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Book Review: Darkless by Tanu Shree Singh
DarklessAuthor: Tanu Shree SinghPublisher: Pickle Yolk Books (Penguin) It has been rightly said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Knowing that parents love their children unconditionally, it would not be wrong to say that even young children adore their parents. ‘Darkless’ is a story that uses minimal words to express such a strong emotion which is LOVE. While Ani’s mother is away, he feels that he is trapped amidst the vicissitudes of life. Never does he ever find anything pleasing or happy. Gloomy and dark days don’t help him either. But when he sees his mother after a long time, everything becomes ‘darkless’. Irrespective of the fact…
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Book Review: Walks Through Life by Santhosh K. Komaraju
Walks Through LifeAuthor: Santhosh K. KomarajuPublisher: Notion PressRating: 4/5 Life is a journey that is difficult and often very cruel. Knowing that we cannot hold life by the hair, humility and the willingness to learn are the only two ways that will enable you to survive the vicissitudes (J. K. Rowling). ‘Walks Through Life’ is a walk through the process of self-discovery. It consists of short stories that are didactic in nature and leave behind a lesson for life once they have been read. Inspired by the lessons taught by the Hindu mythology, this book uses lucid and easy language to convey what it intends. While reading the stories, I…
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Book Review: Naked Beneath the Midnight Sun by Kamalini Natesan
Naked Beneath the Midnight SunAuthor: Kamalini NatesanPublisher: Olympia PublishersRating: 3/ 5 Knowing that experience is the best teacher it would not be wrong to say that a lot of risks come along with new experiences. While one might expect to continue looking at life with rose-tinted glasses, the reality is quite different. ‘Naked Beneath the Midnight Sun’ is more like a self-help book than fiction. It explores the journey of a young girl named Suchareeta, who embarks on an unplanned adventure. Believing that freedom is her chance to become better, she decides to take the plunge and head Norway for further education. Little does she know that freedom is actually…
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Book Review: Yakshini by Neil D Silva
YakshiniAuthor: Neil D SilvaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4.5/5 It is said that love has the mystical power to heal every scar on the soul. One of the most powerful emotions, love, conquers all fears and triumphs over hatred too. Based on this power of love, Neil D Silva’s new horror-thriller is something to look out for. Tracing the complicated journey of a young girl, Meenakshi, ‘Yakshini’ is partly mythological and partly horror in the genre. Exploring the theme of supernatural presence within the human body and highlighting the pathos one goes through when possessed by another power, ‘Yakshini’ is not only promising but also an engaging fantasy novella. The story is…
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Book Review: Trials of Apollo- The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan
Trials of Apollo- The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan Author: Rick Riordan Publishers: Puffin Publishers Rating: 4.5/5 Trials of Apollo: The Tyrant’s Tomb is the 4th book in the pentalogy series by Rick Riordan. Oscillating between fantasy, magic and mythological fiction, this series is well-suited for children and adults alike. Like the previous books in this series, this book is also a roller coaster ride and offers an amalgamation of crazy, amusing yet poignant moments. With the passing away of Jason, one of the Demigods, in The Burning Maze, I assumed that nothing would be more difficult than that loss. However, I was at the loss of words when I…
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Book Review: Skin Deep by Ajay Monga
Skin DeepAuthor: Ajay MongaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4/5 Oscar Wilde once said that fashion is a form of ugliness that is so intolerable that it has to be altered every six months. Skin Deep proves this right-both metaphorically and literally. The story traces the lives of four young and ravishing women who can go the extra mile to become successful in their respective fields. While the majority of the story is set in the fashion industry, one part of it also exposes the stark reality behind journalism and the compromises that come along in that field as well. A probing look into the ever-evolving fashion industry, ‘Skin Deep’ is a compelling…
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Book Review: Lights! Scalpel! Romance! by Jas Kohli
Lights! Scalpel! Romance!Author: Jas KohliPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3/5 Love is known to cure everything. Well, ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance! takes this proverb literally. Not quite a mushy love tale, the austere setting and the inappropriate circumstances that bring the protagonists together add spice to the drama stored within these 260 pages. Jas Kohli, yet again, brings forth a story from the corridors of a hospital (after Anything to Look Hot) and entices the readers with anecdotes from the life of doctors. ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance!’ revolves around a sardonic Nipun and unequivocal Nishtha. While the former keeps his nose to the grindstone for finding love, the latter is more tenacious and goal-oriented.…
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Book Review: The Last Love Letter by Kulpreet Yadav
The Last Love LetterAuthor: Kulpreet YadavPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 It was not long ago when I read Nicholas Sparks’ Every Breath and fell in love with the concept of love all over again. When on one hand my mind always told me that nobody can give Sparks a run for his money, ‘The Last Love Letter’ made me question my critical standpoint! In his first attempt to present a story that is based on love and second chances (not villains and mystery), the author of ‘The Last Love Letter’ assembles a delightful cast of young characters who seem and sound so genuine that you might end up assuming that you…
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Book Review: The Speaking Stone by Ratnadip Acharya
The Speaking StoneAuthor: Ratnadip AcharyaPublisher: Aksora Publication LLPRating: 4/5 Dorothy Parker said that the cure for boredom is curiosity but there is no cure for curiosity. It is the curiosity that keeps our brain active. Based on the similar concept, The Speaking Stone, set in the astir streets of Colaba, Mumbai, brings forth a story of a stone that houses a tale of love, sacrifice and belief. A historical fiction that encompasses elements of mystery and romance as well, this book traces the journey of protagonists who decided to uncover the truth that remains hidden from the naked eye. Saikat and Shuvashini are the two main seekers in the story…
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Book Review: The Monsters Still Lurk by Aruna Nambiar
The Monsters Still LurkAuthor: Aruna NambiarPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4.5/5 “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” ― Dr. Seuss Life happens to us when we are busy making plans while looking at the world with rose-tinted glasses. ‘The Monsters Still Lurk’ is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, strength and courage. Set in the post-independence era, this tale uses symbolism and talks about the troubles that never cease to exist. In fact, these troubles always skulk…
