Blue Bar || Damyanti Biswas

“It all began with that midnight-colored saree, thick with dark-blue sequins, its endless sea of shimmering dots stitched by hands that must have cracked and bled over the months of needle in and out of taut cloth in some dingy, godforsaken hole in one of Mumbai’s stinking alleyways.”

Entering Damyanti Biswas’s “The Blue Bar” universe was like stepping into a dimly lit alleyway, where every whispered conversation carried a sense of danger and every shadow contained a mystery. I was engrossed in a story that delves into the darkest corners of human nature, revealing the desires and secrets that lie beneath the surface of society. As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself captivated by the intricate web of intrigue and suspense that Biswas had woven, and I couldn’t help but be drawn further into the shadows.

“The Blue Bar” is mostly a terrifying examination of the worst aspects of human nature. Painting a striking portrait of a world where violence and corruption rule supreme, Biswas doesn’t hesitate to delve into the depths of depravity. The story pulls back the layers of society to reveal the twisted reasons and hidden ambitions that drive its people, from the dark underbelly of Mumbai’s dance bars to the halls of power where politicians and businesspeople pull the strings.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its portrayal of the serial killer who stalks the streets of Mumbai, preying on vulnerable women with impunity. When it comes to portraying the savagery of the murders, Biswas spares no detail in detailing the horrifying aftermath of each killing. Nevertheless, there is a fascination mixed with terror as we are forced to face our own inner darkness and are lured into the killer’s psyche.

“When you close yourself off from people because they might end up hurting you, you shut out not only the hurt, but life itself. You have no control over what will happen to you, but you can choose whether to risk it all, or retreat.”

But it’s not just the killer who embodies the dark side of human nature; it’s also the characters who populate Biswas’s world. From the morally ambiguous Inspector Arnav Singh Rajput to the manipulative businessmen and corrupt politicians who pull the strings behind the scenes, each character is flawed and complex, grappling with their own demons and inner conflicts. As the story unfolds, we see how these characters are shaped by their past traumas and present circumstances, and how they are driven to commit acts of violence and betrayal in pursuit of their own goals.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there are moments of light and redemption. Biswas deftly weaves themes of love, loyalty, and resilience throughout the narrative, offering glimpses of hope amidst the despair. Whether it’s the bond between Arnav and his lost love, Tara, or the fierce determination of the women who refuse to be victims, there is a sense that even in the darkest of times, there is still the possibility of redemption.

As I read the final chapter of “The Blue Bar,” I couldn’t help but think about how people are made and how hard it is to tell what is good from evil. The work by Biswas serves as a sobering reminder that we are all harboring darkness inside of us, just waiting for the proper opportunity to let it loose. As I read the final chapter of “The Blue Bar,” I couldn’t help but think about how people are made and how hard it is to tell what is good from evil. The work by Biswas serves as a sobering reminder that we are all harboring darkness inside of us, just waiting for the proper opportunity to let it loose. However, it’s also a monument to the human spirit and perseverance, as we witness the characters in the novel battle their fears and discover the will to persevere in the face of hardship.

Ultimately, “The Blue Bar” is more than just a crime thriller; it’s a profound exploration of the human condition and the forces that drive us to commit acts of violence and betrayal. Biswas’s masterful storytelling and keen insight into the complexities of human nature make this a book that will linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned.

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile