A Will to Kill - R V Raman

Classic crime detection packaged in an atmospheric, contemporary setting 

Blurb:

When Manu Fernandez approaches well known detective Harith Athreya, with two wills written by his living father, Bhaskar Fernandez, Athreya is intrigued. Upon request, he decides to travel to Nilgiris – a beautiful hill station in South India. Athreya arrives as a guest at Greybrooke Manor just in time as events unfold.

My review:

• What really works for the story is the atmosphere. The mountain railway train, the mist and the reference to the colonial past instantly transports the reader to the Nilgiris. This is not a setting usually seen in crime novels, which is a major plus. The setting also acts as a foil to the gruesome events about to occur at the Manor.

• There is a definite echo of the Doyle classic, Hound of the Baskervilles. The folkore that envelopes the Manor is as thick as the fog outside, casting a dark shadow over the fate of its inhabitants.

• Detective Athreya's sharp mind and observations skills are a joy to read. A bit more backstory about Athreya would have helped in connecting him more with the reader. But then with so many characters who are also potential suspects and it is easy to see why Raman has focussed more on the plot.

•  The various subplots support the main narrative well and the story builds up intrigue as suspicion shifts from one character to another with each development.

• The writing style slows the pace a bit but once connections between random events emerge, the reader is racing through the pages.

Ultimately, ticks all boxes for a good read.  The plot unfolds well and like mentioned before, the reader would have loved to know Athreya better.  But then, that is why this reader would be on the lookout for his next case.

Disclaimer: I received copy from Pushkin books in return for an honest review.

The Broken Pane - Charlie Roy

The Broken Pane examines the concept that our lives is a sum of our experiences and challenges it - does our past define or do we define our past in a certain way? 

This debut novel by Charlie Roy is about memories, relationships and a reconciliation with the past. All these themes are well woven in a compelling story narraited by the protagnist Tam who turns to family secrets as she tries to overcome grief and guilt.  

 Gist:

Tam is a young woman with a troubled childhood who finds her brother's body and as means of coming to terms with the loss, embarks on a journey to set the past straight. 

As her mind goes back in time, it opens doors to a turbulent childhood filled with an alcoholic father, a suddenly disappearing mother and a grandma, Nana who inadequately fills the gap for the kids. Will Tam find the answers she seeks or will she be stuck in the past forever?

My thoughts:

• As the story unfolds, our hearts go out to the constantly cleaning Tam and the deviant little Nick as they battle their father’s unpredictable behaviour and short bursts of their grandma’s affection. It is heart breaking to see these young children grow up in an atmosphere that reflects on how not every child gets the love it deserves. The reader feels empathy for them and credit to Roy for telling the story through  different perspective and unreliable memories.

• The characters are beautifully drawn and although some of their actions are questionable - Mick's behaviour as a manifestation of wrong choices or Nana, who deals with the situation in the only way she knows, the story unravels beautifully oscillating between the past and the present.

• It is atmospheric in the way that the reader can almost feel the children's dread when they hear their dad walk in, bracing for what could possibly happen.

• Just when the narrative begins to get predictable, the focus shifts to a new direction. It turns into a reflection of how a certain time period influences choices and also the tendency to remember people as we perceive them and not as they are. It is an incisive insight and the ending makes for a satiating experience.

Summing it up:

  An evocative narrative with relatable characters. Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. 

  

 

Not A Happy Family - Shari Lapena

 A satisfying read - that is how it felt after I turned the last page. I turn to Lapena's books whenever I want something fast paced, high on setting and a plot that gets me tearing through the pages. This book did all of that and more, showing why it is no wonder that Lapena is on top of her game when it comes to racy whodunnits.

Gist:

Fred and Sheila are hosting an Easter dinner for their three adult children, something by their children. The next morning, the cleaner finds the couple brutally murdered and the police have to step in to figure who could have done such a heinous deed. 

What I liked:

•  I  was going through a reading slump where I was finding it hard to carry on reading. This time I had no trouble finishing it off quickly. Lapena really is the queen of the one-sit read!

• Lapena's settings are always strong - where it is a drinks party next door, or a hotel on a snowladen night. In this case, a fractious family dinner is the base of the story which is a perfect platform for the story to unfold. 

• The characters are distinct and their behaviour well in keeping with the personas. They are strong and well moulded as potential suspects. The backstories are convincing giving each of them a motive to be the killer. It is amazing how Lapena skilfully creates characters with a few words, ones that instantly stick in mind. 

• There are liberal doses of clues and Lapena is good at shining spotlight on each suspect, keeping the reader guessing about the killer till the end.

• The reader feels not only invested in the story but also the conclusion, as the story leaves behind a satiated reader to join the dots. 

A superbly paced read, thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Cold Sun: Anita Sivakumaran

A crime novel with a Leicester detective and a spate of murders in Bangalore, India. I simply had to pick up Cold Sun to know more.

This is Sivakumaran's debut crime novel but she comes with an impressive record of poetry, short stories and novel publications. Her debut novel Queen, about the Tamil Nadu Chief minister Jayalalithaa’s rise to power was recently adapted into a web series. Her other works include feminist retelling of the mythological epics and a poetry collection apart from award winning short stories. Going by her previous works, it was easy to assume that this one would be hardhitting as the others.

Gist:

Three prominent Indian women have been murdered in Bangalore. However when one of them turns out to be the ex-wife of the British Foreign minister, Scotland Yard sends DI Vijay Patel to India to help with investigation.

Patel has to battle local resentment and his ancestral country alongside Chandra Subramanium, the fierce female detective. But soon he becomes the target and Patel and Chandra must get to the killer before they become the next target.

What I liked:

• The authentic setting: This is the India I recognise – where you have the slums existing next to the suave hotels, where the hot weather and freezing AC are a part of life. It was great to see how Sivakumaran inserted these tiny details and made setting an important part of the novel. 

• In the UK, dominant Indian communities seem to represent the general Indian ethos. Sivakumaran’s observations gives the reader an insight into the north-south divide that exists among the Indian communities. The NRI observations in connection with the weather and the food lighten the sombre mood of the dark, twisty plot.

• Patel is a Gujarati-Ugandan and an ex cricketer turned DI. As a Leicester resident, and it was great to see the city finding its place in a crime series.

• In true nature of a fast paced story there are constant developments - sometime a bit too much, in an attempt to maintain the action. Patel’s British Indian persona works well as a foil to the Indianness of Chandra just as her non-conforming attitude is a sharp contrast to the rule-abiding Patel.

• Sivakumaran’s writes compelling prose and her hardhitting style is a perfect fit for this genre. The plot sticks a little towards the end but by then you are already swept by the twists and the revelation to mind it much.

It is a fascinating debut and definitely a great start to a series. The main characters have strong backstories and their interaction is fizzing with chemistry. A fast paced crime debut, strong on setting. 

Jane Austen Investigates series: The Burglar's Ball by Julia Golding

This is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates, a delightful series aimed for readers 9+.  Having enjoyed the first book with its witty oneliners and the wordplay, this one was yet another enjoyable read. It was great to seeing characters from the previous one reappear in this one, helping the teenage detective with the case.

The plot:

Jane and her sister Cassandra have been invited to their old boarding school for an end of term dance. However they find themselves in the middle of action when an expensive piece of jewellery is stolen from a locked room and one of Jane's friends is wrongly accused of it.

What I liked:

• Jane Austen's sharp wit and Golding's writing abilities are on full display and hooks the reader right from the beginning. There is plenty of action here: a  mischievous parrot, a cricket match and wrong accusations and repercussions for readers to keep guessing.  

• It was also interesting to see how Jane Austen's real life experience of a short stint at a boarding school forms the base for the story. Golding uses this detail cleverly by sending teenage Jane back at their old school to solve a mystery. For readers new to Jane Austen, it breathes life into her biography while celebrating the eagle eyed observation and characterization of her works.

• Jane Austen's letter at the each of each chapter is yet another highlight. Full of wit and wordplay, these beautifully crafted gems summarise the latest development for the young reader. Each one is unique and shows off the writer's firm grip of her craft.

• Avid Austen fans can also find connections between her works and these stories. This one had a strong connection to Austen's Sense and Sensibility and it is amazing how Golding has weaved in the characters and the distilled the essence of the famous work into her story. It is very nicely done and evokes interest in reading Austen's original work. Anything that interests young minds in classics is a big plus with me.

Overall, a great read for young readers who love a great mystery and for Jane Austen fans who will enjoy this new take on the celebrated writer's work.

The Khan - Saima Mir

N

An arresting cover and a brilliantly told story! The buzz around the book was so much that I was worried I would be disappointed once I opened the pages.  I read it within three days, totally immersed in the world and the story.

Synopsis:

Jia Khan had severed her ties with the family. She lived alone, is doing well as a lawyer and would have continued to do so, had it not been for her sister's wedding. But now that she is back at the family home, she finds that the very reason that forced her away is now getting her to stay back.

My review:

• I am a big fan of the Godfather, it is one of my all time favourites. So when this was pitched as a ganglord story, I was superexcited. The image on the cover is of the protagnist Jia Khan and it does build a certain kind of picture in the head. I was keen to get to know but and was not introduced to her till the third chapter. 

• Mir makes her reader work, she does not spoonfeed the reader with the regular dose of conventional storytelling. The reader has to concentrate really hard in order to get a bearing of the story. The first few chapters are difficult as the story feels a bit disjointed as Mir tells the story from a totally different angle. And yet if you carry on, you are rewarded with a beautiful insight of what loyalty means and how respect is earned both in terms of the story and her storytelling.

• I loved the characters and the nuggets of observation that Mir brings to the story. Especially the phrases as she paints Jia's past life and the making of her persona. However, I must warn you that it is not your typical action paced thriller. There is violence and gore and yet it is atmospheric rather than the act that delivers the sinister element. 

• I had an interesting conversation with my book club members who felt that they did not get to know the characters especially some peripheral ones who seemed promising. They also felt that the action was a bit abrupt and many storylines were not allowed to develop. It got me thinking and then I realised that is what made this one special. On one level, it was about mafia culture totally different to what crime readers are used to and on the other hand, it was about a woman breaking a male stereotype. All of this is layered within the conventional parameters of a story. It is definitely ambitious in its range and scope, yes such a trajectory has its shortcomings but in the light of what Mir has achieved, by presenting the crime thriller genre in a completely different light, I can gladly let her off the hook not playing to the gallery.

I can only suggest you to pick it up and decide for yourselves. You may fall in love with it like me or take a strict stance like my book club friends, but you cannot ignore it. Definitely worth the time.

    

  

The Family Tree - Sairish Hussain

ISBN:9780000829748 Publisher: HQ fiction

A beautifully told, heart warming story

I heard Sairish Hussain at the Platform conference and was impressed by her writing process and her passion to tell a story that did not have any of the stereotypes that seems to plague South Asian fiction.

The book was shortlisted for the Costa prize and has been very well received.  I just finished it and found it to be just as beautifully layered and structured as it pretty cover. 

Gist: 

When the story opens, Amjad has just lost his young wife and is cradling his newborn daughter in his arms.

His son Saahil is his support and Amjad begins to build a life that sees his children well settled in their future. However, one accident changes their lives forever taking them in directions with some devastating consequences. 

Will the family be able to get through it and become whole again?

My review:

Loved the opening chapters that takes the reader into the life of this British Pakistani family as they are picking themselves up from a tragedy. I found myself invested in the characters. Every one of them, even the minor ones are memorable as the story moves from one decade to the next.

I liked how the story is weaved in with the topical events of the time, which clocks the perception of the British Muslim public and tells their side of the story. It is amazing how Hussain uses her characters to express the Muslim view of the heavily politicised events.

It tackles some big themes of grief, homelessness and addiction through her characters which adds depth to her novel. The pain and the anguish comes alive in those pages and this is down to Hussain's storytelling skills.

Overall, a fabulously constructed story. I loved how the action and drama accelerate towards the latter half alternating between two different scenes, resulting in a well constructed finale. 

An engaging, layered narrative that grips the reader till the end.  I can easily see it as a TV series. 

Sairish Hussain is writing her next. I will be definitely looking out that one.

Rumaysa A Fairytale - Radiya Hafiza

A refreshing take on an age old fairytale

What if the golden haired Rapunzel is actually a dark skinned Asian girl who lets down her hijab instead to get out of the tower? This is the premise of Rumaysa - a fascinating debut cleverly brings SouthAsians hues to a well known story. 

Gist:

A dark skinned Asian girl trapped in a tower is looking for a way to escape. She finds a way out and discovers a magic carpet outside but there is no knight in shining armour instead a friend who gives her a necklace that tracks down people in need.

  

And then begins her adventures. The book is divided into three independent stories and though the first one is of Rumaysa, she weaves in and out of the other stories, more like a faciliator instead of a rescuer, helping the characters take control of their narrative.

My review:

Radiya Hafiza's sparkling debut offers a refreshing twist to age old fairytales and is divided into three sections. Readers will recognise well known characters as they follow Rumaysa's story and then follow on her adventures. Though stories take off in a similar fashion they do not end up the same way.

I was not expecting the twist in the second story or the third and was pleasantly surprised to find one. You can see shades of the writer's skills colouring the story while retaining the fabric of the original story which I was thought was amazing.

 

It is a great read, ideally suited for 9-11 year olds, full of action and adventure.  

Tamarind and the Star of Ishta

Yet another gem from Bilan! 

I absolutely loved Jasbinder Bilan's debut novel and so did my then 10-year-old daughter. Hooked on to her stories, we were eagerly waiting to get our hands on her latest novel and enjoyed reading it.

The story:

Tamarind is nervous. She is travelling to India to met her Indian mother's family for the first time. She was very young when her mother died and she is looking forward to learning more about her through the family. But she soon finds herself battling a thick shroud of secrecy and walls of silence. There are some clues though - an overgrown hut, a star shaped ring that glows and a strange girl who calls herself Ishta. Will tamarind get to the heart of the secret at all? 

My review:

I loved Tamarind right away. Bilan gets into her head remarkably well, with her numerous questions, her unease with everything Indian and the natural curiosity that works as the trigger. The characters of Arjun and Sufia are nicely drawn too. 

I also loved how Bilan gently takes the reader through difficult situations and helps them confront difficult emotions. Bereavement, changes in family structure are tough for young children and this book plays a very important role in helping the young reader understand it.

The element of magic realism is nicely handled. It is amazing to see how the magic stems from the memory of a loved one thereby grounding it in reality. 

The story also plays an important role in teaching the reader about the Indian setting, making the culture more accessible to the reader.   

Overall, a great story sensitively told for 10+ readers. Highly recommended. 

Bad day at the Vulture Club - Vaseem Khan

A superbly crafted novel, with a heart.

I love Vaseem Khan novels for the way he tells his his stories. Baby Ganesha agency's investigations are light and breezy with the added advantage of  having Bombay as the backdrop. So, while they are wrapped up in a whodunnit, Khan has beautifully way of interwining the city with it.

I was hooked ever since I read the first one. This is the last book in the Ganesha series and what a way to end it. As I moved from one book to the next, the storytelling is more nuanced, the style more layered and the narrative full of laughs with a slight undercurrent of social issues. Not many whodunnits do that and that is one of the main reasons why I love the writer and his work.

Gist:

When Perizad a Parsi heiress comes to Inspector Chopra to reinvestigate her father's death,  Chopra doesn't realise that he will end up unearthing some dark secrets about the Parsi community.

My review:

Whether it is the museum or the Film world, each Baby Ganesha book is a love affair with the city. This one is no different. Vaseem Khan sets his story in the Parsi community, which not many know is a decadent but critical contributor to the city's financial foundations in the past.  

I particularly loved the way he introduces the Parsi culture through the dilapidated building. 

"Time's inescapable embrace shimmered around the facade: in the crumbling plasterwork, the faded paint, the creepers that wound unhindered between the rusted railings of the wrought- iron gate."

I could immediately picture the place, its declining glory and the feeling that it harboured many secrets.

The story was set in the Parsi community and that meant it would have rich cultural influences in terms of food and practices which was a delight to read.

The characters as usual are distinct, the twists  and it is amazing how the story moves away from the community into the general population and back so seamlessly while keeping a tight rein on the plot. It says a lot about the writer's ability to weave such a story. Absolutely loved it!    

While traffic is a perennial topic, he also uses the story to highlight the Poo2loo campaign, which comes with a helpful author's note at the end. And that for me, is a big plus. The reader gets the whole package - entertainment value in the case of a well crafted whoddunit, an insight into a less known community and a social issue which adds to the reading experience.

This is my favourite of the lot and as Vaseem Khan moves on to a whole new series, this fan is going to be definitely looking forward to his next!  

Murder on the Safari Star - M.G.Leonard and Sam Sedgman

A fascinating well plotted story that kept me enthralled.

I had heard about this adventure on train series and when I heard it made a top prize, I wanted to get my hands on it. This is the third in the series and yet it did not seem to spoil it for me in any way. The book works well as a standalone, as each book sums up the previous adventures and 

The gist:

Hal and his uncle love travelling and have solved many cases on their travels. So when Hal is excited to learn they are off to South Africa during the February half term holidays. It begins well at first, meeting their fellow passengers and the exotic experience of a rail safari. However, when one of the passengers is found dead in a compartment, it is upto Hal to find out not only what happened but also the how.

My review:

The story flows smoothly and the illustrations are amazing. The rail safari is so beautifully described that it felt like I was on one, enjoying the sights with the other passengers watching the train roll by from scenery. 

For a train mystery like this, a diverse set of characters are crucial and the Leonard and Sedgman do a good job of introducing characters from different backgrounds. You can see the similarity between this and the Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express but the similarity ends there. From then on , the story takes a path of its own.

The twists and turns are just like the way the train moves, with a similar jerky, jumping feeling as the plot touches upon various characters and their motives. 

The book is meant for children and yet looking at how he story is constructed, adults will enjoy reading it too!  It is layered well enough to interest the adults and also the children, the main character is after all a 12 year old. 

Well deserves the award it received. I will be keeping an eye out for more for sure!

Melt - Ele Fountain

 An action packed read that also addresses topical issues. 

Their are two strands of narratives, Yutu lives in a remote village on the Arctic with his elderly grandmother. With each passing year, he can feel that it was going to be difficult to sustain their way of life.

Beau on the other hand is starting school at a new city, once again. Her father is her best friend, but she is starting to notice that his behaviour is becoming odd. She embarks on a trip hoping to smooth things but finds herself propelled into an icy adventure across the Arctic.

My review:

I loved the two narratives although I was intrigued to see how these two completely different narratives would blend it and loved it when it did.

I could see the readers feel reflected in the two main characters, as they portray the same restlessness and anxiety characteristic of a 11-12 year old. 

The setting is beautifully described. The reader to feel the icy blast hitting their face as they race across the snow on the snowmobile, which is sure to appeal to young, adventurous minds. 

Although the story reads like an adventure, yet Fountain remains true to her theme as her plot talks about corporate irresponsibility and the price that our planet has to pay for it. It portrays and realistic yet a sensitive picture of what could remain if we do not take responsibility for the earth that we live in.

An engaging, educational read that readers 11+ will surely love!

 

 

We are All Birds of Uganda - Hafsa Zayan

I read this book as part of our maiden pick for our Kitaab book club. I had heard Hafsa Zayaan speak about it on Platform – Black and Asian writers conference and was fascinated by her writing process. Besides, I was keen to read about the Ugandan Asian history and since this story was set against the backdrop, it was a perfect fit.

Gist:

The story is set in two timelines in present day London where Sameer a successful lawyer is all set to take the next step in his career while in the 1960s Uganda Hasan who has just lost his wife is struggling with grief and as political events unfold, it seems like that all he had known was ready to be questioned.

My review:
 
I loved how the past and the present narratives were juxtaposed together. The past traced the historical aspect whereas the present showed the consequences of that historical event on a personal level. 

Loved the characters especially the camaraderie of the close friends,  which could have developed further, but then would have digressed from the main theme. 

The love angle of Sameer and Miriam seemed a bit weak but one could understand why it was so. As a plot device it worked well, to explain how a directionless Sameer was drawn to the purposeful Miriam as opposed to the opulent materialistic life of Aaliyah.

I also loved reading the historical backdrop of how Asians made their way to Uganda and through Hasan, it was fascinating to read an account of how Indians first made Uganda their home only to see them banished from it. It was also interesting to see instead of painting Indians as the victims, Zayan works towards a balanced perspective in the attitudes of Hasan towards Abdullah and in doing so shows up a more transparent version of events. A big highlight for me.

Over all, a great read that compelled me to keep turning the pages. It taught me a lot about Ugandan history while delivering a beautifully told story. One of my top reads, definitely!

Let us Look Elsewhere - Mona Dash

Publisher: Dahlia Books 173 pages
RRP: £10
ISBN: 9781913624040

Acclaimed author Mona Dash is an author-poet who has already published a memoir and two poetry collection. Now for the first time her debut short story collection is being published by Dahliabooks which contains all her prize-winning stories in one place. 

Let us look Elsewhere is a delightful set of stories from round the world with themes ranging from desire, disconnect, sense of belonging and home.

 The first piece, Let us Look Elsewhere, is almost like an “Empire writes back” piece where Dash claims her right to choose her stories instead of narrating tales expected of her. Sounding audacious at first, it builds a very convincing case that leaves the reader impressed and delighted about what is to come next.

 The stories that follow are bold, often sexual with an undercurrent of longing. In  “That which is unreal” a woman services men on Skype and Whatsapp while yearning for a lost love, whereas “Lovers in a room” a high flying woman flits from one man to another hoping for a connection. Strong on setting “Inside the city” juxtaposes the protagnist's life against glittering, volatile exterior of Las Vegas .  

“Sense of skin” begins with killing animals to sell their skins but eventually becomes a tale of self discovery. “Golems of Prague” on the other hand focuses on the looming threat of AI, how it first invades the protagnist Ivana's work and later seeps through her personal life too.

 The inherent themes of sense of belonging and home is evident through “Why does the Cricket Sing” ,“Secrets” and “Temple Cleaner”. Dash distills the immigrant experience into stories to show the pain of being an outsider, how a new home doesn't guarantee a sense of belonging and the far reaching implications of an immigrant life.

Dash skilfully handles historical fiction in "The Boatboy"  where she resurrects a forgotten martyr from the British Era through this tale of rebellion and courage. 

The stories are neatly laid out - beautifully crafted gems adorn this crown of a collection. But the most impressive aspect of the collection is a combination of confidence and conviction - confidence in her craft and the conviction with which she tells her stories.

A fascinating, bold debut that enthralls the reader right from the outset.  

You can pick up your copy of Let us Look Elsewhere from Dahlia books.

 

 

   

 

A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth - Chitra Soundar

Publisher: Walker Books, 107 pages

My son and I are familiar with the adventures of Prince Veera and Suku, and so this new offering from Chitra Soundar came as a delicious treat for us. A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth continues the adventures of the problem-solving duo as they accept the invitation of Raja Apoorva to visit Peetalpur to attend the summer festival.

My eight-year-old son enjoyed listening to how quickthinking Suku saved his bones from a wrestling match and how clever Prince Veera handled King Apoorva’s wrath while exposing the futility of his decision.

As we sailed through the pages, the stories sounded familiar to me (Chitra's note at the end of the book explains how she has adapted them for this generation of readers). Growing up in India, I had heard these tales as a child but for my son raised in the UK on treehouse story collection (his favourite) these were a delightful introduction to his origins and the power of stories to educate and entertain. He really enjoyed drawing his own conclusions before reading on how the puzzles were solved by Veera and Suku.

As a parent, it was gratifying to see Chitra weave in tiny morsels of wisdom through the stories. The concept of friendship transcending social status, that arguments should always be resolved with “words and not swords” strikes a good balance alongside lighthearted banter.

This collection also introduces some interesting characters like Raja Apoorva and his daughter Princess Kanti, who add colour to these tales in their own characteristic way.

Picking a favourite was hard for us. The opening story Festivals are Fun showcases the quickthinking Suku and the courageous Veera, whereas Families do Quarrel is a lighthearted tale is about how rash decisions can backfire. We enjoyed No figs for an Unholy saint about a neighbourly dispute and unexplained burglaries  whereas an Improbable Dream brings this fantastic set to a great close as prince Veera and Suku's last puzzle before they take their leave from the Kingdom of Peetalpur but not without a characteristic parting shot.

We really enjoyed the stories together and are not done yet. He is now reading them by himself. Overall, a superb set of stories aimed at young and older readers. I am already making plans to buy some copies as gifts!   

Brown Baby - Nikesh Shukla

Nikesh Shukla is best known for the Good Immigrant, a path breaking work that gains value with each passing year.

His keynote address at Platform writer’s conference held me in awe along with so many others as his heartfelt words echoed in our minds much after he had finished his speech.

The same authenticity is reflected in the memoir. Brown Baby subtitled as a Memoir about Race, Family and home. An accomplished writer, Shukla weaves in statistics and statements in his memoir, as he takes us through his various familial relationships and the influences that have shaped him.

Originally a series of essays, the chapters have been restyled in an epistolary format addressed to his daughter whom he calls Ganga. They touch upon different topics ranging from race, feminism and societal stereotypes, balancing the act with family anecdotes. The dominant theme is of bereavement as Shukla reveals how he struggled to deal with the loss of his mother.

In true Asian fashion, there are ample references to food and flavours but in Shukla’s hands they act as panacea to manage the decade old grief of losing his mother.

It is a compelling read and the honesty with which he talks about his family, the relationship with his father and the expectations of the family is heart rendering and dealt with brutal honesty.

Overall a great read, there are times when it feels a bit overwhelming but the engaging tone keeps it light and smooth. It is a great read. As a parent myself, I could relate to bits of it and marvelled at how skilfully Shukla has managed to write about race and deliver it in a palatable fashion.

This memoir definitely gets a thumbs  up for its well structured pieces and for instigating a dialogue about topical issues.

 

The Abbey Mystery - Julia Golding

Jane Austen in a Nancy Drewesque Avatar 

Julia Golding's new novel The Abbey Mystery features a young Jane Austen as the detective. Set in the 18th century, it accurately captures the essence of the era and Golding utilises the same razor sharp perception of Austen's novels to solve a mystery at an Abbey. 

A Former British diplomat, Golding has published 50+ books in different genres and is a self confessed Jane Austen enthusiast. Her academic interest in the literature of the period is evident in the way she recreates the setting in her novel. Besides since I love the persona of Jane Austen more than her novels, I was really keen on finding out how this detective fared in the pages of this mystery novel.    

Gist:     

A 13-year old Jane Austen ends up travelling to Southmoor Abbey as a companion to Lady Cromwell. But she finds herself in the middle of baffling events. Unable to resist a mystery, Jane and her trusty notebook together with her faithful dog Grandison, set off on a covert and dangerous journey to unravel the truth.

My thoughts:

• Jane Austen as a young detective is a great protagnist and Golding captures her voice well. The language is set in the past and yet the tone is refreshingly contemporary and this enhances the narrative. 

• It was great to view the Abbey and its residents through Jane's eyes. There are some carefully crafted scenes that showcase her fiesty self beneath that well-mannered persona.  

• The letters to Cassandra work well as a reflection of the protagnist's thoughts plus some clever wordplay ('S' and 'D' letters) that were enjoyable to read.    

• Golding pulls her characters in from different walks of life: the gentry, the immigrants enveloping them in a cloak of mystery. It makes for an interesting mix for the plot to move forward and also as an accurate reflection of the time period.   

• The India connection is also cleverly used here in the way she weaves in characters, perceptions, food as an intrinsic part of the story.

Overall a great read. There are so many elements here and they are fused well for an entertaining read. I loved reading it and definitely will be looking to see what Jane gets up to next.

The Abbey Mystery is published by Lion Hudson books.

The Quickening Rhiannon Ward

Seance and secrets set the scene for this story

Spooky happenings, seance and eerie atmosphere - it was enough to get me excited about this gothic novel. But my curiosity also stemmed from the fact that this was Derbyshire crime novelist Sarah Ward's debut in the gothic novel genre.

The Story:

Set in the 1920s, pregnant photographer Louisa has been commissioned to take pictures of the contents of Clewer Hall before they are auctioned. Louisa needs the money and agrees to stay at the Hall to complete the assignment. Upon arrival, she learns about a seance that is being recreated to replicate the one held there years ago. Louisa finds herself tangled in it and soon finds that this job is much more than she bargained for .

What I liked:

"January mornings are worst times to greet the living when you'd rather be amongst the departed."

• I loved the angle of the story, how it introduces the main character and then zooms in on the setting. The atmospheric feel of Clewer Hall a country house shutting down for good ends up taking sinister hues by the end of the chapter. It really set the tone for what was to come ahead

• Louisa the protagnist is a strong character and her backstory justifies her actions. It was interesting to watch her connect with the members of Clewer Hall. The class divide is portrayed well in their interactions.  

• Despite a small drag in the middle, once the seance scene is unravelled, the repercussions sweep the reader in a roller coaster ride till the end.   

• Particularly enjoyed reading about the photography in the 1920s. Sarah uses her research well to explain the elaborate process using glass plates and chemicals which seems quite alien when compared to a snappy "click" on our phones today! 

• The use of historical elements lend authenticity to the narrative and meeting Arthur Conan Doyle as a character. It syncs with his real life reputation which for me was a nice touch. 

Loved this period story which had a contemporary echo. It is well structured and flows well. I found myself racing to the killer end, caught up with story and intrigued to know Louisa's fate. 

From crime thrillers to gothic novels, Sarah Ward's writing keeps me enthralled. Recommended read.

Trust me - T.M Logan

Pacy, action packed read

What if you are on the train and someone hands you a baby to hold for a bit. Sounds routine but the same premise in Logan’s hands, turns into a crazy rollercoaster ride in his latest book, Trust Me.

Having read Holiday, I love his style and the way his stories pull you in and keep you there till you find out what it is all about. That is what happens with this book as well.

Gist:

Ellen is travelling on train and finds herself opposite a young mother holding a beautiful baby opposite her. She agrees to look after her for minutes while the mum sorts herself out only to realise, she is left alone with the baby and a note that says,

“Please protect Mia. Don’t Trust anyone, Don’t trust police.”

This triggers off a series of events that Ellen has no time to fathom before realising that her life and the baby’s are at stake. Ellen has no choice but to catch scraps of information thrown at her and assembled before it is too late for her to act.

My review:

• It is a fast-paced thriller, that leaves you no time to breathe as events collide into one another, a layered story that slowly unveils itself.

• Love the title. Trust is such a loaded word and the story is so much in sync with the current times.

• It is a plot-driven story, where the events propel the story forward but the characters - Ellen, Dominic, Leon, Gilbourne, Holt are well well rounded too, their backstories justifying their actions, which in turn makes for a great reading experience.

• A high octane read for those who love thriller/race against time/who dunnit reads or boxsets. 

Allegation - R G Adams

An evil monster exposed? 
Or an innocent father condemned?

Can looks really be deceiving? That is what social worker Kit Goddard is out to discover when she is asked to tackle a high profile case.

Matthew Cooper, a prominent member of a small community in South Wales has been accused of historical sexual abuse. While allegations are being investigated, the social services step in to remove the accused from his family and home before a formal assessment is made. This case falls into the hands of Kit Goddard, an inexperienced but intuitive social worker. With support from her colleagues, she gets down to finding out the truth even as the rigid walls of influence and affluence threatening to keep her out.

Adams plunges the reader right into action, filled with acute observations placing Kit at her workplace, simmering with referrals and bureaucratic hurdles. The writer’s experience in the sector is apparent as the initial chapters offer pertinent insight into the pressures faced by social services, a stark realisation of the mammoth responsibility they shoulder.  

Kit’s past is weaved in well with the case, each running parallel till it reaches a point when they blend in. As tensions run high towards the end, the suspense and the pace work really well at keeping the pace up.

As Kit finds herself knee deep in the case, the story is told with a great deal of sensitivity. The plot unravels slowly and at each stage you feel for Kit Goddard as she battles demons – in the past and the present and has the reader cheering for her.

There are lots of well etched peripheral characters likely to be the recurring fixtures in this police procedural series. Apart from her colleagues Ricky and Maisie and the DI there is an interesting angle of the new manager towards the end. Adams establishes their dynamics well here in preparation for the next case.

Overall, a compelling debut that handles a sensitive issue very well. No wonder then that this story has already been optioned for TV. 

I will be definitely looking out for Kit Goddard's next case. You will too, once you read this one.

 Allegation by R G Adams is published by riverrunbooks. 

 

 

Kololo Hill - Neema Shah

Neema Shah’s debut explores the themes of home, belonging and immigration about an Asian family in Uganda.

The story is told through perspectives of three main characters– newly married Asha, her mother-in-law Jaya and Vijay, her husband’s brother. Asha’s husband Pran does not have his own version, which is just as important as the story unravels against the backdrop of the Idi Amin regime.

 The Uganda Asian history is told through the peripheral and the main characters in fascinating detail albeit slows down the narrative a bit. However, it works hard to draw the reader into their lifestyle - the rushed socialising before the curfew, their dukans and the sense of community, fear of being targeted and hunted down by the Idi Amin regime. But once the 90-day expulsion is announced, the family realises that it is their differently coloured passports will decide their destination to safety.

The story really picks up momentum when the family makes a mad dash to get out of Uganda and into the cold streets of London. The sense of disorientation upon their arrival, as they re-examine the concept of home, forms the crux of the novel.

For Jaya, like many Ugandan Asians, it was like leaving home twice over. It is interesting how Shah portrays the two generations, - the older one that still refers to India as home whereas for the younger generation it is Uganda.

While the personal sense of home is prevalent, the effects of the empire is felt throughout the novel – lurking in the Asian presence in Uganda or in the local hostilities faced by the refugees. The biased attitudes are deftly conveyed through well-crafted scenes and casual conversations.

The sense of solidarity that emerges from shared experience is carefully portrayed through the interaction between the characters. I really enjoyed the banter between Vijay and Asha that shows off their chemistry while hinting at possibilities. Shah’s writing style is good at nudging the reader, urging them to make assumptions, making them a willing participant as they are immersed in the lives of the characters. A truly enhancing experience.

The characters are so firmly lodged in the psyche that the ending of the novel leaves the reader bereft, hoping fervently that they live on in Shah’s next.

Overall, a slice of immigrant history not recorded much in fiction, by a competent novelist who knows exactly how to tell it. Highly recommended.

Kololo Hill is published by Picador and is out on Feb 18, 2021.

 

Heat Wave - Kate Riordan

Suspenseful and a scorching read for a cold evening 

Thrillers are my favourite simply because of the possibilities of the genre. A simple story about mothers and daughters can have an edge if you add the thriller element to it. I really enjoyed how Riordan has managed to shape such a suspense story on a premise that could have been a domestic, contemporary story.

Gist:

Slyvie is back at their family home in France with her daughter Emma. However there is a deep sense of unease. It is hot in the French countryside but that is not all, there are some bad memories, something has driven them away from the place and now they are back revisiting the past with some devastating consequences.

What works:

•  Superb sense of foreboding that kicks off from page 1.

• A mother-daughter story that everyone can relate to yet you can sense straight away that something is off. It is believable and yet the reader would be aware that there is something seriously dysfunctional here. 

• Riordan builds the story so well and then turns deftly around on its head, such that the reader never sees it coming.

• Couldn't help feeling it had a Rebeccasque quality to it. The brooding presence of an absent character in the house and the protagnist's memories of her is so powerful and is so beautifully done. 

• Superbly atmospheric, I felt like I was in the hot climes of France, could feel the heat and the thunderstorms against the palpating tension in the house. 

 

How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures

As the title suggests, this memoir is about Qureshi met her husband. But it is also about so much more.

As she states earlier on, it is not a tale of drama and oppression but more of a coming-of-age story.  She reflects on an upbringing where the houses were always full of guests, tables full of food and the mindset that girls who do not have a vocational career must marry young.

One may cringe at the way she puts herself through the matchmaking process. But we have all been in situations which in retrospect we would have handled differently. It takes courage to relive them again with transparency and that is where Qureshi wins hearts. 

Although marriage plays a pivotal part, the memoir also reflects on the personal trauma of losing a loved one – her father - around the time she was starting a new job at a newspaper office. Her experiences resonate as she battles grief and workplace bias at the same time, such that the reader feels triumphant when Qureshi finally begins to feel at peace with herself.  

The latter half of the memoir reflects on how she meets her now-husband and their efforts to convince the family. However, there is reference but no in-depth analysis about the cultural conflict. Perhaps that is where the appeal is. It is an upfront account of a woman relating her experiences and, in doing so, highlights societal stereotypes and pre-conceived notions. 

It is a feel-good story after all, and we know how it ends. The facts are neatly lined up like a well-planned fictional story, but the authenticity and the voice remind one that it is a memoir, and an engaging one at that.

Ten things about Writing - Joanne Harris

 When Joanne Harris’ name appears on a book about the craft, it is bound to attract attention. So, how is it better or any different than the ones already out there? 

Ten Things About Writing is clearly designed for the tech-savvy contemporary learner attracted to the luxury of a well-laid-out website. The book is moulded in a similar fashion, offering writing advice in a very palatable format with its crisp short sentences. 

It is divided into ten sections, each section containing ten short chapters. Each chapter is further laid out in ten bullet points. It is so easy to dip in and out that you whizz easily through the pages and marvel at how much has been packed into those short chapters. 

Right from getting into the zone to constructing a nuanced narrative, the book covers a wide range of topics. It offers tips on basic skills of “show not tell” and foreshadowing with equal ease, making it a comprehensive writing toolkit for the novice as well as the advanced practitioner. 

Harris’s experience as a contemporary author shines through when she discusses commercial issues like readings and requests. There is a section that addresses all sort of random queries from publishing trends to handling frustration. The questions are random and yet relevant for the writer navigating their way round the writing world.

The book ends with section, “Welcome to the dark side” and this is the best part where the stern, but warm voice inspires the reader and urges them to take pride in leading the life of a writer.

For someone keen to understand the concepts, this is a great book; for someone looking to sustain the joy of writing, this is invaluable.