By Saikh Md Sabah Al-Ahmed
In the genre of literature (fiction), perhaps the most exciting and gripping of the lot are the ‘thrillers’ that can boast of keeping its readers ‘on the edge of their seats’ till they finish flipping over to the last of its pages (of the novel). Thrillers are ‘thrilling’ to say the least.
Abhirun Das, a young doctor by profession and an author by passion, has penned down a brilliant debut novel, The Cole Code, which is the first in a series of three novels that he plans to write.
According to the young author, The Cole Code is the first of three books I plan to write based on the character of Cole Wallace. The first book explores and explains his connections with the underworld, while the second book will be about his childhood and the final (third) book will be the conclusion.”
What is so praiseworthy about the book is the gripping narrative that keeps you guessing till the denouement reveals itself.
The mastery of the young author in his handling of the plethora of plots and sub-plots in the novel are a clear pointer to the fact that the author has got all his characters transfixed in its assigned roles, which is so crucial for the ‘free-flowing narrative’ of any genre of writing.
The interplay of the various characters and the ‘roles’ they play must be delicately handled by any author, which Das does it with nonchalant élan and dexterity. Cole Wallace wasn’t the ordinary man he seemed to be, having lived in a duality all his life. His future was his beautiful fiancée. But when she is murdered just days before their wedding, Wallace is forced to revisit his past. With all evidences of the murder pointing at him, he has to embrace the side of his he had hoped never to revisit.
Stranded and alone, he swears to track down the killers and make them pay in blood. But as he divulges deeper into the spiralling path of revenge, he realises deception and betrayal follow him wherever he goes. But what he is about to find out will shatter the very meaning of his existence. Deeper as he goes in the darkness, Wallace will uncover the facts he never knew about himself; straight down to his childhood.
When there is a mask on every face, and the truth is intertwined with lies, will he be able to avenge his fiancée? And will Cole Wallace truly know; who he really is?
On his muse and inspiration, Das opens his heart out: “My major inspiration to write this book, or to just write for that fact, is music. Music appeals to me in a way that compels me to write down those melodies into words. I usually listen to a piano piece, like that of Einaudi, Bach or Choplin and then reflect on the music. Similarly, a piano piece helped form the entire plot and the narrative in my mind while I was travelling from Mumbai to Guwahati. Also, the thought that the reader gets so much joy from a good piece of literature always motivates me to write. It is after all the satisfaction of the reader that satisfies the writer.”
And how it is? He writes for his readers. The USP of the book is that it is a fast paced, thriller based along the current time line albeit set in a fictional world. The book offers readers a rapid, enjoyable experience into the world of crime and underworld.
(The author is a teacher, columnist, poet, author and lyricist)
Book: The Cole Code; Author:
Abhirun Das; Publisher: Leadstart
India; Price: Rs 399
