And Then One Day - Naseerruddin Shah

photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A great actor, an OK biography

Shah is an acclaimed actor someone who is highly respected for his acting prowess and for creating the kind of repution he has.

I loved watching him way back as Hero Hiralal to the villian in Krrish 3. He is one of the few actors who have an amazing range of acting capability. The funny thing with actors is that once you watch them enough on screen, there is a sort of kinship with them, a bonding a sense of having known them to a certain level.

 I was in India at a relative's place when his stark black and red cover beckoned me over to the bookshelf. The book cover was incredibly fascinating and the name on the book forced me to pick it up and have a quite read through.

Gist:

Like any autobiography it takes us through the childhood, the making of the individual before it moves towards his acting days  early and late ones and the ramifications of it on his personal life.

What works:

• The style is open, frank as if no holds barreed. 

• The stories are entertaining and it was fascinating how these actors had to struggle to make their mark as the shining beacons as they are today.

• It is about the Hindi film industry and it amazing how he and his wife were part of this elite set 

What doesn't:

• The language is a bit old school and is a bit dated. In this day of blogging where short sentences create most impact, the long sentences and winding narrative tends to slow the narrative down.

• The memoir is honest and with good intentions. However, it is devoid of masala or gossip. Shah doesn't name and shame much and the reader is not his confidante. Therein was my problem.

• A loved one told me the other day, that they found it enjoyable. Sadly, I didn't. It was well written unfortunately not enough substance for me to register it as an enjoyable experience.

This is Going to Hurt - Adam Kay

photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A funny, heartwrenching story of a guy in the NHS.

I have written about topical issues being documented in literature. This is another example. Of how the health service is facing and dealing with hard time.

Anyone following local news will be aware of the junior doctor vs government tussle that hit the headlines sometime back. Art reflects society was what my BA course taught me and this is a case in point.

So much for all the newspaper headlines, documentaries, talks that dominated the media, this book outlines what it is like on the hotseat. Hats off to Adam Kay for summoning the guts and the publishers to back him to taking the issue head on.

Gist:

Adam Kay shares his diaries of his time of a junior doctor (he is not one anymore, he gave up the white coat for a mike and a comedy audience) and takes us through his experience.

Some are comical, some heartbreaking but said with a trace of humour. My favourite was the instance where he asks a woman how many weeks pregnant she was and she gets to count the weeks from her birth. It was so straightforward and dead pan that it was so effective.

What works:

• The book is packaged well, it explains the context of how the book came into being. It takes the non medic reader by hand into the journey of this guy who starts his journey as a House officer to a Senior Registrar.

• There are helpful footnotes explaining the medical terminology. I cringed a bit when I thought I will have to acquaint myself with the medical terms but to Kay's credit those footnotes are a delight to read and I found myself looking forward to it

• The humour that marks through the experience is amazing. It is not surprising how and why he found his calling as a comedy script writer.

• The lack of social life, support these junior doctors get in return for standing on their feet for hours, making snap decisions comes to life in the pages.

• The tone of humour is great, a subtle level of it while it tackles daily life on a ward.

• The letter to Hunt at the end of the book is a great touch and very effective.

What doesn't:

• If you are closely associated with medics (I am married to one and my social circle predominately consists of them) you can empathise and stick through the experiences right till the end. However, even for this ardent fan of Holby City, the highly concentrated medical experiences got a bit too much at one point. 

• The experiences are not varied, it is about life in a hospital more importantly that of a obys and gynae ward so the jokes are centred around it. Perhaps that is the reason why the book although rightly deserved the praised heaped on it, was a bit limiting in its reach and popularity.

But there are some really good bits. How rotas don't let you plan a social evening till later, or shifting swapping is such a pain you give up on meeting up with friends. Also the bit where medics are asked for medical advice at all times is something that was fun reading about.

Overall, a fun read. It is often said that Britons like three things to watch and read about - Food, property and the NHS.

The popularity of this book proves it.

Don't Let Him Know - Sandip Roy

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

A fascinating story where different chapters piece together one complete story of a family.

This debut novel by a senior editor at Firstpost shows great promise. When I picked it up at the Santa Clara Library, it had all the keywords - Immigrant experience, secrets, generations, sexualities. Enough for intrigue to take over and to dign into find out what it is all about. 

Gist:

Ramola has finally decided to move in with her son and his American wife and is still getting used to the Americanness of it all. Later when he questions his mother about a letter, the past comes back in rushes, reminding her why she as a newly married bride in the US she chose to come back to Calcutta.

What works:

• The first chapter is very strong, the scene where Ramola tries to order a Macdonald's burger and ends up running away reminds one of the Sridevi Movie where she encounters a similar experience.

• However, the story takes hold as various chapters come together as fragmented memories that gives an insight into the characters and their behaviour. These seemingly different chapters come together beautifully to tell a fascinating tale indeed.

• The characters are well etched. Ramola's character has so many shades. The first chapter gives an impression of Ramola's personality and as the chapters move on, we encounter different shades to her persona. That for me was the highlight of this novel. 

• The immigrant experience is woven in through Amit experience as he finds himself on a lonely Christmas day. On the other hand, the "exoticness" of an Indian city is duly fulfilled by using Calcutta as its setting, its narrow lanes and big ancestral houses. 

• The device of using various incidents in order to tell the stories of Ramola, Amit and Avinash is undoubtedly was another major highlight. Roy has used the style to good effect. 

Some of the lines that stayed with me:

The quiet rose warmly throughout the house, rushing to fill in spaces that had been so frantic and busy five minutes ago.

What doesn't:

• The story flows very well, however the reader cannot help wondering that the story designed to fit the same mould of a typical novel by an Asian American writer mould.

But that doesn't mean that it falls short in any way. It fulfills all the requirements of a great read. 

The Sleeping Dictionary - Sujata Massey

photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A great tale about a woman's journey set in the pre independence era.

Massey's writing came into spotlight when her latest book The Widows of Malabar Hill came out. Though I have not read that one yet, this one came my way and the title really got me. A very intriguing title that is explained in the story.

A quick search told Massey she had already written a slew of mystery novels about a detective set in Japan. Wow, for someone with such a strong Bengali influence (as the book suggests or is it that she is that good in projecting that?)  it is amazing that she has such a varied set of books. Her blog is wonderful read about her - both bookwise and lifewise.

However, one of the most interesting things I love about the book is the acknowledgement page. Often it gives insight into the making of the book and the writer and this one did that in abundance.

It was here I discovered that Massey had a Bengali father and German mother and how she first discovered India while on her father was on a sabbatical trip. It also reflects on how she drew on experiences of various members of the family to write such a fascinating book. Do not miss the page at the end of the book if you do pick it up!

Gist:

A story begins with 10 year old Pom who belongs to a low caste but a happy family. Her idyllic childhood comes to an abrupt end when she is the only member of her family to survive the village floods. Fate takes her to an orphanage and later a school, where she does odd jobs and becomes a companion to another girl. Just when she thinks that a good education could lead to the life of a teacher, fate intervenes and she finds herself in Rose Villa - a classy brothel. Not ready to give up on life yet, she makes her way to Calcutta - the City of Palaces. At each stage she steps into a new life and identity, she picks up skills that help her survive and ultimately take a stab at happiness. And when she does, her truant past plays catch up threatening to ruin it all.

What works:

• The story flows very well. The first chapter is strong and built an idyllic even though a poverty striken childhood. The flood that follows thereafter got me guessing about what will happen and proved me wrong. Loved it.

• The very first page which is the part of the letter gives an insight into who the central character would be. Great intrigue building device to draw the reader in. 

• There is something of period dramas. Imagining a bygone era is great for the reader but only if the writing is that powerful. That it is in this book. I loved the fact that the visual descriptions were so good that I could easily imagine a British Raj school with its class conscious students. Even the brothel was painted with elegance, the garish colours muted by the strong characters who inhabited the place. 

• At one point it almost felt like I was watching a film unfold in the pages. Massey's character reminded me of a B&W heroine battling her way through life and a stoic society, but without the melodrama that usually marks it.

• Loved the way Massey handled the relationship between Simon and Kamala and between her and Pankaj. It showed perspective and Kamala's growth as a character.

What doesn't:

• It appealed to my sensibilities as a reader. But then it is a story of how women in the past did not have many options at empowerment that single women take for granted today. Therefore this could be a tad boring for those who may feel that in this era that story is hopelessly dated. 

Not for me though. Within its context and setting, the story works quite well and illustrates effectively the status of women and the story of this gutsy women who strikes on her own. 

• The story seems has a strong influence of classic novels and could draw parallels with many of them. 

David Copperfield: an Pom's childhood ends when she loses her family in floods. 

Jane Eyre: Pom now Sarah ends up in a school where she is employed as a servant but then strikes friendship with a high born Bengali girl. The Jane Eyre association is more distinct when the school is called Lockwood. 

Silas Marner: The connection is highlighted by the central character when Sarah is wrongly accused of theft.

Memoirs of a Geisha: When Sarah now Rose enters Rose Villa and is initiated into the life of a prostitute.

However the literary influence ends when it takes on a desi feel and Massey weaves in the Indian struggle for independence and the famine that hit Calcutta just before Independence. For me any input about Indian history is a major plus. The Bengal famine when rice was exported to feed the armies abroad was not something I was aware of. The fact that Massey weaved this historical detail showing the callousness of British Raj was commendable. It enhanced the reading experience. 

I also enjoyed Bose's struggle for independence which again is very Bengali and does not get its due importance in popular Indian history. Loved the way how Massey depicted INA women soldiers and their role in Indian independence.

It felt great that while the story reads as an reflection on women during a specific time, it is also a comment on Bengal during the independence era. 

But most importantly it is a great read by a hugely talented writer. Glad to have discovered her. It is believed that this book is part of Daughters of Bengal series. I shall be waiting eagerly to see how she takes the story from here.

Home Fire - Kamila Shamsie

bloomsbury.com

It is said that art reflects society. Well this book is a perfect example of it. We live in a turbulent age when the question of identity and loyalty depends on our origins and this book is a great reflection of that. It is great to see a topical issue that has been raging for a while to be documented and immortalised in literature.

When the issue of Isis and jihadis first came up, a lot of documentaries and talks were held as to the why and how behind it. This book gives a great insight into the issue, about what happens when the radicals and government clash in the face of religious ideologies and how individual is caught in the middle.

The book is loosely based on the Greek play Antigone. However it has been placed in a such a contemporary context that it is at once explosive and yet poignant in its treatment of the subject.

It is no wonder that Shamsie won the Bailey's prize in Fiction and made it to the Booker longlist. Also uncanny is her prediction of a Muslim Home secretary which turned out to be true in real life. 

Gist:

Isma after years of shouldering the responsibility of her twin siblings Aneeka and Pervaiz, is now free to forage her own path. She is leaving for the US to do a doctrate in Sociology. She meets Eamon a handsome Muslim young man, who is everything she is not and falls for him. 

While she is away, her home is falling apart. Her brother has gone off to join the Isis media section and her sister is not talking to her.  Aneeka is very close to her brother and is determined to bring him back. The only problem is she needs the government to be on her side, seek help from the Muslim Home Secretary, Karamat Lone who is against the family, a hardliner. 

What works:

• The writing style is unique. It moves in a linear fashion. But there are scenes which show how the story has progressed and the direction it takes.

• The opening scene of Isma at the US immigration interrogation is such a powerful one. It hits the reader in the face and is a great insight into what it is like to have a Muslim name in the foreign world.

• The characters are so good, it is very easy to identify with them to see how it must have been for them.

• Karamat Lone is such a great character. Loved the way she portrays his Englishness and his Muslim identity. She captures the essence of him so well.

What doesn't:

• The writing needs a bit getting used to. The writer plunges the reader directly into the story, throwing her into scenes to work her way through. It demands a bit from the reader and reluctant readers may struggle a bit with it.

The book is one of those rare literary novels that reads like a thriller appealing to the mass while siding along with highbrow literature. That for me, was the best part. Making literature accessible to more people instead of just shutting them off with hard to follow writing style.

Easily one of my top reads of 2018. If you want to know what makes a really good novel is, look no further.

A Necessary Evil - Abir Mukherjee

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

A well plotted story about Maharajas and their lives.

If the first book is a daring debut, Mukherjee ups the game with yet another classy plot and narrative. This time he decides to leave the dusty lanes of Calcutta and takes the action to the exotic and mysterious princely Kingdom of Sambalpore in Orissa.

Gist:

Mukherjee and Sergeant "Surrender not" are summoned by a prince - the Sergent's Harrow classmate - who seeks their help about some threats to his life. Not long after, they find themselves witnessing his assassination landing them right in the middle of a diplomatic muddle. Mukherjee gets to accompany the body to the princely state, in non-official capacity and he uses this chance to find the mastermind behind it. What he sees is the stark reality behind the the brocades and the traditional splendour that marks a prince's life.

What works:

• The grandeur of the royal palace, their lifestyle and traditions is well captured.

• Also Mukherjee's description of the use of opium is very detailed. I could easily imagine. Couldn't help wondering how much practical research would have gone into it!

• The story is well paced, the narrative is fluid and the suspense is maintained throughout. I had a tough time figuring out who the culprit was. The story feels complete as the characters are all well etched and move the story forward.

• Mukherjee's strong point is research. He depicts bygone era where rules and regulations were paramount. As a reader, I could feel the rustle of the curtains of the zenana and the lavish lifestyle of the princes. He really brings them to live, creating a superb atmosphere.

• The camaderie between the protagnists, the way the subordinate explains the Hindu customs to the Englishman is very endearing at times enlightening.

• The writing is very smooth, effortless and setting very authentic.

Overall a fabulous read. One of my top reads of the year, easily.

Legacy of Spies - John Le Carre

A master storyteller work that did not work for me

Le Carre is often called as a literary great when it comes to spy stories. His best known one "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold" is supposed to be a classic and it is often recommended as the introduction to his works. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is another popular book that has been adapted for the big screen many times. I watched the latest TV series and rather enjoyed it.

Having read all the big reviews, I felt I was really missing out by not reading his books. More so because his new book came out recently after a gap, which resurrected all his earlier ones. Apparently, his latest one was also a hit with the likes of Gordon Brown talking of how accurate his observations were.

With all this hoopla around the writer, I finally decided to go for one of his latest ones, although it followed on from his earlier books.

Gist:

The past has come back to haunt Peter Guillam, one of the aides of Smiley. The new management at MI6, an attempt to protect its reputation, is keen to find out about Operation Windfall. Guilliam is tracked down and asked to account for the various anomalies during the operation.  While Guilliam gives them explanation, we as the reader are taken into confidence as he reveals his own parallel verison to the reader.

What works:

• The writing style is interesting. The reader is taken into confidence as the version of events unfold. Usually the reader is told of the events, here she is the confidante, privy to the actual set of events.

What doesn't:

• The writing gets quite dry at times and you are left wondering where is it leading to. Perhaps Le Carre's writing style needs getting used to. 

• It is a bit of a laborious read. The pace is slow and since much of the story is told in reverse, the story lags in between, leading to wavering attention.

• It will help if you are familiar with the characters, I was not. I had only seen the TV and on screen adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy which was more like a standalone story.

• I struggled with some bits and even getting to the end, felt a bit dragged along.

Not the greatest of reading experiences, I am afraid. 

A Rising Man - Abir Mukherjee

photo courtesy: amazon.co.uk

A crime story set in the fascinating Old Calcutta

This book created a lot of waves especially since it won a crime writing competition. An accountant by profession, the author explains how the inspiration for it all in an interesting interview on the Asian writer website (http://theasianwriter.co.uk/2016/06/abir-mukherjee/) Reading the interview along with the book was a great way of understanding the writer and his work. Thanks Farhana for posting an insightful interview.


Gist:

Sam Wyndham comes to India for a fresh start. However, within a week of his arrival, there is just the case of him: the murder of an Englishman outside a brothel with his throat slit and a note stuffed into his mouth. A potential loss of face if the word got out, Sam is asssigned the case along with his Sergeant "Surrender-not" (Surendranath) Banerjee to track the perpretrator.

What works:

• Abir shows off the old Calcutta incredibly well through Sam's eyes. He visualises a beautiful city under British Raj revealing a good grasp of setting. 

• Loved the word play with "Surrender-not" and how Mukherjee establishes the relationship between the two main characters - The oriental and the occidental (the idea behind using these words is to shed light on the subject of the rulers and the subjects) . the two main characters are well etched as are some other recurring characters such as Miss Grant.

• The plot is well thought out, detailed and Mukherjee is clearly comfortable with the setting. The idea of setting crime stories in British Raj Calcutta is novel, unexplored as yet. The story pans out very well and it is amazing how the characters fit in so well with the characters.

• It is very easy to visualises this as a TV series. Here's hoping it happens soon.

What doesn't:

• The book is how it should be. Entertaining with lots of action, as well as educating a colonial about the ways of Indian culture.  It is laid out commendably well and has the ingredients of a satisfying read.

I am on the lookout for the next book in the series.

Ishq and Mushq - Priya Basil

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I am reading this book at at time when the existence of the commonwealth body is being questioned.

Although I have reservations about how and why Commonwealth came into existence, I appreciate how it has contributed to the fields of Sports and Literature. 

Funnily enough I picked up this book only after learning that it made it to the commonwealth writers shortlist. To me, it adds a certain level of credibility and often I have enjoyed Commonwealth shortlists more than the Booker prize ones.

Commonwealth offers opportunities to countries that otherwise eclipsed by the more powerful who always almost hog the limelight.

When it comes to sport, India always shines at Commonwealth games rather than the Olympics. It always bags more medals at this event rather than the Olympics  where it is China and America who rule the roost. 

But I am more concerned about literature and to me, it showcases a vast array of writers who would have escaped notice. Discovering Basil in this manner was a surprise and a lovely one at that.

Gist:

Sarna a young bride is travelling with her husband from Amritsar to Kenya to her in laws house. The story tracks the journey of this young couple as they move into a joint family and then move out to seek their own fortune in London. Spanning continents with historic events at the backdrop, the story is a fascinating tale of the importance of food, domestic lives and how the past comes back to haunt the present and threatens their future.

What works:

• Basil writes beautifully. Her imagery and her descriptions are superb and it is a joy to read it.

• She is talking of a time when Kenyan immigrants moved into London and made it their home. She draws a great verbal picture and though I have no idea how authentic it is, to my mind, it felt genuine. It felt as I was peeking through a door that showed me how London became the cosmopolitan city that it is now is.

• The characters are distinct - particularly Sarna. It is a strong woman character and the story pivots around her. It is a character driven story and yet it shows how she has an impact on the lives of her family. 

• Loved the way food has been used to convey emotions such as resentment, hatred and secrecy.

What doesn't:

• The story slags a bit in the middle. I lost the momentum and was a bit bogged down by the slow pace. However like every good story it perks up as the denouement comes in sight and then tights up neatly.

• The story could have really picked up if only something drastic would have happened. However, the turning point doesn't seem that significant. The so called revelation does not seem to have that much impact and that was a bit of a letdown.

But it is a well written book. The imagery and the description especially connecting food and emotions is beautifully done. 

I liked it enough to gift a copy to a bookloving friend.

Girl Zero - A.A.Dhand

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

Desi voice, angrezi style

Thrillers are a big favourite and I have enjoyed quite a few, often re-reading them to relive the experience. I love the genre for its character analysis and how the situations justify their actions and behaviour. I always found more psychology in fiction than textbooks and this book reminds me of why I love the genre so much.

I heard about this book at a workshop which was part of the Asian Writers 10th anniversary celebrations. The author Dhand was part of a panel talking about crime writing as a genre and shared his frustration for writing such a different story. He spoke of his struggles in refusing to typecast himself into a particular mould to appeal to the commercial forces.

Reading the book, I felt it was a brave attempt from this. debut author. Although I am not a big fan of "this kind" of crime thrillers (read lots of violence), I could relate to this one, because I was familiar with the backstory and could understand what the writer was doing with the plot and characters.

Gist:

Second in the Harry Virdee series, it is the story of this Cop who is estranged from his Sikh family for marrying a Muslim Girl. The story opens with Virdee, a cop finding out that his niece has been murdered and him stepping foot into his parent's house after ages to break the news.

What works:

• The opening scene is powerful. It drew me in with its tension and hook. It shows how Virdee is feeling the pressures of his job and creates the curiosity of what is going to happen next.

• There is blood and gore but it is part of the story. Dhand is talking about the dark side of Bradford and well it justifies its presence.

• I enjoyed the personal lives of the characters, it is engaging and makes sure that it has a continuing thread that will run through its subsequent books too.

• The writing style is snappy and very contemporary. Here is a writer who doesn't mince words and knows how to make an impact with it.

• I followed the newspapers from where the basic plot is based on. It was great to watch how the author has shaped it to fit the fiction mould, while adding his own touches.

What doesn't:

• At times there feels like a desperate attempt to keep up the gore part to appeal to certain type of reading audience. To me, it was a bit much.

Overall, a good read. I loved the novelty of it all, how a desi writer combines Indian sensibilities into this "firangi" thriller. I am looking forward to finding out how the complicated personal lives of the main characters will play out in the later books.

The Couple Next Door - Shari Lapena

goodreads.com

A tense domestic thriller that starts brilliantly.

Canadian novelist Shari Lapena's The Couple Next Door is indeed a much talked about thriller as the jacket proclaims. It has drummed a lot of attention which is why I went around looking for it. Her bio reads that she was a lawyer and an English teacher before she turned to writing. That experience surely must have helped us as she combines her knowledge of police procedures and writing style to form a riveting plot for her story.

Gist:

It starts off brilliantly. The story opens with a set of new parents at their next door neighbour's party. The opening scene is brilliant, it is tense, there is a lot happening and draws you in completely. It showed my student self how opening scenes are done. Superb. The mother is tearful, she is watching her hostess flirting with her husband as she battles feelings of hopelessness and low self esteem as a new mother. By the end of the chapter we learn that the baby has disappeared from its cot while the couple are still partying with their neighbours.

Who did it? How did it happen? Although the couple starts of as victims, they soon find themselves as suspects. Then begins the cat and mouse game of finding out who is telling the truth and crucially who has done it.

What works:

• It is the stuff that every parent can relate to. The fear of losing a child, the fear of criticism and blame as a new mother. Lapena does it brilliantly. I loved Anne and how she holds on shreds of self esteem while tries to figure what was happening.

• There are not many characters but Lapena makes them count. I loved the husband and wife. It was exciting to watch how the couple seen as victims turn into suspects. She builds up the tension quite well and I won't lie, it had me up till quite late in the night. 

What does not:

• The narrative is superb. I kept on turning pages in a rush to get to the end. However, the reveal was not as great as the build up.
• Halfway through you could see where the plot was leading to and though the writing style was good, it fizzled out a bit for me, as I felt as though Lapena was trying to secondguess the reader.
• There are lots of twists and turns and there is one that is revealed right at the end but then by that time, it was hard to be surprised at all. The momentum somehow depleted for me.

Overall a great fast track read. It has a great premise and a riveting writing style, just wish the build up was as good as the reveal.

Stay With Me - Ayobami Adebayo

photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A well told story that works on many levels.

Ayobami Adebayo's debut novel is really impressive and considering her academic background, it only seems logical. Her masters degree in literature and creative writing forms the foundation for this well honed talent. It is displayed to good effect in this book.

I came across this novel after it was chosen as the Mumsnet book of the month for March. Apparently, it was also shortlisted for the Women's Prize in Fiction and has garnered a lot of praise. However, my first impressions of the book were a bit sceptical -  it sounded like a treatise on the exploitation and unfair treatment to a women in a rigid society. But Adebayo's writing and plot pacing makes it a refreshing and an insightful read.

Gist:

Yejide runs a salon and is quite a successful businesswomen. However, its been four years since she is married to Akin, and they are still waiting to have kids. Looking for options, her mother-in-law arranges for her husband to have a second wife to help Yejide conceive. Yejide goes to drastic lengths to make it happen. In the process she embarks on a journey full of heartbreak and insight as she lives the consequences of her decisions.

What works:

• The beginning is so strong. It draws the reader in while providing a political, cultural context. The short chapters are brisk and drops the reader right in the midst of action. We quickly learn of Yejide and her dilemma and are swept into the story. 

• Adebayo packages the Nigerian culture very neatly into the plot too. The words, the habits are beautifully incorporated. It is "exotic" but it also provides insight into how the society works. She has a very matter of fact approach about how something like childlessness becomes a public topic with everyone offering advice and solutions. Reminiscent of the Indian culture.

• Adebayo displays a keen sense of plotting. Throughout the narrative there is an edge-of-the seat feeling. There is a constant element of suspense, throwing off the reader and her assumptions. 

• Adebayo also portrays a mature angle to love and loss and what it feels like to be ostracised as a childless women. She uses language very effectively to convey this.

• My favourite line from the book is :

If the burden is too much and stays too long, even love bends, cracks, comes close to breaking and sometimes does break. But when it's in a thousand pieces around your feet, that doesn't mean it's no longer love.” 

It encapsulates the relationship between Yejide and Akin and the complicated nature of it. They are allowed to fall in love and get married. However, the happiness of their relationship is marred by societal demands and eventually falls prey to it.

• The story is packaged quite well. Set in a different cultural milieu with its own rules and regulations the writer is not vary of using another language and alienating the reader. She weaves it quite well in the story while capturing some universal emotions that women all over can relate to. The feelings of desperation and the fear of society is portrayed quite well through Yejide. You feel sorry for her and empathise with her as she takes the steps she does.

What doesn't:

• The story does not explain a lot of things. It expects the reader to connect some dots often leaving it up to the reader to interpret. Some readers may feel a bit shortchanged, confused. I liked the way the writer leaves the reader to fill up some gaps and for a debut writer to display such confidence is commendable.

Overall, a great debut. This writer knows how to tell a story well while challenging the reader. Superb.

Lola's Secret - Monica Mcinerney

q

A warm hearted sequel about the Quinlan family.

If you have read its prequel, Alphabet Sisters it will make more sense. I did, a long time ago. I also read its sequel Trip of a lifetime before reading it. So it was kind of inbetween for me. But then that did not feel like a disadvantage. It still worked as a standalone for me.

Monica Mcinerney's books are all about the domestic sphere. How the dynamics of a family - full of different individuals operate as part of a bigger network as the family. It is a feel good well written novel and Mcinerney is very good with this.

Gist:

Lola the grand matriarch of the Quinlan family has a secret plan. All around her, her loved ones are battling their private wars. Her granddaughters are struggling with motherhood, whereas her son and daughter want to retire. All around there is chaos and she is the one keeping the boat afloat, the connecting thread that runs through them all.

She decides  to send them all away for Christmas and manage the motel on her own. Her idea? issuing invites to random strangers. Sounds bizarre? But that is Lola Quinlan for you.

However, while she is planning surprise like that, life is planning another surprise for her. What is it?

What works:

• A breezy fast track read, the characters are great and the writing style as usual draws you in.

• The characters, the banter seem so real as though we have known this family for ages.

• She captures the trials and tribulations on motherhood and its affect on marriages.

• The side stories of potential motel guests are also well plotted.

What doesn't:

• There is a certain amount of predictability. You know how things are going to pan out. It is more of a soap opera where some dramatic scenes have been thrown in, some twists and turns for good measure.

• It does not have the edge of seat feeling. However, it has that feel of a breezy outing to a place you have been to already. There is escapism and a delicious sense of community here.

A feel good weekend/beach read. I found this better than its prequel and sequel.

My Name is Leon - Kit De Waal

A moving Story about a nine year old boy, race and politics.

I confess I had some preconceived notions. When I read the blurb and some of the reviews, I presumed it to be a heavy dose book. But it is not. It is a touching story, where humour and dark reality come in close contact.

Gist:

A nine year old boy meets his brother for the first time when he is born. As the story moves on, we learn this is a dysfunctional family with an absent father and a boy who becomes a carer for his mother and his brother. However, their circumstances change and we find ourselves moving around with Leon as he tries to make sense of everything around him. 

What works:

• The narrative. The writing style makes it a page turner. Written from the nine year old boy's perspective, it is heartwarming and full of insight. Kids have their own way of making sense of the world, much different to an adult's. It is insightful and practical without becoming overdramatic. 

• There is a dark side to it but then there are many happy moments too. I was filled with dread about what was going to happen to this vulnerable boy - hallmark of a well written novel.

• Also, it provides an insight into the social care system and the people and the procedures that make it work. De Waal does a great job of shining light on it all. The fact that she has experience in the field is an added bonus. It gives an authentic sort of ring to it.

• Love the way she weaves race into her story.  I couldn't help comparing her to Levy who writes on similar subject. But where Levy makes it the basis of her narrative, De Waal refers to race issues as part of her story along with its repercussions.

What doesn't:

•  I loved the way the story panned out. It had me on the edge, even though it is not a thriller. The little boy I met on the first page, grew on me and I found myself looking out for him as he met new people on the way. Some might say, (without giving the plot away) that it is too chick lit and candy floss.

For me it was a life affirming read. A well written story which is told with humour and very insightful. Works brilliantly. I enjoy De Waal's writing and shall be looking out for her books more.

Six stories and an Essay - Andrea Levy

a photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A personal journey told through a set of stories.

Andrea Levy is new to me. I had never read her before. But after this collection that encapsulates all that she believes in, there is now an admiration for this author and the curiosity to know her works better.

The book has an autobiographical essay, a very well articulated experience of growing up as  an African child in Britain. It resonates with me, although it was decades before I arrived here as an adult. I see my children sharing similar experiences although the English society is a more modern and self aware than the one of her time.

The Gist:

The essay talks about the immigrant experience in Britain in the 60s. It talks of Levy growing up in a council estate absorbing all the English "flavours" of social behaviour and attitudes and yet she is singled out as black because of her origins and colour.

The six stories that follow are a slice of that immigrant experience - stories that come from her mother's experience and which introduce characters of her other novels.

What works:

• The essay is strong and makes a valid point. It makes a case for British slavery in the islands and how has escaped the British history books. It reminds of the Indian Independence which has a similar treatment. The English history books claim that the empire chose to leave the country and decided to hand it over to the natives. But the Indian version claims that it had to fight tooth and nail to secure it. Levy's essay makes a very valid point and an insightful one at that.

• The stories elaborate what the essay is trying to say. What I liked is how the author introduces the story with her own anecdote. It makes it personal and offered a masterclass into what goes into a short story.

• Levy has a great writing style. That she feel strongly is clear in her tone in the essay and the way she has used it in her stories shows how experience can be woven into a well structured story. 

What doesn't:

• Nothing really. It is a well packaged slim volume - full of impact and a fastread.

Only wish someone of Indian descent had the guts to write something like this.

Exit West - Mohsin Hamid

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

Story about migrants in an age of terrorism said through an accessible narrative.

I loved Hamid's Reluctant Fundamentalist - the book better than the film. When Exit West was shortlisted for the Booker prize book, that was when I heard the noise about the book - and also the the premise of the story. Ever keen to read about the state of migrants and their place in an age of terrorism, it was promising. My only concern was that it was a Booker prize shortlist.

I often find that such a book does not connect with mass readers like me (there are exceptions though). The writers often choose to write for the elite audience comprising mostly of Prize judges.

Gist:

Shy and reserved Saeed meets the unconventional burka clad Nadia and together they set off on a relationship that spans continents and situations. Both migrants in terrorist ridden countries, their lives are in constant uproar and we follow them as they find them opening doors to a better life as their own self changes as a result of the situation.

What works:

• The narrative is very fluid. It takes you through gently, deep into the story, as you take flight in the magic realism.

• The very first line had me hooked. 

"In a city swollen by refugees but still mostly at peace, or at least not yet openly at war, a young man met a young woman in a classroom and did not speak to her."

I  can easily visualise this opening line joining the list of famous first liners. What a powerful line! It has a striking effect with its imagery and characters. It gave me the sense of a love story caught in conflict. A great way to introduce the story.

What doesn't:

• The magic realism can be a bit abstract for some readers who want straight forward narrative. The story is very subtle and yet it has some strong imagery and statements. 

Overall, a great read. Don't be fooled by the thin volume, the writing makes you pause and think after every few pages. Superb.

Broadchurch - Erin Kelly

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

A whodunnit set in a coastal town.

I remember seeing trailers for this series on ITV but missed it for some reason. So a chance to catch with its book version was so welcome! It was only after catching up with the book, that I realised what I had missed out on. Since I won't be able to compare it with its TV counterpart, a standalone book review this will be.

Gist:

The book opens like a screenplay, with a set of characters introduced in random situations in the first few pages. It is very easy to visualise the story unfolding albeit, a bit confusing. Once the story is set, the characters come together and it all ties in.

Eleven-year-old Danny Latimer is found dead on the beach in the coastal town of Broadchurch. At the police station, DI Ellie Miller finds out that she has been passed over for a promotion. Danny was her son Tom's close friend. She will have to work with new-to-the-town DI Alec Hardy to investigate the murder. DI Hardy feels that her knowing the murdered child will cloud her judgement. But Miller feels she can make inroads into the community the way Hardy never can. She dislikes Hardy at first sight. Can they work together and figure out the murderer?

What works:

• The characters are so well etched. It takes a while to figure how they are all connected but then they are characters with distinct characteristics.

• The sleepy coastal town is brought to life so well. A look at the last page shows where Broadchurch was actually based - Dorset.

• The writing. I reckon it can be hard to work with established settings and characters but the narrative really breathes life into the story. The caption suggests that there is some additional material for those who have already watched the series. But for me who hasn't, it was great.

• It is a gripping story that I could easily lose myself in. I don't remember the last time I was so eager to get into my bed at night. The plot moves fast and the insight into the characters is reminiscent of Elizabeth George's  novels. Love it. 

What doesn't:

• I suppose considering that those already seen the series needed to get something extra and therefore reference to extra material. It offers a very detailed insight into the minds of the characters. It doesn't hamper the story telling for me, but it seemed like too much effort was going into it.

Overall a great story and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the second installment of the series.

A Boy Called Christmas - Matt Haig

a photo courtesy: goodreads.com

A story that symbolises the festive spirit  of Hope and Goodwill.

As a child raised in India, my book diet included Enid Blyton and then Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. As my children are growing up I am discovering books that were never available to me - Roald Dahl. It is heartening to see how new authors are reaching out this generation in a contemporary style that was otherwise missing in ours.

Haig is a new author whose books are always out in time for the Christmas season for obvious reasons. Considering my kids are growing up with the same Santa magic as other western kids, they were excited to learn about this Boy who was called Christmas and how was he connected to "their" Father Christmas.

Gist:

Nicholas is a 11-year-old boy who lives with his father in Iceland. It is very cold there and they are quite poor. His father leaves him in the care of a wicked aunt promising to be back with money so that they can live better. However, Nicholas finds himself out in the cold, looking for his father. He has certain adventures which alter his mindset, transforms his life.

What works:

• Haig uses informal language that connects with kids. The book jacket and the first chapter feel so personal as though someone is narrating a bedtime story to a child. My 7-year-old was instantly hooked on to it, when I first read it out aloud to her.

• The character of Nicholas - the poor, kind boy is the classic underdog that each child relates to. It is refreshing as word by word we get to know Nicholas more and learn about his family and circumstances he is in.

• The concept of love, kindness and goodwill is interwoven quite well in the story.

 What doesn't:

Although the style is engaging, it tends to flag a bit. Towards the middle, we felt as though the story was dragging where Nicholas sets off to find his father. We read each chapter as a bedtime story.  However, somewhere along the line, I couldn't help thinking that perhaps it was a bit out of league for my 7 year old despite our chats about it. But then there was a point when even I was getting bored. Some brisk editing would have helped, I felt.

Overall, it is beautiful book and later the pace picks up too. As we got to the end, my 7-year-old suddenly felt like she knew who Father Christmas was - when he was not sneaking presents under the tree.

A lovely story for kids between 8-12. We loved the book enough to pick out his next one soon. 

The Trip of a Lifetime - Monica Mcinerney

photo courtesy:goodreads.com

A story about families and the drama that lies therein.

 Mcinerney's books are all about families, which is why I love her so much. Although she talking about Australian- Irish families in her books, it speaks so well to my Indian mentality. I love her ability to show the dynamics of familial relationships with such a remarkable style.

I recall reading her Hello From the Gillespies and enjoying every minute of it.  It was about story of a family in a year - starting from one christmas to another. I was hooked on it mainly because of Mcinerney's contagious and compelling writing style.

So this time when this book came in as part of a goodreads giveaway, it was just in time to pack it as my holiday read for a week in Fuertaventura. 

Sun, sand and a Mcinerney book in hand - great.

Gist:

The family's grand matriarch 90-year- old Lola wants to visit Ireland. She left it decades ago as a young woman travelling with her husband to Australia. As with everything she does (for those who know her from Alphabet sisters) her decision sparks a lot of conflict in the family.  She wants her granddaughter Bett and her great grand daughter Ellen to accompany her, much to everyone's annoyance. 

For the journalist grand daughter Bett, it is bad timing. There is a possibility about a mystery series to be filmed in their area and the air is buzzing with news. Bett's newspaper is in the danger of closing down, and this trip is the last thing she wants to do right now.

Lola has a reason for going back - a decades old secret that was never revealed. But now she wants to make peace with the past and rectify things while she still can. She is the foundation that her family is built on and to keep it solid, she needs to make this trip of a lifetime.

What works:

• Mcinerney's writing style. Her verbal strokes are amazing. The humour and the banter which she brings her characters to life are her strong points.

• The characters. They are distinct and she describes them with ease. You meet them for the first time but it doesn't take long for you to relate to them, making you curious to see how they fare.

• The setting. Mcinerney is great at drawing domestic situations and manipulating them to plot her story.

What doesn't:

• Once Lola gets to Ireland, the pace is great and the story flows like a stream of clear water. Her observations about how the country has changed in her absence is perceptive and enlightening. 

• However, the first half drama which is more about what is happening with Bett, her relationship with  Ellen and the preparations that go into their journey is tedious. It takes the wind out of the sails of narrative, weighing it down. 

• This is not her best work. But the way she explores the family relations - stepmum and daughter, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chemistry, it works well and is very easy, enjoyable read overall.

Treat it like a light, fluffy summer read and you will have a great time.

Rounding up the year in books

I love doing this yearly round up - cherry picking from my reads of the year. A bit late (year end holiday and little one's bday party to organise) and I realise we are already in the second week of January. I refuse to believe that its too late to do my 2017 round up in books and here  I am.

It was a great year, bookwise. Lots of good books to read from all genres - literary fiction, crime, chick lit -  a good reading experience. Goodreads tells me I have read more than 2016 which feels good. A quick look through the list refreshes my minds of the titltes that made it to my book log. Here are my favourite reads that made an impression on me:


The Peshwa - Ram Sivashankaran

After watching Bajirao Mastani, I was keen to find out more about this valiant Maratha Warrior and Shivasankaran's version does proper justice to it. It offers depth and character to the persona and offered a well researched insight into the lesser known warrior.

What I loved is the holistic way in which the writer had approached the subject. Instead of giving a breezy, superficial account, Shankaran has taken the pain to paint a detailed background which offers a well rounded perspective - meaning a satisfying story.


The Perplexing theft of a jewel in the Crown - Vaseem Khan

A great fan of crime fiction, it was great to read a thriller set in an Indian setting. For me, it was "Death in Paradise" set in Mumbai. A lighthearted crime story with its backdrop in a city dear to me. You can see why it has sold me. But that is not the reason why it has made it to my top five. It is also a well written story, that touches upon the main character and follows a parallel storyline. It looks superficial but it works on a subtle level.

Love the light humour, great array of characters and a superb writing style. It definitely had me hooked.


The secret lives of Amir Sisters -Nadiya Hussain 


Families, confusion and chaos in a Muslim family. The Bake off winner turns her hand to writing apparently - or that is how it is packaged. Well it worked. Perhaps it was the name that made me pick up the book but then I am not sure if Nadiya would have done this without the help of the hugely talented Ayisha Mallik. But hey! I am not complaining. The combo works very well.

I remember reading that the story was like Alcott's Little Women but then if that is the case because it is about sisters then yes but then that is where the similarity ends.

A set of colourful characters in the exotic Asian family set up, sprinkled with some great writing and humour and voila that's a story served up with a well packaged book.

What sets this apart as my top reads it that it does what it says - light, fluffy yet filled with great characters and writing. It has a writing style that is refreshing, making you want to read more.


Lie With me - Sabine Durrant

A crime thriller that sets off from the word go. It is menacing and kept me edgy for days. A writer who meets his friend on an off chance and says a lie that he has to maintain throughout. A great premise which is sustained very well throughout the novel. Loved the way the writer has used the narrator and came up with a racy style.

What I liked was the narrative device that Durrant has used. I am struggling really hard to not spoil for those who have not read it yet. But go for it if, like me, you dig crime thrillers.



Writing Down The Bones

I discovered quite a lot of books on writing this year. It is amazing how many there are out there. Is it because of the creative writing classes or because more people are turning their hand to writing, I don't know.

 From getting inspiration to write to finding out the nuts and bolts that make short stories work, there are a range of books to choose from. But what got me writing and impressed me with its no nonsense approach was Goldberg's Writing down the Bones. She nails the anxieties and procrastination of a writer very well. It spoke me directly. She reprimands, coaxes and encourages the writer mindset. Job well done.


There goes my top five I suppose. Ready to close the chapter on 2017, I look forward to a brand new book filled year. Join me as I embark on a yet another journey of discovering glittering gems in the world of books.

Happy New Year.

Fuertaeventura.....Everything feels better under the sun

One of the many beaches along the coastline 

When the temperatures were struggling this December end, heading off to this sunny paradise felt like a blessing.  Fuertaeventura - as its exotic name suggests is one of the biggest Grand Canary islands. With its all year round sunshine and superb beaches, it is a sure hit among UK tourists - evident from all the tanned faces and bodies that accompanied us back on the UK flight.

The place though ruled by Spain is nearer to Africa (about 100 km away). In an attempt to boost its tourism potential, it houses cosmopolitan pockets like El Cortillo, Caleta de Fauste - a haven for tourists with great food, shopping options and accommodation - all a towel's throw from the beach.

However we preferred staying inland in Betancuria - a historic town on the island. A fairly quiet place with some fantastic mountain views, yet close enough to the nearby major town of Antigua.

The picture postcard town of Betancuria with its beautiful market square was a treat for the eyes. Steeped in history, it has a centuries old convent that draws a lot of tourists. What we liked is its market square and with its enticing shops - enough to keep you there for a good while.

We spent a week on the island and realised it had something for everyone. For those wanting to lie on the beach there is plenty to choose from, boisterous ones like Caleta de Fauste or La Pared, or quieter ones like the El Cotillo with lagoons, ideal for kids.

For those seeking more than the beaches, there are hiking trails and viewing platforms from where you get a breathtaking view of the island. Places like Morras De Valles is a steep, winding drive right up the top of the hill. It is worth it though, you can enjoy the view while sipping a cuppa at their hilltop cafe.

We enjoyed a few hikes on this island. Mountain Tindaya, Corran Mountain are some that we loved. The slopes are rocky and not steep. It made it easier for the younger ones in the group and they had a great time scaling it.

The northern part of the island, Correljo, has some picturesque sand dunes. The weather was friendly - hot with a cool breeze and it felt great walking on it, feeling our feet sink into the sand.

Apparently, there was camel riding and other activities, but it felt so good to be there, away from the cold, damp English winter that we spent an afternoon just walking around and capturing its beauty on lens.

There was a salt museum which explained the history and how salt made its way from the sea onto our kitchen shelves. An enlightening experience for our kids who assumed that were made in supermarkets! The only downside was that the entire display and the video was in Spanish, leaving us English speaking tourists flummoxed. The pics made sense, but a translation would have been more helpful. The kids were fascinated by what they saw - how salt was caught in these square pools of water and then taken out in the ledges that separated the pool. It was funny watching their faces crinkle when they tasted it in its raw form! 

Considering that the population is more concentrated in the coastline, the roads that run through the island are in amazing condition, making it easier to get across the  length and breath of the island. We made good use of the maps given out at the airport. Each day, we would pick a point of interest and just drive - stopping for pictures on the way. The island is littered with beautiful places tucked away. The joy of its discovery was nothing short of a treasure hunt!

One place we really liked was the Sica Sumbre astronomical viewpoint that offered a viewing platform lined up with information boards.

It was packed with information about the planetary positions and also gave an insight into the origins of its nearby town of Betancuria. It was a good walk, climbing up the slopes of the Mountain while taking in the beauty of the valley. 

One of my favourite places on the island was the Caves of Ajuy, a small fishing village located about 7 km away from Pajara. We loved walking along the coastline, exploring the limestone caves and its natural beauty. The caves made through natural formation of the waves hitting the shore are a sight to behold and there are good constructed paths alongside that makes it possible to get to the caves easily and safely.

We spent time just looking at the waves lashing at the shore, collecting stones and snapping pics for souvenirs.


It was great spending a week on the island exploring these natural gems, and thanks to kids - it was always rounded with a trip to the beach. It felt good going back to our accommodation at the end of each day - learning about the island that bit more.

Despite signs of recession - with its half finished buildings and graffiti near the big towns, - it had an unspoilt feel to it or atleast the non commercial parts of it.

There were a quite few lighthouses to explore on the island. Since a young member of the group was keen on going to one, we visited the one pictured above, on the northern part of the island near Corralejo. Although we couldn't get in, it had a great trail around it, well marked with its geological and marine information boards as we walked along, collecting rocks on the way.

Any trip to the beach is incomplete without its sand castles. My five year old boy was more interested in building one while the others chose to go for a dip in one of the beaches in Calata de Fauste. By the time they returned, he was ready with his work of art. He was very proud of it and was reluctant to leave it behind. This picture is his souvenir from the island.

What we realised:

• This island is not all about its beaches, there are lots of places to explore. 

• Although we hired a car, public transport is available to get around the island.

• Go hiking with sensible shoes and lots of water and you will be rewarded with some fantastic mountain views.  

• The people are very friendly and the local language is Spanish. Google helped us vegetarians a lot especially when it was tricky to tell if a food product had meat/fish in it.

• Although the temperatures were mild, we found that it could get breezy too. One needed a hoodie/cardigan at times especially if staying in the valley.

• Apart from the main touristy bits, it is a sleepy island with not much happening even on some inner mountain roads. We are not sure if that was due to its sparse population or because of New Year period. It made our life easier though...zooming past towns without worrying about traffic snarls. 

Sun, beach and downtime in the middle of winter - superb!