Etchings of First Quarter of 2020Author: Sabarna RoyPublisher: Leadstart PublicationsRating: 4/5 I have mentioned this before and I would like to mention this again that my love for Literature only became more profound when I experimented with the content and tried to understand the various point of views. Poets like Percy Shelly, John Keats and William Wordsworth have already written quite a many poems describing man’s quest to find the ultimate happiness and it is those poems that often make me question the life that all of us are living. Touching upon a number of essential topics, Sabarna Roy’s Etchings of the First Quarter of 2020 is a marvellous example…

Dark and White: Vol.1Author: Shweta BrijpuriaPublisher: Leadstart PublishersRating: 3/5 Yin and yang simply represent the natural dualities in our world like hot and cold, day and night, dark and white and love and hate! These are also the symbols of balance because that is what sustains the whole system. Caught in the whirlpool of plentiful lies and the swamp of hatred that often remains unseen, Dark and White explores the pathos of political influence and bigotry that often jeopardises even the most precious and pious relationships. When Keval Kishore passes away leaving behind an umpteen number of entangled threads that link to his personal as well as professional life, the…

We Beat the GodsAuthor: Saad QuadriPublisher: Leadstart InkstateRating: 2.5/5 Often we associate literary devices with poetry and not prose. Why you may ask? Well, it is so because the literary device help in adding flavour to the language. While the prose is straightforward, poetry comprises fewer words that ‘should’ speak volumes. Hence, the literary devices add to the rhythm and insights. We Beat the Gods is more inclined towards being an allegory. The excessive use of metaphors, personifications, metonymy and synecdoches add to the overall beauty of this prose. We Beat the Gods revolves around a mysterious man who sits on a bench facing the river. He is lost in…

The Coalbearer’s HomeAuthor: Alka SinghPublisher: Leadstart InkstateRating: 3/5 One of the best things about contemporary fiction is that it has the calibre of striking the right chord owing to its inspiration from true events. Unlike the make-belief of fiction, The Coalbearer’s Home is a story that originates in Darjeeling and pans around the several evils that persist in the society even today. Be it political bigotry, violence, money laundering or betrayal, the protagonist makes his way through the misfortunes and inspires the readers in every possible way. The Coalbearer’s Home uses pun in its very title. While most of us would assume that the author talks about brick and mortar,…

Curse of SuspicionAuthor: Dr. Sujay KantawalaPublisher: Leadstart PublishersRating: 3/5 Trust is a dicey subject. Not everyone is willing to put in that kind of effort to make oneself trustworthy. Following the same principle is the story of the novella ‘Curse of Suspicion’. Trying to showcase the true side of a diabolical mind, the book mixes fiction and fantasy together in an attempt to present a plot that involves thrill and suspense. Curse of Suspicion is a story of a hapless child who bears the brunt of his father’s actions. Accused of the murder of his mother, Satyajit, is at loggerheads; he doesn’t know what to do. His father, Duryodhan, is…

Bhoot Bhavish BartamanAuthor: Mehool ParekhPublisher: Leadstart InkstateRating: 3/5 Crime/ mystery is one genre that fascinates all types of audiences. Mehool Parekh’s Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman is a crime-based novella that traces the brutal murder of Rupali. Unlike most other books based on a similar premise, this novella has a long-lasting flavour in its narrative owing to three different storylines being followed. Not only does the author follow the cues that lead to Rupali’s murder, but he also throws light on the life of the murderer and the investigating officer. Seamlessly weaving the threads of parallel stories together, the author doesn’t fail to mesmerize the readers with a taut plot. However, the…

Nothing to RegretAuthor: Tanya DiasPublisher: Leadstart PublishersRating: 2.5/5 Our personality is made up of what and whom we encounter in our lifetime. In order to ensure that our soul finds peace in what we do, it is important for us to follow our avocation than a vocation. Hence, the role of a driving force is vital. ‘Nothing to Regret’ talks about that driving force which makes the protagonist realize her dreams and desires. When Ananya is on the verge of calling it quits, her Ajji (grandmother) expresses her last wish (before she- Ajji- passes away)- a wish so uncanny that it leaves Ananya at sixes and sevens! Her Ajji asks…

When Life CartwheelsAuthor: Raj SupePublisher: Platinum Press (Leadstart Publishers)Rating: 3.5/5 Love is the fiercest of emotions that can overcome any fear- an emotion that can melt glaciers and break the holiest vows. It doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race, caste or religion. An integral part of everyone’s life, love can change the course of one’s destiny and mould the personality of the person as well. With that said, it would be wise to say that ‘When Life Cartwheels’ is based on similar lines. Inspired by the true events that took place in the life of a great scholar and poet, Jayadeva, this story is about how love is the supreme…