Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas senior partner Shishir Vayttaden has published a new book, Kill the Lawyers, on his tales of corporate chicanery.
Vayttaden’s earlier book was a non-fiction commentary on the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations 1997, which is a stark contrast with his latest work of fiction. “They just flow from different but related interests. I have enjoyed my John Mortimer as much as I have enjoyed my Gower & Davies,” said Vayttaden.
Kill the Lawyers is a picaresque short-story cycle about the guns for hire at a Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) law firm. Written in the wry, slinking voice of an irreverent insider, these stories work both on the quality of their prose and the strength of their plots. This collection is not just a culmination of tales, it’s an exploration, a test of narrative architecture and an invitation for the audience to uncover the threads that bind these stories into a coherent tapestry.
At the heart of the narrative is Edwin Edamarra, the initially cool-headed protagonist who easily earns the reader’s sympathy. However, as the stories unfold, Edamarra’s choices add a layer of satisfying complexity to his character.
The Jim Jam biscuit-obsessed legal maverick is an abrasive, foul-mouthed rising star with a heart of gold. A virtuoso in the legal arena, he champions justice for all, from shady corporations to the building’s help. Along for the ride is the resilient Anjali Mathur, sacrificing sleep for her demanding boss, amid a cast of colourful characters.
The later chapters of the collection reveal twists and turns that have been praised by early reviewers, showcasing the author’s ability to craft a narrative filled with unexpected developments.
