Review by Varsha Pathiyil -- Seven at Two Past Five

[Varsha Pathiyil]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“Deeper than the deep blue sea and madder than the hatter”. This is the phrase that almost sums up Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi. The book describes the events of a day in an unparalleled universe, strangely reminding me of Alice in Wonderland, only a little more bizarre and intriguing. It takes us alongside Abi, a humble old button maker, who has lived all her life sticking to her routines and dodging anything out of the ordinary.

She lives in her bunk bed coffin number seven and leaves to her button workhouse at exactly two past five every day. As much as she enjoys her day making her beloved buttons, she dreads the night when she is subjected to “Terrors”- the terrible nightmares that come to her without fail, every night. Every single night, except one. This small change in her routine sets forth a cycle of events leading to her being accused as “Disturbance Potential”. Abi, who has had no worldly contact whatsoever, decides to appeal this unfair judgment taking us deeper into the plot and into a much more peculiar world of Abi.

I love how the author has clocked the book, where each second counts and every minute matter. The usage of words so elegantly offbeat, the conversations so unreal, proving exactly how bizarre Abi's world is and successfully keeping me glued to the book.

Seven at Two Past Five, besides having a compelling storyline, is filled with enigmatic characters that keep the mystery alive in every single page. You begin empathizing with Abi, knowing many of these unjust demands and accusations do happen in our world, though in a much more subtle way. You get frustrated when she does, cry and laugh with her at the absurdity of the scenes going on and sometimes even feel the hopelessness seeping through the words.

I rate the book 4 out of 4 for it is very well edited with no mistakes. The plot is twisted, thrilling and deep at the same time. It has kept me up late at night thirsting to know what comes next and I couldn’t keep the book down till I finished it. I could most definitely imagine this book as a movie.

I am sure to be reading this book again and recommend it to all those who love a little madness and would like to step out of this world for a while, for this book is a headlong dive into a whole new universe. It is deep and philosophical in its own way with just a dash of adult comedy. However, anyone with strict religious beliefs may want to stay off of this one.

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Seven at Two Past Five
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Like Varsha Pathiyil's review? Post a comment saying so!

[maggi3]

I just finished this book, and I definitely agree with your comments. The quote at the beginning of your review is perfect for this story. It was a strange and frustrating read, but in a good way. I didn’t love the ending, but other than that I agree with the four stars. Thanks for the review!

[Letora]

You caught my attention at more bizarre than Alice in Wonderland. I may have to give this one a try just too see how well it lives up to that. Thank you for reviewing!