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A Book Review: Among the Chatterati by Kanika Gahlaut

Among the Chatterati is a book I enjoyed reading. It is the first book that I have read by Kanika Gahlaut. The writing style seemed refreshing and engaging. The story was not preachy yet it weeded out my impression about Page 3 columnists. To be honest, I always questioned their purpose in life and work.

I mean, seriously, what literary fulfilment does one get by covering who talked to X and why Z's handbag was not Gucci, that sort of trivia really makes no sense to me.

The protagonist, Aby, is a normal girl. She has spunk, character and conviction about a lot of things in life. It happens to be a sheer accident that spurs her career to take a new turning point as a Page 3nd then fate plays against her and she becomes a society columnist though she has no interest in it. I can relate to that because sometimes we don't always make the choice s about our professions, sometimes they happen to us as if part of a bigger plan.

What we learn from Aby is that it takes a special kind of person to understand and track rich lives that are unveiled at parties. Of course, the rich have some attributes that are characteristics like being catty, petty, bitchy, pompous, extravagant, and so on. Aby feels sick of covering overrated designers who have very little originality to offer and aging beauty queens who refuse to face that their days are over and worse, low rung politicians who frequent Page 3 parties, hoping to find women and fame. Of course, Aby makes fatal mistakes. She gets names of boring rich women mixed up and sometimes, even their brands. That's a fatal mistake in Page 3 reporting. You are supposed to know who is who, who is sleeping with whom and when do these relationships keep changing at various parties. Society gossip is the bane of Page 3!


Aby's high point in her career arrives when she meets the other Gandhi scion, with whom she manages to spend time and become friends with while she covers his foray into Indian politics. 

Her involvement with another man with political lineage and aspirations lead her to considerable self evaluation and confusion as she questions her purpose in career and her goals in life. We all arrive at such moments, don't we?

With its refreshing style and amazing candour, I found myself drawn to this book by Kanika Gahlaut so I'd recommend it to all of you.

Have you ever considered Page 3 content seriously? Tell me your thoughts about it and do help me understand your reasons by explaining why.

Comments

SUFFIX said…
Looks interesting, like your thorough review. I will read if get a chance. Thanks.
Raji said…
Does it resemble the movie Page-3 by any chance? I will give it a read when I get a chance...
Readers Dais said…
Page3 itself was known to me only when Madhur bandarkar recieved national award,watching the film yes there is somehing thats spicy to read about when we have nothing else to do,but the fate of the reporter(if creative), thats miserable,unless he/she has other intentons..
Thanks for this review,it gives the reader the essence.
Anonymous said…
It sounds like a very standard plot, but the kind that never gets old :P

Will def. check it out, if I can find it!

Meanwhile, if you haven't already, read "Almost Single" by Advaita Kala... It was easily the best book I read in 2009!

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