One Part Woman - Book Review

I am writing this review for all three books of the One Part Woman set - One Part Woman, A Lonely Harvest and Trial by Silence.

Via Google

One part woman is the story of a childless couple, Kali and Ponna who endure the insults and social stigma of the village.  The story deals with the tender romance and the intense intimacy of this married couple.  Ponna is portrayed to be a very story and good natured woman.  Her portrayal is so down to earth that we can still see someone alike her if we go to any rural part of Tamil Nadu.  The attire, the village settings still remain the same, save for technology like  Mobiles and Televisions.  

The first part ends in a cliff hanger and I found myself craving for more.  I couldn't resist reading the first sequel A lonely harvest though Trial by silence seems to be the most favourite.  The author continues the story promptly from where he left in the first half.  After having written a superb first half, the second half also demands a similar effort.  And the author has given us two endings to suit ourselves.  After having finished this version I thought this was a more realistic version but the second version too proved to be realistic.  

Ritual or custom, still a mere one night stand would mean infidelity.  One may argue that it happened at a time when there were no advanced treatments like IVF available.  But infidelity in the name of god is even worse.  I still see couple who are childless in spite of all these medical advancements.  One way is to sever all relationships start afresh or adopt.  For someone who had been honest and faithful, Kali's anger was justified in both sequels.  And the measures Ponna takes to redeem herself is quite painstaking and depressing in both sequels.

The second sequel was also quite depressing as we witness the relationship wither and there is no way to salvage it.  But somehow it ends on a happy note.  All is fair in love and war and so they forgive and forget as they forge a new life.  Some incidents depicted just question the very base of our culture which advices and advocates that virtue is above life.  No wonder the author got into problems with the hypocrites and bureaucrats alike.

One interesting character worth mention was Uncle Nallayan.  His experiences, stories and talks were an antidote to the suffering couple.  The character gave a lighter vein to the whole story, but his character had not been given a rounded ending.  It was a huge disappointment.  The first sequel showed the author's interest in farming and rearing.  The setting and picturesque surroundings were portrayed with great detail as the author was born in a farming family in the same locality.

After having read the depressing second part two times I was quite sad when the story ended on a happy note in just a line.  I was craving for more happy episodes.  The translation by Aniruddhan Vasudevan was a delight.  Nothing was lost in translation and since Tamil is my mother tongue, I could see how precisely he had translated the native slangs and proverbs too.  On the whole it was a good read, all three books.

Esperanza rising

 

Growing up I had always heard stories of Eelam Tamils being chased away from their country, become refugees in various other countries.  I used to wonder how they would ever adjust to a life without any support or the things they are used to.  But becoming a refugee doesn't stop here alone.  It has been and is still happening all around us.  Israel, Bangladesh or Mexico to name a few.  Mexicans enter US everyday and the government has been taking measures to control it everyday.

Well, you may ask if I am ever going to review the story.  But this is the story.  Its about Esperanza and her family who are forced to flee their own country and take abode in USA.  The story starts all rosy and warm but young Anza's life is upturned when her father dies and every wealth is taken over by her scheming uncles.  

She leaves Mexico with her mother and friends and face a life she had never imagined.  But luckily she already has acquaintances in USA who arrange for a job and accommodation.  It would be a night mare to think of life if there were no support in a place too foreign to us.  It would be like walking in the dark.  The story is not about riches to rag with depressing details.  The author has not held any grudge or disappointment about the past or the turn of events, instead she focusses on hope, love and support without which no one can endure the wrath of fate.  The story also focusses on how they are being stereotyped, the poor living conditions and the toiling workload.  It also explains about how they have to put with a lot of things like no protest, poor wages and still show empathy towards each other.

The last remnants of her previous life become her comfort now esp. the crochet and hook and rose her father planted.  She finds solace in the fact that she has someone to lean on to.  It is not about revenge or becoming rich again, but its about something more practical and powerful - starting over again.  This ending is what makes it more touching and realistic.

In the author's note, she mentions that this story is based on her grandmother and her recollection of events in her life.  Its a promising and uplifting story of how one should "never be afraid to start over".

The Bridge Home

I am not sure if I am sad or inspired.  It was hard to see if this was a fairy tale story or the real world story.  To categorize this as a kids read may be difficult.  This is an emotional rollercoaster or maybe that's just me.  Just towards the end everything gets fine and the ending is happy but the story just lingers on in the memory.  Maybe because I have watched many kids in the same predicament and have accepted that this is the way that these kids are.  Finding out their stories will surely leave a lump in my throat.  I am sure the author who is a social worker herself, has put the situation very mildly here as its a middle grade novel.  I am sure that there are far worse situations for these so called street urchins who keep popping out everyday in the city. 

The narration goes on as the protagonist writes a letter to her deceased sister, much akin to Night Diaries.  The length of the novel may be short, because its a middle grade read, but the story leaves an impact.  I cried many times, both when I was happy and sad.  It was so true and real that it never felt like a story, but rather something happening somewhere right this moment.  I think its a great read for all ages, let alone the kids.  I love it how the author has stringed together so many messages like bravery, hope, disability, the bonding, the forgiveness and last of all faith in a way that it was subtle yet bold to leave an impact after reading.

Fish in a tree - Review

I think all the kids should read this book.  Not just kids every adult should also read this book.  Of course its an uplifting novel with a fairy tale ending, but what sets it apart is the bravery of the kids.  It deals with the world of Ally who is the protagonist and who has a different learning ability.  When the parents are busy to deal with the kids (well, not intentionally), the kids have a hard time dealing with big problems posed their ways.  And when a kid is called dumb umpteen no of times their whole life, they starting believing it and they also have a hard time to face their world.  Not just kids, I think everyone has the same psychology.

The story starts cold and dark with the many problems Ally has been facing all her life in school.  But I did not understand why she doesn't ask for help.  Not even to her mother.  And she is in sixth grade, so I think these kind of difficulties could have been caught a lot earlier.  Maybe that is why the author mentions that the family has been moving a lot.  Still I think its kinda late.  But her courage and creativity are something to note.  Later when I read the epilogue I understood that the author has gone through a similar, if not the same, problem and Ally just mimics her strategies.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the kids handle constant bullying, not just the protagonist, but every kid their own way.  And its not just bullying, the author shows many different problems a child's world can pose.  But the good thing is without being preachy, the story leaves a subtle message.

And the most important message is that the marks don't define if you are intelligent or dumb.  Creativity and problem solving go a long way, far from marks and assessment.  The author draws inspiration for Mr. Daniels from her own teacher Mr. Christy, which is touching.  Because a good teacher can shape a child's life for better.  Maybe parents, students, even teacher can take a point or two about how to handle kids with difficulties.

I just know when a child with dyslexia read this book, or rather hear it,  he or she can readily place herself in Ally's shoe and feel uplifting, hopeful and bright.  I recommend it to 4th to 6th grade children.

A movie with the same theme was Taare Zameen Par.  It was released in 2007 and was an eyeopener about dyslexia (atleast to me).  Similarly Aamir Khan potrays a teacher who change the life of Ishaan the boy with dyslexia.  Watch it if you like this novel.  It sure will leave a warm feeling.  

Amal Unbound - Book Review

Amal leads a very content life and dreams about becoming a teacher one day.  But the powerful Khan family rules over her silent village and life takes a serious turn when she finds herself a slave at their enormous estate.  The story set in Pakistan is very much like what happens in India too.  It is so heart wrenching to learn about kids who take on the family burden when they should be enjoying their childhood and pursuing their future.

The author has portrayed Amal very mature and responsible.  But I wonder if a 12 year old kid would be so mature, maybe because their life is very different from ours.  What we take as granted is a luxury for them.  There were episodes which were provocative and portrayal of some violence, but nothing too gruesome.  It sure is a kids read with gripping facts about the nature of crime all around us.  It gives the idea of indenture servitude which still exists in our modern world.  It showcases stereotyping and gender discrimination along with socio-economic status quo.  But as with any children's book, this too has a fairy tale ending which brings a mood uplift.  I think this would be a inspirational read for middle grade kids

Dear Mrs.Naidu - Review

Dear Mrs.Naidu is a letter that a child writes to the late Mrs Sarojini Naidu, the freedom fighter.  If you are wondering why, the child draws more and more inspirations and strength from her life, the life we all know so little about.  We would think we had learnt about our national leaders sometime in our history class.  But we are wrong.  It was for marks and nothing else.  Learn, vomit and forget.  I had never had such insight into Sarojini Naidu's life like I had from this novel.  Also the author has made effort to bring the story and the life of Mrs. Naidu parallel so that our protagonist draws her will and inspiration from her. 

The whole book is based on the Right to Compulsory Education act of 2009.  This book has brought a whole new light on how this act has been drafted to help the community and how the schools are made to participate and how they escape using loop holes.  Though what I have said can be rather boring, the book makes it interesting.  The author has made a very good effort to educate and hook the readers disguising the educating part very well.  Though it is a children's read, it can very well be enjoyed by the adults too. 

The author has also made an effort to elaborate the meanings and usage of idioms and words in an attempt to educate the children.  It is in fact a  worthy mention as this is a children's novel.  The author deals with issues that we normally shun ourselves or downright neglect to look at.  The book deals with the life of people below poverty line and that makes us think if we can take a step forward to make their lives better.  What we take for granted is something they work really hard for. 

The society has stereotyped these economically weaker section as a bad influence and this book explains how those children would feel when they are treated unfairly and denied opportunities.   Here we are trying to convince and coax our children to cut off the screen time and be more proactive towards creativity and learning, whereas these poor kids are more (street) smarter and are drawn towards books and learning like a bug to a flame.  But the irony is that they never have the opportunities or the money.  The end is predictable but thats what happens if it must inspire the young hearts.  I would not categorise it as just a children's novel, it is a light but informative read for the adults as well.

The Lucky One - Review

This was one of my impulsive buys a decade earlier.  Since it was Nicholas Sparks, I didn't even go through the summary before buying and I hadn't regretted it.  Now its these Corona lock down days and I ended up reading it again.  I remember how much I liked reading the intro of each character, especially how they got introduced into each others life.  And each chapter is named after the main character, so we are totally hooked and never realise the pages or the no. of the chapter.  when I first read it, it made me think if I am going to cry after reading this. (FYI: I cried buckets for a couple of days after reading The notebook).  But as predicted one of the main character did die, but it didn't leave a painful feeling at the end (like nights in Rodanthe or a walk to remember). 

The human emotions and bonding which is the forte of this author has been peppered through out this novel.  Be it the bonding between the mother and son or between two lovers or between two ex or even be it the dog and its owner has been well portrayed.  The logic as to whether to believe in luck or not, forms the crux of the novel and towards the end, it is simply a test of faith. what I mean is the author didn't go too overboard and handled 'the luck or lucky charm' part very well.  The plot, even though being predictable, has its own kind of twist and turns.  I remember reading the epilogue with bated breath to see who lost their lives, because Mr. Sparks tends to kill a protagonist at the end.  If you are a sap for romance or Nicholas Sparks novels go for it.  Though its kind of too late, I still have to watch the movie part of this novel.  I heard it is as good as The notebook or Nights at Rodanthe.

A House for Happy Mothers - Review

I had read Amulya Malladi's The mango season when I was in the US. I loved her work then and picked this kindle version when it was available for free. But this novel is not what I had expected from her.

The concept was something new, surrogacy in India and the premise of the novel was set good. But then the ugly side of the exploitation takes shape and it was kind of depressing to read on. I frankly don't understand the title of the novel when all the surrogate mothers are stressed that they would never see the baby again. I kept reading the novel because I am 29 weeks pregnant and thought something would be alike. There is nothing happy in the house for those mothers. Though the house portrayed here was kind of okay, the author does mention that others are cramped and dilapidated.

The life of Priya, the donor mother, is not as emotional as the Indian mother. Her life is very comfortably revolving around her husband, her friends, his friends and the parties their friends throw where everyone goes around judging each other. Sometimes she comes off as shallow. The backdrop though a valid one could have been more sensitive. The author does revive the emotional bonding between the american couple through the way they get over their misunderstandings, miscarriage and everything in between.

The novel however ends abruptly. They give each other hope (the surrogate mother and the client) and they are never going to be in contact with each other. The author substantiates each other's decision because they each get something in return to look forward to. This was how the surrogate and the donor mother cope with their decisions to hire or become a surrogate mother against their conscience. The ending could have been more concrete so that it could have tied all the characters together.

Because of Winn-Dixie - Review

The beautiful thing about a children's novel is that we get to see the world that beholds the eyes of a kid. It somehow masquerades the harsh truth and gives a coping mechanism. I believe it is called the moral of the story. Not all stories have a moral and yet they beautifully teach kids to handle the emotions and their own little world through the characters.

One thing a children's novel needs is a beautiful character sketch, be it with with flaws or their strengths. It gives a take-away or a memento that is going to be etched in the memory of the kid forever. Someone they can relate to. So it is apt that many of us would remember India Opal for the way she transformed and touched the lives of everyone around her, be it the dog Winn-Dixie to the musician Otis. But she is graceful enough to think that it all happened because of Winn-Dixie (And hence the title).

The valuable lesson for the kids and the adults alike is to love one another without being judgemental. When there is a fear of losing someone or a emptiness around you, the book summaries it beautifully:

"There ain’t no way you can hold on to something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it."

A very simple yet realistic story that is deliberately spun around friendship, hope, sorrow and many more human emotions tied together beautifully by a dog.

Everyone has a story - review

Boy meets girl story with an atmosphere set for romance. But the story fails miserably because the plot was not strong. The story did not get me hooked even after a couple of of chapters and I should have known to close it. I don't know how the amazon best seller tag was attached to this nonsense. The story stops making any sense after a while. Even the supporting characters have a better past and strong character build, but the main two protagonists are not built solid.

The character of Vivaan is not at all steady. He yearns for Meera and when he is back he never declares his love. The author just lengthens the plot unnecessarily with added drama. It could have been handled better. Well one can guess the need for Vivaan to travel or 'escape' as the author puts it. It is no suspense that he is running away from his past, and that alone does not qualify for his mysterious persona. Seriously, I don't understand how Meera thinks she can get a good novel out of Vivaan just because he said he wanted to travel.

And Vivaan had to travel thousands of miles to get some serious 'gyan'. And that too foreigners would open up to him like he were some old friend and offer him advice. That is not how it works in the reality. When we are strangers we are just acquaintance at the best and not some one dearly. Healing of Meera (from the heart break) was the understatement of the year. She mops around all the time and one miraculous night she heals. She goes around and grooms herself. The author could have been more elaborate with this. Speaking of healing, when Meera was in the ICU, I don't know how her parents never visit her. Or even her closest relations. It was bizarre but again the characters were not etched solid.

The only consolation so far from this novel is the philosophical and romantic lines written beautifully and briefly.

Masala Toast

What makes a good English breakfast? French Toast of course.  But the Desi version should be called Masala toast.  Here I have eggs and bread in common.  That's it.  So should I be comparing both.  Maybe not, but it is the best and easy Sunday breakfast if you are really lazy!  I have here a very basic version with very limited ingredients (or creativity) but really the choices are endless.  You can add red chilli powder, cumin powder, chillies, garlic, mint, coriander leaves and so on.  Well it depends on your taste buds and the heat you can handle.  So without further ado lets get into the recipe and enjoy it with all the Masala and heat on a nice and slow November morning.

Ingredients

• Eggs - 6
• Bread slices - 8
• Onion - 2 medium sized, Finely chopped
• Turmeric pwd - 1/4 tsp
• Pepper pwd - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala pwd - 1/2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil - 2 tsp
• Oil or Butter to toast the bread

Method

• In a mixing bowl, add the turmeric pwd, pepper pwd, garam masala pwd, salt and 1/4 tsp water and mix everything well.  The turmeric will not mix well with the egg if water is not added.
• Now break the eggs and whisk them together with the spices till they are well combined.
• In a pan or tawa, add 2 tsp oil and saute the onions till they are translucent.  Add this to the egg mixture

 

• Heat the pan or tawa again and add some butter or oil to toast the bread.  Dip a bread slice into the egg mixture and slide it onto the pan or tawa.  Keep the flame on low as the egg cooks faster and will burn otherwise.  When one side becomes golden brown turn it to the other side.  When both sides are cooked and golden, remove to a plate
• Cook all the bread slices in the same manner.  Depending on the pan or Tawa size you can cook 2-3 in a batch.  Remember to mix the mixture every time otherwise the onions will settle in the bottom.
• Serve hot with Ketchup or chutney or any dip of your choice.

Before we visit the Goddess

This is the third book I am reading of this author.  This book is as good as her first two books (One Amazing thing, Palace of Illusions).  Being a Bengali author this novel too revolves around a Bengali family with three generation of mothers.  Their hardship, though melodramatic, is the very epitome of the novel.  One mother's resolve will shape the life of the next mother.  It is wonderful that the author has portrayed every mother with their own weakness, battles and regrets that seeps through to the next generation. 

The story set in India, quickly marches forward to the life in America.  Each character has a say through their chapters and we try to understand the many shades which substantiate their actions.  The mother-daughter bond forged in this novel, is very down to earth practical.  Though every daughter or mother loves each other and are the cause of their existence, not everyone has a smooth relationship.  The plight of an estranged daughter is caught very well. 

From start to finish the author does not keep the chapters in any order of events which whet our interest as to how the end will be tied together.  The author has chosen Point of views that are told either in monologues or narrations.  But since the story was gripping enough I did not account if a particular character has been given a particular style of narration.  The characterisation of Sabithri was very strong and Tara's and Bela's were a bit flat compared to hers.  Though there were a lot of
travel between times, the author captures our imagination very apt to the era.  She paints a picture carefully including every small detail.  All in all a very beautiful book capturing the importance of blood relations and the inheritance of talent.

A man called Ove

Everyone has to die some day and this book just focuses on the one who had to stand the death of his beloved.  Ove is portrayed as a bitter and grumpy old man.  The author starts his narration with Ove and continues to introduce more characters without names but from the point of view of Ove.  As Ove learns each one’s name, so do we.  As he reminisces his past, we learn more names of the characters in his black and white life. 

This is mainly a love story that is partly delightful and partly heart wrenching.  To soothe the heart aches, the author keeps shuttling between the past and the present.  Though we get stricken at some points, we slowly heal (along with Ove) through the happenings in the present.  So many light-hearted moments around a man, whom I suspect has ASD, is a pleasure to read.  But it was also heart wrenching when he was left to himself time and again.  It was like watching, helplessly, as a child tries to shape itself with the right principles.  On the whole the author has managed to sculpt the character of Ove with such details that it is hard to hate him even when he is grumpy.

For a life so short, the kindness keeps pouring out of their lives.  This makes it inspirational and uplifting to follow in their footsteps.  After all, Ove made Lemonades when life threw lemons at him.

I was getting more and more attached with the character towards the end.  During the end though we know the inevitable does happen, the author does not disappoint us.  The story comes a full circle and we know that we can close the book with a feeling of content.

My favorite quote from the book: 

“He was a man of black and white.  

And she was color. All the color he had.”

“Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it’s often one of the great motivations for living. Some of us, in time, become so conscious of it that we live harder, more obstinately, with more fury. Some need its constant presence to even be aware of its antithesis. Others become so preoccupied with it that they go into the waiting room long before it has announced its arrival. We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take someone other than ourselves. For the greatest fear of death is always that it will pass us by. And leave us there alone."

The Queen Of Jasmine Country

Andal the saint poet, who lived to tell the world of a devotion so high but which can be attainted through pure love.  Her verses are very popular in the Tamil culture that the month Margazhi sounds synonymous with Andal.  Though the verses are very popular, we do not know a very clear picture of her life.  Through folklore and hearsay, we know that she was the adopted daughter of Saint Periyazhwar and she was the avatar of Bhu-devi.

The author has made a novel around the life of this saint, using her imagination and entwining it with events that are well known facts.  It really was a fresh take on Kodhai’s life.  She was christened as Andal much later, in her early life she was Kodhai.  She paints a picture that is truly human with a myriad of emotions ranging from lust to disappointment.  I do know a few verses of Andal’s “Thirupavai” and I always thought of how selfless the goddess was when she prays for the world’s benefit.  But here the author has entirely twisted the idea and made it as a yearning of a teenage girl. 

The book travels through some important ancient scriptures like the Kurunthogai, Thirupavai, Nachiyar Thirumozhi and many more.  Though I could recognise the English translation of the verses, I regret that I do not know the whole verse by-heart in Tamil.  Now when I prostrate before Andal I doubt if I will search for the teenage girl Kodhai, whose love for the lord grows quickly and erotically in each and every verse.  I had always been in awe of her love for the God, how she takes Him to be her husband, lives for Him, yearns for Him, finally attains Him.  This book only makes it easier for us to understand (though only through imagination) why and how she loves Him and cannot fathom anyone else in His place.

The author’s prose is rich and the whole novel is a monologue.  Though this is her debut novel she manages to pack an intense story in about 140 pages.  Her expressions, emotions and even the very atmosphere of the story is doused in every word with a rich vocabulary she has carefully chosen.  The author has peppered the whole novel with settings synonymous to the Tamil culture, be it the Tamil names of the characters, the millets used in diets instead of rice or the many flowers which are native to Tamil Nadu.  She makes this imaginary story her base for the events of the Pavai nombu, which beautifully says why and what made Kodai to pen those verses.  She draws a picture of the ancient Tamil Nadu with the rules for each strata of the society.  Also, a detailed account of the harvest festival Pongal is mentioned here.  Many Tamil words are literally given in English without a translation.  It made me relish the story with a native feel though I know for many it would limit their experience.  The author has mentioned about a mother for our protagonist but I would like to get to know her more.  Many a times I read and re-read the same lines a couple of times.  This is a novel you would not want to rush with.

Though the author has altered many happenings in her novel, she does give a detailed account of how the original story was told.  She also gives references to how and what made her depict a particular scene in the book.  The avatar and life of Andal has been very controversial and in recent times it had made way for heated arguments and rows.  But although the author has tried to shed a new light, that is imaginary, in the life of Kodai, she will still be known as the virtuous one who will heed to all our needs.

Panther's Moon - Book Review

This book by Ruskin Bond is a collection of 10 short stories for children, some of which have appeared in few books also.  Mr. Bond, being a resident of Mussorie, is known to write stories that capture the picturesque beauty of the hills or the plains.  This book which deals mainly with the animals covers the flora and fauna, along with other rare breeds of animals in great detail.

The tone of Narration varies according to the story.  Sometimes it’s a monologue and sometimes a narration.  However, it is, the story telling is impeccable, even if it’s in an animal’s point of view.  Indeed, his serene, picture perfect hill town surroundings are vividly described in each chapter.

As usual a mundane day is turned into the most eventful day in the stories.  His words bring forth an visual that is appalling and nerve racking as the story unfolds explaining the events that will mark the day.  It was also his narration that shows us just how impossible and hard the life of people living in the hills is.  One interesting thing to be noted is how the author has taken a keen interest on every animal and bird around him, noticing the tiniest detail and tying it in the story he builds around the animal.

The author through his stories showcases that both animals and humans must keep to their boundaries.  Any other way is only disturbing the nature’s balance.  And all the stories underline and educate the readers of this importance.  The author narrates the hunting of the prey by ferocious predators as if he had been on a hunting expedition himself.  The whole incident keeps us mesmerised with bated breath to know if the prey was safe or not.

I especially like the chapter of “A crow for all seasons”.  It was really funny and the way the author chooses to tell his story is fresh and imaginative.  Then there was “Eyes of the cat”, which I had to read it again to check if I indeed caught the crux.  I wouldn’t say it as paranormal but it definitely was vindictive and vendetta.  This will make a good read for the middle grade kids.

You and Me, Always

This book by Jill Mansell is the second book I am reading by this author.  The first book had not impressed me at the first go, but when I picked up the book again (purely due to boredom) it did impress me.  So, this time I went ahead and read this book, You and me always.

It has all elements of a feel-good contemporary, romantic chick-lit.  Main highlight of the book is the chemistry between Dan and Lily.  Though it was nerve-racking sometimes, it also got me smiling at some of the shenanigans both were up against each other.  This is a book that showcases not just one, but three love stories revolving around the three protagonists.  There were several romantic moments like a bouquet for a romantic fool like me.  The story was funny and intriguing and sensitive all at the same time.  The whole set of Stanton Langley was like a warm sunny morning in Winter.  The author has vividly drawn a picturesque town aptly becoming the romantic setting.  Moreover she makes even a parking lot seem like a romantic place.

All set for a promising romance novel and throw in a handsome movie star, you wonder if this novel will get made into a movie (I mean in real life).  The author has managed to pin some thrilling moments pivotal to the story.  But the result of these twist and turns, though predictable, also makes us flip pages in bated breath.

The only downside was that the pages or rather the chapters could have been cut short.  But I like how the author has included chapters to have a concrete ending though she could have cut short a couple of chapters.  You can curl up and spend your holidays with this book and when you finish you will have a warm feeling of content like after watching a good romance flick.

What Maya saw

This novel is a Young Adult read belonging to the Fantasy-mystery genre.  The first thought is that this novel runs parallel to DaVinci code.  Though I cannot compare both the books, the latter being more like a master piece, this novel fares well with the famous city with history, clues hunting, treasure seeking and all.  I wish I could have seen those famous spots mentioned in the book, for all the glory and history and the fine details to architecture.  But it does not matter, because the story kept me engrossed. 

I normally keep off the horror genre and picked this book innocently, knowing Shabnam Minwalla as a Children’s author.  The paranormal activities were a bit provocative and disturbing.  But I think it was just me. (I was a bit jumpy as I was reading this novel when I was alone.  Also, I don’t think this is hard core horror with spine chilling gore).  The bits where a strong friendship blooms between the girls with a lot of girl talks made a refreshing break from the pursuit.

The author made me follow the story in shoes of Maya and I was often guessing if I could spot the real mystery (or the culprit) till the very end.  Right from the first chapter it was totally engaging.  The chapters were short and racy as this is aimed at Young Adults.  But I would recommend it to teens around 16+.  Being an alumnus of St. Xavier’s college, she gives a detailed account of an ancient college to make us feel the environment around it.  The author was a journalist and has made painstaking efforts to include the city in the clue hunting.  I really admire her knowledge of the city and her meticulous efforts for tying its history into this story.

Happy Birthday! and other stories

Happy birthday is a book of 13 short stories.  Each story gives us a glimpse of the present and delves into the past explaining the current situation.  The cover illustration was a bunch of balloons and my first impression was that they would be happy moments of life.  But life is life and mostly the stories cover an array of emotions with glimpses of happiness.  Majority of them are set in India and America.  Mainly one can see the selfish, cut throat nature of our society that pushes us to go above and beyond to protect ourselves. 

Do I need an intelligence to read this book.  Probably! because after every short I had to take a break to let it sink it and relate to what the author was trying to say.  I had to have some kind of emotional intelligence to understand the message which is written subtly under the many shades of each characters.  She does not come forth and draw a line, in black and white for us to understand.  After Ashes story was much more than I thought it would be.  The lemon and chilli story with episodes of life around India and America touched my heart.  It could have been anyone's story.  But I had to choke back a sob.  Sometimes I too fear of the future.  Every time I reminiscence I think of a different meaning.  The same character who was an protagonist of the story suddenly turns antagonist and I was too overwhelmed then to understand such workings of the human mind. 

The author is a journalist.  So her characters are very structured and I think the characters could have been etched from her personal and some professional experiences too.  But all together the stories are being told with such audacity that we would think it is happening around us, perhaps to a neighbour or a person showcased in media.  Some were open ended stories.  I know they are shorts and only a glimpse of the story would be given, but somehow I cannot help pondering how it would have gone, positive or negative!  The author has already won many accolades for her novel One and a half wife and I am really psyched to read it one day.

SuperZero

Hate exams? Hate studying past your bedtime to pass your exams?  Then think how life for a superhero must be for he has to prove his worth to pass his exams.  You think its easy-peasy? Maybe but not for our Super Zero.  Though his parents are convinced he has super powers, that is not the case with Super Zero at class.  His assessment mainly consists of Morphing, X-Ray vision, Flying and all those super human stuff.  But still he cannot accomplish even a single thing.  Rare things happen and we (even he does not) do not understand what triggers it.  So does he really have super powers? 

The narration is funny and intriguing.  Any child who has watched Marvel characters, would understand what is expected and how Super Zero keeps failing.  Its just like any ordinary school, where the pressure to perform keeps building on.  Its all about an underdog becoming a superhero and in the process the author assures the kids its not tough if you have confidence and can rise above your shortcomings.  Her flair for humour keeps us in peals and giggles all the way to the end.  Throw in an adorable but monstrous dog and a kind but deaf grandpa, the story becomes even more hilarious.  And how she has selected to educate the kids on spelling is another notable point.  This book is funny and the short chapters will keep them tuned.  The author "gets" the way a kid thinks and has given a good account of their angry, self empathy, surprises and every other emotion apt to the situation.  Even the acknowledgements section, especially about the illustrator, was written creatively. I recommend this to the middle grade readers.

Petta - Movie Review

The Rajini magic does it again.  Well I wanted to watch this movie for the director, Karthik Subburaj, an national award winner.  He has proved again commercially with the Superstar grandeur with all perfect firecrackers to attract the general (Rajini) audience.

But what helped to keep hooked was the story line.  I don't know how a school boy looking director can make such a racy story line in all his movies.  As expected the story had a lot of twists and turns.  And it keeps coming all the way till the climax.

The whole starring was, in general, a bunch of accomplished and acclaimed actors.  The big labels were Rajni, Vijay Sethupathi and Nawazuddin Siddique.  I was piqued when I saw the name Nawazuddin and he has been given a real challenging character.  His duel in Tamil and Hindi was something to watch.  So was Vijay Sethupathi.  Listening to him speak those Hindi words in the local slang with utter ease put him in place with the character.  However I must say that his role was underplayed.  He could have been used to his full potential.

Then there is Bobby Simha and Sasikumar.  Though I am not sure of Sasi kumar, Bobby Simha too was under utilized.  The Jigarthanda actor was I must say a bit rusted though he has proved his worth in the right places.  The other actor who was quite an underdog in the beginning has travelled throughout this film is Sananth Reddy.  I do not know his name and had to google a bit.  I have seen his performance in Demonty colony and I think Jil Jung Juk.  Overall a big starrer with so many famous faces like Simran, Y.G Mahendran, Megha Akash.  I am pretty sure many would have accepted just for the Rajini starrer as their roles were not so big.

We were about 5 minutes late for the movie and I missed the title card and the electric atmosphere of Rajini's name card.  The second half was even racy as it was fully the revenge taking mechanisms with all the twist and plots evolving the story and keeps up surprised till the last minute.  The songs were totally up to speed and had quite catchy tunes.  Then there is the Baasha tune which reminds me of Rajini when he was truly a God and when not one of his film didn't do well in box office.  But even after around 25 years he still has that quick and stylish  demeanour which hasn't worn off in all these years.  It somehow matches the theme of one man army where our brain doesn't complain that hes too old to perform those fight scenes all by himself.  Well, it was worth the money as all the 3.5 hours in the theatre went up as per Einstein's law of Relativity.