Although the title projects a man with anguish and agitation, author Rishi Vohra's Diary of An Angry Young Man depicts an ordinary boy, Raghav whose transition from his childhood through teenage and adolescence will relate with the young generation timelessly.
Even so, the author didn't stick to a self-centered characterization in this book; instead, he attempted to bring about familial and social accounts to turn the story into a wholesome tale.
The following two quotations will surmise Raghav's contemplation on personal experience and his discovery of irony in the story:
"I reminded myself that I was not like these other people, these selfish souls that the world was infested with." — Raghav, Chapter 16
"When a kid disappears from the street, even police can't find them." — Henchman of Raju Bhai, Chapter 26
Book Summary of Diary of An Angry Young Man
Raghav is the lead character of DAAYM, who grew up with his sibling Renuka in a middle-class family from Colaba in the 90's Mumbai, Maharashtra. Raghav relied much on his mother's selfless love, which brought them up through the hardships in the family. On the other hand, his father is a strict man who owns a tailoring shop to meet the ends.
Raghav struggled through inferiority in low-end belongings and lifestyle as his schoolmate Mohinder, a rich Punjabi boy, often reprimanded him while tagging him as a 'loser.'
This typical middle-class story of Raghav takes a turn as he saves a Muslim boy, Faisal, from a riotous Hindu mob during a curfew after the Babri Mosque was burnt in 1992. Raghav's childhood is thrashed by two unfortunate events: his mother's sudden demise and his rape by Saanand, Raghav's apprehending bully in the neighborhood.
Raghav cruises through teenage and adolescence with grief and anguish deep inside his heart. As his family environment is constantly full of emotional vapor after his mother's death, Raghav maintains sanity by mingling with the boys of the 'other side' of Colaba. Faisal, the boy Raghav saved earlier in childhood, befriends him and receives him into the local boys' group. Here, Raghav fights through his mental trauma, mentally and physically, as he becomes a fierce street fighter, knocking out the boys of the same age and older now and then.
Author Rishi stenches the story with the hints of the violent '93 bomb blasts and 2008 terrorist attacks in South Mumbai. He illustrates the world around the story's characters while justifying their state and demeanor.
Raghav grows into a strong and resolute young man who earns respect from the 'other side' but fails his now resenting father's expectation on every occasion. Things are more complex for him as Renuka is a service holder after graduation — something their father finds the most effective to point out to Raghav. Raghav's family life wouldn't have been less than hellish if Renuka didn't incomparably replace their mother in love, care, and support. Renuka's witty and lively presence always lifts the pressure off Raghav's chest while keeping the environment as normal as possible.
Raghav once bumps into a street girl named Rani, who happens to be trapped by a local gang leader, Raju Bhai. Rani is forced to beg on the signals for livelihood and survival. Raghav learns from Rani that Raju Bhai promises to send her off to a better workplace for better income. Raghav figures out that a "better workplace" is a 'brothel.'
Raghav develops a soft corner for Rani and intends to ensure that she gets what a normal child deserves at her age: safety, care, and education. Against everyone's objection, Raghav persists in rescuing Rani at any cost, which gets things dwindled. Raghav is forced to compromise with his conscience when Rani is abducted by Raju Bhai who sends his men off to threaten his family members during Renuka's engagement meeting in the house.
Raghav meets Raju Bhai in his den to negotiate peace but ends up rescuing Rani and fifty more street children in an eventful encounter. Raghav ends up a hero while making his family proud. He impresses Inspector Satpute with his unfaltering resolution, wit, and bravery, getting himself the desired training recommendation under the Maharashtra Police Service as a PSI (Police Sub Inspector).
Raghav also ends up successfully with Naina, his love interest. Together, they hint at a positive and happy note to a brighter future.
Author Rishi Vohra puts Raghav to psychological, physical, and social tests while pulling him through all barriers admiringly. The readers will get a happy ending, realizing what life's goal is in its truest sense. A keen reader will reinvent the meaning of heroism as Raghav poetically and modestly relates it with Rani's persistence and courage,
"But for me, Rani was the real hero. She was a fighter and stayed brave even when she was scared. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. All it takes is staying stronger a little longer."
Evaluation of Storytelling in Diary of An Angry Young Man
I'll evaluate Rishi's storytelling in DAAYM based on positive and suggestive notions.
Positive Notes:
I loved how the author developed Raghav's character nicely through the weaving of the story. Raghav fits well in his demeanor and countenance, given the traumas and family conditions he lived in. For instance, the physical abuse done to him by Saanand left him dazed but put him into a tougher stature. Mother's sudden demise and negligence of his scornful father forced him to resort to the 'other side,' transforming him into a firm and resilient man who must encounter a challenging future ahead.
I found the storytelling more illustrious and vivid right across chapter 16 when Raghav found Rani helpless and wailing at her poor mother's death. Then it got better and better as more elements, and relevant characters were introduced to the storyline, e.g., Naina, Inspector Satpute, Raju Bhai, etc.
Raghav's peaceful redemption toward the end of the story was satisfactory. Starting with his vengeful bashing of Saanand and ending with being a hero, Raghav's transitioning from innocent childhood to a focused mindset truly made the story a perfect page-turner. Readers can't help but enjoy Raghav's journey through sexual abuse, street fights, love interest, and invasion of a criminal's den to become a savior to many young lives.
Suggestive Notes:
Apart from reviewing, as a reader, I personally wanted to see more active fight scenes of Raghav on the 'other side.' To me, those moments would show how Raghav was motioning through the pain of losing his mother as well as helplessly submitting his honor to a monstrous young man. The brief about his characteristical change seemed to be a typical cinematic transition in a long shot — like a '15 years later or so.
Another instance where Raghav discovers Saanand after decades out of nowhere could be a bit more 'broken down.' I wanted to find here to step down to the final face recognition. More confusion, more reaction, more emotion — dazed and snappy! In short, a theatrical reunion of animosity. However, the chase after Saanand was enticing, and the way it ultimately flushed Raghav's long-awaited frustration was relieving.
Appreciable Stuff!
I appreciate the inclusion of 'Delhi Girl's Rape Case.' To me, the author Rishi Vohra attempted to correlate the experiences of that poor girl and the story's main character Raghav.
Raghav is silently stabbed and made bleed owing to a similar cause. When Saanand raped him, he was merely a tender child, weak and helpless. The same goes for Delhi's victim girl.
Not only girls but young boys are also victimized to sexual abuse worldwide under different circumstances and capacities, and Rishi's portrayal of Raghav's case shows a glimpse of the broader picture. The author's brilliant subtlety in streamlining Raghav and Delhi's case relevantly throughout the story is commendable.
I remember how I felt disgusted back in 2012 at the perversion of those adversaries after learning about the case. Raghav's attachment to that victim girl would similarly reminisce in India's thousands of young hearts and neighboring countries.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to the ones who love to read thrillers in the context of familial, social, and national events. Diary of An Angry Young Man is highly recommended to those who're still struggling with life's aim and how to attain it in the best manner.
If I had a rating system on my site, I would rate it 3.5 out of 5, considering the plus-minus of the overall book. But don't judge my rating; It Is An Enjoyable Read!
Go grab a copy for yourself to embark on an enthralling and intense journey of 'an angry young man— Raghav.'
