Wrong-Shilpa Suraj

Book: Wrong
Author: Shilpa Suraj
Publisher: Rupa Publications

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

Would you sacrifice love to satisfy your guilt?

Ananya Saxena is the good girl who has always done the right thing. She is a dutiful wife, faithful daughter-in-law, fierce champion of the law. Except, in her heart was another phrase—reckless lover. An impossible choice for a good Indian girl. Duty had Ananya marry her best friend only to end up with a bitter, vengeful husband. Arvin Saxena is now a cripple, both physically and emotionally, after his wife’s confession the day before they were to be married. So, Arvin’s never-ending pain finds release only in hurting her. What he doesn’t know is that her secret sin was loving Arnav Saxena. Arnav turned his back on all of them when she discarded him and married his younger brother. When he is forced to return, it sets Ananya on a collision course with fate and she chooses desire over duty to embark on an affair with Arnav. For a brief glorious time, they have it all. But soon, Ananya is faced with yet another life-changing decision when adultery, bankruptcy and a web of lies bring her to a crossroads. The dutiful wife or the defiant lover... who does she choose to be? And does she really even have a choice?

Shilpa crafts an interesting tale of love, guilt and choices that will make you rethink some of the choices you think are a natural reaction to various situations in your life. The plot alternates between the past and the present as the past comes to the fore, and we are presented with the facts of Ananya, Arvin and Arnav’s past and how the current situation came to being. The storytelling is quite powerful and you are drawn into the life of the characters as it unfolds. The story of choosing between love and duty out of guilt is very well told. I loved the fact that plot does not comment on the decisions made by any character, but rather presents a cause-effect scenario of each decision. The concept of “wrong” in this book is fluid and Shilpa presents various ideas of what could be wrong, and how it is never late to correct what might be perceived as wrong. Another thing I loved about the book was how things unfold slowly and how the events of the past were quite related to the ones in the present. The climax of the book really made me smile for the simple fact that each of the primary characters-Ananya, Arnav and Arvin found out their “wrongs” and finally took a step to rectify the same.

The characters in the book are crafted in detail and there are nuances to each character in the book that adds volume to the plot. Ananya’s character is a complex one who has a very strong moral compass who cannot stand injustice happening, yet when it came to choices for her own life, she chose a path that might not seem logical. Arvin’s character is someone who was dealt a blow in life however his choices took him on a path of no return. Arnav is another character whose story has ups and down, but while he did the right things, situations made him walk on a path which was quite at odds with what he wanted.

Overall, this is a story that would make you believe in the power of love, life and choices. The book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book at your nearest bookstore or Amazon India.

Calcutta on Your Plate-Nilosree Biswas

Book: Calcutta on Your Plate
Author: Nilosree Biswas
Photographs: Irfan Nabi
Publisher: Rupa Publications

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

Have you ever wanted to trace back the history of food?

What is known as Kolkata’s food today has its backstory embedded in 250 years of political, social and cultural history—a fascinating testimony of self-fashioned Bengali baboos, whose aspirations pushed the boundaries of Bengal’s traditional gastronomy, resulting in a new food universe. From the private kitchens of an exiled king and the homes of a handful of upper-class Bengalis, how some dishes became so popular is a thrilling story of taste, smell and savouring. To think that some of today’s signature dishes such as dum biriyani, kebabs, fish chops, kabirajis, cutlets, kathi rolls and Mughlai paratha were once exclusive to those who had access to the ingredients or for whom it was their ‘home food’, is perhaps overwhelming at some level. With influences of mostly two cooking styles—the English and the Mughlai-Awadhi, aided by contributions of the Portuguese and a pre-existing food habit from the medieval times, Calcutta’s foodscape underwent a sea change, impacting people’s lives, food habits, food procurement and the ways of social engagement. Calcutta on Your Plate touches upon this incredible journey of tastes, innovations, acceptance, indulgences and celebrations.

Calcutta on Your Plate by Nilosree Biswas is a wonderful journey of how Bengali food evolved over the years, and the impact of the various settlers brought into it. The book is very well researched and the gastronomical journey literally makes you wishing you could walk to a sweet shop in Kolkata and get some Sandesh. Reading history is always a tricky proposition but this book flows quite fluently and there is no moment that seems stretched or boring. There are interesting anecdotes that add a nice flavor to the narrative, and the extracts from various sources that reinforce the picture Nilosree was painting. Right from the very first cookbooks to the ones that survived the sands of time. I liked the fact that she does a comprehensive analysis of how the ingredients came to being, including the spices. She also explores the etymology of the names of some popular foods and brings to light the story of some names that have become common place. My favorite part of the book was the last section where we explore the history of the sweetmeats, and the anecdote about the clock did stand out for me.

For anyone looking for a detailed and well-written historical journey of Bengali food, I would definitely recommend this book. The book scores a 4.81/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book at your nearest bookstore or on Amazon India.

Bad Girl Gone Good-Alisha Kay

Book: Bad Girl Gone Good
Author: Alisha Kay
Publisher: Self Published

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

When Aisha Rajput, the queen of raves and celebrity after-parties, is asked to plan a hospital fundraiser, she's convinced the sun finally rose from the west. And yet, she is determined to blow this brief out of the water for it is her one chance at redemption. Seven years ago, she shattered Dr Kabir Pradhan's heart with a deliberate, conscious act of betrayal. The least she can do to make up for it is to save his hospital. Aisha is the woman who loved him and broke him. The last thing Kabir needs is for her to do it all over again with his hospital. He doesn't want her, he doesn't need her, and he certainly won't tolerate her. Or so he tells himself. When the hospital board leaves them with no choice but to work together, the stage is set for fireworks. When the heartache of the past collides with the irresistible desire of the present, the future looks to be in jeopardy. Unless the Bad Girl goes Good and saves the day. But can she? And does Kabir even want her to, for like it or not, his heart has always belonged to the Bad Girl, hasn't it?

This is the first book in a series being written by 3 different authors, and having read their collaboration once before, I must say this is a wonderful beginning to it. The central idea of old friends-turned foes falling in love is very well executed. Bringing back the characters from Alisha’s previous series, this book moves in a smooth manner and the story grips you till the end. The storytelling is interesting and the premise of the story has been very well planned. The idea of love making you do extreme things is quite convincing, and through various situations, she brings this point to light. Another thing I liked about the book was the fact that the author has focused on the point that while we might judge a person on their history, things might not always be the way they seem to be. One thing that I observed in this book that marked a difference from Alisha’s previous works is the amount of intimacy in the story. The climax is well written and with two more characters coming in in the further books, I am quite intrigued to go forth on this journey with Aisha, Inaya and Tara.

Coming to the characters, Aisha’s character as a strong-willed businesswoman has been detailed out, and the author gives her the space to make her mark on the reader. Kabir’s character is interesting, especially the manner in which we see his feelings change through the course of the story. The thing that stood out for me in the story in terms of the characters was the bond that Aisha, Inaya and Tara share, and how they create a sense of being that can face any challenge that comes their way.

Overall, a great start to a series that I am sure to continue my journey on. This book scores a 4.63/5 for me.

Get your copy on Amazon Kindle!

What the Rains Foretold-N. Mohanan (Translated by Manoj Neelakanthan)

Book: What the Rains Foretold
Author: N. Mohanan
Translator: Manoj Neelakanthan
Publisher: Niyogi Books

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

Have you read translations of Indian folktales?

What the Rains Foretold by N. Mohanan and translated by Manoj Neelakanthan relates an origin myth of Kerala and its people. N. Mohanan’s work is an introspection into the mind of the protagonist, Vararuchi, and the tragic arc of his life. Young Vararuchi was an accomplished scholar, who sought to challenge destiny and overturn its writ. He was offered the coveted seat of the Royal Pundit at the King’s court, but demurs and declares he wishes to pursue the truth. On hearing a prophecy that he is destined to marry the child of a Pariah couple, Vararuchi seeks to subvert fate. Later he marries Panchami, the beautiful and accomplished young daughter of a Brahmin, but learns she is the same child. They have twelve children, who are forsaken at his bidding as he pursues his quest for knowledge. The children grow into fine young people from different walks of life-religion, warfare, the arts and crafts-to become the progenitors of Kerala, a land that thrives with prosperity and contentment. The conclusion that blends repentance and forgiveness provides a cathartic resolution. This elegant translation makes an age-old tale accessible tale accessible to a wider audience, as well as reveals the soul- stirring questions beneath the timeless story.

Indian folktales are quite interesting, and in a country with multiple languages and stories, each one can be quite enchanting. What the Rains Foretold is one such story that tells a story as old as time. The plot of the story is quite engaging, and the storyline is short and crisp, which keeps the main content of the story in focus. The storytelling is filled with emotions that change with each chapter, and the note that the story starts on and the note it ends on are quite interesting. The songbirds talking in verse was an interesting addition to the plot and it added a nice flavor to the plot as it moved along. Another aspect of the story that stood out for me was the visual detailing and the vivid description of places that help you paint a picture and enjoy the story. Translations are tricky, and Manoj has managed to execute the translation in a wonderful manner in such a way that the book does not seem to be stuck in a limbo between languages. This book reads in English fluently, and that is the true reason I loved the translation.

While there are not many characters in the book, Vararuchi’s character arc is quite interesting specially in the manner he internalizes the changes that happen through the course of his life. Panchami’s character is quite powerful and the choices she has had to make on the account of Vararuchi are not ones that a person can make without having a steel-like willpower.

This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who would like to explore a wonderful folk tale, and an amazing translation. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

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

3 Tips: The Essentials for Peace, Joy and Success-Meera Gandhi

Book: 3 Tips: The Essentials for Peace, Joy and Success
Author: Meera Gandhi
Publisher: Rupa Publications

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

Have you ever wished you could find guidance that is easy to understand?

What began as a television show on Times Network, and evolved into a social media movement, culminated in this book. In 3 Tips, Meera Gandhi has truncated her life’s learnings into three easy-to-follow, utterly practical tips that anyone can incorporate in their lives. Drawing from both spirituality and modernity, this book is not only an inspirational milestone of literature in self-guidance, but also an honest and motivating account of the life of a cultural powerhouse who is dedicated to giving back, and helping people of all ages to follow their passions and be themselves!

The book is a wonderful read and the tips that Meera provides are easy to understand and implement. Divided into simple chapters, the 3 tips in each aspect of life are followed by a small example and explanation that shows how Meera implemented it in her life and also how she came upon the tips. The tips do not sound as sermons and as a reader, it becomes quite easy to connect with the points. The suggestions are quite doable and since there are just 3 for each aspect of the life, you are not overburdened at all with the information and you feel as if you are talking to a friend and asking for guidance. The kindle edition had some minor editing issues, that can be rectified in subsequent editions. Meera’s voice in the book is very friendly and that is one of the best things about it. There are quite a few takeaways that I would really hope to implement in my own life.

Overall, a good book that provides some practical tips. The book scores a 4.25/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India (Associate Link).