-
Book Review: Alipura by Gyan Chaturvedi (Translated by Salim Yusufji)
AlipuraAuthor: Gyan ChaturvediPublisher: JuggernautRating: 3.5/5 Set in the backdrop of Alipura in the Jhansi district of India, Alipura is a brilliantly translated version of the original Baramasi by Gyan Chaturvedi. Even though the English version lacks the flavour that the original must have had because of the language, it still easily manages to pass the muster because of its alluring narrative, use of local dialect as much as possible and use of satire through descriptions and words that spew black clouds of revulsion in our society. Alipura is a story of an Indian family which is rooted in the culture and the traditions that help the members remain eligible to…
-
Book Review: The Ulysses Pact by Karthik C.
The Ulysses PactAuthor: Karthik C.Publisher: Red Grab BooksRating: 3/5 Having watched Squid Games on Netflix, The Ulysses Pact bears an uncanny semblance with the former. There is an unethical game being played. There are pawns, there is money and there is betrayal. Life is at stake yet the diabolical past forces the participants to go on. Nevertheless, the fast-paced story of The Ulysses Pact is gripping right from the first page. The Ulysses Pact begins with an audacious psychiatrist who ventures into a deadly game by using five of his patients as pawns and sends them down a primrose path. Written in the first-person narrative, this story highlights the greed…
-
Book Review: Vultures of Paradise by Atulya Misra
Vultures of ParadiseAuthor: Atulya MisraPublication: Rupa PublicationsRating: 3.5/5 Vultures of Paradise uses a fictional narrative to illustrate the importance of safeguarding the environment from the ill-treatment meted out to it by humankind. The story traces Neha’s life, her choices, her learnings and her quest to redeem her lost self. When she finds herself in a quandary, her conscience is probed by the prevailing circumstances of the world and she is let onto the path of atonement. While she battles with the vultures who prey upon the environment, she also realizes the importance of being grateful and respecting what nature has given to all people. Written using an easy narrative, the…
-
Book Review: The Elephant at the Dinner Table by Amit Nagpal
The Elephant at the Dinner TableAuthor: Amit NagpalPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 3.5/5 Self-help books that guide people in their journey to success are much in demand these days. Just before beginning The Elephant at the Dinner Table, I had finished reading The Authenticity Code and what I realized was that the two books had a similar scaffold but a very different approach. The Elephant at the Dinner Table uses a metaphorical idiom (elephant in the room) as its title and that probably is the USP of the book. It throws light on one of the most important issues that forms the pivot of everyone’s life- success. The ideal mantra to achieve…
-
Book Review: The Authenticity Code by Dr Sharon Lamm-Hartman
The Authenticity CodeAuthor: Dr Sharon Lamm-HartmanPublisher: Greenleaf Book Group PressRating: 4/5 The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda (John C. Maxwell). While the world is busy catching up in the rat race of life, it is not surprising to know that several people are venturing out in search of life coaches who provide valuable guidance and support when people are feeling down in the dumps. Dr Sharon’s The Authenticity Code is a self-help book that introduces us to the Authenticity program that promises to help people learn about their real personalities and then utilize the four Cs to ace the game of success. The Authenticity Code…
-
Book Review: The Psychology of a Patriot by Saket Suman
The Psychology of a PatriotAuthor: Saket SumanPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 4/5 A patriot is a person who can go to any lengths to defend his/her country against denigrators or any other form of evil that threatens the integrity and unity of people. But sadly, people have misunderstood the true meaning of this term just like how they have misunderstood several other terms and use them for their own benefit and according to their own convenience. The Psychology of a Patriot is a bold account that provides an insight into the mindset and belief of a true patriot who thinks rationally and doesn’t fear to call a spade a spade. Written by…
-
Book Review: Bhog Naivedya by Sujata S. Rajan
Bhog NaivedyaAuthor: Sujata S. RajanPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 4/5 If you have watched Raja, Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyaan on Netflix and enjoyed every ounce of information that is shared in that television series, you are sure to enjoy Bhog Naivedya. Bhog Naivedya is a comprehensive account of food offerings made to various deities that are worshipped throughout the length and breadth of our country. Knowing that India is a land of diverse cultures, it wouldn’t be wrong to expect a different form of devotion in different parts of this holy land. Bhog Naivedya has been divided into various chapters where each chapter highlights the process and the type of food that…
-
Book Review: The Don’t Diet Plan by Kavita Devgan
The Don’t Diet PlanAuthor: Kavita DevganPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 5/5 As Indians, our obsession with weight loss and diet plans is understandable. Our mindset is fine-tuned to get momentarily inspired by the success stories and then let ourselves get misled by random guides that promise instant weight loss. However, it is imperative to consult an expert as every ‘body’ is different and the path to weight loss will be different for each individual. Kavita Devgan’s The Don’t Diet Plan is a comprehensive guide to losing weight by ‘not following any diet plan’. There are smaller aspects to healthy eating than focusing on fad diets and click-bait diet plans. The author helps…
-
Book Review: The Blazing Moon by Ekta Sinha
The Blazing Moon: Journey to HellAuthor: Ekta SinhaPublisher: Bluerose PublishersRating: 2.5/5 The Blazing Moon is a thriller that is interspersed with a love triangle that takes an ugly turn. Tracing the twisted life of three protagonists- Vishal, Sapna and Nainika, this story is a treasure bag of twists and surprising revelations. Even though the poorly edited writing might irk the readers, the characterization and the setting have the calibre to leave the readers in a quandary. The Blazing Moon deals with several issues at a stretch. Right from the psychological impact of betrayal and heartbreak to the emotional turmoil one might hold within the boundaries of the heart- each character…
-
Book Review: A Mother’s Goodbye by Kasturi Patra
A Mother’s GoodbyeAuthor: Kasturi PatraPublisher: Half Baked BeansRating: 4/5 Sexism has been perpetuated in our society since time immemorial. Owing to the narrow-mindedness of the people and the unwillingness to accept change, the discrimination between genders has still not stopped. Whether it is the stereotype that men cannot cry or that women should devote their life to the well-being of their children and husband, each stereotype plays an important role in presenting a misconstrued reality before everyone. A Mother’s Goodbye subtly questions the actions of Deepa, a single mother who mysteriously disappears from her children’s life for reasons best known to her. Tracing the journey of three siblings who falter…
