One Enduring Lesson - Book Review

One Enduring Lesson
By Jamal Merchant
Review By Ila Garg

‘One Enduring Lesson’, a novel by Jamal Merchant is published by Rupa Publications. The cover at once makes it look like a book on positivity or life lessons. With a couple letting go a dupatta in air which forms a heart shape, the novel does hint on being a love story too.

The blurb reads as, “Give me your money, or I will kill you! Please... I gasped. I ve come from England to study! Well, let this be your first lesson, English boy... Eager to start a new phase in life, Rahul Saxena, 27, a half-Indian British citizen, recently out of job and rejected in love, lands in Mumbai from London to study filmmaking. But little does he know that Mumbai, the city of dreams, will turn his life inside out. From the dark corners of the streets as a professional rat killer to the vermin-infested confines of a jail, from shady dance clubs to the homes of Mumbai s rich women where he is paid to provide pleasure fate takes him on a roller-coaster ride that challenges his very will and determination to survive. When his secret life threatens to destroy even the love that he finds, Rahul seeks recourse in spirituality. Inspired by India s synergetic religious traditions, Rahul fights back internal and external demons to write his own destiny. One Enduring Lesson is a tale of the undying human spirit of survival against all odds. KEY SELLING POINTS Tracing the secret life and occupation of the protagonist as a gigolo, the book is a bold take on the society we live in. A compelling retelling of the ups and downs of a modern-day love story, the book also delves deep into the influence of spirituality in the face of present-day disillusionment. A tale of survival against all odds, the book is a good read for the younger generation, who are yet to face the world on their own.”

It is basically the story of Rahul Saxena. This 27-year-old Anglo-Indian boy, after being rejected in love and out of job, reaches Mumbai from London to study film making. However, the city of dreams has some other hardships planned for him. The story is about his struggles and journey.

Swimming through the testing waters isn't an easy task for Rahul but he manages to survive. From working in shady dance clubs to providing pleasure to some rich women in exchange of money, the protagonist does what it takes to make his ends meet. His sheer determination keeps him going.

But his struggle story doesn't end here. More complications arise when his secret life begins to be a threat to the love he finds. Thus, Jamal Merchant's novel is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It isn't an ordinary romance fiction though it might sound like one at several points. As a reader, it totally gripped me. The flow of the story and events keeps you hooked to the book. It will be a very good for your flight or travel. I simply loved the cover.

This 280-page book is a quick read. It’s compelling and captivating.

Ratings: 4.5/5

Buying Link: Amazon