Meera Nair's Blog, page 16
January 7, 2021
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Rachel Hawkins’ 2021 thriller release, The Wife Upstairs, bears a faint resemblance to 2 old-time classics – Rebecca & Jane Eyre. Swathed in a cast of unpredictable characters, the novel introduces us to Jane Bell, a dog-walker in the Thornfield Estates community.
Tired of always being dealt a bad hand by fate, Jane is surprised to have caught the attention of a wealthy widower, Eddie Rochester. Soon she finds herself moving into the house where he lived with his wife, Bea Mason. But Jane fi...
January 4, 2021
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Amy & Nick’s love was meant to be irrevocable. But nearly 5 years into their marriage, they discover just how much they don’t know about each other. A terrible choice leads to Amy’s disappearance, and the suspicion falls on Nick.
In an attempt to solve the mystery, he begins to unravel the clues that she has left for their anniversary scavenger hunt. However, it only leads him to a chilling truth that might only broaden the rift between them.
Why is it that all the recent “psychological t...
January 2, 2021
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Written in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s evocative script, The Palace of Illusions courses through the events in Draupadi’s life, giving us a panoramic glance at the life of the Panchaal Queen. This retelling, while alluding to developments in both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, lends an air of empowerment to the female characters of the Hindu myths. Through its narration of the legends of Gods & kings, we read about humans’ inabilities to learn from their own follies.
I am so glad that ...
December 8, 2020
Princess of Thorns by Saga Hillbom
Spanning over three decades, the Princess of Thorns spotlights the story of Cecily of York, the daughter of Edward IV of England. After her fathers demise, Cecily & her family find themselves in a precarious situation as contenders for the throne begin scheming to gain a foothold.
Amidst political marriages, self-isolation, and loss of loved ones, Cecilys vested interest in the future of the Yorkist dynasty could have dire consequences for her position at court.
Image Courtesy Goodreads I...
October 30, 2020
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
Told over the span of a couple of days, Emma Donoghue’s latest release is an intimate account of nurse Julia Power’s dedication to the Maternity-Fever ward at the hospital where she works.
Copyright © 2020 Meera Nair
The consequences of war and plague have left Dublin in a devastated condition. And health personnel are called to work overtime to keep up with the admitted patients.
When a volunteer with no background in medicine lends a helping hand, Julia finds in her the strength to carry ...
October 11, 2020
Ahalya, a poetic retelling of this resilient character from Hindu mythology
Image Courtesy – Goodreads
Through a poetic retelling of Ahalya’s story, Koral Dasgupta shines a spotlight on the life of this resilient character from Hindu mythology.
From her birth to the events leading up to sage, Gautam’s curse on her, this book gives you a glimpse into Ahalya’s perspective. It addresses questions of women empowerment, societal norms, and patriarchy in an attempt to deliver the story with great clarity.
What a splendidly written book! I am always mesmerized by stories ...
Ahalya by Koral Dasgupta
Through a poetic retelling of Ahalya’s story, Koral Dasgupta shines a spotlight on the life of this resilient character from Hindu mythology.
From her birth to the events leading up to sage, Gautam’s curse on her, this book gives you a glimpse into Ahalya’s perspective. It addresses questions of women empowerment, societal norms, and patriarchy in an attempt to deliver the story with great clarity.
Copyright © 2020 Meera NairWhat a splendidly written book! I am always mesmerized by stories...
October 10, 2020
Breathe Believe Balance by Shayamal Vallabhjee
A state of equilibrium in one’s life is far more valuable than we realize. Through his part-memoir, part self-help book, Shayamal Vallabhjee employs his knowledge of psychology and spirituality to help the reader attain a sense of balance in their life.
Breathe Believe Balance is a powerful concoction of the author’s anecdotes, textual references, personal development activities, and theories along with well-thought-out deductions.
Copyright © 2020 Meera NairI normally don’t read self-help...
Breathe Believe Balance, an essential guide to leading a well-balanced life
A state of equilibrium in ones life is far more valuable than we realize. Through his part-memoir, part self-help book, Shayamal Vallabhjee employs his knowledge of psychology and spirituality to help the reader attain a sense of balance in their life.
Breathe Believe Balance is a powerful concoction of the authors anecdotes, textual references, personal development activities, and theories along with well-thought-out deductions.
Image Courtesy Goodreads I normally dont read self-help books...
October 1, 2020
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Image Courtesy – Goodreads
In a dystopian world, people are forced to navigate their surroundings blindfolded. A glimpse of an unknown creature is driving individuals to kill themselves or those around them.
Years after this catastrophic invasion began, Malorie has had enough of living in fear. She and her two children must make a journey downriver, blindfolded, to gain sanctuary. But out in the open, the terrors that loom around them are one too many.
I generally enjoy reading dystopian fi...
