Stealing the Rich Man

Decide to kidnap a rich man? And do you know the technique for doing it? Only an exceptionally capable, but poor, Ramesh Kumar makes his living by tutoring Indian elites’ kids for university entrance exams. Not the most dangerous way to earn a living—but trouble comes from where you didn’t expect it. When Ramesh accidentally takes first place in the All-Indian exams, his childish charge Rudy wakes up famous. Now they’ll have to figure out how to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes and keep their little secret hidden. Even if it means kidnapping a couple of rich men.

“Steal a Rich Man” is an amazing blend of a classic criminal comedy and a coming-of-age novel set in modern-day Delhi and rooted in the traditions of wild Indian grotesque. One part Guy Ritchie, one part Tarantino, one part Bollywood—plus a pinch of growing-up history and garam masala. Garnish with a severed little finger on a skewer and consume immediately. Caution: it can cause hysterical laughter attacks. “Rahul Raina’s debut novel can easily be called the most cynical book of the year—an outrageous, headlong journey through unappealing Delhi in the best traditions of Tarantino. But behind the biting critics’ snarl there’s an astonishing warmth, far more convincing than in any other beautiful and picturesque novels about India.” The Sunday Telegraph