Book Review: 12 Years – My Messed-up Love Story by Chetan Bhagat

 

Chetan Bhagat’s 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story another story with lot of expectations and even higher controversy. Chetan Bhagat is well known for his simple writing with relatable themes he once again dives in to the chaos of modern relationships. But does this story really deliver something refreshing, or does it fall in to familiar tropes? Here’s my take.

 Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

The story revolves with a stand-up comedian whose love life is tangles with punchlines. Spread across 12 years, with his romance with younger women takes centre stage filled with misunderstandings, emotional  filled with misunderstandings, emotional turbulence, family interference, bad decisions, and the messy attempts to fix them.

At its core, it’s a story about second chances: the kind you crave, the kind you regret, and the kind you might not deserve.

 What I liked about the book

·         Easy, Fast-Paced Read

Bhagat’s trademark simplicity is fully present here. Chapters move quickly, dialogue is snappy, and the humour sprinkled in by the protagonist keeps things light even during intense moments.

·       Relatable Modern Themes

The book touches on issues many urban readers will recognise — failed marriages, career pressure, generational gaps, and the emotional confusion that often comes with modern dating.

·         Moments of Emotional Truth

Despite the drama, there are scenes where the story hits a real emotional chord, especially around heartbreak and self-doubt.

 Where It Falls Short

·         Characters Lack Depth

The female lead, in particular, feels underdeveloped — more of a plot device than a fully formed character. The story sometimes leans too heavily on clichés rather than emotional nuance.

·         Over-the-Top Drama

Misunderstandings, emotional blowups, dramatic twists — the book occasionally reads like a Bollywood script more than a grounded love story.

·         Predictable Plot

If you’ve read Bhagat before or watched enough Indian rom-com dramas, you’ll see many twists coming.

 Who Will Enjoy This Book?

• Readers who love light, dramatic, fast-paced romance.
• New or casual readers who prefer simple, accessible language.
• Fans of Chetan Bhagat’s earlier works.
• Anyone wanting an emotional, filmy love story with plenty of ups and downs.

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Readers looking for mature, realistic, and nuanced relationships.
• Those uncomfortable with large age-gap romances.
• Fans of literary fiction or deeply layered storytelling.

⭐ Final Verdict

12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story is exactly what its title promises — messy, dramatic, emotional, and sometimes frustrating. It’s an easy, engaging read, but the lack of depth and the discomfort caused by the age-gap relationship may put off many readers.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
A quick, filmy romance best enjoyed with expectations set to “light drama.”