My Illegitimate Son | Book Review

 Review of Sanjay Jha's - My Illegitimate Son

• Title - My Illegitimate Son
• Author – Sanjay Jha
• Year published – May 5th. 2023
• Publisher - Rupa Publications India
• Pages - 200
• Genre – Based on a true story
• Format - Hardcover

Relationships are achingly complex, even more so when it’s a father and his accidental love child.

Two strangers meet serendipitously. One is an irrepressible, mischievous brat and the other a brooding platitudinous bore. Their contrasting individual paths that portend a star-crossed disaster suddenly find a shared future. Fate brings them under the same roof, and soon, the insolent child’s wild, roller-coaster, mind-numbing life takes centre stage in a moody family’s wacky, dysfunctional abode. What follows is a fantastical journey, and that is putting it mildly.

Enter an unexpected visitor, and soon their lives are completely disarranged. The vicissitudes of life are on full display as the father-son duo confront a new reality. The family struggles to grapple with the new power dynamic as circumstances start spiralling beyond everyone’s control, with grievous consequences.

In this exceptional slice-of-life book, Sanjay Jha tells us a heart-rending account of love and loss, happiness and grief, regret and redemption. ‘Grief, once it checks in, is a permanent guest’, says the tiny protagonist. Is atonement and forgiveness at all possible, or is it just a desperate human urge for finding inner peace? Is time, eventually, the only true healer? Can we really move on?

In My Illegitimate Son, Sanjay Jha narrates a stirringly poignant story, which has both riotous laughter and abundant sorrow, that might just find an echo with your own.

The intriguing title, authored by a politician, immediately caught my attention, and as I delved into its pages, I discovered an absorbing narrative that held my interest from beginning to end.

The perspective of Louis, the charming Dachshund adopted by Beard, Big Mama, and the girls, Missy and Mo, provides a fresh and captivating narration through which the story unfolds. From the prologue to the final page, I was captivated and completed the book in one sitting.

While I've read accounts of pets penned by their owners, this one stood out as it was eloquently narrated from the pet's viewpoint. The depiction of Louis's birth, his introduction to the household's other pets, the dynamics between them, their routines, conflicts, and their experiences during trying times like sickness and the pandemic, all felt relatable and emotionally resonant.

The narrative skillfully captures the unique way pets perceive the world, their interpretation of love and affection, and their inherent connection to their human companions. The writing flows effortlessly, adorned with an impressive vocabulary that occasionally prompted me to consult a dictionary, enhancing the impact of the storytelling.

Throughout the book, readers will find themselves chuckling, smiling, shedding a tear or two, and nodding in agreement with Louis's perceptive and sometimes humorous philosophies. The book also cleverly weaves in commentary on current events and political figures through Louis's perspective, enhancing its relevance and engagement. The chapter-opening quotes add an extra layer of depth and enjoyment.

The inclusion of beautiful illustrations is a commendable addition, offering a visual dimension that enhances the reader's connection with the characters and their world.

In conclusion, this book is a witty, heartwarming, and emotionally touching journey that resonates deeply. With a rating of 4/5 stars, it is a must-read for pet lovers, those seeking a lighter read after a heavy one, or anyone looking for a quick, worthwhile read.

Sanjay Jha is a former National Spokesperson of the Congress party. He is also the bestselling author of The Great Unravelling: India after 2014 and The Superstar Syndrome: Making of a Champion. He is Executive Director, Dale Carnegie. Jha is a regular contributor as a political analyst in mainstream media and digital platforms. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, two daughters and some dogs.

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