Thursday, April 3, 2014

Book Review: PRISONER JAILOR PRIME MINISTER





Author – Tabrik C
Publisher – Hachette India
Pages – 319
Price – Rs 350


About the Author:



Tabrik C is a political enthusiast, perfumer and internet entrepreneur. He has a post-graduate degree in History from St. Stephen’s College Delhi, where he was the president of the student’s union. His special interest lies in observing, analyzing, predicting and debating the rise and fall of political personalities and their influence on the destiny of nations and individuals.


Plot: 3.5/5
India is on edge as a subversive internal revolt against the Constitution, and the threat of Jehadi terror of an unthinkable level, are looming on the horizon.
 Ringing Shiva’s damaru in and out of Parliament, a sudden turn of karma catapults outsider Siddhartha Tagore – a conflicted genius, music maestro and prodigal son, with forceful views on China and Pakistan – into national prominence as the head of the Opposition Alliance and finally as the newly elected Prime Minister of disturbed nation. But buried secrets are being resurrected and threaten to expose the past.


The novel narrates the story of Siddhartha Tagore’s journey from being a prodigious musician and Harvard student, to the dark alleys of power in the 7 Race Course Road- the official seat of the Indian Prime Minister.



Being the son of a politician, he was always surrounded by the scents and perks of power.  No wonder, the politicians easily woo him to follow the footsteps of his father.

Character Sketch: 4/5

Tabrik C has sketched his characters brilliantly. Each one amazes you with the myriad shades of their character. The characters linger in your mind long after the story has ended.


Siddhartha Tagore:  He has charisma and a pedigree to match. Either you hate him or you love him.  He can turn an alien crowd into his fans through his music. Nevertheless, blessed with a dangerous mind that drives even friends insane, he makes you cry foul. 
Rubaya and Karishma Jaykar:  Twin sisters who are poles apart, each a carbon copy of the other in looks. Endearing and revolting equally, they lends colour to the plot.  The inspiration for music, love and adrenaline rush.

Gregory Templar :  A Greek god in looks department and a very confused crusader who worships Che Guevara and Charlie Chaplin, but dreams to be the Pope someday. He is the source of the few laughs that the book has to offer.

Rugmani Devi:   Director of the Delhi School of economics and Nobel prize- winning –think-tank, she is unbound by party and has marked her own path, respected and feared in the corridors of power.

Professor Gordon Thorbon:  A genius, the second brain of Rugmani Devi, conveniently uses the ignorance of others to pursue his goals. Creepy person..

Krish Rathore : The officer on Special Duty to the President of India, a handsome young man. Unfathomable and intriguing…

Kabir Jaykar:  Son of Karishma Jaykar, adds intrigue and suspense in the second part of the book.

Vikram Jaykar, Shanti Jaykar, Akbar Shah, Pema Tashi, Lok Neta, the President are some other characters who are cleverly etched to bring in  intrigue and move the story forward.


Writing Style: 4/5

Tabrik’s writing style is fresh and unique. He switches between the past, present, places and ideas with ease. Set in a time-period of 1985 to 2017, the author involves the readers through the ups and down in the life of the protagonist without losing the thread of the narrative.


Packed with action in the short and well-written 79 chapters, the book races to conclusion in two separate sections. I personally found the second part fast paced and dark compared to the first part.


The narration vibes well with the symphony 40 Amadeus, the favorite music of Siddhartha Tagore, which evokes grief, passion and violence. The author uses the reference to music effectively to speak the thoughts of Siddhartha who has music weaved intricately into his DNA. Phantom cymbals that clash in his head, Night music and symphony No.40 Amadeus that begins playing in moments of intrigue, all shows the brilliant use of music in narration.
The changing first person, third person POV also adds to the mystery.


Tabrik. C, has made a spectacular debut with Prisoner Jailor Prime minister. The title itself conveys the three personas that Siddhartha Tagore takes on in life. He is a Prime Minister who is the Prisoner of the demons of his past and his unique physical condition (Bipolar disorder) and a Jailor to the wrongdoers.


The only thing that miffed me was that the women characters are weak with lots of shades of grey. Even Rugmani Devi, the lady who is projected as the formidable opponent to Siddhartha is clumsy and creates quite a scene on her debut in parliament while Siddhartha dazzles everyone with his charisma.


Verdict:  4.5/5   Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister is a bound to be booklover’s treasure. Pick it up to enjoy a heady dose of politics, love, music and above all the finality of fate.


Very well done Mr. Tabrik! We expect more such treats from you.



Dear reader, I leave you now to savor the melody of Symphony No.40 amadeus, which will prepare you for what you have in store in Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister - A roller-coaster ride of grief, passion and violence.







This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

2 comments: