Five point someone

Author: Chetan Bhagat
Publisher: Rupa & Co.
Publication date: 2004
Format: Paperback
270 Pages






This is an unexpected one to follow the previous review Unaccustomed Earth. I happened to come across his speech to the Symbiosis graduating students, which was doing its rounds in the Internet and thus stumbled upon this book. Whatever else this is or not, it was a good light read. It does manage to capture the interest of the reader and its highlight would be the easy conversational style that is maintained throughout the novel.

The one liner that says what not to do at IIT, I imagine would arouse one's curiousity, knowing the Indian obsession with IIT. The characters are believable, though a few years back, I would not have thought so. Being more worldly wise, I agree that the three of them are very much believable. At that age, the tendency to do things that do not seem rational to an outsider is quite high. There is also quite a bit of stereotyping, with respect to the characters. I think that adds to make the whole thing further realistic. There are a few acronymns in use. Every college/institute has a few of their own and that sort of creates an identity of their own.

The tone is humorous and thankfully, there is closure. Without really getting into the details, the cliche of all's well that ends well comes to mind. In some ways, it might serve to burst the bubble that is IIT. But at the same time, I don't think this damages the brand equity of the IITs in any way. It is a piece of fiction and I think will be taken as one.

It can be compared to a Bollywood movie, with all the ingredients mixed into this well, friendship, love, hardship, and ultimate triumph. An everyday story captured in the 270 pages.