My Friend Sancho

Amit Varma

A love story between a Bengali journalist and a Muslim student set in Mumbai, Amit Varma’s first effort ‘My Friend Sancho’ is a breezy read.

Crime reporter Abir Ganguly gets the break of his life when he is asked to do a feature on a Muslim man mistakenly killed by the Mumbai police under Inspector Thombre. What his boss doesn’t know is that Abir was present at the killing- at the behest of Thombre himself.

As Abir interacts with the murdered man’s daughter Muneeza, the professional relationship grows into a friendship as Abir struggles to write an honest feature on the incident having heard the stories from either side of the line- the murderer’s and the victim’s.

The book paints an accurate picture of upper middle-class attitudes in the big cities of India; for instance, the difference in economic class between Muneeza and Abir takes precedence over her religion in Abir’s head. Abir’s grappling with the moral issues of the incident aren’t simplistic (a la a certain Mr. Bhagat, let’s say) and offer the reader a look at both sides of the picture. Abir Ganguly’s sarcastic take on life and most things in it (very reminiscent of the author himself, as most readers of his blog will notice) induce wry, knowing grins, and Abir’s back-and-forths with his subconscious self are quirkily done.

Amit Varma’s prose is brief and to the point; as an ex-journalist and blogger, he respects the economy of space, resulting in a tone fitting for the POV of Abir Ganguly. A book that you’ll finish in one sitting, ‘My Friend Sancho’ makes for an entertaining, read-once novel. 

Rating

I'd give it a 3/5 for it's honesty, and for staying away from cliches and caricatures, often a safe route to the bank.

~ Shweta Ramdas

Note: We would like to thank Shwetu for taking the time out and mailing us this review.

In her words, she hates her review; but we all know better. 

If you would like to send in a book review, please drop a comment, we'll get in touch.