Much has been said about Pather panchali and Apajito, but I like this first part much better because of the more nostalgic touch (and yes, the pain ofMuch has been said about Pather panchali and Apajito, but I like this first part much better because of the more nostalgic touch (and yes, the pain of the sudden deaths that come). The poverty and humiliation is written so subtly that it pains your heart. It is one of those stories where the author doesn't mention what is happening as a fact, but shows you through examples, and that what I feel makes the story much immersive and touching. ...more
What can one write about this timeless book, core to the bengali literature, and subsequently the cinemas. That it took me so many years on finding thWhat can one write about this timeless book, core to the bengali literature, and subsequently the cinemas. That it took me so many years on finding this and reading this is a shame. The book had a chokehold on me that I can't even explain. It's a classic and for a reason. 10/10 would recommend every one who can read bangla to read this. Onto Pather panchali now....more
I love slice of life Japanese literature, it’s my most favourite genre in the world. A slow, calming, warm read of 5 short stories happening aro3.75/4
I love slice of life Japanese literature, it’s my most favourite genre in the world. A slow, calming, warm read of 5 short stories happening around the stationery shop. The pace did fall in some parts but in the end, I fell in love again with stationeries. ...more
Second book purchased in Dubai, and my first Yoko Ogawa, so I went in with little expectation except of murders (it's in the blurb). I did realise thaSecond book purchased in Dubai, and my first Yoko Ogawa, so I went in with little expectation except of murders (it's in the blurb). I did realise that the stories are interconnected. And it also goes meta in some stories, if that's the right description. All the stories are sinister to be honest. I kept on wondering what's going to happen now. It's a fairly easy and gripping read. The stories do have an underlying chill This book is a snippet from the upcoming book from Penguin. I picked this book up at Dubai Mall because I wanted to buy at least one book from my trip (I got two!) and this seemed to be the shortest read. The stories date back to the early 1900s. The first story gives you premise to imagine the nature, visuals, smells and emotions by describing what's a young man reflecting upon. He has returned from abroad and after finding no job to his liking, has limited his time to his own home. The second story is probably a description of thoughts of a delusional narcissist. And the final story is sort of a folklore?
Good for timepass, not sure about remembering it in the future. makes you slightly uncomfortable. The author has done a great job in creating this universe with interconnected stories and characters making jump from one to another. I liked the change in this point of views. Overall a great read to be honest, I liked the chilling story telling and the sinister nature of the characters where I couldn't predict anyone at all....more
This book is a snippet from the upcoming book from Penguin. I picked this book up at Dubai Mall because I wanted to buy at least one book from my tripThis book is a snippet from the upcoming book from Penguin. I picked this book up at Dubai Mall because I wanted to buy at least one book from my trip (I got two!) and this seemed to be the shortest read. The stories date back to the early 1900s. The first story gives you premise to imagine the nature, visuals, smells and emotions by describing what's a young man reflecting upon. He has returned from abroad and after finding no job to his liking, has limited his time to his own home. The second story is probably a description of thoughts of a delusional narcissist. And the final story is sort of a folklore?
Good for timepass, not sure about remembering it in the future....more
This book is so intelligently written, I've never read another like this. Starting from confusion till I finally figured out how the book is working aThis book is so intelligently written, I've never read another like this. Starting from confusion till I finally figured out how the book is working and ending in a moment of "Woah", the book has been a roller coaster, the kind that makes me want to discuss it with an English teacher. There are several different stories connected by one story, capturing intelligently different genres, different moments of life, and they still remain connected. There are some great lines to catch the simplicity of life and some to catch the greatness of it. It constantly challenges your senses and keeps you looped in. Every story stands true to its title and the entirety of it is so thought provoking, I stayed up till 3 in the morning to finish this.
One good read. And totally recommended if you want to read something that challenges you. ...more
The book has the elements that I felt in previous Banana Yoshimoto books as well - dreamy, but dealing with grief, grief of thi2.5/5
[Spoilers ahead] . .
The book has the elements that I felt in previous Banana Yoshimoto books as well - dreamy, but dealing with grief, grief of things and places lost, and... underwhelming. The build up of the book was nice, the premonitions trying to lead you to somewhere. But I could not look past the moral aspect of the two relations in the book. I appreciated the parents instead, both sets. And the idea of taking a journey to find things, to clear heads. The characters in their own standing too perhaps. But the relations, I am not really sure. Maybe because it comes from 1988.
The book is the story of Yayoi, 19 years old living with a perfect family who has had several premonitions all her life that sets her quite apart from the rest of them. Yet she feels like she is forgetting something so she packs her bag and moves in with her aunt Yukino because she gets the feeling that this is what is necessary to uncover her memories.
Frankly, the build up here was really good, but I wish it were more about Yukino and Yayoi and Yayoi and her adoptive family instead of Testuo and Yayoi whom she addressed as her dear brother half the book, or even the high school kid waltzing in halfway through the book. On that note, in explorations of the relationships and events, the book felt like a lost opportunity.
But Yoshimoto sensei's writing is poignant and that can be felt in the book. Maybe Asa Yoneda did a better job at translation than Megan Backus in Kitchen....more
I cried watching the movie, I cried reading the book, and I really loved it so much.
One of those books where I watched the movie first, and wen3.75/5
I cried watching the movie, I cried reading the book, and I really loved it so much.
One of those books where I watched the movie first, and went to read the book later. The picturization of the movie was stunning and helped me visualize the people and setting. These are the kinds of issues that you know that you have probably registered in the tertiary but haven't paid close attention to till you read something on it. I accept I have been (unfortunately) ignorant on this topic and this book was a good reminder. ...more
I am going to give it a 3 stars, because of the twist. I did not care about the characters, I was worried about the 19-year-old wife. But the twist thI am going to give it a 3 stars, because of the twist. I did not care about the characters, I was worried about the 19-year-old wife. But the twist that happened was great. The house is a character in itself. The murders are brutal. ...more
Starting without much expectation and not really getting into it till some good deal of pages, I started liking the book by the time I finished i3.5/5
Starting without much expectation and not really getting into it till some good deal of pages, I started liking the book by the time I finished it last night.
Botchan is a boy who acts and speaks impulsively. As a child, he jumped out of the second floor of his school on being provoked by fellow students. He also caused wrecks here and there. His brain is pretty straightforward, almost devoid of the "complex chain of thoughts" that make us human. So when he gets a job to teach math in middle school far away from his birthplace Tokyo, he takes it without much consideration. At his heart, though, he is a proud, egotistical 'Edokko'. So naturally, when he actually lands up in the far countryside where you can only reach by boat, Botchan has no idea of how things work and what to expect.
As he deals with the complex social chain and events around him, the story progresses. It is comical and frustrating (because of how Botchan deals with them mainly, which is different from the shrewd way people function in society, but that's really the point). Eventually, the issue moves away from the one Botchan faces and becomes much more wider in its nature. You almost start rooting for Botchan to navigate around them.
The relations Botchan has in the book with several characters like The Porcupine, The Redshirt, the landlady, and most importantly Kiyo are mentionable. Overall, a nice slow read. Looking forward to read the later works by Natsume Sōseki....more
It's one of those books which you can give a miss, or by chance, if, like me, have purchased casually with no prior info, then you can read. Multiple It's one of those books which you can give a miss, or by chance, if, like me, have purchased casually with no prior info, then you can read. Multiple short stories about women of different age groups, and their different cats, all connected in some way. ...more
Slice of Life is my favorite genre. Japanese stories, whether movies, manga, or books, have aced slice of life genre like no other.
This book is the s
Slice of Life is my favorite genre. Japanese stories, whether movies, manga, or books, have aced slice of life genre like no other.
This book is the same. I love the premise: a bookshop in a neighborhood of second-hand bookshops, with a cafe for that occasional cup of warmth. Relations strained and mended. A lot of reading. An occasional trip to the mountains. Books like these help me relax a lot where I don't have to fear any drama or things going wrong, and I can just soak in the lukewarm premise for a few hours, forget about the world, and enjoy this mini escape. Let cute things happen. Perfect winter read with a cup of tea or two. And keeping the physical copy of the book nearby for comfort.
Finally found the Ananda Publishers bookstore at CR Park, and finally got into reading bangla books again after ages. Starting with this one from SamaFinally found the Ananda Publishers bookstore at CR Park, and finally got into reading bangla books again after ages. Starting with this one from Samaresh Majumdar. Two innings in the book, very different in taste. Story took an abrupt turn somewhere, but I liked the flavor of both.
Had thought to write the review in bangla but that made me procrastinate the task by almost 3 weeks, so jotting it down lest I may end up forgetting altogether. ...more
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