AUDIO

How To Kidnap the Rich

by Rahul Raina
HarperAudio. Feb. 2022. 9:55 hrs. ISBN 9780063028807. $26.99. F
COPY ISBN
This debut novel follows a twisty caper plot while also offering a work of strong satire. There is so much style and foreshadowing in the opening minute of the audiobook that listeners will immediately know if this is the book for them. Together narrator Homer Todiwala and author Raina create an experience of India that amuses while the narrative deftly offers social commentary about classism, sexism, poverty, and morality. Ramesh leads the story and is both a kidnapper and kidnap victim (though not the rich) . He is understandably unpleasant as the book begins, but skillful character development will have listeners rooting for him to have love, wealth, and respect by the end. Wondering whether this is at all possible—or right—will keep listeners hooked until the end.
VERDICT It takes talent to narrate both satire and slapstick convincingly, while ensuring each element remains both separate and believable. Todiwala is absolutely perfect; no matter what turns Raina’s story takes, he sells it, using a great variety of voices and emotion.
Reviewed by Matthew Galloway , Jun 01, 2022
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