I have read two books by author Mr. Raghavan Srinivasan. He basically enlightens readers about historical events in India through his books.
One of his previous books,Rajaraj Chola was truly knowledgeable for me. He has great knowledge about historical events in India. Recently his fiction book came out and I was very interested to read it.
Let me share about it here.
Dogged Pursuits by Raghavan Srinivasan is a bio-historical fiction. This one is the first volume of a 2-part series. After reading this book I am eagerly waiting for the second part. This one is set against the backdrop of Madras during the late 1920s onwards.
The engaging plot made it a very thrilling read. Basically the narrative follows Raju, a posthumous child, through his trials and tribulations in a rapidly modernizing Madras, spanning four decades.
Author has added good character depth. It is easy to relate to them and walk in their shoes while reading the story. Raju, the main protagonist, is intricately portrayed, evolving from a struggling teenager to a determined individual navigating a complex world.
The Intriguing Conflict adds more layers to the story. The clash between Raju and childhood nemesis Sankar sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of international antique and gold smuggling, adding depth to the story.
The mentorship Raju receives from Natarajan adds layers to his character, and his interactions with friends Sekar and Ganesan showcase the complexities of human relationships.
The best thing that the author has added is the historical context. The book vividly captures the growth of Madras and this helps us understand the political landscape of Tamilnadu, providing readers with a rich historical context.
The story also has diverse themes. It seamlessly weaves together themes of friendship, love, determination, and dedication to one's principles, making it a multifaceted read.
Again it ingeniously employs parallel narratives, providing a holistic view of Madras' growth and the undercover operations Raju embarks upon.
I feel this book easily has the ability to transport readers to a bygone era, entwining history and fiction to create a riveting narrative that keeps reader hooked till the very end.
Fans of historical fiction and intriguing mysteries will find this book a satisfying and yes definitely an enlightening read.