📖 2 States: The Story of My Marriage – Book Review

✍️ Chetan Bhagat is the author. Published: 2009 🎭 Genre: Romance and Contemporary Fiction

An overview

Chetan Bhagat's semi-autobiographical novel 2 states is all about romance between Ananya Swaminathan, a typical Tamil Brahmin girl from Chennai, and Krish Malhotra, a Punjabi guy hero of the story from Delhi. The conflict between two Indian families with different culture is humorously depicted in the book, underscoring the fact that in India, love is frequently easier than marriage.

A synopsis of the plot

After meeting at IIM Ahmedabad, Krish and Ananya fall in love and plant to get married. But convincing their conservative family was a true challenge. Ananya's orthodox Brahmin family and Krish's sentimental Punjabi family are at odds. This novel examines how love overcome egos, society's expectations, and cultural preconceptions through humor and awkward encounters.Following numerous disputes and reconciliations, both families eventually reunite, signifying state-to-state harmony.

Themes

• Love vs. Society: How cultural boundaries effects true love.
• Intercultural Marriage A humorous depiction of India's north-south division.
• Family & Identity How marriage unites two families with different culture
• Humor in Reality Even weighty topics, such as caste and cultural conflicts, are humorously and entertainingly presented.

Writing Style

Young readers would find Chetan's novel easy to read as it is presented in a simple, straightforward and humors style.

Strength

• Easy to read for beginners
• Humor scenes make every serious scenes enjoyable.
• Strong cultural influence(Tamil Nādu vs Punjab)
• Light and interesting to read

Weaknesses

• Predictable Ending
• Over simplified character's (Some stereotypes).
• More Emotional Depth could have been there

Looking for Chetan Bhagat’s latest bestseller?

Verdict

⭐ Rating: 3.5 / 5
2 States is a fun, light-hearted, and entertaining novel that strikes a chord with young Indians who’ve experienced the drama of love across cultural boundaries. While not a literary masterpiece, it’s impactful in its simplicity and relatability.

One Night @ The Call Centre Review | Chetan Bhagat’s Bestseller

If you are looking for a simple, fast paced Indian fiction, One Night@ The Call Center by Chetan Bhagat is a book worth adding to your reading list. Published in 2005, this novel has become an instant hit because of struggles, emotions of youths in India in early 2000s.

The Story in Brief

This novel is about a team in one single night at a call center at Gurgaon. Six charecters Shyam, Priyanka, Vroom, Esha, Radhika and their boss work at a BPO, answering calls from Americans clients. Each one carry their own baggage

·         Shyam struggles with a failed relationship.

·         Priyanka is pressured into an arranged marriage.

·         Vroom is frustrated with corporate life.

·         Esha wants to be a model.

·         Radhika is stuck in an unhappy marriage.

·         Their boss adds to their misery with his arrogance.

Well, in the midst of the chaos, there comes a turning point when they receive a call from God a moment that forces to rethink about their lives and choices.

 

                                                            

 What Works Well

·         Relatable setting: For many young Indians in IT/BPO industries, the story mirrors their own struggles in the field.

·         Easy language: Simple, conversational writing that even beginners can enjoy the story.

·         Mix of drama and inspiration: Mixture of humour, romance, workplace politics, and self-discovery.

·         The “God’s call” twist: A unique element that gives the story depth.

What Could Be Better

·         Some characters feel one-dimensional.

·         Certain events seem unrealistic or filmy.

·         Readers who prefer rich, literary prose may find it too simple.

Key Message

At its heart, the book is about courage, self-belief, and taking control of your life instead of blaming fate.

Conclusion

One Night @ The Call Centre isn’t perfect, but it is entertaining, thought-provoking in parts, and highly relatable. It’s a quick weekend read that inspires you to reflect on your own choices.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5

 If you liked this review, you might also want to check out my take on Chetan Bhagat’s The Girl in Room 105.

 

The Girl in Room 105 Review

Review 

Chetan Bhagat’s Thriller Novel Are you wondering for an easy to read Indian thriller novel, The Girl in Room 105 by Chetan Bhagat is a book you may want to add in your list. Known for his bestselling novel like “Five Point Someone and 2 states, Chetan Bhagat experiments with “non love story” this time. Instead of focusing purely on relationship he blends the romance, suspense and murder this time. 

About the Book:

 The Girl in Room 105 Published in 2018, the novel is all about Keshav Rajpurohit an IIT graduate who was stuck in a boring job and a broken relationship. His ex-girlfriend, Zara Lone, is a Kashmiri Muslim. One night, Keshav receives a text message from Zara to come and meet her at Room 105. Excited and hopeful, he goes to meet her but unfornutely he discovers her dead body. From there, the story takes a twist , Keshav and his loyal friend Saurahn turn into amateur detectives to discover what really happened.

 

 

The Girl in Room 105 – Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Beginner-friendly language: Chetan Bhagat’s trademark simple English makes this book easy for beginners.

 • Fast-paced thriller: The murder mystery keeps the story moving without unnecessary details in the middle.

• Unique for Bhagat: A shift from his usual love stories into the suspense/thriller zone.

• Relatable characters: Many young readers will connect with Keshav’s struggles in career and love. • Relevant themes: Touches on religion, politics, and cultural differences in India.

❌ Cons

• Predictable for regular thriller readers: If you read a lot of crime novels, you may guess the climax.

• Surface-level depth: The Kashmir conflict and political aspects are mentioned but not deeply explored in the story.

•Simple writing: Great for beginners, but too basic for advanced readers who love to read books.

Why Should You Read It?

If you’re a beginner looking for an Indian novel in English than The Girl in Room 105 is a great choice. It is a mixture of romance, thriller, and social commentary in a way that is light yet entertaining. It’s not as complex as books presented by authors like Dan Brown or Gillian Flynn, but it delivers what Chetan Bhagat is famous for— stories in simple english with mass appeal.

Final Verdict:

 Is The Girl in Room105 Worth Reading? Yes, if you want a fast-paced, beginner-friendly thriller with an Indian backdrop. The book is perfect for college students, first-time readers, or anyone who wants a simple yet gripping story.