#BookReview: ‘Half Of What I Say’ by Anil Menon

If you are a patient reader, ‘Half Of What I Say’ is a treat for you! 

While away from home, Vyas, a key protagonist, pens a confessional letter to his wife, Tanaz, that accidentally lands up at politician Durga Dhasal’s place. By the time Vyas wakes up to realise and do something about it, the situation takes an ugly turn. Dhasal is found dead the following day and Vyas wants to keep controversies at bay.

Consumed by fear and anxieties, he makes desperate attempts to lay his hands on the letter before anyone else. This maddening rush brings him across people from the elite class, who are too involved in their own lives to think about others. However, eventually, it is this one letter that wins a special place in his life. How? You’ll have to read the book for that. 

Complex stories are not everyone’s cup of tea. While many cannot stand them, for some, the interest dwindles gradually more often than not. This, however, is a one-of-its-kind story. Although a little obscure at times, it’s a treat for readers who patiently pursue it.

Set in the country’s power capital, the story aberrantly touches several topics in its course that many usually do not bat an eyelid for. Its intricate nature will even require one to turn pages quite often to flow with it. I think this is the author’s style to hold readers on to the story. 

The involvement of numerous characters might not be appreciated by some. But worry not, as the plot and narration compensate for that. The book is also rich in vocabulary – you may end up learning one too many words in the course of reading. And even if you are a master of words, just keep a dictionary handy!

NOTE: A review copy of the book was sent by the author.