Usually it takes me atleast a week to finish reading any book. But **there’s something about, Mr.Chetan Bhagat.** You cannot rest from the time you start reading the first page of the book till you finish reading it and keep it down.
Before I start writing my review, a word of caution. If **you did not like 5 point someone and one night at the call center, definitely this book is not for you.** It follows the same narration style. Has a simple story at the core. I have seen many people who do not like, Chetan’s style of writing or his stories.
**But, he has his fans**(count me one of them :)), who love his books, his stories! His writing style just hooks you and you just cant stop until you have kept the book down! More analysis later.
The three mistakes of my life, is reportedly based on real events. The prologue reveals about an email to Chetan by a man, who has tried to commit suicide and is in hospital. Chetan’s search leads him to Ahmedabad, to the guy man named Govind.
The narration is done from Govind’s point of view. This is a story of 3 friends – **No this is not Dil Chahta hai(I m mentioning this because when I said the book is about 3 friends, My wife said"OH! so this guys is trying to write a Dil Chahta hai now!") .** However, You may draw parallels with the author’s first work – 5 point someone.
Three friends – **Govind, Ishaan(or Ish) and Omi** have grown up in Ahmedabad’s Belrampur area. And as Govind rightly describes – that Ahmedabad may not be as hip as Bombay, Bangalore or Delhi, but still has its own charm. Inspite of being a big city(area and population wise), it still has the small town essence to it and hes proud of his City.
Coming to main characters – **Govind** – A maths genius. A guy who is practical, almost emotionless and a businessman to the core. Raised single handedly by his mother since his father left them when he was very young. He has seen the tough side of life. He and his mother never had enough money. But now things look bright. His mother’s **“gujarati snakes(oops snacks)** business is doing good. And Govind has a very good reputation in the area as a maths tutor. Above all, he has a brilliant business idea, which will put his and his other **“not so bright” friends’** life on the right track.
**Ishaan - **Aka Ish is a guy who has run away from NDA(because he cannot strand, someone giving him orders, for most part of his life.), much to his parents disappoinment. He is passionate about cricket. And like millions of others in our country, aspired to make it to the **big 11**, but could not do it. Still, he is not the type of guy to sulk over this. He loves cricket and gets excited by anything associated to it.
**Vidya** - Ish’s sister. About her, in short - **She has big metropolitan dreams, dreams of a PR job in those smalltown eyes! **Her parents would never allow her to go out to any other big city, if they come to know about her dreams.Her gatepass out of Ahmedabad is a medical college in Mumbai. And she needs to prepare for the medical entrance. And who better than Govind to coach her(especially in Maths).
**Omi - **A stupid, yet lovable guy. Comes from a family of priests. His parents are in-charge of the temple compound in Belrampur. His Mama(maternal uncle) is actively involved with a pro-Hindu political party. Mamaji idiolizes Parekhji, who is a bigshot in the party, and nurses an ambition to hit big time in politics.
**Ali - A new boy in Belrampur and in the local municipal school.**A 12 year kid. Very fragile and almost looks starved. But this boy has a gift. He can hit any bowler, give him any damn bowler, to a SIX! Sad part is - Playing marbles is more exciting to him than cricket. So Ish has a task in hand to guide this local boy
**Plot** - The story starts off in March 2000 and covers events for the next five years in Govind’s life. Like in anyone else’s life a lot happens in the life of Govind, as well as, the people connected to him.
Lots of ups and downs. Times of terrible loss. The story covers the major events happend during the time, specifically in Ahmedabad/Gujarat. These events affect our protagonists too. The narration moves through **1)** The **trio’s business ventures** 2)**Govind’s ambitions** and how they almost get **shattered**(which **he realises as his first mistake**) **3).****Ish’s love for Ali** and a passion to nurture his gift. **4)** Knowingly/unknowingly **the trio getting involved with mamaji’s politics(especially Omi).****5)** Govind’s 2nd mistake.** 6)** The trio backing Ali so that his talent gets noticed internationally. **7)** The Godhra massacre and its aftermath. Our guys are affected as well.**8) **Govind’s 3rd mistake and the finale.
Like his previous books, Chetan has a plain and simple story at its core. But the writing is impressive. Its definitely a page-turner.
Chetan excels, once again. He doesnt concentrate on lengthy descriptions. For instance, take any sequence in the book. He emphasises on the interaction between the characters or on whatever events are happening. He writes these sequences in the simplest possible language. His gift is evident at many places in this book - **1)** For instance, the chemistry between the three friends, especially between the passionate, illogically thinking Ish and the businessman Govind is beautifully written **2) **The way some of the events are described. The time when Govind realises his first mistake. His reaction, his feelings are penned down very well.**Ditto, in the final chapters of the book. The impact is strong.
**The book has abundant one-liners, which come at regular intervals and keep you smiling.
If these are the things which appeal to some of the readers, the same thing may not be exciting for some others. In short Chetan’s book may not impress everyone.
All in all, a must read for Chetan’s fans.
If you havent read any of Chetan’s books. Give it a try. In my opinion you will not be disappointed.The book is moderately priced at 95 Rs, one more favorable aspect.