Book Review : The Service Elevator

Book Name: The Service Elevator

Author: Vasimraja Bhavikatti

Publisher: Vishwakarma

Genre: Suspense & Thriller

Format: Paperback

Print length: 167 pages 

Rating: 3/5

The Service Elevator by Vasimraja is a mystery and thriller novel unveiling the dark sides of the corporate world.

Blurb on Amazon

Milind Kabra, a thriving management executive and a prominent figure in India's IT industry, unexpectedly finds himself alone in an elevator one day. However, his situation takes a perplexing turn when an unfamiliar and enigmatic man engages him in conversation, promptly assuming control of the elevator. This unsettling encounter shatters Milind's belief that he's merely trapped due to a malfunction; instead, he comes to the stark realization that he's being held hostage by this mysterious individual.

In the confined space of the elevator, Milind is compelled to confront his past actions and choices, leading to the revelation of concealed facets of his life. Moreover, this tense situation compels him to expose disconcerting truths about the darker underbelly of the IT industry.

Review

The unusual setting inside the elevator develops tension and claustrophobia, keeping the readers on the edge of the bed, biting their nails, hoping the conditions would improve for the central character. Readers would find it remarkable to read about the elevator hostage scene. Though the novel's theme centers on the unlit sides of the corporate world it offers introspection, suspense, thrill, and acceptance after multiple trials and negotiations.

Though the book revolves around two characters, introducing distinct background characters binds the readers to find relatable characters and understand the complexity of the IT sector that newcomers and hard-working individuals often fail to comprehend. Milind, a bootlicker and discriminatory manager who never miss a chance to exploit his subordinates, TJ, a diligent and determined working professional who would take any step to keep her subordinates intact and achieve what they deserve and employees who got laid off without a valid reason would make corporate readers understand the setting of their environment.

The author's writing style is straightforward and eye-opening. At some points, readers would feel bored, while some scenes would make them relate to the extent of finding themselves in a similar situation. Some parts of the story become uneasy to handle. The book also offers a self-reflective perspective through Milind, the hostage in the service elevator who faced repercussions because of his past deeds.

Every reader would take this book differently. As for me, I had mixed feelings about this book due to its boredom, the self-reflective journey of the central character, and the unveiling of what happens behind the corporate setting that people generally refer to as "Office Politics."

Overall, it is a gripping and mind-boggling experience. However, readers may have a different take on this novel based on the side of the corporate world, they fall. Readers have to read this book with patience, to unfold the results of the circumstances stranger created for the central character. For me, it was a little disappointing in the middle when the tone of the story turned grave and serious.

Buy it from Amazon - The Service Elevator

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