'400 Days' by Chetan Bhagat is a gripping detective story that follows the investigation led by Keshav Rajpurohit and his best friend Saurabh into the mysterious kidnapping of a twelve-year-old girl named Siya. The plot unfolds in Gurugram, blending contemporary elements with traditional aspects, as the characters navigate through suspense, romance, and family dynamics. Chetan Bhagat's writing style in this book is described as engaging, fast-paced, and relatable, capturing the essence of the characters and the storyline effortlessly.

Characters:

The characters are relatable, with Keshav embodying millennial struggles and Alia's character showcasing emotional depth yet inconsistencies.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by conversational language that enhances relatability, with minimal use of elaborate literary devices.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a contemporary mix of traditional and modern elements, revolving around a kidnapping mystery infused with emotional and familial struggles.

Setting:

The setting in Gurugram is integral, presenting a modern urban backdrop that reflects real-life challenges and dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though it may slow down in certain parts, affecting the overall suspense.

Notes:

The book 400 Days is set in Gurugram, a bustling city in India.

It blends contemporary and traditional elements, making it relatable to modern readers.

The story revolves around Keshav, who is pulled into a mystery involving a missing girl named Siya.

Alia, the mother of the missing girl, seeks Keshav's help after the police give up on the case.

The book features a mix of romance and a detective storyline, consistent with Bhagat's style.

Readers describe it as a page-turner that kept them awake at night due to its gripping plot.

The writing style is conversational and straightforward, appealing to everyday readers.

Mysteries in the story are accompanied by twists and emotional depth, enhancing the suspense.

Many readers felt connected to the characters, almost feeling like the story was real life.

The book contains themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggles of motherhood.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of kidnapping, potential infidelity, emotional distress related to a missing child, and familial tensions.

Has Romance?

There is a decent amount of romance present in the story, primarily involving the characters Keshav and Alia, although it feels complicated and sometimes forced.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

12-year-old Siya has been missing nine months. It's a cold case, but Keshav wants to help her mother, Alia, who refuses to give up. Welcome to 400 Days-a mystery and romance story like no other.

'My daughter Siya was kidnapped. Nine months ago,' Alia said.

The police had given up. They called it a cold case. Even the rest of her family had stopped searching.

Alia wouldn't stop looking, though. She wanted to know if I could help her.

Hi, I am Keshav Rajpurohit and I am a disappointment to everyone around me. I live with my parents, who keep telling me how I should a) get married, b) focus on my IPS exams, c) meet more people and d) close my detective agency.

But Alia Arora, neighbour and ex-model, wanted my help. And I couldn't take my eyes off her face … I mean, her case.

Welcome to 400 Days. A mystery and romance story like none other. An unputdownable tale of suspense, human relationships, love, friendship, the crazy world we live in and, above all, a mother's determination to never give up.

From India's highest-selling author comes a page-turner that will not only keep you glued to the story but also touch you deeply.

What can you read after
400 Days?

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400 Days

Chetan Bhagat