Title: The Siakot Saga
Author: Ashwin Sanghi
Publisher: Westland
Genre: Thriller, Fiction
ISBN: 9789385724060
Source: Flipkart Review Program
Pages: 584
Rating: 4/5
Rating: 4/5
Ashwin Sanghi is well known figure
when it comes to Literature, he established himself in that category of
authors, where reader doesn’t think twice while picking Ashwin Sanghi’s work.
He started his writing career with Rozabel Line, but I got the chance to read
him by his second bestseller “Chanakya’s Chant” I was totally overwhelmed with
joy when I completed that, plus I couldn’t believe I had read political mystery
in one-go, when I knew I had strong disliking towards anything, related to
politics.
In short “Have you felt the satisfaction when
you read someone who left you speechless with his work? Ashwin Sanghi is the
answer.”
So, when I came to know his latest
work “Sialkot Saga” I couldn’t resist myself to put my time into it. Although it
is business mystery, still I read it, because the author deserves it.
Impeccable!
STRUCTURE
Basically, story of Sialkot Saga is
all about two people, Arvind and Arbaaz, their upbringing are different, their
world are different, whereas Arvind belongs to Marwari well-privileged family,
on the other hand Arbaaz’s childhood is full of struggles, which leads him
into underworld of Dongri, still they are connected by some ancient secret and
rooted into Sialkot (Pakistan), and it is the secret which makes you go through
the story.
NARRATION
I am just no one here to even comment
on Ashwin Sanghi’s work, when I am totally in love how he narrates his stories.
He is a real storyteller before than anything else. In this “Sialkot Saga” he
captured his readers since the beginning, where he described the scene of
partition. It reminded me of Khushwant Singh’s Train to Pakistan.
Crisp Narration, Well established dialogues,
moving plot, won’t let you escape until you finished it.
CORE
I don’t take much interest into
history and related facts, still I liked the book, but I’m telling you, if you
are into historical fiction, then it would be great read for you. As Ashwin
Sanghi tried to cover almost all main events happened during 1947-2014, either
it was Amitabh’s blockbuster movies, Facts related to Indira Gandhi time period,
twin tower incident, and many more. Story takes its last turn with Kasab’s brutal
act into Mumbai.
To make you feeling light, story
contains the part where Arbaz-Arvind’s descendants fell in love despite knowing
the fact about their parent’s rivalry, It making me read much faster with curiosity.
Last but not the least, As Ashwin Sanghi
Known for his historical-figures-woven plots, he also embedded the Ashoka’s
realm and the concept of morality.
Totally involving and well researched
work again. Applause!
READER’s MOMENTS
All these days I was ready to try
love without marriage. Why shouldn’t I try marriage without love?’ asked Arvind.
Because dealing with success is
sometimes harder than dealing with failure,’ answered his father wisely.
The value of a bullet is much more
when it is still inside the revolver.
That nectar is available to everyone, It is just that many do not see it for what it is. We are so caught up in fighting our battles that it remains hidden even though it's in plain sight.
You think compensation solves
everything? Do we all think that money can solve the loss of a family member?
Let’s focus on the problem at hand. Compensation is the last item that will be discussed.’
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashwin Sanghi—entrepreneur by day,
novelist by night—has all the usual qualifications of an Indian businessman.
Schooling at the Cathedral & John Connon School, a B.A. (Economics) from
St. Xavier’s College, and an M.B.A. (Finance) from the Yale School of
Management. Besides being a businessman, Ashwin manages a parallel career as
writer of fiction. Ashwin’s first novel, ‘The Rozabal Line’ was originally
self-published in 2007 under his anagram-pseudonym—Shawn Haigins. The book was
subsequently published by Westland in 2008 and 2010 in India under his own name
and went on to become a national bestseller. ‘Chanakya’s Chant’ is his second
novel in the historical-fiction genre.
Ashwin is also working towards a
Ph.D. in Creative Writing from Bangor University in Wales. Ashwin lives in
Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and his eight-year old son, Raghuvir.