Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 49
June 3, 2018
Tell Tale by Jeffrey Archer - Review
Book Name - Tell Tale Author - Jeffrey Archer Publisher - Pan Macmillan Buy books from Amazon
Review
After the Cliffton Chronicles, readers would be expecting another thrilling novel from the legendary writer but what followed is a comparatively different set of short stories.
Some of the stories are inspired from real life while some are purely fictional.
To begin with, the 100 word story, perfect murder tells a whole tale in 100 words. Further the mix of fiction and reality leaves the reader engrossed in the engaging narration anand impeccable plots. The story of how someone who doesn't own any land ended up earning billions from car park fees is unbelievable but real. The same leaves the readers awestruck about how strange reality could be. 'Who killed the mayor' is a tale that will make the readers go on and and on guessing and finally giving up. However the climax was more or less expected.
Another book which is a literary bliss would be' A Gentleman and a scholar' where the first woman lecturer in Harvard is having a debate on the Shakespearean verses. The tale of the girl who hitch hikes to get stories for her books is interesting with a twist. The senior vice president is the longest of all. It could be counted as a micro novel.
Author has pulled off his effortless narrational abilities in pulling off a thriller. Some of the tales failed to maintain the graph and hence the pace and entertainment Quotient of the book is not stable.
Verdict
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4.5/5Character : 4.5 /5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Who owns that song by A.R. Venkatachalapathy- Review
Book Name - Who owns that song Author - A.R. Venkatachalapathy Publisher - JuggernautBuy books from Amazon
Review
A poet who has created fire with his pen. The writer who made the British lose their sleep. He created violent protest without physically hurting anyone, through his words. Nonetheless his work didn't get the prior appreciation during his lifetime. The irony of his life is that the same work lit up ferocious arguments and controversies.
Author has crafted an iconic piece on the life of the legendary poet. How author has seamlessly connected each incident is commendable. The book starts with how Bharati has expressed radicalism through words and the further incidents which resulted in his exile and arrest. His wife who has played a crucial role in nationalization knowingly or unknowingly. Further the authors desperation in getting the fame and recognition and the disappointment in failing to do so has been portrayed without prejudice. For a story as his, there is a lot of possibility for the narrator to be prejudiced. Nonetheless, author has balanced his view regarding Subramaniya Bharati's life.
Author has given a glimpse to the background of each person who had become a part of the nationalization. A detailed research was invested for the book and the readers would be engrossed to read the controversy which is dramatically sketched. Mayyapan and Chellama deserves special mention. Apparently, the author has pulled off a biography in the background of the whole nationalisation controversy for Bharat's life means hid writings
Verdict
An interesting account on the life of a legend who was unsung while alive.
Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 4.5 /5Research :4.5/5
Entertainment Quotient:4.5 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 29, 2018
Mango People in Banana Republic by Vishak Shakti- Review
Book Name - Mango people in Banana Republic Author - Vishak Shakti Publisher - Niyogi BooksBuy books from Amazon
Review
A cosmopolitan ultra modern corporate habitat where the manager indulges in a "colleagues with benefits" treaty with his junior's girlfriends. The junior being denied the deserved promotion feels dejected. Anyone would expect a plot of revengeful plans from the junior to sabotage the Manager's career. But Vishak Shakti has thought out of the box to bring forth an intellectual tale that, effortlessly displays a palpably soothing journey of mind.
The book is divided into seven parts corresponding to the seven chakras. The protagonist Ravi's experience during the Yoga and meditation practice is encouraging to aspiring Yogis. When Ravi ditches his job and wealth, there is a strange feeling of concurrence generated in the mind if readers. Author has explored the deep desire of every human being to be liberated and eventually happy. Anand, the physicist too leaves behind everything in search of soul.
The experience with Ravi is more realistic and relatable. The fact that he reaches his destinations in a stage by stage manner provides credibility to the whole scenario. Author has made the plot lively with his quirky narration. The communion of humor and spirituality is the highlight of the book. The entry of Madhu is a deviation from the plot. Notwithstanding the social relevance of the part, it was a mismatch in the whole mood of the book.
Verdict
An entertaining book that will cling on to our psyche.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from WritersMelon
Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar by Kochery.C.Shibu
Book Name - Men and Dreams: In Dhauladhar Author - Kochery.C.Shibu Publisher - Niyogi BooksBuy books from Amazon
Review
We often come across books that depict the regional lives but most of them concentrate on a single region or era only. Author Kochery.C.Shibu has put together the totally unrelated extreme poles of North and South, the Himalayas, Kashmir,Nepal and Kerala.
Nanda is an engineer from Kerala who is delegated the Hydro Electric project in remote Himalayas. Hailing from a background of Kalari and with a backstory of revengeful murders, Nanda needs to hide from the periphery and there is no other place that is as safe as the extreme north end for someone coming from extreme south. The background of Nanda is extended to his grandparents. A life in that era is authentically and tangibly encapsulated. From the God's own country we are taken to the Paradise on Earth Kashmir, where Khusru adapts to a life that few would dare to live. On another side Rekha who is a classical dancer cum doctor is in search of an ideal man who will make her heart go "dha dhin dhin na".
The diversity of the backgrounds is the USP of the book. The book is equally entertaining and informative. The impropituos life on the hills and the unpredictability contributes to the edginess of the overall plot. The book kicks off promisingly and does keep the entertainment graph high but towards the second half the pace drops. The characaters are crafted well but the scenario of Nanda's marriage could have given more priority in lieu of unwarranted violence and graphic fornication. Rekha's character sketch and the subsequent plot could have been worked upon considering the importance in directing the plot. Sudden switch from Miss goody shoes to a carnal hunger was patchy.
Verdict
Overall the book stands out in quality, literature and groundwork.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4.5/5Character : 3.5/5Entertainment Quotient:4 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the WritersMelon.
May 23, 2018
Supercouples by Prachi Garg- Review
Book Name - Supercouples Author - Prachi Garg Publisher - Srishti PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
Review
If someone tells that love intensifies with distance, show them the book Supercouples by Prachi Garg. Authoress has made it a point that couples can not only love each other but also work together without any ego and attain heights.
Supercouples is a collection of real life stories of couples who have had startups together and worked out each other's strengths and weaknesses for the success of their venture. Author has carefully selected the couples such that they belongs varied walk of life. One spreads the message of love and peace, other helps the artists sell their work online, other is into IT and communications, ye another helps you get cashback from top retail websites. From portals that help people make their cherished moments memorable,to encouraging weaker sections of the society, to learning solutions- Prachi has touched almost every types of businesses. The idea of helping firms sell their business is one of the most novel ones. I might not have included all but Prachi has included everything.
The USP of the book is that author has depicted the love and understanding between the couples without even a paragraph about their romance or love life. The finesse with which author has made the book enjoyable is commendable. The book will be of interest to those who don't read non-fiction because the narration is quite fascinating and endearing. Author has polished her writing and developmental skills in the second book.
Verdict
The book is endearing and inspirational
Scenario : 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 4/5Research : 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Happiness is All We Want by Ashutosh Mishra- Review
Book Name - Happiness is All We Want Author - Ashutosh Mishra Publisher - Bloomsbury IndiaBuy books from Amazon
ReviewAll our life, we search for happiness. However rich or successfull you are, happiness might not come your way. Ashutosh Mishra, through his book 'Happiness is All We Want' shares the little big advice on how to be happy.
Divided into three parts- Physical, Mental and Spiritual well being, the book is a practical account on the author's experience and findings. Author has quoted the experiences of himself and other, which make the book all the more relateable. Further the readers could see happiness stories which are the most helpful ones. The USP of the book is author's take on the current techy scenario. How we are deviated from the realistic world and get engrossed in the virtual world thereby tampering our own happiness.
Author has shared the philosophies which otherwise we choose to ignore but in the background of the book, it seems quite fascinating and practical. The book is specially helpful for everyone who wants to be happy and peaceful. One does not have to make a visible effort to be happy. It is just that we should change how we think. VerdictThe book is a good option for everyone who wants to be happy.
Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 4.5/5Research :5/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 22, 2018
The Sword with the Ruby Hilt by Mrudula Govindaraju- Review
Book Name - The Sword With the Ruby Hilt Author - Mrudula Govinndaraju Publisher - Self PublishedBuy books from Amazon
ReviewThe movie Rudramadevi is the first account on the life of the princess who was brought up as king Rudradeva by her father and being crowned as the King. Mrudula Govindaraju has come up with the literary fictional adaptation of the Princess's life for the readers.
The plot begins with the death of Nagesa Bhatta, the chief priest of the Swayambhukesava Temple and his disciple Govinda. Rudradeva, the ruler of the Kakatiya Empire orders an investigation in to the deaths which unveils a devious plan to bring down the King, who is brought up as male but apparently a female. The conspirators learn that the only way to bring down the King is the sword with Ruby hilt, which was lost when her father was assassinated in a battle. While the conspiracy and investigation proceeds on parallel lines, a strange warning that her womb will come to haunt her, unhinges the king. Further it is a full of life story of love, deception, action and brilliance.
Authoress has proved that she has mastered the genre. Despite the general practice of depicting the history in line with the new generation, author has preserved the history without losing the crux. This itself would be the USP of the book. The characters, both historic and fictional are crafted well. There are a lot of eerie sequences which include the black magic. Author has tried to keep the plot tight knit but somewhere down the line loses the grip. The book has a very targeted audience and would be a treat for the fantasy lovers. The overall layout of the book is amateurish but the narration has covered up for it.VerdictOverall the book is a treat for the core fantasy lovers
Scenario: 3.5 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient:4 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
May 21, 2018
A Closetful of Skeletons by Tanushree Podder- Review
Book Name - A Closetful of Skeletons Author - Tanushree Podder Publisher - HarperCollinsBuy books from Amazon
ReviewBollywood is a mirage for a common man. Anything written and shot about Bollywood always generates an intrigue in the readers, more so if there is a murder mystery and suspense element. Author has knitted a complicated yet interesting tale about an yester-year Bollywood star who has settled in the suburbs of Delhi. Ramsar, a heavenly and seemingly imaginary place is the centre of ll the action.
Ramola, the fading movie star invites her ex-lovers an underworld don, a director, two movie stars and one struggling actor to her fortieth birthday party where she announces her autobiography, to the dismay of the guests. The guests are unhinged by the announcement that may tarnish their personal as well as professional lives. They learn that Ramola has changed to a different personality on reaching Ramsar and made a few friends who are retired couples. While they are contemplating a negotiation with Ramola on dropping the plan of publishing the book, with the help of Tia, everyone is shocked to be caught amidst a gruesome murder. Ramola's neighbour, retired army officer and amateur sleuth, Colonel Arjun H. Acharya, joins Jim in solving the murder. Will they be successful in finding the culprit?
The book unveils on a very calming background with the silly arguments between retired couples and innocent flirting from the neighbours but later after the murder the mood changes. Some of the characters are projected beyond measure while some others remain in the background, presumably in an attempt to deviate the concentration from them. Author has followed the primary rule of a thriller, especially murder mystery- Having a lot of characters. Author has also included the romantic indulgences of Ramola without being sleazy.
The undercurrent of tensions and indifference in the Bollywood industry is subtle depicted in the book. The character of Ahuja reminds us of a 70s superstar who later faded from the memories of the movie lovers. Every character is carefully crafted so as to make them relatable. Author has made the murder part subdued and skipped the eerie details. The suspense is also maintained quite well. VerdictOverall the book is a cliffhanger without extreme violence.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4.5/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from Writers Melon
Septopus by Jyotin Goel (illistrated by Rajiv Eipe)- Review
Book Name - Septopus Author - Jyotin Goel(Illustrated by Rajiv Eipe) Publisher - Red Turtle(Rupa)Buy books from Amazon
ReviewMost of us would connect an octopus to a tacky, sticky thing with ugly tentacles. But Jyotin Goel and Rajiv Eipe has proved that imaginations have no limit. Like a cute Winnie the Pooh, Lovely Peppa pig, we have own Rot8 from India. The uniqueness in coining the names itself is the uniqueness of the book. Rot8, Irit8 etc would force the kids to relate the names to the words that sound similar. It is a good brain and vocabulary exercise for kids.
Everyone in the sea world is waiting to see the famous Zubair Midha, who comes to see Oct-extra play. While they are sweating blood, there is devious plan by Jai Kalia to sabotage the show by abducting the octopuses. Rot8, with his friends set out to escape and bring their orchestra back to glory.
The book is a perfect one for the kids who have started reading. The brilliant illustrations by Rajiv Eipe adds to the appeal of the book. I read this book to my pre-schooler and I made by six year old daughter read the book. What was common among both was that they liked the octopus world and the deep blue sea equally. They were continuously inquisitive about what is going to happen next and moreover they connected quite well with the characters. The book has all the possibilities to be adopted into an animated movie.VerdictThe book is a perfect gift to kids who love stories.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 5 /5Character : 5 /5Entertainment Quotient: 5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
May 20, 2018
Superwomen by Prachi Garg- Review
Book Name - Superwomen Author - Prachi Garg Publisher - Srishti PuclicationsBuy books from Amazon
Review21st century has seen many women entrepreneurs who have written a new history of women empowerment. Prachi Garg has shared the tale of twenty inspiring entrepreneurs with us.
The book is not just a collection of stories. Author has taken effort to go all the way to meet everyone and know about their journey.
The interesting fact about the book is that it concentrates on the business ventures that are one different from the other. The variety of the ventures itself is the highlight of the book. An NGO for the acid attack victims, a retail lingerie shop, psychological support to the ones suffering, support to the handicraft industry the industries explored by women is diverse. Author has depicted the tale of each woman with empathy. Being an entrepreneur herself, she has done complete justice to the theme of the book.
The level of research and hardwork invested in the book is awe-inspiring. Author has given a concise account of each firm and entrepreneur and the book is systematically edited. The book is a true inspiration to every woman who intends to do something with their life. Readers get the anecdotes from the horse's mouth and hence there is no more authentic source that could tell us how to be successful.VerdictThe book is a well researched account of the success stories of twenty women and is one of the most inspiring book of success.
Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 4 /5Research : 4.5/5
Entertainment Quotient:4 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the author.
