Book: The Boar Hunt
Author: V. M. Devdasa
Translator: Prabha Zacharias
Genre: Crime Fiction
Format: Kindle ebook
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is Kochi. Here, if you want to hear a story, you will have to be a patient. If my storytelling is not engaging enough, you can talk to the others in your list. But none of them have been in the gang from the beginning.”
And thus begins the book first published as ‘Pannivetta’ in Malayalam, around 13 years ago. It has been translated into English by Prabha Zacharias.
It’s the 1980s. It’s Kochi. It’s the game of Russian Roulette. The story unfolds amidst the turmoil following the state emergency declared by Indira Priyadarshini. Grusha, a Russian girl and the daughter of The Dragon, a notorious criminal arrives in Kochi with the intention of delving into the underworld, starting her investigation with Sheikh Musafir, one of the gang members. As Grusha gradually encounters each gang member, the harsh realities of the 80s come to light, revealing the tormenting truths of that era, of the Kochi underworld mafia, and the lives of the gangsters.
V.M. Devadas’ crime thriller digs into the complicated and rather tragic stories of those involved in the painful politics of the time and how they fall prey to those in power, losing everything they hold dear – ideologies, family, freedom, life. The violent world of power and debauchery in the Kochi of yesteryears; which was once the birthing ground of ruthless gangsters, is a mix bag of surprise and sorrow that tends to move readers and the ensuing drama makes home in their minds.
The author crafts detailed descriptions that immerse the reader right into the whirlwind of action, such as the harrowing torture at Kasaba police station inflicted upon Albert and Musafir by constable Bappu and the sub-inspector, followed by Musafir’s gruesome life in prison. Grusha’s contemplations of her father’s drastic transformation from a painter to a violent criminal, bring a poignant depth to the narrative. The horde of characters flit in and out of the story with charming finesse and their stories tugging at the heart with every exit. Musafir, Raul, Arumukhan, Albert, Mustafa, etc. are crafted with finesse, smoothly taking the plot forward, one page at a time. They are not mainstay, but not insignificant either.
As the plot slithers through the interviews, readers unveil the personal motives of the gangsters for joining the game of roulette and what’s at stake for them. One might get a clearer picture of what the mafia kingdom of 80s resembled; especially in the beautiful backdrop of Kochi. Once the plot has worked its charm on the reader, the sauve style of writing takes off and it will sweep you off your feet. Written and translated with extreme professionalism and brimming with action, drama, danger, revenge, tragedy, and uncertainties, this is a perfect concoction for a lackadaisical day.
Playing out like a gangster flick of uber stature, The Boar Hunt is a book that promises to entertain readers to no end. If you’re a fanatic of crime-action dramas, soak your feet into this pool and enjoy the thrilling ride.
P.S.: I received a review copy from the author, but the review remains unbiased.
Have you read ‘The Boar Hunt’? What did you think?
