They hail him as India's answer to Dan Brown-the master thriller writer. Ha. Preposterous. That's the most blatantly laughable claim I have read or seen in a long-long time. Really. Can there even be another Dan Brown? Yeah right, I am a big Dan fan, but still picked up first the Chanakya's Chant and then the Rozabal Line (which was previously published in 2007 in the States under Sanghi's pseudonym, Shawn Haigins to impress foreign readers) but the experience left me vastly disappointed and with a solemn resolve of not trying another of his works.
Da Vinci Code had an innovative plotline, backed by gripping narration and thought-provoking plausible justifications. Indeed, Dan Brown's research was so thorough that the book became one of the all-time bestsellers, and catapulted him to international fame. On his part, Ashwin Sanghi did a credible job by picking in an explosive concept/theory: what exactly happened after Jesus's crucifixion. Sanghi resurrects a theory which states that Jesus travelled to India and spent his last days in Kashmir. In fact, Rozabal is believed to the resting place for Jesus and contains the grave
where Jesus was buried. Sanghi uses this theme and mixes it up with Indian divinity concept and even explores a theory that Jesus was inspired by Buddhism- A kind of a mixture that is a heady concoction and offers a great opportunity for an author to write a masterpiece, and catapult himself to the select and exclusive club of unputdownable writers.
And that is the only high point of this novel. After this, the book goes downhill, in every-aspect. Highly dis-jointed, no clear direction as to where the story is going, or even what is the objective of this novel (Da Vinci was about the Jesus's and Mary's relationship, along with the secret of Holy Grail.) multiple sub-plots, spanning thousands of year, from ancient world right up to 2012.
The novel is basically about an American priest who has recurring visions from his past-life, a mysterious terrorist outfit the fate of whose members curiously resembles that of the twelve apostolates and the End-of-the-world theory. The sudden jump from one place to another, often in another time (Say, Mumbai 2012 to Judea 24 AD) often leaves the reader confused and out-of-the-loop.
Seriously, Sanghi should have stopped writing after the first 10 pages.
For those who have read Da Vinci Code, avoid it at all costs.
For others, give it a try. You might be impressed, though be sure to follow it with Da Vinci.
Chanakya's Chant
Sanghi's second novel. Starts of really well. Left me impressed, though as it progress, the narration again fails to grip, and loses focus. Once again has the potential of being an international bestseller, perhaps Samit Basu would have done a better job. Anyway, worth a read. Though it may leave you disappointed. Promising beginning, shambolic end. *sigh*
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