Book Review #78: Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts By S. Hussain Zaidi

Title: Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts

Author: S. Hussain Zaidi

Publishing Year: 2002

Publishers: Penguin Group

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 252 (Digital Edition)

Source: Personal Copy

A gory event that ruptured the heart of India. An event that is truly unforgettable, unpardonable. It was the day, the terrorists rejoiced at seeing their revenge has given the fruit. The revenge that was plotted meticulously and executed at near perfection, which resulted in the death of several hundred people and the injury of several thousands, and, making the damages cost worth hundreds of crore rupees. It was the Bombay 1993 serial blasts on March 12^th, The Friday. As the author puts it, The Black Friday.

As a crime journalist, Author S. Hussain Zaidi has put in so much effort to give us a satisfying account on the Bombay blasts. He has nearly spent four years into research on this subject, interviewing several hundreds of police officials, lawyers, judges, eye witnesses, the accused people, the offenders, and journalists on that day who covered those events. He also referred hundreds of newspaper articles, press release notes, and judgment copies, charge sheets filed by the local Bombay Police and charge sheets filed by the CBI department etc… The level of the research that author had put into shaping up this book must be immensely respected.

As far as the content of the book goes, it has every detail including what led those terrorists to take such a route to become traitors and cause havoc in their own country. It is true that, the religious motives was the prime factor here. The 1992 Babri Masjid demolition was the root cause of all this, has to be the trigger point for all of these. This has followed by the communal riots in Bombay that led to the loss of hundreds of lives within no time and causing great damage to their lives personally. However, few people that had faith in the country’s police and judicial laws were waiting patiently to seek justice. But, few people took the other route to avenge their attackers. Hence, this infamous 1993 Bombay blasts on 12^th March, Friday, have happened.

The Memon family were believed to have suffered a considerable damage as per the book. So, the Memons took it their hearts and few infamous people in their family started to plot a revenge. Among them includes, the prime offender, the master mind of serial blasts Tiger Memon, which was financially managed carefully by his younger brother, the CA grad, Yakub Memon, who was recently hanged for this activity in July 2015.  The entire attack was presided and observed at the hands of another most wanted criminal for India, the Dawood Ibrahim.

The book explains categorically the way Tiger Memon planned the attacks and how he recruited his mujahideen’s a.k.a fighters to go with him to avenge their Muslim brothers. This group of people that Tiger has recruited for his mission had received arms training in Pakistan. This was carefully planned out by Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon. All these young people, probably in their early 20’s had no idea for what they are subjecting themselves into. All they thought was, they are fighting against the infidels and so must they be fighting a holy war or jihad. Tiger had planned carefully to send all these people to Pakistan secretly via Dubai, at which, he succeeded. After their training on handling AK 56, hand grenades, fixing timer bombs, handling pencil grenades, using rocket launchers, setting up RDX, Gelatin, etc… these youth returned to Bombay to carry out the operation, which the world will remember as one of the ghastly incidents of blasts that have happened.

As the book progresses further, we get to see the details of how these terrorists have chalked out their plans and the various places that they decided to plant the Bombs etc… They have chosen some of the busiest places in Bombay such as BSE office, Zaveri bazar, Shiv Sena’s office, and Air India office, several five star hotels, busy streets (for planting the Bombs in Bikes), etc…. So in each of these places they have set the timer bombs, so that, the explosions keep happening every 15 minutes or so. This has continued for almost two to three hours at seven to nine places.

As in case of every crime scene, the perpetrators leaves behind a heavy amount of clues. So is the case of Bombay blasts. The eminent police officers of Bombay led by Samra, CP Singh, Rakesh Maria, Nadagouda and likes of people who laid out a perfect plan for the investigation came out victoriously by nabbing their first link within the 48 hours of blasts. What followed later is an absolutely riveting account from the book that should be read with absolute admiration. Catching a suspect and catching the actual offender is not an easy task pertaining to the communal tensions that was slowly rising up in the city. In this event, the Bombay police has made some tremendous progress which has to be appreciated by everyone who reads the book.

Many years have passed since this incident, and several years of trial have been conducted and punishments has been announced. Hundreds of accused were arrested, released and prosecuted under the law. The most prized catch was the Bollywood movie producer’s duo and star actor Sanjay Dutt in illegal arms possession has sent ripples across the movie industry during 90’s. The younger brother of Tiger Memon, Yakub Memon’s arrest and his only interview, his approval and denial of his family involvement, his trial, the capital punishment and execution is all part of the history now.

The only thing that still rings in every reader's mind as they read through the book is, the Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim. They are still alive and living in Pakistan or Dubai. Several Indian governments had come and passed, but, none of them had tried their best to put pressure on these countries to repatriate these criminals to India. We can just hope that, at least one strong government would be able to succeed in this case.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #77: The Power of Habit: Why we do, What we do in Life and Business By Charles Duhigg

Title: The Power of Habit – Why we do, what we do in Life and Business

Author: Charles Duhigg

Publishers: Random House

Year: 2012

Genre: Non-Fiction/Human Psychology

Source: Personal Copy

The book which explores the human habits and why it is called a habit after all. The author Charles Duhigg explains with various anecdotes from the scientific background, behavioral aspects and psychological aspects. The human habit is not something which will occur accidently, rather, it is a practiced phenomenon. This book explores this very idea of how the humans forms their habits, and the reason behind it and the inference of those habits.

This is an exceptionally written and researched book. It breaks those age old practices or the beliefs of "You can’t teach an old dog, new tricks”. Habits can be formed at any age and in any time, given, there is an enough room for acquiring the taste for it. This is really an important book and it can be used as a curriculum if you ask me. It has various examples from various cases studied for many years.

This book is mainly organized in to three different sections of habits. The habits of an individual person, the habits of an organization or a company and finally, the habits that propagates in a society that impacts the people on a larger scale. The case studies explained in every case is a testimonial of how the habits can truly become a game changer if we observe it closely. Thanks to the author. He has cleverly observed and recorded some events and cases where people can view a different angle of what the habits, why the habits and how the habits will occur and how to really change it!!

In the individual habits section, author had written an example of a person that was suffering from acute memory loss. This person went on to become famous as per those medical institutes that studied him over many years. This man was subjected to various experiments, practices and tests and recorded the results. A memory loss patient who cannot remember anything more than a minute or so, can truly practice some things repeatedly so that it can become his habits. A more of his case can be studied in the book.

In the organization example, Author had explained the cases of the famous toothpaste company Pepsodent and how this company went on to create a huge market for itself across the world, just by observing some habitual practices of people and changing the way it was marketed. People, who were not so confident about this product, has changed their minds and created a habit of brushing their teeth with Pepsodent. A more about this can be read in the book.

Finally, habits that changes the society. Author had used some of the famous examples from the American history to describe this section of the habits. The case of Montgomery bus boycott event has created a mass appeal among the people and it went on to create an important event in the history of America, drawing political personalities and other popular figures like Martin Luther King Jr. into the scenario. This case was explained brilliantly in the book and makes people to think about the habitual practice a society endorses. More about this can be read in the book.

All three section of habits draws a simple conclusion. The habits are formed in just a three step procedure. The “Cue”, the “Routine” and the “Reward”. Be it any habits like Smoking, Alcohol, Gambling, Marketing, Health care, etc... Etc… is formed in this three cycle of cue, routine and reward. For you to change any habits of yours and finding it difficult to break that cycle, Author had simply put in this amazing three sections to observe and change accordingly. Author has asked people or organization to not to change the Cue or the Reward. But, just change your Routines to achieve the same Reward. This is explained brilliantly in the following diagram.

A must read book for all those science enthusiasts. In fact, this book can be read by anyone who are in a dire need of changing their habits. It actually helps them to look deeply into their habitual routine and offers them to change a bit or two, so that, they can overcome those usual routines and achieve the same reward.

Few quotes from the book which I really liked:

“It is facile to imply that smoking, alcoholism, overeating, or other ingrained patters can be upended without real effort. Genuine change requires work and self-understanding of the cravings driving behaviors.”

“The Golden Rule of Habit Change: You can’t extinguish a bad habit, you can only change it.”

“…hiding what you know is sometimes as important as knowing it…”

“Rather, to change a habit, you must keep the old cue, and deliver the old reward, but insert a new routine.”

“This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.”

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #76: Durbar By Tavleen Singh

Title: Durbar

Author: Tavleen Singh

Publishing Year: 2012

Publishers: Hachette India

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 260+ (Digital eBook edition)

Source: Personal Copy

The political journalist turned writer Tavleen Singh has written an excellent book, which is a firsthand information that she has witnessed in her career as a political journalist. This book, as it goes with the name "Durbar" contains the account of the Prime Ministers that ruled India since the 70's. Yes, we are talking about Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi with a brief and startling account of Sanjay Gandhi, and the Italian Wife of Rajiv Gandhi the Antonio Maino a.k.a Sonia Gandhi.

The book is gripping in every aspect pertaining to the insider information of Indira Gandhi’s government. Tavleen writes about the days when Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister of the Democratic India and events followed thereafter. Sanjay Gandhi who appeared to be apolitical, turned out to be someone who ran the government on behalf of Indira Gandhi. The Author has written exceptionally covering every possible details of this crooked Sanjay Gandhi. Sanjay Gandhi In fact had a say in everything in the Indira Gandhi government or she had granted that special permission to his dictator son to meddle with the functioning of the government.

Author goes on to expose some of the murky details of the emergency that Indira Gandhi declared in 1975 after Allahabad court issues a judgment that disqualified her as an MP. The events that followed in the name of Press Censorship during emergency that almost resented by everyone. According to the author, the emergency days were the dreadful days which became the sole reason for the rise of some of the prominent leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and LK Advani etc...

After the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her personal guards and the ascension of Rajiv Gandhi as the youngest Prime Minister of India was one of the notable events in India. But the expectations were soon faded out after Rajiv Gandhi failed to stop the brainless attack on the Sikh people. Author had opinionated that, Rajiv could've done well to stop this. Who will forget that nonsense statement by Rajiv Gandhi when he was asked to comment on the massacre of Sikh community "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes".

The important takeaway from the book is the author's observation of Sonia Gandhi and her political growth. Sonia had relatively fewer friends in India in the beginning when she came from Italy. She was very close to the Quottorchi family. As per the author, these Quottorchi duo were more than mere friends of Sonia Gandhi. They had some unusual influence over the government to get the huge contracts. Sonia on the other hand, was apolitical and kept herself away from all these business. But, she wasn't that regular kind, she was keenly observing every move of her Mother-in-law Indira and her husband Rajiv. In fact she would be there in every interview that Rajiv gives to the media.

The book is clearly an eye opener for anyone who believed Rajiv or Indira has done some good job during their governance. For sure, they would have a second opinion on these Prime Minister duo. Sonia on the other hand was very reserved and careful until her husband's assassination in Tamil Nadu.

The book ends at the stage when Rajiv's assassination took place. The Durbar is truly an account of the blind Durbar (Private Ruling) of these duo who took the country to the dogs. I recommend this book to everyone. A must read.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #75: 1Q84 By Haruki Murakami

Title: 1Q84

Author: Haruki Murakami

Publishing year: 2009 and 2010

Translated to English by: Jay Rubin (Book 1 & 2) and Philip Gabriel (Book 3)

Publisher: Schinchosha

Genre: General Fiction/Science Fiction/Fantasy

Pages: 1000+ (All 3 Books) eBook Edition

Source: Personal Copy

When it comes to the Fantasy genre, there are no specific rules on how do you write your story and on what basis does it stands. It all happens too fast and by the time you realized, you've already read something bizarre, something overwhelming and something odd. The book 1Q84 by the author Haruki Murakami fits in this category and breaks all those barriers of standards and gives us an immense and a riveting story that certainly keeps ringing in your head even after finished reading it. Reviewing this book was highly a difficult task considering its massive number of pages and many characters that lurks in the book like a magic.

The protagonists are also somewhat special knowing the kind of the businesses they deal with. Tengo, a mathematician and a teacher who teaches at a cram school and also a writer who aspires to become a full time novelist. Whereas, Aomame, a physical trainer who teaches fitness at a martial school and a murderer in her alternate profession who kills people that might have caused damage to someone or the other. These two protagonists were classmates long back for a brief duration and they have this traumatic childhood that leads them to build their own life from the beginning of their childhood all by themselves.

The main story unfolds in a dramatic way. Aomame was heading to kill someone gets herself stuck in a strange world where she couldn’t really understand. It was the year 1984 in reality, but, for her, this is actually the year 1Q84, because she witnesses some strange activities in her surroundings and not only that, she also sees two moons up in the sky during night times. She didn’t really understood what these two moons really indicated. She somehow realized that she is not in the same world as she was before. She continues what she does best (training in fitness center) and cared less for what was happening.

The Tengo, a part time writer gets a request from one of his friend Komatsu, an editor at a publishing house, with a strange story called “Air Chrysalis” written by a teenage girl called Fuka Eri a.k.a Erika Fukado. Komatsu sensed a strangeness in that story and asked Tengo to ghostwrite this story for a competition. Reluctantly, Tengo agrees to ghostwrite this story after consulting with the guardian of Fuka Eri, Prof. Ebisuno. Tengo didn’t realized initially that, what he was going to rewrite could lead him to a strange problem in later part of his life. He just attracted by the beauty of the story and writes an elaborated copy of the story and submits this story for the competition.

What follows after these events are beyond the level of understanding. The story that Tengo ghostwrites was actually happening in real. Tengo meets this teenage girl who actually wrote the “Air Chrysalis” and tries to understand the story from her point of view. He learnt that, this girl actually narrating a true event that has happened with her. But, he wasn't sure of how these “Little People” emerge from a Goat’s mouth or how they were building the Air Chrysalis and what they actually intended to achieve finally. He believes that, this will lead him to somewhat bigger surprises.

As the story further progresses, the author introduces us to the parents of this young girl Fuka Eri. The father of this girl was a friend of Prof. Ebisuno long back during their younger days. This father figure now heads a communist kind of group, now an officially recognized religion in Japan, called Sakigake. As soon as they found this religion group, they abandoned the entry of normal citizens to their fort and almost became a cult. Soon enough, this father rose to the new heights and became the Leader of this religious group. And, somehow, the girl Fuka Eri escapes from this group and she was well guarded by Prof. Ebisuno.

Due to some strange events, the young girls in the vicinity of this Sakigake group was tortured, raped and mutilated to the core. There was a woman called The Dowager, a powerful, wealthy woman that runs a destitute home for abandoned women and young children. She finds out that this Sakigake group is responsible for those rapes and tortures. She decides to hire someone special to look in to the case. This was handed over to Aomame, a certified fitness expert and a murderer.

As the story keeps us occupied and making us to guess what would happen next, Aomame prepares herself to murder this Leader of Sakigake. Several strange events do happen when she meets this Leader and she was surprised to witness these events with her eyes. She also learns that, she is destined to meet her long last friend, now her boyfriend, Tengo. Even in case of Tengo, he gets the mysterious assurance from this teenage girl Fuka Eri that he will be meeting Aomame.

The climax part of the novel is where the real story or the story inside story is kept hidden. Both Aomame and Tengo unanimously agrees that they are living in their strange world. Aomame termed it as “1Q84” whereas Tengo termed it as “The Cats Town”. What happens to both of them? Will they be able to meet at last? What does this Sakigake group will do once they found out that Aomame was involved in the murder of their Leader? Was Aomame and Tengo will be able to return to the normal world of 1984? These are questions for which the answers should be read from the book alone.

It is highly impossible to write the review of this book in a few lines or paragraphs. The book (including the three books) is more than 1000 pages. For a normal reader, it is even difficult to keep track of the story leave alone consolidate it for a review!! I was immensely impressed at the sheer brilliance of the author to write such bizarre story. The entire story is connected brilliantly at the right time and at the right place. The English translation work is just awesome. For sure, you would actually question yourself whether the story is happening in 1984 or 1Q84!!

I would highly recommend this book to be read by everyone. Though you may not understand it at the beginning, but as you immerse yourself in the story, the experience is vivid and it’s not possible to put down the book. You will certainly enjoy living in this fantasized world of 1Q84 throughout the novel.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #74: Durgastamana By Ta. Ra. Su

Title: Durgastamana (Durga’s Sunset)

Author: Taluku Ramaswami Subba Rao (Ta. Ra. Su)

Published Year: 1982

Genre: Historical (Non-Fiction)

Publishers: Hamsa Sahitya

Pages: 650+ (Hardbound)

This novel is easily considered as one of the MAGNUM OPUS in the Kannada literature in the field of Historical writings. The author Taluku Ramaswami Subba Rao famously known as Ta. Ra. Su has literally given his life to complete this novel. He started writing this mammoth novel in the beginning of the year in 1981 and completed it in just under 5 months. By end of the year 1981 this novel was completed and by the early 1982, this novel has been released to the public. From that time, till today, this novel has stood against the time and tide and keeps inspiring many young writers who wants to take up the writings of a historical novel.

This novel has been awarded with the Kendra Sahitya Academy (The 2^nd highest literary award in India) in the year 1985. Unfortunately, Ta.Ra.Su wasn’t alive to receive this award by himself. His wife accepted this award on behalf of him in the year 1985. The massive research that author has done in creating and writing this novel is evident in every page of the book. Probably, this can be considered as a single reference book to known the life and details of the last ruler of the Chitradurga, the indomitable, the ever loved Madakari Nayaka. 

Reading this novel requires a dedication and patience. It is not at all easy to read a mammoth book of more than 650 pages and grasp every details of it. It is that much detail oriented and it gives us an ample amount of information that need not be verified with any other books.

The novel opens with the death of the King, Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II, the erstwhile king of the Chitradurga. The wife of Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II decides to adopt the 12 year old Madakari Nayaka, the son of Bharamanna Nayaka and Ningavva that lived in a village called Janakalludurga (Nearby village of Chitradurga). Soon enough, the young Madakari Nayaka ascension to the throne has been done, and he was soon inducted in to the royal school to learn the art of administration, of war, of ruling, etc… under the able leadership of the Queen mother Obavva Nagathi and the ever loyal minister Kalli Narasappayya. As expected, Madakari Nayaka excels in his studies, his other education specifically designed for to be king. The time has already come to test his knowledge to the use in a small battle against the Rayadurga (Neighbor province of Chitradurga). The young Madakari Nayaka was invincible and soon enough he gains the trust and love of his people by his undiminishing attitude as a ruler. The people of Chitradurga has found their true ruler and extended their support and loyalty towards Madakari Nayaka. During his younger days, Madakari Nayaka has gained the trust of his royal court, his ministers, his family and his citizens and grew up as a much loved King.

The book further explores the details regarding Madakari Nayaka’s learning years and his marriage with Bangaravva, Padmavva and his love interests with the city devadasi girls Kadoori and Nagavva. He remained as a true lover to both of his wives and remained an ever loyal lover to the other two. His family details and discussions were discussed in many chapters and it is connected with the story, which I am omitting in my review.

As the book progresses further, Hyder Ali who was the ruler at the Mysore province and on expedition to expand his kingdom towards north. Initially, he approaches Madakari Nayaka for the much needed help, which was offered by Madakari Nayaka after consulting and taking advices from his minister Kalli Narasappayya. With the extended help from Madakari Nayaka, Hyder Ali was able to win over many Maratha provinces and their friendship grew day by day until an unfortunate event. This Hyder Ali was not a friend and not an enemy to any of his fellow kings, he only wish was to be the undisputed ruler across the India. To make that possible, he was ready to go to any extent. With these crooked thoughts in minds, Hyder Ali places his spies in Chitradurga’s kingdom to collect the information of the war details, like, number of soldiers they had, number of horses they had, number of weapons, bombs, foot soldiers, etc… of Chitradurga’s kingdom. During all these times, his minister Kalli Narasappayya wasn’t aware of these spies, but, not Madakari Nayaka.

Parashurama Nayaka, the younger brother of Madakari Nayaka, who grew up in the school of Minister Kalli Narasappayya, has gained much knowledge in the ministerial proceedings of his Kingdom. Madakari Nayaka appoints his brother to spy on his Minister Kalli Narasappayya to fetch the details regarding the spying from Hyder Ali’s men. To his astonishment, Madakari Nayaka finds out greater details than he was expected, which he questioned his Minister Kalli Narasappayya in the open court, that lead to the resignation of Kalli Narasappayya on the grounds of treason. But, Madakari Nayaka, didn’t take any action on his Minister, rather, Kalli Narasappayya himself resigned from his post and left the city along with his wife to some pilgrimage. 

Days become tough for Madakari Nayaka. After collecting enough information about Hyder Ali, Madakari Nayaka decides to break his friendship with Hyder Ali, which made Hyder Ali furious and decides to go for a war. In these times, Madakari Nayaka writes to Maratha Kings asking their support to fight against the Hyder Ali and his lakhs of man force. But, Maratha’s kings keeps Madakari Nayaka in wait as they were not able to resolve their own internal conflict. The rest of the details are explained brilliantly in the book. 

The final war sequence which covers almost half of the book is what this book is all about. As per this book, the war between Hyder Ali and Madakari Nayaka that went on for almost 8 months to an year is a battle that was never seen before and never after. The intensity of the battle was imagined brilliantly by the author, supported by his strong words and anecdotes. As expected, even in Chitradurga, the Muslim warriors from the Chitradurga’s side will betray Madakari Nayaka at the last stage. They secretly tied up with Hyder Ali and took a vow on Quran to never fight against the infidels. This betrayal cost Madakari Nayaka a great deal. Apart from this, the few leftover Maratha warriors argued about payment issues and never took part in the war whole heartedly. All these events led Madakari Nayaka to face the mighty force of Hyder Ali with his few thousand warriors, with a least hope of saving his kingdom. The results need not be mentioned here, as everyone knows what might have happened. The sun of Chitradurga a.k.a. Durga has set. That is “DURGASTAMANA”. 

Even after these many hundred years. The life story of Madakari Nayaka inspires everyone. His fearless attitude, his untainted charisma, his able administration, is a true testimonial of how great the Chitradurga during his time. A true classic hero of Indian history. Till today, several forts of Madakari Nayaka has been preserved in Chitradurga and made as a tourist place which attracts thousands of tourists every year. A must visit place for everyone. If you have read the book before visiting this place, you might long for those tiny details that you have read in the book. A great compilation by the great author. I recommend this book for everyone. 

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #73: Scion of Ikshvaku - Ramachandra Series Book 1

Title: Scion of Ikshvaku

Author: Amish Tripathi

Published Year: 2015

Publishers – Westland Publishers

Genre – Mythological Fiction

Pages – 350+ (Paperbound)

Source – Personal Copy

There are many version of Ramayana being told over the many centuries past and present, yet, whenever any new version of the tale is being foretold; it gives us altogether a new meaning and a new way of looking at our epic. This book by the well acclaimed author Amish Tripathi (The Shiva Trilogy famed) does scores some good points. This is a new, refreshing and brilliantly imagined novel. This is the first novel in this series and may be a couple more to follow. The humane version of the characters is a new thought. May be the author might have inspired from the other existing novels where these attempts have been made.

This is a fast paced book. The characters description is made well and each character were given its due space and credits. The protagonist Ram and the story behind his birth and background are imagined quite brilliantly. Whoever thinks that, the beloved Son of Dasharatha is actually hated by Dasharatha himself? (Spoilers alert). Well, to be able to digest these kind of new thinking requires a mind where we are not ought to juxtapose this novel with the actual epic where Ram and Dasharath has shared an unique camaraderie. The other stories regarding Rama’s brothers such as Lakshmana, Bharat, and Shatrughan are quite the same, except for the fact that, all their upbringing and childhood days are new thoughts and experimenting.

The plot setup in this novel is not the existing epic story. It is quite opposite to what we are so far believed as truly happened. The role of Guru Vashista in educating our protagonist and his brothers are quite an interesting section to read. It is believed that, the princes of any kingdom are not to reveal their true identity at their Gurukul. Hence, Ram and his brothers were learning in incognito and with different names than their actual given names.

As the book progresses further, we get to see the mastery of Amish in blending the current society problems with that of the Vedic period. Who can possibly imagine that, the gory incident of Delhi gang rape will find a place in this book? It is just brilliant and I was impressed at the sheer magnitude of Author’s brilliant work here.

Depicting Rishi Vishwamitra as a descendent of Naga clan and thereby connecting the story to his Shiva Trilogy is just awesome. The killing of the Rakshasas such as Subhahu, Tadaka and the way Ramchandra deals it in his own way is something unexpected. Kudos to the author!!

Sita Swayamvar is another section in the novel where the story takes it major twist and turns. The story behind the bow Pinaka (The Shiva-Dhanussu) is an interesting section to read. The Bees tower kind of city being imagined at the capital of Mithila city is truly an interesting point. Sita being the chief of Police in the Mithila Kingdom is another new aspect in the story. The humiliation faced by Ravana in the Swayamvar and the way it was dealt is pictured brilliantly. The Daivi-Astras from the Shiva Trilogy finds a place in this novel where Ram had to use it on the troops of Ravana though it is prohibited to use. Thereby, Ram imposes himself a punishment which I am not revealing it in this review as it contains spoilers!! (This is the stage where the next whole section of the story takes it turn).

There are few things which could be well avoided. For example, the story is being set in 3400 BCE and the metric system the author uses to measure distances in Kilometers!! Also, he often uses the country name as India where many characters discusses. I believe India is relatively a new term and he could’ve used either Bharat or Hindustan. Other than this, the novel is exceptionally good.

The rest of the novel can be read with ease and there are quite a bit of incidents where it is the pure imagination of the author’s work. One must read the book to understand it completely. I liked the book as it gives us a new, refreshing and, riveting story. I am sure, Amish lives up to the expectations that he had created in this first book from the series. I can't wait to read the sequel of this.

My Rating:

4.5/5

Book Review #72: Crime and Punishment By Fyodor Dostoevsky

Title: Crime and Punishment

Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Publishing Year: 1866

Genre: Philosophical Fiction/Classics

Pages: 570+

Let me begin my review with two quotes about redemption…

“Redemption is not a favor, it’s a reward!!”

“True redemption is seized when you accept the future consequences for your past mistakes!!”

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a story of redemption and liberation through a rare form of suffering. Extreme form of suffering generated by the protagonist’s destructive thoughts. The heart wrenching novel that explores the human soul’s susceptibility to sin and regret.

This book is brilliant, intelligent, cleverly written and it keeps engaging its readers through the page one till the end. We had to accept the fact that, this book is not a “light” read. It tests your patience like anything else. At times you feel like you had to give up reading this and there is no way you can decide to do that. The theme of this novel seemed like Crime (which is murder) and punishment in the most generally understood terminologies. No, it is not.

Raskolnikov, our protagonist in this novel and his arrogance in placing himself above his other counterparts and thinks he is of the same elite personality as that of Napoleon. His feelings or his opinion on certain matters has taken its toll and he brought himself in the most unimaginable situation in this story, which he regrets, at the same time enjoys, from his own standpoint. Raskolnikov is a conflicted character; he is showing a lot of interest in the classes and thinking he is of a higher class than others believes he has the right to commit murder. Contrary to the title, this novel doesn't really focus on the crime or the punishment but rather the inner turmoil of Raskolnikov as well as the impact on his intellect and emotions. It is not until the very end that the sense of guilt overwhelms him and he confesses and ends his alienation.

This novel is certainly about the psychology of a crime and the punishment it measures. But more than that, the novel features exceedingly contrasting views. These views, contrasting and even paradoxical, can sincerely confuse a man. But, these seemingly contrasting views when scrutinized are really just the product of a struggle inside a man's very being. His final struggle of whether to finally detach himself from society, from life, from his humanity, or to finally succumb to it.

Raskolnikov is one such a man who didn’t care if he died, didn't eat, didn't care about his illness and yet coward enough to commit suicide. He is enjoying this rare form of suffering or we can call it as a delirium? Anyways, he commits two murders without knowing the consequences or was he prepared for everything? That’s least bothering point. At times he was being suspected of the crime and several police officials confronted him and inquired him. But, Raskolnikov was simply denying everything, but deep inside his heart, he knew that he was the one. He knew that, today or tomorrow he had to succumb to his punishments.

The novel begins in two separate tracks, one following the inner turmoil of a murderer and the other chronicling the melancholic destruction of a family due to a flighty, alcoholic patriarch. Dostoevsky deftly weaves together a multitude of unforgettable characters as they interplay through their tangle of plotlines. Each character is carefully balanced with their foil, each character is written with their own unique style of speech and language, and the novel seems to tie every thread together with such perfection and care as it churns forward, raining destruction on the lives of its characters to bring them toward their own personal redemption or demise. 

There are many characters in the book which is equally important as Raskolnikov. Especially Mr. Razumihin. He is a man of good heart and he is deeply interested in helping Raskolnikov and his family. He often went and arranged everything to defend his dear friend Rodya a.k.a. Raskolnikov. He eventually marries Dounia. That’s sort of a relief from this novel. The character Sonia Sofya Semyonovna is also a role to be remembered for. She has suffered equally as that of Raskolnikov. Only thing is, she didn't commit any murder. Rather, she has sacrificed herself for her family and her siblings. Raskolnikov was deeply moved by the affection that Sonia had expressed for him. He felt, at last that, he had loved her. Sonia took all those pains and sufferings and moved to Siberia in order to be with him, visiting him during those punishment years, eagerly waiting to start her life with Rodya altogether anew.

Over a century has passed since its initial publication, yet Dostoevsky’s message is still as poignant today as it was when it was first inked onto paper. Crime and Punishment features an immensely engaging blend of intrigue; philosophy; political, social, moral and religious commentary, that all thread together to create a masterpiece of literature that captures the deep, raw core of the human condition when it is at its most gruesome and vulnerable. The exquisite literary genius of the novel evoked a strong emotional resonance in me and the timing of my reading was just right to forever wed me to my love of books.

Conclusively, a fantastic book and it is highly recommended from my side. If you are a true reader and have an adjective as voracious, you must read this book once in your life time.

As I end my review, I have some excerpts from the book which I think it is worth mentioning in my review:

"Go now, this minute, stand in the crossroads, bow down, first kiss the Earth you've defiled, then bow down to the whole world, on all four sides, then say aloud to everyone: 'I have killed!' "

"Accept suffering and redeem yourself by it, that's what you must do."

"He went on down the stairs and came out in the courtyard. There in the courtyard, not far from the entrance, stood Sonya, pale, numb all over, and she gave him a wild, wild look. He stopped before her. Something painted and tormented something desperate, showed in her face. She clasped her hands. A hideous, lost smile forced itself in his lips. He stood a while, grinned, and turned back upstairs to the office."

"But all at once, in the same moment, she understood everything. Infinite happiness lit up in her eyes; she understood, and for her there was no longer any doubt that he loved her, lover her infinitely, and at last the moment had come... " 

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #71: Being Different by Rajiv Malhotra

Title: Being Different – An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism

Author: Rajiv Malhotra

Genre: Non-Fiction

Publishers: Harpercollins Publishers

Pages: 450+

Source: Personal Copy

Swami Vivekananda said it right… “Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true!!”

Having finished reading Breaking India by the same author an year ago, I was impressed by the sheer magnitude of information that this Rajiv Malhotra possess when it comes to Hinduism, Indian thoughts, our sacred scriptures, Indian Philosophy and so on. This book “Being Different” as cool as it sounds sets the benchmark even higher in exposing the western attacks on Indians in a more detailed and sophisticated manner. This book is not like a regular telltale of India’s glorious past or our vast knowledge of philosophy or the mastery of the language Sanskrit and so on. This book mainly focuses on the western view of India and how it has become wrong on so many levels, leave alone injecting the false doctrines. This book authoritatively asks the westerners to see the real Indian side from an Indian point of view, rather than a typical western.

This book is written really well on so many aspects – that includes details regarding monotheism vs polytheism, one sacred book vs hundreds of religious books, history-centric religion vs timeless Sanathana Dharma, Prophetic religion vs Free-to-chose type of religion i.e. Hinduism, etc… For each type of problem, Rajiv had written his argument brilliantly in order to state what is true and what is believed to be true. Several anecdotes from famous philosophers, famous theologians, and thinkers and religious scholars were discussed in details and a correct way of counter argument was given exactly that it “fits” perfectly and disqualifies those writers who wrote a western-thinking ideas about India and Hinduism.

He quotes in one of the chapters about how the western minds have been indoctrinated over several aspects and beliefs… “Dharma traditions resemble Silicon Valley innovation and freedom (whereas) Judeo-Christian religions come across like controlled, state-supplied, monopolistic products. Like the Soviets who believed in allowing only one airline, one brand of car, and one toothpaste, (…) most Christians believe in allowing only one approach to religion.”

In western Judeo-Christian traditions, revelation is initiated by one God, with the individual being a passive and submissive recipient (read it as a born sinner, whose salvation happens only when he dies). This process is highly history-centric, relies upon authority that is frozen in time, and allows for no direct experience. But this salvation does not transform man into something sublime. God always remains an external agency and that entire salvation means is that one escapes eternal condemnation to hell. These history-centric beliefs of Judeo-Christian systems also fail scientific scrutiny.

Dhārmic traditions provide a refreshing contrast. The individual is free from the guilt complexes that characterize a Christian. History has no metaphysical significance in dharma. Hindu narratives, as Śri Aurobindo states, are ever present in nature because one can experience those out of one’s own efforts. The Hindu initiate is an active participant in his quest for adhyātma vidya (knowledge of the self). Unlike Judeo-Christian systems which are fossilized, dhārmic systems dynamically evolve. As a result, the teachings of a guru are as valid as the words in a sacred text. This is precisely why one finds welcome diversity in dhārmic traditions. Most importantly, mökṣa (self-realization) is something one can actively experience here and now and is not a chimera called heaven a baptized Christian must be content with chasing post-mortem.

Rajiv Malhotra carefully puts his arguments about why these Judeo-Christian concepts fail at large and a big hindrance to the freedom. This is mainly due to the concept of sin followed in these prophetic religions. As is the case in every prophetic religion, a man/woman born is a sinner by birth, his entire life is a way towards salvation and that salvation is achieved only when you submit yourself to the God [Judgment Day]. Whereas, in Dharmic traditions, the concept of experiencing one’s false deeds and good deeds in the same birth and carry over these traits to the next birth (Punarjanma). This next birth may not be in human form, it can be either an animal, or a bird or a tree or an insect. This allows us to celebrate our individual souls, individual birth and makes us to believe that, we can make the better of ourselves in the same birth, as simply called as SAT-CHIT-ANANDA. 

Rajiv Malhotra also discusses about the ORDER AND CHAOS between Dharmic traditions and western dualism brilliantly. For instance, when it comes to the fields of music, or literature or neuroscience – good and evil are always interconnected to each other, like the Samudra Manthan (Ocean Churning), there is always good in bad and bad in good [Nectar and Poison].  This is quite opposite in the western religion, where good and evil is something which doesn’t gets connected, which results in the artificial order which is bewildered by a permanent chaos. In the Dharmic concept, this has balanced with proper Order and Chaos. The author goes on explaining this concept by taking the Indian classical music as an example. Indian classical music is a non-linear and non-normative, and as a result possesses not only the musical note but also a melodic ecosystem complexity called swara followed by the raga (which is using the swara to create a non-linear pattern of ups and downs) and this is again followed by Tala (the rhythm) which is adjusted to the ongoing raga. This concept has no equivalent in the western classical music. 

What I really liked about the book is the chapter about “Non-translatable Sanskrit Words”. There are quite a number of words or letters or phrases from Sanskrit which cannot be translated to English. For example: AUM in Sanskrit cannot be translated to AMEN as westerners tried to portray. The AUM is in itself a special word. Each letter in AUM, the A, U and M represents a different meaning altogether. He gives us the example of a dictionary called “Ekakshara Kosha” (Mono-syllable dictionary), where each letter possesses an exhaustive meaning and it simply cannot be translated. Also, from a scientific background, he explains that chanting few Sanskrit mantras at the right frequency has some desired results on the human mind.  He gives us the examples of “Bija Mantras” where each verse from the mantra should be chanted at exact frequency and tonal quality for the expected results to come. And, by this, it is certainly not possible to translate everything to English.

He further clarifies his points of reversing the gaze of westerners by pointing out the similarities and differences between the offshoot Hindu religions like Buddhism and Jainism. He goes on explaining the details from several books of Buddhism juxtaposed with the Hinduism and why it is ok to be “Being Different” in every area.

Overall he calls for a debate on the basis of Purva Mimamsa (an Indian philosophical aspect of churning for answers based on the earlier parts of Vedas than the later parts of Vedangas). He didn’t in any way belittle any western religions or ideas or beliefs. He just pointed out that, what the west thought about India is not true and he proved from this book, the reality. This sure, calls for a healthy debate among the learned scholars from among the world. He expressed his deep fear of non-availability of many Indian scholars who can actually understand and provide debatable ideas of Indian thoughts, Indian Philosophy (Darshanas), Indian Dharmic traditions and beliefs, etc…

In conclusion, none of the disagreements from the book dismisses the importance of Being Different. The most important aspects of the book are, as it reverses the gaze towards the west and evaluates it using the Dharmic paradigm. This is a well-researched, well-organized and well-documented book. It is a collector’s gem. I recommend this book to be read by everyone and must read for every Indians, which actually makes them proud of Being Different and Being Indian.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #70: Ooru Bangha By Viveka Shanabagh

Title: Ooru Bangha

Author: Viveka Shanabagh

Publishers: Akshara Prakashana

Genre: General Fiction

Pages: 250+ (Paperbound)

Source: Personal Copy

There are few books where it gets popularized without a reason and when you read it, you're left with a big disappointment. This book titled “Ooru Bangha” by the well acclaimed Kannada author Viveka Shanabagh does comes under this category. This novel tries to convey a message using story inside a story concept, but failed large at the idea. I am not sure whether author was trying his best to finish this novel or he just wrote because he had to. I was totally disappointed after reading this book. This is not a contemporary styled novel, nor a philosophical novel, neither a romantic novel nor even a story oriented novel. But where do I categorize this book at the first place?

The protagonist of the novel is Manamohan, a corporate employee, a writer and a romantic person to say the least. One fine day he gets an invitation from his colleague to attend house-warming ceremony. As expected he visits his colleague’s new home and after all the party, he accidentally meets a person called Shami, a young girl who is probably in her 20’s and our hero offers her to drive home. With all the initial greetings, our hero develops an interest in this young girl and he often finds trivial reasons to meet her and wanted to spend time with her. He joins her in the morning jogging hours and due to his writing background, he created an interest in this young girl about his village story and other details. So this girl pleads him to tell all those stories. Our hero begins to narrate few stories every day.

Cutting the story back to 70’s, our hero narrates a dramatic story about his village and about a person called Lawyer Kimani and his lifestyle. The dry narration by the author couldn't make it enough for us to read this story further.  There is lot of disconnectedness as it gets boring further. This Lawyer Kimani’s story occupies almost 2^nd half of the book. There was no concrete end to this story.

As the book progresses further, now our hero is much into this young girl Shami and he gets his long awaited chance of having sex with her. With no clear intentions whatsoever, they both started to make out in her house, in car, and in some stupid places. Shami, being a modern girl, never forces our hero for a 2^nd marriage. This eats up the 3^rd part of the book.

From nowhere, the author brings up a character called Dr. Sunkapur, a legend in our hero’s village. Author tried to connect the stories of Lawyer Kimani with this Dr. Sunkapur and failed miserably at that. Both of these stories end abruptly without a logical end.

Cutting the story to present, our hero and this young girl Shami will have some heated arguments over a trivial reason and will go apart. Our hero, guilt ridden and feeling sorry for his wife and son tries to forget this young girl. But, he couldn't get over with the charm of this young girl. He tries to meet her again. To his disappointment, he failed to do so. That’s the end.

I have omitted few parts from the book for the sake of the review. It just couldn't get any worse than these kinds of books coming to market and lure people to buying it. May be the author would’ve waited for some more time to perfect this story than to publish it unfinished.

My Rating:

2/5

Book Review #69: 2014 The Election That Changed India By Rajdeep Sardesai

Title: 2014: The Election That Changed India

Author: Rajdeep Sardesai

Publishers: Penguin India

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 370+

Source: Personal Copy

2002 Gujarat Riots, Narendra Modi, BJP, Congress, Hinduism, RSS, VHP, Minorities, Moral Compass, etc... These are the main highlights of a book that was being titled “2014: Election that changed India”. As it may sound odd at sometimes, but, Rajdeep a debutant in book writing, has written a well-researched book. His journalistic background has given him an exclusive access to some of the insider information that was accounted in this book in a detailed manner. As one of the controversial figure in the journalists arena in India, Rajdeep has took great care while airing his opinion. At times, one may feel like he is being biased and it seems very true in few chapters. His hatred towards some section of the politician, and his love and care towards other politicians is almost evident in this book.

The book covers everything from post UPA-2 government times and of course he begins his journey with his favorite topic “2002 Gujarat Riots”. I somehow felt, this has been written out of proportion. Rajdeep doesn’t follow the rule of “forget and move on”. Anyways, that’s what made him the man today. He constantly nitpicks about Modi and his Chief ministerial day’s right from the days of 2002 till the 2012 elections where Modi scored convincing 3^rd time win. He writes about his encounters during riot days and also writes his journey as a beginner journalist to his newsroom editor job.

While writing about Modi versus Rahul part, Rajdeep has shown his affinity towards the later one by being apologetic. He was constantly writing about how Rahul Gandhi missed an opportunity to conquer the vacant spot rather than writing about Rahul’s quality as a politician. He has expressed his prejudiced opinion about Narendra Modi and doesn't even care to write about the dumbness of Rahul. All he wanted to showcase was his loyal support towards a much hyped secularism at the cost of being righteous.

What was more fascinating about the book is its detailed explanation of the various strategies that was used by every political party during the 2014 elections, the mother of all elections as he puts it. He constantly reminds us about the unwillingness of Rahul Gandhi to take up the leads of his party and how he remained as a shadow and never shown up his face in the time of crisis and stuff. He goes on mentioning about the various corporate heads that turned and poured their money towards the BJP and Modi. He also writes about the amount of money being spent by each party during election without giving concrete evidence. All he writes about “a close associate from the BJP has said that” or “a senior politician from the party has told me” or “a bureaucrat has updated me on the request on anonymity” and so on. So, it’s understood that he wrote many things just by going with the information leaked. He equated the BJP as cash-rich party of 2014 and congress as a sinking ship.

The book accounts some of the greater details about each political party that has recruited some of the major advertising agencies for their campaign. This is good information from the book that can be taken away. I always suspected that, no major political party could win any election only because of their foot soldiers door to door campaign. It was proved right on the spot after reading the major advertising companies that each party has recruited and spent crores of money on ads and make over of the politicians. The BJP, The Congress and the new entrant AAP has been in this roller coaster ride of campaigning. Rajdeep even writes about the major women politicians of the country such as Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati and Jayalalitha and their strategy and planning in the 2014 elections. It was a detailed, well researched story.

At the end of the book, several astonishing statistics about this 2014 elections juxtaposed with the 2009 elections is quite fascinating. Surely, this 2014 election was mother of all elections considering the preparations and execution. A simple, no nonsense book that can be read easily. However, it seemed like, Rajdeep hasn't left his one liners, mocking high profile people and their political inclinations. Anyways, a good book to learn about the 2014 elections.

My Rating:

3/5

Book Review #68: Karma By Karanam Pavan Prasad

Title: Karma

Author: Karanam Pavan Prasad

Publishers: Conclave Media

Genre: General Fiction

Pages: 164 (Paperbound)

Source: Personal Copy

A first time debutant novelist, who took greater risk to write a novel on a subject like Death, Hindu Funeral Rituals and practices, etc… This novel is a blend of age old rituals, beliefs and traditions versus the modern cosmopolitan, scientific, questioning generation. This novel deals with a very taboo subject such as Hindu funeral practices, which is also called as KARMA, hence the title of the novel Karma. The book poses some serious questions, at the same time, gives its readers a sense of newly crafted novel. Not that, this kind of novel has ever come before, in fact, it has come at various stages and in various forms. But, the mixture of modern aspects like smartphones, IT, KFC, drinks, parties juxtaposed with that of traditions, practices, beliefs and other things is a new way.

The protagonist of this novel Surendra was responsible to carry out the last rites rituals of his father that just demised. Being working in a city as an upscale Engineer and married to an ultramodern woman Neha, he didn't seem to get adjusted to all those rituals, practices and traditions. He just toys around like a puppet listening to the head priest and following his younger brother in those rituals. During these proceedings, Surendra refuses to gets his head shaved, whereas, his brother Narahari agrees to it. (This is one of the rituals, where, the sons of the deceased person should get their head shaved in order to carry out this ritual, it’s called VAPANA). Day to day proceedings was making our protagonist lose his cool and made him act like a weirdo. He was always suspicion about his wife. He often gets these thoughts that; his wife is cheating on him with another man. This is strongly believed by him due to the past actions of his wife on numerous occasions before marriage. His wife had many partners just like him. However, his manly thoughts were not convinced to agree on such things.

The regular circumstances of those rituals have made him to come to terms with the traditions and he actually starts believing in everything. He often reaches out to head priest to understand the basics of the rituals which he finds occasionally funny. Sometimes, he indulges in serious conversations with the head priest and was asking any ritual practices so that he could father a child and so on. This kind of dilemma and regular taunts from his wife for being too orthodox has made our protagonist weak day by day. He gets mocked by his wife for conducting those ‘pointless’ rituals which was seriously offending Surendra. He also concludes that, he didn’t get a proper wife or he didn't become a good husband. This made him to get back to his last love interest ‘Vaani’ who was his Aunt’s daughter. Even here he faces serious disappointments.

As the book progresses further, we will realize many facets of these funeral rites, and this must be the take away from the book. The detailed explanation and beliefs behind each practice and tradition has explained pretty neat. There is an absolute twist at the end of the novel, which I am not including in my review. I ask people to read and savor the story.

All said and done, the novel has some weak points. Few of the characters were given little space. The entire novel could’ve been extended to about 30 pages. The background story of important characters was missing or was kept low. The Sanskrit verses and their meaning throughout the novel is a good attempt at explaining few traditional aspects.

Overall, a great attempt by the author and a fantastic rendition. He has a long way to go and this is just the beginning. I hope to see more of such amazing work by this author. Though, this book can be easily considered as a contemporary novel. It doesn't exactly belong to any specific genre. A must read novel. I recommend it for everyone.

My Rating:

5/5