Nagin by Mayur Didolkar: Book Review

~ Harshita Gupta

Title: Nagin

Author: Mayur Didolkar

Publisher: Juggernaut

Publication Date: 28th May, 2018

My Rating: 4 stars

Links: Amazon Goodreads Instagram Twitter

Do you believe in the hypothesis of shapeshifters? Do you believe that Ichhadhari Nag or Nagin does really exist? Or have you ever probed into the validation of this myth or in its truth?

Well! according to Wikipedia, “Ichhadhari Nag or Nagin are mythical shape shifting cobras in Indian folklore”. And this very book holds nine long short stories i.e. sort of novella encircling about the abstract of Ichhadhari Nag or Nagin.

The first story was kind of average and didn’t impress me much but the later ones were outright enthralling and charming. I was so much into the book that I readily felt my adrenaline rushing. The ninth story is an exclusive bonus story from the author’s upcoming series featuring bhinna nishacharas and wyadhas.

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The fifth story in the book, “Haka Mari” was my favourite and I really loved it to its core. In this story, two seven-year-old identical twins went missing during one night. The villagers were convinced that both the little girls were taken by Haka Mari bai! Haka Maris are ghosts controlled by tantricks. They prayed to Nag Devata for the return of the girls. The twin girls themselves daily prayed to their paternal uncles who were Ichhadhari Nags to save their life. The story ahead of how their uncles saved both of them from Haka Mari and bring them home is so fascinating and chilling.

Other stories consist of killing or demise through snake bite by Ichhadhari Nag or Nagin where few were done to avenge or few in defence.

The writing style of the author is eloquent and straightforward. And this very clean writing will keep you absorbed. At no point, you could guess what’s going to come ahead. Every time you turn a page, you will receive a new surprise. And I really loved that thrill.

This book reminded me of umpteen number of serials and Bollywood movies based on this idea. Still, the book holds new tales and a firm plot.

 

Why to read this book

If you love to stretch your reading horizons, then this is the book you clearly need to pick up. It will hold you in its grip and will not let you to pick another book until you’re done with it.

It is definitely a delightful and an entertaining read.

 

Have you happened to read this book? or thinking of it lately?

Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

-Harshita

 

 

 

Published by Harshita Gupta

Hi! I'm Harshita from New Delhi, India. I'm an ambivert, a bibliomaniac who never steps out without a book. Here on my blog, you will get everything bookish! So, do join me here to keep me going! And don't forget to leave your feedback. Your feedback means a lot. Thank you for stopping by. Happy Reading! :) Contact me at themystiquebooks@gmail.com

21 thoughts on “Nagin by Mayur Didolkar: Book Review”

  3. I do believe shapeshifting is a real phenomena. It often materializes from the spirit realm/realm of angels. I have seen these in various forms, no snakes per se, but as angels and even as a road grader in one instance.

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    1. Hi Well! the real or myth is really a debatable topic!
      I also do believe that there is always a truth behind myths.
      In any case, I just love reading books with supernatural things and similar things. 🙂

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  4. What do you think about the title of the book? Don ‘t you think it is rudimentary? At first, judging by the cover of the book (Yes, I am addicted to “judge a book by its cover”), I skipped the review straightaway. Now, I am cogitating whether to read the review or not. It could be the 284th book in my amazon cart. Would you recommend this book for a nascent reader and an aspirational novelist? and why?

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    1. Hi! Yes! It’s very basic and I too was reluctant to pick it in the beginning and thought it must be like the regular thing!
      But I’m always open to try different genres and make sure if I didn’t like, will drop it soon. But for liking the book, you need to first start it. And I’m glad this book didn’t disappoint me.
      I would definitely recommend this book provided the reader has interest in reading supernaturals or shape shifting thing.

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  5. Hi! Yes! It’s very basic and I too was reluctant to pick it in the beginning and thought it must be like the regular thing!
    But I’m always open to try different genres and make sure if I didn’t like, will drop it soon. But for liking the book, you need to first start it. And I’m glad this book didn’t disappoint me.
    I would definitely recommend this book provided the reader has interest in reading supernaturals or shape shifting thing.

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  8. Loved your review, it’s definitely made me want to read this! I really don’t know a lot of Indian myths and stories, so this sounds super interesting 😁

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