Anup Jetty's Sahadev takes readers on a gripping journey to 19th-century Calcutta, a time steeped in cultural upheaval and societal change. If you’re a fan of historical thrillers with a dash of mystery and intrigue, this book might just be your next favorite read. Jetty’s tale weaves astrology, destiny, and the supernatural into a compelling narrative that keeps you turning pages, even when you should probably be asleep. It’s an engaging mix of suspense, rich history, and sharp character work, with just the right amount of mysticism to keep you guessing.
The story kicks off when Suravi returns to Calcutta from London, only to discover that her brother Binoy has gone missing. In her search for him, she crosses paths with Sahdev, a gifted astrologer whose connection to Binoy unravels a series of secrets, betrayals, and tragic twists. But things get more complicated when Suravi realizes that her relationship with Sahdev isn’t as simple as it seems—there are ghosts from the past lurking, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Binoy’s disappearance seem to tie into something far bigger than just a family drama.
What really sets Sahadev apart is how the author ties the protagonist’s story to the Mahabharata. It adds an unexpected layer of depth to Sahdev's character. The mystery of Binoy’s disappearance forms the heart of the book, and Jetty keeps you hooked with his intricate plotting and unpredictable turns. The historical backdrop adds richness, immersing the reader in the social and ideological struggles of the era. Plus, throw in some black magic and supernatural twists, and you have a recipe for a truly captivating read.
Jetty’s writing is straightforward and keeps the pace moving quickly. The narrative flows with a sense of urgency, making it an easy read that you’ll likely finish in one sitting. While the language is accessible, it could have been a bit more polished in places—there were a few moments where the flow felt slightly off, which made me pause. But overall, the book does a great job of balancing mystery and historical depth with a writing style that draws you in.
The author’s ability to seamlessly mix suspense and drama is one of his strengths. The dialogue, while not overly complex, serves its purpose, moving the story along while giving insight into the characters’ personalities. It’s not the most lyrical or poetic, but it works, especially when paired with the intricate details of the setting.
Suravi is a strong lead, motivated by both familial love and personal loss, but Sahdev steals the show. His complexity as a character is intriguing—he’s charismatic, but his past adds an element of mystery and even tragedy. I appreciated the way Jetty gradually unfolds Sahdev’s backstory, revealing his ties to Binoy in layers, much like peeling an onion.
The characters’ growth, especially Suravi’s emotional journey, makes the story more than just a thriller—it’s about trust, betrayal, and redemption. The ideological conflicts of the era, especially around religion and faith, are central to the book, and Jetty explores these themes with subtlety.
The pacing is swift and deliberate. The mystery surrounding Binoy’s disappearance keeps the suspense high, but the twists don’t feel forced. There’s a natural progression to the plot, even as secrets and revelations come tumbling out. The structure of the book is relatively linear, but it’s enhanced by the occasional flashbacks that give us a deeper understanding of the characters’ histories.
The pacing does slow down in a few parts, particularly when the author delves into the historical context, but this is balanced by the tension in the mystery plot. And when the twists hit—oh, do they hit hard. I can’t spoil anything, but there’s a moment toward the end that completely caught me off guard.
At its core, Sahadev is about destiny—how it shapes our lives, controls our actions, and leads us down paths we might not even choose. It also explores themes of fate versus free will, family loyalty, and the power of belief. The supernatural elements, like astrology and black magic, serve as metaphors for the ways in which we try to control our lives and the limits of that control.
This book also touches on the tension between tradition and progress, as seen through the changing landscape of Calcutta during the rise of the Brahmo Samaj. It’s not just a story about a missing person; it’s a reflection of the struggles of an entire society caught between the old and the new.
I found myself both invested in the emotional journeys of the characters and on edge during the tense moments. The interplay between Suravi and Sahdev is charged with history, and there’s a lot of unresolved emotion between them, especially as they uncover more about Binoy’s disappearance. The book isn’t overly sentimental, but the emotional stakes are real and draw you in.
There were definitely a few moments that made me pause, particularly in the latter half, where the characters’ emotions took center stage, creating a rollercoaster of feelings.
The most striking strength of Sahadev is its pacing and suspense. Jetty knows how to keep you on your toes. The historical details are immersive and add another layer to the mystery. And the blending of mythology with real-world events is done in a way that feels fresh and intriguing.
While the book has a lot going for it, it could benefit from tighter editing. A few typos and moments of awkward phrasing interrupted the flow. Additionally, the characters, though well-developed, could have had more depth in their emotional arcs, particularly Suravi’s. But these are minor issues in an otherwise engaging read.
I genuinely enjoyed Sahadev. The combination of mystery, historical context, and supernatural elements kept me engaged. It’s not the kind of book that’s going to leave you with life-altering revelations, but it’s a thrilling ride that blends cultural exploration with a good old-fashioned mystery. The historical backdrop is fascinating, and the twists kept me hooked until the very end.
Sahadev is an exciting read for anyone who enjoys a historical mystery with a supernatural edge. It’s fast-paced, filled with suspense, and offers a unique look at Calcutta in the 1880s. While it could use some polish in places, the overall narrative and character depth make it a solid choice. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy thrillers, astrology, and stories that blend the mystical with the real. And I’m excited to see where Anup Jetty takes us next!
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