Title: Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister 
Author: Tabrik C
Publisher: Hachette India
ISBN: 978-93-5009-670-3
Number of Pages: 319
Price [INR] : 350
Genre: Fiction (Political Thriller)
India has a new Prime Minister but is Siddhartha Tagore the product of his genius or of his dangerous mind?
India is on edge, as a subversive internal revolt against the Constitution and the threat of Jehadi terror of an unthinkable level, are looming on the horizon. Ringing Shiva’s damaru in and out of Parliament, a sudden turn of karma catapults outsider Siddhartha Tagore – a conflicted genius, music maestro and prodigal son, with forceful views on China and Pakistan into national prominence as the head of the Opposition Alliance and finally as the newly elected Prime Minister of a disturbed nation.
But buried secrets are being resurrected and threaten to expose the past. Twisted within the double helix of menacing politics and hidden lust, Prisoner, Jailor, Prime Minister is a scorching account of Siddhartha Tagore’s fascinating journey from Harvard to 7 Race Course Road.
I am not a big fan of politics but I am all for thrillers. When the opportunity to review a political thriller arose, I wanted to check it out. And I am glad that I decided to go for this book. Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister with its well researched plot, sufficient twists and thrills and a fast paced story compels you to keep turning the pages one after the other.
The book is divided into 2 parts and has short chapters and flits between the past and the present smoothly. It took a while for me to warm up to the book, but once I did, I could not put it down. I found the second half of the book more engrossing and interesting.
I liked the personality that is etched for Siddhartha Tagore, the protagonist. The story revolves around him. He comes across as a pretty interesting character and despite his failings, you cant help but like him. Other characters in the story are the ones who are or were part of Siddhartha’s life and they are very real and one can easily connect with them too.
At certain places, the author leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader, which I quite liked. And he also left a lot unsaid, giving clues, teasing the reader with some subtlety.
The incident about the nuclear explosion in the very first chapter suggests that India is under serious terror attack and one wonders how the new PM ie Siddhartha would tackle this grave threat. But it is disappointing to read about the nuclear attack again only towards the very end of the book. The relationship between Gordon and Krish Rathore could have been explored more.
Towards the end, I was wondering about the whereabouts of Gregory Templar, Siddhartha’s roommate at Harvard. And soon enough I read about him and I was floored. It was truly an Aha! moment for me while reading Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister. I didn’t see that coming at all!
Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister is not just a political thriller but it also deals with love and lust and dark secrets which certainly engages and thrills you.
Prisoner Jailor Prime Minister is definitely worth reading.
Rating : 4/5
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Linking it to Write Tribe Festival of Words – 3 : Day 4 : Book Review
53 Responses
Well, politically driven stuff does not call me but this sounds interesting. Thanks for the review.
My sentiments exactly, Kajal. Politics doesnt interest me much. But I enjoyed reading this thriller! Thanks 🙂
I generally don’t read political books but you made this one sound very enticing. Great job on the review write up!
Looks like Politics is not favored by most of us! Thanks Kathy! Glad you liked this review 🙂
Politics 🙄
But u make it look really interesting 😛 😛
I want to add that I really like ur blog design..
You must check it out! I am sure you will enjoy reading PJP too. Thanks, Ananya, glad you like the look of my space here 🙂
Sounds interesting…might have to keep an eye out for this the next time I visit India. I’m curious — why doesn’t the author have a last name? I’m used to authors using initials for their first names but not the last name…
Thanks PB, glad you found the book interesting.
Hmmm…. about the name and initials, well, the author himself is the best person to explain that! 🙂 I liked his name too, have heard it for the first time 🙂
I’m glad to have found this book available on Amazon (not on GoodReads apparently). Is ‘7 Race Course Road’ to India what ’10 Downing Street’ is to England?
This book is available on Goodreads too. Check it out here… https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20497005-prisoner-jailor-prime-minister?ac=1
Yes, you are spot on LuAnn, 7 Race Course Road is the official residence and principal workplace of the Prime Minister of India! 🙂
I will read this one for sure. Your review made me very curious, and it might have been a book that I would just have passed by in the book store. It seems to have a lot of different elements, thanks for a nicely written review:-)
Thanks Eli. This book was launched in Jan-Feb 2014, so I guess, you must have seen it in bookstores! 🙂
I felt the book should have struck to the Political Thriller element, predominantly. It didn’t. There was so much of new age romance, which for me, was a put off. But I guessed that this book might work for romance book readers.
Destination Infinity
I guess, if it was just a political thriller, the target audience would have been considerably less, the new age romance with Harleys and iPads increases the span of readership. No? I am glad that it had romantic angle too 😀
I am so in sync with you 😀 When you said you weren’t one for politics, I raised my hand. And when you said you liked thrillers, I nodded along in glee. What an enticing review, Shilpa! I HAVE to read this one now 🙂 Thanks!
I am convinced that we certainly got lost in some Kumbh Mela, Shailaja 😉
Thank you, glad you liked this review and do check it out and share your review too 🙂
Political Thriller is something that I have never tried before 😯 Your review is crisp and honest looking. I will try to read the book soon.
Hope you are able to lay your hands on this book and enjoy it as much as I did, Sri 🙂
I am wary of political thrillers, but then again, you make these books sound very engrossing, Shilpa
As I said earlier, I picked this book with some apprehensions, but it didnt disappoint me! 🙂
Well this does seem like an interesting read I am only apprehensive if it is not over dramatic in narration
Nothing dramatic, very realistic rather which one can relate to, Richa! 🙂
Wow….You’re an expert when it comes to reviews of books as you often post them, and this review comes in as no surprise 🙂 Loved the honest review. Looking forward to reading this book, and more reviews from you. Lovely 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Sreeja 🙂
I love political thrillers and I read this review twice. I should attack this book and Sid Tagore seems to be an interesting personality.
Wow! You must GO for it then, Kalpana!! 🙂
As always this a very comprehensive review
Thank you, Ma’am 🙂
Usually political drama doesnt appeal to me yea… but will tell ab this to pravs. More of his style
Hmmm… I can understand 🙂
A very well written review. Have you read Chanakya’s chant? That is also a political novel and a very interesting read.
Thanks Aarthy! Yes, I have read Chanakya’s Chant and the Krishna Key too and loved these 2 too! 🙂
Good political thrillers are so rare.. especially in Indian writing section. I used to love Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum for that… they were amazing
I have read a few books from TC and RL, their books are amazing! Chanakya Chants is a good political thriller too! Have you read that?
Your review makes me give it a shot….maybe I will, sometime soon! 🙂
My post here – http://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/gone-girl-my-thoughts/
Thank you. Do check it out dreamzandclouds 🙂
I am a fan of politics. Sounds interesting!
Wow! That’s cool. Hope you get to read it, Talya 🙂
This Siddharth Tagore sounds like an intriguing character. Might pick up the book just for that. 🙂
Do that, Tulika. I am sure you will enjoy it 🙂
Politics and thrillers…..a cool mix!
It is, in this book 🙂
A political thriller which also has love, lust and secrets is something to read at least once. I don’t read this genre but your review has me convinced to try reading this book.
Go for it, Sulekha 🙂
Thanks for the excellent review.
Thank you SG 🙂
If you hadn’t made it sound so good, I would not go anywhere near a book like this. Actually, I am staying away from Chanakya’s Chant for the very same reason. Although I did enjoy Krishna Key. I saw you recommending these too in the comments. Might give both of these a shot then. 🙂
Oh, you must read Chanakya’s Chant. If you liked Krishna Key then you will love CC. I have reviewed both the books on the blog. Do have a look. 🙂
And do check out PJP too 🙂
a Political thriller! How interesting..
The book seems to be gripping. And its another book in my list of books by Indian authors! My mum will need a bag for books when she comes!! 😀
I enjoyed reading PJP. I am sure you’ll like it too, Pixie.
Wow, a bag full of books, isn’t that awesome! 🙂
A balanced review, shilpa and 4 on 5 is a good rating. It must be a good book to earn such a rating from you.
Powerful review, Shilpa:) It makes sense in the time of Lok Sabha election and quite a fun read, I bet!
Sounds intriguing. Political thrillers are not really my cup of tea, but you’ve piqued my interest. Will put it on my list of books to read. Shilpa you write awesome reviews.