Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 105
April 23, 2024
By A Thread Issue #4 Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Plot overview: A slimy shroud that annihilates everything in its path consumes large portions of the Earth, compelling people to inhabit small slivers of land referred to as needles. The protagonist, Jo, resides on Needle Three, facing perpetual terror from a Darth Vader-like villain named Charon. When a mysterious traveler suggests the existence of something better waiting to be explored, Jo and their friends decide to risk everything in their quest to find a place where they could potentially start anew.
Jo and his friends discover they’ve been betrayed and lured into danger by the mysterious stranger called Rowan at the end of issue three of “By A Thread” by Scott Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, and Whitney Cogar. Issue #4 however starts with a flashback to show what happened to Jo as a young boy, right after he loses his arm to the shroud. The rest of the chapter reveals Rowan’s true intentions, and the primary squad attempts to save themselves after finding themselves trapped in a prison as part of a nefarious plot that has very little to do with them.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this offbeat sci-fi comic book series, but the twists in this issue were mildly disappointing. If it weren’t for the short length (only 30 pages) and the fantastic artwork, this would’ve been a struggle to get through. However, readers do get an interesting backstory to Charon, who was initially projected as the antagonist, but Rowan and his gang take on the villains’ part at this stage.
The second half of the issue is packed with chaos and fight scenes, and while the colors and illustrations are great, there’s very little tension in the air despite the dire situation everybody is in. Hopefully, Zack Snyder and the team have more ammunition up their sleeves for the next issue because this one is the weakest link in the tale so far.
Rating: 3 on 5. The series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
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Also Read: Wives and Daughters – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
April 22, 2024
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Trailer Promises A Wild Ride
Wade Wilson/Deadpool: You wanna tell me what’s haunting you, or shall we wait for a third-act flashback?
Logan/Wolverine: Ugh… Fuck off.
Wolverine is back, clad in yellow spandex, and Deadpool convinces him to team up to “save the world” in the trailer for Shawn Levy’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie, slated for release in theaters on July 26. Last seen as the mutant superhero in 2017’s “Logan,” Hugh Jackman once again dons his Wolverine claws for Ryan Reynolds’ chatty Deadpool.
The trailer sure packs their clashing personalities in the most fun ways – it’s like mixing oil and water. Deadpool’s all about chaos, cracking jokes faster than he can reload his guns, while Wolverine’s more of a brooding lone wolf, preferring to slash first and ask questions never. There’s theatrics whenever they’re in the same room, with Deadpool’s antics driving Wolverine up the wall, and Wolverine’s stoic demeanor leaving Deadpool itching for a reaction.
The 2 minute 30 second trailer has Marvel fans thrilled, and we cannot wait to watch the film either.
The Gentlemen Review – Guy Ritchie’s Slick Rehash Of His Own Oeuvre
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
The 2024 Netflix series “The Gentlemen” by Guy Ritchie is like a wild stylish re-hash of his own movies, including the 2019 flick “The Gentlemen” in which Matthew McConaughey played a cannabis mogul looking to sell off his marijuana empire to the highest bidder. This eight-episode show follows young British aristocrat Eddie Horniman (Theo James), who inherits his family estate and learns his deceased father had rented out some land to a notorious empire, who don’t intend on leaving. So Eddie goes on a series of misadventures to get ensure his family doesn’t have anything to do with the dubious dealings anymore.
Like most Guy Ritchie creations, you can expect a lot of style, violence, witticisms from “The Gentlemen”, and a wide range of wacky characters. However the series starts in a way that really makes you wonder “how is this guy going to make this story last for eight long episodes?”. But he does! Cartel wars, illegal boxing matches, bizarre Catholic cultist mafia gangs, thieving gypsies, and deranged scions—this series encompasses a wide range of craziness while keeping romance and sentimentality to a minimum.
Titled “Refined Aggression,” episode one introduces the Horniman family, who all gather when the patriarch, the Duke of Halstead, passes away. Eddie, the younger son, takes over the reins, as his older brother Freddy (played by Daniel Ings) is a total posh tosser knee-deep in ridiculous debts. Immediately, Eddie encounters Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario), through whom he discovers a highly successful underground weed farm on his property, one among many managed by Susie for her father’s empire. Before Eddie can rid his property of the Glass family, he requires Susie’s aid in dealing with criminals extorting his brother. However, one thing leads to another, and soon Eddie finds himself embroiled in a series of dangerous situations. With the Glass family keeping a hawk eye on him, he must find a way to get his own family out of their ever-tightening clutches.
The first chapter entertainingly establishes Freddy as the rotten egg who only invites trouble, while Eddie is the problem-solver. Daniel Ings is hilariously annoying as Freddy, who gets on everybody’s nerves, including the viewers – an irksome wanker who is always getting mixed up in some dangerous nonsense. Freddy’s fraught relationship with his younger brother is one of the most riveting bits about the show, with their love-hate bond being the driving force behind most catastrophes. Theo James and Kaya Scodelario on the other hand make a striking team as leads Eddie and Susie. Kaya’s Susie Glass, in fact, might just be the most memorable female character in a Guy Ritchie creation. That said, Joely Richardson is also endearing in her supporting role as Lady Sabrina, Eddie’s mother, a clever woman who is aware of the circus unfolding on their property and tries to help in her own way.
Among the supporting cast, Vinnie Jones stands out as Geoff, the dashing old groundskeeper of the Horniman family. He is smart, clever, and always has his ears on the ground. Micheal Vu takes the cake in his comical part as Jimmy, who looks after the weed farm, is constantly stoned and lives in a parallel world. Giancarlo Esposito portrays a mysterious wealthy man named Stanley Johnston, who expresses interest in purchasing Eddie’s manor. His presence has sparked comparisons with “Breaking Bad,” as he plays an antagonist involved in the drug cartel in both creations. However, apart from the themes of drugs and violence, the two shows differ significantly.
“The Gentlemen” shifts to a slower gear in episodes two and three, and the plot becomes exaggeratedly pretentious. However, if you could just hold on and not give up on the show yet, you’d be rewarded with a totally wacky episode 4, which contains the craziest twist in the tale. Unless you’re a writer who crafts narratives that are off the rails, you are never going to see that twist coming. If you’re a fan of Guy Ritchie’s 2000 film “Snatch,” then you’d love episode 5, titled “I’ve 100 Cousins,” which focuses on a bunch of gypsies attempting to steal something from Eddie’s property, leading to an unexpected deal between the two parties.
While the cinematography borders on being opulent, and stylish, the soundtrack composed by Christopher Benstead ranged between fantastic to far too theatrical for the plot. The music accompanying several scenes is very choral in nature, which makes it feel like you are watching some macabre accession tale from the 1800s. Depending on how viewers perceive it, those pieces might either feel comical or far too grand and annoyingly distracting.
“The Gentlemen” may follow a somewhat predictable path, but its strength lies in its individual components, which often surpass the cohesive whole, despite occasional pacing issues. Some of the plot twists obviously feel contrived, and towards the end, the usually calm and cool Susie Glass begins to show cracks under pressure, which feels a little out of character for her. However, the constant subtle competitive posturing between her and Eddie keeps the series entertaining. Love how Guy Ritchie avoids the clichés of a romantic subplot, despite some underlying sexual tension between a few characters. Instead, the story maintains a razor-sharp focus on drugs, profits, and one-upmanship until the end. Definitely check out the series if you’re already a Guy Ritchie fan, or if you like stylish violence crime shows with a generous dash of dark comedy and high-brow banter.
Rating: 7 on 10. Stream “The Gentlemen” on Netflix.
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Also Read: Einstein and the Bomb Review (Audio Version Below)
April 21, 2024
Duck And Cover Issue #3 Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Insta | GoodReads)
“Whatever the tropes, science fiction is about epiphany. It’s where we come face to face with those hidden truths we didn’t want to learn but must learn if we want to survive” – Duck & Cover Issue #3
Okay, I almost forgot I was following “Duck and Cover” by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque! Since issue 2 came out in October 2023, and #3 released in March. Been a while. So, let’s recap – this comic series follows a group of teens trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic America after they escape a series of explosions that rip through the country.
Titled “Sci-Fi,” issue #3 of “Duck and Cover” begins with an intriguing flashback involving one of the characters discovering a secret room in her house while her parents are away, while the narrator discusses the essence of science fiction as a genre and its goals. Readers are then back in the present, where protagonist Del and his high-school friends are under attack from Pugg, who has transformed into a grotesque armed monster. The rest of the issue follows their new escape plan and some shocking revelations about what’s happening.
The artwork in the comics continues to be fantastic; the panels unfold like a retro sci-fi film, and Scott Snyder is in top form with his storytelling. In the first issue, I’d been harping on how it’s a lot like H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” meets “Stranger Things,” but with this issue’s revelations, Snyder enters more into “3 Body Problem” territory, an epic science fiction series by Cixin Liu. But the story continues to be led by high-school students, who will have to save themselves from what looks like the end-of-the-world.
Only 25 pages long, the issue gets over too quickly, but its highly entertaining and ends with a fantastic twist, which is solidly foreshadowed. Hope it won’t take months for the next one to come out!
Rating: 4 on 5. “Duck And Cover” is also on Kindle Unlimited.
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Also Read: Wives and Daughters – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
Unknown – Guan yu wei zhi de wo men Review
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The Taiwanese series “Unknown” evokes thoughts of the psychological phenomenon known as “The Mere Exposure Effect,” which hypothesizes that familiarity can foster attraction. According to this theory, spending a significant amount of time with someone can lead to increased liking for that person. The show revolves around four primary characters, led by Wei Qian (portrayed by Chris Chiu), a high-school student involved in illegal activities to support himself and his younger sister, Li Li (Tammy Lin), since their parents are dead. Soon, Wei Qian takes on the responsibility of caring for an orphan boy named Wei Zhi Yuan (Kurt Huang), whom he finds starving and scared on the streets. The trio, along with Wei’s best friend, San Pang (Jae-Hoon Kim), spend considerable time together. Tension arises within the group when Wei Zhi Yuan matures and confesses his love for Wei Qian, while Li Li becomes romantically involved with San Pang.
Directed by Ray Jiang, “Unknown” (Taiwanese title: Guan yu wei zhi de wo men – 關於未知的我們) spans 12 long episodes, and has been adapted from the web novel “Da Ge” by Priest. It’s a bloated, haphazard series is made watchable only due to the earnest performances of lead actors Chris Chiu and Kurt Huang. Chris Chiu is sincere and hard-working as Wei Qian, who has no time for romance in his life and is solely focused on bettering the lives of Li Li and Wei Zhi Yuan. Wei Qian is so busy working, he fails to notice anything off about Wei Zhi Yuan’s excessive attachment to him. So, the main conflict in the story revolves around Wei Zhi Yuan grappling with his feelings for Wei Qian, who sees him as a family member.
The plot focusing on Wei Qian’s involvement with goons and illegal activities is poorly fleshed out, thankfully, he goes on to quit a life of crime to focus on his academics and begins to work on a gaming start-up with his friend San Pang. But even the start-up scenario is half-baked, and oftentimes the office is treated like a guest house during work hours. The most believable bit about this show is Wei Qian’s concern and protectiveness towards his family and Wei Zhi Yuan’s feelings for someone who saved him from a harsh life on the streets.
Both the plot and execution of “Unknown” needed a lot of work. For instance, Li Li’s character is exceedingly one-dimensional and childish, she talks and behaves like a 12-year-old even after she grows up and starts working. Actor Tammy Lin is actually very cute as Li Li, and does what the script demands, but the writers should’ve done better, instead of portraying her as a dumb child throughout.
Towards the climactic episodes, the creators introduce an unnecessary, contrived violent conflict, which is then drowned in excessive sentimentality. Overall, “Unknown” feels a few episodes too long, and the live-action adaptation struggles to blend its familial themes with gang violence convincingly, particularly with a complex romance as its focal point. Watch it if the primary plot sounds interesting to you, since there are definitely no exciting twists and turns to expect.
You can stream “Unknown” on Viki and Youku.
April 20, 2024
All India Rank Review – Overtly Reliant on 90s Nostalgia
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
It’s the 1990s and seventeen-year-old Vivek is packed off to Kota, a far-off town, to coach in a prep-school for the competitive IIT entrance exams and fulfill his parents’ dream to study at the prestigious institute. There are only two possible outcomes right – he either cracks it, or comes back home in shame. Written and directed by Varun Grover, “All India Rank” is a straightforward film, which heavily relies on 90s nostalgia. So while the cinematography and music vividly capture a bygone era, the script teeters with its character interactions. A groovy track, whose beats are reminiscent of hit songs like “I am a Disco Dancer,” kicks off the opening credits for the film.
Bodhisattva Sharma earnestly portrays protagonist Vivek, an introverted teen who doesn’t want to leave home, is in tears when he bids his mother farewell, and must get on with the daily grind of preparing for a highly competitive exam. He makes friends, meets an interesting girl, some standard friendship moments unfold, and an untimely tragedy in the last half hour helps set a serious tone for a conventionally uplifting open-ended end. Sheeba Chaddha, who plays a physics teacher at the coaching center, is the only energetic character in this otherwise formulaic, lethargic, albeit well-intentioned tale.
“All India Rank” attempts to explore both sides of the coin: the primary plot focuses on Vivek’s struggle not to crumble under the pressure of his father’s expectations and the coaching school’s schedule, while the other delves into his middle-class parents’ challenges, atop which is the burden of funding Vivek’s expenses. However, neither of these plots prove particularly engaging, as they unfold at a slow pace. One of the film’s funniest moments didn’t involve any of the primary protagonists. It’s when Vivek recalls how one of his cousins faced constant tight slaps from his father over trivial matters, like forgetting to switch off the bathroom light. Anyone who grew up when “spare the rod and spoil the child” was a golden rule for all adults would relate to it.
If you’ve already seen movies that echo the themes of the Bollywood blockbuster “Three Idiots,” then “All India Rank” will seem exceedingly pale in comparison. While it does have some heartfelt moments and a bankable cast, the film is flat and lacks rhythm. However, for those who enjoy movies that depict life before the internet, “All India Rank” is a good pick for reliving the 90s, especially for Indian viewers.
You can stream “All India Rank” on Netflix.
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The Grimm Variations Review – Fairly Wicked
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
What if the big bad wolf from “Little Red Riding Hood” was a wealthy handsome man preying on women, or the animals from “The Town Musicians of Bremen” a group of human misfits looking for a new home? The Netflix anime series “The Grimm Variations” (original title: Grimm Kumikyoku) completely transforms six classic fairy tales, to the extent that some bear almost no resemblance to any known versions or re-imaginations. Now, this might excite some viewers, others, not so much.
Directed by Grant George, each episode of “The Grimm Variations”/”Grimm Kumikyoku” kicks off with the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm engaging in discussion about a story they are writing with their younger sister, and the latter often wonders if the protagonists really get to live “happily ever after”. In contrast to the sugary, PG-13 Disney updates for fairy tales, this Anime series embraces a darker, wittier, and unsettling tone. The character designs for the series have been done by the Japanese manga artist group “Clamp,” known for their work on titles such as “Cardcaptor Sakura” and “Tsubasa.” The animation is pretty vibrant, quite like “Demon Slayer” – colorful, flashy and shiny.
The first episode titled “Cinderella” sets a strong tone for the show, and is most loyal to its source material versus the others, but with a wicked twist. The 2023 live-action Japanese movie “Once Upon A Crime” had its own fun spin on Cinderella – she gets caught up in a murder-mystery along with Red Riding Hood while on her way to the royal ball. This anime retelling of Cinderella is both highly entertaining and delightfully creepy. All characters are portrayed with shades of gray, from the stepmother, a former geisha, to her bickering daughters, and even Cinderella herself, initially introduced as a little girl named Kiyoko. In this version, Kiyoko exhibits traits of a masochist — she appears to derive pleasure from debasing herself and being subservient to her step-sisters and step-mother. Although the climax feels somewhat contrived, it offers a wicked twist on the beloved classic.
Episode two shifts focus to “Little Red Riding Hood”, which is set in a futuristic dystopian world, where humans live in virtual realities and an elite club of “wolves” enjoy hunting down beautiful young women. It’s a very fresh re-imagining, dwelling subtly on class divide, with lots of violence, blood and gore. While the first two editions were riveting, “The Grimm Variations”/”Grimm Kumikyoku” becomes challenging to watch from episode three onward.
The siblings “Hansel & Gretel” get the spotlight in episode three, and it was the weakest link in the anime, a peculiar science-fiction fantasy tale with no punch. Despite retaining some familiar motifs and characters from the original, it not only differed greatly but was boring with a random ending. “The Elves and the Shoemaker” and “The Town Musicians of Bremen” are up next. While the former features an author as its protagonist and quite literally embodies the modern nightmare of “imposter syndrome,” the latter feels like a Japanese western, following three outlaws who unite in search of a new home. While the author’s tale comes together quite well, “The Town Musicians of Bremen” is disjointed and too short to invoke any emotion in the viewer and could’ve perhaps been a small mini-series by itself.
“The Grimm Variations”/”Grimm Kumikyoku” manages to end on a high note with its sixth episode – “Pied Piper of Hamline” – which again bears almost no resemblance to the original tale, except for the fact that a stranger visits a little remote village and happens to have a flute. However, it presents an intriguing story about 17-year-old Maria, content with her sheltered life. Her authoritarian grandmother, who is also the village head, makes all her life decisions, including arranging her engagement. When her teacher shows her a peculiar painting from the outside world, Maria’s entire outlook on life shifts. The final episode is perhaps the only one with a coherent lesson/moral (if you’re looking for it) and has an uplifting climax reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
Throughout “The Grimm Variations”/”Grimm Kumikyoku,” the creators incorporate classical music, predominantly diverse renditions of Beethoven’s famous pieces. This juxtaposition engagingly clashes with the reimagined fairy tales. With its clever twists and wicked humor, this anime series is a good pick for those who enjoy seeing familiar stories transformed into something entirely new and unexpected.
Rating: 7 on 10. Watch “The Grimm Variations” on Netflix.
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April 19, 2024
Rebel Moon Part 2 Review – Dull Start Lets Down Epic Finale
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Parts of Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver” felt reminiscent of the 2001 Bollywood movie “Lagaan” by Ashutosh Gowariker, which portrays the plight of farmers in an Indian village oppressed by British rulers. Despite a poor harvest, the villagers are asked to pay double taxes, an exceedingly harsh demand. Similarly, in the intergalactic tale of “Rebel Moon,” the moon-village of Veldt faces terror from the Imperium, who demand the farmers surrender their grain within an impossible timeline. Perhaps I wasn’t reminded of “Lagaan” in “Rebel Moon Part 1” because it didn’t feature as many farming scenes as this second installment does. Besides, the comparison seem unfair, because despite their similar “David versus Goliath” themes, “Lagaan” was a lavish, entertaining musical, while “Rebel Moon Part 2” struggles to capture viewer attention in the first half.
Sofia Boutella reprises her roles as protagonist Kora, who gathers around a band of warriors to help Veldt fight the Imperium’s forces led by Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein). The first part had revealed her back-story as a former decorated loyalist of the Imperium, also known as “The Scargiver”, however, “Rebel Moon Part 2” has a few more new revelations about her character. The primary plot of-course is about Kora’s band of rebels taking on the mighty Imperium with their humble resources. Rage against the system is the order of the day.
The only exciting aspect of the first hour of this two-hour-long film is the flashback depicting how the Imperium’s King was betrayed by his own generals. Zack Snyder serves a darkly theatrical Julius Caesar-style assassination of the royals, with the generals opting for old-school murder, each wielding a knife to slay their king. Otherwise, the first half is a snooze-fest, with an unnecessary section where each warrior on Kora’s side – fallen general Titus (Djimon Hounsou), Prince Tarak (Staz Nair), Nemesis (Doona Bae), Milius (Elise Duffy) – take turns telling their tragic life stories. Anthony Hopkins as the voice for sentient robot Jimmy is ironically the most convincing character of “Rebel Moon”. Except for Ed Skrein and Sofia Boutella, who are both in their respective roles, the rest of the cast just doesn’t deliver memorable or engaging performance. Djimon Hounsou’s portrayal of general Titus felt he was in a college play – too over-the-top to feel authentic.
It’s only when the villagers of Veldt rise up against the Imperium in the film’s second act, that things finally get interesting. The pace picks up a notch, and Zack Snyder and team deliver some epic action scenes in the climactic war. There’s a Star Wars’ style light-sabre duel between two key characters, and the visual effects of the fancy swords is a tad bit cooler in this universe. The creators should’ve skipped the dilly-dallying and sentimental storytelling, diving straight into the war preparations and final face-off.
Just like “Dune,” “Rebel Moon” is a retro-futuristic space opera. On one hand, you have the villagers of Veldt living like 19th-century serfs, while on the other hand, you have the Imperium’s mighty space fleet capable of traveling lightyears in days, equipped with medical technology that can virtually resurrect a dead man. Though it may seem bizarre at first viewing, you just have to roll with it in the second part. And while the cinematography for “Rebel Moon” isn’t as visually stunning as Dune, it’s still an engaging spectacle, let down by a sluggish script.
Rating: 5 on 10. Stream the film on Netflix.
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Also Read: Einstein and the Bomb Review (Audio Version Below)
10 Classics in Public Domain – Perfect for Modern Reimaginings
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As time passes, some of the greatest literary works become available for everyone to enjoy as they enter the public domain. These stories are not just old tales; they’re timeless treasures waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined by new generations of readers and writers alike. From epic adventures to haunting mysteries, here are 10 classic books that are now free for all to explore and reinterpret in exciting modern scenarios.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen (1813): This romantic comedy follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the societal norms and expectations of 19th-century England, all while grappling with her own prejudices and misconceptions, particularly towards the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Why it’s popular: Austen’s sharp wit, memorable characters, and timeless themes of love and social class continue to captivate readers worldwide. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley (1818): Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s quest to create life leads to the birth of a grotesque creature, sparking a chain of tragic events that explore themes of ambition, isolation, and humanity. Why it’s popular: Shelley’s groundbreaking novel is considered one of the earliest works of science fiction and delves into ethical dilemmas that remain relevant today. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll (1865): After following a curious white rabbit down a rabbit hole, young Alice finds herself in a whimsical world filled with eccentric characters, nonsensical riddles, and surreal adventures. Why it’s popular: Carroll’s imaginative tale delights readers with its playful language, absurd logic, and whimsical illustrations. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker (1897): Through a series of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, Stoker chronicles the terrifying encounter between the infamous Count Dracula and a group of intrepid individuals determined to thwart his bloodthirsty reign of terror. Why it’s popular: Stoker’s Gothic masterpiece introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula to the world, sparking a fascination with the undead that endures to this day. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott (1868-1869): Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this coming-of-age story follows the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of their dreams in 19th-century New England. Why it’s popular: Alcott’s heartfelt tale of sisterhood, resilience, and female empowerment has resonated with readers for generations. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde (1890): Wilde’s novel explores the Faustian bargain made by the handsome and narcissistic Dorian Gray, who remains perpetually youthful while a portrait of him ages and reflects the consequences of his decadent lifestyle. Why it’s popular: Wilde’s sharp wit, philosophical musings, and exploration of the duality of human nature continue to fascinate readers and provoke thought. “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling (1894): Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, embarks on a series of adventures with his animal friends, including the wise panther Bagheera and the jovial bear Baloo, while facing off against the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. Why it’s popular: Kipling’s vivid portrayal of the jungle, memorable characters, and timeless themes of friendship and identity have enchanted readers of all ages. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London (1903): London’s adventure novel follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is thrust into the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of the Klondike Gold Rush, where he must tap into his primal instincts to survive and thrive. Why it’s popular: London’s gripping tale of survival and self-discovery resonates with readers through its vivid descriptions of the natural world and exploration of the bond between humans and animals. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883): Young Jim Hawkins embarks on a daring adventure to uncover buried treasure with a motley crew of pirates led by the charismatic Long John Silver, encountering treachery, betrayal, and swashbuckling action along the way. Why it’s popular: Stevenson’s classic tale of pirates, buried treasure, and high-seas adventure captures the imagination with its thrilling escapades and memorable characters. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë (1847): Set against the rugged Yorkshire moors, Brontë’s novel unfolds the passionate and tumultuous love story between the brooding Heathcliff and the headstrong Catherine Earnshaw, spanning generations and haunted by themes of revenge, obsession, and redemption. Why it’s popular: Brontë’s dark and atmospheric tale of love and betrayal is renowned for its hauntingly vivid portrayal of characters and landscapes.Read Next: 10 Books/Series To Read for Fantasy Fiction Fans
Also Read: Wives and Daughters – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
April 18, 2024
Him Her That – Book Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“Him Her That” by Wisut Ponnimit is an abstract collection of short stories, most of which explore love, romance and desires. The first one starts off in an underwater world inhabited by humans because the surface got overpopulated and uninhabitable. A girl laments how romance is no longer possible, because underwater dwellers always wear protective helmets & communicate via devices, so there’s no way to organically meet anybody anymore. The rest of the book follows a similar dystopian thread, with characters caught in complex, bizarre, or nightmarish situations while they look for love.
Wisut Ponnimit’s art looks like rough drafts of Manga Godfather Osamu Tezuka’s works (Astro Boy/ Kimba/Ayako/Buddha). They are like raw scribbles, just engaging enough for you to keep turning the pages. Translated by Matthew Chozick, the English version reads like a conventional comic, unlike the right-to-left format typical of manga, making it easy to follow for international readers.
The theme of individual alienation in a romantic relationship stands out best in this collection of illustrated stories. It’s conveyed intriguingly in a story where a woman in a serious relationship constantly gets unpleasant memories with her boyfriend removed with the help of a magical being, so that she doesn’t obsess over their problems and can live in a happy bubble, where their ugly moments don’t exist anymore. The author looks at love and courtship in various shades, so each story might hit a different chord with readers, depending on their own experiences or opinions.
Rating: 3 on 5. Him Her That is also on Kindle Unlimited.
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Also Read: Wives and Daughters – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
