The lives of civil servants have always been a subject that aroused the curiosity in the readers and layment at large. How do they prepare? How do they clear the toughest exam? How is their life post clearing the exams? Will beaurocracy bring luxury along,? These are the questions that are often asked. Nonetheless, their life post retirement has never been a subject that is mulled over. Pleasant Escape by Piyush Rohankar throws light to the colourful and not so colorful lives of civil service aspirants.
Piquing the curiosity
From the first page, the author has succeeded in creating an intrigue in the readers. The protagonist is attending the Civil Service interview after clearing UPSC. After a ‘not so pleasant’ attempt when he steps out he realises that the interview panels has Sakshi’s father. Sakshi, about whom he mentioned in the interview.
Expectedly, the readers set on a clich̩ trip expecting Sakshi to be his lady love. Further plot proceeds and time and again arouses thr question РWho is Sakshi? Where is she? The intrigue keeps them hooked to the A Pleasant Escape.
Diversity of characters
A USP of the book is that the author has conentrated on the parity of character space. Each character develops with the traits that enables the readers in visualising them multi dimensionally.
Except Sakshi, all other characters would have established their craft by the second half of the book, which is rarity in a supposedly romance book. Sakshi’s character develops late in the plot, justifiably, which could be explained in the climax.
Misleading cover
The book deals with several historical as well as current affairs. Author has actively and passively addressed several social evils. Nonetheless the book cover creates an impression of a baseless romance. This is one of the reasons why I procrastinated ‘A Pleasant Escape’, which later I totally forgot about. But the moment I started reading, i realised that putting this off was a mistake.
Simple yet endearing narration
The style of narration is simple and hence comprehensive for beginners as well. Nonetheless, the language and grammar are all in place. The book emanates the aura of an autobiography. The author has transformed into the characters with each word written.
If you are looking for a book which is rich in literary metaphors, this is not for you. But if you are looking for a decent read without the usual cliché puppy romance and unnecessary making out sequences and cringefest, you will love ‘ A Pleasant Escape by Piyush Rohankar’.
This is my kind of a book. You are right, when we hear about anyone cracking the civil service exam, the first reaction is wow.. that’s not an easy one to g through. As you have mentioned, I was also trying to understand the reason behind picking this cover. Would have loved to know the author’s thoughts behind finalizing this cover.
It reflects perfect sense of humor, Romanticism, career love tussle, full of emotions. Perfect climax..Simply worth reading…
when you are appreciating so much this book then I am sure that I can pick it blindly and will turn out to be a satisfied reader.
You are well writting Article posted. I am really glad you shared about pleasant escape by piyush rohankar. It reflects perfect , Romanticism, career love tussle, full of emotions. I will share it. Thanks for this.
Well written book review. I'm not into this kind of genre actually but the misleading title made me stick around. Great read!
So happy to have come across your posts Rakhi. They are always so refreshing and with your book reviews you open a pandora box of variety of books that I should be reading. Simple and beautiful words description about the books make me go grab one and start reading.
An amazing review. Loved reading it. And, iam impressed with the book as well. That sounds really interesting. Would love to read this one. Keep sharing such reviews with us to make better choice. Great one.
This storyline of this book seems very interesting. Your unbiased and honest reviews helps to select the best books for reading. Thanks 😊
Manisha
The storyline piqued my curiosity too; even I want to know who Sakshi is. I am sure gonna grab this one.
Wow love the story line… I was actually looking for a few books to buy and this seems a great choice. Thanks for the review..this seems a must read
Thanks for your honest review. Seems like an interesting book. Will surely try to witness the same anytime soon.