Girls Who Stray-Anisha Lalvani

Book: Girls Who Stray: A Novel
Author: Anisha Lalvani
Publisher: Bloomsbury India

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you think that the choices that we make define us?

A, 23 and unnamed, returns from an obscure British university armed with a useless degree to her new home in Noida—a home of feeble men—and the breakdown of her parents’ marriage. Serial procrastinator, overthinker, anxious and unhinged, A overcompensates her low self-esteem and sense of alienation with snootiness, even as she so badly wants to belong. Her only saving quality is that she is self-aware. Before long, A finds herself elbow-deep in an affair with a property developer and subsequently in a double murder. Faced with the anxieties of the crime along with precarities of living in a hypermodern city marked by seething inequality, A navigates heartbreak and tiny acts of freedom. Girls Who Stray is about the foolish choices you knew you shouldn’t have made. A dazzling literary debut, this coming-of-age thriller is a heady mix of real estate dons, crime, and the twisted, twisted nature of love.

Anisha’s debut novel is a story that explores how choices we make at each step in our lives impact our future. Anisha also blends in two major incidents around that time, right into the plot to turn a mirror on the social lens on a woman who likes to explore life. The writing is gripping, and while the storyline might seem a bit slow to a few readers, the true essence of Anisha’s writing lies in the details. Be it the high-rise buildings of Greater Noida, or the protest sites near Jantar Mantar, Anisha takes her time in setting up the plot of the book. As a reader, if you grasp the messaging, the storytelling becomes smoother. The writing is very visual and being a resident of NCR, I could see and visualize the scenes that Anisha wrote. The social messaging of family, societal expectations, crime, and regret is nicely captured. One more aspect that stood out for me were the songs, translated and mentioned. It was a great experience decoding and then fitting the songs in the story. What could have been improved in the book was a bit of proofreading and fact checking. We see a Shatabdi between Delhi and Mumbai, however that does not exist, and while creative liberties in fiction are allowed, such instances can break the flow of the storytelling. The climax of the book is quite poetic and I liked how it combined all the aspects of A’s life, yet leaves some questions open, mirroring life.

Coming to the characters, the book is primarily driven by A and her approach towards life. In the first half of the book, we see this teenager, who wants to escape her circumstances at all costs, without any regards to the impact on the family back home. The transition of A from this teenager to the person we meet on the last page is beautifully captured. Her moral dilemmas form a critical part of the story, and in the second half of the book those questions start popping out more often. Her relationship with her parents is also very beautifully captured. A’s journey through our country is also nicely captured, and the way it forms a boundary between her character traits was good to explore. A’s perspective on social issues, protests and the prevailing situation adds a wonderful layer to the story.

The book is a definite recommendation for anyone looking to read a well-written thriller with a social message. The book scores a 4.75/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or a bookstore near you. 

The Dalhousie Murders-Aneeta Sharma

Book: The Dalhousie Murders
Author: Aneeta Sharma
Publisher: Readomania

What if your life was upended by an incident that happens years ago?

The picturesque hill station of Dalhousie is rudely jolted when a honeymooning couple chances upon a mud-caked corpse. Inspector Kanet is plunged into a high-stakes investigation, only to face constant interference by the CID based in Delhi. As secrets unravel and the race intensifies, Kanet and CID navigate a maze of deception to prevent another murder. Everyone is a suspect and there are unanswered questions—is entrepreneur Lalit Bharucha concealing a dark past while protecting his stunning wife, Kiyana? Why has the fiercely competitive Ashlesha retreated to this remote town? What’s behind Haneesha’s deceptive innocence? Who is Kabir Rana, and why is he imprisoned? With every clue exposing deeper lies and every suspect harbouring hidden agendas, this relentless thriller delivers a whirlwind of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge. Buckle up for a thrilling ride of twists and turns!

The Dalhousie Murders is a book that explores the idea of how our past can come back to haunt our present. Written as a whodunnit, the book starts off with the discovery of a corpse that unravels a series of events that go back decades. Aneeta’s writing is engaging and you are hooked to the plot to discover what happened in the scene described in the prologue. The plot is straightforward and most of the storyline focuses on the investigation and the motives. The scenes are detailed out and you are able to visualize the characters and the locations, be it the lukewarm tea of the police station, or the house of Haneesha. I liked the way the author slowly shows the layers that she had planned for the story, and through the investigation, you realise that sometimes even mistakes can lead to some unimaginable outcomes and that past rarely forgets. Another good part about the story is that as a reader, you are investigating the case along with the police and the investigator. What I think could have been improved from the perspective of a whodunnit was a bit more of depth in the investigation, forensics and interrogation. As a thriller, the component of excitement and thrill was a bit lacking, and I believe addition of that could have elevated the reading experience a bit more.

Coming to the characters, I really liked the character of Indraneil or CID as he is referred to in the book. His grit and the ability to read people is very well established. I liked how the author has slowly built up this character which could recur in upcoming books, and given him some good and unique character traits. Kanet’s character is also quite well written and the continuous teeth scratching does give him a unique identity that stays with you. Apart from these two, I liked how the author has created the other characters, be it Daksh, Kabir, Ashley, Lalit and Kiyana. Each of the characters gets their own time and detailing so that the needle of suspicion lies on everyone, atleast in till three-quarters of the book.

Overall, this is a recommendation if you are looking for a good whodunnit, and to add an interesting home-grown sleuth to pick up in the times to come. The book scores a 4.63/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or a bookstore near you.

R&AW. Material-Arpit Agarwal

Book: R&AW. Material
Author: Arpit Agarwal
Publisher: Papertowns Publishers

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What if you unearthed a conspiracy that could change history?

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fuelled journey into treachery and deception. An electrifying tale of revenge and espionage, where a relentless spy chief places his half-brother and head of a rival spy agency in a vice-like grip of blackmail to surrender proof of his complicity in a rogue bio-weapons project, the genesis of the COVID-19 outbreak, all set amidst the perilous backdrop of Tibet, China, and India. In this pulse-pounding thriller, loyalties are tested, alliances shattered, and the reputation of a nation hangs precariously in the balance. Will the truth the world has been waiting for be unveiled? Will hard-won reputations be destroyed? Hold on tight as you dive headfirst into a whirlwind of action, suspense, and intrigue.

Arpit’s book is a brilliantly written spy thriller that explores the Indo-China relationship through a fiction lens and the COVID-19 scenario. The writing keeps you hooked and looking for answers that the characters get asked time and again. The thrill is maintained till the last page and you are drawn into this intricate web that spans borders. Another aspect that I liked was that how the author blends the story of how the Tibetan government in exile came into being, and how that forms the foundation of this thriller. Arpit’s research into the geopolitical tensions forms a good basis for the story. The storytelling feels like a movie unfolding in front of your eyes and the scenes are written in a very visual manner. As a reader you feel that you are in the thick of things, be it the cold passes of the Himalayas or the evenings in Dilli Haat. The complex nature of the story adds to the overall charm of the story. The climax is partially predictable, but the reveal does justice to the journey you take in the book.

Coming to the characters, I liked the complexity that Arpit brings in with Vijay, Wei and Pema’s characters. The character development is nuanced, and there are aspects to each of these characters that come out nicely in the storytelling. The way Arpit sketches Wei’s character causes you to admire and hate him with equal measure. The entire character arc forces you to question the entire scheme of things that take place. Vijay’s character as a “straight as an arrow” shines through the story. His dedication to truth is exhibited well and forms an integral part of the storyline. Pema’s character forms an important aspect of the first half of the book, and sets the foundation of the book. Her resilience is well written and you are inspired by the risks she takes, yet never gives up on hope.

Overall, the book is a definite recommendation for anyone looking to read a well-written spy thriller that will keep you engaged right till the last page. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book from a bookstore near you, or on Amazon India. 

Red Flags and Rishtas-Radhika Agrawal

Book: Red Flags and Rishtas
Author: Radhika Agrawal
Publisher: Bloomsbury India

How would you like to meet your life partner-on a dating app, or through a match arranged by your family?

With an impressive score of 153 dates, Ananya Kapoor is a bit of an expert on online dating. She has seen them all—the nice guys, the fuckbois, and everything in between. In her vigorous quest for her S.O., she has pretty much exhausted the pool of eligible singles in Delhi. That is, until a series of ridiculously hilarious events brings her under the same roof as Aadar Chauhan. At the opposite end of the Indian dating spectrum, Aadar is not who she expects him to be. He is progressive, confident, and annoyingly attractive. Faced with a belief system starkly different from her own, she feels the need to prove herself more desirable than a man like him. And so, one night, she makes a bet with him to see who can find a partner first. Can she beat him to the finish line? A delightfully told story of romance, friendship, and unending banter, with one question looming large: Who is destined for a happily ever after—the serial dater or the serial suitor?

Red Flags and Rishtas is a nicely written contemporary story that is quite suited for the times we live in. Radhika explores an interesting storyline where two unlikely people come across each other in the most uncommon of situations, two people who couldn’t be poles apart. The opening scene of the book sets the tone of the book, and I really loved how the comedy of errors starts this book. Another aspect of the book that I really liked were the Bollywood references and the snippets from Shah Rukh Khan movies that weave themselves into the plot. Radhika also puts a spotlight on the way the dating apps work, and also on how the arranged marriage scenario works in the Indian context. While dating, marriage and companionship is the central plot, there is a sub-plot that runs through the entire book of finding one’s calling and finding out what you want with their own lives. The storytelling is quite fun to read, and you are engaged right from the first page to the last. The interactions between Ananya and Aadar were fun to read. The continuous tussle between a serial dater and a serial suitor was truly fun to read. The way the climax is plotted was truly unexpected, and while I had thought that a romcom would end in a different way, the last chapter is very well written. While writing anything specific would be a spoiler, it truly shows how love can make people change their perspective on things.

Coming to the characters, while the book is a romcom about Ananya and Aadar, the book is equally about Vrinda, Karan and Kavita. Each of these characters have been given due attention and depth. While Ananya seems like a undecisive, serial dater, there is a second layer to her character who is looking for someone to be her anchor. There are subtle hints, specially in her and Vrinda’s relationship that highlight this need for companionship. Another aspect of Ananya that stands out is her attention to detail and the eye for creativity, which comes across in both of her initiatives in the book. With Aadar, the conventional tall, handsome man image is reinforced, but the softness in his character is also highlighted, specially the party scene when the drink spills on Ananya. Vrinda, as a character, does stand out for me, specially for her resilience and her ability to compartmentalize and yet function.

Overall, the book is a good read in case you are looking to pick up a book that warms your heart, and serves you with a side of laughs. The book scores a 4.75/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book from a bookstore near you, or on Amazon India.

One More Chapter-Shalini Mullick

Book: One More Chapter
Author: Shalini Mullick
Publisher: Readomania

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Who was the one person who has inspired you the most?

A homemaker mother challenges tradition and redefines her role. A young scholar discovers the power of shared solidarity. An Air Force officer overcomes her incapacitating fears. A goddess calls out patriarchy. A mother battles the judicial system. A fashion designer rises above disability and rejection. These are some of the characters you will meet in One More Chapter, a powerful collection of stories featuring women who rise above challenges, defy societal norms, and discover their inner strength. Each story in this anthology is a testament to the resilience, courage, and grace of women who, when faced with adversity, discover their greatest treasure: themselves. These pages celebrate their journeys towards self-empowerment, showcasing how women can transform challenges into triumphs, embrace their full potential, and ultimately change the world around them.

Shalini presents 16 stories that are in inspiring and challenging in equal measure. The stories focus on the resilience of the women in daily life, and presents some seemingly normal daily events from a completely different perspective. The writing in the book is powerful, but presents the idea of the book in such a simple manner that after each story you take a pause to take in the events that transpired. Each of the story is short and crisp, but the essence of each of these stories is quite deep. Another aspect of the book that I loved was that each of the stories are distinct and you see a completely different character in each of the 16 stories. While the most of the book deals with breaking the moulds that the society has set for these characters and facing their fears, there are a couple of stories that fit the theme in a uniquely different manner. If I had to pick my favorites from the lot, “Diwali Rush” would be one making it to the list because of the simplicity with which the author highlights the theme of the story! Another story that makes the cut for me was “Kindling the Fire” for the theme, the inspiration, and the way Shalini adapts the story while keeping it contemporary. The third story to make it to the favorites list was that of “Mother’s Day.” The reason why this story stayed with me was not just because of the theme, but because of the mastery of writing that this story shows that the story is right in front of you, but the twist in the end stuns you are a reader, and given that this is in the initial part of the book, you start paying attention to small details in the book as well.

Coming to the characters, each of the story in the book features a set of wonderfully sketched characters that are relatable, but at the same time show resilience like no one else. The characters are not described in detail, by the virtue of the stories being short, but somehow you are able to visualize them very clearly while reading the book. The characters are the soul of this book, and as a reader, each of these characters would inspire you to look at your life from a completely different perspective with each page you turn.

The book is highly recommended for anyone who likes to read short stories with a message, and for anyone looking to read something beyond the usual fiction writing. The book scores a 4.94/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore!

Check out my review of the other books by Shalini here:

Mostly Mundane-Saugata Chakraborty

Book: Mostly Mundane
Author: Saugata Chakraborty
Publisher: Redgrab Books

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do when life keeps throwing curveballs at you?

Is your existence feeling a bit... predictable? Do the words ""chore list"" make you contemplate a permanent nap? If the thrill of alphabetizing your spice rack has worn off, you desperately need Mostly Mundane in your life. This isn't your standard how-to, find-your-purpose, or unlock-inner-peace self-help drivel. Prepare to have your mind delightfully scrambled by the sheer brilliance of the utterly ordinary. Mostly Mundane exposes the hidden hilarity waiting in the shadows of your routine. From the existential implications of facing a not so amused life skills teacher in a PTM to a weekend eating out going awry, this book turns the everyday into an epic adventure filled with side-splitting absurdity. Imagine this: Pondering the evolutionary significance of toothpaste while brushing those pearly. Chuckling at the existential crisis of a wrinkled shirt. Experiencing an internal monologue worthy of Shakespeare while waiting for the microwave. Think you've seen it all? Think again. Mostly Mundane will revamp your perspective and remind you that laughter is lurking in even the most mundane corners of life. If you're ready for a gut-busting shift from blah to brilliant, ditch the self-improvement manuals and dive into the world of Mostly Mundane. Your funny bone (and your sanity) will thank you.

Mostly Mundane is a book that, at the first glance, looks like a collection of normal short stories with a common central character, but as you keep reading, you discover some amazing life altering guidance in the stories. Through the central character Shantilal, the author tackles some important points in one’s life such as exploring a business, hobby or how to move ahead if you lose your job. The positive theme of the book keeps you turning the pages and find out more about Shantilal and his antics. Another good thing about the book is that the stories are crisp and the message is subtly told and there is no point which reads preachy. I was happily reminded of my experience reading Malgudi Days, and with this happy remembrance, it was even more fun. The storytelling is very engaging and the writing is very polished. Saugata manages to keep you guessing the endings, and not for a single story was I able to predict what was going to happen next.

Coming to the characters, Shantilal is created with an image of your friendly neighborhood uncle who comes up with interesting things to do every day. The character development is interesting, and with each chapter, you see that while there are lessons that Shantilal learns and teaches us as well, the core of his character does not change and he remains this lovable character that we meet on the first page. The secondary characters in each story are beautifully crafted, and I was thoroughly amazed by the characters of Mr. Gupta and Tiwari.

Overall, this is a highly recommended book and my advice would be to read it slowly and not go by the number of pages. The book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India.

I also had a discussion on the book with my buddies, which you can check out here on Instagram!

Zara and the Bumbling Genie-Padmini Shankar

Book: Zara and the Bumbling Genie
Author: Padmini Shankar
Publisher: Om Books International

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What if you had a friendly genie to help you out with problems?

Eleven-year-old Zara will soon lose her sight unless she undergoes an expensive operation her teacher-parents can’t afford. The devastated girl meets Joom, a runaway genie who’s lost all his magic and is terrified of being discovered by his evil master. Then, when the villainous headmaster of Zara’s school fires her father, Zara and Joom decide to take action. Will Zara regain her sight? Will she avenge her father’s unfair dismissal? And will Joom escape the clutches of his evil owner and regain his magic? Zara and the Bumbling Genie is a story of courage, loyalty, friendship and trust between the most unlikely people.

The book is a wonderfully written story that explores how young Zara is facing problems, both with her eyesight, and the problems with family as her father is unfairly dismissed from the school. Padmini has used simple language, consistent with the target audience for the book, and has also put in meanings of words that might pose a challenge to the younger crowd. Through the conversations between Joom and Zara, the author presents interesting perspectives of what to do when faced with a challenge. She also uses the story to showcase that people who are good at heart triumph in the end. The storytelling is linear and interesting. Padmini has kept the plot relatable to an early teenager using common issues in school. I liked how the author also creates an antagonist in the book while keeping the plot simple. The aspect which could have been improved was that I felt that the book had lesser visual elements which could have been added for a young reader to imagine the scenarios. Another aspect was the similarity of the genie in the book with that in the Arabian Nights stories, even with the images that have been put in. While this has been addressed in the book, I would have loved a different presentation of the genie. The tension in the climax was a nice touch, and I liked how Zara helps Joom in this scenario.

Coming to the characters, the set of characters used to narrate the story were quite good. I liked that each character was given a distinct personality, and that they are quite relatable to the people we usually see around us. The entire character arc of Mr. Boyle was nicely written, and provides good context to the characters of Zara and her parents. While the overall aspect of the character development was nice, the designing and naming of the characters could have been contextualized a bit. While the story is set in Gurugram, we have characters with foreign sounding names such as Mr. Boyle, Mr. Solomon, Adam Butt etc. The surnames felt like a last-minute addition to add the Indian context to the entire story. I believe that this should be addressed in the future editions of the book to make it relatable to the target audience.

Overall, the book has good storytelling, and can be picked up for an early teenager. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book from a bookstore near you or on Amazon India.