Battle for Bittora

From the book blurb

Twenty-five-year-old Jinni lives in Mumbai, works in a hip animation studio and is perfectly happy with her carefree and independent existence. Until her bossy grandmother shows up and announces that it is Jinni’s 'duty' to drop everything and come and contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from their sleepy hometown, Bittora. Of course Jinni swears she won't. But she soon ends up swathed in cotton saris and frumpy blouses, battling prickly heat, corruption and accusations of nymphomania as candidate Sarojini Pande, a daughter of the illustrious Pande dynasty of Pavit Pradesh. And if life isn’t fun enough already, her main opposition turns out to be Bittora ex-royal,Zain Altaf Khan – an irritatingly idealistic though undeniably lustworthy individual with whom Jinni shares a complicated history…

Enlivened by Chauhan’s characteristic brand of wicked humour and sexy romanticism, this is a rollicking new tale of young India.

Author

Anuja Chauhan is an Indian author and advertiser. She worked in the advertising agency, JWT India, for over 17 years. She has written 3 novels, The Zoya Factor (2008), Battle For Bittora (October 2010) and Those Pricey Thakur Girls (January 2013). All three books are romances.

Characters

Sarojini aka Jinni – Uncertain, confused and lovelorn.

Zain – Handsome, good-natured and a visionary.

Ammaji – Tactical and a typical politician.

Ma – Mother, which sums it all!

Then there are a many-many others:

Crack team consisting Gudia aunty, Rocket Singh, Munni and Jugatram…. Tawny uncle, Tittu, Rumi, Nawazar, Joline Bhai…

And so many others!!!!

What I think

The cover page is really good. It is apt and vibrant. Then, the book blurb is perfect. It gives an idea of what can be expected and even gives away a few details. I would say that the cover page and the blurb would draw potential readers towards it.

Then, comes the narrative. It is detailed; too detailed rather. You almost feel like you are also with the characters, in the middle of election campaign. I loved the use of Hinglish and liked the English of Ammaji. As a Bollywood buff, I enjoyed the references to Bollywood movies and stars.

Zain is amazing; from the way he looks (handsome) to the way he thinks (good-hearted). Every girl would pine for a Zain. And Sarojini does just that throughout. Wince!

Overall, the book looks more like a screenplay to a blockbuster movie than a good fiction. It is tedious and cumbersome to read; but would be a good treat to watch in the silver screen.

But...

The book is too long. There are too many details than required making it boring and tiresome. You see, too many details can spoil the book!

I missed the wacky and witty Anuja Chauhan and also, her signature romantic scenes were very less. Sigh!

Sarojini comes across as dumb and lovelorn most of the times. Only sometimes, she is bold and determined. She could have been portrayed in a better way.

Should you read it?

Yes,

·         If you have all the time in the world

·         If you have read The Zoya Factor and The Pricey Takur Girls

Rating

2.5/5