Book Review: ‘Around Varanasi in Assi Days’ by Raja Venkateswara

Book Title: Around Varanasi in Assi Days
Author: Raja Venkateswara
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 280
ISBN: 978-9361569623
Date Published: Feb. 5, 2025
Price: INR 299

Book Review

Raja Venkateswara’s “Around Varanasi in Assi Days” is a delightful coming-of-age novel that playfully nods to ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ while immersing readers in the chaos of early 1990s Indian college life. Raja, an awkward, stammering teenager, unexpectedly clears the IIT entrance exam and finds himself navigating the eccentricities of hostel life at Banaras Institute of Technology. From the bustling energy of Calcutta to the spiritual vibrance of Varanasi, the novel captures the humor, absurdity, and cultural quirks of an era defined by both ambition and tradition.

Though fictionalized, Raja’s story is infused with authenticity, drawing from real experiences to paint a vivid picture of college life. The novel is packed with laugh-out-loud moments—from dodging eccentric seniors like Fatty and Funny to decoding mysterious UFOs (unidentifiable fried objects) in the mess hall. At its core, the story explores transformation—how a nervous, self-doubting student evolves into a confident young man. Through rich storytelling, nostalgia, and sharp social observations, the novel beautifully captures the friendships, struggles, and cultural intersections that shape student life.

Raja’s journey is not just about surviving engineering studies but also about overcoming personal and academic hurdles. The pressure of succeeding in a highly competitive environment is palpable, reflecting the expectations placed on middle-class students. Faced with distractions and self-doubt, Raja adopts the Pomodoro Technique to sharpen his focus, a turning point in his academic life. His transition to Banaras Institute of Technology is marked by sine die strikes, ragging, and hilarious hostel escapades, all of which shape his understanding of resilience and adaptation.

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Guided by characters like Dr. Sujoy Kumar and the ever-watchful seniors, Raja’s initial nervousness gives way to camaraderie and self-assurance. The novel brilliantly captures the vibrant chaos of college life, weaving in colorful Indian idioms, cultural oddities, and moments of sheer hilarity. Whether it’s surviving a ragging session, bonding over shared struggles, or simply finding joy in the absurd, “Around Varanasi in Assi Days” is a heartwarming and humorous tribute to the rollercoaster ride of student life—where the road to success is anything but smooth, yet always memorable.

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