Oct 04, 2014 10:00 PM
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(Updated Oct 06, 2014 03:40 PM)
The moment I heard that Chetan Bhagat is going to launch his new book ‘Half Girlfriend’. I was curious to read it as I always felt I am the biggest fan of his books only for the sole reason the language in his book is very simple to read and easy to understand. The story leads us to all different world one which he has created in his books. Automatically you start believing that you are the centre character of all his stories.
Approximately a month before, the prologue of his book was posted on facebook and the teaser on Youtube. Since then I was eager waiting for the book to arrive. Finally at morning 11 AM on 1st October, the book arrived at my place. The official launch of the book was on the same day at 5pm at a renowned place in Mumbai. I started re-reading the prologue once again, thinking not to miss any things from the copy that I got in my hand after a long wait.
About The Book:
Madhav Jha, a rural Bihari boy gets admission in a prestigious Stephens College in Delhi through sports quota. Riya Somani, a rich Delhi businessman’s daughter also gets admission in the same college through sports quota. They both love to play Basketball, and soon they become best friends. Madhav develops love feeling for Riya, which he tries to express her on different occasions. But Riya was too reserved as she takes him only as a friend and nothing much.
Once, when they were alone in Madhav’s hostel room, he tries to make a physical move which she rejects. This made Madhav angry and he gives out a rudimentary comment. Riya takes her leave from his room and decides never to befriend with him again. A year later she gets married to one of her cousin/close family friend. Madhav, with no interest in working with renowned bank, gives up his job offer and returns back to his village. There he helps his mom, who runs a public school in Bihar. They fight for funds, infrastructure etc from the local MLA but to of no use. Later on they come to know from MLA that Bill Gates is coming to Bihar to fund some schools and if they succeed in impressing him, he would fund their school. Madhav, decides to prepare a speech for Bill Gates in English, so that his school could be save but, he lacks confidence as he cannot speak fluent English. Hence he thinks to join an English speaking class in Patna that could help him prepare his speech.
Madhav accidentally meets Riya once again in Patna. She has been divorced for a while because of domestic violence and harassment from her in-laws and husband. They become good friends and Riya decides to teach him proper English to give a good speech in front of Bill Gates. And then one day she disappears again. Madhav gets a letter from her where she confesses that she has lung cancer and she was about to die. And, that is why she ran away.
Best Quote In The Book:
1) “Deti Hai Toh De, Warna Katle” Beautiful Moments In The Book
1) Madhav’s way of expressing his love for Riya
2) The moment when they first kiss
3) Madhav’s journey in searching Riya
4) Riya’s secret book
Final Verdict:
The book is a good one time read, not that impressing as Chetan’s other books. Finally will like to bring out a few queries, will Madhav get his love? Did Riya actually die of Lung Cancer? Will Madhav be able to save his Mom’s public school? Can Riya understand what Madhav actually feels for her? Will Madhav be able to find Riya? To get answers to all these read the book ‘Half Girlfriend’.
Star Rating:
3.5/5 Stars
