Dr. Mukesh Aseemit’s “Roses & Thorns” is a thought-provoking collection of satirical essays and commentaries that attempts to hold a mirror to the contemporary Indian socio-political landscape. A practicing orthopedician by profession, Aseemit wields his literary scalpel with equal precision—cutting through superficiality, hypocrisy, and absurdity with wit, irony, and a dash of poetic flair.
From the contents pages, it is clear that the book is structured into short, independent essays, each tackling a specific issue or theme—ranging from education and politics to everyday social behavior and cultural quirks. Titles like “Paper Leak: The New Business of Education and Politics,” “The Crowd and the Chaos,” and “The Constitution is in Danger” suggest a biting critique of contemporary systems. Others such as “There Goes the Buffalo… Straight into the Water!” and “The Marketplace of Curses” hint at a more whimsical, observational tone rooted in everyday Indian life.
Dr. Aseemit’s subjects are diverse—politicians, educators, social media culture, and even public health—and he approaches each with a mix of sharp observation and creative analogy. His satirical tone ranges from gentle mockery to full-blown lampooning, offering both humor and a hard-hitting message.
One of the strengths of “Roses & Thorns” lies in its accessibility. The language is simple and conversational, making it approachable even to readers unfamiliar with satire as a genre. Dr. Aseemit is clearly a keen observer of the Indian milieu, and his humor is rooted in authentic cultural experiences, which lends credibility and relatability to his writing.
The wide-ranging topics allow for variety, ensuring that no two essays feel repetitive. The book’s intent to highlight the absurdities of modern life—be it the commercialization of education or the performative nature of public charity—adds significant value, especially in times when superficiality often escapes scrutiny.
Stylistically, while the satire is often effective, there are places where the humor feels forced or the analogies stretched too thin. The book may have benefitted from more editorial polish to tighten the prose and maintain a consistent tone across chapters. At times, the transitions between humor and critique can feel abrupt, leaving the reader unsure of the writer’s exact stance.
“Roses & Thorns” is an ambitious and engaging collection that blends satire, social commentary, and poetic irony to reflect on the contradictions of Indian society. Dr. Mukesh Aseemit’s voice is both humorous and thought-provoking, and his writing invites readers to laugh at, reflect on, and question the systems that shape their lives.
While the book could benefit from better editing and structural coherence, its heart is in the right place—and for that reason alone, it deserves a read. Those who enjoy satire with a desi flavor will find several moments of laughter and insight nestled among these roses and thorns.
However, The cover page, with its somber and subdued aesthetic, does little to reflect the sharp wit and irreverent tone within—making it a mismatch for a satirical work.
Publisher: Notion Press | Price: ₹190 (Paperback)
Language: English
Reviewer: Dr. Suresh Kant (satirist, critic, translator, novelist)
“Roses & Thorns” — a thought-provoking collection of satire by Dr. Mukesh Aseemit 🌹🪻🌵
[डॉ. मुकेश ‘असीमित’]
🩻 Orthopedic by profession, satirist by obsession ✍️
#सोशलमीडिया_की_ओपीडी
#डिजिटलदुनिया_का_स्टेथोस्कोप
#FollowKarLoYaar — Prescription-Free Satire Guaranteed!
(Author of “गिरने में क्या हर्ज़ है” and **“Roses & Thorns”)*
📚 Here is the Amazon link to your Hindi satire book “गिरने में क्या हर्ज़ है”:
👉 https://amzn.in/d/1vxVfiH
📖 Here is the Amazon link to your English satire collection “Roses and Thorns”:
👉 https://amzn.in/d/j3wWiRg
Very nice