A Scary Treat

 Review by Ronica Wahi

 


Behrupiya

By Varsha Shrivastav

First published: In parts, starting May 24, 2019, Pratilipi app.

Edition reviewed: July 15, 2021, Ekatra – a joint imprint of Manjul and Pratilipi.

Pages: 236. 

ISBN: 9789390924622

Stunning is the word.

Fast-paced, thrilling, and deftly crafted, with all threads tightly tying up as it progresses, Varsha Shrivastav’s Behrupiya (the word can mean “impersonator” but in the present context, it means “shape-shifter”) is a shining achievement. Full of suspense, and interesting twists and turns every few pages, it keeps the reader hooked till the final page.

There is no slack – the suspense unfolds gradually yet there is so much happening that putting the book down is not going to be easy. Scenes keep changing as distinct parts of the whole are showcased. Hints are thrown intermittently of what is going to come up further, and this factor just ups the thrill and curiosity to know stuff.

Shrivastav presents the background story of werewolves, bringing in newness and changes to the tales or legends about them. And she interweaves this story into the life story of a young single mother. Despite being on a subject that is not unfamiliar, the novel has a lot to offer that can make the reader pause and mull over to get a clear picture of how things stand.

The writing style is fine and engaging. Fine to the point that the reader turns into a viewer who watches the scenes playing out in front of his/her eyes. The Hindi used is refined yet easy-to-follow. There are touches of different styles/dialects of the language through the dialogues of some of the characters which add authenticity and interest.

A word of caution though. Since the description is so vivid and the book is a horror tale of werewolves, some readers might find a few scenes terrifying or disturbing. Fear, of course, runs through the tale – fear for oneself, fear for the loved ones, fear of the unknown.

But fear isn’t the only emotion here. There are many touching elements and parts in Behrupiya. The work also has other aspects that readers can relate to – for instance, family issues, friendship, love for the country, and struggles of being a single mother.

For Shrivastav is a gifted writer, the characters are as well fashioned as are the actions. Anushka, Uday, Colonel Karanveer Singh, and of course, the werewolves do leave an impact. Little Aayu, with his plans to make his Mamma settle down, is adorable.

A scary one, but it’s a treat. Be sure to grab a copy of this thrilling horror tale.


Amazon India link for Behrupiya (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3Bin2s6


To listen to Varsha Shrivastav talk of her writing journey and fascination with the horror genre, how she wrote Behrupiya, and why homemakers must prioritize pursuing what they love, watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU6pdGMG5ag



DISCLAIMER: Ronica Wahi is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. If you make a purchase through any of the Amazon links provided by Ronica here, she may receive a small commission, without any extra cost to you.

 

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