By S.N. Rao.
At 77 years old, Mr Niyogi's life is a constant battle against the ravages of advanced Parkinson’s disease. His days are steeped in pain and routine, and the future seems to hold little promise. As he contemplates his declining health, he wonders—does he still have a purpose?
Will he quietly slip into the shadows, or will he rise to leave a lasting mark on the world?
Everything changes when news breaks of a young man stranded on a remote island, cut off from all help. Mr Niyogi becomes haunted by the imagined cries of the boy, his mind tormented by the thought of someone so vulnerable being left alone.
As I read that chapter, I questioned how a bedridden man could save the boy. The sheer physical limitations made it seem impossible. His only real resource is his auditing expertise.
It is here that the book reveals its ingenuity. Rather than seeking charity, Mr. Niyogi devises a bold plan to use his financial knowledge to help his parent company recover significant losses due to employee fraud. By doing so, he hopes to fund a rescue mission for the boy. I admired this clever twist and the depth of Mr. Niyogi’s determination.
Despite his frailty, he finds a way to contribute meaningfully, demonstrating that despite declining health, the mind can remain sharp and resourceful.
Mr Niyogi’s Last Audit captures his health struggles vividly—the discomfort, the embarrassment, and the emotional toll of losing independence. I found these moments particularly compelling, as the book does an excellent job of portraying the raw realities of living with a neurodegenerative disease.
For readers who know someone enduring similar hardships, these aspects of the story will feel all too real and relatable. But how can an elderly Indian accountant in declining health possibly save a miner trapped in the Maldives?
This bittersweet novel explores ageing, dignity, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. Mr. Niyogi’s strategy—using his one remaining strength to attempt the impossible—offers a glimmer of hope and a testament to the human spirit. His unyielding will to make a difference, even in the face of overwhelming odds, makes this story so powerful. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you so much to the author - S.N. Rao for noticing my review on Netgalley and sending me a direct copy!
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