First and foremost, hearty congratulations to K.V. Sanjeev for winning the prestigious TRI Literary Awards Season 3 for his remarkable book The Truant Gene. This recognition is not only a testament to his literary brilliance but also to the courage it takes to delve deep into the complexities of human emotions and present them with raw honesty. Sanjeev’s work stands as a beacon of hope for readers navigating the turbulent waters of life’s uncertainties, and his triumph is well-deserved.
Book Review: “The Truant Gene – Confessions of a True Chauvinist”
From the very first page, The Truant Gene grips you with its authenticity. This is not a polished narrative designed to impress—it is an intimate confession, a collection of thoughts, fragments of memories, impressions, and life experiences woven together into a tapestry of meaning. What makes this book extraordinary is not just its narrative style but its soul—the way it mirrors the struggles of a man confronting midlife crises, moral dilemmas, fractured relationships, and the search for meaning.
A Lost Manuscript with a Life of Its Own
The story behind the book is as fascinating as the book itself. Written decades ago, in bits and pieces like a personal journal, the manuscript was lost for twenty years—only to resurface suddenly. This very incident feels poetic, as if the book itself had a destiny to fulfill. The resurfacing of this script symbolizes the reawakening of thoughts long buried, much like the protagonist’s journey of rediscovery. A few new chapters were added before publication, creating a unique blend of past and present voices.
Not an Autobiography, Yet Deeply Personal
Sanjeev makes it clear that The Truant Gene is not an autobiography, yet it carries a truth that resonates with real-life experiences. There are scattered fragments of actual events, mingled with fictional elements, blurred across time and space. This interplay between reality and imagination gives the book a certain depth and complexity that elevates it beyond mere storytelling. It is a reflection—not just of a man, but of an era, a society, and the universal human condition.
Themes and Messages That Hit Hard
The book is essentially a journey—from agony to awareness, from chaos to clarity. It begins with the restlessness and despair of a man gripped by midlife crises—a phase many silently suffer but rarely articulate. Through confessions and introspections, the narrative unfolds themes that are timeless and universal.
1. Midlife Crisis and Inner Turmoil
The protagonist embodies the confusion and disillusionment of modern existence. The book portrays how material success and social recognition often fail to bring inner peace. Instead, there’s an emptiness—a vacuum that gnaws at the soul. Sanjeev captures this void with remarkable sensitivity, exploring how suppressed desires, unfulfilled dreams, and societal expectations lead to frustration, anger, and moral conflict.
2. Relationships, Morality, and the Meaning of Life
As the narrative progresses, it delves into the nature of human relationships—their fragility, their beauty, and their contradictions. Love and compassion emerge as guiding lights in a world clouded by selfishness and superficiality. There is an underlying philosophical quest in the book—what does it truly mean to live? What does morality signify in a world driven by competition and ambition? These questions echo throughout the pages, compelling the reader to pause and reflect.
3. Hope for the Younger Generation
One of the most admirable aspects of this book is its relevance to today’s world. Sanjeev intends this book to serve as a “candle that lights up the dark corridors of human existence.” And indeed, it does. In an era where youngsters in high-stress jobs struggle with anxiety, burnout, and loss of purpose, The Truant Gene becomes a much-needed companion. It does not preach—it empathizes. It does not offer quick fixes—it shares an honest journey, showing that meaning and peace can be found, even in the midst of chaos.
Narrative Style – Raw, Honest, and Reflective
The beauty of this book lies in its unpolished honesty. It is not crafted to perfection; instead, it retains the rawness of a personal journal, making it authentic and relatable. Sanjeev’s language is simple yet evocative, filled with metaphors that arise naturally from lived experiences rather than literary ornamentation. The flow moves between memories, reflections, and present-day insights, much like the human mind that never thinks in a straight line.
There is also a certain musicality and rhythm in his writing—a cadence that reflects his love for poetry and singing. At times, the prose feels almost lyrical, inviting the reader to linger on certain lines, to read them twice, to let their meaning sink in.
Characterization – A Troubled Soul in Search of Light
The central character—though unnamed—feels vividly alive. He is flawed, vulnerable, restless, and brutally honest about his weaknesses. In calling himself a “true chauvinist,” he begins a journey of stripping away illusions, facing uncomfortable truths, and ultimately evolving into a more compassionate, self-aware being. This transformation forms the heart of the book.
Emotional Impact – A Journey You Live Through
Reading The Truant Gene is not a passive act—it is an experience. You find yourself pausing, nodding, and at times questioning your own beliefs. For readers who have faced moments of despair, who have questioned the meaning of their existence, this book feels like a conversation with an old friend who understands your pain without judgment. For younger readers, it serves as a cautionary tale and a source of solace—a reminder that life’s struggles, though inevitable, are not insurmountable.
Why This Book Matters
In today’s world, where literature often leans toward external drama, The Truant Gene brings back the focus on inner drama—the silent battles of the soul. It does not offer clichés or motivational jargon; it offers truth, as raw and unfiltered as life itself. Books like this are rare because they demand vulnerability from the writer—and courage to publish something so deeply personal.
Here’s nine different reviewers might say after reading “The Truant Gene” by K.V. Sanjeev:
Prashant Sahu
“The Truant Gene is a deeply introspective book that takes the reader on a raw and unfiltered journey through the struggles of midlife crises. I was impressed by the honesty in the writing—it feels like a conversation with a soul that has been bruised but not broken. The philosophical undertones give it depth, making it more than just a story—it’s a life lesson.”
Sameer Gudhate
“What stood out for me was the emotional intensity of this book. The author’s candid confessions make you pause and reflect on your own life. The narrative is not linear, but that’s what makes it so real—life itself is not linear. It’s a book for those who appreciate thought-provoking literature that goes beyond surface-level drama.”
Apeksha Gupta
“Reading The Truant Gene felt like peeling layers of a human soul. Every chapter brings a new realization about relationships, morality, and the meaning of life. The author’s vulnerability shines through, and that’s what makes it so impactful. It’s not just a book; it’s an experience of self-discovery.”
Akansha Sinha
“This book is powerful in its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overly poetic, yet the words linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page. For me, it was a reminder of how easily we lose ourselves in the chaos of life—and how finding meaning is a journey worth taking.”
Glenville Asbhy
“As a reviewer, I admire books that challenge the reader, and The Truant Gene does exactly that. It forces you to think about the deeper questions of existence, morality, and human connections. The author has managed to weave fragments of memories into a compelling narrative that resonates universally.”
Pooja Sahu
“I found this book both relatable and comforting. Many of us struggle with stress, frustration, and loss of purpose in today’s fast-paced world. The Truant Gene addresses these issues without sugarcoating reality. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of the human condition that every reader can connect with in some way.”
Versha Singh
“What makes this book special is its honesty. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, yet it offers hope. The author’s reflections on love, compassion, and morality are so beautifully expressed that they stay with you. It’s the kind of book that leaves you better than it found you.”
Shivangi Yadav
“The Truant Gene is like a personal diary turned into literature. It’s rare to find a book that balances vulnerability with depth so gracefully. For me, it was an emotional journey—one that made me question, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of life despite its struggles.”
Kavita Kaushik
“This is not just a book; it’s a mirror that reflects our hidden fears, desires, and doubts. The writing is soulful, and the author’s life experiences make it authentic. If you’re someone who values introspection and emotional honesty, The Truant Gene will speak to you in ways few books can.”
Final Verdict
The Truant Gene is more than a book—it is a confession, a mirror, and a guide. It is for anyone who has ever felt lost, broken, or weary of life’s endless race. It is for those who seek meaning beyond material success. It is for the dreamers, the thinkers, the questioners.
K.V. Sanjeev deserves applause for not only writing such a profound work but also for reviving it after decades, giving it new life, and sharing it with the world. His victory at the TRI Literary Awards Season 3 is a triumph not just for him, but for literature that dares to speak the truth.
