Behind the Silicon Mask

Eshwar Sundaresan’s Behind the Silicon Mask is a thriller. The book has 302 pages and narrates the incidents that take place in a day.

The story is about an American serial killer who targets immigrants. He believes that Americans are losing jobs because of such foreigners. He himself is such a victim.

Partho… Varun… Vishnu… Lalith… Samit… Bugs… Laks… Oates… Farley… Stephanie… Rashmi… Kamaal… Rihanna… Arpita… And many-many others!!! Yes… there are too many characters in the story. Though the story takes place on a Friday, the author has beautifully inserted apt situations to give a brief background about them. The intricacy of the details is such that we feel like we know the entire History of each character. We visualize them and also empathies their character. We understand what each character is going through. Unknowingly, we start being a part of their life.

But the details, at times, take a toll on us. As readers, we end up feeling why we are given so much of information. Yes. There is an overflow of information and incidents. Though the narrative is swift, we feel a little forlorn.

The author has cleverly linked the fact that now, with the liberalization and globalization policy, many Indians has started getting job, highly paid jobs to be specific. And this is at the cost of a foreigner. Have we ever though that way? We have always praised that our country is developing. But, did we think about many who were losing it?

This book actually makes us think that way. The story puts a strong point across. This is particularly applicable for workaholics. I am not disagreeing that work is worship. It is work that gives the much needed money and lets us lead a hearty life. Yet, at the same time, we should not forget our personal lives. Money is nothing when there is no one to share the same with. Besides, pursuit of dreams weighs more the hunt for money.

As you read this, you may think I am just being philosophical or I am just trying to praise the book. But, as the balance between your personal and professional life dangles, you realize the meaning of what I said.

And when you read the book, you will relate to Varun more. And you will start nodding to what Partho says. You feel sorry for Kamaal. And Nick will stay in heart because he leaves you with a heavy heart.

Yes. The story is totally relatable. That can be because either you are an engineer yourself or because you know engineers. As a matter of fact, there are too many engineers around to not to know anyone. And this story is about their lifestyle and work life.

If a reader relates himself to the story, author’s half job is done. Yes. This is what I think. A reader can associate himself in two ways. Either he or someone he knows has gone through the situation mentioned in the plot or he just imagines himself as one of the character and feels happy about it. And the author of this book scores high here…

And to cut my lecture short… The book is enjoyable; a onetime read and a different attempt there. This book will not disappoint you!

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