“3 Mistakes of my life “, great and simple novel by Chetan Bhagat

I never get time to read novels, but I do try to take time out from my regular schedule and read once a while. I just finished a recent novel from Chetan Bhagat called “ 3 mistakes of my life” First let me clarify. I am neither an expert nor have a capability to review and judge the novels. My expressions below are purely my thoughts about this novel and its author.

Chetan’s earlier novels “One night @ Call center” and “Five point someone” were huge success and Chethan was able to develop his own group of readers. I had read his “One night @ call centre ” but still to read “Five point someone” I somehow like to read Chetan Bhagat’s novel because they touch upon the young Indian and are very different from other novels.They are more related to a common man especially youth and neatly reflects what we experience or do everyday in our life. His characters are just an reflection of oneself. Sometimes you can relate many of his characters to yourself or your neighbor. His novels are written in simple language and without much fanfare. As Chetan says in his blog “ I write to express, not impress”

” 3 mistakes of life ” is also one such novel, where Chetan tried to explore the typical Ahmedbad and its people. He talks about three friends, who are set to start a Cricket Goods shop and then narrates how relationships, religion, politics and business influenced or changed them. What is more interesting is Chethan’s ability to provide good background for the story and his  midas touch in keeping the story alive at every page.

His story tells us the typical life at Ahmedabad old city, where people have their own priortiies. His explanation of the day to day life of the Belrampur is quite interesting. The story also reflects the typical pro -business mindset of Gujarati community. If one stayed anywhere in Gujarat, he will definitely like the way Chetan put the things in his novel. The story also tells the impact of  communal riots on those  three friends and last few pages really keeps you too much involved in the novel. Overall a very good novel.

May be it is too early to compare. But I see a lot of similarities between Chethan’s work and Malgudi Days author R K Narayanan’s work. RK Narayan tried to explore the happenings of old village of Malgudi during pre-independence days where as Chethan is exploring the liberalised India and its youth in his novels. Both relates to common man and touch their readers with simplicity.

Hats off to Chethan. For more info Click here

Critically yours

Kiran