For the Love of Apricots is primarily based on two protagonists—forty-year-old divorcee Nandini, who lives in Mukteshwar, having established a pickle For the Love of Apricots is primarily based on two protagonists—forty-year-old divorcee Nandini, who lives in Mukteshwar, having established a pickle cooperative there, and Vikas Joshi, who also lives in the hill town, having recently acquired an apricot orchard. The story delves into their interesting interactions, painful pasts, and the possibility of second chances at love.
The novel grips you from the get-go, and the narrative flows at a beautiful, languid pace - perfect for the story. The mild twists and turns are placed appropriately and keep you engaged in the story. There is also a sprinkling of humor throughout, which made me smile.
But the characters are what keep you glued to the story. Nandini and Vikas are exceptional characters. They are lovable and worth rooting for. The character development is brilliant, with sufficient backstories to flesh out the characters. The only minor nitpick is that Vikas's father is hardly mentioned in the book. Considering he is alive, maybe some interaction and/or thought about his father should have been there. That would have been the icing on the cake.
I could relate to every sentiment experienced by the characters, as the feelings were natural and realistic. Despite the strength of the characters, they have their share of vulnerabilities and idiosyncrasies, which again reinforces the relatability factor and makes you feel for them.
As expected from a writer of Ms. Liddle's caliber, the language is excellent—lucid and unornamented yet garnished with the appropriate wordplay at the right places. The grammar and punctuation are immaculate, as always.
The descriptions of the scenery are delectable, painting a vivid picture of the lush landscapes of Mukteshwar, making me want to visit the beautiful hill town. Moreover, the descriptions of food are luscious, making my mouth water. I want to taste the apricot jam studded with kernels, smeared on crisp buttered toast.
The ending is perfect, and the emotional punches are so beautifully executed that I teared up a couple of times. All loose ends are tied up immaculately, providing a wholesome, unforgettable experience.
This novel proves that Ms. Liddle, an award-winning writer specializing in historical fiction, is equally proficient at contemporary fiction.
The Colony of Shadows is primarily based on the experiences of a nine-year-old boy, Varun, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of his parents. He The Colony of Shadows is primarily based on the experiences of a nine-year-old boy, Varun, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of his parents. He starts living with his visually impaired aunt, Jyoti, in Bangalore when he suddenly discovers a portal in the garden that leads to a dilapidated colony that somehow resembles his old home in Delhi. The story deals with the aftereffects of that discovery and the unknown dangers that lurk in the colony of shadows.
From the bio, I learnt that Bikram Sharma had studied creative writing, and that is evident from the first paragraph itself, which is beautifully descriptive and gripping. The good plot construction and solid character development, along with the well-placed twists and turns, ensure that the reader's interest remains till the end of the book.
The characters are relatable and worth rooting for. I could feel for Varun throughout. Sometimes, he does behave slightly weirdly, but he is a kid dealing with an unimaginable tragedy at a young age, and his strangeness is understandable. My favorite character was Jyoti, his aunt. Despite being visually impaired, she is such a strong woman, confronting her challenges with courage, humility, and compassion. I could relate to her sensibility, vulnerabilities, and commendable aspirations, and I loved how she cared for Varun and her mother despite her unfortunate limitations. Despite the darkness in her life, she is an inspiration, a testament to her name, Jyoti. It suits her perfectly.
The inclusion of Poppy, the dog, as another protagonist is another masterstroke. Poppy's courage, loyalty, and selflessness are heartwarming, and in a couple of instances, her actions plucked at my heartstrings.
The supernatural aspect of the book makes it unique, and it has a major role in the story. Almost throughout the book, the author has done a brilliant job incorporating the supernatural theme in the story. I don't have the heart to read horror fiction, but Mr. Sharma has weaved the supernatural element with finesse without making it overtly scary. Moreover, the descriptions are phenomenal, vividly depicting every scene. It has been a while since I read the book, and I can still picture almost all the scenes, especially the ones of the colony.
The language is lucid and unornamented and perfect for the story. Moreover, the grammar and punctuation are impeccable, something I struggle to find in Indian-authored books nowadays.
The tension is built exceptionally in the latter half, so much so that I was on the edge of my seat during the climax. Hats off to the author for that; it was exhilarating. However, in a book like this, the ending matters, where all loose ends need to be tied for a satisfying closure. I think Mr. Sharma faltered there a bit. Some supernatural elements were not explained properly, leaving me slightly unsatisfied. The behavior of a couple of characters towards the end was a bit strange and difficult to relate to, and the book failed to explain their actions sufficiently.
Nevertheless, for its unique setting, well-developed characters, and perfectly orchestrated plot, The Colony of Shadows certainly deserves a read. I recommend it to all fiction lovers.
The Way Home revolves around three characters—Anya, reeling from the abrupt demise of her elder sister; Neel, lost in the shadows of his overachievingThe Way Home revolves around three characters—Anya, reeling from the abrupt demise of her elder sister; Neel, lost in the shadows of his overachieving parents; and Roy, grappling with a suffocating food allergy and a recent heartbreak—as their paths cross in Goa. The story is about the characters battling their demons and trying to find their way in life in the company of their newfound friends.
The plot is interesting from the start, thanks to the brilliant introduction of the characters. It is a simple, linear story without many twists, turns, or secrets, yet the strength of the characters ensures that your interest never wanes.
The characters are instantly likable, and they develop beautifully throughout the book, and you feel as if you are growing with the characters. You feel their pain and want them to find happiness. Using sufficient backstories, good dialogues, and an intimate portrayal of their thoughts and feelings, Ms. Mullick fleshes the characters expertly. They have their share of flaws, making them real, but they are good people intrinsically, which makes you want to root for them.
The descriptions are vivid, transporting you to the gorgeous landscapes of Goa. The language is also simple and lucid, with suitable wordplay at the appropriate places. Ms. Mullick uses the third person omniscient POV technique, which is difficult to execute as it is prone to the side effect called head-hopping, where the reader can get confused due to the constantly switching POVs. And unfortunately, I did experience that on numerous occasions throughout the book. Moreover, sometimes, due to the lack of dialogue or action tags, it is difficult to understand who is speaking.
These are minor issues, though, because the story is good, and the characters are lovable. The ending is also well done; all loose ends are tied up, and it brought a smile to my face. I highly recommend this book to readers who like smooth, well-written, thought-provoking fiction.
Pronounced Guilty primarily revolves around four protagonists - Dushyant, a lawyer pursuing a mission for the establishment of open prisons; Vijender,Pronounced Guilty primarily revolves around four protagonists - Dushyant, a lawyer pursuing a mission for the establishment of open prisons; Vijender, an ex-convict who Dushyant brings under his wing; Maitreyi, a divorcee and Dushyant's opponent counsel in the case; and Anusuya, a widow and aged psychologist who eventually joins the mission, offering her expertise. It chronicles the obstacles faced by Dushyant and the other characters during the mission and poses important questions to the readers along the way.
For the first forty pages, I was hooked. The way Vijender is imprisoned for abducting his boss's daughter, the way he pleads innocence, and the introduction of Anusuya and her adorable relationship with her late husband make for a brilliant start. But then, suddenly, the mystery is solved, and the court case for the mission starts. This development is a bit abrupt but not unexpected since the blurb clearly stated that the mission is the main part of the book.
Meanwhile, Maitreyi is introduced, and the court case scenes are well-written. Ms. Singh's meticulous research shows, and it is a treat to witness the well-formed, relatable arguments and counterarguments presented by Dushyant and Maitreyi. They beg you to think about the condition of prisons in India and whether open prisons and rehabilitation are necessary. However, despite the interesting arguments, I did notice a slight lowering of the stakes. That's because this case is not related to a person; it's about prisoners in general. Which character was I supposed to root for?
I love how Ms. Singh portrays women in her books. I was impressed by this aspect in her previous book 'The Pause' as well. The women are strong, and despite the injustice meted out to them and their obvious vulnerabilities, they never shy away from standing up to their oppressors. This makes them relatable and worth rooting for. It is admirable how Anusuya battles her trauma of molestation and gathers strength to serve the mission and how Maitreyi finds the pluck to confront her father. However, I felt that Maitreyi's confrontation scene could have been even more powerful if the trauma had been built up a bit more in the beginning by showing Maitreyi haunted by it. Even something like a paragraph or two here and there would have worked.
Ms. Singh, through the women's travails, also succeeds in highlighting deplorable acts like familial molestation and elderly abuse. It is commendable on her part to shed light on these dark social evils.
The second half of the book then proceeds to the main aspect of the mission - the open prisons, the facilities, the programs, and a subplot with a political angle. Although this part is also narrated well, I felt the lack of stakes became more noticeable here, and I found my interest waning occasionally. Then, towards the end, when Anusuya briefly interacted with some prisoners, a realization came to me. What if this case revolved around a prisoner instead, and the story showed how an open prison actually affected him/her and helped him/her rehabilitate? That would have been much more impactful and intimate instead of showing the statistical figures of the number of prisoners that this mission helped.
The language is lucid and brilliant, garnished with exquisite wordplay at regular intervals. The descriptions are also vivid and expertly done, but sometimes, in certain dialogues, I felt the wordplay could have been toned down to make the dialogues sound more natural. But I am nitpicking here. Ms. Singh is a brilliant writer possessing an extensive vocabulary.
The ending is well done, and all loose ends are tied up well. When I finished the book, I felt as if I had read an important, well-researched non-fiction that makes you reflect deeply on the current state of prisons, the mental health of prisoners, and the imperative need for prisoners' rehabilitation. I just felt that from a fiction point of view, it needed a slightly different approach to make it feel more wholesome and captivating.
The Jehlum Boys is primarily based on two friends, Nishant and Mudassir, and how one night of frenzy drasticThank you, BookNerds, for the review copy.
The Jehlum Boys is primarily based on two friends, Nishant and Mudassir, and how one night of frenzy drastically changes their lives. Based in Jammu, Kashmir, Pakistan, Delhi, and the US, this is a sprawling story about love, loss, friendship, redemption, and hope.
The story starts with Nishant and Mudassir's childhood, and from the get-go, the author, Mr. Prashant, manages to grip the reader. Using short paragraphs and simple, lucid prose, the narrative flows at a good pace, tagging the reader along. Sometimes, though, the prose and dialogues get colloquial and cheesy, the humor is forced, and the frequent use of high-fives between friends is a tad annoying.
However, despite those minor lapses, the plot construction is immaculate. The story is captivating, with its numerous twists and turns. Everything is planned with precision, and almost every interaction with a character is pivotal to the plot. The story successfully delves into the serious themes of terrorism, religious and political turmoil, and displacement.
The characters are also sketched well. They have their share of flaws, but they are mostly relatable and worth rooting for. My favorite relationship is the one between Nishant and Bansilal. It is relatable, touching, and inspirational. One particular scene even brought tears to my eyes. It was so emotional and well-written.
The protagonists, Nishant and Mudassir, are likable. Their delightful friendship is heartwarming and memorable. However, in some scenes, Nishant is portrayed as too heroic (e.g., the office brawl and the Maulvi slapping scene), making the scenes filmy and unrelatable. Apart from those couple of scenes, I enjoyed their journeys right until the end.
The language is simple, and the descriptions are vivid, especially the lush landscapes of Kashmir. However, I did find a few grammatical and punctuation errors here and there. One round of light editing would have ironed them out.
Overall, I enjoyed The Jehlum Boys. It is a gripping, well-told story that explores important themes and does justice to them.
Soulful Musings is a beautiful collection of poems that explore life and the boundless possibilities it holds.
The poems are divided into sections titlSoulful Musings is a beautiful collection of poems that explore life and the boundless possibilities it holds.
The poems are divided into sections titled Inspirational, Tranquility, Existential, Introspection, Reflection, Freedom, and Exploration. Every section is preceded by a description of the theme, and every poem is also preceded by a short synopsis of the poem. The summaries are so deliciously written that I almost always found myself re-reading them before proceeding to read the poems.
I have been an admirer of Ms. Damodar's extensive vocabulary ever since I read her debut book, Inkspiration, another exceptional poetry collection. She is one of the best Indian poets I've come across. Her delectable wordplay and flamboyant verses are enough to make poetry lovers drool. However, in addition to the great command of the language, she is equally adept at conveying emotions, thereby doing proper justice to the themes of the poems. The poems have a lot of depth and are thought-provoking, and the exemplary language coupled with the mesmerizing verses result in a truly enjoyable reading experience.
Throughout the book, Ms. Damodar also exhibits her brilliance at rhyming using different techniques. However, especially towards the latter half of the book, I did feel that, sometimes, she tried too hard to rhyme, and the rhyming word's selection seemed a bit odd.
Nevertheless, Soulful Musings is truly a remarkable collection of diverse, brilliantly written poems. It is a must-read not only for lovers of poetry but for readers who appreciate mature, evocative writing.
The Labyrinth of Silence is primarily based on three characters - Girish, a reticent architect; Muki, a mute girl; and Kashi, a young girl burdened byThe Labyrinth of Silence is primarily based on three characters - Girish, a reticent architect; Muki, a mute girl; and Kashi, a young girl burdened by the weight of her past - and their endeavors to find their way through the labyrinth of silence that destiny has created in their lives.
The story is intriguing from the get-go as it gradually reveals the character Muki and her strange obsession with the Kulkarni household, which comprises the stern matriarch Kusum and her quiet son, Girish. Then, life brings many twists and turns in the protagonists' lives, taking the readers on a dark, deep, thought-provoking journey.
The character development is excellent, with the three protagonists and the secondary characters etched with a lot of care, giving them ample backstories to justify their natures. I especially felt for Muki and the tribulations the poor girl had to go through. Kashi is another sympathetic character, and I wanted her to discover the answers to the burning questions within her and find some contentment. And although Girish and Kusum were unlikable - which was the author's intention, I'm sure - I could understand the reasons behind their eccentricities.
The language is classy. Ms. Nagda has a great command of the language and possesses an extensive vocabulary. I loved some of her implementations of metaphors and similes. They are fresh and a delight to read. However, sometimes, she goes overboard with the metaphors, making the prose heavy and difficult to read. I noticed this, particularly in the middle of the book, which is from Girish and Kusum's POV. The Karakoram and the teardrop metaphors were used too repeatedly for my liking. Moreover, Girish's travels into the village and the adjoining temple didn't seem realistic. Even if that part was omitted, it wouldn't have affected the otherwise interesting story.
Ms. Nagda is brilliant at descriptions, too, and I could picture everything vividly, be it the ghats of Benares, the suffocating ambiance of the vast Kulkarni bungalow, Muki's small house with the well, or the ramshackle Banaras guesthouse. The descriptions of food and the clash of the Kannada and Marathi cultures in Belgaum are also portrayed exceptionally, adding richness and depth to the narrative. I also admire how Ms. Nagda has highlighted the ancient practice of Niyoga, which was perhaps hitherto unexplored by Indian writers. She has done justice to this theme by showing its profound impact on the characters' lives.
Fortunately, the flow of the prose improved towards the end, and it was satisfying enough for me. Almost all loose ends are tied up (although the extent of Kashi's knowledge about her family history at one stage did leave me confused), and after the almost relentless sadness throughout the book, the last few pages did bring a semblance of hope. It was well-written.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Labyrinth of Silence. It portrays the dangerous repercussions of silence and family secrets using unique, intriguing characters and a well-written narrative.
An Unholy Drought by Madhulika Liddle is primarily a story recounted by the elderly narrator, Nadeem, about the lives of his ancestors in Delhi as theAn Unholy Drought by Madhulika Liddle is primarily a story recounted by the elderly narrator, Nadeem, about the lives of his ancestors in Delhi as the historic city witnesses significant political change: the fall of the Delhi Sultanate and the rise of the Mughal Empire.
This is historical fiction at its best. Ms. Liddle breathes life into the varied, well-written characters in this splendid family saga spanning generations. The descriptions of Delhi, the food, the culture, traditions, architecture, and the history are vivid, and I felt as if I was transported to that era. However, the best part of the book is that despite mainly focusing on Delhi, it never compromises on the characters. The descriptions and history never interfere with the characters and their development, which enriches the reading experience.
All the characters are relatable and well-etched, and the women are the best. Most of the women are strong-willed, admirable, and worth rooting for, be it Aabida, who, despite her husband's failings, single-handedly establishes the brocade business, Shahana, who, despite her husband's orientation and her shy nature, battles great adversities to keep her family together, Zarina, a talented naqshband who is not afraid to pursue her career in an era where women aren't encouraged to work. And to lend variety, there is a relatively weaker character like Ismat, who is a bitchy, jealous woman.
The men might seem weaker in comparison, what with their bad decisions, but I could still relate to every one of them. I could understand the rationale behind their choices, and I wanted them to find happiness in life. None of them were unlikable.
The plot is also beautifully constructed, with the characters' fortunes intertwining with the changes in royalty and empires. Moreover, despite the book being set in olden times, Ms. Liddle has implemented diversity in the narrative by including an LGBTQ character. Although this is a serious story for the most part, I liked how Ms. Liddle has added some light humor in the book, especially during some of the interactions between Nadeem and his grandson.
The language, as expected from Ms. Liddle, is impeccably flawless. It is simple and lucid, with the right amount of ornamentation and flair at the appropriate places. And if aspiring writers need to learn how to use punctuation in dialogue, they should refer to Ms. Liddle's books. She is undoubtedly one of the best writers in India.
An Unholy Drought is the second novel in the Delhi Quartet series, and I liked it even more than The Garden of Heaven, which was brilliant, too. This novel is a must-read for historical fiction lovers, and I highly recommend it to general fiction readers as well.
Melodies of Muglan is a collection of short stories set in Darjeeling. In her note at the beginning of the book, the author, Ms. Thapa, mentions how tMelodies of Muglan is a collection of short stories set in Darjeeling. In her note at the beginning of the book, the author, Ms. Thapa, mentions how the name 'Muglan' was given to India by the Nepalese during the Mughal rule and how the stories reflect the varied and intriguing experiences of Nepali people based in Darjeeling.
The first story, Kukkur, encapsulates the book's essence with the infusion of local culture, traditions, and way of life in a coming-of-age story about a relatable female character. The subsequent stories 'Dastoor' and 'Boksi' add other flavors to the collection. I especially liked 'Boksi' and its sad ending reflecting the unfair treatment meted out to women who are believed to be witches and their families.
I couldn't quite relate to the story Rani as I found it a generic fantasy story, seemingly unrelated to Darjeeling and unlike the realistic stories before it. However, Children of the Moon, despite having the fantasy element to it, was much more absorbing. Smartphone and Professor are two of my favorites, with their relatable protagonists and intriguing, unique stories. I especially loved 'Smartphone' and the beautiful growth of the protagonist over a few days. There are a few stories I didn't enjoy that much, but I feel that the strength of the stories like Smartphone, Professor, and Children of the Moon compensate for that.
The language is a bit of a mixed bag. Ms. Thapa has a good command of the language, and her narration shines in places with excellent wordplay and emotional resonance. However, I did find a few grammatical and punctuation errors, and the book would have benefited from one round of editing.
Overall, Melodies of Muglan is a good collection of stories by a talented writer that deserves a read. I recommend it to readers who enjoy stories highlighting exotic customs and traditions in a unique setting.
I met Ms. Anjaly Thomas on Facebook, and I learnt that she had just released her debut novel. The premise was interesting, so I grabbed a copy.
PlentifI met Ms. Anjaly Thomas on Facebook, and I learnt that she had just released her debut novel. The premise was interesting, so I grabbed a copy.
Plentiful Springs is based on the experiences of Siana as she navigates her life, hopping between Ulluru village in Karnataka, Bangalore, Mangalore, Dubai, Mulliode, and Africa. It is an interesting coming-of-age story of a woman battling adversities like childhood molestation, mental illness, and aversion to relationships.
The narration is unique because instead of regular narration, the novel uses diary entries and letters to move the plot forward. It is a refreshing style, which gripped me from the get-go and kept me intrigued throughout the book. I found the childhood phase, which almost spans half of the book, to be the best part. The exchange of letters between Siana and her childhood friends—Panna and Mashu—is innocent and heartwarming, and it is a pleasure to see them grow and learn about life. Siana is a good storyteller, and her friends are enthralled by the captivating stories she conjures about life in her farmhouse in Ulluru. There is a dark side to Siana's diary entries, though. Her father beats her mother, and the family lives in constant fear of him. She also experiences some molestation at home, but being a child, she is unable to process it.
Things are still interesting when Siana leaves Ulluru, and she slowly loses touch with her Panna and Mashu, finds new friends, and tries to adjust to a new way of life. I loved the exchange of letters with her pen pal, Frankie. It is adorable to see her find someone who shares her interests like reading, music, and movies, and who cares so much for her. But after that, as she grows older and begins working, Siana changes. She grows arrogant and flirty, and I somehow grew detached from her slowly. At one point, she starts sleeping with multiple men at once and hurting people who care for her, and she grew unlikable enough for me to stop caring for her.
The story carries on like that, and she develops a lust for travelling (Ms. Thomas's writing shines in this travelogue part), until the end when she begins to realize that she needs to find herself by returning to her roots. That part is also well-written—it even made me empathize with her a bit—and apart from one minor complaint about Frankie, the ending is well done.
Ms. Thomas is a skilled writer, and her language is simple and lucid with the right amount of wordplay wherever necessary. She has a penchant for penning brilliant, vivid descriptions. She especially excels during the travel diaries; it makes you feel as if you are accompanying her on the journey. The editing is also good, and I found no noticeable grammatical errors.
Overall, Plentiful Springs is a well-written, unique novel about the coming-of-age story of a woman and how the mental scars of childhood mold a person's life. It is sensitive, dark, and thoughtful, but I wish Ms. Thomas had tweaked the protagonist's personality. I know childhood trauma affects a person deeply, yet I found it difficult to relate to her. A more likable protagonist would have made the book more fulfilling, at least for me.
I had heard a lot about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her books, mostly high praise, so when I came across Purple Hibiscus at a bookstore last year, I I had heard a lot about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her books, mostly high praise, so when I came across Purple Hibiscus at a bookstore last year, I got myself a copy.
Purple Hibiscus is primarily based on Kambili, a fifteen-year-old girl living in fear of her father, a Catholic patriarch who is respected in the community but is a violent religious intolerant at home. Set in the backdrop of a military coup in Nigeria, it is the coming-of-age story of Kambili.
The novel starts well, introducing all the major players like Papa, Mama, Jaja, Kambili, and the atmosphere of fearful stability at home. Their disciplined, restrained way of life is portrayed brilliantly using lucid, sparse prose, and I was intrigued by the measured plot progression.
I found Papa extremely unlikable, which is the author's intention, and I was horrified at the extent to which he could stoop to follow religious intolerance. I felt for Kambili and Jaja and wanted their lives to get better. I wanted something to happen.
And yes, Kambili and Jaja go to Aunt Ifeoma's house, where she lives with her kids Obiora, Chima, and the outspoken Amaka. Aunt Ifeoma's house has a totally contrasting vibe with the freedom to speak your mind and live without restrictions. With the exposure to such a drastically different lifestyle, there is a discernible development in Kambili and Jaja's characters. Slowly, they open up a bit and learn to at least express some of their opinions. I also loved Father Amadi, easily the most likable character in the book, and his adorable relationship with Kambili.
However, more than halfway through the book, the story gets stale. Papa shockingly gets more and more evil, and I yearned for an outburst or rebellion or at least something close to that to happen. I mean, the story hints at that, or at least it is natural for that to happen. But none of that happens, and it gets frustrating. Religious intolerance and cruelty should only be tolerated till a limit, and eventually, some realization should come, and an outburst is natural, not only for the victims' development but for the oppressor to know that what he is doing is unforgivable.
But instead, I kept waiting and got nothing. Even promising characters like Amaka get defensive while judging the monster. And then, a shocking ending transpires, which does make sense and is a decently fitting conclusion with most loose ends tied up. Yet, a bit of dissatisfaction lingered as I closed the book.
The prose, as I mentioned before, is grammatically perfect and beautiful. The descriptions are also vivid and beautifully executed. I also appreciate that, although Nigerian politics is touched upon, it is seamlessly integrated into the story; it doesn't overshadow the story, which is primarily about the characters and their relationships. It reminded me of Khaled Hosseini's books, which admirably adopt the same practice.
Overall, Purple Hibiscus is a well-written story about the experiences of a family suffering from religious intolerance. It is an important theme, and I applaud Ms. Adichie for writing about it. I just wish that the protagonist's development had been more pronounced, which would have made the story much more powerful and emotionally resonant.
I met Ms. Natasha Sharma on Facebook. Her debut novel Beneath Divided Skies was garnering excellent reviews everywhere, piquing my interest. The blurbI met Ms. Natasha Sharma on Facebook. Her debut novel Beneath Divided Skies was garnering excellent reviews everywhere, piquing my interest. The blurb was intriguing, too, so I decided to read it.
Beneath Divided Skies is the story of Satya, who, after witnessing her family's massacre during the 1947 partition, starts working with a secret organization that rescues kidnapped women across borders. She forms a bond with a handful of strong women and men during her missions, and the plot revolves around how they find purpose in their lives amid the horror and violence precipitated by the partition.
The story starts with a mission, and the air of danger and thrill immediately gripped me. The major characters in the story - Satya, Prerna, Iqbal, and Santhosh - are introduced in the first scene itself, which is a great move, as it gives time to develop them throughout the story. The plot then progresses to show the different types of trauma triggered by the partition, and Ms. Sharma doesn't shy away from revealing the gory details. It is horrifying to read about the terrible things that happened - loss of homes and identities, rapes, mass killings - and the stories of women who had to bear the brunt of the tragedies.
I loved the characters. Iqbal was my favorite character; he is such a gentleman, possessing a heart of gold. Satya and Prerna are also exceptional characters. It is inspirational how, despite their tragic pasts, they find the strength to not only move forward in life but even help other women along the way.
The mental conflicts of Satya and Prerna are also expertly portrayed. They do suffer from moments of weakness sometimes, but they find the strength to carry on. This is another masterful move as it gives the characters gray shades (instead of making them black or white) and makes them three-dimensional. The secondary characters like Santhosh and Ikankar are also well-written and play significant roles in the story.
The language is simple and lucid, interspersed with the appropriate amount of wordplay in the right places. I did find a couple of typos, but they didn't bother me, as the story was so gripping. The descriptions are so vivid and raw that sometimes, I had to take a break to erase the gruesome images from my mind. Ms. Sharma's writing has such power.
I was absolutely loving the book until one scene towards the end that diluted my appreciation a bit. It is an important scene between two main characters, and it is not handled as well as it could have been. The decision taken by a character made me feel sympathy for the wrong character and diminished the likability of the decision-maker. It affected me for the rest of the book, and I couldn't forgive the character for it, which left a slightly bad taste in my mouth.
However, apart from that minor thing, Beneath Divided Skies is a brilliant, important novel. Using strong, relatable characters and a well-executed plot, Ms. Sharma presents an honest, unrestrained account of the horrors caused by the partition, the physical and mental trauma that people had to go through, and how they managed to make a life for themselves despite the agony. She deserves a lot of appreciation for this successful literary endeavor.
I have known Ms. Lata Gwalani since reading her masterpiece, 'Prisoners of Secrets'. I enjoyed her next book 'Road to Abana' too, so when I learnt aboI have known Ms. Lata Gwalani since reading her masterpiece, 'Prisoners of Secrets'. I enjoyed her next book 'Road to Abana' too, so when I learnt about her next one, I grabbed a copy immediately.
Not Before You is the story of Jaya and her special-needs child, Nikhil, who suffers from a rare disease that prevents him from sitting, standing, or speaking. It is also about the sacrifices that Jaya and Suraj (Jaya's husband) have to make while taking care of Nikhil and the repercussions on their relationships.
Considering the book's theme, I wondered how the story would be able to maintain reader intrigue till the end, but Ms. Gwalani does a wonderful job at that. I loved how the story starts with the perspectives of Jaya, Suraj, and Divya (Jaya's daughter) in the present and then moves to the past to develop their backstories.
I feel that the narration of the past is the strongest part of the book. It enables Ms. Gwalani to develop the characters in detail. The relationship between Jaya, a media person, and Suresh, a yoga guru, is unique, and the nuances in the bond are excellently portrayed. The challenges the couple faced at the beginning of their married life are interesting, and I found myself invested in the story.
The shock of the parents and their families when Nikhil is diagnosed with the illness and how they cope with that is real and heartbreaking. And their relief when their second child is declared normal is so well-written that it brought tears to my eyes. The pacing is also excellent throughout, and I never felt bored.
The characters are well-developed; they possess a fair share of flaws, yet they are relatable. Jaya and Suraj, in particular, are brilliantly written and undergo significant development throughout the book. I also felt for Divya and her feelings of abandonment. The secondary characters of Jaya's mother and Mary are also well-written and play significant roles in the story.
The language, as I expected, is perfect—simple and lucid, with a sprinkling of delectable wordplay and luscious metaphors and similes. Ms. Gwalani never disappoints when it comes to delivering near-flawless prose.
However, during the second half, I felt that a couple of narrative decisions slightly hampered the overall impact of the book. One, instead of using the perspective of Death to convey emotions, if it had been done organically, the emotions would have probably felt more genuine and resonated even more strongly with the readers. Two, the mother-daughter relationship needed a proper closure. Ms. Gwalani almost provided that in one scene but chose not to elaborate. I understand the reason behind that—it was to make the story more realistic—but I feel it would have been better if she had elaborated on it.
However, the ending is exceptional. I loved the twist towards the end, which completes the arc of Suraj beautifully, giving him purpose. And Ms. Gwalani ties all loose ends well. It is a satisfying ending.
Overall, Not Before You is a brilliantly written book about an important, sensitive topic. I have to salute the protagonist, Jaya; she is such a strong woman. As Ms. Gwalani mentions in the book—parents of special-needs children like Nikhil are superheroes. It was an illuminating experience to read the book and learn about the challenges parents like Jaya face in their lives.
I would highly recommend this important book to all readers. Although 'Prisoners of Secrets' is still her best work, 'Not Before You' comes a close second.
I met the author, Monica Singh, on Facebook, and I was intrigued by the fact that her book "The Pause" was getting good reviews. Thus, I decided to goI met the author, Monica Singh, on Facebook, and I was intrigued by the fact that her book "The Pause" was getting good reviews. Thus, I decided to go for it.
The Pause is a collection of short stories loosely based on "The Pause" that abruptly invaded our lives post the pandemic. They are, as Singh clarifies in her note at the beginning, not Covid stories as such, but the pandemic is always present as a distant background in almost all the stories, although not directly affecting them. The Pause is essentially a collection of unique, emotional stories about life, love, relationships, and a plethora of emotions.
The stories are diverse and beautifully written. The collection starts with the tragic story of a man battling a sudden debilitating illness, taking one day at a time. It is real and heart-wrenching and shows the dark unpredictability of life. Then comes the story of a young girl who is positively influenced by Harry Potter books and tries to carve a life for herself despite the adverse situation at her home owing to an abusive father. It moved me; her interactions with the librarian are so heartwarming and inspiring.
Domestic abuse, a critical social issue, once again makes an appearance in her next story, and I loved the strong women who take matters into their own hands instead of being submissive and waiting for things to happen. It is important that such strong women characters are highlighted in books as they can serve as role models for the young women readers of today.
Another story of suicidal people meeting at a bridge is also wonderful and thought-provoking, and so is the story of a mother, her daughter, and her relationship with a stray kitten. One and a Half Minutes is another important story based on the horrific Mumbai terror attacks. Finally, the story Null and Void shows the birth of another strong woman who finds the strength to break out of the shell of love she had created around herself.
Throughout the stories, Singh showcases her exemplary vocabulary and wordplay. The language is simple yet classy. Her descriptions are also vivid and bring the scenes to life.
The variety in the stories coupled with the strong characters and brilliant storytelling makes this short story collection a must-read.
I met Rajesh Raj on Facebook. He contacted me after reading my novel The Fragile Thread of Hope. And last year, when I shared my intention of beginninI met Rajesh Raj on Facebook. He contacted me after reading my novel The Fragile Thread of Hope. And last year, when I shared my intention of beginning part-time editing services, he was the first to contact me, asking if I would edit his debut novel titled Blood Heaven.
I agreed and began work on it soon. Blood Heaven is based on the experiences of Bunny, a dreamy, small-town teenager who is heartbroken after a soul-shattering incident. One day, he encounters his old teacher Jenkin, someone he looked up to but has now reduced to a drunkard. Then begins a poignant and captivating journey of the intertwined destinies of Jenkin and his loyal student, Bunny.
The plot is intriguing and well-narrated from start to finish. The backstory of Jenkin is interesting, funny, and sad, and similar emotions come to the fore during Bunny’s journey of discovering the truth about Jenkin and the unexpected events that transpire in his life thereafter. Towards the end of the book, the story almost turns into a thriller, keeping you glued to the pages with unpredictable twists and turns. However, at its heart, Blood Heaven is an emotional, inspirational, and thought-provoking story of a teacher, a student, and an angelic woman, Tabassum.
The characters are wonderfully developed. Jenkin and Tabassum’s beautiful love story, Jenkin’s warm friendship with Robert, the adorable relationship between Jenkin and Bunny, and the thrilling turns induced by an unexpected antagonist serve to deeply flesh out the characters. All the characters are likable and relatable despite their flaws. Moreover, the occasional philosophical conversations add a certain depth to the characters, thus setting the book apart from the cheesy commercial fiction novels of today.
The language is lucid and poetic, although I must admit, that was not the case when I first received the draft from Raj. It was a bit messy. However, after rigorous editing, multiple revisions, and several discussions with the hardworking author, the writing improved. Raj does have a penchant for descriptions, and he does a good job at it throughout the book.
The ending is emotional and well-executed. It ties up all loose ends, gives justice to all the characters, and brings a satisfied smile to your face. The tragic love story between Jenkin and Tabassum will remain with me for a long time.
Overall, I would recommend Blood Heaven to readers who like poignant, thought-provoking stories.
I met Kamalini Natesan on Facebook, where she introduced her book to me. The blurb was intriguing, so I decided to go for it.
The Fire Ant's Sting is aI met Kamalini Natesan on Facebook, where she introduced her book to me. The blurb was intriguing, so I decided to go for it.
The Fire Ant's Sting is a collection of stories based on the different variants of desire. Be it a desire to live a secluded life, a desire for intimacy, wealth, revenge, attention, beauty, or fame, this book has it covered.
I found all the stories unique and fresh. The narration is excellent, drawing you into the stories and gripping you until you finish them. The characterization is also brilliant; not only could I relate to all the protagonists, but even the side characters were well-etched. Moreover, despite the constraints of short stories, the complex relationships between the characters are portrayed beautifully, amplifying the literary appeal of the book.
All the stories made me feel a gamut of strong emotions, be it sorrow, horror, hatred, fear, joy, or sympathy. Although most of the stories have satisfying endings, some of them do end a bit abruptly. However, I could understand the rationale behind the author's decisions.
Sometimes, we tend to go overboard while pursuing our desires, and almost all the stories made me reflect on the consequences. I thus found the stories insightful and also inspirational to an extent.
Natesan possesses an enviable vocabulary, and she exhibits that prowess throughout the book. Not only is the prose magnificent and filled with luscious wordplay, but the short paragraphs also contribute to the excellent readability.
Overall, The Fire Ant's Sting is a magnificent collection of intriguing, layered, dark stories exploring the various facets of desire. It joins two other short story collections I consider my favorites - Woman to Woman by Madhulika Liddle and Two and a Half Rainbows by Siddhartha Krishnan.
The Fire Ant's Sting is a must-read, not only for readers who like short stories but also for fiction lovers in general. 4.5 stars from my side....more
Lekha Rai, the owner of Cafe The Twins, the amazing book cafe from Siliguri, personally recommended this book to me during one of my visits a couple oLekha Rai, the owner of Cafe The Twins, the amazing book cafe from Siliguri, personally recommended this book to me during one of my visits a couple of years back. I recently happened to interact with Ms. Lindblom, the author, on Instagram, which is when I decided to read her book.
Beyul Hidden Lands is a Himalayan fantasy novel � the first part of a series � featuring the experiences of a young girl named Nilza Wangmo as she is forced to travel to Beyul, a mystical land hidden deep in the Himalayas behind hidden portals, where she discovers that the life she had been leading until then was merely a lie.
The first few pages are set in Beyul and set up the premise well, but the exact moment that seized my attention was the protagonist’s introduction. It was beautifully done, making me like her instantly. After that, I was invested in her journey. The plot is constructed beautifully, with appropriate twists and turns, and the narrative flow and pacing are perfect right till the end. I particularly loved the portions in italics that show the backstory of the migyum � a part human and part beast and the protector of the kingdom of Beyul � and how it slowly merges with the rest of the story.
I fell in love with the characters, especially Nilza. I found myself rooting for Nilza; she has her flaws and idiosyncrasies, but she is innocent and has a heart of gold. The other main characters, Kaizan, Yiga, Menziga, and Prince Wangzin, are also beautifully etched, and I could relate to their thoughts and actions. The secondary characters are also well-developed and play pivotal roles in the story.
The biggest challenge while writing fantasy novels is world-building, and Ms. Lindblom once again excels in this department. The descriptions are vivid, making it easy for the reader to picture everything, be it Wangzin’s palace at the edge of a cliff or the picturesque views from the flying vehicles in Beyul.
The language is lucid and effortless, and apart from a few minor punctuation errors, the prose is flawless.
The ending is also brilliantly done � a sort of cliffhanger, leaving just the right amount of anticipation for the next book in the fantasy series.
Overall, Beyul Hidden Lands is another underrated literary gem from our region, which deserves a much wider readership. It is only the third novel from our region � apart from the impeccable Perfect by Eunice Nirja and The Eyes by Ashim Basnet � that I can blindly recommend to all readers.
I met Aishwarya on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ; she had reviewed my book 'The Fragile Thread of Hope' once. Recently, I came to know that she had written a collection oI met Aishwarya on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ; she had reviewed my book 'The Fragile Thread of Hope' once. Recently, I came to know that she had written a collection of poems, too, so I decided to give it a read.
The first few pages in, and I was mesmerized by the delectable writing. Aishwarya is a master in wordplay, metaphors, and other figures of speech and possesses an enviable vocabulary. As I read, I found myself admiring almost every line and the beautifully conveyed thoughts and feelings.
Inkspiration is a masterful collection of poems exploring the themes of self-discovery, inspiration, finding meaning in life, finding hope in dark times, grief, and much, much more. I was also particularly impressed by the expertise with which she has rhymed the lines. It was amazing.
I don't think I am qualified enough to judge the author's exemplary writing skills. It is breathtaking. Moreover, as an icing on the cake, the poems are thought-provoking and motivational, too.
Overall, a must-read for poetry lovers and readers who love good writing in general.
I have heard a lot about Jahnavi Barua and have wanted to read one of her books for a while now. She's one of the critically acclaimed writers from thI have heard a lot about Jahnavi Barua and have wanted to read one of her books for a while now. She's one of the critically acclaimed writers from the North East, and her books have also been shortlisted for prestigious awards. The interesting blurb of this book titled 'Rebirth' coupled with the soothing cover made me pick this up a few months back.
Rebirth is the coming-of-age story of Kaberi, a young pregnant woman coming to grips with an uncertain marriage.
From the first few pages itself, I was enthralled by the mesmerizing prose. This kind of ornate, lyrical writing is something we hardly get to see in Indian fiction nowadays, what with the tendency of modern writers to employ restrained prose. The narrative was also beautiful - she speaking intimately to her unborn child - and I was impressed by the excellent introduction to the characters.
The characters, especially the protagonist Kaberi, are well-developed. With sufficient backstories and subtle exposition in dialogue, Barua expertly reveals the different traits of the characters. The relationships of Kaberi with her husband, her maid, her friend Preetha, her deceased childhood friend Joya, and her parents are weaved brilliantly. Kaberi's thoughts and emotions are also well conveyed, but I had a couple of problems with her character that prevented me from relating to her as much as I had hoped.
I am not quite convinced with the way Kaveri deals with domestic abuse. It is not prioritized enough in her thoughts - in fact, her husband's affair is given more importance - which doesn't seem natural or healthy. Also, she is shown to be too dependent on her husband. A stronger desire to have a job and be financially independent would have lent more strength to her character and thus would have made her more relatable.
The language is magical though, and for just that, Ms. Barua deserves the award nominations and the critical acclaim. The prose is poetic, the wordplay is exceptional, and the descriptions are marvelous. I love descriptive writers, and Ms. Barua is a master at that. I was blown away by the vivid descriptions; I could picture everything, right from the decor to the ambiance to the facial expressions to the natural beauty. However, like most Indian writers - and I'm not just referring to the commercial ones, even literary writers are guilty of this - I found punctuation errors in dialogue, especially the action tags.
The ending is well-written. It is decent and hopeful and does justice to the title of the book, but then again, the same issue of dependence on men comes up, diluting my appreciation somewhat.
Overall, I did enjoy reading Rebirth. The mesmerizing prose, the mouth-watering descriptions, and the wonderful supporting cast made this a worthwhile experience. If only the protagonist would have been portrayed in a stronger way, I would have enjoyed it much more.
So, here it is! Finally my latest book - The Unforgettable Woman - is out. I'd be really grateful if you could check out my book and order a copy if ySo, here it is! Finally my latest book - The Unforgettable Woman - is out. I'd be really grateful if you could check out my book and order a copy if you are interested. ...more
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