Perfect Advisor by Joy Garg, a detailed book review

Joy Garg’s Perfect Advisor is a compelling blend of emotion, humour, and moral lessons woven together through the life and adventures of its protagonist, Ray Singhania. The book is a character-driven narrative that explores themes of justice, family, and the complexities of human relationships, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone. Ray, the central figure, is portrayed as a near-perfect individual—intelligent, resourceful, and deeply moral—as much as the guy feels un-human! Yet, his humanity shines through in his interactions with his loved ones and his unwavering commitment to doing what is right. The novel is a testament to the power of goodwill, the importance of relationships, and the value of intuition and intellect in navigating life’s challenges.

At its core, Perfect Advisor is a story about Ray Singhania, a man who embodies perfection in every role he assumes—whether as a brother, friend, businessman, or advisor. Ray’s character is meticulously crafted, and his multifaceted personality is one of the book’s greatest strengths. He is not just a problem-solver but a moral compass for those around him. His intelligence and observational skills are unparalleled, allowing him to dissect complex situations and devise ingenious solutions quickly. Whether he is unravelling a political conspiracy, exposing a blackmail scheme, or rescuing a kidnapped child, Ray’s brilliance is consistently on display. Yet, what makes him genuinely endearing is his compassion and the depth of his relationships, particularly with his twin sister, Hope. Their playful banter and mutual affection add a layer of warmth to the narrative, making Ray’s character relatable despite his almost superhuman abilities.

The book is structured around a series of cases or challenges that Ray takes on, each serving as a vehicle to explore different emotions and moral dilemmas. From the beginning, the reader is drawn into Ray’s world, where no problem is too big or too small for his expertise. In one instance, Ray helps Mr. Dutta reclaim his hotel from a greedy moneylender, teaching the latter a lesson about the importance of goodwill over greed. In another, he uncovers a minister’s fabricated assassination attempt, exposing the lengths to which people will go for power. Each case is a microcosm of more significant societal issues, and Ray’s interventions often serve as a commentary on justice, integrity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The author skillfully balances these weighty themes with moments of humour and levity, ensuring the narrative never feels overly heavy or didactic.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its emotional depth. Joy Garg has a knack for capturing the nuances of human emotions, from the dejection of a wronged man to the terror of someone facing the consequences of their actions. The relationships between the characters are richly textured, and the emotions feel authentic and relatable. Ray’s interactions with Hope, in particular, highlight the book. Their sibling dynamic is heartwarming and humorous, providing a counterbalance to the more serious aspects of the story. The author also delves into guilt, regret, and repentance themes, exploring how these emotions shape the characters’ decisions and actions. For instance, the subplot involving Kaya’s murder and her brother Kartik’s motivations is a poignant exploration of how family pride and societal expectations can lead to tragic outcomes.

Ray’s brilliance is not just intellectual but also profoundly intuitive. He has an uncanny ability to read people and situations, often relying on his instincts to guide him. This intuition and his analytical skills make him a formidable problem-solver. Whether he is deducing the truth behind a blackmail scheme or uncovering a drug racket, Ray’s methods are as fascinating as they are effective. His strategic thinking and resourcefulness are particularly evident in how he manipulates situations to achieve justice, as seen in his handling of Mr. Singh and Mr. Dutta’s dispute. Yet, Ray’s actions are always guided by a strong moral compass. He believes in the importance of goodwill, fairness, and humility, and these values are consistently reflected in his advice and actions.

While Perfect Advisor has many strengths, it is not without its shortcomings. One notable issue is the heavy reliance on Ray’s intuition and “guesses” to solve problems, which, while showcasing his brilliance, may feel unrealistic to readers who prefer evidence-based reasoning. This, coupled with Ray’s portrayal as a flawless, almost superhuman figure, can make him less relatable and create a sense of detachment. His perfection in every role—brother, businessman, advisor—often leads to overly convenient plot resolutions, such as effortlessly acquiring companies or manipulating events, which can undermine the story’s credibility. Additionally, secondary characters lack depth, often serving merely as tools to advance the plot or highlight Ray’s abilities, making the narrative one-dimensional. The story also struggles with tonal inconsistencies, shifting abruptly between serious themes and light-hearted humour, disrupting the emotional flow. Some plotlines follow predictable tropes, reducing engagement, while the frequent use of deus ex machina—where Ray has all the answers and resources—removes much of the tension. Finally, the underdeveloped revenge subplot in the last chapter leaves readers with unanswered questions about the antagonist’s identity and motivations, creating a sense of incompleteness. While not overshadowing the book’s strengths, these shortcomings highlight areas where the narrative could have been more balanced, nuanced, and grounded, ultimately affecting its overall impact.

Coming to the writing qualities, the author has many positives other than the shortcomings discussed above. The book also excels in its descriptive writing, which brings the settings and characters to life. Whether it is the opulence of Ray’s mansion, the tension-filled atmosphere of a corporate office, or the emotional intensity of a confrontation, the author’s vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the story. The humour interspersed throughout the narrative adds to its charm, making it an enjoyable and engaging read. The dialogues, especially the exchanges between Ray and Hope, are witty and often hilarious, providing moments of levity amidst the more serious plotlines.

Perfect Advisor is a novel that will resonate with a broad audience, particularly young adults and adults who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and moral undertones. The book’s themes of friendship, family, and justice are universal, and its accessible writing style makes it an easy yet thought-provoking read. Readers who appreciate stories that blend humour with emotional complexity will find much to love in this book. It is also a story that celebrates the power of intellect, intuition, and integrity, offering valuable life lessons without being preachy. It will appeal to the GenZ; you can assume that… safely! However, those looking for some quick fun reading contemporary literature will also enjoy the work, no doubt. At the same time, someone looking for The Night Manager or Sherlock Holmes-type logic may be disappointed. Where do you fit in the bracket? You are the best judge of your reading preferences. You can get a copy of the book from Amazon India and enjoy this two-three or even one-hour read.

Get a copy from Amazon India – click here.

Review by Ashish for The Last Critic