India, May 20 -- Money, race, family ties and the ceaseless buzz of New York City have been central to Rumaan Alam's writing from the start. These themes are as present in his 2016 debut Rich and Pretty as they are in his latest novel, Entitlement. Set in the sleek Manhattan of 2014 - before Instagram completely rewrote social currency - Entitlement follows Brooke, a young woman navigating a city still sharply divided between the haves and the have-nots. Described by one character as "Black, gorgeous, serious, [and] passionate," Brooke is introduced mid-commute to a prestigious new job. At first, she seems driven, perhaps even hopeful about making a difference. But that optimism quickly unravels, revealing a disillusioned thirty-something, unmoored and unimpressed by the life she's found herself living. Still, one thing is certain: Brooke is a striver. Working for Arthur Jaffee, an 80-year-old billionaire determined to give away his fortune, she catches a glimpse of what unimaginable wealth can buy - and decides she wants in. Once that line is crossed, morality becomes a distant consideration. Classified as psychological fiction, Entitlement does a compelling job of placing the reader squarely in Brooke's mindset. The narration often shifts perspectives mid-scene - a risky stylistic move that's either illuminating or jarring, depending on your reading taste. The final chapters veer into thriller territory, as Brooke's quiet discontent escalates into reckless ambition and corporate fraud. Yet, for all the chaos she stirs up, the novel leaves you wanting a deeper understanding of the supporting characters, who mostly exist through Brooke's critical gaze. The writing is razor-sharp, even if a few plot threads feel underdeveloped. Alam's strength lies in his social commentary, delivered through a narrator whose own biases highlight the systemic inequalities others fail - or refuse - to see. Surprisingly, it's the deeply flawed, often unlikeable characters that keep the story compelling. Brooke's actions may be extreme, but her restlessness, ambition, and quiet fury are undeniably relatable. With its blend of biting observation and emotional nuance, Entitlement doesn't seek to redeem its characters. Instead, it presents them as they are - messy, selfish, real - and that's exactly what makes the novel linger long after the final page. Title: Entitlement Author: Rumaan Alam Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Price: Rs.596...