Anand Ranganathan’s Soufflé is a gripping thriller that explores the human psyche and its darkest desires. The novel revolves around the murder of business tycoon Mihir Kothari and the subsequent arrest of celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra as the killer. While the evidence seems to be stacked against him, Mehra insists on his innocence and seeks to clear his name. However, events take an unexpected turn when he escapes from prison on the day of his execution and sets out to find the real killer.
The story is set in Mumbai and explores the city’s underbelly, where crime and corruption are rampant. The author vividly describes the city’s bustling streets and the contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of the rich and the squalor of the poor. The characters are well-drawn and have their own distinct personalities, which makes them relatable and engaging. The protagonist, Rajiv Mehra, is a complex character who is driven by his passion for cooking and his desire to prove his innocence. He is haunted by his past and struggles to come to terms with his present circumstances. The other characters in the book are equally interesting, from the corrupt police officer to the vengeful killer.
The characters in “Soufflé” are well-drawn and have their own distinct personalities, making them relatable and engaging. Rajiv Mehra, the protagonist, is a complex character who is driven by his passion for cooking and his desire to clear his name. He is haunted by his past and struggles to come to terms with his present circumstances. The other characters in the book are equally interesting, from the corrupt police officer to the vengeful killer. The author’s exploration of their motivations and desires adds depth to the story and makes it more than just a simple crime thriller.
One of the strengths of the book is the author’s use of language. The writing is simple yet effective, and the descriptions of the various settings and characters are vivid and engaging. The author’s knowledge of food and cooking is also evident in the way he describes the culinary world of Mumbai. The recipes and techniques mentioned in the book are well-researched and add depth to the story.
The first half of the novel is fast-paced and gripping, with the reader being drawn into the story from the very beginning. The tension builds up as the investigation into the murder of Mihir Kothari unfolds, and the reader is left wondering about the true identity of the killer. The second half of the book takes a different turn, as Mehra escapes from prison and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The author’s use of flashbacks adds depth to the character and helps the reader understand his motivations and struggles.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way it explores the theme of redemption. Mehra is a flawed character who has made mistakes in his past, but he is determined to make amends and clear his name. His journey is not an easy one, and he faces many obstacles along the way. However, his perseverance and determination inspire the reader and make him a sympathetic character.
The book also explores the theme of human desire and its darker aspects. The killer is driven by a desire for revenge, which leads him to commit heinous crimes. Mehra’s desire to clear his name is also a powerful motivation, and he is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goal. The author’s exploration of these themes adds depth to the story and makes it more than just a simple crime thriller.
The climax of the book is unexpected and takes the reader by surprise. The author’s use of foreshadowing and misdirection adds to the suspense and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The resolution of the story is satisfying, and the reader is left with a sense of closure.
Overall, Soufflé is a well-crafted thriller that explores complex themes and characters. The author’s use of language and description adds depth to the story and makes it an engaging read. The plot is well-constructed, and the tension builds up gradually, keeping the reader hooked until the very end. The book is a testament to Anand Ranganathan’s skill as a writer, and it is sure to appeal to fans of the crime thriller genre.
Link to Order the Book: https://pages.razorpay.com/Souffle
Review by: Manish Shrivastava @shrimaan
Manish Shrivastava’s journey embarked as an enthusiast of the Hindi language, which is also his mother tongue, and began in his college days as a playwright but came to a standstill when the burden of livelihood overpowered his adoration for and pursuit of writing. His profession range-rovered him to different parts of India, starting from Bundelkhand, which is also his hometown, to western UP, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra, Kerala, and Karnataka. His extensive experience even took him to South East Asia and he is presently settled in Jakarta, Indonesia.
But the aspiration to accomplish his dream in writing and exploring ideas to serve on an enriched platform for Hindi readers made him pen down his first Hindi novel Roohi-Ek Paheli and its scrupulous acceptance among the masses made his confidence in writing more prominent and hence, Main Munna Hu was conceived on paper.
Manish Shrivastava’s latest series- Krantidoot is based on our Freedom Fighters. 5 Books of This series have got published and have won the hearts of readers across the world!
