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Book Review: Dhruv by Karan Verma
DhruvAuthor: Karan VermaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist Love is that intangible object that lures you into a world where everything seems possible. Viewing the world with rose-tinted glasses becomes a habit. And when things begin to fall apart, it is love that keeps you afloat. Love is all about smelling the roses and taking pleasure in whatever the destiny has to offer. The only catch here is to be ready to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and…
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Book Review: Fearless- Stories of Amazing Women from Pakistan
Fearless-Stories of Amazing Women from PakistanPublisher: Penguin Publishers Women are known for their indomitable spirit and unapologetic ambitions. When they decide to take the reigns in their hands, no power in the world can stop them from realizing their dreams. ‘Fearless’ is a collation of those wonderful stories that need to be brought out in public irrespective of their origin or religion. Inspiration can be drawn from anyone. It does not matter whether the source of inspiration is black or white or brown. The sex, caste or religion do not matter as well. Right from Benazir Bhutto, Fatima Jinnah, Malala Yousafzai to Nighat Dad, Qandeel Baloch and Namira Salim- all…
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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: 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: Straight to Normal by Sharif D. Rangnekar
Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay ManAuthor: Sharif D. RangnekarPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4/5 Having the courage of one’s convictions is very important in the world that is full of people who judge you at the drop of the hat. When it comes to societal issues like LGBT, child labour, women empowerment, excess service tax, there is always a voice in the wilderness. Written with absolute grit, this novella chronicles the ups, downs, victories and woes of a man who struggles to find a comfortable place in the society. Mr Sharif presents a bold account of his life which also acts as a reminder for people busy in wool-gathering.…
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Book Review: Dark Blossom by Neel Mullick
Dark BlossomAuthor: Neel MullickPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 Running away from our diabolical past is something that most of us do. But when a similar past becomes our present, the real events start to unfold. ‘Dark Blossom’ is about the temerity that is required to sail through the woes and weal that haunt usevery now and then. It is a visual of the dark and complicated labyrinth inside the brain and psyche. Impressive plotting and engaging dialogues make this book a riveting read. The author describes Sam, the protagonist, as a hysterical man who has lost his wife and son in an accident. He finds it extremely difficult to come to…
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Book Review: Murder in the Monastery by Barun Chanda
Murder in the MonasteryAuthor: Barun ChandaPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 3.5/5 (Spoilers ahead) When Avinash Roy, an adroit detective from Kolkata, sets his foot in Sikkim, he is welcomed by unadulterated beauty and fresh air. Along with the natural miracles, he is also greeted by the series of mysteries that have been swept under the rug in Dengziang Monastery. Lama Phunsok requests Roy to investigate the case of the missing Issah Manuscript and urges him to stay back in the monastery. Bidding adieu to his wife, Roy decides to look behind the veil of unspoken secrets and embarks on a life-threatening journey that takes him to the far corners of Sikkim. A…
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Book Review: Decoding Life Post 8/11 by Indranil Roy
Decoding Life Post 8/11Author: Indranil RoyPublisher: Leadstart PublishingRating: 3.5/5 Einstein said- If your head tells you one thing and your heart tells you another before you do anything, decide whether you have a better head or a better heart. ‘Decoding Life Post 8/11’ is a novella that takes you through the dilemma of deciding what is right in the life and what is wrong. Amidst the chaotic wave that hit the country on that fateful night, many lives were hugely impacted by demonetization. This novella traces Arjun’s life and builds on the fact that bonds of friendship are stronger than blood relations. When Arjun and Meher decide to elope in…
