3.93
"Sacred Games" by Vikram Chandra is a sprawling, intricate novel that delves into the complexities of modern India through the intertwined stories of Inspector Sartaj Singh and gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. The novel, which spans over a thousand pages, is a rich and immersive exploration of the criminal underworld, political corruption, and the clash between traditional values and modernity in Mumbai. The story begins with Sartaj Singh receiving an anonymous tip about the location of Gaitonde, a notorious gangster who has been on the run for years. As Sartaj and his team raid the building, they discover that Gaitonde has committed suicide, leaving behind a series of tapes that reveal the story of his life and his involvement in the city's criminal underworld. The novel alternates between Sartaj's investigation and Gaitonde's story, which is told in his own words. Through Gaitonde's perspective, we see the brutal world of organized crime, the power struggles between different gangs, and the complex relationships between criminals, politicians, and the police. At the same time, Sartaj's investigation reveals the extent of corruption and complicity within the police force and the government. Chandra's writing is rich and evocative, bringing the chaotic, vibrant world of Mumbai to life in vivid detail. The novel is also a meditation on the nature of power, violence, and morality, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the choices they have made. "Sacred Games" is a complex, ambitious novel that challenges the reader with its intricate plot and rich, multi-layered narrative. However, it is also a deeply rewarding read, offering a unique and compelling perspective on modern India and the human condition. Fans of literary fiction, crime novels, and international thrillers will find much to admire in this masterful work...
Gregory David Roberts
Shantaram
Like Sacred Games, Shantaram is a sweeping crime epic that explores the underbelly of Mumbai. The novel follows the life of Lin, an escaped Australian convict, as he navigates the city's criminal world and forms deep connections with its people.
Learn MoreSalman Rushdie
Midnight's Children
Midnight's Children, like Sacred Games, is a magnum opus that delves into the history and culture of India. The novel follows the life of Saleem Sinai, who was born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the exact moment of India's independence.
Learn MoreAravind Adiga
The White Tiger
The White Tiger is a darkly comic novel that, like Sacred Games, explores the class divide in India. The novel follows the life of Balram Halwai, a village boy who becomes a driver for a wealthy family in Delhi and eventually rises to power in the business world.
Learn MoreRohinton Mistry
A Fine Balance
A Fine Balance is a powerful novel that, like Sacred Games, explores the political turmoil and social upheaval in India. The novel follows the lives of four strangers who come together in Mumbai during a time of political unrest and form a deep bond.
Learn MoreArundhati Roy
The God of Small Things
The God of Small Things is a poetic and poignant novel that, like Sacred Games, explores the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of political events on personal lives. The novel is set in Kerala, India, and follows the lives of two twins, Estha and Rahel.
Learn MoreSuketu Mehta
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found
Maximum City is a work of non-fiction that, like Sacred Games, provides a gritty and unvarnished look at Mumbai's criminal underworld. The book is a series of essays that explore the city's history, culture, and politics.
Learn MoreSalman Rushdie
The Moor's Last Sigh
The Moor's Last Sigh is a novel that, like Sacred Games, explores the history and culture of India through the lens of a single character. The book follows the life of Moraes Zogoiby, a member of a wealthy Jewish-Goan family in Bombay.
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