Review:

“Hi God! How are you? I am not well, how do you do?”

This heartfelt line sets the tone for Manoj Kumar Sharma’s thought-provoking novel, where a child’s innocent voice disrupts societal norms and invites both empathy and scrutiny. Where reality blurs with social media, faith, and justice. The book revolves around Fairy, a young girl from Indra Prasth Nagar who starts sharing her feelings through reels on an app called ‘ALL’, talking to God about her feelings, confusions, and the world around her. What begins as innocent musings quickly catches the attention of viewers across the country. Fairy’s reels, deep, emotional, and raw, spark conversations about societal norms, personal struggles, and the voice of the youth.

As her popularity grows, so does the controversy. The tipping point comes when an FIR is filed, and to everyone’s shock, the case reaches the Chief Justice of India. The legal drama that follows adds a gripping layer to the narrative. Fairy, unaware of the legal implications, remains curious and innocent, while her parents are thrown into turmoil.

Manoj masterfully explores themes of faith, freedom of expression, and justice in the digital age. With each reel, the narrative shifts, introducing new perspectives and provoking readers to think. The storytelling is intentionally candid, often bordering on chaotic, filled with opinions and interpretations that reflect the unfiltered world of online discourse. The writing style is raw, conversational, and deliberately unfiltered. Manoj Kumar Sharma adopts a tone that feels spontaneous and deeply personal, like reading someone’s journal or scrolling through their unedited social feed. While this brings authenticity and emotion, it also makes the narrative feel scattered at times. The story flows like a stream of consciousness, mirroring the unpredictable nature of online expression.

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The tone throughout is a blend of satire, sincerity, and subtle social critique. There’s a deliberate tension between Fairy’s innocence and the seriousness of the situation, creating a powerful contrast that makes the reader reflect. The climax is unexpected and deeply emotional. It compels readers to reflect not just on Fairy’s story, but on the world we’re shaping with our reactions, our silence, and our judgments, making us empathise with Fairy and her journey.

Hi God, How Are You? is a compelling read that offers something beyond entertainment—it challenges, questions, and moves you. If you’re looking for a book that combines digital-age storytelling with meaningful social insight, this one is worth picking up. A heartfelt and bold exploration of innocence and social issues in the digital age. While the raw, candid style can feel scattered at times, the story’s emotional depth and timely themes make it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

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