A Tracker and the Heart Stealer by Rajeev Pundir

A Trackerand the Heart Stealer

By Rajeev Pundir

Whether he liked it or not, a writer should not pass a review on the works of another writer. However, Dr Pundir is a dear friend and has insisted me to give a feedback on his novel "The Tracker and the Heart Stealer". 

This is a repeat of plot by the author after his first book which was also based on the distrust and suspicion in husband-wife relationship. Though, this time, there are more twists and turns.

I have read the previous book on the same plot. Dr Pundir understands the complexities of all sort of relationships especially the one, most of us find enigmatic- the man-woman relationship. He always impresses me when he expresses the POV of a woman.

Reading this, I had a feeling that a short story has been stretched into a novel. The first half is too slow and I battled hard to go through it while the second half was so fast paced that I sensed the author was in a hurry to end it. The second half could have been better.

Author’s age and experience of life reflects in the pieces that describe the atmosphere of protagonist’s home. The conversation and behaviour of a workaholic husband with his wife who is craving for his time and attention and the conduct of the two little girls respectively with their father and mother seems very authentic.

The character of Brijesh, the protagonist, could not impress me. He dreams to climb up the ranks but he lacks the qualities of a top cop. Going to fifth floor by stairs tires him and he is too dumb that he was easily fooled by a treacherous woman. Threatening calls from the betting syndicate make him shiver. The protagonist as a top cop lacks the power to perform physically, mentally, and emotionally. His ways were highly unbecoming of even a Policeman; forget an inspector or an ACP. I don’t know if the author has deliberately portrayed him that way but, his qualities are nowhere in sync with what he aspires for. A decorated Police Officer should not have given up as easily as the protagonist.  He could not earn my sympathy.

The few analogies made me smile while reading…

“Woman and a creeper are alike. They climb whenever and wherever they find even the weakest support”

"Whatever you give, nature gives you back multiplied….”

The story gives a message that it is important to strike a balance between your professional and personal life. Your family has a right on your time. Doom is inevitable when your ambitions outgrow your sense of responsibility towards your family.

An enjoyable read. Best wishes to Dr Pundir for his future writing projects. I know, his best is yet to come.