Tag Archives: book review

Book Review: The Last Love Letter

Book: The Last Love Letter
Author: Kulpreet Yadav
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Rupa Publication
Book cover of The Last Love letterI am late…. very very late in putting up the review of this book, the first in romance genre by Kulpreet Yadav. Most of his books are crime thrillers. I have read just one though and enjoyed reading it.

The Last Love Letter is the story of a single father who hasn’t gotten over the death of his first love and a young artist who having experienced bad heartbreak has sworn off men.

The two lead characters Akash and Subah engrossed in their own world, happen to cross paths when Subah is trying to put her paintings for exhibition and Akash is trying to kick start his fledgling start-up. A rocky start to their acquaintance gradually turns into a reliable friendship. The love blossoms ever so gently.

The story describes very well the mental state of Akash after losing his beloved wife… his struggle to concentrate on work as a result and his difficulty in bringing up a daughter alone. Subah’s hatred towards men has been much written too and her gradual acceptance of her feelings towards Akash is aptly described as is Akash’s bafflement towards Subah’s initial behavior.

While the story moves smoothly and the falling in love of two characters seems an obvious progression, I found myself annoyed a bit with Subah’s hatred towards men. While justified, I sill think her reaction was little too much….but then that goes on to say that the story convinced me of the characterization of this girl. On the other hand the love of Akash for his dead wife was so heartwarming. Who wouldn’t want a partner so much in love with them?

I liked this story much better than the thriller ‘The Girl Who Loved a Pirate’ by Kulpreet Yadav. There is an easy flow to the story and no forced conclusions. There is no unnecessary inclusion of steamy scenes just to lure the readers. A wonderfully written lovable love story this one.

But who writes the last love letter?

Read the book to find more.

Goodreads

Book Review: No Illusions In Xanadu

Book: No Illusions In Xanadu
Author: Ruby Gupta
Genre: Thriller
Publication: Bloomsbury India
Book cover: no illusions in xanaduIf you have grown up in late 80s or early 90s like me, you would be familiar with the characters of Phantom or the Ghost who Walks or Mandrake the Magician and his African friend Lothar.

Mandrake was created in 1934 and ran as comic strip till 2013 in USA. When I was growing up, thin comic booklets of adventures of Mandrake was available in Indian bookstores. I am not sure whether it was available later.

Mandrake the magician used the technique of hypnotism to create illusions and catch gangsters, mad scientists and a whole lot of villains.  And the super hi-tech mansion that he lived in was called Xanadu.

When I first read the title of Ruby Gupta’s ‘No Illusions in Xanadu’, I was taken back to a childhood teeming with books and stories. I was quite intrigued at the choice of book’s title because I am not sure the current generation of teenagers and young adults have heard either of Mandrake or his highly protected mansion Xanadu.

No Illusions in Xanadu by Ruby Gupta is about the mystery that revolves around death of renowned actor, superstar Rajiv Kapoor. Almost everyone of his family who is set to gain from his death is a prime suspect. Professor Shantanu Bose, an accidental sleuth, studies and investigates every close associate of the dead actor. What intrigues him that the house is under surveillance and yet the murderer escapes. During his investigations, professor stumbles upon more skeletons in the family cupboard. The actor’s past affairs, Casanova tendencies, another love child and more. Amidst the intensifying plot, twist comes in form of death of actor’s second wife’s son who was set to debut in his first film.

Every time the detective feels sure of role of the immediate and extended family member in murder some new clue comes to light. With different people having different motives, detective ultimately another twist and a relevation ultimately discloses the real culprit.

What I loved about the story was that it was very fluid. I did not skip any page since there was no lethargy in the narrative.The twists and turns in the plot leave the reader curious. I have read quite many thrillers and there have been instances when I have guessed who the murderer is half way through the novel but ‘No Illusions In Xanadu’ was different and it was only when the last twist was added that the identity of murderer was revealed.

I liked the pace of the story. I am a fast reader and unless the story starts dragging, I usually finish it off in a day or two. This story kept me glued and I did finish it off in one sitting.  Another thing I liked was no unnecessary cruel or bloody description of  murders…quick and clean mention of the crime. I don’t have a particular liking to gore.

Its a good mystery story.

Read excerpt at Goodreads 

Book Review: Ghummakkadi Dil Se

Book: Ghummakkadi Dil Se(Hindi)
Author: Alka Kaushik
Genre: Non- Fiction(Travel)
Publisher: Bhavna Prakashan

Book cover मुझे किस्से कहानियों को पढ़ने का शौक बचपन से लग गया था और अमर चित्र कथा और चंदामामा जैसी किताबों के भरोसे छुट्टियां बहुत मज़े में निकलती थीं | बाबा की घर पर पड़ी हुई उपन्यासों को पढ़ते पढ़ते चस्का और भी गहरा हो गया| फिर क्या था जब जहाँ जो किताब मिलती थी लाइब्रेरी में , दोस्तों के घर, रैलवेस्टैशन की दुकानों पर सब पढ़ लेने का लालच हो उठता था | एक समय ऐसा था की मैं लिस्ट बनाती  थी पढ़ी हुई किताबों की | कॉलेज के दिनों में विदेशी लेखकों को जी भर के पढ़ा और अंग्रेजी में लिखना और भाषा को आकर्षक बनाना इसी किताबों के प्रेम से आया |

अमूमन मैं अंग्रेजी में अपनी बात कहती हूँ| आसान लगता है अब | पर मुझे अपनी हिंदी भाषा से भी बहुत प्रेम है | मेरी कवितायेँ ज्यादातर हिंदी में होती हैं क्यूंकि में मानती हूँ हिंदी में जितना रस  और भाव व्यक्त करने की क्षमता है वो किसी और भाषा में नहीं | एक एक शब्द के कम से कम पांच पर्यायवाची शब्द तो यूँ ही मिल जायेंगे जिनको वाक्य  के अनुसार प्रयोग किया जा सकता है |

तो सोचा इस बार अलका कौशिक द्वारा हिंदी भाषा में सैर-सपाटे पर लिखी किताब ”घुमक्कड़ी दिल से” की समीक्षा भी हिंदी में ही की जाए आखिर हिंदी भाषा पर मजबूत पकड़ वाली इस लेखिका का हिंदी में लिखने का एक कारण ये भी तो है की वे सभी लोग जो हिंदी भाषी हैं उन्हें भी देश विदेश की जगहों के बारे में पता चले| अंग्रेजी लेखों तक सब की पहुँच भी नहीं होती |

अलका कौशिक ट्रेवल ब्लॉगर हैं और सियाचिन से ले कर दक्षिण भारत के कई पड़ाव और राजस्थान से लेकर भारत के नार्थ ईस्ट राज्यों का भ्रमण कर चुकी हैं | यही नहीं उनके कदम विदेशों में भी कई रास्ते नाप चुके हैं | उन्होंने रोमानिया के भारत आधारित इवेंट में भारतीयता का झंडा लहरा डाला है |

जाहिर सी बात है की जिसने इतना घूमना घुमाना किया है उसके पास किस्से कहानियों का खजाना ही होगा और साथ ही अपार अनुभव | और ऐसे में ब्लॉग, अख़बारों और पत्रिकाओं के आगे खुद किताब  लिखना एक स्वाभाविक सी सीढ़ी हुई | अलका कौशिक ने अपनी कई  यात्राओं के अनुभव और सैलानियों के लिए उपयोग आने वाली जानकारी अपनी पहली किताब ‘घुमक्कड़ी दिल से‘ में बड़े प्यार से पिरो डाली हैं |

अलका की विदेश यात्राओं में से कुछ जैसे की बाली , भूटान, यूरोप के कुछ भाग , रोमानिया, कैलास मानसरोवर अदि का उल्लेख इस पुस्तक में है | यूरोप टूर पर अपनी माँ को ले जाने की ख्वाइश में स्पेन, पुर्तगाल के कई हेरिटेज से लेकर खानपान के पहलु छान लिए है जैसे लिस्बन का द फ़ूड टेम्पल नामक रेस्तरां जहाँ रोज़ वेगन मेनू दुनिया के हर कल्चर से प्रेरित होता है, मेड्रिड में यूरोप का सबसे बड़ा फ़्ली मार्किट की रौनक का विवरण है | थाईलैंड के हाइवे, पैगोडा, ताईवान के नाईट मार्केट भी शब्दों में घूमने को मिलते हैं और रोमानिया की राजधानी में धूम मचता नमस्ते इंडिया उत्सव भी |

भारत यात्राओं की फेहरिस्त में चम्बल की घाटियां से लेकर भीमबेटका के पुरातन गुफा चित्र, लद्दाख  और सियाचिन और कई अन्य रोमांचक किस्से घूमने जाने को प्रेरित करते हैं | अपनी बातचीत के अंदाज़ में लिखी हुई ये ट्रेवल मेमॉयर एक इजी रीड है और घूमने का शौक रखने वालों क लिए जिज्ञासा जगा जाती है |

अगर आप को घुम्मक्कड़ी का शौक है तो इस पुस्तक को पढ़ने का लुत्फ़ ज़रूर उठाएं और हिंदी और कुछ उर्दू शब्दों के मिलान से भाषा की मधुरता का आनंद भी लें |

Book Review: Before You Breathe


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Book: Before You Breathe
Author: Tanushree Podder
Genre: Thriller
Publication: Harper Collins

Tanushree Podder

Mystery stories, as I have always said, happen to be my preferred read. So when the latest by Tanushree Podder arrived at the door step, I couldn’t resist.

The lazy town of Ramsar, an imaginary Himalayan town, is jolted out of its languid pace by mysterious and extraordinary break-ins on two consecutive days at two different locations. The break-ins are extraordinary because nothing seems to have been stolen from neither sites, the doctor’s clinic and affluent Shekhar Sharma’s bungalow.

The town is also home to retired army officer Colonel Arjun Acharya, an amateur detective with his skills somewhat honed while serving in army. Joining forces with town police, the colonel follows subtle links, reads between the lines, draws inferences which no one else thinks of and solves the strange incidents happening in town.

The book is a delight to read with glimpses of Tanushree’s love for Agatha Christie and Hercules Poirot showing up in the narrative. The amateur sleuth in colonel ponders on the hints and clues in a similar fashion as the famed Belgian detective Poirot. Colonel Acharya’s description and his quiet investigations bring out the tiny details of the case to the reader and tie the story up in one fluid narrative like Sherlock Holmes. In fact all characters are well thought of and have their own importance in the story.

A good mystery keeps you guessing who the culprit is. The story of Before You Breathe does exactly that. It keeps introducing characters who may have ulterior motives and then suddenly you feel you have solved the mystery but a twist proves you wrong. What you see may not be the whole truth and that comes out in the story.

For a long time I was not happy with the books that kept arriving for a review and I had given up on reading a good thriller. But Before You Breathe reminded me of mystery books I read while growing up… vivid description, subtle hints and no unnecessary blood and gore.

This book is an enjoyable light read. The ‘Shirt Pant’ nickname for a character brings a smile reminding me of the silly nicknames we labeled on people whom we disliked. There is no unnecessary stretching of the story. The narrative compels you to turn page after page.

I was happy to read this simple easy story.  Go read if you are looking for a clean and intriguing story.

Book Review: The Conquest Of East

Book: Conquest Of The East
Author: R. Durgadoss
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Rupa Publication
Conquest Of the EastSince I haven’t read the earlier book of this series, I don’t know how much this book connects with back story.

I became quite fascinated with history of Chola kings when I moved to Tamilnadu for a year. There was nothing much in school books while growing up.

While visiting the living Chola Temples around Thanjavur, I had the opportunity to visit Gangaikondacholapuram, a town and temple established by Rajendra Chola after his victorious campaign till River Ganga in north.

The book ‘Conquest of east’ is based on that very conquest. The story however has nice dose of fiction amalgamated with few facts of history.

The story features ‘Sagar’ a brave man who takes various rebirths to help in achieving the victory. I however have not related that part well with story. I would have liked to read more about Sagar  but may be that part has been dealt with in earlier books of the series.

In all, the story was good and kept me wanting to turn the page.  At some places story took the form of bulleted information which personally I did not like even if it was taking the story ahead because it broke the flow of the story and felt as if I was reading a document on historic findings instead of fiction story.

Read it… may be along with previous parts.

Goodreads

Book Review: The Code Of Manavas

Book: The Code Of Manavas
Author: Arpit Bakshi
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Rupa Publication

 

Code of Manavas

Code Of Manavas

Mythological stories were products of rich imaginations of ancient writers who mixed reality and fantasy so well that now ages later we wonder how much of it happened, how much is real history and what all is fantasy? Did asuras really exist? Did some men really have supernatural powers that today we consider them gods? Are Ramayan and Mahabharat just epic stories or there is some truth in the events?

Mythology hence can be interpreted to one’s fertile imagination and stories added to various events from original ones.

A 21st century person would naturally add science fiction to mythology. And that is what Arpit Bakshi has attempted with his book “The Code Of Manavas”.

The book begins many years later when seemingly the world as we know has changed drastically and is inhabited by new species of Homo sapiens called ‘manavas’. The story tells of a crisis on earth and its imminent annihilation and the new age ‘Krishna’ trying to find another habitable planet for the existing species. Another group of people who supposedly exist from ancient age in small numbers live on other end of the land mass. The interaction between the two group of people is governed by  a code of conduct. This code of manavas guides everyone to not interfere in each other’s existence. However the impending doom requires both groups to work together as one force against the saboteurs and natural forces.

The author has embarked on the story very ambitiously in creating a time period which is much ahead in future. The story has few portions dedicated to the ancient mythology woven into the narrative. Then there is the mention of  magnetic trains and thought controlled computers and data. There is also ‘Kansa’  and ‘Jarasandh’ as enemies in new avatar. There is a mysterious sabotage. Then the new planet which new age Krishna is seeking is being created from scratch by inducing life, creating dinosaurs and what not.

While the story tries various angles …sometimes modern sometimes reminiscent of ancient era but it didn’t feel binding. The story did not create an impressive narrative for me. Just by giving the names like ‘bhoomidium’ to an imaginary element which is being pumped in the humans and nature to make them immortal and free of diseases and a few other terms loosely thrown in the story. A story set in millions of year ahead of present day should have had so much more science fiction instead of half of it retelling the ancient story in not very flattering way. The author’s imagination falls short. The teleportation and magnetic trains is an imagination which I grew up on. I was expecting more.

The author has put everything in one book…romance, science fiction, mythology and which has left me unimpressed. But if a light read is your idea of story, go ahead and enjoy.

Also on Goodreads

Vikramaditya Veergatha Book III: Vengeance Of Indra

Book: Vengeance Of Indra
Author: Shatrujeet Nath
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Publication: Jaico Books

The third in series Vikramaditya Veergatha is Vengeance of Indra by Shatrujeet Nath.

(Also read reviews of Book I and Book II)

With Vikramditya’s challenges becoming more and more difficult in every story, one wonders whether the human king will emerge unscathed and victorious? The third book has more devastation in store both to Vikramaditya’s personal relationships and to his city and empire.

The devas and asuras join hands to maximize destruction on valiant king and his councilmen. But besides the physical devastation that the combined forces unleash, it is the emotional hurt that they seek in the third book. The new allies who otherwise do not see eye to eye hope to wreck the king’s support system by driving a wedge in relationships, to break the king’s heart, to turn his most trusted friends into enemy. From spells to lies to sowing doubts, the enemy leaves no trick to obtain Halahal. Defeated again and again Indra seeks vengeance and comes up with a devious plan by planting a enemy within the palace.

The king however still aims to stay true to his promise of protecting Halahal even at the cost of his loved ones and leaves no stone unturned to seek out new alliances in fighting the wars of land and ‘dharma’.

The great thing about this story is that though the first three books seem to bring only more problems for the king but nowhere is it repeated. It doesn’t get dull. New challenges, new enemies and new conspiracies keep the reader turning the pages.

Honestly I am waiting for the concluding Book IV in hope to see the king emerge victorious and all evil defeated.

So go on and read the VIKRAMADITYA VEERGATHA.

Vikramaditya Veergatha Book II: The Conspiracy At Meru

Book: The Conspiracy At Meru
Author: Shatrujeet Nath
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Publisher: Jaico Books
Conspiracy At Meru

Conspiracy At Meru

If you have read first book of the series Vikramaditya Veergatha, The Guardians Of Halahala  you will want to know more about what happened next.

Honestly I couldn’t wait to start the second book instead of posting the review of previous book first.

This actually sums up what I think of the story but I will be little more elaborate on this.

Thwarted by Vikramaditya and his nine councilmen, Devlok and Indra are thirsting for revenge and plotting more ways to lay hands on Halahala.  While Vikramaditya is busy defending his and his allies borders from Sakas and Hun invaders, the Asuras and their teacher scheme to cast a spell for destruction of the council and the human king .

Another character, Indra’s son comes in play. The young deva seeks appreciation from his father and independently unleashes havoc on Ujjaini which is already fighting for survival on all fronts.

With chaos reining on his beloved city and his council divided, Vikramaditya is neck deep in trouble. The only thing that keeps him go on is the knowledge that Halahal is safe from troublemakers.

The second book in series continues to engage. I kept turning pages in anticipation . The pace of narrative does not slacken throughout the story. At times I wanted to jump right in the story and help the king fight all the evil.

This mytho-fiction is a gripping tale that keeps you returning for more.

Vikramaditya Veergatha Book I: The Guardians Of Halahal


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Book: Guardians Of Halahala
Author: Shatrujeet Nath
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Publishers: Jaico Books

Guardians of halahala

Stories from mythology have always intrigued me. Every story has been interpreted and presented in various versions by different authors.

The name ‘Vikramaditya’ always reminds me of television series ‘Vikram aur Betaal’ that I watched as a kid….I am sure many of you would still remember the sing song title music of the series like I do!!

When the first book of series ‘Vikramaditya Veergatha’ by Shatrujeetnath arrived at my doorstep, I had  faith that it would not disappoint me because I had liked the other book ‘Karachi Deception’ by the same author!

Weaving mythology with liberal dose of fantasy by his own admission, the author retells the story of ‘samudra manthan‘ between devas and asuras and the resulting fight for the products the churning of ocean brings forth.

Of the many things emerging from the ocean, one is ‘Halahal’ that is consumed by Lord Shiva to protect all living things from destruction. However a part of it is stolen  and preserved in a hilt of dagger by one of the asuras. This little portion is potent enough to be used as weapon and the devas and asuras are clamoring to get a hold of it. Lord Shiva turns to human king known for honoring promises and justice to protect the halahala from the gods and demons.

The story meanders through challenges that Vikramaditya and his council of nine people endure to protect not only the dagger given for safe keeping by Lord Shiva but also the boundaries of the entire Sindhuvarta and its allies from enemies across the border.

The first book of the series Vikamaditya Veergatha tests the courage and mettle of Vikramaditya and his nine councilors. The twists in story and conspiracies and high action, all make story a riveting read. With gripping plot, the book makes you want to read more and more.

By the time I finished reading the first part I was restless and already wanted to read the book II.

If mytho-fiction mixed with thick plot is your kind of story then ‘Guardians of Halahala’ is for you.

Book Review: Tides Don’t Cross

Book: Tides Don’t Cross
Author: Simar Malhotra
Publishers: Rupa Publications
Genre: Fiction

Tides Don't Cross

Tides Don’t Cross

Occasionally you come across characters in stories that seem like you know that person. They seem believable and sometimes they resonate with your own self. Tides Don’t Cross falls in that category where the two sisters Meera and Rukmini seem like real people.

It has been a while since I read a love story. Some which I did read did not much click with my liking though those were not bad stories.

Mrinalini and Rukmini, the two sisters are as different as chalk and cheese. Mrinalini, the docile one heeds everything her overbearing mother commands and decides for her while Rukmini is the rebel. Mrinalini or Meera even agrees to marry someone on her mother’s insistence quashing a budding romance with her colleague in her heart. She adjusts her life according to the man she marries and gradually loses all her individuality. No one including her husband tries to gauge her heart, her aspirations, her choices…

Rukmini on other hand does everything which annoys their mother. She questions everything and is a hot headed person who doesn’t cow down to anything she doesn’t believe in. She falls in love with a Muslim boy, Ayan, an ace swimmer, in Paris. The bliss lasts as long as the separate ambitions do not clash. But the pain of separation and love lasts in a corner of her heart.

Ayan, a national team aspirant  finds his dreams quashed due to a shoulder injury. A perfect gentleman, he contemplates making good use of his knowledge and give back to society.

Few years down the line, Meera suddenly finds herself a widow and her struggles with bringing up her son, take her to a new house. The shy girl gradually opens up to the friendly neighbor and swimming coach of her son. She comes to rely on him and starts enjoying his company. Little by little her lost confidence and desire to live takes shape again.

The story weaves the lives of Meera, Rukmini and Ayan through various events. No where however there is slackening in the narrative. Each character is well crafted and plays important role in the story. The story flows so naturally that I did not want to put it down and enjoyed reading it late in night.

The twists in the story will keep the readers engaged no doubt. The story ends logically and with no unnecessary drama.

A well written book that I liked quite a lot.

Also at :

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