Book Review: The Four Patriots by Sumit Agarwal

The Four Patriots
Author: Sumit Agarwal
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 3/5

Enthralling, engaging and interesting- this is what comes to your mind when you finish this book. ‘The Four Patriots’ reminds you of the old school movies that portrayed patriotism in youth, say, for instance, Rang De Basanti, Nayak, A Wednesday, Lagaan, Dangal, etc. Though some parts of the book might seem a recap of some movies, yet the story is fast paced and coherently knitted.

‘The Four Patriots’ is about four friends who lived their childhood under different circumstances, but destiny brought them together in the field of politics to make the change happen. They set out to be that change and alter the face of the nation. Amidst dirty politics, emotional melodrama and mysterious settings, they decide to raise their voices and take a stand. The lengthy monologues and the overdose of government and political influence might act as a turn-off. Time and again one can come across grammatical errors which reflects poor editing skills. I found the sentence formation baffling because what could be explained in fewer words was written in long complex sentences.

Lucid language makes the content comprehensible. The relation of the past with the present situation of the characters is commendable. But still, there were things that remained questionable. Everything happened so easily like there was no challenge for the protagonists at all. On the other hand, it is important for us, as readers, to realize that fiction itself is supposed to consist of things/ situations that are hypothetical.

Overall, ‘The Four Patriots’ is a good read. The suspense and the execution of the plot will keep the attention of the readers bound. The blurb of the story is apt and very precise. It builds up the interest of the readers and forces them to turn the pages of the book. The characterization is perfect. The cover of the book is thrilling. The title is catchy.

Best wishes to the author!

Buying Link: Amazon