#IAm16ICanRape - Book Review

Title: #IAm16ICanRape 

Author: Kirtida Gautam

Publisher: Read Out Loud Publishing LLP

ISBN: 978-81-931360-2-7

Number of Pages: 593

Price: 450 [INR]

Genre: Psychological Thriller


The Blurb:

To destroy great EVIL, GOOD has to shed tears of blood. 

Rudransh Kashyap is a self-made billionaire and man of high moral fiber. His life is shattered when he returns home one day to find that his prodigy, his 16-year-old grandson, Aarush, has been arrested and accused of a brutal gang rape. It is easy to say, "Kill the Rapist" but what if the accused is your child? 

This case takes an unprecedented turn when Aarush's identity is made public on social media. Rudransh finds himself living a nightmare as he fights against tremendous odds to get justice for Aarush, to save him and to bring him back home... But what if the unthinkable is true? Can Rudransh save his grandson, or will he end up fighting a different battle altogether?

My Review:

       When Kirtida asked me if I would like to review this book, I was skeptical seeing the title. I didn't know what to expect of it. The title was controversial. But when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. The first chapter was enough to catch my interest and I eagerly agreed to review the book and I am so glad I did. This is one of the finest psychological thriller written by an Indian author.

       Aarush is a 16 year old, whose IQ falls in the category of 'Genius'. He is brilliant in everything he does. His charm isn't something anyone can resist and he always has a way of getting what he desires. And he has his grand father, the great RK-jee himself who looks out for him and mentors him. He is the apple of his grandparents' eyes. Everyone has great expectations from him but something happens that changes the lives of so many people. 

Things I Liked:

• A good book is the one which the reader enjoys but the best book is the one which stays with the reader even after he has completed reading it. This novel belongs to the latter category. There is one thing that this novel definitely does and it is that it will set you thinking. It will make you question so many things and change your perspectives regarding them. 
• The characterization is done very well in this book. Each character is thought out and presented in a way which helps readers to relate to them. I especially loved Shubhangi and Rudransh's characters a lot. 
• A controversial topic such as rape, the inability of law to punish the criminals, the stigma that will be associated with the victim, the emotional turmoil of the people associated with the victim and the accused, the media circus around the topic are all brought out brilliantly by the author.
• I liked the way Kirtida has arranged the chapters. The chapters are jumbled but it is done in a manner which will engage you throughout the book. It wouldn't have been this effective if not for this rearrangement.
• There are so many perspectives in each chapter which I loved. It gave a chance to understand different viewpoints. It also helps the readers to connect with each characters on an emotional level.
• The amount of research that has been done for this book is simply commendable. Kirtida has managed the psychology part of the story very well. After reading this novel, psychology has become my latest favorite.
• The present condition of our country regarding the juvenile laws and the impact it can have on young minds are depicted effectively through Aarush's story.
• The book is around 600 pages. But never once did I feel that it is so lengthy. The author has managed to keep the reader involved in the story quite effortlessly. 
• The court hearing was one of my favorite chapter in the entire novel. The attention given to details is simply brilliant.

Things I Disliked:

      There were a few typos in the novel. But it is hard to notice them and stop reading because these are over shadowed by the gripping tale.

Verdict:

       This book is definitely one of the finest novels I have read in a long time. Aarush's brilliance, his masterplans, Rudransh's determination to bring justice, Shubhangi's bravery, Ananya's wit, Gayatri's love, Mrigank's desperation, Pihu's innocence and Taz's fight; they all make this novel a perfect one. The psychological explanations given are like cherry on top of the cake. All in all, this book is a brilliant read and never once in the whole 590 pages will you get bored. So definitely pick this book up. Highly recommended for everyone!

My Rating:

Until the next review,

Keep Reading :)

Love,

Starry Eyed Reader :)