How to Kidnap the Rich
Author: Rahul Raina
Published by: Little, Brown
Pages: 295
Format: Hardback
My Rating ★★★★
Published by: Little, Brown
Pages: 295
Format: Hardback
My Rating ★★★★
Ramesh is an ‘examinations consultant.’
He’s a cog in the wheel that keeps India’s middle classes thriving. When he takes an exam for Rudi – an intolerably lazy but rich teenager – he accidently scores the highest mark in the country and propels Rudi into stardom.
What next?
Blackmail.
Reality television.
Grotesque wealth.
And after that?
Kidnap.
Double-kidnap.
Reverse-kidnap.
In a studio filled with hot lights, with millions of eyes on the boys and a government investigator circling, the entire country begins to question: who are they?
He’s a cog in the wheel that keeps India’s middle classes thriving. When he takes an exam for Rudi – an intolerably lazy but rich teenager – he accidently scores the highest mark in the country and propels Rudi into stardom.
What next?
Blackmail.
Reality television.
Grotesque wealth.
And after that?
Kidnap.
Double-kidnap.
Reverse-kidnap.
In a studio filled with hot lights, with millions of eyes on the boys and a government investigator circling, the entire country begins to question: who are they?
My thoughts:
How to Kidnap the Rich is an addictive, fast-paced debut novel about modern fame and success. It is unpredictable at every turn, steeped in Indian culture and bustling atmosphere. This isn’t a story about poverty, it’s a story about wealth.
The novel is a thought-provoking satirical thriller that explores the huge inequalities of Indian society and tells the story of Ramesh, is a self-made man who operates as an exam-taker for rich families.
In a backwards-looking journey through his harrowing childhood, Ramesh recalls the French nun who intervened to give him an education and the desire to not end up like his father. These scenes were my favourite parts, and I felt the first half of the book was the most emotionally engaging. 24-year-old Ramesh is a young man born into poverty but fiercely determined not to stay there.
He has a simple formula for fame and success: find a wealthy kid, make him a star and create an elaborate scheme to extort money from his parents, what could go wrong? …Only nothing really goes to plan. It is fun and fast-paced. This is quite a unique read and had me on the edge of my seat from page one.
The story reminded me a little of Slumdog Millionaire with the Indian quiz show angle, but really, it’s a comedic crime thriller and profound social commentary. I loved the writing. The narration is sharply observed, witty and relentlessly honest. In terms of plot, I did feel the ending was maybe a little rushed, but all in all, I really enjoyed How to Kidnap the Rich.
Rahul Raina’s debut novel is very entertaining, energetic and well-written, with some great characters and a savagely eye-opening window into modern life in India. It has a very cinematic feel to it, and I've recently heard that Riz Ahmed has optioned the book for a future screen adaptation. I'm looking forward to that!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Tandem Collective for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
Overall reaction:
How to Kidnap the Rich is an addictive, fast-paced debut novel about modern fame and success. It is unpredictable at every turn, steeped in Indian culture and bustling atmosphere. This isn’t a story about poverty, it’s a story about wealth.
The novel is a thought-provoking satirical thriller that explores the huge inequalities of Indian society and tells the story of Ramesh, is a self-made man who operates as an exam-taker for rich families.
In a backwards-looking journey through his harrowing childhood, Ramesh recalls the French nun who intervened to give him an education and the desire to not end up like his father. These scenes were my favourite parts, and I felt the first half of the book was the most emotionally engaging. 24-year-old Ramesh is a young man born into poverty but fiercely determined not to stay there.
He has a simple formula for fame and success: find a wealthy kid, make him a star and create an elaborate scheme to extort money from his parents, what could go wrong? …Only nothing really goes to plan. It is fun and fast-paced. This is quite a unique read and had me on the edge of my seat from page one.
The story reminded me a little of Slumdog Millionaire with the Indian quiz show angle, but really, it’s a comedic crime thriller and profound social commentary. I loved the writing. The narration is sharply observed, witty and relentlessly honest. In terms of plot, I did feel the ending was maybe a little rushed, but all in all, I really enjoyed How to Kidnap the Rich.
Rahul Raina’s debut novel is very entertaining, energetic and well-written, with some great characters and a savagely eye-opening window into modern life in India. It has a very cinematic feel to it, and I've recently heard that Riz Ahmed has optioned the book for a future screen adaptation. I'm looking forward to that!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Tandem Collective for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
Overall reaction: