Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 57
October 31, 2017
Politic Shock by Meghnad Desai-Review
Book Name - Politic Shock Author - Meghnad Desai Publisher - Rupa Publications Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.5
The major reason that the author cites for the victory of Modi and Trump is the challenge to the hegemony of the liberal order and the conventional wisdom posed by both readers. While Modi was selected as the Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP, everyone was shocked and presumed that the party has made a major mistake by putting its position at stake by placing a 'biased' person upfront. Everyone expected a minority upsurge against this atrocious decision and hence a pathetic failure for BJP. But what everyone conveniently overlooked is the conventional technique of playing safe by both the parties for years by claiming that they would be fair, and secular wherein Modi a low income Chaiwala belonging to the lower caste, who could bring the ignored and rejected sections of the society and utilised their need for recognition to his favour. The same is cited as the reason for Trump's victory. However savage did his rhetoric sounded, it pleased the mass who still view America as a white country. Eventhough Trump was termed as a misogynist, racist and xenophobic, the same acted in his favour by inviting the votes of the suppressed desires.
While the victory of Modi and Trump had several similarities, further development did not workout well with Trump as he intended due to the complexities of the American constitution while Modi could successfully act as a unilateral ruler. Author finds the demonitization and implementation of GST a success and expect to find another term for Modi Government.
Instead of simply defining what and why of the victories author backs up his view with a brief yet detailed to the point of world history. History of India and America and any other country in the world could not be isolated and hence author had shown complete justice to the book by giving an account of the history of geopolitics. While speaking of politic shock, Brexit is also shocking but much space has not been dedicated in the book for the same.
The historical anecdotes could have been categorised better. The book might look like a niche audience targeting one but apparently any laymen can easily comprehend the book without boredom.
Unlike many history books, the language is simple, lucid and easily comprehensive. If you need to have a candid view on liberal democrat, and election that brought Modi and Trrump to power and how they tackled with the power, this book is perfect for you. If you are someone who is wondering what is this whole anti Modi and anti Trump agenda, grab this book. If you want to know how exactly did Modi and Trump won, read this book. If you want to have a slight idea on the geopolitical history, this is a book.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 28, 2017
Lean into relationships by Rishabh Jhol
About the Book:
Doubt has pivoted many a relationship across the centuries. Whether it is Othello suspicious of Desdemona or through the rise of paranoia as a trope in twentieth century writings. While paranoia naturally suggests the vulnerability of individual mind to social rhetoric, it is also the space for deep interrogation of the individual that renders him/her to paranoia. This novel presents that doubt has the potential to be a space of liberation.
Madeeha works in Jordan to rehabilitate Syrian refugees. Zehen, a political analyst from India, meets her in the US during their social impact program. He is intrigued and charmed by her, and falls deeply in love. But the world political climate, with its accompanying cultural narratives about terror and pain, infects Zehen’s mind. Zehen begins to suspect Madeeha as a possible mujahid. Will he find his truth?
Fear doesn’t devastate; it stirs the inner pot. It is a tender love story that triumphs heartbreaks and sets the foundation of deep lasting future relationships - a delightful emancipation from social intrigues and cultural constraints.
Goodreads * Amazon
Read an Excerpt:
Zehen was experiencing sweet joy in his heart. Memories bustled in the head.
When did he first see her? Zehen searched his head madly. Orientation session? Corridor to the classroom? However, he tried, he couldn’t pinpoint the moment. A whirr of images, of moments, yet-to-be collaged. And a heart that already had a narrative, waiting to be inset.
We imagine that all romantic stories will have a sigh-worthy romantic beginning. But beginnings are when the heart awakens, when the soul remembers. A presence stills and emerges from the shadows of time.
His first memory was when she introduced herself in the class. They had gathered at Presidium University for a one-year course on Social Impact Leadership. Outside, the white fringe tree was laden with its grape-like fruits. The pine, oak and spruce waited for winter to tell the world how unchangeable they were. And the old Redwood stood proud like the institution itself. Inside, in the warm classroom, students from various cultures across the world had gathered. Icebreaker session was on and the usual round of introductions.
Introduction is a ritual. A cumbersome ritual. How does one reduce the tapestry of one’s entire existence, the colors, and the many weaves into a single palatable thread?
The Book is Free on Amazon on 29th & 30th September. Grab it here: Amazon
Anecdote
I published my first book in 2015 and my second book in early 2016. I was single at the time and using dating apps to meet other single people. I met a girl in mid-2016 who took fancy to my dating profile, especially that I am an author. After a couple of meetings, She demanded that I write about her. I jokingly told her that I am a Phoenix writer, i.e., I fall in love, get dumped, and write about my failed relationship. She broke-up with me, and still invariably pings whether I am including ‘her and our relationship’ in my upcoming book(s).
———————-
The genesis of this book came about while I was on a cross-country train ride in the US. I met Mark who had been a successful marketing professional with considerable international marketing experience. He had travelled to all of Asia and understood the regional peculiarities.He was later diagnosed with lung cancer. By the time, it was detected, it was stage 3. He was put under radiation and intensive chemotherapy. He went in for three other opinions. All of them agreed that the cancer was aggressive and spreading fast. He searched for the latest treatments and sought to enter clinical trials. The process lasted for two years.
In the meantime, the cancer advanced. The doctors said the cancer was incurable and he didn’t have long to live. It took him weeks of denial to come around to the truth – he didn’t have long to live.
He returned home from a long walk one evening and asked himself a crucial question: “If I am going to die, then I might as well die straight away. What is point of waiting for death to show up?”
That evening he ate well, watched a movie with his girlfriend, poured himself a rare scotch and sat at his study. It was time. He wrote out his letter – love and wishes to his family, loved ones and friends, his last wishes about funeral, information on his will, and a general note thanking all. He placed it in an envelope. He planned to kill himself early morning. He finished his scotch, brushed and went to bed.
In the middle of night, he woke up to a noise. The light was on in the study and he could hear sniffles. He walked cautiously up and there in the study, his girlfriend was holding his suicide letter and crying. He watched her as her body crumpled and sink into chair. Her face contorted in agony. In her face, he saw what was the consequence of his action. The penny dropped.
I paled and listened in horror. Mark continued, “I realized that our life is never ours. We are nothing but a bundle of emotions for the people who love us and the people we love. The meaning of life is to optimize for the happiness of such people. There’s nothing more to living.That day on, I have been living for maximizing the happiness of my loved ones”
That’s how I stumbled on lean in to relationships; it has become my life philosophy.
About the Author
I was born into poverty. At the time of my birth, my parents shared a one -room hut with six other family members in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Delhi.
It was a hot day in the month of March 1995. I was in standard 4th and had an examination the following day. As was regular in that locality, we didn't have electricity that day. I couldn't study or sleep properly. One of the watershed moments happened when I came back from school the next day. We had an inverter installed at home. I knew we couldn't afford an inverter. But my dad was always convinced that the way out of poverty for our family is through education.
Despite an interest in creative writing, I chose to study a subject that society values more – Finance. Later, I got into one of the top colleges for finance in the country. My first salary out of college (in 2007, when I was 20 years old) was higher than that of my dad's salary at the time.
When I was 24 years old, I had everything that makes one happy – loving parents, great partner, close-knit group of friends, and career path that exceeded every goal. Yet, I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t sad either; but it never felt like my life. I had carefully and meticulously built that life though. Contextually, it was the safe thing to do.
Following year though, I had to deal with the loss of my 7 year old relationship and of my 5 year old job. My identity was crushed. My biggest lesson was that you can fail at what you don't want, and what you consider safe; you might as well take a chance at what you truly want.Next year, I got my ‘ideal’ job but walked away from it. Failure had taught me to be more ambitious and audacious. I had reached a point in my life where I wanted my work to have more meaning; and to stand for something more important than myself.
I started a political consulting company to maneuver social ascendance of marginalized communities by equalizing access to political capital. I primarily did topical research for MPs for their debates in the parliament and on TV shows. Partial project list includes:
1. Providing 108 rape survivors with medical, legal, financial, and social support over six months through one of my client's NGO2. Getting amendments passed in the communal violence bill that tackle systemic bias towards Muslims3. Helping three social entrepreneurs raise a combined total of INR 43 lakhs from their MP for community initiatives
Along with running my own company, I focused on my passion for writing and traveling as well. I solo travelled to all seven wonders of the world, and did two-cross country trips by train in India and in the US. I have also written and published three fiction novels.
Blog * Facebook * LinkedIn* Twitter* Rishabh Jhol Google+
');
Doubt has pivoted many a relationship across the centuries. Whether it is Othello suspicious of Desdemona or through the rise of paranoia as a trope in twentieth century writings. While paranoia naturally suggests the vulnerability of individual mind to social rhetoric, it is also the space for deep interrogation of the individual that renders him/her to paranoia. This novel presents that doubt has the potential to be a space of liberation. Madeeha works in Jordan to rehabilitate Syrian refugees. Zehen, a political analyst from India, meets her in the US during their social impact program. He is intrigued and charmed by her, and falls deeply in love. But the world political climate, with its accompanying cultural narratives about terror and pain, infects Zehen’s mind. Zehen begins to suspect Madeeha as a possible mujahid. Will he find his truth?
Fear doesn’t devastate; it stirs the inner pot. It is a tender love story that triumphs heartbreaks and sets the foundation of deep lasting future relationships - a delightful emancipation from social intrigues and cultural constraints.
Goodreads * Amazon
Read an Excerpt:
Zehen was experiencing sweet joy in his heart. Memories bustled in the head.
When did he first see her? Zehen searched his head madly. Orientation session? Corridor to the classroom? However, he tried, he couldn’t pinpoint the moment. A whirr of images, of moments, yet-to-be collaged. And a heart that already had a narrative, waiting to be inset.
We imagine that all romantic stories will have a sigh-worthy romantic beginning. But beginnings are when the heart awakens, when the soul remembers. A presence stills and emerges from the shadows of time.
His first memory was when she introduced herself in the class. They had gathered at Presidium University for a one-year course on Social Impact Leadership. Outside, the white fringe tree was laden with its grape-like fruits. The pine, oak and spruce waited for winter to tell the world how unchangeable they were. And the old Redwood stood proud like the institution itself. Inside, in the warm classroom, students from various cultures across the world had gathered. Icebreaker session was on and the usual round of introductions.
Introduction is a ritual. A cumbersome ritual. How does one reduce the tapestry of one’s entire existence, the colors, and the many weaves into a single palatable thread?
The Book is Free on Amazon on 29th & 30th September. Grab it here: Amazon
Anecdote
I published my first book in 2015 and my second book in early 2016. I was single at the time and using dating apps to meet other single people. I met a girl in mid-2016 who took fancy to my dating profile, especially that I am an author. After a couple of meetings, She demanded that I write about her. I jokingly told her that I am a Phoenix writer, i.e., I fall in love, get dumped, and write about my failed relationship. She broke-up with me, and still invariably pings whether I am including ‘her and our relationship’ in my upcoming book(s).
———————-
The genesis of this book came about while I was on a cross-country train ride in the US. I met Mark who had been a successful marketing professional with considerable international marketing experience. He had travelled to all of Asia and understood the regional peculiarities.He was later diagnosed with lung cancer. By the time, it was detected, it was stage 3. He was put under radiation and intensive chemotherapy. He went in for three other opinions. All of them agreed that the cancer was aggressive and spreading fast. He searched for the latest treatments and sought to enter clinical trials. The process lasted for two years.
In the meantime, the cancer advanced. The doctors said the cancer was incurable and he didn’t have long to live. It took him weeks of denial to come around to the truth – he didn’t have long to live.
He returned home from a long walk one evening and asked himself a crucial question: “If I am going to die, then I might as well die straight away. What is point of waiting for death to show up?”
That evening he ate well, watched a movie with his girlfriend, poured himself a rare scotch and sat at his study. It was time. He wrote out his letter – love and wishes to his family, loved ones and friends, his last wishes about funeral, information on his will, and a general note thanking all. He placed it in an envelope. He planned to kill himself early morning. He finished his scotch, brushed and went to bed.
In the middle of night, he woke up to a noise. The light was on in the study and he could hear sniffles. He walked cautiously up and there in the study, his girlfriend was holding his suicide letter and crying. He watched her as her body crumpled and sink into chair. Her face contorted in agony. In her face, he saw what was the consequence of his action. The penny dropped.
I paled and listened in horror. Mark continued, “I realized that our life is never ours. We are nothing but a bundle of emotions for the people who love us and the people we love. The meaning of life is to optimize for the happiness of such people. There’s nothing more to living.That day on, I have been living for maximizing the happiness of my loved ones”
That’s how I stumbled on lean in to relationships; it has become my life philosophy.
About the Author
I was born into poverty. At the time of my birth, my parents shared a one -room hut with six other family members in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Delhi.
It was a hot day in the month of March 1995. I was in standard 4th and had an examination the following day. As was regular in that locality, we didn't have electricity that day. I couldn't study or sleep properly. One of the watershed moments happened when I came back from school the next day. We had an inverter installed at home. I knew we couldn't afford an inverter. But my dad was always convinced that the way out of poverty for our family is through education.
Despite an interest in creative writing, I chose to study a subject that society values more – Finance. Later, I got into one of the top colleges for finance in the country. My first salary out of college (in 2007, when I was 20 years old) was higher than that of my dad's salary at the time.
When I was 24 years old, I had everything that makes one happy – loving parents, great partner, close-knit group of friends, and career path that exceeded every goal. Yet, I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t sad either; but it never felt like my life. I had carefully and meticulously built that life though. Contextually, it was the safe thing to do.
Following year though, I had to deal with the loss of my 7 year old relationship and of my 5 year old job. My identity was crushed. My biggest lesson was that you can fail at what you don't want, and what you consider safe; you might as well take a chance at what you truly want.Next year, I got my ‘ideal’ job but walked away from it. Failure had taught me to be more ambitious and audacious. I had reached a point in my life where I wanted my work to have more meaning; and to stand for something more important than myself.
I started a political consulting company to maneuver social ascendance of marginalized communities by equalizing access to political capital. I primarily did topical research for MPs for their debates in the parliament and on TV shows. Partial project list includes:
1. Providing 108 rape survivors with medical, legal, financial, and social support over six months through one of my client's NGO2. Getting amendments passed in the communal violence bill that tackle systemic bias towards Muslims3. Helping three social entrepreneurs raise a combined total of INR 43 lakhs from their MP for community initiatives
Along with running my own company, I focused on my passion for writing and traveling as well. I solo travelled to all seven wonders of the world, and did two-cross country trips by train in India and in the US. I have also written and published three fiction novels.
Blog * Facebook * LinkedIn* Twitter* Rishabh Jhol Google+
');
October 26, 2017
Bombay fever by Sidin Vadukut -review
Book Name - Bombay Fever Author - Sidin Vadukut Publisher - Simon & SchusterBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
A Swiss resident Srilankan girl who is back from her homeland brings with her unrelenting cough that seems to worsen day by day. She collapses in the arms of an Indian journalist Hormazd, and her body simply disintegrates to gore. Unhinged with the bizarre incident, Hormazd flees the spot to reach back India, though with the infection whatsoever he acquired from the girl. On reaching home, he assorts to self medication like many Indians, with a cocktail of antibiotics that temporarily subdues his cough that comes back with unforeseen ferocity which eventually becomes the cause of his demise.
Unbeknownst to himself, he became a brooding ground of mutated resistant variety of bacteria that unleashes an unprecedented chaos in the city of Mumbai. The health care officials, civil servants and politicians alike works towards untangling the mystery behind the strange disease which causes the death of hundreds of Mumbaikars. Thenceforth readers witness a thrilling yet chilling tale of death, science, politics and history.
The book is evidently about an epidemic outbreak but opens door for several genres of literary foray. The common habit of an average Indian of taking self medication and the dangerous consequences is portrayed with conviction. Potential danger that can be caused with this practice is often overlooked but a situation like what mentioned in the book cannot be ignored as fictional. Everything is fictional till it happens but afterwards it is history. Another major topic that the book throws light to is the social media fever that propogates any foolish information and the practice of believing and practicing anything and everything that is shared in social media.
The Beta protocol practice is a topic that left me wondering if it's history or fiction till I read the author interview. The author is indeed well researched and has succeeded in knitting history and fiction so seamlessly that the readers would not be able to distinguish between both.
Much attempt has not been made in character build up. Due to the large number of characters and due to so much happening in the plot, the lack of character craft could be justified but the character of Dr. Anil Bansal warranted more detail. Somewhere down the line the repeated detailed account of the meltdown sounded monotonous.
Overall the book is a cliffhanger that the readers would find difficult to let go off their brain.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 23, 2017
Capuccino Confessions by Anita Kumar- Review
Book Name - Capuccino Confessions Author - Anita Kumar Publisher - Om Books International Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
Shivani and Richa are best friends. They share every single thing in their life with each other and stand by each other without a tinge of judgement. Shivani, who was born in an orthodox family to an autocratic mother is forced into a marriage with someone who was more of a business ally than a life partner. After the initial marital bliss, Shivani struggles to recognize herself with her husband. He is a good person but not a right person for her. She approaches her mother with an idea of divorce only to be welcomed with a tiger slap. On the other hand Richa is the master of her life. After two divorces, shameless finds solace in the carnal foray through the 'Sugar Daddies', who shower their monetary and materialistic love on her. Even after being pampered endlessly Richa could not find her Mr. Right in any of her boyfriends. Nevertheless she pursues the search for love of her life defying the deep reality of what her soul genuinely want. In order to overcome the blandness in her family life, Shivani's mother gives her an advice that changes her relationship with her mother for good and so does her friendship with Richa
What is the advice that Shivani's mother gives her? What is the deep secret that Richa tries to hide? How does it affect her friendship with Shivani? Will Richa find her Mr Right.
The overall mood of the book is melancholic. Author has delved into the emotional and psychological impact of life on the two female protagonists. The plot is a nexus of genres. Contemporary fiction, psychological fiction and women's fiction are interwoven seamlessly to convey a social message.
Coming to the characters, the strongest point in the book, Sivani and Richa are the protagonists and hence the riders of the storyline but Shivani's mother's character is what defines a woman who is indeed living under the shackles of societal norms yet with an exuberant character she is distinctive, variable and unpredictable. Eventhough female characters are primary, the male characters are given definitive space. With a realistic climax, author has put the last piece in place.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Extracted from Cappuccino Confessions by Anita Kumar
Published by Om Books International
October 21, 2017
Second Chance by Sandeep Jatwa- Review
Book Name - Second Chance Author - Sandeep Jatwa Publisher - Educreation PublishingBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 3.5
Will life give u all a second chance? If given a chance will you try to change your mistakes? Sandeep Jatwa, through his book Second Chance brings forth a mystical fantasy and contemporary fiction.
Sekhar Kapoor the owner of a billion dollar company ,Aerowalk is an arrogant, insensitive and cruel human being who doesn't have any interest in others' lives and pain. He thinks that the poor are to be detested and ignored or more to say, dead. He looks are the lower human beings, as he considers the poorer, with repugnance. He insults the senior and junior employees alike, unless they concur to his vile life style by making the 'arrangements'. He insults the beggers whom he see, ignores the people whom he hurt and whose lives he reduced to rags.
While flying high under the intoxication of power and success, Sekhar gets a call from an unknown person who warns him to stop his vile doings,lest he faces unbearable outcome. Sekhar ignores the repeated warnings and after the last warning is ignores, City of justice welcomes him and takes him away from the materialistic world. In the city of justice, he faces a trial and is subjected to punishments according to the injustice acted by him. Will Sekhar get a second chance? Will he try to make things right or go on with his habit of hurting others?
Second chance is a suspense thriller, fantasy and contemporary fiction. The books comes under various genres yet does not fit completely into any. The storyline is substantial and interesting. In current scenario, we can come across numerous Sekhar Kapoors who give no priority to emotions and relations. The book can be an eye opener to many since the mistakes Sekhar did could be committed by most of the readers, atleast one if not all. While Sekhar faces trial, readers would be forced to think what if I too had to face the same. The punishments mentioned in the book could not be considered as unique since same terms we have seen in movies. The plot has a lot of possibilities but a round of developmental edit and proofreading is to be done. The narration is good but somewhere down the line sounded amateurish. The book could have been a moral lesson for the teenagers if not for the expletives that were lavishly used throughout the book.
Overall the book is an interesting and easy read with a lucid plot in need of a round of editing.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 20, 2017
Because Words matter by Kailash Satyarthi
Book Name - Because Words Matter Author - KailashSatyarthi Publisher - Rupa Publications Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.5
The name Kailash Satyarthi brings the image of kids to our mind. The mastermind behind Bachpan Bachao Andolan had rescued more than 85000 kids. Till he got the Nobel prize, his name was unknown to many. In light of the announcement people have started following him and his ideals. The ideals that inspired thousands and lakhs of people have been compiled as a set of quotes by him.
The words that are printed in the book are not mere words but abstract messages. Author tells us the importance of freedom in childhood. A country that claimed to be free from 1947 is in fact nor free until the children in the country who constitute the future are free. To attain freedom education is must. How ever rich and prosperous we claim ourselves to be, we are poor unless illiteracy is eradicated. Education in turn spreads peace all over the world.
Non Violence and Peace is another message that author conveys through his quotes. Author visualises a society where there is no violence against children. He realises and makes others realise that inequality triggers violence.
Author calls for a child centric society to ensure a bright future. The quotes about youth are powerful and enlightening. Author claims that youth is not the problem but the solution. If we save this generation we save all the future generations. Laws governing the protection of children is the prerequisite for their development. Anger need to be used for constructive purposes. Author claims or rather proved that he has channelised his anger towards child labour, trafficking and abuse by working for their betterment.
The book is a package that helps us more than any self help books would. On reading the quotes, several times I stopped and told myself, 'Oh! Yes. It is true but why didn't it dawn upon me. Nobel prizes are given for a reason.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 19, 2017
Eight Hours by Upendra Namburi -Review
Book Name - Eight hours. Author - Upendra Namburi Publisher - Westland. Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 3.5
The business empire that flourished under Aratrika is about to collapse in 8 hours. A whole night lays ahead for her in make things right. A sleepless night for a bunch of people. While Aratrika tries to find out who siphoned billions out of 'Arya' her firm, a group of adversaries tries to pull her down. Without any physical exertion and with mere mind play, Aratrika tries to put two and two together and pull the strings to set things right.
The chronological events of the night is pointed out with the exact time. Initial few chapters lacked clarity and author seems to be struggling to put forth an impressive showdown with the words. Once the character of Abhimanyu comes to picture the plot software narration becomes lucid ano interesting. Eventhough I am not well versed with the hi flying business technicalities, author had put forward a plausible attempt to make the laymen see sense in the happenings.
All through three books I was wondering if no one in the world sleeps at night but for a merger and acquisition as huge as what mentioned in the book, it would be nearly impossible for those involved to sleep. The pace of the story is not steady. But for the excellent language, it would have been a huge setback for the book. It is rarely that we come across female characters as powerful as Aratrika. The way she overcame the series of trauma that happened in her life is the highlight of the book.
We all speak of women empowerment but there are still women who are in the dark, who silently suffers the abusive domestic environment but Aratrika'so character is eye-opener to many who thinks that nothing can be done. The climax just swept away all the cons in the beginning. The thread with her husband Siddharth in the end just send goosebumps.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 18, 2017
The Duchess by Danielle Steel -Review
Book Name - The Duchess. Author - Danielle Steel. Publisher -Pan Macmillan Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 5.0
After reading 'Gone with the wind', I didn't expect a woman character that his stronger, smarter and admirable than Scarlett oHara. To expect a character that would be neck to neck with her in this era was unexpected but Danielle Steel, as always surprised and enchanted the readers with another woman steel- Angélique Latham. Daughter of a Duke but not a duchess. Sister of another Duke but penniless.
Angélique is brought up like a princess by her father who taught her everything including the administration. Smart by birth and trained by a Duke , Angélique grows to be a smart, educated and attractive girl. But a year short of her coming off season, her father passes away leaving her bereft. Owing to the laws of Britain those days, Angélique's step-brother who inherited everything including her father's title throws her out of the castle and sends her away as a nanny of four kids whom their parents hardly met. With grace, Angélique embraces her fate and does a fantastic job as a nanny of four and new born twins whom her bosses have during her stay.
Even after being a perfect nanny to their kids, her employers sack her without any reference as a punishment to an unpardonable offence which she apparently did not do. Angélique sets out to Paris in search of job but without any reference, she could not find any. Thenceforth 'The Duchess 'takes a detour taking the readers to an unreaped area of stroytelling.
A demure,sophisticated and aristocratic girl indulging in a business that refuses a life in the respectable society with utmost dignity is something that beyond a common man's imaginations. Why Angélique did what she did is conveyed to the readers without any judgement on the woman's character though fictional. How she went on unharmed in such a circumstance is beyond anyone's logic though it cannot be counted on as impossible.
Angélique's characterization is perfect. The fact that she is demure, dignified, sophisticated and respectful is registered well but somewhere down the line over exertion of the same seems like a confusion on author'so part as to whether the readers would accept her.
Overall the book is a literary feast. The most exciting and well executed Historical women's fiction published off late. After Scarlett O'Hara of 'Gone with the wind ', here is Angélique to win the readers' heart.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 17, 2017
You never know by Akash Verma
Book Name - You Never Know Author -Akash Verma. Publisher - Penguin. Buy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
Love is a conditionless feeling. We cannot predict when our heart goes for someone. The uncontrollable attraction tof someone will force us to forget the norms of the society and pursue our love. After innocent, deep, immaculate and platonic love story in 'Broken Man', Akash Verma is back with a tale which is to be placed on the other end of the pole.
Dhruv a content family man with a secured job, successful and beautiful wife and two adorable kids, gets swept from the world on seeing Anuradha. Anuradha in turn is fighting the demons of her past. Once in love, they forget everything that ties them to the materialistic world. Dhruv finds one reason or other to come back home late and spend time with Anuradha. The basic plot has the telltale formula of the stories that portray extramarital affairs. The relation that is purely based on craving for flesh.
The plot takes a U-turn when Anuradha's past snowballs in Dhruv's life keeping his family in a flimsy platter. Determined to find the truth and end the games, Dhruv sets out to the place where all drama started.
Akash Verma has succeeded in giving a signature touch to the book eventhough the plot is a far cry from his previous book. The suspense element has been kept under wraps till the end. Barring a few glitches the book is an entertainer. The story as such is not a brainracker. The whole tale is simple yet systematically set. The climax is a breezer for a wife inside me but for a reader the climax was cold and without much expected drama or action.
Overall the book is an easy read.
This review is in return of a free book from Writersmelon
In conversation with Leonora Meriel
Hi everyone
Today we have with us the master of literary and experimental fiction -Leonora Meriel
Please give an intro of your books to the readers.
My books are literary fiction and experimental fiction. This means that I try to write great literature, but I also try to experiment with styles and genres and themes to create something entirely original and something that has never been written before.
My debut novel “The Woman Behind the Waterfall” is a tale of three generations of women in a Ukrainian village. They are all trying to find happiness in their own ways and they all face their own fears and barriers to happiness. There is a lot of transfromation and magic in the book, but ultimately it is about what happiness means, and the role of family.
My second novel “The Unity Game” is a literary thriller with elements of science-fiction. It is set in New York City, on a distant planet, and in an after-life dimension. The essence of the book is: what is the meaning of life? – life on Earth, and life beyond Earth. I explore many different strands of this theme and try to look at it from different perspectives. It is quite philosophical, but at the same time there is an exciting storyline to keep the readers involved.
The genres of your books are diverse. How did you develop a likeability to both?
The only genre I set out to write is literary fiction – that is, great quality books. However, my stories take on a journey of their own and suddenly my characters are coming back from the dead, or are transforming into a bird, or are on another planet. I am really interested in creating something different in literature, so I allow my imagination and my pen to go in whatever diretion they desire. At the same time, some of my favourite books are in the genres I write – magical realism, science-fiction etc. So I am familiar with some incredible writing in these genres and have true masters to emulate while I am writing.
Tell us about your background
I am English and grew up in England, but I was always passionately curious about the world, and escaped from the UK as soon as I could – which was during univesity. I studied for a year in Canada, and then lived in New York for several years before moving to Ukraine for 10 years. From then I lived in Barcelona, and I am now back where I started in London. It’s been quite a journey. Career-wise, although I had always wanted to write, I worked on Wall Street in New York and then founded a business in Ukraine, as well as running a charity. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of real-life experiences to draw from when I turned to writing full-time. Now I am a full time novelist, although I do some teaching as well to supplement my income.
Which genre is your favourite
Literary fiction is my favourite because some of the greatest books ever written are in this genre. I also categorize some favourites from other genres as literary fiction, however, as I define it as the very highest standard of writing with a conscious movement towards the deveopment of liteature. So, for example, my favourite science fiction novel “Solaris” would fall into this category, as would Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” – ususally thought of as magical realism.
Did you maintain a time table or pattern in writing books?
When I am writing a first draft of a novel, then I give myself a target of a daily word count – usually 1000 words a day. This means that I am writing something, and if it’s a slow day then I just do the 1000 words, and if it is a highly creative day then I can write for hours. Once the first draft is complete, then I am very disciplined about the editing process and work for 3-4 hours each morning on the manuscript.
How was your publishing experience?
My debut novel was picked up by a London agent, who loved it, but didn’t manage to sell it to a publisher. We got great feedback on it, however, and after I had done some research into self-publishing, I decided to go ahead and release it myself. I had been an entrepreneur for the last 10 years, so I was familiar with launching a new venture. I set up my own publishing impring – Granite Cloud – and set about learning everything about publishing. It was an intense journey, but now I absolutely love having creative control over my books. It is an empowering thing to put your work out there and build your own fortune.
How are you planning to promote your book?
I promote my books by thinking about which readers might enjoy them and then creating a strategy for finding those readers. It’s different for each of my books, but it can involve blogging, reviews, promotions, visiting book clubs and social media. It’s a case of trying lots of different approaches, and keeping the ones that work and that connect me with readers who love my work.
Are there more books in your pipeline
I have started my third novel and hope to have a first draft complete by next summer. Then a year or two of editing and perfecting and it will be ready!
How can readers reach you?
I am very accessible to readers. I am happy to have direct e-mails at leonora@leonorameriel.com or alternatively I am on Facebook and also Twitter - @leonora_meriel and my website . I have a lot of readers contacting me and it is one of the best things about being a writer – after years of creating something in solitude, suddenly you can talk with people who have read and loved your work. It’s very special.
Thanks for your time and all the best for your future ventures.
Today we have with us the master of literary and experimental fiction -Leonora Meriel
Please give an intro of your books to the readers.
My books are literary fiction and experimental fiction. This means that I try to write great literature, but I also try to experiment with styles and genres and themes to create something entirely original and something that has never been written before.
My debut novel “The Woman Behind the Waterfall” is a tale of three generations of women in a Ukrainian village. They are all trying to find happiness in their own ways and they all face their own fears and barriers to happiness. There is a lot of transfromation and magic in the book, but ultimately it is about what happiness means, and the role of family.
My second novel “The Unity Game” is a literary thriller with elements of science-fiction. It is set in New York City, on a distant planet, and in an after-life dimension. The essence of the book is: what is the meaning of life? – life on Earth, and life beyond Earth. I explore many different strands of this theme and try to look at it from different perspectives. It is quite philosophical, but at the same time there is an exciting storyline to keep the readers involved.
The genres of your books are diverse. How did you develop a likeability to both?
The only genre I set out to write is literary fiction – that is, great quality books. However, my stories take on a journey of their own and suddenly my characters are coming back from the dead, or are transforming into a bird, or are on another planet. I am really interested in creating something different in literature, so I allow my imagination and my pen to go in whatever diretion they desire. At the same time, some of my favourite books are in the genres I write – magical realism, science-fiction etc. So I am familiar with some incredible writing in these genres and have true masters to emulate while I am writing.
Tell us about your background
I am English and grew up in England, but I was always passionately curious about the world, and escaped from the UK as soon as I could – which was during univesity. I studied for a year in Canada, and then lived in New York for several years before moving to Ukraine for 10 years. From then I lived in Barcelona, and I am now back where I started in London. It’s been quite a journey. Career-wise, although I had always wanted to write, I worked on Wall Street in New York and then founded a business in Ukraine, as well as running a charity. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of real-life experiences to draw from when I turned to writing full-time. Now I am a full time novelist, although I do some teaching as well to supplement my income.
Which genre is your favourite
Literary fiction is my favourite because some of the greatest books ever written are in this genre. I also categorize some favourites from other genres as literary fiction, however, as I define it as the very highest standard of writing with a conscious movement towards the deveopment of liteature. So, for example, my favourite science fiction novel “Solaris” would fall into this category, as would Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” – ususally thought of as magical realism.
Did you maintain a time table or pattern in writing books?
When I am writing a first draft of a novel, then I give myself a target of a daily word count – usually 1000 words a day. This means that I am writing something, and if it’s a slow day then I just do the 1000 words, and if it is a highly creative day then I can write for hours. Once the first draft is complete, then I am very disciplined about the editing process and work for 3-4 hours each morning on the manuscript.
How was your publishing experience?
My debut novel was picked up by a London agent, who loved it, but didn’t manage to sell it to a publisher. We got great feedback on it, however, and after I had done some research into self-publishing, I decided to go ahead and release it myself. I had been an entrepreneur for the last 10 years, so I was familiar with launching a new venture. I set up my own publishing impring – Granite Cloud – and set about learning everything about publishing. It was an intense journey, but now I absolutely love having creative control over my books. It is an empowering thing to put your work out there and build your own fortune.
How are you planning to promote your book?
I promote my books by thinking about which readers might enjoy them and then creating a strategy for finding those readers. It’s different for each of my books, but it can involve blogging, reviews, promotions, visiting book clubs and social media. It’s a case of trying lots of different approaches, and keeping the ones that work and that connect me with readers who love my work.
Are there more books in your pipeline
I have started my third novel and hope to have a first draft complete by next summer. Then a year or two of editing and perfecting and it will be ready!
How can readers reach you?
I am very accessible to readers. I am happy to have direct e-mails at leonora@leonorameriel.com or alternatively I am on Facebook and also Twitter - @leonora_meriel and my website . I have a lot of readers contacting me and it is one of the best things about being a writer – after years of creating something in solitude, suddenly you can talk with people who have read and loved your work. It’s very special.
Thanks for your time and all the best for your future ventures.
