Book Review: Resident Dormitus by Vikas Rathi

Urban lifestyles are currently in vogue, as illustrated in Resident Dormitus by Vikas Rathi, which delves into themes of existentialism and the evolving psychological landscape of young professionals. Rathi adeptly navigates the previously unexplored territory that young individuals encounter when transitioning from academic life to the realities of the professional world, particularly examining the chaos of corporate life through the perspective of a young employee after the initial excitement fades.

The narrative centers on Achet, a compelling protagonist from a small town whose career leads him to Singapore and Malaysia. The novel chronicles his journey through a series of seemingly disjointed events, where he grapples with moral dilemmas and brushes with mortality, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation when he commits murder—not out of anger or vengeance.

Despite being surrounded by women, friends, and family, Achet remains fundamentally unchanged, hesitant and unable to fully engage with anything due to the fear of potential negative outcomes. Rathi portrays Achet’s inner turmoil with sincerity, presenting confusion as a natural state that resonates with readers. The author skillfully examines the sensation of feeling adrift.

Achet forms a diverse circle of acquaintances who share their beliefs, ideas, and aspirations while evading work responsibilities, whether through indulging in numerous cups of coffee, procrastinating on emails, or taking frequent smoking breaks.

What stands out about Achet is his lack of direction and his refusal to adhere to any rigid ideology or pretentious notion, which also reflects a refreshing absence of arrogance. He remains composed and seemingly in control, displaying little opinion on various matters, embodying a sense of indifference. For the time being, he prefers smoking, casual relationships, and alcohol, even as these choices further distort his perception of the world around him.

The narrative primarily revolves around a single individual's journey through life, yet Vikas Rathi enriches this tale with a tapestry of vivid episodes and a diverse array of nuanced characters. He skillfully crafts an immersive sense of place that captivates the reader, maintaining an engaging quality despite the seemingly aimless existence of Achet. Although the story takes time to develop, once it does, the characters emerge as distinct voices that engage the reader and collaborate to unfold the narrative. The depth of character development ensures that readers are not surprised by their actions or dialogue; rather, they become intriguing and enjoyable subjects of exploration, particularly the protagonist.

The author adeptly blends the incongruous with the poignant and the humorous with the insightful. This is exemplified by a character who abandons his glamorous aspirations to support his country's military efforts, alongside a so-called 'Bitch' who leverages her physical allure to ascend the corporate hierarchy, yet yearns for a more settled life.

The majority of the story adheres to a somewhat erratic structure, filled with abstract and intense reflections on life and workplace conditions. The work stands out as unique and refreshing, notably due to the absence of romantic entanglements. While Achet and other characters exhibit desires, the lack of melodramatic love stories lends the narrative an authentic and relatable quality. The honesty presented is undeniably appealing.

Ultimately, the story offers a global perspective on the challenges of growing up and discovering one's place in society, highlighting the compromises made in the face of harsh realities and the demands of corporate life. Many individuals experience an existential crisis upon entering the corporate realm, grappling with its uncertainties and pressures. Some navigate this exhausting journey successfully, while others struggle to endure it.

The narrative compels readers to reflect on their existence and the decisions that have shaped it. The author vividly portrays a generation eager to redefine itself amidst the complexities of the corporate landscape. This generation grapples with uncertainty regarding its future, aspirations, and ambitions.

The writing throughout the volume is exceptionally engaging, with each location, event, or situation depicted in a manner that resonates with Achet's perspective, inspired by a multitude of real-life experiences and articulated in a genuine and sincere style. The book creates a sense of familiarity for the reader, allowing for an immersive experience. The audience is acutely aware of the unfolding events, making it easy to remain engaged without feeling lost or detached.

Even during moments that may seem mundane, the reader remains captivated, unable to disengage. Numerous scenes that could easily become monotonous are rendered compelling through the narrative. The finest literature is that which lingers in the reader's mind, and Resident Dormitus achieves this exceptionally well.

Moreover, the author infuses an unusual and provocative honesty into the protagonist’s inner thoughts and reflections. In conclusion, the overall tone is light-hearted, ensuring that readers will find it difficult to set the book aside until they reach the end.