Book Review #87: One Indian Girl By Chetan Bhagat

Title: One Indian Girl
Author: Chetan Bhagat
Publishers: Rupa Publications
Genre: General Fiction/Bollywood script
Pages: 280 (Paperback)
Source: Personal Copy

Having read his previous works of Chetan Bhagat, I was somewhat skeptical about his new novel. Because, the haunting experience of Half Girlfriend is still afresh in my mind. After all, I had thought of giving a benefit of doubt to the author and took this book. Once again, I was wrong. This man cannot write properly. He has done more damage in this novel in the name of feminism.

Yet again, Chetan Bhagat has completely lost. The book has promised at the beginning, it might be a better offer than his predecessor Half Girlfriend. But, its completely opposite after first few pages. How in the world does the author claims this book is about feminism? The book failed to even touch a base point in that aspect. Its basically a sorry tale of a successful working woman that portrayed as too naive, vulnerable and pretentious. Before any one pull their trigger it as too prejudice to judge the characters and paint a fiction out of it, let me remind you that, the author has a huge fan base of mostly teenagers. He has set up a bad example of feminism by giving the most ridiculous ideas ever.

The plot seems more similar to his earlier novels. The author may be having this gut feel that, the more he writes a triangular love stories, the better the cash flow. But, he went a step ahead and wrote this garbage, where the character lacks the basic conscience and morale. The story mainly revolves around this woman Radhika, that has no thoughts in her mind other than sex or whom do I go to cuddle up. I am really sorry Mr. author, this is not the feminism that India needs.

The main character Radhika, who once was a studios girl, now wants attention of every men that she ogles. Oh, what's up with the Brazilian waxing stuff Mr. Author? Does going down again and again makes the character feel more fabulous than anything else? The author makes the character Radhika as someone who is suffering from AIDS (Attention Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This is not a true example of feminism. The author has abused this feminism and women empowerment in the most obnoxious way.

Does having sex with the boss on a business trip is an alternate to erase the past? I have no idea that this could work. The author feels that, the more he paints a bitch out of his heroine, the more empowered she is. Come on, get a life. The character Radhika feels that, the more praises (about work, about her looks, about her achievements, etc) she gets from her man, the more love that exists. Really? How in the world does that justify? There are certain sections that is ridiculously written. For example: When her mom confronts about her drinking whisky before the dance, the daughter is all worked up and says, "Mom, you need a drink I guess". What more can you expect from this outrageous line? Does smoking up, binge drinking, having sex with boss out of trivial reasons all count up to how empowered our woman in this book is?

When all such things crop in your mind while reading, and there you go, the discussion at 5AM in the morning by inviting her exes to face each other and giving a long lecture about how they are expecting a wrong person in her? Why don't she do it at the first place? Hasn't she done all that already?

There's more to write but I don't think it is quite important. You all can watch this outrageous feminism movie at the big screen down in few months. It seems Chetan Bhagat is setting a wrong example to his female fans. He is secretly championing them that it is completely okay to sleep here and there, since you're more empowered to take control of it. If this is the definition of feminism that author has portrayed, then he is wrong on many levels. This novel is stupid, callous and misleading. Not a recommending stuff.

My Rating:
1/5

Book Review #84: The Bestseller She Wrote By Ravi Subramanian

Title: The Bestseller She Wrote

Author: Ravi Subramanian

Publishers: Westland

Genre: General Fiction/Thriller

Pages: 300+

Source: Personal Copy

Reading the thriller genre books adds an extra layer of expectations from the story. Having read The Bankster from the same author had kept my hopes further high and took up this book to read. As the author himself says, this is the first time he is penning a romantic thriller genre novel and I will give the benefit of doubt to the author. But still, Author Ravi Subramanian was left with no choice but to use the same Bank as his prop for setting up the novel. Few authors couldn’t think beyond their home turf I would say. Anyway, coming to the book, it is an easy read kind of book. Broken in to nearly 85 small chapters adds the required pace to the book and you can very well read it in few hours. Language used is quite simple and the narration is good.

Aditya Kapoor a successful fiction writer of the country, who is also an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, comes there to give a talk or speech. An unexpected argument with a girl called Shreya from the audience regarding selling the book as a product, where Shreya had a differences of opinion with the author. The argument led to the intersection of the lives of these two in quick session. After reading a book of Aditya, Shreya becomes a huge of him overnight. She emails him about how his book has changed her perception of him and how she felt silly to argue with the best author of the country.

When Aditya, who is also a successful banker again goes to IIM Bangalore for placements, coaxes his friend cum colleague Sanjay (the HR head of the bank) to hire Shreya. She was hired to the bank and as expected a close friendship develops between Aditya and Shreya. Shreya who was also an avid reader and an aspiring writer, gets help from Aditya to publish her work or as the title of the novel goes “The Bestseller”. Whereas, Aditya, a middle aged married man, with a six year old son, finds himself attracted to Shreya. Thus begins an extramarital affair between both of them.

Few sections in the book could’ve been really avoided considering the audience that this book will be reaching. The book certainly adds the thrill factor to it. But, what is the necessity of an erotic part? I am still thinking, what has author achieved while he described how Shreya’s buttocks or boobs looks like? Or How the Aditya gets attracted to Shreya’s physical features than the actual love that they both thought in reality? Things like these could damage an author’s reputation instantly. As per the author, the famous fiction writer in the country, do not know how to write an erotic scenes in his novel? (What a downfall?). The disgusting part was when Shreya helps Aditya on how to write an erotic scene in a practical way? And that too by keeping an audio recorder that records their wild moaning during the act? (Author certainly needs some introspection here). I am sure this section of the book reminds the readers about 50 Shades of Grey.

Each character in the novel seems to be lacking in moral. Aditya, a successful writer and a happily married man and also a person who had an extramarital affair, finds out that he loved his wife Maya only when she falls sick, and that too after sleeping with Shreya? Shreya on the other hand was an avid reader and an aspiring writer and is all ready to get her work published either by hook or crook? To the extent of sleeping with Aditya and then resorting to blackmail? Sanjay, a college buddy and now colleague of Aditya, who is also an avid reader and has a strange habit of not letting anyone to touch his books, who stands by Aditya’s side always, but turns out to be a conman? Apart from these characters, the rest of the characters were given less prominence. I had expected more from Maya’s character. But, let us agree that this is what the author had imagined.

The narrative is rife with the things that are unnecessary or unbelievable. The love scenes are put in such a way that, it was not all required to go to an extent that, how Aditya unbuttoned Shreya’s shirt or how he pulled her panties or how Shreya unzipped Aditya’s trousers and feel and touch of their reproductive organs is quite uncalled for. The funny thing is, Aditya now stuck in dilemma on how to resolve his love-life crisis, finds out that, his “beloved” wife Maya is suffering from Ebola. Are you serious? Showing Maya on critical illness would’ve sufficed a lot. But, bringing the “Ebola” into the picture was not needed.

As is the case in every other romantic novel, Maya does gets cured of Ebola and the climax revelation will feed Maya regarding the emotional side of Aditya and how “courageous” was her husband. Just because he accepts his illicit relationship with Shreya on an open podium could melt the heroine’s heart (Where are those feminists?). At the end, as everyone expected, Shreya went on to become a bestseller for just one book. Guilt ridden Shreya, who thinks, because of conning and blackmailing Aditya had psychologically damaged her writing brain and she couldn’t continue to write. On the other side, Aditya, having lost everything and gaining back everything (including his lost wife) lives happily ever after.

I sincerely hope that the first romantic thriller experiment of the author becomes the last experiment of him. I loved his other writings but not this one. This could’ve been shaped up really well, had the author not followed in the footsteps of Chetan Bhagat (Oh yea, there is a reference to CB as well in this novel). A soon to be a biggest motion picture in the Bollywood!! Well, I am definitely not looking forward to it. Period.

My Rating:

2.5/5

Book Review #62: Two for the hearts By Ekta R. Garg

Title: Two for the Heart (Stories in pairs: set one)

Author: Ekta R. Garg

Publisher: Prairie Sky Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-9909360-1-5

Genre: General Fiction/Short Stories

Pages: 55 (EPUB Edition)

Source: Review Copy

This book consists of 2 short stories that were written pretty well. I enjoyed reading it. Ekta R.Garg has written these 2 tales that is full of emotions, love and care. That’s the theme carried away in this novel. A short book of relatively 50 odd pages, gives us an amazing experience. Stories that is blended with pure emotions and lots of love, makes this book as a unique and a must read.

The first story from the book is “The Proposal”. A young lawyer Akshay and a doctor by profession Pooja was not ready to bother about their individual relationships. However, they both get cornered into a marriage by their elders. But, they both cleverly plan for something else. They decide to get their divorce papers ready right after their wedding. They eventually gets their divorce papers applied and it is one steps behind to get it officially termed as divorced. Some unusual circumstances make them acts otherwise. Akshay finds Pooja the more caring when she took care of his ailing mother who is on the last stages of cancer. Whereas, Pooja finds Akshay the most understanding person, when Akshay agrees to participate in a ceremonial dinner planned by Pooja’s parents where they both have to act as man and wife. These things and other favorable moments made them realize what true love is and they just no longer cared about their divorce.

The above story seems very simple as it looks. But, the intense emotions that each character displays are just more than enough. Author has not wasted time and space to shovel extra description of events, or characters or places in the novel. Author has more concentrated on the human emotions which is very apt to the above story.

The second story in the novel is “The Remembrance”. Helen wakes up in the hospital and she has no idea how she even got there. Everyone in the hospital dodges her question. And, then her sister Rose with whom she has not spoken for 11 long years comes to aid her. Without realizing Rose’s situation or what she has been through just a few days ago, Helen acts in the most unusual way and tries to avoid Rose. Rose visited Helen right after conducting their father Mr. Green’s funeral. She was advised by doctors to stay for some more time. Helen, of course, was not aware of her father’s death or her husband’s death, seems to have lost memory. She almost forgot what happened recently. So, as the story further progresses, Helen gets discharged from hospital and she was gaining her memory back. Soon she realized what she has lost. She started sobbing uncontrollably. Helen realized her loss and Rose’s love for her.

The 2^nd story also seems to be very simple. But, it gives readers a chance to ponder over few little things in life that can actually help to clear the misunderstanding.

I liked the first story more than the 2^nd one!!

There is a slight twist in both the stories. Author is very clever in linking both the stories that gives us a new perspective altogether. There are also surprises in the stories, not so shocking or breathtaking, but author holds back and keeps the secrets for the readers to reveal themselves. The overlapping of both the stories while not interrupting the each individual story adds another layer. A main character in the first story is actually a background character in the 2^nd story!!

These 2 short stories can be elaborated to make them as a novel altogether if tried. But, here it worked so well to keep it short and to the point. The focus was given more to the main characters than the props while not losing out on the quality or content. I recommend this book to the readers.

Note: This book was sent by the author in exchange for an honest review.

You can buy the book from here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

My Rating:

4.5/5

Book Review #61: Shadow of the Wraith (NEXUS) By Ross Harrison

Title: Shadow of the Wraith

Author: Ross Harrison

Publishers: Self Published

Genre: Science Fiction/Space Opera

Pages: 404+ pages (EPUB version)

Source: Review Copy from Author

First things first

This is a fantastic story. I have enjoyed thoroughly. The story keeps you hooked till the end and I am not exaggerating to say that, this is the best book I've read it recently under the genre space fiction. Ross Harrison is a brilliant author. He blended space science with every possible substance that includes aliens, humanoids, humans and robots (androids). With a touch of humor, Harrison has managed to write this book fluently.

Review

The entire novel is set in the future, in which the normal human beings has mastered the space travel and learnt possible ways of mending the space ships and making themselves alliances between other space dwellers, bots and humanoids. I must remind the readers here that, though you get reminded of the stories from STAR WARS, STAR TREK and MATRIX on regular intervals, it is in no way a copy of those things. It resembles few scenes here and there, but, that’s ok. It has a great story to the readers and this is the first book in the series of NEXUS as author says.

The protagonist of the novel is Travis Archer, a freelance bounty hunter. He accepts an official assignment of destroying an unmanned ship “The Star Wraith”. This Star Wraith is a powerful ship that appears out of blue and destroys the other space ships. The intentions of it were not known to him and he builds his team with some unusual members to go on an epic journey to hunt and destroy this ship. His team consists of his buddy Miller, Jay, Zak Kirroc, and another freelance bounty hunter from the Kraathan’s Juni Lien. Juni Lien character is the most unusual to say the least. She was actually appointed to kill Travis Archer for a bounty, but, she ended up teaming along with Travis Archer in search of Star Wraith. The detailed introduction of the characters and their origin can be read from the book. It is highly interesting to read about various alliances, groups and their crazy description.

The description about the entire space atmosphere is a marvelous job. You have to be a science fiction lover to slip into the alternate world that Harrison creates in this novel. The detailed explanation of each and every machinery, space ships, plasma guns, armor suits, VI console, etc… is very fascinating.

As the story further progresses further, Travis and his team were able to finally locate and get inside the Star Wraith. There is a slight twist in the tale here, as they were prepared to destroy this ship initially, they were taken by surprise by witnessing some of the relevant man intervention in this ship. So, Travis and his team decide to take control of the ship and succeed in it. So they maneuver this ship to find out the exact intention behind its creation. Travis and his team try to get all possible details regarding its creation. They will discover that, the people from who they got this bounty contract were somehow related to this ship’s creation. Travis decides to get to the bottom of this. He and along with few team members were able to connect the dots slowly and steadily. The more fascinating of this story reveals the shadow of a villain called “Boarshraak” whose goals and intentions remained shrouded in mystery.

Other notable points—although the story starts on a small scale, it eventually escalates from Travis’s dangerous assignment to a potentially devastating interstellar conflict. Race relations between alien civilizations are touched upon—at one point, an official notes that one of Travis’ alien crew members cannot be paid like a human would. It is quite interesting to note that, they get paid in Credits! Also, there is an android called Arkuun-Marl (Became my favorite!!) with the obnoxious tendency to make lame jokes about everything. Though he is a bot (android), he prefers people calling him “HE” instead of “IT”! Arkuun-Marl has an important role in this novel. His character seems like a life saver at most of the times and also a comic relief in a serious space juggernaut.

There is also one important character that must be mentioned without fail. This character is called “Rialen” that appears as a path shower from the second half of the novel. This particular character reminds me the movie MATRIX, where NEO gets his advises every now and then.

There is also a special mention about fireflies and dragons that has a very minimum part in the novel and still plays as a part of the expedition. There is also a part where the true identity of Travis Archer has been revealed that makes him immortal!!?

The entire story runs like a movie. It has no boring aspects. The climax part of the novel is where the astounding information has been kept. Who is “Boarshraak” after all? Was he the main responsible for all these conflicts and wars? Were Travis and his team able to come out with flying colors? The answer lies in the book and I recommend the readers to read this book. This book definitely takes you to an alternate world and leaves you there to savor the moment. The entire story keeps ringing in your mind even after you finished reading it.

The book is organized pretty well. The chapters are divided according to the places that the story takes place. The violence scenes description has been taken care of really well. The grammar is perfect and the reading experience is quite lucid and engaging.

Note: I received this book from the author as a review copy in exchange of an honest review.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #56: Everett By Jenifer Ruff

Title: Everett

Author: Jenifer Ruff

Publisher: World Castle Publishing LLC

eISBN: 9781629891439

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Pages: 237

Source: Review Copy

There are few books that take its readers like free flowing water. This exceptionally awesome book Everett by the author Jenifer Ruff is beyond your expectation. I actually felt like I am watching a suspense filled psychological movie by sitting at the edge of my seat. I am not exaggerating here, but, I really loved this novel.  After reading many psychological based stories, this book has kept me hooked till the end.

The plot of the novel looks very simple at the beginning. Everett is the name of the college where our protagonist Brooke is studying. Author had done a great job by introducing Brooke's character to the readers slowly. Brooke is a very silent, nerdy and a fitness freak girl. She enjoyed her regular fitness classes as much as she enjoyed her college classes. In fact Brooke was one of the fitness instructors from Everett. Brooke had a boyfriend called Ethan that had relatively a lesser role to play in this novel except on few occasions. Brooke had fewer or no friends at all except for Ethan; this was due to her tight schedule that was filled up with college classes and her fitness classes.

Brooke had a very strange and unusual characteristic that will be revealed slowly in each chapter. I really appreciate the author to write such an unusual introduction to the dark side of a protagonist!! Brooke was one of a kind, and she never feared for something to experiment on her own. She expressed her interest of going to medical school and become a surgeon with Ethan. During one of her meeting with Ethan, Brooke slowly opened up herself and explained how she wanted to become a surgeon and explained the story behind it. It was one of the awful experiences for Ethan, since; Brooke was actually explaining about her surgical tryst with a dead cat!!! May be this incident lets the reader know about the dark side of Brooke.

Brooke's unusual style of looking at things was not new. During her childhood she had dissected enough animals to know it better. But all these events made her a pure psychotic. Brooke's one of the weird wishes was to dissect a person to check out their heart and study them. Her psycho activities were witnessed when she drove her dorm mate Jessica's car and vandalized without having a second thought.

The climax of the novel is very surprising. The ending is where the pure psychological traits of Brooke will be revealed. Brooke actually commits a murder of someone that is very close to her and instead of getting scared she was so elated to dissect the dead body in an isolated place. But due to heavy storm and snow fall outside, she had no option but to dispose the dead body. But will Brooke get caught? Will she get punished for her crime? What was her thoughts after committing all these crimes? Will her college authorities ever discover about Brooke's real character? The answer lies in the book. I am highly recommending this novel to all who wants to read a marvelous psychological story.

This book will not be the end of Brooke's story. Author had written a sequel for Everett and its called Rothaker which will be out soon.


Buy this book from Amazon

My Rating:
5/5

Book Review #34: And The Mountains Echoed By Khaled Hosseini

There are few authors who can be termed as true storytellers and there are few like chetan bhagat. Khaled Hosseini is a master when it comes to storytelling. He gave us, the readers, what can be called as an emotionally charged novel. Without a second thought, this is one of the finest books I've read in recent times.

And The Mountains Echoed a third novel from Hosseini, captures a typical Afghanistan family of the 1950′s followed by the Soviet’s attack in late 60′s to 70′s and the invasion of Taliban, etc..

The story beings by a fairy tale that a father (Saboor) is narrating to his kids (Abdullah and Pari) in a remote village called Shadbagh in Afghanistan. This was an everyday scene in Saboor’s family. To make the ends meet and to win daily bread and also to support his new pregnant wife (yes, the 2nd one), Saboor takes an unexpected step through selling his younger daughter Pari, to a wealthy couple in Kabul who are childless. Pari was barely 3 years old when she was sold by her father. Pari was not aware of such consequence, but her brother Abdullah who was 7 years old, was devastated by this cruel act of his father.

Everyday Abdullah gets reminded of her little sister every now and then, all those happy moment playing with her, all those little gifts that he had bought for his sister, etc.. Pari loved the birds feather like it was a diamond in possession. Abdullah carefully collected all these feathers over the years to gift her and see the joy in her little sisters face. Now, all those moments have been crushed to sands and now he is all alone in the house. Later events makes him to run to Pakistan and he starts working in a restaurant and few years later he travels to USA along with his wife and daughter Pari (Yes, he named his daughter as Pari) and starts his own Kebab restaurant.

The entire story is captured from 1950 till 2010 that spans over more than 50 years. Pari’s new parents, Nila wahdati, a poet by passion and Suleiman Wahdati an artist. Even here, there is a tragedy, Nila divorces her husband and takes Pari to France forever. Then the novel takes another turn, describing Pari’s life in France, her bonding with her new mom, her college life, etc.. But, Pari often gets a jolt sometimes that, she is missing something, like she is not born to Nila and she constantly gets reminded of a little village where she was born somewhere buried deep in her memory.

The novel has many characters and many stories that was probably unnecessary to the novel. There is one character called Nabi, the driver of Suleiman Wahdati and also maternal uncle of Pari and Abdullah, who actually sets the stage for Wahdati couple to buy his sister’s daughter Pari. Later in the novel, Nabi writes a long letter to Mr. Markos, a plastic surgeon, working in Afghanistan for over 10 years. He describes what all the things he has done, and he also mentions about Pari.

All those hardships and fights and long waits to reconcile is described in the last 2 chapters, which is a must read from the book. After all, will Pari and Abdullah meet in the end ??. Will old Abdullah be able recognize her sister old Pari ? You must read that in the book. I stop it at this point, so readers can actually go and read this novel. For sure, its an emotional roller coaster ride for both Pari and Abdullah. Hosseini has captured this very essence brilliantly and carried it throughout the novel. I assure you, you will be restless to witness the climax.

My Rating:

4/5

Book Review #31: The Lowland By Jhumpa Lahiri

Naxalism, Life in Post-Independent India, Love story, Brotherhood, Friendship, Marriage, Children, etc.. A book that has so many stories woven into one, but, still it fails to attract you. I was not at all impressed by this book. First of all, its monotonous way of narration is what failed from the beginning. The story became too predictive after first few chapters. The plot deviated from what it was expected to follow.

Jhumpa Lahiri, known for her eloquent style of writing has somewhat failed in this novel. Just to let you know, this is only my interpretation. Many people might have understood this book in a different way. For me, it was way below my expectation from Lahiri after reading The Namesake.

Ok let's get into the review. Why it is not a must read book from my point of view ?. First of all, the plot is too weak. the narration is dull and is is way too slow. Somehow, it took me a while to complete this novel. Not because of 300 odd pages of story, but, because of its way of story building.

The story is all about 2 brothers that were born in the very next year of India's Independence in 1947, in calcutta i.e. today's Kolkata. Udayan the younger one and Subhash the elder one. The stories of their childhood is impressive, as we get to read lots about their tryst for technology, sports, books, chess game, morse codes etc.. Later, what follows after they've grown up, is a complete dry plot.

Udayan was more attracted towards Politics, rather, I can say it as towards Naxalism and not towards the mainstream politics. He gets attracted towards Communist ideologies that were popular during those times of early 50's. He often skips his college to spend time with comrades and listen to their speech all the time. As expected, once after his college he officially joins to the communist group and becomes a Naxalite.

Whereas, Subhash, the elder one, is more attracted towards his studies. He completes his degree and he applies for a postgraduate program in a US university in Rhode Islands. He was majoring in Chemical Industry. He sees his younger brother Udayan growing out to be a Naxalite with his very own eyes and persuades him to get a regular job or go for higher studies. But, Udayan was so adamant in his decisions, he never bothers to listen to Subhash.

Until this part was the interesting section from the book. Later, after few years, Subhash now studying in US, will come to know that his younger brother is married already, his wife is called Gauri. He was shell-shocked to hear this and comes to term with his brother and accepts his new sister-in-law. As the book progresses further, Subhash again receives a letter from Gauri that, his brother, Udayan was shot dead in a combing operation in Calcutta. Subhash returns to India.

As we get to see the plot, now it becomes too predictable. Subhash decides to marry Gauri for the sole reason of not leaving her with his parents who were still not ready to accept her. As the years passed, Subhash becomes the father of Udayan's child that Gauri was carrying. He named her Bela. Here, Gauri was not impressed with Subhash, rather, she wanted to skip from her responsibilities and decides to pursue her education in US and applies for a philosophy degree. From there she decides to leave Subhash and her daughter and she leaves the house forever.

Towards the end of the novel, Subhash, now taking care of Bela and her new child Meghna, decides to get a divorce from Gauri and he writes a letter to Gauri. As expected, Gauri instead of writing back, she heads back to meet Subhash to give her consent for the divorce. There, she meets Bela and her grand daughter Meghna. Surprised Bela, admonishes her mother for leaving her as a child. Disappointed, Gauri heads back to her place. That's it..., their life goes on as it is!!

That's the end of the novel. It is just this much, are we expected to read only this much.??. I was not at all impressed the way it ended. Lahiri would've at least changed something that might have reconciled their family!!. The only impressive thing from the novel is, Udayan's Naxal way of living and going headstrong against the government. Whereas, Subhash's part of the story is dry and dull.

My Rating:
3/5

Book Review #30: The Palace of Illusions By Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Who doesn't love Mahabharata ?? An epic of thousands of tales intertwined together in a mesmerizing story. And even more awesome feeling is, when you read the same Mahabharata story in different angles, different perspectives and different dimensions. All in all, a book which is certainly unputdownable. After reading many books on Mahabharata, especially after providing the review of Parva and Jaya in my own blog. I am here to give you all, yet another version of the tales of dice or simply the Mahabharata.

As the title of the book itself says, this story is all about the Illusionating Palace that Draupadi had dreamed off. The title is so apt for this book, since, the main theme of the book revolves around this palace. Divakaruni's attempt of narrating The Mahabharata from Draupadi's point of view is an excellent feat. Keeping Draupadi as the main protagonist of the novel, Divakaruni had achieved full effect the novel for what it meant to be. Loaded with heavy feminist viewpoint, you get to read the complete, different Mahabharata from Draupadi's point of view. Even arranging the chapter names is in a different style, as it is not numbered, rather, it is the theme of the story that she is narrating in that chapter. For example: Chapter name is Fire - it contains the Yagna that Dhritarashtra performs in the name of Rajasuya Yaga.

I am not going to give you all a review of Mahabharata here. That has been told many times over and over again. Here I will highlight the events and actions that unfolds through the eyes of Draupadi.

What was much fascinating was, Divakaruni's attempt of picturising Draupadi or Panchaali (The way she expects everyone to call her) is vivid and full of surprises. Draupadi also enjoyed the name "Sakhi" and "Krishnaa" (the female version of krishna) when Krishna used to call her. Draupadi's childhood is not a regular childhood of any little girl, since, it follows a different route. Draupadi, who was raised by his fond Dhai Ma, had a different view of the world such that, she always opposed the ritual of Women were not allowed to enter the Royal Courtroom, Women were not supposed to study after a certain point, Women had no choice of her own while selecting her groom (Yes, the Swayamvar!!), etc. etc..

Throughout the novel, we can get to see the lost love of Draupadi for Karna. Draupadi always longed for the love of Karna, which is not by compulsion, but by pure love. She had admonished him in the Swayamvar proceedings of his lower birth, not knowing Karna's true birth!!. Almost in every chapter, Draupadi's love for Karna is described very passionately, which is a must read from the book.

Without forgetting, having married off to 5 Pandava brothers, Draupadi had her share of fight or rather doubts against Kunti, her mother-in-law. She had to start her daughter-in-law life afresh in the new house, adjusting to the environments, getting along with people,etc.. You will sure enjoy the regular SAAS-BAHU cat-fights from this novel. When Draupadi learns that, Kunti had approached Karna to reveal his true birth and offered Karna to becomes the Sixth husband of Draupadi, towards the end of the novel!, Draupadi loses her cool and was about to shout at Kunti for not bringing this to her notice!!. This is for sure a spiced up story to read from the book.

What at all a review, if I do not bring the Palace of Illusions ??. This is the main theme or crux of the novel as I said before. What follows after their lac house was burnt and they get their share of barren land Indraprastha to start a life. Pandava's had called Maya to construct a beautiful palace that was never done before and will not be done after. As expected from this women centered novel, Draupadi becomes the chief architect for planning and suggesting what and all to include in this palace. The pillars, The waterfalls, The fish ponds, The rooms, The walls, The paintings, etc.. Everything was done according to Draupadi's instructions, which is the sole reason or the stepping stone for the entire Mahabharata. When Pandava's invited Kaurava's to visit their palace of Illusions, with much to the dismay, when Duryodhan accidently steps on to a pool which was looking like a glass floor, followed by Draupadi mocking him in front of her maid-servants, that led to the game of dice, followed by War of Kurukshetra is all a regular telltale!!.

Surprising stuff which I believe is that author's brought up story is, Draupadi had a boon from Sage Vyasa that, she can visualize the happenings across a far away place. When she was younger, Vyasa had already informed her that, she will be the main reason for thousands of deaths, also, she will get married to 5 brothers, etc.. Even in the war of kurukshetra, Draupadi already knew who Karna was, and she was tempted to reveal this to her husbands, which she didn't do, since, Vyasa asked her not reveal anything until what he wrote already must happen. 2 things we must notice here, First Vyasa giving boon to Draupadi to visualize future but not to reveal anything. And Second, Vyasa had wrote the Mahabharata much before it took place ?? (This is sure a debatable topic)

Towards the end of the novel, all Kaurava's side have been killed and Pandava's side have ruled for several years and it was time to take up the vanaprashta-ashram. 5 brothers along with Panchaali heads towards Himalaya that ascends to the greater heavens. The struggle and the hardship that Draupadi goes through this phase is a treat to read from the book. Because, Dhritarashtra had told his brothers that, none of them will help anyone if they fell down while ascending the himalayas. So, as foretold by the oracles, Draupadi falls much before. But to our surprise, Divakaruni had brought Krishna in this scene, who will lead Draupadi into the safer heaven.

Overall, a fresh aspect, a bold attempt of Mahabharata or I can call it as Panchaali's Mahabharata!!. A section of Krishna teaching Bhadagawad Geeta to Arjun was kept bare minimum, which should've been extended a bit further. Other than that, a must read book for all those historical fiction buffs.

My Rating:
5/5

Book Review #26: Yana By Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa

For the first time S.L. Bhyrappa tried a science fiction based novel.!!. Published just 2 weeks ago, has attracted thousands of his loyal readers, making this book as one of the bestsellers in Kannada in recent days.  As a first timer to this genre, there are slight mistakes and scientific inaccuracies and there were space to improve in the writing. Nevertheless, this book didn't disappoint me. As a regular reader of SL Bhyrappa's books, what I read is an expected. There is nothing unexpected or extra super stuff that he wrote. He just carried it in a simple but elegant manner.

What it seems to be the most secret phenomenon called Black Hole has been studied in this novel in a somewhat possible way. But, it is beyond a science fiction, it explores the regular SL Bhyrappa's flavor of human relationships, bondage, philosophical aspects, etc..

The story is very simple as it seems to be. Two Astronauts, a female fighter pilot Uttara and a male scientist Sudarshan, who sets out on a epic journey into a far away galaxy leaving our solar system. They set out to travel to the Proxima Centauri which is several light years away from our solar system.

The intention of this journey was kept a top secret by the central space research agency. The mission was supposed to test the human generation growth in a space. These two astronauts were supposed to procreate and their children were supposed to marry (Yes, you are reading it right!!) and should procreate and this cycle must continue forever. As the intention of this experiment is kept top secret, the central space research agency selected fighter pilot Uttara for her right attitude towards serving the country and Scientist Sudarshan who is capable of building modern space shuttles. They were instructed clearly by the space research station that they will never return to earth. So, these two sets out on this journey or YANA leaving behind the earth forever.

As the novel progresses further, Author had done little damage while describing the space and its intricate details. Though he described the space shuttle in somewhat possible way. The space station that has facilities to grow even vegetables. It has been proved in recent times about the facility to grow vegetables in space stations.

As the novel continues, we find that, pilot Uttara had already covered a space travel program of 100 days previously with her pilot husband in a similar journey. When the 2nd time was announced, her husband declined this offer, whereas, Uttara accepts this offer. Hence, their relationship was ended abruptly.

With the clear instructions from the space research agency, these two protagonists, Uttara and Sudarshan were supposed to procreate. But, somehow, Uttara loses her interest in this idea and she starts to avoid by becoming pregnant. And, Sudarshan tries all his might to explain the duty that she was supposed to carry out in this mission. But, he fails. As their journey continues, Sudarshan also loses interest in this mission and he tries to find solace by surrendering to meditation. The ideas and the thoughts that Sudarshan gets while he starts practicing meditation is a treat to read from the book. I will not be explaining those things in my review.

After a while, Uttara changes her mind and approaches Sudarshan. But this time, Sudarshan declines and suggests her to get pregnant with the sperms that was given to them by the space research agency before their travel. Somehow, she gets pregnant and gives birth to two children a boy Akash and a girl Medini. These two children were supposed to get married in few years and carry out this YANA. But this idea itself is somewhat creepy. I know some conservatives/orthodox people will hate this idea of brother marrying his own sister. But this is fiction right, author have every rights to let his imagination go in any direction.

As the novel progresses towards the end, the two children were supposed to marry. But, they starts getting doubt about this marriage. So, they approach their parents with all the questions they have on their mind. By studying their parent's life journey, they comes to a conclusion that, this journey has come a long way and there is no possible way of going back. Hence, they also decides to serve their mission and thereby serving their country. This marks the end of the book. Were they got married ??. Imagination left to the readers.

The writing style of this novel is lucid and it did engage the readers. If you expect a typical SLB writeups in this novel. There are two answers for that, Yes and a No. Yes, because you can read the conventional human-human relationships, whether its an illicit or a time bound relationship doesn't matter, the spiritual thoughts that runs through in the minds of protagonists, the philosophical experience, etc, etc.... And No, because, you get a feeling that, this is not even a science fiction, but a regular book that has a backdrop of space station. THAT's ALL.

Overall, can be read. Not a must read though. Author would've taken a different approach for a science fiction genre than his regular writing style. A new try will always have some loopholes.

My Rating:
4.5/5

Book Review #22: Bankerupt By Ravi Subramanian

Thrillers, Thrillers and more thrillers. Yes, I love reading books on this genre. I find it really enthralling to read such books, which leaves me with a big sense of satisfaction of achieving or witnessing something in front of my eyes.

I should've read this much before, anyways, now I did. It didn't disappointed me. Ravi Subramanian has again mastered at his creativity by making this book "BANKERUPT" as one of the best thrillers that I have read.

As there is a saying by famous short story writer Henry Van Dyke , “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”  Every characters of this book seems like racing against the time. It holds the readers with a firm grip that, one would not really wish to put this book for a second day reading. Expectedly, I finished this book reading in 2 sessions. You always feel that, what would happen next, who is the culprit, who is the hero, who is plotting for a coup, etc.. etc.. That's the Crux of this novel. 

This novel has everything in it. As the caption of this novel goes, "DESIRE. GREED. MURDER". The story tactfully captures all these essence and leaves the readers with much awe. 

The book has 3 tracks of story. First protagonist of the novel, Aditya Raisinghania, an investment banker at Greater Boston Global Bank (Shortly called as GB2), who has dreams to make it to league of big-wigs and believes in achieving something in any means, by hook or crook.

Another Protagonist of the story, is Cirisha Narayanan, a tenure assistant professor and a research student in social psychology at Massachusetts University of Boston (MIT), who is known for her integrity, honesty and living the life in a right way. 

The Third track of the novel is about the Gun lobbying in USA, by some hard core groups that influences many universities in doing a research programs.

Intertwined with all these stories at the right time and in right place, author has left his readers with no time to think. The plot introduces us to the various incidents of the protagonists with their ups and downs in their respective lives. Aditya's crooked plan for selling a shoe company that was under nominal profit, for a higher valuation price, by tweaking the records of that company, that showed it as running in higher profit. What he thought was a small mistake led to a bigger scam which he never expected, this incident reminds me of the famous corporate scandal that happened in India, Satyam Scandal. What can be achieved by manipulating the accounts, will certainly leads into a bigger mess later. Later incidents in the story that leads Aditya to get terminated by his company.

In another track, Cirisha Narayanan wife of Aditya, was stuck between her much anticipated academic life and her personal marriage life. The incidents at MIT, and fight between two high positioned professors who was fighting to get the highest chair of MIT, is an awesome read from the book. 

Meanwhile, the Gun lobbying in USA is an altogether different story in the book. Certain lobbyists influences and sponsors few people at MIT to get a research report on why banning Guns is not a good idea. This section of the novel feels like it is for real after witnessing several shooting incidents in past few years. 

Overall, a must read book for thriller lovers. Somehow, I was bit disappointed at some of the incidents in the novel, regular murders of someone or the other in the novel, the gay relationship of professors at MIT, the role of police is kept bare minimum, no rigorous investigation chronicles by police which was expected out of every thriller novels, etc... I felt this section of the book would've been narrated in a different way. Anyways, as a 3 books older of  Ravi Subramanian and considering myself a fan of him. I give full points to the author for bringing such a speed and engrossing novel.

My Rating: 5/5

Book Review #20: Chanakya's Chant By Ashwin Sanghi

It is always difficult for any author to go for a historical fiction novel. More than this, if the subject/characters chosen for the book does exist in reality in the past, it becomes even more difficult to give a fictional angle for it. I had sensed the same thing, when I read this book Chanakya's Chant penned by the author Ashwin Sanghi.

Chanakya's Chant is a fantastic attempt by the author to help his readers to learn about the life story of a great master, learned guru and a super strategist Chanakya in a fictional manner. Though this is a fictional novel, but, as far as the Chanakya's character is concerned, it appears so real for the readers.

As far as the plot of the novel goes, the entire novel runs in two tracks. One track was about Chanakya and his master strategies to bring entire Bharat united under the leader and his protege Chandragupta Maurya. Whereas, the other track of the novel, is about a person called Pandit Gangasagar Mishra, who was depicted as a modern political strategist and a devotee of Chanakya, who masterminds several coups to bring his own people to be bethroned at the helm of Indian political system.

The imagination of the author is brilliant as far as the story is concerned. The book itself is arranged in such a manner that, each chapter is an alternate story. In First chapter it was about modern day Gangasagar Mishra, while the Second Chapter is about the Historical Chanakya.

The story of Historical Chanakya reveals that, he was plotting the revenge to kill a king called Dhanananda, who had killed Chanakya's father, Chanak. Here, author introduces us to the younger days of Vishnugupta a.k.a Kautilya alias Chanakya. This King Dhanananda is a bad ruler of his kingdom, and always found with women who accompanied him. This has sent wrong message to the people of that Kingdom. Sensing this, Chanak father of Chanakya advised Dhanananda to stop all this and concentrate on the good governance. Outraged king Dhanananda orders to behead Chanak. This event made Chanakya to take a vow to kill Dhanananda and unite all the Bharat under his protege, the king, the son of senapati Maurya, the Chandragupta Maurya. 

In the other side of the novel, a person called Gangasagar Mishra, a fairly educated man, who found out the secret verse of chants of Chanakya, goes on to become a successful kingmaker in Indian politics. Here, Gangasagar Mishra follows the same strategy and coup of what Chanakya followed 2300 years back. Gangasagar Mishra befriends a local thug and don Ikram Bhai and persuades him to become a local mayor. He helps a local shop owner to send his daughter Chandini Gupta to school. He plays some of his master strategy with Ikram to adopt Chandini Gupta as Ikram's daughter. From here on, Chandini Gupta becomes the political heir apparent of Gangasagar Mishra. He plays his cards tactically in every stage of Chandini's political life and helps her to become chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Gangasagar Mishra never stops here, he plays his mastery mind games and helps his protege Chandini Gupta to become the Prime Minister of India for 3 times in a row.

How he plays his tricks, strategies and his plans must be read in the book. That's the actual take away from the book. In both of the stories, Chanakya and Gangasagar Mishra constantly chants a special verse before doing anything and constantly chants throughout the novel. So, here is that mantra:

"Adi Shakti; Namo Namaha"
"Sarab Shakti; Namo Namaha"
"Prithum Bhagavati; Namo Namaha"
"Kundalini Mata Shakti; Mata Shakti; Namo Namaha"

As per this novel, chant the above mantra 400 times every day and for next 4000 days to receive the powers of Chanakya. Author had used lot of great quotes of Chanakya along with several yester year's politicians and great thinkers, philosophers and influential people's quotes. These quotes you can read it at the end of the book.

Overall a must read book for everyone. It lets you to bask in the glorious days of Chanakya.!!

My Rating: 5/5

Book Review #17: A Suitable Boy By Vikram Seth

This book is a complete challenge for the readers. Massive in its appearance and thousands of pages makes this book as the longest novel ever written by an Indian author in the 20th century in a single volume. Story ranging from activities of political parties from the post-independence time in India, the Zamindari abolition bill in the parliament, the shoe manufacturing process, cricket, poetry, triangular love stories, family sentiments, etc., etc, etc,.. you name it, you will have it in this book.

Vikram Seth, the author of this book A Suitable Boy, made his readers spellbound with this amazing book. Spread across 1500+ pages, it is difficult for any readers to keep track of the story. Personally, I felt, this is challenging for me to read. I often felt like stopping reading this book because I was getting bored at times. Nevertheless, It kept me going page after page and it took me almost 3 weeks to complete this book.

As the title of the book says, the story of the book is about finding A Suitable Boy (or groom) for the heroine of our novel Lata Mehra. This is one side of the novel, which never loses track of the readers. Apart from this, there are stories about the political activities of all political parties especially congress after the Indian Independence. There is also stories of Poetry, Spirituality, Cricket, Shoe manufacturing process, University proceedings, Court drama, Parliament meetings, Hindu-Muslim riots, love, revenge, sex, songs etc..

It is a lifetime experience to read such books. It is a tedious job to write a review even. It is always good if you read the physical copy of this book rather than going for a digital copy. The joy in reading this book by holding it in your hands is priceless. Going page after page will give you immense pleasure and a sense of satisfaction that you are bound to achieve something.

Before setting the plot for the novel, Author had given an introduction of the all the characters and the family tree of the characters. Since, the novel involves around 40 characters and almost 5 families which intertwined in the novel deeply. It is certainly expected of the readers to forget some of the family connection at the beginning of the novel. Readers can always go back and refer to the family tree to keep track of the persons and their relationship with another person in the novel.

The plot opens when Mrs. Rupa Mehra is conducting the marriage ceremony of her elder daughter Savita Mehra with Pran Kapoor, the son of Mr. Mahesh Kapoor, the then revenue minister of Purva Pradesh.

As the story further reveals in further sections, various characters unfolds in front of us. It is best not to mention those characters in this review, otherwise the review itself will go to many number of pages.

As the novel progresses, Mrs. Rupa Mehra is in a search of a suitable boy for her younger daughter Lata Mehra. But, Lata was already in love with a Muslim boy called Kabir Durrani, the university cricket player, the son of Dr. Durrani, the mathematician. Reluctantly, Lata agrees to see all the boys that her mother proposes in front of her. Among these, Amit Chaterjee from the Chaterjee family, a successful poet, but always moody. Another person, is Haresh Khanna, a confident young man, who is a foreman in a shoe manufacturing company. The story revolves around these 3 people and the book keeps the surprising part of who will Lata agree to marry.

As we go deep into the novel, Author introduces us to a lot various sub stories, which includes politics, riots, Hindu-Muslim fights, Abolition of Zamindari Bill, Friendship, Murder, love interests, prostitutes, shoe manufacturing process, cricket match, parliament sessions, animal hunting, general elections, Nehru's resignation from Congress and rejoining phase, Poetry, deaths, pilgrimage, spirituality and what not. One must not skip even a single page from this novel. Sometimes, readers may feel like, this is a never ending book, but, you will cherish every minute you spend on reading this book.

Whatever can be written about this book is still very less according to me. This is simply the magnum-opus of Indian fiction literature in English. Recommended for everyone who is keen to read such novels.

My Rating: 5/5

Book Review #11 - Matadana (Casting Vote) By Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa

Matadana (Pic Source: Internet)

This is a simple but elegant novel penned by Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa. Unlike his other novels, this novel is not interwined with so many characters. Rather, it is quite straight forward. The main theme of this novel is about the elections, politics of a small village. Interlaced with engaging characters and adding a portion of Tragedy and family problems makes this novel as one of the best fiction novels of Kannada literature.

With a strong plot this book makes it an easy adoption for movie. Without surprise, this novel has been adopted to movie that goes with the same name as "MATADANA" directed by one of the renowned directors of Kannada movie industry T.N. Seetharam in the late 1970's. This movie has won the best regional movie golden award from the President of India at that time.

The main protagonist of this novel is a well educated, MBBS grad, simple man Dr. Shivappa, who was practicing in his village by serving poor people. Shivappa's family consists of his mother Kallamma and an elder sister. His father was already dead even before the novel starts.

The other main characters of this novel is, Ramalingappa Gowda the popular contractor of neighbour village. His 2 daughters Kempalakshmi (elder) and Rangalakshmi (younger). His son-in-law Putta Tammayya who married Kempalakshmi. Mr. Appaji, the local elected MLA, now a minister. Mr. Sadaravalli and his son Mr. Prakash Sadaravalli, who was the political rivals of Mr. Appaji and Ramalingappa Gowda. Mr. Appaji and Ramalingappa Gowda were close acquaintances. Through Mr. Appaji, Ramalingappa Gowda has acquired many contract works in his village. And lastly, Cheluvashetty, a close friend and adviser for Dr. Shivappa.

The plot opens when Dr. Shivappa goes to see Rangalakshmi for a marriage proposal. This meeting was setup by Shivappa's mother Kallamma. Reluctantly, Shivappa agrees to see this girl, but never accepts for a marriage. Shivappa had a thought in his mind that, once he marries, he has to increase his earning, which makes him to leave the village and start his practice in some city, which is totally against his principles. Shivappa had always thought to server poor people and hence he has declined serveral high paying jobs from various hospitals from city and decides to practice in his own village.

Though Shivappa liked Rangalakshmi and it was reciprocated from Rangalakshmi as well. Shivappa declines that marriage proposal once and for all. He continues his practice without giving a much importance to his marriage.

As the story further reveals, Kempalakshmi would die of pnuemonia and hence Putta Tammayya along with his kid Manjayya comes to Ramalingappa's house to ask him to get married him to Rangalakshmi again. Here author tries to tell us that, through Mr. Appaji's influence, Ramalingappa had succeeded in getting a good government job for Putta Tammayya, which was supposed to go to Prakash Sadaravalli. Ramalingappa agrees to this marriage proposal reluctantly, and hence Rangalakshmi was married off to Putta Tammayya for the 2nd marriage.

Now the actual plot opens up, when the general elections was declared in the country. And, all political parties were in a frenzy in selecting their candidates and canvassing for them, etc... Even few lawyers and other influential people from city comes to Shivappa's house one day and asked him to contest for elections, because Shivappa as a doctor has garned much respect and popularity in the neighbour village. Finally Shivappa agreed to contest in elections. Even Mr. Sadaravalli's son Prakash Sadaravalli is also contesting in the same constituency along with Mr. Appaji, thereby making it as a triangular fight between himself, Shivappa and Appaji.

Now, the twist in the novel appears, though Shivappa agreed to contest in elections. This was a sheer game plan of Mr. Sadaravalli to finish the political carrier of Mr. Appaji by appoiting an honest man like Shivappa to contest in elections, mainly for the reason of polarizing the votes that used to go to Appaji, now will go to Shivappa and his son Prakash. Without understanding these things, Shivappa with full enthusiasm particiaptes in campaignings, meetings, gave speeches. One day, his close aides reveals him that, the opposition parties are distributing money and they must also do the same with villagers. Speeches alone cannot help to win elections in village and they demand money as well. This was again a plan of Sadaravalli to distribute money to villagers in the name of Shivappa. Villagers till now beleived Shivappa as an honest man, now in a doubt once Shivappa started distributing money.

Off late, Shivappa understood that he was made as a scape-goat in the elections. Without a surprise, Shivappa lost the elections and Prakash Sadaravalli have won with a huge margin winning against Mr. Appaji.

Soon the new government was formed, making Appaji powerless. The new government in which Prakash Sadaravalli was also a part of, ordered a probe against Ramalingappa's contract work. They set up a committeee to investigate all the contractual works of Ramalingappa. Ramalingappa has minted lot of contractual money when he was getting the support from Appaji. Now, he became helpless, he decides to seek support from Appaji. He was disappointed that Appaji couldn't able to help him in any way. Here the new committee has ordered Ramalingappa to pay all the money that he has minted in contracts. Ramalingappa tries to seek his son-in-law's support, disappointed there also, he sells his land in the village for a nominal price and tries to settle some of the dues. Having learnt that, the new committee is all set to put Ramalingappa in jail. Frightened for his reputation in the village, Ramalingappa commits suicide by jumping into a nearby dam in the village.

Here, Rangalakshmi decides to leave her husband Putta Tammayya comes back to her village and decides to take up the nursing course and was wishing to work with Dr. Shivappa.

Having lost his mother and damaging his reputation as an honest man by contesting in elections, Shivappa had no interest in practicing in his village. He seeks his friend Cheluvashetty's advise on this. One day when Shivappa was treating Cheluvashetty's wife in a hospital. He saw Rangalakshmi working as a nurse in the same hospital. Without a second thought, he goes and proposes to Rangalakshmi. Wishing for the same, Rangalakshmi had also agreed for this proposal. And they lived happily ever after.

My Rating: 4/5