Two childhood friends living together, disappointed with the failures in life, decide to rob a bank in an inebriated state. This could be a punchline for a thriller Bollywood/Hollywood movie. Author Vish Dhamija, through his book “Prisoner’s Dilemma”, has sketched a compelling plot.
Romance and friendship:
Three friends – Bipin, Anuj and Mansi- inseparable from childhood steps into their puberty. The boys nourish romantic dreams about the girl. As much as it sounds like a cliche, the plot introduces the scenario in a unique narrative. Without any melodramatic sequences, when the news of the courtship between Mansi and Anuj is dropped, the plotline comes across as natural and relatable. Moreover, the romance eventually becomes instrumental in deciding the final twist in the plot.
Next door characters
Among the unrealistically brave and goody-two-shoes protagonists seen these days, Vish Dhamija’s characters are crafted with finesse. Each character has several shades which are exploited deftly by the author. However, Mansi’s character could have been given more space to develop. Nonetheless, because the book is written from Bipin’s point of view, Mansi’s character is naturally pushed aside.
Arfy Khan is yet another character. As out of the world as it seems, if zoomed into the larger crowd, people, rather policemen with a similar demeanour can be easily identified.
Reader’s imagination
The plot takes off with Bipin in an interrogation cell with a state-arranged advocate who has never made any lump sum in his career. With an undeniable offer from Bipin, he decides to help him out of the way. Bipin is arrested within days after the heist (not a bank robbery). When Arfy Khan claims time and again that Anuj and his lawyer are nearly on terms with him in return for reduced sentence readers are left to guess if Anuj is present or not. This prisoner’s dilemma eventually transposes into the reader’s dilemma.
Filmy yet realistic
Intermittent scenarios of the plot largely paint the scenes that resemble movies but the drawbacks of the crime carried out by amateurs are visible on the canvas. Inspired by real-life incidents the author provided the readers with a close-to-life scenario. Disappointment with failures, lack of decisive ability, impulsive action – every aspect of an average youth is portrayed in the book.
Author profile
Vish Dhamija is the bestselling author of ten works of crime fiction, including Unlawful Justice, Bhendi Bazaar, The Mogul, The Heist Artist, and Doosra. He is frequently referred to in the Indian press as the ‘master of crime and courtroom drama. In August 2015, after the release of his first legal thriller, Déjà Karma, Glimpse magazine called him ‘India’s John Grisham’ for stimulating the genre of legal fiction in India. Vish lives in London with his wife, Nidhi.
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This sounds like a book, I would absolutely enjoy reading.
The structured review you deliver is the perfect catalogue for readers to choose their TBR from. I would love to pick this up.
Rakhi, people should learn from you how to pen down a review which is reader-friendfly and understandable to readers. You are inspiring me everyday. As usual a good review from your end
Reading your review for the first time, and I love the formatting. Something to learn definitely.
Sound like an interesting read. The way you structure your review is great. Totally love all you do. Thanks!
I am so glad to be back to such great book recommendations. This book looks quite nice. Will try it soon. Great post Rakhi🤗🤗.
You have mentioned the storyline so smoothly. I think a good bollywood movie can be made from it. Let me read and see how I like it.
If I have to talk about interrogation in an Indian book certainly Nikhil Pradhan's Yesterday's Ghost comes at the top. What a brilliant interrogation it was.
I like your structured way of reviewing a book. I've read the Heist Artist by the same author and liked it. Adding this to my tbr….
I like your structured way of reviewing a book. I've read the Heist Artist by the same author and liked it. Adding this to my tbr….
The detailed review here is very helpful. The character description and plot description is very detailed and helpful.
I have seen this on many people's feed but didn't get to to know properly about this book. The depiction you gave Di on the next door characters were amazing. I am now pretty sure to buy this book 📚❤️
I really like how detailed your review was. I grasped the gist of the book from it very easily and could see it in my mind as it unfolds.
This book really looks like a Bollywood movie. Looks like a great read from your detailed review.
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This Sounds like a really good book based on the detailed review. The gist gives a good overview of the book. I am pretty sure I'll love reading the book.
You have written a wonderful review. This looks like an amazing book. Would give it a try someday. Thank you for putting it so well.
Sounds great! Nicely reviewed as always. I'm not fond of books so can't say that much but good post.
The books look really Nice…the reviews are quite insightful…really liked it…
Your book reviews are always enlightening. Thank you for sharing.I am looking forward to read this one.
I love the plot of this book. Thanks for getting me excited to read this book through your review. Adding this book rightaway.
Effortless writing style, coupled with a tight plot makes this yet another thriller by Vish that’s difficult to put down! A saga of mind games, artfully orchestrated by Inspector Arfy epitomise the title of the book… and the infusion of just the right blend of humour and mystery by the author reflect his artistry with the pen …
wow..first of all..I am super impressed with your reviewing style Rakhi. You have beautifully explained your thoughts about the book keeping the "aha" facts..Kudos to you.