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- Genre: Thriller, Politics
- Source: Review Copy
- Format: Paperback
- Publisher: Fingerprint Publishing
- Pages: 424
- Publication Date: January 25th 2019
- My Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads Blurb
I am one of you . . . that is why I, and only I, can be trusted to do what is good for you. January 12, 2013. Sachin Lohia, billionaire businessman, has just woken up to a nightmare. A raging fire in his hospital. Over hundred people dead. Journalists demanding answers. And worst of all, the chief minister of West Bengal, the formidable Devi, calling him a murderer. Hot-headed and stubborn, Devi doesn’t bother with formalities or facts. Her people are baying for blood, and Sachin is the perfect scapegoat. But will her schemes bring about his downfall or will she be the one to get hurt in this battle of wits? Seamlessly melding the personal and the political, this is a darkly satirical story of clashing egos, fatal misunderstandings, and dangerous self-deception. Irreverent, incisive, occasionally scabrous, and always bold, The Antagonists shines a light on the murky world of politics.
My Thoughts
The book begins with a fire at Lohia Hospital in Kolkata. Devi, the Chief Minister claims that it was no accident. Sachin Lohia, the owner of the hospital, thinks he is being unfairly blamed.
The Antagonists by Tina Biswas is not only a political satire but also shows a wide range of human characteristics. There are many characters and plotlines, both political and family-oriented and are very realistically portrayed. There is Dr. Anima Acharya who suspects that her husband is cheating on her; Devi, an impulsive politician; Sachin Lohia, a businessman stuck in a scandal; and his advisor Anil, and many more interesting characters.
The book consists of a lot of political views, views about the country, the stagnancy of life and job; all in a fictional scenario. We see the blame-game and, conniving schemes and strategies of politicians and bureaucrats. All are out for each other’s destruction, ending in their own too.
The writing style of the author is very good. I liked the subtle use of difficult words. I also haven’t read of many books set in Bengal so I enjoyed that.
The plot did drag too much. While the complex plot was what made the book interesting, I think there could’ve been fewer backstories and side-plots.
The ending was shocking. The book is a highly entertaining and thrilling book. The writing style, plot, characters- all were well built.
The Antagonists is an excellent political thriller, and I highly recommend it.
Even I liked the book, but it could have been little shorter, Nicely reviewed 🙂
Thank you!