Monday 19 October 2015

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"

First I happened to watch the movie towards the climax, and Di Caprio’s emoting, made me want to read this book. His face looks calm but his eyes have an unanswered question hanging about them, and gets killed at the same moment. But since I already had a bitter experience with Eat, Pray and Love, I was uncertain.

All the more the reviews of the book were mixed. There were a set of readers who found it very uninteresting and very disappointing. Chosen the read for the month, and finding a copy of the eBook, I finally settled to read. After completing the book,  I really loved Mr. Gatsby and the book both. The -1 star was because it was pretty slow in the beginning, in fact so slow that I almost decided to shelve it.

"It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own powers of adjustment."

The story does show Daisy, the love interest of Gatsby in poor light. But then it is just a characterization and very much the discretion of the author. It hurt me reading a few highly critical reviews of this book and I think that would speak volumes of how I felt so close at heart to Mr. Gatsby ;) *blush blush*

Perfect characters just don’t exist and the extent of imperfections in each character is what contributes to the riveting story. Moral, immoral, perfect, dented the characters maybe, but they all make a breezy touch to the reader’s heart.   Gatsby’s love for the girl and the extent to which he tries to win her again just build in our minds strongly though it is just outlined and subtly mentioned. He leads her on subtly, doesn't force himself upon, all the while expecting her to agree without showing his expectations on his face. I could relate to that seemingly calm look on Di Caprio.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

And when it rains on his funeral and it goes “Blessed are the dead that the rain falls on..,” it felt like something filled up the heart and moistened the eyes. A story so stoically told, like a collection of events that so slowly and subtly builds up a strong feeling of love and respect for Gatsby in spite of raising many doubts about his seemingly mysterious past.

“...They were careless people, Tom and Daisy-they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. . .” 

Seen so many Tom and Daisy around, and couldn’t agree more. Some books bring a lump in the throat, even before the story unfolds in your mind. The Great Gatsby is one such wonderful story of a lovely gentleman that brings forth the sweet bitter smell of roses crushed heartlessly by his beloved.


Tuesday 13 October 2015

THE Stranger By ALBERT CAMUS

One of my best reads in 2015.

People are different, and viewpoints can be different, that said, we have a never ending list of what normal behavior is, and what is not. Every single line of a text or message can be comprehended differently based on our moods, whims and fancies. But still we are so opinionated about how others speak, do or behave, forgetting that they do not have to react the way we think they are supposed to in any given situation. The environment in which we grow/live, the people we meet, the books we read have an effect on our behavior.  Not reacting the way majority perceive as normal amounts to abnormal behavior?

The protagonist sends his mother to an old age Home, and the reason is his poor financial condition. The mother understands too. The relationship between them was not that close before she went to the Home, so naturally it gets less personal. Well, he doesn’t want to see the face of his mother’s corpse, doesn’t cry, doesn't stay longer at the place after the burial. When a person does it all we would be very nice enough to tell them how the grievance is not going to bring back the dead to life. But when the person himself behaves thus with the knowledge of the same?

Immediately after this he falls in love with Marie, makes love, watches a movie, but then doesn’t everyone else also attend to their daily chores after someone's death? The killing of the Arab too, clearly is in self-defense, and spur of the moment, not a planned and plotted one. But the punishment is meted out and justice denied based on his behavior at his mother’s funeral.

His last outpour to the Chaplain, who keeps putting his views, is befitting, with just the right words and the right amount of words.

Ajaya: Roll of the Dice (Epic of the Kaurava Clan #1)

It took almost two months for me to complete Ajaya. Mahabharata has always been the most fascinating of stories, something like a treasure chest. And with it being serialized and telecast in television, my siblings and I were constantly discussing the story. We were strong supporters of the Kauravas, and always felt they were fooled and manipulated. Karna was the real hero for us, and Duryodhan’s gesture towards him meant everything.

After so many years, Krishna being an avatar, and supporting Pandavas, did move me towards them. The palace of Illusions had a different effect on me. Retold from the views of Draupadi, the love between her and Karna was so astounding. And yes, practically it did make me wonder, why a woman would accept such a fate of marrying five husbands, compared to marrying a Suta, who was a king on her swayamvar day. I have heard many say that the five husbands were due to such and such reason; there are so many explanations, but whatever the stories behind, how can a woman be happy with such a decision that is thrown upon her.

She goes about narrating how the rules were fixed by Kunti regarding how she was to be shared among the brothers. It was so revolting to read that. Well, there could be an argument that says it was more open and accommodative. But when the entire decision is taken by the mother and her sons, how could it be taken as something positive?

With several incidents and actions that sound more cunning, why so much adharma to reinstate dharma and what is the dharma that is being projected? There is mentioned in the epic, that Duryodhan reaches heaven first, because he was a just king. How can somebody like Duryodhan be a just king? If he was such just administrator why not leave Hastinapur with him?

Anand Neelakantan has substantiated his retelling of the Mahabharata as a more acceptable version with logical suppositions. The final few pages after the die is cast make it more interesting read, and the conclusion couldn’t be better.

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Post Office by Charles Bukowski

This is my first Bukowski read. I chose this so arbitrarily, I think for the celebrated author, his first work, and more for the page count, as I was way behind my Reading challenge this year, wanted to finish as many as possible, since I slow down in December like  a sloth bear. The story or whatever is convened through it, is not at all to be taken seriously. Things that happen in the story, happens everywhere and the people in it, you find everywhere.

The protagonist, who is evidently the alter-ego of Bukowski, hates working. Though at some point the gross standards of the post office does sound abominable, like a 2 inch tray to be completed in 23 minutes, and also the loathsome or seemingly loathsome supervisors make us pity Henry Chinaski. But then also to be noted here is that he was never fond of working in the first place, at some point he says of two options one smelt of work, and so chose the other one over it.

He gambles and wants to live life with easy money... But is it that easy? He puts up with Joyce a little because of her millions, though he loses his cool for Picasso the stupid dog, leaving the parakeets to fly out of the cage was understandable, we all have that somebody who goes chatter-chatter no matter whether you have an early day or had a tiring day. The breakup with Joyce was also subtle and though he suggests Joyce to let Purple Stickpin know about her wealth as that would make him come back to her, he is good enough to not join her again.

Betty’s last days, Fay’s delivery, his emotions on seeing his lovely little girl are good ones too... little mushy moments. There is this one line that goes, “Women were meant to suffer; no wonder they asked for constant declarations of love”. Well talk about equality and being treated as just a human being, this is why patriarchy loves a woman, she is meant to suffer, so be protective, treat her like a puppy that keeps running around your feet, lift up and smooch, or push away with your feet?

The funny thing is, in the same vein that he wonders about his little damned thing growing up in the future to be so like him, he also details the nurse’s assets immediately. So that’s him Chinaski, I can actually not like him, but then he is real. Every woman he details purely basis her appearance and her foolishness, he remarks how Fay wears black to protest the war, and wants to save the world, but doesn’t keep the kitchen tidy, the comments about the writers group meet does sound gross but then laughable too.

I rated this book 4 stars, purely because it denotes that I really liked it, and yes I really liked it. It was funny, dark humor at places, and kept reminding me, life need not be taken seriously always. Well... would I recommend this book? I hope not, there is absolutely nothing you would lose or miss by not reading this book. It was truthfully written, and well written, and humor just flows in right from the first sentence to the last, it made me grin keeping aside my prejudices.

So if at all you choose to read this book, just read, laugh and throw it away, nothing to overwork your brain or wonder and think deeply about. But it does definitely turn me curiouser about his other work ‘Women’.

Monday 14 September 2015

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

I am still not completely out of the myriad feelings and emotions that kept filling my days and nights as I read this wonderful story. One thing that made me decide against reading this story was what happens to the twins towards the end, I came to know of it as part of an article and it sounded so indecorous to me, more so, being a mother of twin kids (fraternal too). But then, does love abide by the Love laws, that lays down who should be loved and how and by how much? 

Reading a friend’s review was what prompted me to take up this book immediately. This is one of the best that I have ever read this year. The timeline of the story kept drifting between and within chapters, but that did not hamper the reading, it sounded like a casual account of an incident, wherein we give details of something related to the incident, and to that and to that and so on to complete the bigger picture. The detailing, the imagery all come so true to life with her narration, not a word to be skipped.
"They all broke the rules.  
They all crossed into forbidden territory.  
They all tampered with the laws that lay down who should be loved and how. And how much.  
The laws that make grandmothers grandmothers, uncles uncles, mothers mothers, cousins cousins, jam jam, and jelly jelly.  
It was a time when uncles became fathers, mothers lovers, and cousins died and had funerals.  
It was a time when the unthinkable became thinkable and the impossible really happened."


Some of the small things were so adorable like the reading backwards, the jumping bin kangaroos at the airport, the jolly well, stoppit-stoppitted , the sharing of the stretch marks, some though squeezed the heart out like the encounter with the Orangedrink Lemondrink Man, Rahel being said she would be loved a little less, small things hurled at the kids by Ammu, the electrical crematorium scene, wherein Rahel recounts Ammu, things the kid remembers when the mom reduces to ashes, choosing to save Ammu, Estha’s silence, and so on. Definitely worth several re-reads. 

Sunday 12 July 2015

Fortnight Before Dawn by Bhamini Ravishankar

I recently chanced to notice a free e-book from Amazon, in GoodReads, of a new Indian author, that promised to be a thriller. Thought I will try, ready to abandon in case it doesn't make a good read. I ended up glued to the e-book, and every moment I was free, I spent with Avanti, the protagonist. The very beginning was riveting and full of promises. Contrary to what is expected out of a woman writer, the genre, the field that is more convenient and comfortable, Bhamini delivers a lovely punch full of surprise.

Subtle humor, more realistic characterization, no unnecessary mince up of words and good detailing are the plus. It's very well written, though somewhere down the narrative, it seems like a regular spiced up movie, it nevertheless does not reduce the reader’s  interest and keeps her intrigued. I had already mentioned in one of my previous reviews, how even the best of books, with wonderful plots, storyline, slackens pace at about 100 pages to the end.

Hat’s off to Bhamini, the book was well paced, so nicely written, that the final few pages explaining the twist were interesting to read too. I suggested the book to a few friends, and very much looking forward to reading more from the author. Probably that expectation was the reason for a four-star review though it really deserved one more star.

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Malice: A Mystery by Keigo Higashino, Alexander O. Smith (Translator)

This is my second read of this author, though not from the Galileo series, The devotion of Suspect X being the first one.

A pre-planned murder, that comes across as accidental, as happens in a fit of rage. With every suspect having a proper (well... almost) alibi, lacking any motive to commit the crime, the personality of the murdered one gradually dips to a low in the minds of the reader, thanks to the mention of one very seemingly inconspicuous fabricated incident. The novel is basically, an illusion that is created in the reader’s mind on the personality of the murderer and the murdered.

The novel is quite intriguing and an irresistible page turner. The problem of bullying is discussed in the form of perceptions of different people, presented in the form of interviews. And that particular chapter is more reflective on the society, I felt. What the men think is different from that of the women, how old people view interactions between kids is different from what the younger ones think. It was one of the chapters I loved.

But, it still hurts to ponder on the extent to which a bully can go, framing infidelity charges, and plagiarism, and what not? How complicated are people, scheming, plotting and killing, only because, they don’t like a person? The last fifty pages were read in the morning. I had to hold all my chores for a few minutes, and read it at one go.

Well, the last few pages were redundant I felt, because, the author already moves us to a corner, pushing all the puzzle blocks towards us. So a little less than the 5 stars. But, definitely one more great work from the author.

Friday 22 May 2015

Moon light shadow (Kitchen) - Banana Yoshimoto

In contrast to Kitchen, Moon light Shadow describes the relationship between Satsuki and Hiiragi, who have both lost their lovers in the same accident and are not able to come to terms with it. Hiiragi wears his lover’s skirt as a means of venting his loss, while Satsuki takes up jogging. Though there is very little ranting over and over on the lovers lost, and more focus on these two, the tragedy burdens us heavily.

The thoughts on death were repeatedly crossing my mind, recently. Everyone knows that they are bound to die, then why do we fear our own death, and brood over those of loved ones. After all death seems to be the grand finale, then why? Seems to be - since it is still unclear. Is it that we are completely switched off, or working so feebly, incapable of communicating, that we are not completely off. Isn't that eerie?

Death or any ending for that matter, is not about its occurrence but rather the way it occurred, or the path of occurrence. Not having waved off a proper good bye, not having communicated enough, not having made our thoughts clear, causes more anguish and stays with us forever. And every time our heart and mind are over with the present, and have some "me" time, this abrupt affair of the past takes over and torments the soul. 

And what ultimately may relieve us, and deliver us from the pathos that swamps us, would just be a proper good bye. Is it possible? Or will it just stand a chance of a hundred years, the appearance of the blue moon, and many other conditions, which when met, may create the magic, and redeem us. Sounds like the conditions apply tag with a double star?


Well... I personally liked Moonlight shadow better.  

Thursday 21 May 2015

Kitchen - Banana Yoshimoto

While searching for some other book, I bumped into this novella. Looking it up in the GoodReads, the reviews were promising. The magical surrealism that is prominent in Murakami’s works is dominant in these stories too. What is it with Japanese writers... they so easily weave such a tantalizing web around the readers? The characters communicate less verbally and more through their thoughts and imaginations. The line towards surrealism is so thin... gravely thin and so artful, it feels like walking around in somebody else’s dreams.

Simple story line, yet bursting with emotions, it did not make me cry, but burdened me with such a heavy heart. Where does this heaviness come from I wonder, and I am not able to point to this or that, the feeling so gently builds up through the narration.There are two stories, Kitchen and Moon light Shadow. Kitchen in turn has another chapter in it - Full Moon. Kitchen has been reviewed by many as the better of the two, and is quite obviously the best. But there is a sort of pathos in the Moon light shadow, that touches your heart straight, and pulls the strings, and guess what, it is her first work, naturally the first work always touches deeper though may not be that well written. 

The story in Kitchen is well planned and flawless. Kitchen is where I find solace too at times, unpacking things, cleaning up, clearing up relieve me of too many pressing and bothering thoughts and add up a liveliness. I end up changing menus, cooking specials or stocking up items. The bothering thoughts simply disappear, and don’t disturb me like they did. And it is in a similar way, the title links up to the story.

Part one is about Eriko, who becomes the mother to his child after his wife's death, and is so perfection personified that he goes about a cosmetic transfer to perfect his feminine look. The author explores the subtle yet powerful relationship between Eriko and Mikage. At the end of the chapter, Mikage moves away to her own residence, but still there is sort of a happiness that permeates subtly.

Part two, briefly describes Eriko’s death (The few lines about her death and her Will are loaded with insights into her beautiful personality), and its effects on Yuichi and Mikage. The fear of death and abandonment looms large over the two. Mikage going to meet Yuichi with the takeover, and finally meeting him feels more like a dream.

Thursday 7 May 2015

Embryo (Embryo #1) , J.A. Schneider

A GoodReads suggestion, with a cover that says it all... well, almost.

The reviews at amazon were catchy, and when I was actually going to buy the same, found a free copy at GoodReads... Lucky me. Mapped under mystery, thriller, science fiction, horror and action genres, and the page count... hardly 250 pages, made me take it up, so that I reach my goal(the 2015 Reading Challenge) faster.

But 20 pages, and I couldn't continue. I simply couldn't register the characters, the Who was who. That was reason enough to shelf the book. After almost a month, I made up my mind to complete it, come what may. And after the first few pages, letting go the terms and descriptions... well, it could be read. But sadly, it is just another thriller novel, where the person who seems to be annoying and villainous is not a villain after all, and the one whom we least(!?) suspect turns up the super villain.

Having read loads of such books, and watched several movies, I could guess the very first time the villain makes an entry. So, it was not a big twist at all. The beginning is confusing, it takes time to identify the main characters, the protagonist. And after the identification, other characters have almost no role. The main character is the only one who senses that something is wrong, jumps to the right places at the right time, understands every thing, solves it all.

And the villain and his sidekick are the usual ones, including the big dialogue villains usually deliver. Other than the many medical terms thrown, all over the pages, not much work for the reader, no need to think, deduce or remember at all, because what happens is the very obvious. Not a great read, just the usual...

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Aristotle and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Sáenz

When my cousin sent me the e-book, adding, that she saw it in my to-be-read list in GoodReads, I was greatly surprised that I didn't remember when or what made me add this book. It made me look up my list and found that I had added it somewhere in Nov 2014. I usually add books from my GR friends bookshelf, but this ... not many of my friends had added, and the ones that added were at a later date. So, what exactly made me add this ... I kept wondering and I have not figured it out yet.

Set at the back drop of a Latin-American family, it is a beautiful pencil sketch of two teens. Pencil sketch...? Yes, no colors added, that moves your focus to less innate things... simple shades of black and grey, with white interpreted the way you perceive. I simply loved it... right from the first page, the contents, the introduction, the names of the chapters, characters and everything about it. 

After the Book Thief, (which changed my perception of taking pride in my history, nationality, ethnicity, language and culture, it put in my mind that humanity means more than everything else),  this is yet another soulful read.

Set in 1987, which was the year that I stepped into my teens, the things happening around Ari, his parents, his friends... A very nostalgic read, reminded me of my School, schoolmates – the bullies included, my lovely teachers, who still remain my inspiration and shaped me into whatever I am. I think I had/have very few friends... the soulful, best friend types... I am just part of all the funny conversations in most groups... Books have been the best friends that have criticized and influenced me in the most positive way.

The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea

A start like this is bound to keep one riveted. Reading this at my age, the irony ... makes me wonder, how many lives have been my idea? But somewhere towards the end, I think it all comes down to the same place where it started. Was Ari’s decision, really his own? Somehow, I feel, he succumbs to other’s decision, one of the ills of being less demonstrative about one’s feelings? It would have been lovelier, if there isn't any push from others... his parents, Dante’s parents, and that he feels it himself. That was one star minus, from my perception.

The one line summary of this book goes... A lyrical novel about family and friendship ... on googling about the author, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, found that he is a teacher, poet... and written so many books for children and young adults... each one of his book titles are poetry by themselves... very eager to read more of his writings.

As I come to the end of this review, running my eyes again through this lovely book... the dedication touches my heart and fills it with love to the brim...  

... To all the boys who’ve had to learn to play by different rules




Sunday 15 March 2015

The Perfect groom - Sumeetha Manikandan

Often I cross thresholds of laziness, though I keep devising methods not to be... well, more than devising methods I need to be acting on them... as simple as that. Like my dearest friend, remarked often, "you know everything... what you don't know... is to practice what you know". Well, so yet again, the below write-up has been lying as a draft since December. I had started blogging in Dec 2013, and the last published was in Oct 2014, so this was saved to be released just before 2015.

I am extremely sorry, Naheed Hassan and Sarah, for being so lousy.

Just finished the Indireads novella, The Perfect groom by Sumeetha Manikandan. It is my first book as part of the Indireads Reviewer program.Need to mention the beautifully illustrated cover, by Shehna Khan. Beautiful bride with a masked groom... quite intriguing.

The story is a first person narrative by Nithya, a girl from Mylapore, Chennai, and starts with her troubled marriage to Ashok, an NRI. She recollects her past, the circumstances under which her marriage took place. Sumeetha has beautifully accounted these moments, just sufficient to keep it crisp. The narrative is to the point, nothing can be seen has a drag. It is a sad state of affairs to think that despite being a literate, and a working woman, she has to embrace the life thrust on her. The way she keeps things from others, brings out the beauty in her character. Though hurt to the core, worried about hurting others.

Some of the many issues faced by women are highlighted, and handled deftly. Sumeetha excels in the characterization of the novel. All the characters are portrayed, in varying tones of grey, rather than, just black or white. On the whole... Liked it.

Maya - Sujatha

This is a collection of short stories written in tamil by Sujatha borrowed from an online library.

Maya, the title of the first story as well as that of the book, was a wonderful story, revolving around a godman. A story straight out of the Ganesh - Vasanth series by the author, no words to describe his story telling abilities, and his neat presentation. Something like every word written had a purpose to serve, no words wasted, no moving away from the core of the story, and the climax, where the title just stabs you like that was why it was christened so. You don't need to stop twice at any page to read between his lines, it is all very apparent, everything there, right before you.

A very quick read for me, though the style stands out.

To keep the length of words in check, the central plot not deviated from, and keep the reader interested, is too difficult a task. Even a general write up like blogging becomes something like a drag. At times keeping these criteria in mind, leads to a very short blog, and sometimes, the original intention or idea behind the writing vanishes completely, while I pursue some side story to the central idea. Writing short stories is really challenging, some times too much of details, and too much stress on emotions, can cause a wandering story line.

The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak

As I close this book, my head swirls with the words, saumensch and saukerl… running the streets of Molching, hiding in the basement of 33, Himmel Street… very tiresome.

This book kept coming to me. I first saw it as a Goodreads suggestion, since I had a few books by Ken Follett in my read and to read shelves, so related to World wars. But then a friend’s review put my interest off. My cousin gave this book to me, in exchange for some of my books, and I was tempted, but still not sure. This was chosen for the July group read, and I happened to check the mail only towards the end of the month. I was finding some reason to avoid it, but then finally, I had to read it, the book got the better off me.

The story is set at the back drop of Germany during WW II and so Hitler, Nazis and the holocaust have a sound presence. Also the narrator is Death itself, personified. With all the preconceived notions, as I read the first few pages, it felt such a drag, so negative. At less than about 50 pages I decided to shelve the book. I tried reading Mein Kampf, so that I will not be biased. As I googled for the details of World war, my favorite subject during elementary school, the holocaust, the pogroms. I let go off my prejudices, thought I will try reading once before returning the book.

The initial days of Liesel at the Hubermanns, the child finding solace in the foster father… is such understanding possible even with real parents? The transition of my feelings for Rosa was so subtle, the woman keeps swearing but still made me fall in love with her character. The friendship between Liesel and Max is so beautifully woven, sure to melt hearts. Need to mention, the meetings with the Mayor's wife Ilsa, the thievery at her library, the note Liesel writes to her.

Love is trust, and it is so beautifully brought out where Hans instructs Liesel to keep Max’s presence a secret, while he doesn't even break the news to his own daughter, and still the secret is well kept between the four, all of them not related by blood. Little acts of kindness and care make huge differences to the lives we lead.

There can be many politically correct and (or) better books on the Nazis, holocaust and WWII. For me, this book focuses on the people side of it, and probably that is what makes it a best-seller. Death is inevitable, but dying every moment with the fear of death is despicable.

There is a bit of irony in the way the characters die. Hans dies with so much of guilt, before actually being bombed to death, while Max survives the camp, Rudy dies in spite of not being sent to the war, and Liesel lives to see her grand kids.