Our book group choice for September 2017 is Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra. Seven years in the making, Sacred Games is an epic of exceptional richness and power.
Sacred Games is a 2006 novel by Vikram Chandra that tells the story of Inspector Sartaj Singh, a police officer in Mumbai, and Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious crime lord. The novel is set in the 1980s and 1990s, and it explores the dark side of Mumbai, as well as the complex relationship between the city and its underworld.
The novel begins with Sartaj receiving a phone call from Gaitonde, who has been missing for 16 years. Gaitonde tells Sartaj that he has 25 days to save Mumbai, and then he hangs up. Sartaj is baffled by the call, but he begins to investigate Gaitonde’s past.
As Sartaj investigates, he learns more about Gaitonde’s rise to power. Gaitonde was born into a poor family in Mumbai, and he was drawn to the criminal underworld at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks of the underworld, and he eventually became one of the most powerful gangsters in Mumbai.
Gaitonde’s story is told in flashbacks, which are interspersed with the present-day storyline. The flashbacks provide a glimpse into Gaitonde’s childhood, his relationships with his family and friends, and his rise to power. They also reveal Gaitonde’s ruthlessness and ambition, as well as his complex motivations.
As Sartaj investigates, he begins to uncover a web of corruption and violence that stretches across Mumbai. He learns that Gaitonde is not the only one who is threatening the city. There are other powerful forces at work, and they are all vying for control of Mumbai. Sartaj is in over his head, but he is determined to save the city. He must use all of his skills and resources to unravel the mystery of Gaitonde’s call, and to stop the forces that are threatening Mumbai.
In addition to the main storyline, Sacred Games also explores a number of other themes, including the nature of evil, the power of love, and the importance of family. The novel is also a vivid portrait of Mumbai, and it captures the city’s beauty, its chaos, and its potential for violence.
Sacred Games is a complex and ambitious novel that has been praised for its rich characters, its intricate plot, and its unflinching portrayal of the dark side of Mumbai. The novel has been translated into over 20 languages, and it has been adapted into a television series of the same name.
Here are some additional thoughts on the novel:
- Sacred Games is a well-researched novel that provides a glimpse into the world of Mumbai’s underworld. Chandra has done a lot of work to get the details right, and the novel feels authentic.
- The characters in Sacred Games are complex and well-developed. Sartaj is a sympathetic protagonist, and Gaitonde is a fascinating antihero. The supporting characters are also well-drawn, and they help to bring the world of the novel to life.
- The plot of Sacred Games is intricate and suspenseful. The novel keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
- Sacred Games is a powerful and disturbing novel that explores the dark side of human nature. The novel is not for the faint of heart, but it is a rewarding read for those who are willing to confront the ugliness of the world.
Discussion Questions for Sacred Games
- How quickly side you engage with the book?
- How much symbolism did you see?
- Favourite characters /voices?
- How would you describe the structure? Was it traditionally Indian?
- Was Sartaj likeable. How would you describe his character?
- Favourite slang?
- Which of the voices did you enjoy listening to? And were there any that you didn’t want to hear.
- How did you find the picture of Mumbai that was painted. Was it well fleshed out?
- Was there a transition in the characters during the book?
- How 3D did you find the characters?
- How complicated did you find the story?
- How were female characters portrayed?
- Did the book try to explain itself too much?