Book Review: Lights! Scalpel! Romance! by Jas Kohli

Lights! Scalpel! Romance!
Author: Jas Kohli
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 3/5

Love is known to cure everything. Well, ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance! takes this proverb literally. Not quite a mushy love tale, the austere setting and the inappropriate circumstances that bring the protagonists together add spice to the drama stored within these 260 pages. Jas Kohli, yet again, brings forth a story from the corridors of a hospital (after Anything to Look Hot) and entices the readers with anecdotes from the life of doctors.

‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance!’ revolves around a sardonic Nipun and unequivocal Nishtha. While the former keeps his nose to the grindstone for finding love, the latter is more tenacious and goal-oriented. Just like how opposites attract, the attraction between these is something that readers will enjoy. Seemingly an adaptation of ‘Sanjeevani’, this story is a complete pot-boiler that has a mix of family drama, emotional turmoil, break-ups and struggles of being a doctor as well. While one would not easily find the setting relatable, intelligent writing and snappy dialogues make this book an interesting read. The unanticipated climax is something that I quite liked. However, it would have been better if the readers were given an opportunity to join the dots and then reach the conclusion. The author’s attempt to reveal most of the plot spoils the excitement.

While Nipun comes across as a reckless being, his personality does raise questions on his credibility as a doctor. But then who doesn’t face challenges in the path of success? Witty narrative shines when Nipun and Nishtha circle and argue around each other. Dr Ujjal proves out to be a satisfactory sidekick. His presence leads to the foreshadowing of Nipun’s conduct. In this process, Nipun’s character loses its lustre!

Overall, this story is, at times, too fictional. Yet, when one has to pacify the mind to take a break and enjoy a humorous and entertaining plot, ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance!’ seems like a good choice.

Best wishes to the author!

Buying Link: Amazon