The Colours of Passion: Book Review

Author: Sourabh Mukherjee

Book Blurb:

Within days of her fairy-tale wedding with Manav Chauhan, Hiya Sen, the reigning queen of Tollywood, is brutally raped and murdered. As ACP Agni Mitra investigates into the high-profile murder, he meets Neha Awasthi, with whom Manav broke his engagement to marry Hiya, Neha’s father Deepak Awasthi, who was eyeing business benefits through the alliance, Mayank Kapoor, an alcoholic model and Rituja Bose, the diva who had reigned over Tollywood over the past decade. When two more murders connected with the case make headlines, it’s time for Agni to find answers to perplexing questions and unveil shocking truths.

The Colours of Passion breezes through Kolkata’s glamorous world of industrialists, movie stars, models and fashion designers laced with drug addiction and illicit liaisons, with a heart-wrenching tragedy at its core.

My Review:

This is the second book of the Agni Mitra series (You can read the first book “In the Shadows of Death’s review here).

I felt that the plot of this book was crafted really well. In the by lanes of Calcutta, the author weaves yet another compelling murder mystery. The newly married actress, Hiya Singh, is brutally raped and murdered by three men after a club brawl. What is seemingly a case of random violence turns into a sordid tale of betrayal when it is discovered that these three had been hired to kill the actress.

The author manages to hide his cards really well. It is not until the climax that one can guess both the motive and the person who was behind the murders. The pace of the novel is quite fast which manages to keep the readers hooked on to the story.

My only issue with the book is that the characterisation could have been better. A lot of characters were added in the story line and, especially the female characters, felt a bit too same in terms of their personalities. Of course, this may be entirely intentional as both were from the same industry and competing for almost the same life goals. On the whole, if you are looking for a quick, yet thrilling mystery that would keep you guessing, read this one! I rate this one a 4 out of 4.

BUY THIS BOOK

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Book Review

Author: Deborah Moggach

Book Blurb:

When Ravi Kapoor, an over-worked London doctor, is driven beyond endurance by his obnoxious father-in-law, he asks his wife: ‘Can’t we just send him away somewhere? Somewhere far, far away.’ His prayer seems to have been answered when his entrepreneurial cousin, Sonny, sets up a retirement home, recreating a lost corner of England in a converted guesthouse in Bangalore. Travel and set-up are inexpensive, staff willing and plentiful – and the British pensioners can enjoy the hot weather and take mango juice with their gin.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a brilliant comedy of manners, mixing acute observation with a deeper message about how different cultures cope in the modern world.

My Review:

This is one of those books that I got from a trip to Goa. What do you do when your wife’s very irritating father comes to stay at your home, and you do not know when he will leave? Ravi was so frustrated with his living situation that it was putting a strain on his relationship with his wife. So when his cousin from India comes with a business proposal to start an old age home for Britishers in Bangalore, he jumps at it!

What I liked the best about this book was that the author did not have to resort to stereotypes while creating her characters. Each character had his or her own lives and issues. You become so invested in them that even if they have weird opinions, you understand that this is the kind of a person he or she is.

My only issue with the book was that while the author tried to include hindi in places to give it an authentic feel, there were many phrases that were used incorrectly. So it becomes very apparent that the author does not really know the language. It would have been better if this had been skipped.

There is a movie that is based on the book, but I felt the movie was too dissapointing.

On the whole, this is a feel good real. I rate it a 3 out of 4.

Buy this book

The Inscrutable Americans: Book Review

Author: Anurag Mathur

Book Blurb:

This hilarious novel describes one year spent on a small university campus in the U.S.A. by an Indian student. He comes out of a small town, locally reputed to be ‘the Paris of Madhya Pradesh.’ His English is comically Indian, and his initial notions of America are absurdly inadequate and stereotyped. The theme of the novel is his comic discovery of America, and his own growth and maturing through his diverse adventures there. The novel is thus a variation on the form of the bildungsroman with a foll-protagonist, with the difference that the native wit of the protagonist far transcends his linguistic limitations. This novel has thus an acuteness and a depth of meaning which go beyond the obvious comic implications of the chosen initial situation.

My Review:

If you have met Indian men from small towns who have it ingrained in their minds that foreign women are loose while Indian women are to be respected, this book would have you in splits.

I found the dark humor in the book extremely close to the stark reality. It reminded me of a conversation with a guy who took creep shots of women on his trip to Goa to show it to his friends. When confronted, he said, “Oh chill…these women are not Indian, so it’s ok.” Unfortunately, thanks to the popular media there are many men and women who believe in the myth of the extremely loose foreign women.

What happens when a man, who has this and many other perceptions of the “foreign people”, finds himself in America?

He is confused, very very confused. And the author very cleverly portrays this using proper amount of wit and humor.

On the whole, this is a fun light read which has its amazing moments. I rate this book a 3.5 out of 4.

Buy this book

 

A Bond With Nature

Nature Omnibus

Author: Ruskin Bond

My Review:

The cover of the book is different.

This is an old edition of the Ruskin Bond Nature’s edition which is not in print anymore. But, it is a delight to read nonetheless.

The book has different sections:

• An Island of Trees
• A Bond with the Mountains
• Tigers Forever

While you can buy these books separately, getting them together would be a bit tough.

Coming to the story line, this is quintessential Ruskin Bond. You read the stories and you long for a childhood amidst the jungle. You long for the experiences that you would never have, and you find yourself wishing that was as simple as the books.

My favorite story was that of an extremely mischievous monkey and her shenanigans.  The way the whole thing was described, had me in splits.

If life ever gets you down, go for Ruskin Bond. I rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4. If it is ever in stock again, I will be sure to leave a link to buy it.

 

Inside the Heart of Hope: Book Review

Author: Rishabh Puri

Book Blurb:

We’re all a little broken, and that’s okay.
Or is it? Rick has a medical condition that makes his life different from the rest. But unlike others around him, he sees this not as a curse, but as an opportunity to cherish life and all the bitter-sweet gifts it brings with it.

Amidst frequent visits to the doctor, multiple surgeries that risk his life being, and a life that meant surveillance all the time, Rick has to fight for himself each day. But he pulls through, thanks to his family and friend Jacob, who become his pillars of strength.

And then, at a time when he is least expecting it, and with someone he meets by accident – love happens. It’s a new feeling for his heart and he is scared to lose it.

Will Lisa really understand the goodness of his heart or just walk away?

Inside the Heart of Hope is a story of strong will, perseverance and optimism which will make you wonder if sky is really the limit.

My Review:

While the main story line is good, the overall treatment of it needs a lot of work. The narration and the characters were a bit too raw. Even the story setting needed a lot of work. It took me a while to understand that the story was set in India, yet it did not have anything to demonstrate this fact. Also, I felt that the author got confused in terms of a temple and a church, let’s take this paragraph for example:

“We drive to the temple that I’ve been visiting since my childhood. It is beautiful. Its spires reach to heaven; the carvings depict ancient holy symbols. The grounds are lush with flowers and exotic trees. We step inside, and a warm peace envelops us. It is dark compared to outside, and we wait for our eyes to adjust before slipping on to a cold, hard bench. I stare up at the statues and paintings that hang on the wall.”

This does not feel like a temple that is in India.

In addition to this, it felt like the author added details to the story as and when he felt the need in the story which had no previous mention.

On the whole, while the idea was good, there needs a lot of work in terms of everything else. I rate this one a 2 out of 4.

Buy this book

It Must’ve Been Something He Wrote: Book Review

Author: Nikita Deshpande

Book Blurb:

When obsessive book-lover (ahem, book snob) Amruta – Ruta – Adarkar arrives in Delhi to work as a marketing executive for Parker-Hailey’s Publishing, she learns that the world of books is not as cozy as she’d imagined. Her eccentric taskmaster of a boss expects marketing miracles to happen on shoestring budgets and in record time, and surviving the job (and the city) means she’ll have to master the local art of jugaad really fast. Worst of all, she’s stuck being a publicist for Jishnu Guha, protein-shake lover, serial selfie-taker, and bestselling author of seven cheesy romance novels, the kind she wouldn’t be caught dead reading.

As Ruta struggles between work and life in a new city, she finds, much to her annoyance, that she needs Jishnu’s help more than she cares to admit. But with her own parents getting a divorce, can Ruta dare to fall in love, especially with someone who’s so impossibly different?

My Review:

I won this book in a giveaway. The cover and the blurb really intrigued me. For those who love reading books of Sophie Kinsella, here is another Indian author you would really enjoy.

If you find yourself lamenting the kind of authors who churn out the same ol’ boy meets girl stories with cheesy oh-too-long titles, this book would find you guffawing.

Amruta, the protagonist, is smart, witty, intelligent, and slightly self-depreciating. She is a literature major and joins a reputed publishing house’s marketing department hoping to get a back door entry to publish her future works. She gets an assignment to market a great book that nobody wants to buy as the author is not “well-known” enough. To her dismay, she finds out that her “dream” publishing house has now taken upon itself to cater to the audience and publish books by a very handsome author, Jishnu, who writes the same story with sentence like titles.

The interactions between Jishnu and Amruta are quite funny. You are drawn to their mutual hate and witty come-backs. Under the background of Amurta’s colourful family, this is a book that should be on the list of all who like reading funny romance.

I rate this book 4 out of 4.

Buy this book

 

 

 

Parrot Under The Pine Tree: Book Review

Author: Surendra Pratap Singh

Book Blurb:

Parrot under the Pine Tree is the powerful expression of love. In the girl’s heart; it’s subtle, sublime and eternal. But in the boy’s heart; it’s earthy, insecure and restless. The anxiety brings the two young hearts close. In the clean and tranquil environs of Kausani, Vedanta inadvertently meets Saranga under bizarre circumstances and both fall in love with each other. But Alas! Their happiness doesn’t last long. On one fateful night of temptation, the storm that blows up not only consumes his heart and soul, but also shreds that of Saranga into pieces. On insistence of her grandma Saranga agrees to give a second chance to a repentant Vedanta. But misgivings remain in her heart. Will Kausani rework the magic again between the estranged couple?

My Review:

The author starts this book quite poetically. As soon as you start reading, you are pulled into the beautiful world of Kausani. In fact, the best thing about this book was the narration.

The author has managed to create excellent characters and put them in a beautiful setting. Not just the main characters, even the side characters are quite unforgettable. Since the book is narrated in third person POV, we had the opportunity to get to know each of the characters. We are even introduced to many character’s back stories that help us understand these characters in a much better manner.

My only issue with the book was that since the protagonist is given an idea of what his future would hold, as a reader the rest of the story line became quite predictable. In addition to this, towards the end of the book, the sending of messages via clouds part made the story a bit unrealistic for me. In a way, it took away from the realism that was set before this scene.

I feel this book would really appeal to those who yearn for romance and those who are in love with the hills.

On the whole, I rate this book 3 out of 4 and look forward to other works by the author.

Buy the book here

Butterflies, Parathas and the Bhagavad Gita: Book Review

A Quirky and Heartwarming Journey Through God’s Instruction Manual for Life

Author: S. Hari Haran

Publisher: Amaryllis

Book Blurb:

Two flawed, unlikely men. An ancient scripture thrusts itself into their lives. They are uninterested and try their best to flee from it. But destiny, the stubborn beast that controls human lives has other plans for them. Welcome to an illuminating journey through the wisdom of the Bhagwad Geeta – a journey that will forever change the way you look at life and the world.

My Review:

This book is unlike any other I have read. We have seen a lot of adaptations and interpretations of The Bhagavad Gita, but in “Butterflies, Parathas and The Bhagavad Gita”, the author’s style of writing is such that the readers of both fiction and non-fiction would appreciate.

The story revolves around two protagonists, Venkat and Santosh, who are best friends since they were kids. But life comes in the way and both find themselves drifting away from each other. Once they are done with their education, they decide to start their individual practices. Santosh decides to make use of the time by fulfilling the last wish of a favorite professor and starts reading Gita. He then discusses all the insights that he has with Venkat who is a devil’s advocate. Their discussions serve the dual purpose of keeping the readers hooked while ensuring that we understand how the thoughts that are mentioned in The Gita can be inculcated in our lives as well.

The language that is used is quite simple. The narration is such that at no point does the reader get bored. The pace at which the story moves, swiftly alternating between the discussions and thoughts about The Gita and the impact it makes on both the friends lives. The characterizations and the character development is quite good.

Although, this is definitely not one of those books that you can read in one sitting. If you really think about the discussions that happen between the two protagonists, you would end up in quite a pensive mood.

I especially liked the fact that the chapters were named as various Yogas, and when I looked up the meanings of those Yogas, it fit the chapter perfectly. While reading the book, it is clear that the author has seriously researched and knows what he is talking about. How else can he explain such complex concepts so simply?

Overall, I rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4 and recommend it for all those who are interested to know how The Bhagavad Gita’s teaching can be inculcated in your life.

Buy this book

 

An Interview with Poulomi Sengupta, the author of “The Last Bloom”

Poulomi Sengupta is an ordinary middle-class Indian girl, who voices her opinion, as a storyteller, trying to create a positive change.

She is an alumna of IIT Kharagpur.

Presently working and residing in Mumbai, an author, and a bibliophile, she loves her share of kickboxing and a colorful dose of oil painting to brighten the apparently mundane life.

• Tell us something about your book.

The novel is a love story.

While a female perspective is given, the male counterpart is equally strong and vocal.

Though descriptive and yet conversational storyline, the essence of the novel takes on the present condition of colleges, education system and how an average middle-class student stumbles through the various ups and downs during the commencement of the adult life.

• “The Last Bloom” is an interesting name for a story. What made you chose it?

I choose the name to signify the importance of the higher education in the young adult life.

If thought profoundly, we realize that college is the threshold where we cross the adolescence and enter the mature world. It is like the ultimate blooming of a flower into its ambience.

I chose this name to encapsulate the journey of two young adults in their college lives- how the environment, the conversations, the emotions and the ambience of the places impacts the maturity, thought process and realizations of Priya and Vivek.

• We have seen a lot of stories that are based on college life, but yours was different in a way that the focus was on the impact of politics on the students. Why did you choose to focus on this?

Because it is a problem that nearly every college going middle-class boy or girl faces but we do nothing about the problem except complain.

It is high time that we do something about the political scenarios in the higher educational institutes which mar the learning environment. If the students are engulfed by the politics, boycotts and so-called movements, it takes away from them their precious time to study. Not all students aspire to have political careers, yet they spend valuable time in such pursuits.

It is important to utilize the college days in meaningful pursuit along with enjoyment.

Also, the politics in the educational system has been the prime factor of brain drain from India. Many talented students leave the country for better educational environment and work opportunities. To ensure the brain gain and consequently the development of the economy of the country, it is a mandate to improve the quality of education that is provided in the schools and colleges of India, especially the government institutions.

• The book also briefly touches upon getting admission for someone who has studied in different board or language, what are the things that can be done to ensure all students get equal opportunities?

To be very honest, in a country like India where there are 22 major languages and about 720 dialects, English is very much the lingua franca.

To ensure equal opportunities, it is important that a student must be well conversant in English and a major Indian language.

There is nothing more painful than a situation when a student is knowledgeable and yet unable to express himself due to language constraint.

• I really liked the character development in your book, was this planned or did the characters just grew with the story?

Thank you very much.

Most of the characters evolved with the progress of the storyline.

When I began writing, I thought I would control the pen. To my surprise, the pen controlled my hand. The characters unfolded themselves as I wrote the novel, especially Vivek’s character. I had put in a lot of thought while writing the conversations of Vivek and Priya but as I began writing the conversations, it turned out better than I could imagine.

• Nowadays we see a lot of young adult books, but most of them have the same generic story line, how can someone who wants to write in this genre carve a niche for themselves?

Originality is the key to success.

It is best to write something different and something incredibly original.

Anyone can carve a niche provided the person has a good storyline, depth of characters and meaningful dialogues because the audience has also evolved with time.

The audience wants something substantial yet aesthetic.

• Tell us something about your publishing journey.

It took me 4 years to write the novel and a full year for editing and proofreading.

So totally, 5 years. First, I created a matrix for the primary, secondary and tertiary characters and the plots. Dialogue creation was the later stage and description came in the last stage.
After completion of the manuscript, I sent the novel manuscript to few publishers.

I felt it would be difficult to publish because the storyline is unconventional.
I am glad that Leadstart considered it worthy, believed in the storyline and that it could create an impact on the audience of the country.
In fact, the first time I went to Crosswords to see the novel in the racks was exhilarating!

I am glad it is doing well.

• Which are some of the books that inspire you?

‘A Princess Remembers’ by Maharani Gayatri Devi -A vivid and colorful account of the life of an extraordinary woman, epitome of grace and elegance, her transition of lifestyle from the Pre-independence lavish one to the post independent mean position, her struggles, how she dealt with her victories as well as personal losses.

‘The Picture of Dorian Grey’ by Oscar Wilde- amazingly well crafted, beautiful flowing language –appreciating the beauty yet pinching the duplicity of a character.

And of course ‘The Mahabharata’.

• How can the readers get in touch with you?

I am available on Twitter and Facebook.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/poulomisngpta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoulomiSenguptaTheLastBloom/

 

An interview with Jaydeep Banerjee, the author of “Serving You”

Jaydeep is a working professional with a voracious appetite for the written word. He is amoral and agnostic and believes only in simplicity of thinking. He lives by simple maxims and keen observations and often reiterates one of his favourite quotes; “Leave no answer unquestioned”

He understands relationships closely, especially pangs of growing up, as he is still undergoing them, in this confused and over complicated world. 

‘Serving you” is a tribute to simplistic thinking, eternal love and creative business thinking.

 

1) Tell us something about your book.

“Serving You” is a coming of age novel about breaking mental models and accepting life in it’s entirety

2) From the blurb, I can tell that your story is character driven. How did you craft Johnny’s character?

Johnny’s character is shaped on one fundamental premise — “Leave no Answer Unquestioned”. 

3) You could say that the book is a journey in character development. How did you plot this journey? Did you go with the flow or was there a specific guideline that you set before starting to write?

As the character progressed in life, he challenged established dogmas in an effort to cut the noise around and get clarity in simplicity.

4) What is that one thing that would attract readers to your story?

Unconventional wisdom. I hope through layers of narrative I am able to kindle conscious living among my readers. I want my readers to find the simplicity of life.

5) Tell us about your publishing journey, where there any hurdles? How did the book finally get published?

I learnt that each rejection is not necessarily a commentary on my talent. Often it did not suit the plans of the publisher. It is the classic “right time, right place” syndrome. I had my fair share of rejections until I finally found Leadstart who were willing to publish my book along with expert advice on cover design, editing, pagination, and printing. From there on it was smooth sailing. However till date marketing and sales remain a huge challenge. I wish publishers would create many platforms for indie authors to sell their works. It kind of keeps us our writing aspirations high.

7) Are you a reader? If yes, which books inspire you?

I am a voracious reader. When I can’t read, especially during travel, I listen to audiobooks. I read almost anything but prefer fiction to other genres. I am biased towards British authors and English as compared to American. Americans murder the beauty of English language and spoil its poetic flow. It’s like shopping at a store versus buying online. No amount of convenience can beat the experience of personal shopping. British English completes that experience. 

Some of my favourite books and authors, without any order of preference, are

Mahabharata – a spiritual epic beyond fantasy. , Fountainhead — Ayn Rand, Satyajit Ray — Adventures of Feluda, Apur Panchali, Agantuk and many others. Rabindranath Tagore — almost all stories, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay — creator of Byomkesh, Alfred Hitchcock — Any book, Agatha Christie — Hercule Poirot series, Arthur Conan Doyle — Sherlock Holmes, Victor Hugo and millions of others, The Name of Rose – Umberto Eco, Novels by Murakami – all are lovely, J. K. Rowling — Harry Potter till the Prisoners of Azkaban and many many others

8) Any advice for aspiring writers?

Set aside time everyday and write at least 500 words a day. Don’t edit, don’t re-read, just write. And read good quality literature constantly. 

9) How can readers get in touch with you?

I would love to hear from readers on jaydeep.banerjee@me.com 

Click here to buy the book.