trust can be dangerous.

While the plot has its melodramatic moments and some predictable turns, Bhagat keeps the momentum going with short chapters, cliffhangers, and his accessible, conversational writing style. One Arranged Murder succeeds in being both a gripping murder mystery and a commentary on modern Indian society, love, and betrayal. The book is ideal for readers who enjoy suspenseful stories with a touch of humor and strong cultural context. The dramatic climax and the emotional resolution make it a satisfying read despite its simplicity. 

The Guide by R.K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan’s The Guide is a brilliant exploration of human nature, identity, and the quest for meaning. The story of Raghunath, or Raju, a charming but flawed guide in the fictional town of Malgudi, captivated me with its portrayal of a man who, through a series of unexpected events, finds himself caught between his past as a self-serving opportunist and his role as a spiritual leader. Narayan’s writing doesn’t preach or offer easy answers; instead, it challenges us to see the complexity in human decisions, showing that the search for purpose is often messy and filled with contradictions. Raju’s transformation into a swami, while initially driven by circumstance rather than genuine faith, reflects the tension between appearance and reality, and the weight of expectation placed upon individuals.

One of the most significant influences on Raju’s journey is his relationship with Nalini (or Rosy), a dancer whom he becomes infatuated with. His obsession with her completely shifts the course of his life, leading him to make reckless decisions, including abandoning his responsibilities and lying to the people around him. Raju’s fixation on Nalini blinds him to the consequences of his actions, as he follows her blindly, making foolish decisions that spiral out of control. Her presence in his life symbolizes his inability to let go of desires and distractions, ultimately contributing to his downfall. Yet, at the same time, Nalini’s character is crucial to his eventual self-awareness. In trying to please her and chasing after an illusion of love and success, Raju begins to understand his own deep flaws and the complexities of human relationships.

What makes The Guide truly powerful, however, is its backdrop—the town of Malgudi, which almost becomes a character in its own right. Through Narayan’s vivid yet simple prose, Malgudi feels alive with its streets, markets, and temples, grounding the story in a world that’s both familiar and timeless. The novel’s ending, a beautifully paradoxical moment, left me reflecting on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the human need for self-discovery. Ultimately, The Guide is a reminder that life’s journey is rarely linear, and sometimes, it is through our greatest flaws and mistakes that we find true purpose.

Raino Parvat and Oedipus Rex: Parallel Paths, Divergent Destinies

 

Hello Readers, 

Here, I'm not just reviewing a single book—I’m uncovering a fascinating thread that connects two dramatic masterpieces written over two millennia apart. One is Oedipus Rex, penned by Sophocles in 5th century BCE Greece; the other, Raino Parvat, crafted by Ramanbhai Neelkanth in early 20th-century India.

To be honest, I haven’t read Oedipus Rex in its entirety—but the story stayed with me through vivid discussions and key scenes shared by my professor, Dr. Dilip Barad, during a lecture. It was enough to leave an impression: a tale of fate, prophecy, and the haunting irony of a son unknowingly becoming his mother’s husband.

At first glance, these plays seem worlds apart in language, culture, and time. Yet, beneath the surface lies a startling similarity: both stories revolve around a son who is fated—or nearly fated—to become his mother's husband after a king’s death. But where Sophocles leads us into the depths of tragic destiny, Neelkanth offers a modern reimagining steeped in social reform, moral choice, and personal integrity.

It’s as if Neelkanth takes the classical Oedipal trope and turns it on its head—not to repeat it, but to reimagine it. In his hands, the tale becomes not one of doom, but of moral victory. Here, truth defeats deception, and ethical will prevails over inherited fate. This is not just a literary coincidence; it’s a dialogue between civilizations on what it means to be human, to rule, and to choose rightly.

Similar Plot Motif: Son as Husband to His Mother

 

1. Oedipus Rex (Sophocles)

Oedipus unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and marries his mother, Jocasta, thus fulfilling a prophecy he tried to avoid. The marriage is consummated unknowingly and results in children, making the tragedy irreversible. Once the truth is revealed, Jocasta dies by suicide and Oedipus blinds and exiles himself.

2. Raino Parvat (Ramanbhai Neelkanth)

Rai, the son of Jalaka (Amritdevi) and the dethroned King Parvatrai, is persuaded to impersonate the rejuvenated King Parvatrai after Parvatrai’s death, as part of Jalaka’s plot. Because he closely resembles Parvatrai, the people unknowingly accept him as the king. However, this deception would also mean becoming Lilavati’s husband—the widow of Parvatrai and, in a political sense, Rai’s “mother.” When he fully realizes the moral implications of this act, Rai refuses to continue the impersonation and later respectfully addresses Lilavati as "queen mother," choosing truth and integrity over ambition and deceit.

"While Oedipus Rex reveals how fate and ignorance lead a son to unknowingly become his mother's husband—ending in horror, guilt, and exile—Raino Parvat reimagines this tragic motif through conscious choice, where truth prevails and moral integrity restores order."

Book Review: Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat

Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat – Love, Ambition & a Pinch of Corruption

Let’s be honest—when you pick up a Chetan Bhagat novel, you’re not expecting Shakespeare. You’re expecting drama, romance, a bit of masala, and a whole lot of relatability. And Revolution 2020 delivers just that.

Set in Varanasi, the book follows the lives of three childhood friends—Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti. Gopal is the underdog, desperate to make it big and escape poverty. Raghav is the idealist, who wants to change the world through journalism. And Aarti? Well, she’s the girl both boys are in love with. Classic love triangle. But Bhagat adds a twist: the backdrop is a corrupt education system that crushes dreams just as easily as it sells them.

What makes the book click is its pace and simplicity. Bhagat’s writing is casual, almost like your friend ranting to you over WhatsApp. And while some might find that “too basic,” it’s exactly what makes the story so accessible.

Is the plot predictable? A bit. Are the characters slightly filmy? Definitely. But somewhere between Gopal’s compromises, Raghav’s rebellion, and Aarti’s confusion, the book throws shade at the Indian system—how money talks louder than merit, and how sometimes, doing the “right” thing doesn’t get you the girl or the glory.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a light read that mirrors the messy love stories and moral dilemmas of real life (with a dramatic twist), Revolution 2020 is worth a weekend binge. It’s not revolutionary literature—but it definitely sparks a few thoughts about love, power, and the price of ambition.