I was a tad nervous about picking up the second one, but went ahead anyways, given the first two of this series were gifted to me by a friend. More imI was a tad nervous about picking up the second one, but went ahead anyways, given the first two of this series were gifted to me by a friend. More importantly, his motive of gifting me the books was that I get back to reading. It isn't that I hadn't been reading, only that I told him it wasn't as much as it used to be, when he and I were neighbours back in college. Most of the characters of the first books are retained, and a few new ones are introduced as well. The rebel slaves especially. And they continue to be very strongly fleshed out. The parts describing the war are long and gruesome, and in a sense, it tires you out as a reader, but that was perhaps intended to show how the war itself would gradually attrition both forces. I'd think the plot wasn't as tawt as the first book, and so once star less for this one! I'm still contemplating if I should continue with the series....more
I remember reading a few other books by the same author, a couple of decade ago - Wheels, Final Diagnosis, Airport. There was also the one centred aroI remember reading a few other books by the same author, a couple of decade ago - Wheels, Final Diagnosis, Airport. There was also the one centred around power generation, I don't recall its name. So there was an expectation. And I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. Unlike others, where the theme - be it airport operations or car manufacturing & so on - are so well researched that the reader gets a glimpse of the nuances of these processes, this novel is about politics. And the human element of it. Our frailty as well as our magnanimity is brought out equally well. The central character, James Howden's words, about how purity and politics don't go together, rings a bell much more in today's world. There are poignant moments. When Milly, James' secretary & Margaret, his wife, have a candid conversation, is one such for me. The intimate moments between James & his wife are endearing as they are revealing. The ending was a tad disappointing, but coming to think of it, there's no other way it could have ended either, so full marks :)...more
When it comes to fiction, I am mostly stuck with authors from the 70's of even earlier. Thanks to the large collection of books owned by my grandfatheWhen it comes to fiction, I am mostly stuck with authors from the 70's of even earlier. Thanks to the large collection of books owned by my grandfather and father, I've never had to buy any books except perhaps after I started reading Stephen King. So when a kind friend gifted me this book, I didn't see why not. My reading has been slow, if at all, in the past few months. Work has kept me busy and I haven't been able to make time, as I did during the lockdown. This book gives a feeling of largeness to the reader, the characters and the times are all set to epic proportions. The grandeur of ancient Rome & the lavish lifestyle of the rich, in such contrast to the misery of the poor and the slaves is striking. The emotions are raw - be it violence, love or sex, you can actually feel the characters. I also liked how the author is able to switch the scene of action so smoothly from one to the other. Overall, it was a thoroughly entertaining read even if you didn't care much about the history. I didn't and still could enjoy the book....more
The book posits that our life is essentially determined by our habits. So, by changing our habits we can essentially bring about a qualitative improveThe book posits that our life is essentially determined by our habits. So, by changing our habits we can essentially bring about a qualitative improvement in our lives. Further, the author goes on to explain levers / methods by which one can cultivate desirable habits (or get rid of undesirable ones). I found this very interesting in just the way a simple idea can be so clearly propounded....more
This chapter is petty much a summary of the entire text. There were many gems, of which I wish to highlight one, here. In verse 63, Lord Sri Krishna tThis chapter is petty much a summary of the entire text. There were many gems, of which I wish to highlight one, here. In verse 63, Lord Sri Krishna tells Arjuna that he has explained this knowledge and also adds that Arjuna may ponder over it in its entirety and then do as he pleases. What struck me was how after all the ideas shared, almost towards the end, Krishna literally leaves it to Arjuna to make up his mind and do what he thinks is right. This is so unlike a commandment that is laid down and I think that to me sums up the beauty of Sanatana Dharma....more
I've been trying to spend time in meditation, japa and pranayama over the last year or so. I am unsure if I don't perceive the results or am being tooI've been trying to spend time in meditation, japa and pranayama over the last year or so. I am unsure if I don't perceive the results or am being too impatient. 15.11 was an eye opener for me. It made it abundantly clear to me that I must work on refining my mind, getting rid of the tendencies that pull me down if I were to make progress. 15.15 onwards, it gets tough. Not that it has not happened in other chapters. I like being challenged, so I am telling myself that once I finish all the 18 chapters, I will come to the ideas once again, starting Chapter 1....more
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