Book Review Evaluation of I'd Rather Buy a Lamborghini

I'd Rather Buy a Lamborghini is a 12-chapter, ~150-page (~40,000-word) contemporary fiction novel with drama and satirical elements, set in Mumbai, India, in June 2025. It follows Arjun Mehra, a 38-year-old struggling musician, who, inspired by an article about dying regrets, rejects emotional aspirations and pursues a Lamborghini Aventador (priced at 6.5 crore rupees) as proof of his worth. His journey from obscurity to fame through viral hits like “Chasing Chrome” and “Burn the Road” strains his family ties but ultimately fulfills both his personal dream and his family’s needs, aligning with your theme that “loving materials is far more fruitful than loving humans and families.”

- By Abu Malik

1. Relatable Protagonist and Emotional Depth:

Arjun’s arc—from a cynical, overlooked musician to a determined star—is compelling. His flaws (neglecting his family, obsession with the car) make him human, while his hustle resonates with readers who’ve chased ambitious dreams. His internal conflict, torn between material success and family, adds emotional stakes.

Readers may connect with his defiance of the article’s sentimental regrets, rooting for his audacious goal. For example, his epiphany in Chapter 1 (“I'd rather buy a Lamborghini”) is a bold, rebellious hook that grabs attention.

2. Vivid Mumbai Setting:

The novel’s Mumbai backdrop—gritty chai stalls, glitzy showrooms, crowded festivals, and Marine Drive’s sparkle—grounds the story in a vibrant, sensory-rich world. Descriptions like the Aventador’s roar drowning out rickshaws (Chapter 11) immerse readers in Mumbai’s chaos and glamour, appealing to urban fiction fans.

The cultural context—India’s fascination with luxury cars as status symbols (noted in sources like )—makes Arjun’s pursuit relatable to readers familiar with aspirational wealth.

3. Engaging Plot and Pacing:

The narrative follows a classic underdog arc: Arjun’s rise, setbacks (e.g., the plagiarism scandal in Chapter 7), and triumph keep readers invested. Each chapter escalates his journey—grueling gigs (Chapter 3), viral success (Chapter 4), family strain (Chapter 9), and the climactic purchase (Chapter 10)—with clear stakes.

The pacing balances action (concerts, drives) with introspection (Arjun’s reflections on failure), maintaining momentum. The final chapters (11-12) deliver a satisfying payoff with the Aventador’s first drive and family reconciliation.

4. Lamborghini as a Compelling Symbol: