book review of the half girlfriend

Half Girlfriend by Chetan Bhagat – Book Review

Half Girlfriend Chetan Bhagat book review novel summary

Chetan Bhagat’s “Half Girlfriend” is a contemporary romance novel that has sparked diverse reactions from readers and critics since its publication in October 2014. Bhagat marketed it as a tale exploring the complexities of modern relationships. And likely, the book follows the journey of Madhav, a ‘Bihari’ boy with limited English proficiency, and Riya, a ‘sophisticated’ Delhi girl. The novel’s title, “Half Girlfriend,” encapsulates the undefined and perplexing nature of their relationship, introducing a term that resonates with the ambivalence often experienced in today’s dating culture. Young readers, especially among those who read, have praised Bhagat for capturing the nuances of interpersonal dynamics and for providing a relatable narrative that delves into societal expectations, language barriers, and the pursuit of aspirations. The book has been popular for a few years.

However, the novel has not been without its share of criticism. Some literary critics rightfully argue that Bhagat’s writing style lacks the finesse expected in the genre, pointing to instances of clichéd dialogue and predictable plot developments. Furthermore, the portrayal of certain characters and the simplistic treatment of complex themes have been scrutinised, with some critics asserting that the novel falls short of delivering a truly nuanced exploration of its central themes. Despite the mixed reception, “Half Girlfriend” has garnered attention for engaging with contemporary issues and attempting to resonate with a broad readership. This book review article will explore what makes this novel by Chetan Bhagat, now mutated into a Pfizer lobbyist and a notorious commentator on X, formerly Twitter, special.

The Plot – wish it could…

It does sound amazing! Chetan Bhagat’s “Half Girlfriend” presents a plot that revolves around the theme of unrequited love. While there might be naysayers, the plot does fare well among readers who understand what it feels like – love, loss, coming back and not being sure what might await in the future. However, the roses are not the only soothers. It is not without its shortcomings. While the novel attempts to explore the complexities of modern relationships and societal expectations, its execution leaves the elephant’s room for critique.

One of the notable loopholes in the plot lies in the predictability of the narrative. The trajectory of Madhav’s unrequited love for Riya follows a conventional pattern, lacking the element of surprise or originality. You may well remember some old movies with Mithun Da or Ajay Devgan at the centre of things. The novel tends to adhere to stereotypical romance tropes, which may lead to a sense of déjà vu for readers well-versed in the genre.

Additionally, the character development in “Half Girlfriend” is often criticised for its lack of depth. Madhav and Riya, the central characters, are perceived by some readers and critics as one-dimensional, with their personalities not evolving significantly throughout the narrative. This hampers the emotional resonance of the story, as readers may find it challenging to connect with characters who lack complexity and growth. Well, I wish I could, but I cannot offer excuses by playing the devil’s advocate on this front. Bhagat does not know how to develop a character (guess what I said here).

The treatment of serious themes, such as language barriers and societal expectations, is another aspect that needs to be questioned. Once you read the novel carefully, think about it, and try to recollect, you will certainly notice the novel touches upon these issues superficially, missing an opportunity to delve deeper into the socio-cultural nuances that could have added richness to the narrative. The portrayal of these themes in a simplistic manner undermines the potential for a more profound exploration of the challenges faced by individuals navigating cross-cultural relationships. Well, who does expect these things from a Bhagat masterpiece? Certainly not me!

The Narrative – lost in tra… simplicity:

No one denies that Chetan Bhagat’s “Half Girlfriend” has garnered commercial success, but a critical examination of the narrative style reveals certain shortcomings, particularly in the handling of conversations and the overall depth of exploration in complex themes like relationships.

One of the primary criticisms lies in the simplistic and sometimes monotonous nature of the dialogues. Bhagat, otherwise appreciated and known for his accessible writing style, casually sacrifices the richness of language and depth of expression for colloquial simplicity. This choice, while appealing to a broad readership, may disappoint critics who expect a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to storytelling. The dialogues lack the subtlety and intricacy needed to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, often resorting to straightforward and predictable exchanges. The simplicity of language, while accessible, sometimes translates into a lack of sophistication in conveying the intricacies of human emotions. This is evident in the portrayal of Madhav’s unrequited love for Riya, where the emotional turmoil could have been more effectively communicated through a more nuanced narrative approach.

Moreover, the narrative style, particularly in the portrayal of Madhav and Riya’s relationship, has been noted for its tendency to prioritise sentimentality over genuine emotional depth. Eventually, the emotional landscape of the characters remains somewhat superficial, preventing readers from fully engaging with the profound aspects of their experiences. A more intricate exploration of the characters’ internal struggles and emotional nuances could have added layers to the narrative, making it more resonant and compelling.

In essence, whatever substance the novel brings, while Bhagat’s narrative style has proven popular among a wide readership, it falls short for those seeking a more profound exploration of relationships. The simplicity of dialogue and the narrative’s occasional lack of emotional depth limit the novel’s ability to delve into the complexities of modern love. As a result, you may find “Half Girlfriend” wanting in terms of narrative sophistication and a more profound exploration of its thematic elements.

Chetan Bhagat’s “Half Girlfriend” deserves appreciation for its realistic portrayal of the complexities inherent in modern relationships. The novel succeeds in capturing the challenges and nuances of love, offering readers a relatable exploration of the highs and lows of interpersonal connections. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its accessibility, as Bhagat employs a straightforward and approachable writing style that makes the story engaging for a wide audience. The use of basic English ensures that readers with varying language proficiency levels can easily comprehend and connect with the narrative, contributing to the book’s widespread popularity and accessibility. In essence, “Half Girlfriend” stands out for its ability to present genuine relationship struggles in a manner that resonates with a broad spectrum of readers.

Final Words:

In conclusion, while “Half Girlfriend” by Chetan Bhagat offers a relatable portrayal of the complexities in relationships and succeeds in engaging a broad audience with its accessible language, there are certain aspects that could have enhanced its overall quality. The novel could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of its themes, delving deeper into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The narrative style, though accessible, tends to oversimplify conversations, hindering the depth required for a more profound exploration of the novel’s central themes.

One critical aspect worth considering is the trade-off between commercial success and literary depth often observed in bestselling authors. In the quest for mass appeal, there is a risk of diluting the substance of the narrative. This trend, while potentially increasing readership, may contribute to a perception that Indian English fiction is primarily characterised by simplistic storytelling. For the genre to evolve and gain recognition on a global scale, it is crucial for authors to strike a balance between accessibility and literary merit. By prioritising substance over mass appeal, authors can contribute to the elevation of Indian English fiction, fostering a more diverse and enriching literary landscape.

Explore More:

Chetan Bhagat – detailed biography with critical assessment

Review by Chirayu for ReadByCritics

Critical Rating

The novel could have been much better. Well, you don’t ask Bhagat to get better at his writing. You just read him. Criticise him. Forget the novel. Wait for another. However, if you are a reader who enjoys reading irrespective of critics’ banters, you might find something cool here. All the best!

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Book Review– Half Girlfriend by Chetan Bhagat

Hey all! Today is Romantic Review Day and so I decided to a book review on Half Girlfriend, written by Chetan Bhagat. So here goes my review!

Once upon a time, there was a Bihari boy called Madhav. He fell in love with girl called Riya. Madhav didn’t speak English well. Riya did. Madhav wanted a relationship. Riya didn’t. Riya just wanted friendship. Madhav didn’t. Riya suggested a compromise. She agreed to be his half-girlfriend. From the author of the blockbuster novels Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of My Life, 2 States and Revolution 2020 comes a simple and beautiful love story that will touch your heart and inspire you to chase your dreams.

Series: D9 Shops (Book 10)
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Rupa Publications; 3rd edition (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
Genre–contemporary/romance

Chetan Bhagat is the author of nine blockbuster books. These include seven novels—Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005), The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008), 2 States (2009), Revolution 2020 (2011), Half Girlfriend (2014) and One Indian Girl (2016) and two non-fiction titles— What Young India Wants (2012) and Making India Awesome(2015). Chetan’s books have remained bestsellers since their release. Four out his five novels have been already adapted into successful Bollywood films and the others are in process of being adapted as well. The New York Times called him the ‘the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history’. Time magazine named him amongst the ‘100 most influential people in the world’ and Fast Company, USA, listed him as one of the world’s ‘100 most creative people in business’. Chetan writes columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development issues. He is also a motivational speaker and screenplay writer. Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009 to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIM-A, and his twin boys, Shyam and Ishaan.

So I have always thought of reading one of Chetan Bhagat’s books since I have seen most of his books turned into Bollywood blockbuster movies (kind of like Nicholas Sparks) so I would say he is the Indian version of Nicholas Sparks. I got this book at the book fair and so thought of reading the book. I even saw the trailer of the movie and it looked OK.

So let me list out a couple of things that I liked in the book.

Really love the style of Bhagat’s writing–it makes the reader engrossed in to the book. The vocabulary and English is simple and understandable.
The story is interesting to read and I manage to finish reading the book in a matter of few days!

So here are the things that I did not like

The story is way too predictable–we know that someday, Madhav (SPOILER ALERT!) will one day reunite with Riya Somani so it is a typical cheesy Bollywood styled themed romance.
I hate to admit it but I did not like any of the characters in the book. Madhav is a star-struck lover who refuse to move on without Riya ( even though Riya like dumped him twice) and I feel his love is more obsessed and stalker love–as he continues “stalking”her.
I slightly got confused as Chetan Bhagat mentions himself in the book as that writer where Madhav talks to and since the first person narrative is used in the book, I had a hard time at first identifying who is talking who.

Overall it is an OK book. I think I will give three stars for the book.

Has anyone watched the movie with Arjun Kapoor as Madhav and Shraddha Kapoor as Riya? Check out the trailer below.

‘Half Girlfriend’ by Chetan Bhagat | Book Review

I’ve always maintained that a book should be entertaining, irrespective of the language it’s written in or the quality of literature used in composing it. In fact, I consider myself one of those “non-English types” to whom this book is dedicated to. I loved Chetan Bhagat as a story-teller since Five Point Someone, and have followed up reading all his book released since then. I had an alternative like/dislike relationship with his work – I loved Five Point Someone , disliked Three Mistakes Of My Life , loved Two States , disliked Revolution 2020 , and was totally pissed off with What Young India Wants . The cinematic adaptations of almost all his books were good ( 3 Idiots and Kai Po Che were exceptional cinematic adaptations, while 2 States the book scored over 2 States the movie.) Enough about that though, moving over the actual topic now. Did I like Half Girlfriend ? My answer’s YES.

*SPOILER ALERT (Not anything major though – I’ve ensured not to give away important plot-twists)*

Madhav Jha is a blue-blooded, national-level basketball player hailing from a small town in Bihar, and in spite of his poor grasp over English, manages to score a seat in Delhi’s reputed St Stephens college in sports quota. Here he meets Riya Somani, a chic girl belonging to one of Delhi’s elite families, who unlike Madhav is super-fluent in English. Their common passion – Basketball – makes for an ice-breaker and forms the connect which matures through several stages. Madhav has feelings for Riya, and though Riya considers him a great friend, she’s not into the same mode as Madhav. He proposes to her, she declines the proposal. This continues every now and then, with her rejecting the girl the guy every single time, until the guy loses it to desperation and blurts out Deti hai to de, verna kat le (which literally translates to f**k me or f**k off). It was a cheap shot, and Riya reacted as any self-respecting girl would. She walked out of his life never to return again, until days later when she hands him her wedding card.

Madhav is heartbroken, and after completing his graduation he ditches his high-paying corporate offer and moves back to his village Dumraon, helping his mother with running the village school. Now running a school requires funds, and his mother, the Rani Sahiba of Dumraon, has been paying out everything off her own pocket to support and run it as politics and political leaders have stashed in all the government funds. Gates Foundation is visiting India, and now the political leaders turn to better the school in order to better their own image. Madhav latches on to this opportunity, but there’s a catch – he has to deliver a speech in English to the world’s richest man to secure the funds. Can he do it?

St. Stephens hadn’t bettered Madhav’s English, and to brush it up for the speech, he decides to visit Patna, where he has a chance encounter with Riya, and their friendship blossoms once again. Riya helps Madhav with his English, and disappears after he delivers the speech and secures the grant for his school, leaving behind a letter in which she reveals that she has cancer and just has three more months of life left in her. Her journal discovered three years after her death uncovers darker secrets of her past.

Bhagat ensures reader engagement for most part of the book, and there’s simple humor peppered throughout the story ensuring ample entertainment. The author manages to Indianise the story in every bit possible, and the layer of emotions are such that almost every romantic idiot shall find a thread or two of their own lives weaved in the plot. The book has other sub-plots featuring marital violence, philanthropy that adds to its gravitas. Readers looking for novelty in the script would be disappointed much, but for a breezy light read it’s entertaining enough. It’s the perfect 4-hour-book, and perfect fodder for a Bollywood script. The last-minute predictable twist is sure to attract whistles when translated onscreen.

My minor disappointment with the book – Why did Madhav hand over Riya’s journal to Chetan? I know there’s an explanation for this, that he and Riya used to read his novels together, but still that doesn’t make it an explanation strong enough as to why you’d hand over your beloved’s journal to a complete stranger. Also, the parts with Madhav’s friends/relationship-experts seems a little too stretched. Rest all is pretty smooth. The narrative’s linear most of the time, and the prose is everyday.

To sum it all, Half Girlfriend is a simple love story, which holds mass appeal and will find its audience in both the book and the movie (which is already announced, by the way). India’s biggest bestseller has a definite winner in his new book.

Overall Rating : 3/5

22 Comments

reena saxena

October 4, 2014 at 4:28 pm

as i read the review of half girlfriend it seems a love story of guys who present real love.

October 4, 2014 at 4:29 pm

i will love the book when i read as well as i love three mistakes of life.

October 5, 2014 at 8:36 am

Just love the book and loved the twist in the last when madav finds out the truth of her beloved one..!

Siddharth Gupta

October 5, 2014 at 11:20 pm

Completed reading the book in 4.5 hrs. The book kept me intrigued and I don’t think it posesses any lousy moment. This story on Celluloid will be a cracker! Order now! Surely it will give u a few smiles 🙂

Satyender Singh

October 6, 2014 at 12:17 am

This is the first novel/book I read in my lifetime, all others are engineering and maths. Bhagat saab you are amazing, I want to know it’s imagination or a real story coz I want to meet Riya she marked a impression on my heart n mind. Madhav hats off for u.

Rajesh Sharma

October 6, 2014 at 11:30 pm

When I started reading Half Girlfriend this afternoon I thought – “Well, here we go again..” but as Chetan himself admits, his writing has changed and how! I believe Half Girlfriend is a coming of age book for Chetan Bhagat. It retains the guilty pleasure feel from his earlier novels while providing some insightful commentary about rural education, English, development, politics and love reminiscent of his editorials. The commentary is centered around the protagonist Madhav and Bihar but is generally applicable to a variety of similar situations as well.

In Madhav, Chetan has created yet another character that everyone will root for. This is going to make one hell of a movie script! Thanks for mentioning one of my favourite songs.

Playing “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri on loop.

dipayan ghosal

October 9, 2014 at 10:16 pm

when u start reading it u will no be able to stop………………………..full of twists and a wonderful love story with a happy ending……………..i liked it through……but expected more since the writer was none other than chetan bhagat…………but still i will rate it 4 out of 5.

inder kohli

October 10, 2014 at 11:18 am

i read half girlfriend in just 1 day .. i love it .. while reading the book i cried twice first when she left him at a 1st time 2nd when she left him with a heart breaking latter .. thanks sir for this story .. .. i am your big fan since i read your book calld revolution 20 20 ..i looking forward to your next storie .. 🙂

October 12, 2014 at 12:08 am

Ye mera pehla novel tha jo maine padha. Bhut hee acha novel h… 3.5 out of 5..

Surjeet kumar chaudhary

October 14, 2014 at 1:10 pm

Five point someone was my favourite novel at all. But after the half girlfriend, its become second one

October 14, 2014 at 5:29 pm

good, interesting novel.

soham chattopadhyay

October 19, 2014 at 10:00 pm

after completing the book i was left awestruck by by the plethora of twists within this book and it was totally difeerent from chetan bagat’s other novel but IT WAS COMPLETELY HEARTTOUCHING

Anindita Bora

October 21, 2014 at 2:16 pm

i rly lyk it..its a vry swt lovestry…full of suspense…thank u sir fo ur book “half girlfriend”

October 21, 2014 at 2:19 pm

a stry which again touched my heart deeply…u rly cn image Madhav and Riya…i rly lyk dis swt nd pure livestory..Thank u chetan sir..

October 24, 2014 at 11:43 am

Today I finished my new novel half girlfriend written by chetan bhagat it’s true sad love story in between bihari boy basketball player and delhi high class girl always come college in BMW. If u realy love some buddy in your life plz read it’s inspire story

October 24, 2014 at 11:50 am

When i was reading the story i was feeling i am madhav.specially I want to see riya .because every time madhav express her quality preety lady on the earth then after madhav family. Madhav you are very lucky.i hate you.but every thing is possible salute ladke

Sanam Hanif

October 28, 2014 at 3:25 am

Honestly, I m not the kinds who love reading novels. My friend ordered this book online and had a stay over at my place for the weekend. She left the book behind and some how it caught my interest. I got glued to the novel. One of the most beautiful love stories I have eve read. This book actually made me a reader. I am looking forward to read other books by Chetan Bhagat.. Hats Off!!!

Ankit Sharma

October 29, 2014 at 12:33 pm

I want to see real Image of Riya and madhav Plz.

November 7, 2014 at 11:18 pm

Only 1 Wrld i can say for the book Awsm Awsm And Awsm…..

Suhas Bhosale

July 7, 2015 at 3:49 pm

This is the first story that is I read. . Automatically I cry yr. . Marnese pahale ek bar to madhav jha and riya somani se milunga yar ,

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