I have read all books of Chetan Bhagat, and few of the works of Charles Dickens. I do agree that Chetan Bhagat's books are interesting, and we would be keen to read it in one go.
But to compare Charles Dickens with Chetan Bhagat will be as good as comparing compare Taj Mahal with a makeshift house inside Mumbai's Dharavi slum .
The author's statement that "Oliver Twist Dickens' own reception by the literati of his time was not flattering either" - is highly exaggerated.
Oliver Twist and Hard Times do have in it the "beauty of the language" - something totally absent in Chetan Bhagat's books.
Chetan Bhagats books are good time killers. But the quality of language is comparable with the thrash that teenagers read when they explore the world of erotic story books sold at road side footpaths !
I wonder whether the author had read the books of Charles Dickens. There is no comparison of Charles Dickens and Chetan Bhagat. Mr Chetan Bhagat just know what the youth of our country required. His books just titillates the reade
Re: no comparison at all
by jeevan santosha on Dec 27, 2012 02:36 PM
well said... people make such comparisons without reading anything.. neither Dickens nor Bhagat.
Chetan Bhagat is not even close to being himself and you are comparing him with Legendary Charles Dickens. Just for people to read articles you will give any wrong comparison and fool people in India. Grow up Rediff. If such article keep getting posted on your website i have a doubt about your capabilities.
Re: Insane Comparison
by Zeng on Dec 27, 2012 02:52 PM
Majority of Indians who read, will disagree. The fact is, his books sell more than #2 to #5 combined. You have your opinion, but obviously the majority disagree. His aim was to make India's youth to read, and surprise - he has achieved it. You think that is not significant?
Re: Re: Insane Comparison
by Nishant Patil on Dec 27, 2012 03:32 PM
But these people don't continue to read. Most of the Chetan Bhagat fans mostly never have had read any other authors. It is gem of marketing and not quality, that makes people to read Chetan.
Re: Re: Re: Insane Comparison
by vineet bharti on Dec 27, 2012 05:18 PM
same as saying India TV is better than BBC(I know BBC has its own shortcomings) because it is seen by a large number of people.
Re: its like Shivsunder Das is Sachin Tendulkar of Orisa
by Anavangote Rammohan on Dec 27, 2012 02:47 PM
Loved this analogy. Dickens is one of the most enriching reads one can come across. Do Bhagat's novels measure up when using the same yardstick? Is it worth reading them to justify this comparison?
What the dickens? I haven't got a clue why thtis promotional writing seeps into media? Is ajith trying to tell us that chetan will be revered in the future. In that case I will wait and then read him.
