Aakar Patel speaks to Karan Thapar on his debut novel After Messiah. It’s a political thriller but it begins as a roman-à-clef. As you read, it develops into a powerful story about the character of Indian politics and the struggle between strategy and tactics on the one hand and principles and morality on the other.

The book reveals a talent for imaginative and gripping story-telling. Patel's capacity to create characters with deep inner struggles gives the narrative a deep moral dimension. Unlike conventional political thrillers, this book is also a reflection on the nature of politics and the paradox that great achievements are often born out of shameful compromises.

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