Age of Vice Summary
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor is a gripping crime thriller that explores the seductive power of money, pleasure, and influence in contemporary India. Narrated by Vidish Athavale, this audiobook takes listeners on a heart-pounding journey through the shadowy world of the Wadia family, a powerful and wealthy dynasty with a reputation for corruption and violence.
The story begins with a tragic accident involving a speeding Mercedes that kills five people in the early hours of the morning in New Delhi. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that the car belongs to a member of the Wadia family, a fact that sets off a chain of events that will change the lives of everyone involved forever.
Deftly shifting between time and perspective, Age of Vice introduces us to three main characters whose lives become inextricably intertwined with the Wadia family: Ajay, a servant who rises through the ranks of the family and becomes embroiled in their dangerous schemes; Sunny, the playboy heir to the Wadia fortune who will do whatever it takes to outshine his father; and Neda, a journalist who is drawn into the web of corruption and violence that surrounds the Wadia family.
Against the backdrop of the Wadia family's extravagant parties, predatory business deals, and calculated political influence, the lives of these three characters become entangled in a web of love, greed, violence, and revenge. Kapoor's writing is both evocative and cinematic, transporting the listener from the dusty villages of Uttar Pradesh to the glittering energy of New Delhi.
One of the strengths of Age of Vice is its exploration of the complex web of relationships that exist within the Wadia family. Kapoor's characters are richly drawn, with their flaws and desires laid bare for the listener to see. It's impossible not to become invested in their stories, to feel the tension and drama of their lives as they navigate the dangerous waters of the Wadia family's influence.
The audiobook is expertly narrated by Vidish Athavale, whose voice brings the story to life with skill and nuance. His pacing and delivery are impeccable, drawing the listener deeper into the world of the story with each passing moment.
Equal parts crime thriller and family saga, Age of Vice is a compelling and entertaining listen that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a binge-worthy masterpiece of literary fiction that explores the dark underbelly of contemporary India with both honesty and heart. Deepti Kapoor has crafted a story that is both timeless and timely, one that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.
