‘The Portrait of a Secret’ by Tarun Mehrishi is an engaging thriller that seamlessly entwines together the worlds of espionage, politics, and history. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a roller-coaster ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
The story revolves around the discovery of a long-lost secret hidden within paintings that survived the fires of partition. As characters begin to collaborate, the paintings become a focal point, revealing a truth that has the potential to reshape global geopolitical dynamics. The race for control over this secret sets the stage for a gripping battle involving intelligence agencies—RAW, ISI, and the CIA.
Senior IAS officer Kamal learns of the theft of two paintings worth Rs 400 crore from an agricultural research centre of the Indian government. At nearly the same time, India’s chief of intelligence learns of an impending nuclear strike by a terror group from his high-ranking mole in the ISI.
Their worlds collide as Kamal races to unravel the theft and recover the paintings, and the intelligence chief comes to realize that the sale of the paintings will fund the terror strike. As they frantically work to prevent the sale, the paintings reveal a secret buried in the history of Indian cinema and the fires of Partition, which will forever alter global geopolitical equations.
The setting escalates to London, the final battleground where innocent lives and decades of intelligence assets become expendable in the pursuit of something infinitely more valuable the dominance of the Indian subcontinent. The author masterfully constructs a plot that not only entertains but also delves into the complexities of international politics.
Tarun Mahrishi writes in the book :
August 15, 1975
Dhaka
6.30 am
The room was pitch-dark, the thick green curtains blocking out the light of the rising sun. The mole lay quietly on the bed, smoking yet another cigarette and waiting anxiously for the phone to ring to provide him with the confirmation that the job he had planned had been completed.
His guilt at betraying his country had faded over the years, rationalised by the good that his relationship with the CIA had done for India. The rabbit hole had been deeper than he had expected, but once he had taken his first few tentative steps in espionage, he had accepted the impossibility of extricating himself from the relationship without finding himself behind bars for life, or, possibly, ending up dead. Having failed to confess before the damage was too great, he was now too far in to reverse course; the Damocles sword of being exposed by the CIA constantly hanging over his head.
The strength of the novel lies in its well-developed characters, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding drama. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation. The pacing is impeccable, with a perfect blend of suspenseful moments and thoughtful reflections on the power of art.
He further writes: He had planned the operation personally, every detail meticulously considered in the context of his knowledge of Bangladesh. Having been posted to the country in 1970, he had played a key role in securing accurate information about the military in East Pakistan for New Delhi; information that had allowed India to plan the military operation that had led to the bloody secession from West Pakistan and the birth of an independent Bangladesh. His contribution had not gone unnoticed, and he had been invited to be part of the Indian delegation that had met with Sheikh Mir Iqbal upon his return to Bangladesh in December 1971, as the head of the newly formed government.
One of the notable aspects of ‘The Portrait of a Secret’ is its ability to explore the intricacies of espionage without losing sight of the human element. With everything at stake, Indian intelligence battles the ISI and the CIA for control over the secret with every resource at its disposal, until one man decides the fate of the world. The sacrifices made by intelligence assets and the toll on innocent lives add a layer of realism to the narrative. The moral dilemmas faced by characters in the pursuit of national interests create a thought-provoking undertone throughout the novel.
The backdrop of partition and its aftermath adds depth to the story, connecting historical events with the contemporary narrative. The author seamlessly integrates these elements, providing readers with a broader understanding of the political landscape and the motivations driving the characters.
The writing style is commendable, with a perfect balance of descriptive prose and dialogue. The author’s ability to create vivid imagery enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the novel. The use of language is evocative, capturing the tension and urgency of the characters’ situations.
As the story hurtles toward its climax, readers are kept guessing, and the stakes continue to rise. The author’s creative use of plot twists ensures that the story remains unpredictable until the very end. The culmination of events in London serves as a fitting and intense conclusion to the global battle for control over the secret hidden within the paintings.
‘The Portrait of a Secret’ is a must-read for fans of espionage and thriller novels. It not only delivers on the promise of an engaging plot but also offers a deeper exploration of the consequences of political machinations and the influence of art on global affairs. The author’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a standout in the genre.
Book: The Portrait of a Secret: A Novel Inspired by True Events,’ by Tarun Mehrishi.
Published by: Penguin Ebury Press
Price: Rs 299
