Book Review : Mastaan

Book Review : Mastaan

The Fallen Patriot Of Delhi

Vineet Bajpai

Vineet Bajpai has done it again… after the immensely successful and thrilling Harappa tri-series, he is back with a bang, and how! This time, with a book on the First War of Independence. This book actually surpasses the first 3 with ease; for reasons as to why it is so special, read on! Suffice it to state for the opening paragraph here, that this is a must read for all Indians. Kudos, Vineet – and thanks for a really special landmark book!

THE PLOT

The book is themed on 1857, and based on the background of a love story that intertwines with the freedom struggle. The key protagonist is Mastaan, a Subedaar in the East India Company’s Army, and a devoted servant of the EIC. The EIC Officers, particularly one kindly gent, had helped his family, and he thus holds almost a worshipping attitude towards the EIC. His best friend and senior is Chhagan, a Subedaar Major, who is the exact opposite – someone who can see that the British EIC was Evil, and needs purging from India.

Chhagan repeatedly hammers the facts into Mastaan’s head, who is clearly reluctant to accept the reality, beholden as he is to the East India Company. But accept he does, though slowly – until fate intervenes. Mastaan is in love with a British Girl, Fay. As the City of Delhi descends into Chaos in the middle of the battle, Mastaan is faced with a gut-wrenching choice – save his love, Fay… fight against his own people to save her, or stand aside helplessly. To make matters complicated, the Lieutenant commanding the remaining Britishers is the son of his benefactor… so what exactly does Mastaan do? And why does his reaction ruin the hopes of the Freedom Fighters single-handledly? Read the book to know!

THE REVIEW

I have called it a special, landmark book : the reason for that is that is presents a look at 1857 that is very different from the commonly understood view, that of a spontaneous uprising in anger against the British. The reality, as I have highlighted on my blog through a few articles based on history books including one period book from 1885 – is very different. 1857 was not a revolt neither was it spontaneous. There is evidence to prove it was planned, and had wide support. There is also evidence to support the people’s anger.

However, we must remember this is not a history lesson, and this book is not a history book. It is historical fiction; thus, there has been some deviation. More of that later. More critically, this is a book that helps to popularize the reality of 1857, and takes it much closer to the people. Common people don’t normally read history books, or watch historical videos. But a fiction thriller – it generates conversation, gets consumed, and becomes popular. Thus, if the book helps to propagate the reality and assists in the dissemination of a more correct impression in the public, so much the better.

Coming to the book, it is signature Vineet Bajpai style – fascinating topic, breakneck speed, hectic speed; passionate writing style that somehow adds gloss to the characters, keeps you on tenterhooks, and keeps you stuck to the pages. It is a perfect blend of fact & fiction – and the novelist does not give any end-notes or proofs of his research at all, accept a rough indication in the beginning acknowledgements section where a few sources are listed.

The story, as alluded to above, is set at a frenetic pace, and has a delightful blending of fact & fiction. It comes across as logical, and retains interest till the last page, leaving you at a cliffhanger, and eagerly wanting an immediate release of the next part of the series. It creates a moving image, a feature flim as it were, in your mind, as the scenes play out in front of you almost. It is a lovely blend of fact and fiction.

There are two main versions of 1857 in vogue – one is that of a spontaneous revolt caused by dodgy bullets, while the other is of a planned war. The second version is probably more accurate – in light of recently discovered historical evidence + eyewitness accounts, period documents etc. The book neatly splits these two – showing a planned war based on dodgy bullets. It is a fact that the war was planned with proper strategy mobilization and solid logistical planning; it is a fact that the plans were spoilt by an early outbreak, resulting in an underprepared force.

The characters are solid, well etched with strong tones and bold lines; this is essential, as the topic is hard, harsh and has a strong emotive connect with the target audience, being on the Freedom Struggle. In such a scenario, characters have to be dominant and strong. They are well filled out, with proper backgrounds to them that are artfully blended into the storyline. Most important, they are believable, and in a fiction book, that is key.

CONCLUSION

To conclude – I found this book to be a landmark one, as it has strong well etched believable characters, a unique and riveting storyline, a frenetic pace, and keeps you hooked till the last page, leaving you on the edge of a precipice, as it were. It tells a delightful love story, well blended fact & fiction, and reveals a side of 1857 that is not too commonly known as far as I know. It is this mix which elevates this book to the status of a landmark, unique work in historical fiction… rated 5 stars.