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Book Review: Abyss by Sabarna Roy
Abyss Author: Sabarna Roy Publisher: Leadstart Publishers Rating: 2.5/5 It has been rightly said that whoever tries to fight the monsters should ensure that he doesn’t turn himself into a monster. It is also true that the longer you stare at the abyss, the more it pulls you towards itself. ‘Abyss’ is based on the above notions. Amidst greed for power, wrath, envy and lust, the characters in Abyss find themselves trapped in an unfathomable chasm. The escape seems like a distant dream. What lies in store for them are the consequences of their choices. Abyss is a short play that is divided into two acts. With limited characters, the…
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Book Review: The Incredible Adventures of Mr Cheeks by Tasmeen Amna
The Incredible Adventures of Mr CheeksAuthor: Tasmeen AmnaPublisher: Puffin Books (Penguin) Knowing that the brain of a child is under development during his childhood days, it wouldn’t be wrong to teach the norms of the society right from the very beginning. Tasmeen Amna takes up this responsibility to bring forth the importance of ‘being you’ and not changing according to the expectations set by society. Her words are magical and they have the power to influence children by taking them into a wonderful world where even the animals seem more sensible than humans! The Incredible Adventures of Mr Cheeks is a novella that narrates the story of three friends who…
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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: 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: Thinking Aloud by Prasoon Joshi
Thinking AloudAuthor: Prasoon JoshiPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4/5 Known to possess one of the most influential voices in the country, Prasoon Joshi is an astute poet, writer, screenwriter and a communication specialist. His work has been appreciated at the global level. ‘Thinking Aloud’ is a collection of his thoughts and insights on the ‘emerging’ India. He advocates respect for Art (be it in any form) and selectively peels off the layers that guide our perspective about certain notions. ‘Thinking Aloud’ begins with a look at the nebulous cultural aspects and then the subsequent chapters explore some of the more complicated topics like art, religion and altruistic behaviour. One of the essays…
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Book Review: Lucknow Diaries by Partha S. Sharma
Lucknow DiariesAuthor: Partha Sarthi Sen SharmaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 ‘Lucknow Diaries’ is a pot-boiler with all the necessary elements of love, greed, politics and revenge. The plot is new and revolves around the lives of three major characters- Rahul, Feroz and Dinesh. The story is set into motion with the assassination of the young, former prime minister. The religious sentiments are hurt and the blame game is on. Amidst all this chaos, the life of three good friends unfolds. Conceding to their circumstances, Rahul, Dinesh and Feroz begin treading on paths that looked quite unfamiliar sometime before. While Dinesh follows his father’s footsteps and plunges into diplomacy (politics), Rahul and…
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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…
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Book Review: Magic in Mussoorie by Atul Sethi
Magic in MussoorieAuthor: Atul SethiGenre: Children’s bookPublishers: Penguin Publishers Plot summaryHellen Keller believes that life is nothing but an adventure! And so does Nakul Sahej, the protagonist of the story. ‘Magic in Mussoorie’ is set in the greater Himalayas where the mountains do their bit of magic and the eerie surrounding adds to the ambience. This entrapping and enticing story (read comic) book is the first in the series. The story focuses on the adventures of Nakul and his friend, Kuku, who embark on a journey back in time when Mt. Everest was still to be named. Engaging and a complete package of thrilling adventure, ‘Magic in Mussoorie’ capitalizes on…
