The Edge of Desire

Anyone who knows me would know that I don't read much of Indian writing, not because I have something against it (which obviously, I don't) but more because I can't relate to the writing style. However, after reading the synopsis, I started reading The Edge Of Desire, not just with an open mind but also with a lot of interest because the plot seemed to be deep and powerful.

Let me begin with this - Tuhin Sinha's writing is nothing like the stuff I've read before by Indian writers. It's simple and concise and sometimes, that makes for the best kind of story telling, like it does this book. His to-the-point writing style gave the protagonist - Shruti Ranjan - 's voice an added strength that leads you to both understand and admire her.

Shruti is an ex-journalist from Delhi who, after finding her boyfriend in bed with her best friend, moves back to her hometown to live with her parents. Due constant pressure from her parents, Shruti caves in and agrees to an arranged marriage to Rohit, Deputy Commissioner of Kishanganj; a town in Bihar that's not ruled by the Government but instead thugs, with the local government authorities helping them. This marriage and move leads to the most traumatic event of Shruti's life, one that eventually ends in her taking a completely different direction/journey than the one she imagined.

The Edge of Desire is a book that explores almost every form of sin and corruption that exists in India and it's legal system. I'm from India and I've lived in my own protected bubble but even I know that politics can get down right dirty in my country and it's best to stay clear of it.

I can't put my thoughts completely in words about this book.
I felt a whole range of emotions - sadness, anger, frustration, more anger, betrayal and anger again. The sad thing is, you read about things like this in the paper all the time and you feel sorry for the girl - someone you don't know -and that's it. That's as far as you feel about these issues but when you read a book, it's a completely different experience. You get to know the character, understand her and feel a sense of loyalty. That makes reading/hearing/seeing the things happen from her point of view so much harder to deal with. Well, at least, it's what happened to me while reading this.

With The Edge Of Desire, Tuhin Sinha has created vivid characters and a violet, powerful plot that will definitely affect all its readers. I should warn you, it's not for the faint of heart because the author isn't afraid to get to the dark and gritty places and that's what makes it literally unputdownable. I actually felt pained when I read about what was happening to Shruti. There were characters I absolutely hated but I have to hand it to the author for evoking such strong emotions in me just through his words.

If you think you can handle it, get yourself a copy of The Edge of Desire right away!

The EDGE OF DESIRE by TUHIN , in all is a package for the Indian Politics in a narrative way.It gives us an insight into the atrocities that women get victimized to in the current scenario. Politics, the concept, the rules and games of it is enthralling and always kept people, common man as well as people who run the system, very much fascianted.This marvellous book revolves around 2 characters, SHRUTI RANJAN and SHARAD MALVIYA.The mentor-protégée, relationship portrayed between them is quite commendable.However, I feel it would have been nice if the character of Sharad emerged as clear winner and had seen the twilight of the story by swearing in as the Prime Minsiter.:-)
The novel also portrays the many facets of woman, especially post marriage. How she gets victimized and fights with the humiliation, how she battles to get justice, how she gets stuck and juggles between marriage and politics, how she congregates courage and fights back and emerges victorious.

Tuhin’s writing style is awesome and he has truly carved niche amongst the breed of indian writers. The novel is absolutely gripping because, Tuhin has thoroughly researched the politics and weaved the story, beautifully plotted the blend of human emotions, relations with politics.
Keep Up the Great work Tuhin! Waiting for your next venture !

Tuhin A. Sinha has done a wonderful job in creating this novel. The journey of woman from no-one to someone is awesome. I enjoyed reading her journey. But my enjoyment was short lived.

After about 150-160 pages (half of the story). The turn of events seems irrelevant. The first half of the story is a treat but the other half is like reading Indian history via some documentary files. I had to force myself to finish this story, I lost interest after I finished like 60-65% of it. Most of the things are about how India is, how is the election process, how you get things done, how money laundering is done in Kerala, how naxals operate in some parts of Chhattisgarh etc. Where/What is the desire and where do one find its edge? Mr. Sinha failed to justify the title properly.

I do admire the way Mr. Sinha portrayed the uncertainties that crawls inside a human mind AND the way he presented a simplified version of the complexities of politics. But I can't avoid the presence of some of the unwanted characters and descriptions. The language he used is good.

Throughout the story the feelings of the lead character is given utmost importance but her inaction to do anything without her mentor gives a feeling that she can only feel and think not act.

I'd recommend this novel to all those who are looking for average paced Indian woman story that involves politics and Indian history.

Sharad is a powerful character in the story. The way he handles a situation and shoots 2-3 birds with just one shot is exemplary. But why did he agree to Shruti's suggestion about killing the terrorists. That was not Sharad. Shruti's contribution of whichever post she handled like NCW chairperson, Deputy minister, MP is not all described, yet she went on to become Chief Minister.

The most offensive part is when Shruti thinks of her and Sharad's relationship as Draupadi and Krishna, (Mr. Sinha even explained that Draupadi's act of sealing Krishna's wound with a part of her saree was in a way origin of Rakshabandhan) yet she had flirtatious feeling for him.

Rohit is a crusader, a non-fearing one, and yet I believe he didn't do everything in his power for avenging the rape of his wife (I was convinced of his weak character in the mid though). The actions of Rohit were that of a common narrow minded ans suspicious husband was constant throughout.

The abrupt ending of the story was even more annoying. The reason behind Rhea's comment "India needs just one Shruti Ranjan..." is unknown for some reason. Had there been some extraordinary contribution by Shruti I wouldn't have written the previous statement. Or should I assume Rhea is just a stupid kid ?

This is the best book I ever read. Awesome ….. I read it after liking the previous books by Tuhin. Shruti Rajan’s character will make you think a lot while some times you say, “Yes, she is right!” or “How come she can do that??” or “What now??” or “Why??” Over all I enjoyed a lot with this book.

After completing this book I was a bit upset as it’s done so early. I think this should have a sequel. This book is Recommended…. if you’re interested with politics. All I can say about this book is, AWESOME!!!!!!

What I feel about the author:

I feel thankful to Tuhin for such a wonderful book. He is the awesome author I like in the current generation. Of course among the writers I’ve covered. I started picking up some books I find which says that author is a columnist or script writer. It’s only because of Tuhin. Hats off!!! You can definitely observe the professionalism in this book which you can’t even expect in the books come from IITs and IIMs. All those people who don’t deserve to be an author and unfortunately popular should learn from Tuhin. Please read this book and learn how to write.

Oh Man..What a piece of writing!!! Tuhin is one of those rare breed of contemporary writers who knows how the grip the readers with his contagious writing. He is so good at weaving his thoughts through words that its as hard to come out of as it is for an insect to get off a spider web.

I got the book and managed to finish off the 280 odd pages in just a day and a half and immediately sat to write a review as I felt in debt to the writer for a wonderful tale of emotions and wanted to pay him back in a small way.

Every emotion that the protagonist, shruti, went through was something that I too went through while turning the pages. It was damn so well written. Chill run down my spine if I place myself in her shoes. Once you finish reading you realize it takes a lot of guts and character to be a shruti Ranjan even though throughout the book she always gasped for help and support.

Honestly, the emotions were so well knit, tears rolled out of my eyes imagining a woman who resembled Shruti. Over a period of time she went into various relationships and each relationship was so bloody well expressed that you are convinced there is no whites and blacks, every human being has sheds of grey including the protagonist in this story. I could easily relate to Rohit and Abhay as well who despite being good human beings were mere mortals who were not always right (or may be right in their own terms, especially Rohit).
I am sure if you have slightest of interest in politics, you would love this book as the whole emotional roller coaster has been knit in a political backdrop of a state and the country.

Hats off Tuhin a Sinha. This is my second experience with you after "That thing called love" and both the times you have left and emotionally drenched. I don't know for how many nights I am going to think about it and I must admit, I have fallen in love with Shruti Ranjan. can I have her address please.??