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Book Review: Penalty & Pardon by Ramu Upadhaya

The world is a troubled place for a sane and pious person. Based on similar lines is the Ramu Upadhaya’s latest offering “Penalty & Pardon”, a sort of fiction, of course with old-days like philosophical touch.


At the façade of the story, we confront with main characters like Patrick, Desmond, and Baxter. Patrick has not seen the mystical God but believes in him and is ready to dedicate all his life for godly good work that is appreciated by the angles of God. But having said that, it is not easy. The path of god! His mettle and faith will be tested by devil forces and shadows. And those devils in the story are represented by Desmond and Baxter.

The title is contrasting to its essence. Penalty refers to pain and tribulation inflicted by evils to the people embraced the ways of God. And pardon refers to forgiveness bestowed on devilish forces. The novel is highly imaginative yet insightful. The author took all the efforts to show how a person’s providence is challenged by the seen and invisible forces. It’s belief and faith that defines the life and generations of the people. Desmond and Baxter put all efforts to spoil and astray the kin and kith of Patrick.

If you read the novel till the end, you will find subtle satire and sarcasm that the author leveraged to make the topic a light read. As compared to previous books, this one is fast-paced and easy to read. However, Ramu used a tough course of vocabulary. There are many instances and episodes in the book that may sound relatable to our lives, especially when we are struck by the devilish forces.

The soul of the book is contemporary spiritual. It depicts the undercurrent that runs beneath an individual’s faith. From story to message, the novel is a great offering to the humanity. This seems a balanced work and Ramu used right doses of all aspects to keep this novel on its path. Well written and edited, this novel will change your perspective and give you courage to follow your God’s path and will.

Buy from Amazon/Kindle.

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