Red Race by Kaushik Roy [Paperback]

We all make mistakes, commit crimes, and face punishment. Then, perhaps, we get a chance to return, but most of the time, we become so engrossed in our past that we forget to take a step toward the future. And when we encounter a danger so great that there is no way to turn back, that’s when we fight our greatest battle. A battle that is far more mental and spiritual than physical.

Although this novel is a thriller, it carries the essence of life in every layer. It tells the story of broken people who want to start over, good people who, despite knowing everything, remain helpless, selfish individuals who do not hesitate to cause harm to society for their own gain, and some Dhritarashtra-like fathers who turn a blind eye to reality. Together, they form the fabric of this novel. If, while reading, the reader feels anger towards the 'good' characters and a pang of sympathy for the 'bad' ones, then the purpose of writing this novel is fulfilled.

An interesting aspect of this novel is that each chapter is titled with the word ‘red’ or its synonyms. Why? Because I wanted to weave the presence of the central character, Lal Adil, throughout the novel, either directly or indirectly.

To all the broken people in the world—I hope they find a shoulder to rest their heads on, a chest to hide their tears in, the courage to dream of flying again despite their broken wings, and, one day, the strength to leave everything behind and learn to live once more.