“[Shakti] takes the reader through the lanes of Calcutta, keeping one hooked the entire time. It deals with three very strong female characters [. . .] who come from very different backgrounds and the thrilling way their paths cross . [. . .] A gripping tale, it becomes even more relevant in the current socio-political scenario of the country.” - The Telegraph, India

“A star has come down amongst us. In 2010, acclaimed Indian writer Rajorshi Chakraborti moved to Wellington. It was very much our gain. [. . .] This magical realist fantasy is also a sharp satire on the murky depths of Indian political corruption. It is an uproarious assault on the nexus of politics and the media, where corruption is the order of the day. Like a cross between Aravind Adiga and Haruki Murakami, it can be funny, shocking and deeply thought-provoking. [. . .] a bold new move in New Zealand fiction.” - Sunday Star-Times, NZ

“It's a great read, the prose is excellent, it sweeps you along, it's immersive, it's really fun, the energy level is fantastic, it leaps off the page …” - Louise O'Brien, Radio NZ

“If you could have any super power, what would you choose? What would you do? Indian-born author and Wellington resident Rajorshi Chakraborti has a go at answering that question in his darkly witty new novel, Shakti. Channelling Philip K. Dick and Haruki Murakami, Shakti is a fable about power in the hands of the marginalised. [. . .] It's a book that's constantly shapeshifting, from dry comedy to ghost story to dark conspiracy thriller. [. . .] Superheroes in comics and on screen are very much still a mostly white, male crowd. Shakti's spotlight on three Indian women provides a new and much-needed diverse spin on the genre.  [. . .] Chakraborti gives a voice to India's forgotten women and a wish for the powers to change things.” - Weekend Herald, NZ

“Rajorshi Chakraborti’s latest novel Shakti has the strength of characters and an irresistible pace to its advantage. His unforgettable heroines unfold a tale of courage fighting the darkness that they are doomed to, and a journey across a country in the throes of profound transformation.” - Financial Express, India

“Within the first few chapters of the book, we are confronted with gender stereotyping, suicide, class prejudice and sectarian violence. These issues do not abate, but Chakraborti’s skill as a writer and storyteller keeps you hooked, juxtaposing these serious concerns with wry asides, almost soap opera moments and absurdist situations. In this way, this book reminded me of Aravind Adiga’s award-winning The White Tiger. [. . .] Shakti will shake you up, mystify you and make you laugh, as well as frighten you with its clear reflection of our current socio-political structures and our willingness to accept or dismiss these intrusions into our minds, as well as our hearts. Place Shakti at the top of your ‘to read’ pile.” - Stella Chrysostomou, Volume Books Review, NZ

“Trying to summarise the plot is a bit like trying to summarise the Mahabharata itself ... A wild, exhilarating ride of a book.” - North and South, NZ

“It is all told with a light touch. Chakraborti maintains a sardonic humour throughout, even as the novel deals with heavy political themes. The narrative careers along, while Chakraborti also impressively manages to draw a detailed social environment. [. . .] The novel almost shifts from being magical realism (which a number of critics have already pointed out) to straight realism. However, in a global environment where religion and narratives of exceptionalism are being manipulated by fascist wannabes, it’s potent stuff.” - Brannavan Gnanalingam, Landfall Review Online, NZ