A Story Of Ever Changing Human Nature

When trust turns to deceit, and hope evolves into failure, life appears to be meaningless. Weak hearts dissolve in this mist, lost in the dark oblivion. However, those with strength persevere, fight back, learn, and grow stronger. The sword, having endured the rough weather, turns out to be sharper, with a hunger in its will and a passion brimming in the soul.

'Chameleons' is the story of Sunny Ghag, an interior designer, who aspires to do well in his task and earn respect and love of his family and friends. However, things do not go his way. The girl he loves, Sania, leaves him without a proper explanation. His friend, someone who he looked upon as a business partner, betrays him when he is in need of support. His business too, isn't a smooth joyride, often leading him to situations that he finds difficult to handle. Moreover, even his mother, and sometimes, his father, blame him for idling away his time without doing any constructive work that would be beneficial to him or to others. Poor Sunny, he finds himself lost, and defeated.

However, Sunny slowly starts understanding the nature of life, and takes all the hurdles in his stride. He accepts the problems, and with a little help from others, finds out ways to counter them. He grows wiser with each experience, and learns to fight his way back to the top.

Sanket Ghag, the author, is a happy-go-lucky guy and this charming characteristic of his is reflected in the way he has penned the novel. He isn't worried about the past and enjoys the perks that come with the present. Studies were never his top priority and he dropped out by choice in his last year of graduation from Bhavans College. He wanted to be a part of the film industry, but had to study Interior Design at Rachana Sansad on his parents’ insistence and worked as an Interior Designer for four years. However, his dream of films took over and he resigned from his well paying and secure job of Senior Interior Designer and joined L. S. Raheja Film and Television. Sanket is currently working in the Hindi Film Industry as an Assistant Art Director. 

'Chameleons' has a fresh young plot that doesn't adhere to the tried-and-tested-formula of mushy college romances. Though love plays an integral part in the story, the main focus is always on the protagonist, and his transformation with time. Sunny is real, and with dreams, aims, and aspirations, he can be any one among us. I also liked the cover too, that depicts myriad of colors, perhaps signifying the harsh reality of life that showcases how people change with time.

However, there are a few weak links in the story too, my top most concern being the editing. Some of the scenes in the story appeared repetitive, and the author, along with the editor, should have tried to find suitable fixes for them. Also, I am not much in favor of using Hindi dialogues in an English novel, but that again, is my personal opinion.

'Chameleons' definitely holds a lot of promise, and delivers on most front; and yes, it has a few magic moments too – my favorite being the poem towards the end, that displays the cataclysm of emotions in Sunny’s heart. Mr. Ghag, your poem is a real gem, and comes out with a life of its own.

I would surely recommend this book to everyone. 'Chameleons' successfully portrays the story of ever changing human nature. Read this novel guys, and follow your dreams.

 Title: Chameleons

Author: Sanket Ghag

Publisher: Frog Books

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Number of Pages: 208

My Rating: 3/5

You can buy 'Chameleons' here.