12 Years My Messed Up Love Story by Chetan Bhagat - Book Review

Name of the book: 12 Years My Messed Up Love Story 

Author of the book: Chetan Bhagat

Genre of the book: Fiction / Romance

Chetan Bhagat’s 12 Years My Messed Up Love Story is a passionate, messy, and highly relatable tale of love that thrives against all odds. Having journeyed through all of Bhagat’s earlier works, I can see how his storytelling has evolved and this book carries the relatable charm of 2 States and the emotional maturity of 400 Days, with a sharper focus on what keeps people together even when the world insists they shouldn’t be.

About the Book

At its heart, 12 Years My Messed Up Love Story is the improbable yet magnetic connection between Saket and Payal, two people worlds apart in age, lifestyle, and ideals. Saket is 33, a struggling stand-up comedian with a failed marriage behind him. Payal is 21, a brilliant, ambitious force in the world of private equity, untouched by romantic relationships. He’s Punjabi, she’s from a deeply conservative Jain family. Every logical sign says they should keep their distance… yet something stronger keeps them coming back to each other.

This is more than just a romance, It’s a deep dive into the timeless question, How do you know if someone is “the one” when circumstances scream otherwise? The book explores themes of emotional risk, attraction that defies practicality, and the way human hearts rewrite all rules when it comes to love.

Story Of The Book

Told through Bhagat’s easy, conversational prose, the story unravels their journey over twelve rollercoaster years, filled with closeness, separation, awkward reunions, and enduring chemistry. It interrogates the line between lust, madness, and love, keeping you wondering whether this relationship will survive or implode.

This is vintage Bhagat territory where relationships we recognize, situations we have either lived or seen unfold in the lives of friends, and emotions that strike uncomfortably close to home. His characters here are not perfect lovers in fact they’re flawed, impulsive, stubborn, and sometimes selfish. That’s exactly what makes them human.

My Point of View

Having read every Bhagat book from Five Point Someone onwards, I found 12 Years more layered than most of his earlier romances. Yes, it has the potential to be a Bollywood movie. the sharp contrasts in the lead characters would make for compelling on-screen drama but it also works beautifully as a novel because of the emotional depth he now brings.

Bhagat has always written for the everyday reader, and he hasn’t abandoned that. His short chapters, colloquial dialogue, and precise pacing make the book unputdownable. But what impressed me most was how he managed to weave serious themes especially family expectations, career pressures, age gap dynamics into a story that’s still light enough to be enjoyed in a single sitting.

Loopholes That Can Be Overlooked

There are moments when the plot edges towards predictability, especially if you are familiar with his previous love stories. Some emotional conflicts resolve more conveniently than one might expect in real life. But these are small trade-offs in exchange for a story that consistently engages and entertains.

Bhagat is not trying to deliver high-brow literary complexity, his aim is relatability, and that’s where he succeeds again. The natural, “chatty” writing style ensures that even heavy moments feel accessible.

Why Should You Go For It

12 Years My Messed Up Love Story is heartfelt, high-energy, and charmingly messy, exactly what you expect from Bhagat, but with greater emotional maturity than before. It’s a book that makes you laugh, makes you ache, and forces you to think about your own relationships, past or present.

If love stories were battlefields, Saket and Payal’s tale proves that sometimes the heart’s stubbornness wins, even when logic loses.

Book Details

Format: Paperback / Kindle Edition

Price: 268 INR / 254.60 INR

Pages: 432

Publisher: Harper Fiction India

Availability: Amazon

This Book is part of Blogchatter's #Book Review Program #TBR Challenge #BookChatter #2025

Bimbisar's Curse by Tanushree Podder - Book Review

 

Name of the book :  Bimbisar's Curse

Author of the book : Tanushree Podder

Genre of the book : Historical Fiction / Mythology

Blurb:

Can anything compel a son to kill his father? Can a curse last generations?

In the heart of ancient India, the Magadh Empire was ruled by many dynasties. The first dynasty to rule Magadh was the Haryanka Dynasty (544–413 BC). During what was widely regarded as the empire’s golden age, Bimbisar, a contemporary of both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, ascended the throne at age fifteen and ruled for over fifty glorious years.

Bimbisar was an astute ruler who used matrimonial alliances to expand his kingdom. Interestingly, he was also the lover of the famous courtesan Amrapali, and fathered a son through her. His reign ended unimaginably when his son Ajatashatru imprisoned and killed him, unleashing a dark legacy.

This act of patricide became a curse on the dynasty’s future—Udayin slew his father Ajatashatru, only to fall to his son Aniruddha, who in turn was murdered by Munda.

Would this ghastly series of killings ever end? Find out in this dark and riveting tale by bestselling author Tanushree Podder.

About the Book

The Bimbisar's Curse  by Tanushree Podder pulls readers into the grandeur and gloom of ancient India’s Magadh Empire during the Haryanka Dynasty. Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, the novel blends real events with gripping narrative flair, offering a rare glimpse into one of the subcontinent’s most fascinating royal families.

About the Story

At the center is Emperor Bimbisar, a wise, ambitious ruler who expanded his empire through strategic alliances and charismatic leadership. His reign symbolized prosperity and stability, until betrayal struck from within. His own son, Ajatashatru, driven by ambition and perhaps a long-standing curse, imprisoned and killed him.
This act unleashed a terrifying legacy. In a chilling succession, Udayin murdered Ajatashatru, Aniruddha killed Udayin, and Munda slaughtered Aniruddha. The dynasty became trapped in a blood-soaked pattern of fathers meeting their end at their sons’ hands.
Podder crafts the characters with a mix of regal dignity and raw humanity, offering a captivating portrait of rulers torn between love, greed, fear, and destiny.

Why You Should Read This Book

• Historical Immersion: Few novels bring ancient Indian empires to life with such vivid detail.
• Gripping Family Drama: It’s more than history, it’s a multi-generational saga of betrayal and obsession.
• Philosophical Depth: The curse as a metaphor for human ambition and karmic consequences gives the story a haunting relevance.
• Rich Characters: Each ruler is flawed yet compelling, inviting reflection on the cyclical nature of power struggles.

Flaws That Can Be Overlooked

While the book is an engrossing read, certain sections linger too long on descriptive passages or courtly ceremonials, which may slow the pace for some readers. In places, transitions between historical fact and fictionalized accounts feel slightly abrupt. However, these are minor quibbles compared to the overall narrative strength. The richness of the atmosphere, layered character motivations, and the philosophical undertones easily outweigh these small drawbacks.

My Take on the Book

As a book reviewer and history enthusiast, I found Bimbisar's Curse to be a fascinating blend of historical reportage and human drama. Tanushree Podder’s skill lies in making ancient rulers feel relatable, while reminding us of the timeless themes of ambition, loyalty, and fate. The novel doesn’t just tell a story, it asks unsettling questions about whether blood ties protect or doom us.
The poetic prose, intricate detailing, and emotional intensity create a reading experience that lingers long after the final page. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction infused with moral complexity, this book is a memorable journey worth taking.

About the author

Born in New Delhi, Tanushree worked in the corporate sector for eight long years before she quit the rat race to write. A management graduate, she has worn several hats both as an individual and an army wife.

A well-known novelist and a TEDx speaker, she is passionate about traveling and writing. Tanushree wrote for major newspapers, such as The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, and The Hindu, before switching to books. She writes in various genres like military, historical, and crime for adults and young adults.

Some of the biggest names in the publishing industry, like Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, Speaking Tiger, Roli Books, and Rupa Publishers, have published her works.

She has written 35 books as of date, starting with over a dozen non-fiction books and then transitioning to fiction. Her book, Boots Belts Berets, is now a web series called Cadets. Two of her books, A Closetful of Skeletons, and The Girls in Green will soon be adapted into web series.

After leading a nomadic life for several decades, she has finally grown roots at Pune.

Book Details

Format: Paperback / Kindle edition

Price : 299 INR / 284.05 INR 

Pages: 288

Publication : Rupa

Availability : Amazon

This Book is part of Blogchatter's #Book Review Program #TBR Challenge #BookChatter #2025