One Part Woman - Review

Kali and Ponna are one dream couple that every wife and husband dreams to have such intimacy between them. Nothing can keep them apart, not even when Kali teases his wife saying that he will go away with another woman. But, one problem is brewing between that happy couple and its eating them away every day.

The efforts to conceive a child have been in vain since more than 10 years.

Set in a sleepy town somewhere in Tamilnadu, this story gives you an insight about how Indian society treats a married couple if the woman cannot have a child in less than 2 years of marriage. 

With Ponna being called as a “barren woman” since she cannot give birth to a child, her friend circle has come down to almost naught. She secludes herself to home and finds warmth in her husband’s hugs at night. She cries to sleep when she cannot take all the insinuations made by people.

With characters like Uncle Nallupayyan and Muthu, brother-in-law of Kali, you are transformed into a world of conservative families where Untouchability still exists and higher castes are given all the privilege.

All their hopes of conceiving a child comes down to one so called chariot festival which takes place in the temple of Ardhanareeswara, the half-female god. On the fourteenth day of the festival, all the rules are made lenient and consensual union between any man and woman is sanctioned.

But, the ultimate test to the married couple is put forth when Kali is still deciding on this option but their family conspires to take the only chance to have a child without involving Kali in their decision.

Glad that I came across this banned book when Twitter readers are celebrating #BannedBooksWeek. 

Sea of Poppies - Review

Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

We all have watched many British era’s movies and marveled at the rich history our India holds even then. Anyone of you ever imagined yourself living in such an epic era and felt the desire to experience those intense moments where India’s future is going to be decided?

I have.

And this is the novel I am going to suggest you if you ever have such thoughts again. An intricate work of characters, with all the details which are not too much and not too less. Amitav Ghosh proved himself to be an extraordinary writer through this remarkable novel.

Although a work of fiction, it gently reveals the history of India during 1830’s of British rule. How

Opium used to be an important trade for British Empire during 19th century. Amitav pays a great attention towards the language and slangs used among people which brings the characters alive and thriving in each and every page. With the culture, the smells, the white people who ruled Indians, and Opium being the vital part of this book, you’ll never stop turning pages of the first book in Ibis Trilogy.

Aboard the Ibis, you’re going to get transported into a world of colonialism with a group of sailors and escapees, coolies and convicts as it sails down the Hooghly on its way to Mareech or Mauritius Islands. A book with a web of beautifully interlocking stories and characters. With Ibis as its bearer, people aboard journeying across the Indian Ocean will come across the Black Water and an inevitable fate is awaiting them.

A definite page-turner. As you come to an end of Poppies, you’ll thank god that this is only the first installment of Ibis Trilogy which means there is more to come. Enjoy this grand novel of ordinary lives with extraordinary tales; of rich and panoramic narration of a story.

Norwegian Wood - Review

Where do I start talking about this beautiful gossamer novel? I feel so tiny to describe something so amazing which has happened to me in these few days. Murakami sure knows how to twist and turn those emotions which you chose to ignore and bury deep down in your heart. This book will amplify your hazy memories of teenage. Your love. Your crush. Those deep questions you asked yourself when you were in your teens: ‘What is going to happen to me in the future?’ ‘What is life and death?’ ‘Why does everyone seem like knowing what they are going to do with their life but I feel like I know shit!?’

Norwegian Wood made me feel nostalgic. Sometimes sad, sometimes happy, but most of the time I felt good just lingering with my memories; they felt like the dew drops on a freshly cut grass in my backyard after a drizzle of rain.

One more important thing was that I didn’t just connect to the protagonist, but I could connect with every character in this book. May be not wholly, but at least in pieces. Get what I mean? Yeah. By the time I got accustomed to the characters, and started enjoying the background described in the book, I felt an intense desire to make friendship with these characters in the book. Those limpid souls just struck the right chord in my heart and I don’t want them to stop playing that soft music which started soothing my heart. I didn’t want to stop reading it.

I wish the book never ended. That is the problem with good books. When you finish, you feel like you’re reborn and never want to turn your head from that phase of life. You wish life stopped then and there.

“You make it obvious you don’t care whether people like you or not. That makes some people angry.”

Not only that you connect to this on a spiritual level, you can even relate these characters with the people from your life. And, I’ve a friend who is just like the quote I mentioned above from the book.

I wish I were a character in this book. It contains characters which have beautifully twisted minds and hearts you'll ever come across. Don't miss it.

Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond has a very special place in my heart. I guess, I was in my 7^th standard when I read the short story The Woman on Platform No.8 in my English Textbook. Of which I could remember every single detail because the language he spoke was so clear and straight from the heart. Also, I could relate to that story. As children, we were always warned about suspicious strangers who offer food or chocolates, and if we accept them that would be the death of us. As a kid, I was always intrigued by this because I have never seen a stranger who offered chocolates to me did any harm to me. They were all sweet to me and I felt it’s just parents trying to be overly cautious of others. I mean, how bad it is to live in a world where you can’t trust each other? How can you live in a society, among people, who you always have to doubt? Isn’t it better to leave that society instead of NOT living in peace or making peace with others?

‘I like strangers’ are the exact words to which I can relate to.

I have never seen any author who writes so candidly and makes me feel refreshed every time I finish a story. I’m so glad to have read Ruskin Bond’s books.

X Square - Book Review

X Square by Srinu Pandranki

Angelina, a tall and slim girl with an athletic body is an aspiring writer at Stanford University likes to keeps her options open when coming to committing in a relationship. She was found dead in her apartment.

Gayatri Prasad, an Indian mother with a loving husband and a handsome boy categorized herself in ‘happily married’. She was found dead, has been pushed off her balcony.

Anne Martin, a French girl, possessing an angel-like beauty. She loved America right from the second she got off the plane at L.A. Airport. She looked forward to discover the adventures which lay ahead of her in this beautiful city. She was found dead, and brutally raped.

Shreya Dutt, a head strong, tough homicide detective and Kevin Holmes, who gave up his job as a detective to find some peace in his life was dragged into solve these crimes.

X-square is a novel which takes on the Emotional Intelligence which human beings lack. This story holds the suspense for a long time. Un-putdownable(if there is any word like that). The relevance of the title to this book itself is a shocking twist.

I would recommend this book to people who want to have a good crime-mystery read. Although this book has some grammatical errors, it wouldn’t interject with your reading.

Palace of Illusions - Review

Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Re-telling of the timeless tale ‘Mahabharat’, the story of Draupadi which is often not heard by most people. Guess who is the narrator? Draupadi, Daughter of Drupad, Princess of Panchaal, and widely known as wife of five husbands, Panchaali.

Divakaruni gave a powerful voice to Draupadi in this book, with all her joys in little things, her lonely childhood, her struggles and her triumphs, and the un-answered questions, the enduring pain and the revenge she seeks for what was done to her. Through all the complex emotions and doubts in her heart, Draupadi keeps you engaged with this story in her Palace of Illusions.

The story starts on a lazy winter afternoon, with her nurse, Dhai Ma telling about her fiery birth. Apparently, King Drupad was praying only for a son, but he was gifted beyond what he asked for. As her brother, Dristadyumna stepped out of fire, after few minutes of cheering and celebrations, there comes the Girl Who Wasn’t Invited. She amuses herself by making fancy names for herself such as Off-spring of Vengeance, the Unexpected One. She was as dark as her brother was fair, as hasty as he was calm. And the gods said, “She will change the course of history.” Thus, the first steps to the epic battle Kurukshetra were laid.

This book centrally focuses on women which are not often discussed or who weren’t given much part in the tales of our history. For instance, there was Kunti who was widowed and struggles all through her life to see her sons become Kings and that they get what they deserve. There was Gandhari, who was blindfolded for rest of her life as she was devoted to her sightless husband, thus abandoning her power as queen and mother. And then, there was Panchaali, King Drupad’s beautiful daughter. By her headstrong nature, she brings about the destruction of the Third Age of Man. However, these women were seldom portrayed as important characters in our history and often misunderstood by most of the people.

Divakaruni brings about the roles which these women played in changing the course of our history and the importance which they deserved. Her writing style is very grippy, and she doesn’t go astray from the actual story of Mahabharat.

Read the tale of Draupadi, her lonely childhood, love for her beloved brother, complicated friendship with the enchanting Krishna, her unfortunate marriage with five husbands, her secret affection on Karna – the tragic hero, her failure as a mother, and be welcomed into her entrancing

Palace of Illusions.

Little Women - Review

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott

A family drama set in 1860’s during American Civil War where men folk are engaged in fighting for their country, whilst the women and children are anxiously waiting for their return and silently praying for their good health.

Little Women is about four girls, struggling with poverty and yet trying to find joy in little things which they come across. Mrs. March and her four daughters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy will engage you with their virtues, down-to-earth behaviour, and their supportive and caring nature despite their poverty.

Meg, a practical and sensible girl. Being a teenager, she dreads the unfortunate financial problems in her family which doesn’t allow her to buy new clothes every now and then. Yet, she makes most out of what she has and doesn’t throw tantrums, always supportive to her mother. 

Jo, full of joy and fun. She always finds a way to cheer herself and her sisters in the direst situations. Being a tom boy in her family, she surely stands out among her sisters. Jo is a writer by heart but a sweet heart by nature. 

Beth, sweet girl and has a musical talent. She can make you angry through her childish nature, also she can surprise you with the love she showers on her pretty doll and on an unfortunate child who died in her hands. 

Amy, the youngest of all and artistic by nature. Always trying to be sincere in her actions and trying to be lady-like.

All four girls are downright adventurous and fun. Mrs. March makes sure that her daughters are brought up with important lessons in their lives, also making sure not to be so hard upon them. The four girls eventually make friends with a boy in their neighborhood and play innocent games, start writing a newsletter which includes excerpts and poems, opens a small post office which carries heart-warming letters.

This book makes sure that young readers unfailingly identify themselves with each of its characters, and the story always succeeds in drawing the grown-ups into the beautiful spring-time. 

A classic book which cannot be missed and you wouldn’t feel like parting away with these

Little Women.

And Then There Were None - Review

And then there were none – Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie was rightly given the title ‘Queen of Crime’. Let me write a poem which is a key factor in this book of hers.

Ten little soldier boys went out to dine;

One choked his little self and then there were Nine.

Nine little soldier boys sat up very late;

One overslept himself and then there were Eight.

Eight little soldier boys travelling in Devon;

One said he’d stay there and then there were Seven.

Seven little soldier boys chopping up sticks;

One chopped himself in halves and then there were Six.

Six little soldier boys playing with a hive;

A bumble bee stung one and then there were Five.

Five little soldier boys going in for law;

One got in Chancery and then there were Four.

Four little soldier boys going out to sea;

A red herring swallowed one and then there were Three.

Three little soldier boys walking in the Zoo;

A big bear hugged one and then there were Two.

Two little soldier boys sitting in the sun;

One got frizzled up and then there was One.

One little soldier boy left all alone;

He went and hanged himself

And then there were None.

Frank Green, 1869.

Christie brilliantly laced the plot such that it goes according to the nursery poem which I’ve written above. Ten people, who are strangers among themselves were invited as weekend guests on a private island. The assortment of those strangers was very curious considering their diverse backgrounds. So, they were taken to this isolated island which was cut off from the rest of the world and you could find only one house in the entire island. Everyone were wondering about their guest, but no one ends up receiving them except the already assigned butlers. They eventually make themselves comfortable for that night and hit the bed. The next day, they encounter such an incident that everyone in the room will be exposed of their dark secrets that no one wants to reveal by themselves.

By the end of the week, one by one, they fall prey to the murderer and then there will be none.

The atmosphere of the island was so described that you would feel as trapped as the people on that island itself feel. One beautiful thing about mystery novels is that we all try to be Sherlock Holmes during the course of reading a book, which makes us get so involved with it. This book offers you so much fun in finding out who the murderer was that it will be too difficult to point your fingers at just one person. It’s a delicious way to exercise your neurons. But don’t worry, there is an epilogue written at the end of the book which was brilliantly written by Christie.

The characters are very wisely developed all the way through the book. The plot was clean and neat, you’d be bewildered and horrified by the perfectionism that Christie achieved in murdering the people on the island.

This is one Christie’s outstanding work and a masterpiece. A delight to mystery lovers.

   

Finding Juliet - Review

“Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.” 

― Alberto Manguel

This quote is as true as it can get while reading this book! Have you had break-ups and patch-ups all your college life? Have you had that one friend who doesn’t leave your side no matter what? Have you had an almost complete stranger listening to your heart breaks as you drink few shots of Vodka?

Well, Finding Juliet is all about YOU relating to every event happened in your life as a young adult. There is this graduate student who falls in love (or, may be, trying to Find his Juliet?) not as a matter-of-fact but without having nothing but the desire to be truly in love with a girl.

From his college days to his office days, he never ceases to fall in love with a girl (or, may be, trying to find true love?) he comes across. But, with every break-up he has, he tries to learn few things about a girl, few do’s and few do-not’s, few life lessons which will change his life, forever.

I think I can safely make an Alchemist reference after reading this book. You go on looking for treasure elsewhere, when in actuality, it is right under your roof.

(Well, in this case, the treasure is love)

What I actually mean by this reference? You must definitely read this book to find out and I guarantee you that you’ll relate to every incident this guy goes through while trying to find his Juliet.

Likes –

My favourite character in this book is that constant friend to the guy who is trying to find his Juliet. Her perseverance, her emotional strength, her unconditional love towards her friend, and what not! She is like this perfect friend you would love to have beside you! (Believe you me, I know you can relate to this character as much as I did).

Dislikes –

The narration part, I found it difficult to get used to it since its like just reciting lines from a personal diary of a guy. But, nonetheless, after 100 pages into the book, I got totally hooked up to the story and the narration didn’t matter anymore. I also thought, there could be more humour added in the book.

--

But, which book isn’t without any flaws? For a budding author, I guess the author did a pretty good job at hooking me up to the story TILL the end! (The climax was amazing, I say!).

I suggest this book if you want a quick read, if you’re fond of young-adult romantic story, or pick this up while you’re on a long train/bus journey and I’m sure it will make you feel nostalgic about your college days!

Rating: 3/5

Note: The book is available on the Juggernaut Books App. You can get it here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Review

This is my first fantasy book ever! And, oh how I love this book!

All the while am reading this book, I had only one question: “Why didn’t I come across such a beautiful book when I was a child?”

No wonder, Roald Dahl is one of the greatest writers we had, especially for children, shaping their attitude at such a young age with his awesome characters like Curious Charlie Bucket, the greedy boy Augustus Gloop, a girl who was spoiled by her parents Veruca Salt, and the amazing Willy Wonka, curator of the world’s fabulous Chocolate Factory.

You can find waterfalls of chocolate over flowing between the pages of this book, the great gum machines which will fill up your stomach for the whole day, the square sweets that look round, the crazy lift which not only goes up and down but also sideways with a lightning speed that you’d rather prefer to be on a roller coaster, chocolates which you can snatch right from the Television set and gobble them up, and many other amazing things in this book which will make you dwell in that Fantasy world of Chocolate Factory and never feel like coming out of it!

Roald Dahl made me smell the hot melting chocolate just through his descriptions and quirky words without even having the physical presence of a chocolate! Also, the illustrations by Quentin Blake where just on point! His illustrations gave the essential imagination a child needs to travel through that mysterious Chocolate Factory and enjoy as Mr. Willy Wonka guides us through it.

This book doesn’t teach a child “how to be” but it teaches “how not to be”. And, that’s what I loved the most! We can’t point something is good, because there is going to be a better thing other than that if we just explore. But, we sure can point out that something is bad and in my opinion its more important to learn what is bad at first than to learn what is good.

I suggest this book to both adults and young readers, because a book such as this is timeless and we can still learn a lot from it. If not that, we can still enjoy the fantasy land in which the characters of Roald Dahl live.

Go on and explore Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! I’m sure, you’ll feel like having more of that fantasy by the time you finish it.