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The Reengineers
Chinmay Narayan is plotting to kill himself. He is a misfit at school, his parents are about to divorce and the love of his life doesn’t know he exists. It seems pointless to go on with such a dysfunctional life. But before he gets anywhere with that plan, Chinmay and his friends, Anu and Sabi, stumble into the eerie world of Conchpore through a portal in Uncle RK’s library.
They find themselves in The Seeker’s School, where you can buy spiritual courses that will bring you enlightenment. While the seekers seem unaware that there is anything amiss, Chinmay and his friends stumble upon a strange and sinister plot that the teachers and students are caught up in. The three youngsters suddenly find themselves in danger, and their only hope is the charismatic Siddharth, an old student of the school who has come to visit. Chinmay discovers that Siddharth is seeking catharsis from his dark past by writing a book—a book with Chinmay as the protagonist. He realizes that his own story is a mirror image of Siddharth’s, which leads to a moment of reckoning for him: can he become the author of his own life?
Set in Madras in the early nineties, The Reengineers dispels the boundaries between fiction and reality to tell a tale that is as much a coming-of-age story as it is an inspiring narrative of self-empowerment and spiritual growth.
They find themselves in The Seeker’s School, where you can buy spiritual courses that will bring you enlightenment. While the seekers seem unaware that there is anything amiss, Chinmay and his friends stumble upon a strange and sinister plot that the teachers and students are caught up in. The three youngsters suddenly find themselves in danger, and their only hope is the charismatic Siddharth, an old student of the school who has come to visit. Chinmay discovers that Siddharth is seeking catharsis from his dark past by writing a book—a book with Chinmay as the protagonist. He realizes that his own story is a mirror image of Siddharth’s, which leads to a moment of reckoning for him: can he become the author of his own life?
Set in Madras in the early nineties, The Reengineers dispels the boundaries between fiction and reality to tell a tale that is as much a coming-of-age story as it is an inspiring narrative of self-empowerment and spiritual growth.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2015
1 person is currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Indu Muralidharan
2 books98 followersIndu's first novel The Reengineers (HarperCollins) is a metafictional exploration of the nature of reality, viewed through the relationship between the character of a novel and the author. Triumphing depression, self-love and self-empowerment and celebration of the many dimensions of joy in life are themes that run through her work.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 27, 2016
he Reengineers is a book that has covered many issues such as Depression yet being mindful towards and aiming for holistic health of body and mind while seeking the truth of one's soul.
The story is set in Madras and begins with a teenage boy, Chinmay preparing for his tenth-grade exams along with his besties Anu and Sabi in the library of his aunt. When suddenly a journey unfolds when a particular door opens, and they land in a Seeker's School in Conchpure. The setting seems real with how the author shows a group of people chanting away while the confused students try to make sense of their surroundings. The adventure develops from here onwards...
Govind, the antagonist, is developed well, and he sure did make an impression on the reader's mind. Siddharth's Letters to a Hero were mind blowing, but I was surprised to see a transformation happen in Chinmay so soon especially since he had been battling with depression and had plans of suicide after his board exams given the current family problems between his mom and dad. The narration of the downfall of the Seeker's School was slow, but it ended well with the professor concluding to take to the mountains while dissolving his staff. No doubt characters such as Govind and Roshan did not take it well, and repercussions were shown that was satisfying as a reader. Eventually, the children returned 'home', but with a wider outlook and yet the satisfaction to be near their closed ones. They finished their exams and enjoyed their summer with Charu Bhabhi, the newest member of their family. Also liked the matured and happy go lucky attitude of Chinmay towards his parents and their present situation between their relationship.
Read more @ http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/...
May 27, 2016
Received a free paperback copy from the book club in exchange for an honest review, at first, I thought this book might be of a type that talks about the life of an engineering student or so, but the blurb was totally different and with hints that said the book is based on Madras (My place) – I was thrilled to read.
The book starts off with a world building set in the 1990s of Madras right from suprabhatham to details that describe how madras was, but it was indeed a slow read in the start. I skimmed through pages until I hit something relevant and where the book started catching enough speed.
I loved the language used by the author, good diction throughout and that is one major plus of this book.
The cover and the title are not catchy enough to grab a copy, but the blurb might interest many as it sounds tricky and magical.
The motivation of the characters could have been even stronger, but, nevertheless are good enough to lead the reader in the right direction. More of a self-discovery than anything else that makes the book a one-time read, it had promising fantasy at the right proportions and with a language so good, this book sets on par with excellence stealing away the heart of the reader after a point.
A few quotations are very beautiful and it sails to the depths of life. The book takes a turn from its genre YA or Coming-of-age and goes to the spiritual mode, which is something I don’t trust mostly. Might work for others!
A very good try indeed!
The book starts off with a world building set in the 1990s of Madras right from suprabhatham to details that describe how madras was, but it was indeed a slow read in the start. I skimmed through pages until I hit something relevant and where the book started catching enough speed.
I loved the language used by the author, good diction throughout and that is one major plus of this book.
The cover and the title are not catchy enough to grab a copy, but the blurb might interest many as it sounds tricky and magical.
The motivation of the characters could have been even stronger, but, nevertheless are good enough to lead the reader in the right direction. More of a self-discovery than anything else that makes the book a one-time read, it had promising fantasy at the right proportions and with a language so good, this book sets on par with excellence stealing away the heart of the reader after a point.
A few quotations are very beautiful and it sails to the depths of life. The book takes a turn from its genre YA or Coming-of-age and goes to the spiritual mode, which is something I don’t trust mostly. Might work for others!
A very good try indeed!
September 16, 2016
The novel started at a very different note and ended up in a totally different dimension. I was dumbstruck to know the ending and the proceedings that lead me to such spectacular ending which was just smooth, interesting and not at all hasty, allowing each and every difficult turn of events to be grasped with ease. The book came as a surprise package for me. A fantastic read.
You can read the complete review here -
https://thesubtlebraiding.blogspot.in...
You can read the complete review here -
https://thesubtlebraiding.blogspot.in...
May 3, 2016
Review of “The Reengineers” by Indu Muralidharan
The Reengineers by Indu Muralidharan is a fantastic read. It deals in a unique way the issue of depression. It also throws light on how people with vested interests try to monetize everything on their way. Be it education, relationships or spirituality.
In the end, it provides a guideline for ethical businesses- “Ensure that work gets done and money keeps flowing”. It resonates with one of the virtues of Jain Philosophy- Aparigraha i.e. non-possession.
The “Letters to a Hero” by Siddharth is appealing and casts a kind of spell. They form the heart and soul of the book.
The book is not only inspiring but shall also quench Seekers’ of life to a great extent.
(I highly recommend the author to write a self-help book on Depression).
In the “Letters to a Hero” the advices on dealing with politics, colleagues & challenges in corporate sector is really useful.
Best moments @ The Reengineers by Indu Muralidharan
“Fourteen is the age when time first starts to make its presence felt. Time took on such a variety of hues in those days”.
“I felt sorry for her even though she slammed the door again”.
“I was not a misfit. I was a seeker”.
“It takes time, effort, physical strength and moral courage to cope up with depression and then catch up life afterwards”.
“In real life, every day, every hour, every task, and sometimes every conversation can count as a test”.
“In life as much as in work, it is better to not to completely trust anyone”.
“Awareness is not like a wisdom tooth that comes with time”.
“I was not surprised. Failure had become a way of life”.
“One who would go through the same journey that he had taken, from being a passive character at the mercy of the world around him, to being hero”.
“He can rise and soar again. He merely has to wish for it”.
“A few get lucky, most compromise”.
Story@ The Reengineers
Initially the book takes you into the library where the protagonist Chinmay with his besties Anu & Sabi engage themselves in reading books may be as a way to escape from realities.
The protagonist Chinmay decided to commit suicide just after his 10th examinations. He found it unbearable to see his parents getting divorced. Before examination something unusual happened. He with his besties landed themselves at Seeker’s School in Conchpure.
Shall Chinmay’s life change on meeting with Siddharth in Conchpure?
Can a single person change our life?
Or will he end his life?
I rate it as 5/5.
The Reengineers by Indu Muralidharan is a fantastic read. It deals in a unique way the issue of depression. It also throws light on how people with vested interests try to monetize everything on their way. Be it education, relationships or spirituality.
In the end, it provides a guideline for ethical businesses- “Ensure that work gets done and money keeps flowing”. It resonates with one of the virtues of Jain Philosophy- Aparigraha i.e. non-possession.
The “Letters to a Hero” by Siddharth is appealing and casts a kind of spell. They form the heart and soul of the book.
The book is not only inspiring but shall also quench Seekers’ of life to a great extent.
(I highly recommend the author to write a self-help book on Depression).
In the “Letters to a Hero” the advices on dealing with politics, colleagues & challenges in corporate sector is really useful.
Best moments @ The Reengineers by Indu Muralidharan
“Fourteen is the age when time first starts to make its presence felt. Time took on such a variety of hues in those days”.
“I felt sorry for her even though she slammed the door again”.
“I was not a misfit. I was a seeker”.
“It takes time, effort, physical strength and moral courage to cope up with depression and then catch up life afterwards”.
“In real life, every day, every hour, every task, and sometimes every conversation can count as a test”.
“In life as much as in work, it is better to not to completely trust anyone”.
“Awareness is not like a wisdom tooth that comes with time”.
“I was not surprised. Failure had become a way of life”.
“One who would go through the same journey that he had taken, from being a passive character at the mercy of the world around him, to being hero”.
“He can rise and soar again. He merely has to wish for it”.
“A few get lucky, most compromise”.
Story@ The Reengineers
Initially the book takes you into the library where the protagonist Chinmay with his besties Anu & Sabi engage themselves in reading books may be as a way to escape from realities.
The protagonist Chinmay decided to commit suicide just after his 10th examinations. He found it unbearable to see his parents getting divorced. Before examination something unusual happened. He with his besties landed themselves at Seeker’s School in Conchpure.
Shall Chinmay’s life change on meeting with Siddharth in Conchpure?
Can a single person change our life?
Or will he end his life?
I rate it as 5/5.
February 17, 2017
The blurb of the book somehow reminded me of the Chronicles of Narnia. It is probably because of the mention of a secret portal hidden in a library that takes you to a different world on the whole. So, when the author approached me, I immediately agreed to read and review the book.
Chinmay Narayan, our protagonist, feels like a misfit in his own life. He feels depressed and that his life is out of control what with him being overwhelmed by a dysfunctional family and unrequited love. A chance accident leads him to discover a whole new world in Conchpore along with his friends Anurag and Sabarmati. It proves to be a turning point in his life - new place, new people and new rules. But something is definitely not right, but what can Chinmay do about it? How does one get back to the real world? And would Chinmay want to go back? And what does the mysterious Siddharth have to do with anything?
After a somewhat slow start the book picks up the pace as Chinmay and his friends discover Conchpore. Soon we meet a myriad of characters who build up the story to its apex with their inputs. But in the end it is Siddharth and Chinmay who stand out the most. Their characters are eerily similar yet so different at the same time. Chinmay turned out to be a character who is easy to relate to and felt very real. His story probably reflects many true life stories. His issues were real issues and while some people may roll their eyes at them, I know that at that age, many of us have felt in the same way. Things that were not that important felt life like altering experiences while we overlooked a lot of what were actually life changing events and did not realize it till much later. Anurag and Sabarmati makes for ideal sidekicks on an adventure like this, though I did wish for more depth in them.
Chunmay’s journey through the novel – his realizations and process of self discovery, is really what this book is all about. It was endearing to see him finally grow up, out of his shell and really see himself and his life for what they really are. The fact that this is the author’s debut work brings me hope as she has selected a premise that is not too heavy yet is very real. The book could have done with another round of editing as the language did seem to slip at a few points. But nothing too serious to take away much from the reading experience.
If you are bored of reading the same run-of-the-mill romance that couple of authors seem to be churning out every few months, do give this one a try. It will not be a life changing experience, but it will probably prove to be a good change
April 26, 2016
My reading resolution for 2016 is to try out books that are out of my comfort genre zone. This turned out to be a successful experiment. The Reengineers is lessons in spirituality wrapped in layers of fantasy and mystery, asserting that the outside is mostly an illusion and it is what is inside that is the game changer. True the book needed some effort on my part to read it, especially for long spells particularly in the beginning and towards the end. So much that in the beginning, I questioned my choice and in the end I was tempted to skip pages. But no! Don’t do that! Hold on and before you know it, the book really has you in. While you may not want to read more than say 10 pages in one go, like me, the intrigue of what happens next stays with you. And before you know it, you’ve picked the book up again!
The book is filled with inspiring gems. For example, there is one excerpt that tells you the importance of not just having a plan in place for your life, but also being flexible enough to change it when the circumstances arise.
This book is very different from everything that I’ve read. But I am happy that I decided to give it a chance. I’ve seldom seen spirituality explained so well, and this book nails it perfectly.
The use of a decent vocabulary and a smooth flow of the prose earn this book those extra brownie points.
The book is filled with inspiring gems. For example, there is one excerpt that tells you the importance of not just having a plan in place for your life, but also being flexible enough to change it when the circumstances arise.
This book is very different from everything that I’ve read. But I am happy that I decided to give it a chance. I’ve seldom seen spirituality explained so well, and this book nails it perfectly.
The use of a decent vocabulary and a smooth flow of the prose earn this book those extra brownie points.
April 27, 2016
A secret portal that gives one access to a hidden world - reminds me of the Chronicles of Narnia. There ends the similarity though. The rest of the story is about Chinmay, who is struggling hard to cope with his broken family and nursing a broken heart. Once Chinmay, Anu and Sabi are in Conchpore they realize they are in the campus of the Seekers'school and have strange experiences that leave them changed for the better.
The language is impeccable, the narrative though slow in the beginning picks up pace when the protagonist reaches Conchpore and from there it is an admirable read. The book is enjoyable and no matter what age the reader is, s/he can find something inspirational from the book.
http://ishireviews.blogspot.in/2016/0...
The language is impeccable, the narrative though slow in the beginning picks up pace when the protagonist reaches Conchpore and from there it is an admirable read. The book is enjoyable and no matter what age the reader is, s/he can find something inspirational from the book.
http://ishireviews.blogspot.in/2016/0...
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
After reading the blurb for this book, I thought it would be full of adventure. I was wrong. Although Chinmay ( the protagonist ) and his friends find themselves in a new world, it isn't very different from ours. There's nothing really striking or magical about this world. Also, I didn't really understand what the plot was supposed to be. The story was no doubt interesting but bit seemed directionless. There was also quite a bit of philosophical stuff which was honestly not very interesting for me. Other than that, this book was a pretty decent read. I don't know if I'd ever read it again though. What I really really liked about this book was the twist that came near the end. I could never have seen that coming.
After reading the blurb for this book, I thought it would be full of adventure. I was wrong. Although Chinmay ( the protagonist ) and his friends find themselves in a new world, it isn't very different from ours. There's nothing really striking or magical about this world. Also, I didn't really understand what the plot was supposed to be. The story was no doubt interesting but bit seemed directionless. There was also quite a bit of philosophical stuff which was honestly not very interesting for me. Other than that, this book was a pretty decent read. I don't know if I'd ever read it again though. What I really really liked about this book was the twist that came near the end. I could never have seen that coming.
December 16, 2015
Quite an interesting read, almost like a parable - starts up slowly but picks up pace while imparting some key lessons
April 12, 2016
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review through The Book Club. This in no way impacts my review and all the thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
It's been a while since I read the book and I am still digesting it. This is one of the books which is both easy and difficult to reminisce on. The reason is that it was both an enjoyable read which got me immersed in the lives of the characters wholeheartedly and an enlightening read which got me thinking on the various truths interspersed throughout the book. It is classified as Young Adult but I think that it is appropriate for all ages. It is universal and the author has done a good job making her work a different and thought provoking one.
The entire story can be told in a line - Discovery of self. That's what the book is about. The author has taken a unique way of trying to get across her point/message. The book follows the adventure of Chinmay, Anu and Sabi as they discover a portal to another space and world. There they go through incidents which changes them in a better way.
I admit that the similarity of the beginning of the tale to Chronicles of Narnia, that is, the accidental discovery of an entry to a different world, was what first attracted me to the book. I was expecting a fantastical piece of work with a hint of mystery as hinted by the blurb. What I got was a tale which is similar to almost everyone's life at some point. It does speak of the hard truths of life.
The starting was a bit slow and almost had me giving up on the book because of too much negativity and the suffering mentality of Chinmay and his friends. But then their entry into Conchpore had the story speeding up and then ending with a simplicity after all the convoluted explanation.
Chinmay and Siddharth seem to be the most focused on characters and I saw them getting better and justifying their roles while Anu and Sabi, though good supporting cast, weren't given much substance. All other characters, including the Professor, are just part of the background which made the story reach the end.
The writing of the author made me remember past delights of Madras and life in general which can't be seen much in this present technology savvy world. Those parts made me bittersweet since I miss them a lot and also thankful that the author was able to connect with that part of my life.
This book of inspiration and coming of age story of Chinmay, Anu and Sabi has given an insight into the author's writing style. Though this is widely different to the usual trope out there, it might not appeal to everyone's taste. For me, it was the right blend of fantasy and reality to satisfy the reader in me.
My rating : 4/5
It's been a while since I read the book and I am still digesting it. This is one of the books which is both easy and difficult to reminisce on. The reason is that it was both an enjoyable read which got me immersed in the lives of the characters wholeheartedly and an enlightening read which got me thinking on the various truths interspersed throughout the book. It is classified as Young Adult but I think that it is appropriate for all ages. It is universal and the author has done a good job making her work a different and thought provoking one.
The entire story can be told in a line - Discovery of self. That's what the book is about. The author has taken a unique way of trying to get across her point/message. The book follows the adventure of Chinmay, Anu and Sabi as they discover a portal to another space and world. There they go through incidents which changes them in a better way.
I admit that the similarity of the beginning of the tale to Chronicles of Narnia, that is, the accidental discovery of an entry to a different world, was what first attracted me to the book. I was expecting a fantastical piece of work with a hint of mystery as hinted by the blurb. What I got was a tale which is similar to almost everyone's life at some point. It does speak of the hard truths of life.
The starting was a bit slow and almost had me giving up on the book because of too much negativity and the suffering mentality of Chinmay and his friends. But then their entry into Conchpore had the story speeding up and then ending with a simplicity after all the convoluted explanation.
Chinmay and Siddharth seem to be the most focused on characters and I saw them getting better and justifying their roles while Anu and Sabi, though good supporting cast, weren't given much substance. All other characters, including the Professor, are just part of the background which made the story reach the end.
The writing of the author made me remember past delights of Madras and life in general which can't be seen much in this present technology savvy world. Those parts made me bittersweet since I miss them a lot and also thankful that the author was able to connect with that part of my life.
This book of inspiration and coming of age story of Chinmay, Anu and Sabi has given an insight into the author's writing style. Though this is widely different to the usual trope out there, it might not appeal to everyone's taste. For me, it was the right blend of fantasy and reality to satisfy the reader in me.
My rating : 4/5
April 17, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher via The Book Club in return for my honest review. I haven’t received any monetary compensation for the same.
I was curious to know more when I read the blurb. I think spirituality is an integral part of our lives, at all stages, not necessarily when we grow old. I liked the idea that the author has incorporated spirituality in transforming the lives of teenagers.
First of all, I am absolutely impressed by the flawless language and perfect proofing of the book. I rarely come across English books by Indian authors that have impeccable language. For this, I congratulate Indu Muralidharan. The book was a joy to read, without me wincing even once.
Set in 1990s Madras, the story is about Chinmay and his friends Anu (this is a guy) and Sabi (a girl). They are having study holidays before their tenth board exams. They are children from typical Indian families where the parents are under tremendous pressure to have their children succeed in every aspect of their lives. The three of them are sad as they feel the burden of their parental pressures. Chinmay feels it all the more as his parents are on their way to being divorced. He’s planning to commit suicide soon after the exams.
The three teenagers are studying in Chinmay’s uncle’s library when the door handle breaks and they are stuck in the room. While trying to leave by the backdoor, they land up at Conchpore, an imaginary town in Tamil Nadu.
They find themselves in the campus of the Seekers’ School and have the strangest of experiences in the next 24 hours that transforms their lives.
Whether their experience is real or a figment of their imaginations, the author has left the reader to decide. But what I liked is that the experiences change the teens so much that they look forward to their lives as against their depressed stands earlier.
The author has captured the behind-the-scenes story of spiritual cults to perfection. It’s nothing short of scary but the horrors are obviously real. Very well narrated!
Siddharth’s transformation from a depressed man to a confident one with the help of the “Professor” is inspiring. It’s influence on Chinmay is monumental. Though the “Professor” appears in but a few scenes, he truly leaves a mark.
This book is a must read for youngsters. It will help them see the world in a different light altogether.
All that said, somewhere the story that’s a fiction, gets preachy. I wish it had been dealt with differently so as not to seem as if I was being read a lecture.
I am glad that I got to read this one, definitely.
I was curious to know more when I read the blurb. I think spirituality is an integral part of our lives, at all stages, not necessarily when we grow old. I liked the idea that the author has incorporated spirituality in transforming the lives of teenagers.
First of all, I am absolutely impressed by the flawless language and perfect proofing of the book. I rarely come across English books by Indian authors that have impeccable language. For this, I congratulate Indu Muralidharan. The book was a joy to read, without me wincing even once.
Set in 1990s Madras, the story is about Chinmay and his friends Anu (this is a guy) and Sabi (a girl). They are having study holidays before their tenth board exams. They are children from typical Indian families where the parents are under tremendous pressure to have their children succeed in every aspect of their lives. The three of them are sad as they feel the burden of their parental pressures. Chinmay feels it all the more as his parents are on their way to being divorced. He’s planning to commit suicide soon after the exams.
The three teenagers are studying in Chinmay’s uncle’s library when the door handle breaks and they are stuck in the room. While trying to leave by the backdoor, they land up at Conchpore, an imaginary town in Tamil Nadu.
They find themselves in the campus of the Seekers’ School and have the strangest of experiences in the next 24 hours that transforms their lives.
Whether their experience is real or a figment of their imaginations, the author has left the reader to decide. But what I liked is that the experiences change the teens so much that they look forward to their lives as against their depressed stands earlier.
The author has captured the behind-the-scenes story of spiritual cults to perfection. It’s nothing short of scary but the horrors are obviously real. Very well narrated!
Siddharth’s transformation from a depressed man to a confident one with the help of the “Professor” is inspiring. It’s influence on Chinmay is monumental. Though the “Professor” appears in but a few scenes, he truly leaves a mark.
This book is a must read for youngsters. It will help them see the world in a different light altogether.
All that said, somewhere the story that’s a fiction, gets preachy. I wish it had been dealt with differently so as not to seem as if I was being read a lecture.
I am glad that I got to read this one, definitely.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews