Sacred Games

More about the book

This novel is as vast, ambitious, and multi-layered as India itself, weaving a rich tapestry of its complexities, from age-old hatreds to the caste system and corruption. At its core, the story unfolds between Inspector Sartaj Singh, a Sikh officer in the Mumbai police, and Ganesh Gaitonde, India's most wanted gangster. Ganesh, named after the Hindu god of success, initially appears to have it all but soon finds himself trapped in a bomb shelter with Sartaj outside. Their exchanges range from philosophical debates on good and evil to heated confrontations, culminating in Sartaj discovering Ganesh dead alongside an unknown woman. The narrative explores Gaitonde's rise to power amidst the intertwining worlds of organized crime, politics, and religion in India. As Gaitonde shares his captivating tales, readers are drawn into a thrilling exploration of treachery and the gritty streets of Mumbai. The author, who splits his time between Berkeley and Mumbai, sought to create a representation of the intricate connections between lives and events, revealing how ordinary people navigate choices shaped by distant forces. The dialogue is rich with Indian slang, immersing readers in a cultural landscape that may be unfamiliar yet rewarding. Characters, including Sartaj's mother, add depth, while the influence of Bollywood films permeates the narrative, showcasing a vibrant cultural backdrop. The author’s intention is to transport readers