After ages I have read an
interesting digital thriller from an Indian author. Kudos to Amrita Chowdhury,
for picking up the topic of cyber-crime and weaving an interesting plot around
it. In India with less internet penetration, we are still not bothered with the cyber crime, we have other big crimes to grab our attention. But still the
invasion of digital world cannot be ignored. In a country where half of the
population, barely knows how to operate computers, cyber security is not the
least concern for them. I consider myself fairly net savvy but after reading the
novel, even I woke up to certain grim cyber facts.
The plot of the novel unravels across globe,
involving US, China, India, Africa and likes. The story starts in US, where a
pharma giant is about to file patent for a miraculous drug against cancer. All
was going well, but then they start getting data irregularity from there Indian
office, which was headed by charismatic Vir. All hell broke loose, a blame game
starts, which threaten to ruin many careers. How Vir and his Indian team, break
through the corporate espionage makes it an interesting read.
The writer has highlighted
many issues through this novel, the parallel world of hackers, the mistrust
shown by westerners for the developing nations. The story delicately teaches
the reader certain lesson in crisis management. All the characters are
beautifully build, where the reader can relate to each character and understand
the motivation behind each act.
Though a reader might take
time to get a grip on the character and the plot, as in the beginning one gets
a feeling that too much is happening too fast. But then once the plot is
settled, one cannot put down the book, the plot completely hooks you. The
author has tried to explain scientific concepts, in easier terms. The plot also
stress on that if you have knowledge then you should know how to use it
constructively. One of the character Karthik beautifully emphasise, that at
times unknowingly we walk down on the path which leads to further downfall. So
choose your path wisely.
Why should you read the
novel:
a)To learn the threat from
cyber crime.
b)Gripping plot.
c)Understand how cyber
underworld functions.