Book Review- Blood in the Paradise

Blood in the Paradise

Murder mysteries are extremely pulsating to read. The suspense in the climax is what makes it a memorable read. Some authors get it right and some don’t. I love it when Indian authors attempt this genre. That is why I was very curious to know whether Madhav gets this right!

Madhumita Nandan is exasperated with her life. She has determined to commit suicide. In the turn of events her husband- Vikas Nandan dies. The DCP on duty- Vishwaroop accuses Madhumita for the well planned murder of Vikas Nandan. Has Madhumita really planned her husband’s murder? Is the DCP able to provide evidence to support his accusations? Or was it an accident and this is just a way to malign Madhumita? For answers to these questions you have to read Blood in the Paradise.

The narrative starts off with the entire suicide/murder happening. The minute DCP Vishwaroop comes on board the entire story unravels and the reader is somewhat aware of the storyline. This is where the author’s job starts. Inspite of being aware, the author manages to create a stir. As a reader, one is interested in reading further and not putting the book down.  The author maintains this till the very end and that is the USP of Blood in the Paradise. The characters are crafted immaculately. This also helps in taking the novel up by a couple of notches. All the characters do their jobs efficiently. I always get intrigued with supporting characters. Their efficiency makes the journey of the main characters interesting to read. In Blood in the Paradise, the supporting character of Anupriya is written to perfection. Anupriya is elegant, sassy and extremely intelligent. I am in awe of Anupriya. But  it is the climax  that takes away the cherry. It is surprising and unexpected. The climax helps in realising that the author has drifted from the obvious and it’s a well thought and rehearsed subject to write on.

The cover page is done well but does not have any relevance to the narrative. I wish it would have been designed as an appropriate window to the storyline. Being an ardent Sydney Sheldon fan I would have loved more twists and turns, but definitely there is nothing taking away from the efforts of Madhav Mahidhar.  The discussions and debates on news channel that the author has attempted is not needed and breaks the pace of the storyline. Yes towards the end it does help in unraveling the mystery but that could have been attempted in a different way. One just scapes through it.

Pick this one up not only for the brilliant attempt by Madhav but for the brilliance in the character portrayed by Anupriya. Strong characterisation makes this one a memorable one. Will definitely look forward to more of your work-Madhav !!

Stars- 3.75/5

I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review- This Love that feels Right

This Love That Feels Right

       Love makes your world go round. We have all had our share of ups and downs when in love. You cry and laugh, when in love, but we all want to experience it. I love the feeling of being in love and being loved, and that is why I love to read this genre too. Nothing can beat a cosy afternoon tucked inside your duvet with a book that spells Love. I have read Ravinder Singh‘s work before. His books are easy to read and generally get done in a single sitting. Keeping this in mind I was excited to read This Love That Feels Right.

        Naina Singhania is married to Siddharth Singhania – A husband who doesn’t have time for his wife. She joins a gym. Thus begins her journey of self realisation. A journey which shakes her beliefs and values from the core. Does this overpower her marriage? Is she able to actualise the realisation that she has got or they just remain in her head? For answers to these questions you will have to read This Love That Feels Right.

       The author starts with a very strong prologue. It is an honest confession from Naina. This sets a very exciting tone for the novel ahead. And the initial few chapters live upto these expectations. It is a delight to read them. The forte of this book is that the characters are developed very strongly. The almost dormant characters of Naina’s mother-in-law and father-in-law and her own parents, also have a healthy part to play. All characters do their job well. Its very rare that a narrative that has strong characters doesn’t fare well. The unusual part of this novel is that I, as a reader, fell in love with a supporting character – Manvika Thakral. The free spirited, a bit controversial character that has been etched in the name of Manvika is a winner. Not everyone might agree with me, but then that is love. The thoughts that the author voices with her as the mouth piece are thought provoking. Not necessary that everyone will agree but it definitely starts churning different things in your head. The finale chapters and the epilogue just takes your heart away. Almost all questions, one has in their head are voiced by Naina and a very fresh approach has been given to it with this fire cracker named Manvika. I am so glad I had the kindle version of this one as I could highlight some portions so swiftly.

         My only complaint with this one are the middle chapters. They lose the pace, and that is where the book misses that chance of being an excellent and recommended read. The author has done a commendable job in opting to write on such a topic but I wish he would have got a little bolder and would have given it a different climax. Well there is a scope of a Part 2, and if the author, ever wishes to write it I will be very intrigued to read it.

Stars-3.50/5

This review was first published on talespensieve.com

Book Review- You are The Best Wife

You are The Best Wife

        True stories are the most difficult to review. Like how can a reviewer say that, this part should have been better or that part needed a little more spunk. I mean, it is reality painted on the canvas. It cannot be a shade lighter or darker!! The critic in me wanted to accept this daunting task and here I am reviewing You are the Best Wife.

       This is the story of the author himself – Ajay Pandey and his beloved wife – Bhavna Pandey. Two contradictory people who fall in love and eventually get married. They compliment each other’s personality and are head over heels in love. Mid-way Bhavna leaves Ajay’s hand. Ajay is devastated. Does he reach a point of no come back? Or does he take this as an experience and moves forward in his life? The answers to these questions lie in the emotional story  named – You Are The Best Wife.

        This one starts off like a regular love story. Two people meet in an engineering college. Guy falls in love almost instantly. They become friends first. Slowly the friendship blooms into love. They, obviously, think about marriage. But parents are against it because of the all important caste issue. How Ajay and Bhavna convince them into agreeing for this is a treat to read. The author has mixed this with a dash of humour. This is where the book picks up. After this point the book drifts from being a regular love story to a bona fide one. Ajay’s brother’s character – Monu, has also been drafted oh so well!! He enters and exits at the right time throughout the narrative. The protagonists get married. Two years into their marriage Bhavna starts feeling unwell. The book then turns into an emotional roller coaster ride. One is almost choked reading those chapters, kudos to the author for that. He has written the feelings of each character so well that you almost envision all the scenes as if it is happening right before you. You feel the emotions of the characters as your own. You not only feel the pain of losing an important person but also each and every sentiment that one goes through traversing those tough times.

      The author wins your heart with his writing. A knack for depicting the most pertinent emotion is his forte. He has written this book to immortalise his wife and he does it impeccably. The epilogue just steals your heart away. One just breaks down reading it. In this day and age, of relationships breaking for the smallest of things, being aware that a love story like this exists is in itself being extremely fortunate for a reader like me. The author’s depiction of his wife’s character is flawless. She teaches you life’s most important lesson in the most inconsequential way.

       Yes there are a lot of sentences in Hindi. Yes there are multiple repetitions of lines that have been used before in the story. But the author blends all of this so beautifully that not once do you feel like keeping the book down. And to evoke such a feeling when the reader already knows (from the synopsis) what to expect out of this one, is a masterstroke and all credit goes to the author’s writing skills for this. Emotional but nevertheless, it is a fast paced novel.

         Pick this one up not only for the emotions it awakens in you but also for the realisation that true love exists. Having a loving partner and family is not a thing of the past. They exist even today. And if nothing pick this one up for the sheer simplicity with which Ajay pens his emotions and makes sure we all join him in this emotional roller coaster.

Stars- 3.75/5

This review was first published on talespensieve.com.

Book Review- Silent Realities

Silent Realities

            I have high regards for people who have studied literature. I think it is the most under rated degree to achieve. Also short stories excite me. The marriage of many genres in one is what stimulates my reading appetite. A combination like this, is something I would not want to miss.

1) The Handbag- This is a story about a Mother-daughter duo. The entire setup for the main story to unfold has been a delight to read. The winner out here is the climax. It is completely unexpected and a welcome surprise. This one is a gem from the entire collection.

2) Peeping- Another jewel in the crown. Unlike the earlier one, the entire story from the middle takes a very different and an unexpected turn. This one is also a dark story. Its amazing how the author makes the reader feel the shrills of the main protagonist by the sheer use of words. The only downfall in the book is the initial description which honestly is not required at all. But this one surely stays by you till the end.

3) Fish- This one started off brilliantly. It evoked a certain sense of curiosity to read further and understand where this is heading. Also reading the first two ones I had high expectations from this tale. But as a reader I felt lost from the point the story took a different direction. Was a little disappointed reading this one.

4) Lallan- Lallan portrays the expression "Rich wins over poor" very intelligently. It is a very cruel and honest depiction of today's society. The climax was expected but nonetheless it was a good read. The last 2 lines of the narrative just make you pause everything and sit back.

5) The Street Sweeper-  The author has attempted a different style of writing. This might click with some and might not click with some. I have mixed feelings for this one.it captivates you in the beginning, but towards the end I was gaping for more. There should have been more matter in this one.

6) The Toy Car-  Again a fascinating read. The way the author has connected the entire puzzle is mind - boggling. The author aces in giving unexpected climaxes and this one is no different. Still, out of all the tales this one has the best climax. Loved reading The Toy Car.

7) The Slap- A very simple story about a Boy named Hari. The Slap highlights the regressive thinking of our society. It gives an extremely realistic picture. This one was an OK read.

8) The Desk- The author loves writing differently. He has tried to give a very different feel to this one. This has not worked for me. I just did not understand what this story wanted to share or make you feel.

9) The Nest-  The Nest is again a different style of story-telling. I liked the way the entire story unfolded. Also this is the only story that touches on romance. So I had very high expectations,which the story did fulfill. Although climaxes have been winners in most of Ranjan's writing, this climax was a disappointment for me. I found it abrupt. I was hoping for some more. Neverthless a good read.

10) Touch- Another one in which I wanted the climax to be different. I was left wanting more. Though, it starts off splendidly and the emotions are captured well. The depiction of the strong character of Aunty M was a saviour.

            Ranjan Kaul is definitely not an ordinary writer. He is bold, courageous and not afraid to write differently or attempt something out of the box. A definite extra star for this quality! But the downfall of the writing is over description. The reader has to survive through it, to complete the book. Sometimes you just have to scape through certain details, which you realise towards the end that they were absolutely unnecessary. They should have been edited completely. This was my biggest put off with Silent Realities. 

Stars- 2.75/5

 I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review- Courting Injustice

COURTING INJUSTICE

THE NIRBHAYA CASE AND ITS AFTERMATH

         

        Nirbhaya case was an eye opener. It was a window to the levels of cruelty a human can go upto. It shook the entire nation. It was asif the entire nation had united against the rapists. The dictionary definition of Rape is "This is one of the worst crimes there is". Everyday we hear of atleast 1 rape in one of the daily national. The ferocity with which Nirbhaya was molested was hair-raising and that's why as a reader I was really intrigued to read Rajesh Talwar's take on this one.

       After the atrocities of the Rapists on Nirbhaya, A committee Named The Verma Committee was formed to get modifications in the law that pertains rape and other crimes related to it. I think the author has done a fantastic job in compiling all the information on this and putting it in words in this narative. The author has commented on each and every recommendation put forth by the Verma Committee that got added to the new law and discussed these points at length. Not only that, he has also commented on the 10% recommendations that got left out.

       Yes we all agree that we have a really flawed justice system. Our biggest problem is time.The cases being in the court for the longest time and the verdict taking ages to come through. He has highlighted some very relevant and old cases to prove this point. Some cases have taken as many as 2 decades for their verdict. Inspite of being fast tracked, the Nirbhaya case has taken 9 months for its final verdict and till date, the verdict has not been materialised. The rapists are not yet hanged. These flaws are highlighted beautifully by the author.

       The author has done an in depth research in putting up all of these things together. Not only Nirbhaya case but also everything related to rapes. What Rajesh Talwar fails in, is the solutions. As a reader I was looking for concrete solutions to the problems listed. The questions raised by him are extremely pertinent. As a common man, they are my questions too, but what are the adequate answers for them? As a woman, if I end up facing such an ordeal how do I feel secured that there is a law in place to protect me? I started reading the book with a mindset of reaching the destination and getting my answers but I am just left with more questions.

       This one is definitely not for the faint hearted. Its a very skillful compilation of all the facts and figures. So its not one of the usual books on Nirbhaya. Also its not a one sitting book. Its heavy and will leave you with a lot of questions.

STARS- 2.75/5

 I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review- U & I

U & I

              Don't we all love romance? Well atleast majority of us!! Teenage love stories are even more special. Seeing a "Happily ever after" to a teenage love story captivates me, precisely why I picked U & I. The essence of love stories, for me, lies in how pure they are. Only purity strikes a chord and in turn helps a book to scale to different heights.

                U & I is the journey of two souls made for each other. It is a story of a studious  boy -Abhishek from Uttar Pradesh and a beautiful girl-Preeti  from Lucknow. Abhishek is an ambitious guy who goes to Lucknow for his studies and infatuated by Preeti the minute he spotted her. "Infatuation at first sight" as the author addresses it. They start of as friends and start spending a lot of time with each other. They eventually fall in love. Abhishek's goals take him away from Preeti but only geographically. They maintain their relationship successfully. Everything goes on smoothly when an accident happens. How will this affect Abhishek's and Preeti's paradise- A paradise they have built with a lot of love and understanding? Does their love have the power to withstand this storm?  DO they really have a "happily ever after"?  The answers to these questions lie in the 260 pages titled U & I.

            The author has tried to write this in the form of a flashback. SO the dates written at the start of the chapters become essential. Flashback is a form most authors want to attempt as its extremely catchy and keeps the reader at the edge of the seat.. But for most it just gets limited to "want". Not many our successful in this. Sadly Abhishek wasn't too bad with it. But initially with the prologue and all it gets a tad bit confusing. When one reads the prologue, you get a very clear picture of how the story will progress. This in turn leaves very less room for the reader to be it at the edge of the seat. In a tale of mostly only 2 charcters, both have to be carved extremely strongly. Over here neither Abhishek nor Preeti get etched in your heart. The journey of Abhishek is shown but what about Preeti? She has only been shown as being a phone support to Abhishek. What does she do for a living? The dates show that they are todays couple so isn't Preeti also inclined towards building a career? Their conversations even at the age of 20 feel as if teenagers are conversing. Being a girl of today, I definitely am aware that couples do not behave this way. There is alot more spark in a relationship. The essence of a true relation just does not get captured.

            The cover page also could have been better. Editors have failed in this one. I don't know how this occurred but everywhere where it was to be "my" it has been written as "mine".

            As a story U & I doesn't really touch your chords, which is expected out of a love story. There is no plot. The characters are weak. Their love story is just limited to words. The depth in their love should have been painted very beautifully as that is what the storyline demands but the author fails to do that completely.

            A futile attempt and a definite miss in this ever growing genre.

STARS-1.5/5

This review was first published on talespensieve.com

Book Review- The Bride Who Would Not Burn

The Bride Who Would Not Burn

     Variety is the spice of Life. I love trying varied and new things. Getting to read a play was a first for me and I latched the opportunity as soon as I got it.

     

      There are basically 2 situations that are enacted here. The play starts off with a Judge, Prosecutor and a Lawyer catching up over a game of cards. They are discussing general things when the story (Scene 2) of the play comes up. That story is about a girl named Poonam. She gets married to Ravinder, and thus begins the age old drama of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issues over dowry. Does Poonam turn out to be a docile daughter-in-law or she turns out to be "The Bride Who Would Not Burn"? For this you have to read the play ahead.

     

      The conversations between the Judge, Lawyer and Prosecutor (Before Poonam's story comes up) is interesting. They develop some kind of a curiosity to read Poonam's story ahead. It turns out as per expectation because Poonam's story is a delight to read. The characters have been etched perfectly. It goes on at a fast pace and that's the USP of the play. The scenes have been drafted immaculately. The entry and exits of characters, which is difficult to master in writing form, is also aced by the author. Inspite of there being so many characters, there is no confusion. The description of both the houses and the characters dwelling in those houses can be visualised instantly. One almost starts enjoying reading and is at the edge of the seat over what's going to happen next.

     

      The way Poonam's play ended, I was extremely excited and was expecting fireworks for the discussion between the Judge, Lawyer and Prosecutor, that followed thereafter. That is where the disappointment creeps in. The heated arguments, initially, were good to read, seemed asif a heated and an interesting debate will take place. Which does take place also, but the statements about Poonam's character are extremely crass. The comments about "Girls" having only a "certain level of sexual appetite" is extremely regressive and did not go down well with me as a reader.

     

      The author writes really well. His forte is to write with a sense of humour and I love that about him. But these comments about "Girls being only a specific way" are coarse. I think it is high time the world realises that women are humans too. They also have feelings and when it comes to feelings- nothing is right or wrong. Lets stop judging people on the basis of prejudices which are going on since donkey's ears.

     

       Poonam's story is a treat to read. If you pick this one up I would suggest to stop once Poonam's story ends. The comments ahead should be read at your own risk!

STARS- 2.5/5   

 I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.