Deepti Kapoor’s “Age of Vice” is an engrossing and multidimensional novel that has received widespread notice and acclaim.
The literary criminal thriller “Age of Vice” is set in northern India in the early years of the twenty-first century. It all starts with a shocking tragedy in New Delhi when a Mercedes strikes and murders five-day workers. This act serves as the catalyst for the unraveling of a sophisticated plan involving the Wadia family, who are notorious for their money, corruption, and brutality.
The story intertwines the lives of various individuals. Ajay, a young guy from a disadvantaged caste, Sunny Wadia, a playboy and the de facto head of a gang of affluent and fashionable Indians, and Neha, a character whose past is inextricably interwoven with the others, is central to the tale. Ajay, born into poverty, climbs through the ranks of the Wadia family business, encountering different moral and ethical quandaries.
Kapoor’s story is praised for its investigation of social dynamics, particularly the split in India between oppressed and oppressors. Her story deftly shifts across historical periods and social classes, revealing secrets while creating new ones. The narrative is notable for its quickness and richness, mixing violence, emotional depth, and political criticism with success.
Critics have likened “Age of Vice” to classics such as “The Godfather” and “The Bonfire of the Vanities” for its mix of gangster mayhem and societal satire. It’s also been compared to the TV show “Succession” since it depicts a powerful family entangled in corruption and internal power struggles. The novel’s cinematic quality is highly commended, with a style reminiscent of Hemingway, making it both visually and emotionally fascinating.
While the work has received widespread praise, several critics point to its length and intricacy as possible flaws. The narrative’s smoothness occasionally borders on slickness, and the characters, while well-known, don’t always dig into nuance. However, Kapoor’s incisive writing and genuine depiction of modern Delhi’s sociopolitical scene are usually cited as book merits.
The FX miniseries “Age of Vice” has been picked up, demonstrating its high appeal and the potential for a broader audience to interact with its ideas and narrative. This adaptation highlights the novel’s dynamic narrative and adaptability to a visual medium.
In essence, Deepti Kapoor’s “Age of Vice” is a captivating combination of criminal thriller and literary fiction that delves into social and economic inequities in modern India. It is a remarkable and compelling work in modern literature because of its colorful characters, complicated storyline, and thematic depth, as well as its cinematic storytelling technique.
Source: BookBrowse, Book Marks, Bookreporter
