What do readers think of The Caretaker by A .X. Ahmad? Write your own review.

This is a hell of a book! When I first received it, I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read it, but after just a few pages, I was hooked. The protagonist, Ranjit Singh, a captain in the Indian army, a Sikh, faces so many tense situations I don't know how they all fit into one book. He is an honorable man, and a resourceful man, pitted against enemies, military, civilian, family, Indian, Paki, American, and still manages to be a hero. His struggles as a foreigner in America make me wonder about our attitude to other immigrants. Although he isn't perfect, and when he falls, he does it in a big way, his honesty and altruism keep me in his corner throughout. I wish this book were about two chapters longer so I could further follow this courageous man on his journey. Thank you, Mr. Ahmad, for a wonderful read.

Ranjit is a Sikh from India who moved to America with his wife and daughter to escape his past. Unfortunately, his life in America is not what he hoped for and certainly not what his wife wanted or is willing to accept.
There is a bit of intrigue and a number of betrayals.
I found the character of Ranjit as a military man in India and also a religious man to have an internal conflict with what is right and with where his loyalty lies. Interesting story that was fast reading and enjoyable.

I found this book to be an interesting and exciting read. The scenes set in Kashmir when the main character was an Indian Army officer leading a combat patrol were, to me, some of the best parts of the book. The rest of the book is an intriguing and suspenseful action thriller with well developed characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the book..

This was a fast read because I couldn't stop till it was over. Good use of unusual mix of characters and odd plot. Though there were far fetched elements, they didn't detract from the pull of the plot.

I am drawn to books with international plot lines. I found the conflict between cultures to be realistically portrayed. I assume the author is planning another book; at least the ending led me to think that. It did not bring the story to a "comfort" close, but was certainly intriguing. I look forward to the next book.

The Caretaker presents readers with characters who all seek something elusive, be it absolution for a prison term resulting from trumped up charges, for power and wealth beyond one's racial and economic background, for acceptance in a culturally diverse land, or even the love of a parent. Along the way we learn about the background of the Sikh religion and political struggles on the international stage. All of the characters have suffered losses that affect them deeply, and in some ways this former soldier turned Martha's Vineyard estate gardener becomes a caretaker of all their secrets.

Ahmad's The Caretaker, is a page-turner. The main character is well-portrayed but others are much less memorable. The action moves the plot right along – Not a novel long remembered but it can keep the reader guessing and reading for the next action - the next, then the next and then the next. Plan to have time to read this one - you won't want to put it down.

I enjoyed this book, but it could have been better. The author has a lot of potential but tried to do too much in one book.
The cultural and financial differences of the characters were well laid out. The selling of government secrets would make a book by itself, thus it was not fully developed. The senator's marriage and child is another area that needed more depth. Ranjit and his wife's relationship left unanswered questions. Very interesting issues raised but left unfulfilled. I feel the author's future books will be better if he doesn't have so many things going on at the same time.