Book Review- The 365 Days by Nikhil Ramteke

Book Name: The 365 Days 

 
Author: Nikhil Ramteke 

 
Publisher: Write India Publishers 

 
Blurb: 

 
This is a story that falls through the crevices of pitiless anonymity, yet miraculously waits to be told. 

 
Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his tiny hamlet of abject poverty in the coastal village of Vizhinjam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, that picturesque vignette of searing beauty on the southwestern coast of India. Shiju, like millions of other Malayalis, seeks his destiny in Dubai, that gleaming global hub of fortune on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. What unfolds is a stirring story of distilled hardship, exploitation, identity, and friendship, and the heartbreaking choices Shiju is often forced to make. So what he sees is not what he experiences when he lands in a world of glimmering towers, fast-paced life, and unabashed opulence. For what he was not prepared for was the dark underbelly of Dubai beyond the shimmering mirage.

 
Shiju's life is no more the same. But he holds his ground, drawing on ancient instincts of his seafaring ancestry. As things settle down around him, he is inexorably pulled into the canyon of recession... Will Shiju be able to hold on to his dreams? Will he able to pull out himself from the whirlpool? Will he survive against all odds? Will he redeem himself? Nikhil Ramteke unfolds an extraordinary saga about Indian expatriates, their struggles, their alienation, and their dreams. The 365 Days is more than a story of a year in Shijukutty's life. 

 

 
Story in a nutshell: 

 
Shijukutty is a fisherman from Kerala. His earnings are enough to feed his family. The other luxuries of life seem distant to him with his present earnings. He wishes to provide his family with all modern amenities. He learns that working in Gulf not only fetches money but also, status and respect in the society. He decides to leave Kerala and go to Gulf to make money. The 365 Days is a brief encounter of his life in Gulf. 

 

 
Review: 

 
The cover of the book doesn't appeal to the eyes. But as they say never judge a book by its cover. This book falls into that category. I read the blurb and I knew that it is going to be an amazing read. The story is simple and I felt that it is written straight from heart. The frank narration will find a way into your heart. The book instantly makes you a part of it. You'll find yourself getting attached to the book as you proceed with your reading. The book makes you realise few hard truths about life. It tells you that hardwork is the only way to success. Discrimination prevails in each and every sect of life. 

 
Likes:

• The character of Shijukutty.
• His love for his wife and his son.
• His struggle to give his family a quality life. 

 
I rate: 

 
Cover- 2/5
Characters- 3.5/5
Story- 4/5

I rate 'The 365 Days' with 4/5 stars.

 

Book your copies on Amazon.