Book Review : The 365 Days by Nikhil Ramteke

Author - Nikhil Ramteke
Publisher - Write India Publishers
Pages - 192

Blurb

This is a story that falls through the crevices of pitiless anonymity, yet miraculously waits to be told. Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his tiny hamlet of abject poverty in the costal village of Vizhinjam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, that picturesque vignette of searing beauty on the south western coast of India. Shiju, like millions of other Malayalis, seeks his destiny in Dubai, that gleaming global hub of fortune on the south east coast of the Persian Gulf. What unfolds is a stirring story of distilled hardship, exploitation, identity and friendship and the heart breaking choices Shiju is often forced to make. So what he sees is not what he experiences when he lands in a world of glimmering towers, fast paced life and unabashed opulence. What he was not prepared for, was the dark underbelly of Dubai beyond the shimmering mirage. Shiju's life is no more the same. But he holds his ground drawing on ancient instincts of his seafaring ancestry. As things settle down around him, he's inexorably pulled into the Canyon of recession. Will Shiju be able to hold onto his dreams? Will he be able to pull himself out from the whirlpool? Will he survive against all odds? Will he redeem himself?

Review

This story revolves around Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman who sets out to make fortune in Dubai. But things didn't go as planned... Hardships and poverty crossed his path. Yet amidst the desert of hardships, friendship appeared to be an oasis..

The cover and title are nice... The theme is good. It is indeed appreciable that the author chose an uncommon topic to write on. The blurb is a bit long, but well written. The language, though good, could have been better at certain places. Characterisation is satisfactory.. The story seemed a little dragged at some parts..

Cover - 4.3/5
Blurb - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Language - 3.5/5
Title - 3.7/5

Overall the story is fine.. Good one for a quick read. 😊