Review Headline
A story that will poke everyone!

Review:
At its core, “2040: The Battle for Life” is a cautionary tale set in a future world where advanced technology poses a grave threat to humanity. The book’s central theme is the struggle for survival in a world where unchecked technological progress has led to dire consequences. The book warns of the potential pitfalls of unregulated technological advancement. The novel also weaves in a compelling romantic thriller element, focusing on the characters’ lives and relationships, adding depth and nuance to the story.

Like a saying that lessons learnt, if forgotten, will create more wrath, it is apparent that we humans have not learnt our lessons even after the COVID-19 attack on the world. This is showcased in an augmented way through the protagonist,  Rohit, who experienced the Covid pandemic at twelve. He is also troubled that humanity has not learned its lesson from the pandemic. The desire for power and control over others has driven humankind to extinction. The book offers a stark warning about the potential consequences of our collective actions if lessons are not learnt from the mistakes of the past.

The story takes off when a nuclear bomb hits a small African country. Even though the destruction is far away, India becomes concerned about the possibility of a similar attack on their soil. In the year 2040, India is depicted as one of the world’s superpowers, and as such, it is its responsibility to confront any issue that could put humanity in danger. Following the nuclear explosion, Rohit and his team at the MwM channel immediately begin extensive coverage of the event, highlighting the global impact of the attack and the need for action. The story thus unfolds, with the characters grappling with the enormity of the crisis and the daunting task of saving humanity from its imminent demise.

“2040: The Battle for Life” presents a plausible scenario where life faces grave danger, but the author skillfully satisfyingly resolves the crisis. The book’s language is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to many readers. The narrative is engaging and almost surreal, vividly portraying the events, which feels realistic and compelling. Regardless, the novel’s strengths lie in its gripping storyline, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes; some readers may find using a mix of English and Hindi languages during the characters’ conversations to be a bit jarring. However, the overall impact of this linguistic mix on the story may vary from reader to reader. For those who are comfortable with using multiple languages, this may add to the book’s charm and appeal, while for others, it may be a minor distraction.

Finally, Sanjay Mittal has crafted a captivating and thrilling novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers. With its well-drawn characters, thought-provoking themes, and engaging narrative style, “2040: The Battle for Life” is a must-read for fans of futuristic thrillers and those interested in exploring the impact of technology on humanity.