Amit Shankar's Blog, page 3
November 11, 2014
Review: Flight of the Hilsa by Sonal Agarwal
"It has happened first time that I am lacking vocabulary to describe any work. Each and every line I write seems so naïve to represent the essence of the novel, Flight of the Hilsa by Amit Shankar. I read Amit’s Café Latte first, I was so awestruck with his writing style that it tempted me to read other works by him. He gifted me another three titles of him for review. The cover page of the novel is so lively and captivating. Most amazing fact about this work is that Amit has presented a girl’s emotions so perfectly that I was having doubt at once that Amit may be a pen name, the writer must be woman. (As per tradition of Victorian Era)
Avantika Sengupta, a girl with creative soul but unkind fate. The hardships of Avi’s life make reader question some theories representing God. I loved this work so much because like a true literary piece, it discusses many bitter realities of society. Marriage life of Major Sengupta left a question in my mind. What’s the need of living with a person, whom you don’t love at all? The bitterness this failed marriage chases Avi for whole her life. Her 8 year long relationship with Sunny, Her relationship with Captain, Pimps like Chawla, Shrewd businessman like Mr. Khurana, Shweta and Prashant’s marriage and issue of Pedophile. I must say as a person associated with literature that maybe in the future this book would be selected for college syllabus.
I am not all exaggerating as I found all the qualities of literature in it. The basic foundation of Marriage is questioned in this work and I must say I totally agree with Amit. We can see many Shwetas, Mrs. Senguptas and Simis, around us wearing fake masks. There are some works which leave us with tearful eyes at the end. This, too left me with tearful eyes. These tears represented emotions which words couldn't justify.
There are many quotes by Captain but these lines are my favourite one.“Some relations go beyond words; they cannot be confined to the realms of friendship and marriage. These relations just exist.”
Waiting eagerly for Amit’s next work which is under construction."
Writing Style: 5/5.My overall rating for this work is 5/5.
- Sonal Agarwal
Genre: FictionPaperback: 336 pagesPublisher: Vitasta Publishing pvt ltdLanguage: English
Avantika Sengupta, a girl with creative soul but unkind fate. The hardships of Avi’s life make reader question some theories representing God. I loved this work so much because like a true literary piece, it discusses many bitter realities of society. Marriage life of Major Sengupta left a question in my mind. What’s the need of living with a person, whom you don’t love at all? The bitterness this failed marriage chases Avi for whole her life. Her 8 year long relationship with Sunny, Her relationship with Captain, Pimps like Chawla, Shrewd businessman like Mr. Khurana, Shweta and Prashant’s marriage and issue of Pedophile. I must say as a person associated with literature that maybe in the future this book would be selected for college syllabus.
I am not all exaggerating as I found all the qualities of literature in it. The basic foundation of Marriage is questioned in this work and I must say I totally agree with Amit. We can see many Shwetas, Mrs. Senguptas and Simis, around us wearing fake masks. There are some works which leave us with tearful eyes at the end. This, too left me with tearful eyes. These tears represented emotions which words couldn't justify.
There are many quotes by Captain but these lines are my favourite one.“Some relations go beyond words; they cannot be confined to the realms of friendship and marriage. These relations just exist.”
Waiting eagerly for Amit’s next work which is under construction."
Writing Style: 5/5.My overall rating for this work is 5/5.
- Sonal Agarwal
Genre: FictionPaperback: 336 pagesPublisher: Vitasta Publishing pvt ltdLanguage: English
October 31, 2014
Confusion is the key
It has been some time that Nobel Prizes were announced. Fir sure, it was heartening to know that an Indian and a Pakistani shared the prize for peace. Being an Indian, it is always nice to know that a fellow Indian won something somewhere. For a country of a billion plus, it is a shot in arm.
After the euphoria having subsided, I would like to sit and wonder if the Nobel prize to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala were truly deserving. Not that I’m trying to be a party spoiler, but then what did the seventeen year old girl do to deserve this highest award? I am sure we all would agree that in this world there would be much deserving candidates. Or is it right to assume that it was not Malala ‘the girl’ but Malala the ‘idea; that was been awarded? Similarly, even Kailash’s claim to the fame was not very convincing.
This raises another question. Are we as good or as bad as the award that we get? For sure, Nobel prize could not have happened overnight. Till the awards were declared how many of us knew of Kailash or Malala. At least I didn’t. I remember being a part of a book launch—From the Streets of Kathmandu, organized by a friend of mine; Renu, where Kailash was a guest of honor. A vividly remember him coming across as a social worker dressed in white kurta-pajama, too eager to convince the Europeans present there. For sure, funds from Geneva requires that kind of outreach effort. Coming back to the question, was media blind to his efforts on child labor or was child labor not even an issue? Arnabs and Rajdeeps of this world, who cry themselves hoarse over every issue did not think it to be apt to let the nation know of a man who had been working tirelessly for bettering the lives of young kids? Wasn’t it a news worthy or was the TRP hungry prime time too big for nobel prize deserving people?
I guess the time has come when the so-called 'free media,' the anything but 'fair media' needs to be put under some kind of policing. Friends out there will hate me for saying this. But come to think of it. In today’s world, media is the biggest source of information. We have no doubts how every single media house have its own likings and alliances owing to the business interests it needs to protect. From Raj TV to Sun TV, Times Now to NDTV, we understand that none of them are half as unbiased as they claim to be. In such large democracy, how could you have the biggest source of information with no guidelines, not control? Morality is too weak a virtue to control such a monolith monster.
Another monster which should have tamed long back was ‘Consumerism.” The effect of its impact further accentuated by the ‘mall culture’ was evident during my recent visit to Delhi Hatt . It was maybe after twenty years that I was visiting the iconic, potpourri of Indian craft and art, the only place which was the authentic kaleidoscope to the Indian culture. Fearing heavy traffic, I was there early. It took me awhile rto realsie that anytime of the day at Dilli Haat was early as the footfalls were too busy exploring the glitzy malls, its alluring window display and succumbing to the charm of one of its eatery or cafes. NOw, the so called famous food stalls were anything but authentic. Most of them now sell everything—dosa to chowmein, burger to vada. For God’s sake, who goes to a Dilli Haat to have a burger or a pizza?
Phew, too much confusion and it continues in my mind to. My fifth title is progressing at a steady, confused speed. Not happy with either my effort or the way it’s shaping. But I understand that it will take some time before it can show its true narrative prowess.
Tell me something, why do writers, who are supposed to be free souls, wanderers, confine their writing styles or even their genre? From Dan Brown to John Grisham each one of them have been so typecast. I understand that it helps in creating a reader base, a market and eases the sales cycle. But these silos were the primary reason for a mortal turning into a writer. Do I make sense? Who is a writer? To me, a recluse who is fed up of everything—his own existence included, and decides to express his viewpoint using the pen; please read keyboard. So why should this disgruntled soul stick to telling one kind of story only? To me it belies the whole purpose of being a writer, a storyteller.
It is never too late to learn. No wonder, at the ripe age of forty I was told that now story telling does not happen only through books but also through radio. It is not that I have not been a radio fan. In our times, radio was the only source of legal entertainment and Ameen Sayani the only voice we recognized. But story over the airwave? I explored. My desire to research the same was further fuelled by an event where some storyteller was supposed to present his story punctuated by songs. As far as the event was concerned, the videos posted did prove my apprehension that it was nothing but a dignified orchestra program and that too with the orchestra being bad to the extent of being off key and off rhythm. To further worsen the matter the storyteller also sang. Sounds like a recipe for sure disaster? Coming to the story telling part. Yes, there are storytellers on radio now. And they do enjoy a dedicated fan following. This slot mostly caters to the large middle class section; the bourgeois class of the ‘A' and ‘B' class town and cities. Delivered in a sugary, made up voice, most of the stories are as good or as bad as a daily TV soap plot. With Sharma ji and Gupta ji being an intrinsic part of the story, it validates the reason for Ved Prakash Sharma still being a best-selling author. Kotler was right when he said ‘don’t sell what you can make, make what you can sell.’
But what if this world had taken his doctrine seriously?I shudder at the thought, as it would have been the surest way of pushing the society towards unyielding mediocrity. A world sans Monalisa, The Fountainhead, Jazz, Blues, Personal computers, Apple, Microsoft, Airplanes, and as a matter of fact everything which supports our being today? Whatever is cherished today—in art, literature, music, technology was not an answer to the market need but was way ahead of its time. No wonder it created a market of its own and this market defined the future of mankind. Going by the market need or demand no one would have dared to make personal computer or for that matter even aircraft, railway train or cars. Mr. Kotler, thankfully the society is propelled by path breaking ideas and innovations and not by mediocre theories propagated by mediocre academicians like you.
“Sir, what is love?”“Why do you ask me?”“You are a writer and have written and spoken so much on love.”“Well, have you read any of my work?”“I have read the reviews on Facebook.”“Don’t you think it’s not fair to judge me or my work basis Facebook.”“It is the fastest way to decide and to form an opinion.”“Hmmm.”“Sir, please tell me what is love?”“Elaborate, well planned and most long drawn way of inflicting sure shot injury upon oneself.”
October 28, 2014
Cafe Latte Review
Everyone has a story to tell. But not everyone is as talented a story teller as Amit Shankar. An anthology of eighteen unusual stories, Café Latte is sure to leave you in awe. The stories, short, simple and crisp are based on various aspects of life one can easily connect with.
Everybody born on this planet has to die one day. What one does during the phase between the day one is born until the day one breathes his last is entirely his way of ‘living’ life, since no one can predict death and in what way it’d come to wrap you in its arms. The book depicts different hues of death. Even though the stories are short and interesting, few of them leave you with unanswered questions which will keep your mind ticking throughout the rest of the day. The first story ‘Temple of the Kings’ itself deals with death and makes you question your own lives purpose.
The stories seem simple, but when you ponder over them you realize there is much more to them then actually seen. The stories are nothing unusual, but the way the characters are developed, their reactions to situations, their feelings make them complex. Like for e.g. the second story ’26 Down Express’, I remember reading a similar creepy story elsewhere too. But the death at the end makes it rather dark and uncanny.
‘Code of Honour’ and ‘The Jazz Player’ are very beautiful stories that provide an insight into the lives (and death) of a soldier and a jazz player, people whom most of us don’t really relate with. ‘Let Me Help You Die’ is straightforward and predictable. ‘The Black Widow’ leaves you with an eerie feeling, and I was unlucky enough to get a call from an unknown number that very instant, and it kind of freaked me out.
‘The Chosen One’ is a brilliant story every youngster should read. ‘A rose for her’ is very touching and even though it deals with death again, it is pleasant. ‘Home sweet Home’ is rather light and leaves you with mixed feelings. ‘The Other Side’ is a nasty story about a woman who is fighting with her own self due to her desires.
‘The Dream Chaser’ and ‘The Guardian Angel’ are very sincere and meaningful. ‘Smart TV’ and ‘true Lies’ have nothing great to offer, but the last story ‘writers Block’ is very interesting! Overall it is a good collection. But very sad and disturbing. If disturbing someone’s mind was what he was aiming for, I would say he very well succeeded. It is filled with stories of conflicts within oneself, the meaningless way one lives their life, human relationships and death! Reading the whole book gives you an extra dose of negativity.
The language is simple and easy to grasp. The writer has great narrative skills and maintains a good flow to the stories. But at times he explains way more things than he really should be telling. Why not let the audience decide for themselves? Overall a good book!
Rating: 3/5*
Everybody born on this planet has to die one day. What one does during the phase between the day one is born until the day one breathes his last is entirely his way of ‘living’ life, since no one can predict death and in what way it’d come to wrap you in its arms. The book depicts different hues of death. Even though the stories are short and interesting, few of them leave you with unanswered questions which will keep your mind ticking throughout the rest of the day. The first story ‘Temple of the Kings’ itself deals with death and makes you question your own lives purpose.
The stories seem simple, but when you ponder over them you realize there is much more to them then actually seen. The stories are nothing unusual, but the way the characters are developed, their reactions to situations, their feelings make them complex. Like for e.g. the second story ’26 Down Express’, I remember reading a similar creepy story elsewhere too. But the death at the end makes it rather dark and uncanny.
‘Code of Honour’ and ‘The Jazz Player’ are very beautiful stories that provide an insight into the lives (and death) of a soldier and a jazz player, people whom most of us don’t really relate with. ‘Let Me Help You Die’ is straightforward and predictable. ‘The Black Widow’ leaves you with an eerie feeling, and I was unlucky enough to get a call from an unknown number that very instant, and it kind of freaked me out.
‘The Chosen One’ is a brilliant story every youngster should read. ‘A rose for her’ is very touching and even though it deals with death again, it is pleasant. ‘Home sweet Home’ is rather light and leaves you with mixed feelings. ‘The Other Side’ is a nasty story about a woman who is fighting with her own self due to her desires.
‘The Dream Chaser’ and ‘The Guardian Angel’ are very sincere and meaningful. ‘Smart TV’ and ‘true Lies’ have nothing great to offer, but the last story ‘writers Block’ is very interesting! Overall it is a good collection. But very sad and disturbing. If disturbing someone’s mind was what he was aiming for, I would say he very well succeeded. It is filled with stories of conflicts within oneself, the meaningless way one lives their life, human relationships and death! Reading the whole book gives you an extra dose of negativity.
The language is simple and easy to grasp. The writer has great narrative skills and maintains a good flow to the stories. But at times he explains way more things than he really should be telling. Why not let the audience decide for themselves? Overall a good book!
Rating: 3/5*
October 6, 2014
The UNUSUAL Journey
People living in metros, especially Delhi carry a peculiar trait.They think they know it all!
From people to places, culture to history, they have a profound viewpoint on every singular issue. Ask them about Gujarat and without batting an eyelid they would share their selective perception of the state, which they were exposed to during the Gujarat advertising campaign. But have they ever tasted, felt or experienced the real Gujarat? Many of them would draw a blank.Fortunately for me, I have.
I was visiting Ahmedabad for launching my fourth title, Café Latte, in association with Ahmedabad Book Club. In the past, my brush with Gujarat or Gujaratis was restricted to my occasional visit to the famed restaurant, Rajdhani, serving the so called ‘authentic gujju food.’ It’s a different story that after this visit, I want to go and beat the dhokla out of the Rajdhani’s owner.
The morning was bright but Ahmedabad airport was cold and deserted. I hoped that it did not reflect on the city and people too. As the cab entered the city limit something changed. Wide roads, planned and neat look and there was something about the air too. Though hard to articulate but it had a different kind of energy—vibrant, up-tempo and fresh.
My first appointment went off well. On my way to the second; an interview with a leading newspaper, DNA, I had not much expectation. Yeah, journalists are supposed to be apathetic, hard-nosed and stiff upper lipped. So I was ready for it.
In she walks—young, pretty and with a big smile. “Hi, I’m Deepali. So glad that you could make it.” Honest and genuine voice can be disarming and in no time I knew that Delhi was the wrong yardstick to generalize anyone, especially journalists. The conversation transpired, from life to my titles, music to my future plans. Before I could realize, ninety minutes were up. Have you ever heard of a journalist who would walk down to see you off till the main door? Well, she did. Thank you Deepali for everything. Hope the coffee mug reminds you that even Dilliwalas are not that bad.
The hotel staff exuded warmth in place of professional curtness and plastic smiles. So long so good. A short call to Karan Khanna, a member of the Ahmedabad Book Club, ensured that he was kind enough to see me at the hotel to discuss the next day’s event. The same evening, I was supposed to meet other members of the club too, over dinner.
“Amit meet Amita.” Karan introduced me to a lady who was unusual in more than one way.“Hi, Amit. Good to see you.” Her beaming smile further accentuated the unusual charm.“Hi.” I fumbled.She was an average woman, but something made her extra ordinary. What was it? Her soft, kind and gorgeous face? That warm, exuberant smile? The most beautiful silver-and dull silver hair that I had ever seen? Or was it her aura? I am still not sure.
The rendezvous point, House of MG, proved another unusual place. This stately property, built in 1924 as a home for a wealthy textile magnate, has been tastefully restored to retain its old-world charm but with all the amenities and comforts of a world-class business hotel. The wooden staircase, period furniture, memories of a bygone era framed carefully and the impeccable green corners, made it like a dream come true.
We were to be joined by Priyanshi Patel, the founder of the book club. She marched in, and no time the reigns of the evening were firmly in her hand. The dainty, chic, LSE pass-out with her fiancée, Deep, together they made a pretty couple. I thought that the evening was all set. But then life is anything but usual. I was told that we are expecting another member; the unusual one.This member, who came and sat right next to me, left me me a wiser man after our brief interaction. Though I’m still confused if to address her as Khurshid Ma’am or Khurshid Aunty, but what a lady! It is rare to see such genuine, effortless, protective and motherly hospitality. She ensured not only that I had everything but in the right quantity too. Deep complimented her by adding his bit and feeding me more. Great company, great conversation, loads of smiles and laughter and awesome food.
This is the point where I would like to take a break, walk into Rajdhani, grab the owner and ask him ‘if the food at House of MG was Guajarati, what is that you serve us here?”
You know the unusual part? The table had no thepla, phepla or the yellow colored dhokla. Highlight of the evening: Panki, khichdi with red chilli and oil based chutney, bajra and methi roti with garlic chutney, the homemade lemon grass ice-cream, the very unusual paan, and the mesmerizing tour of the house conducted my Amita. With its open terraces, manicured lawns, indoor pool with mosaic work, understated vintage charm, the unbridled, magnificent look of the city, House of MG was like a fairy tale abode.
Don’t judge a book by its cover and never judge a restaurant by its name. Swati? Yes, this was the name of the restaurant where we had next day’s lunch. You have to be there to be overwhelmed by the culinary experience they have to offer. Amita suggested that we started off with sugarcane juice. I quite liked the idea and also the tall tumbler with fresh sugarcane juice. What was the spread like? I don’t even remember what all I had. But let me try. For sure there was Khicdi of few varieties, millet bread was also there, so was this light and green color dhokla, panki; which I tried unfolding from the banana leaf wrapper but failed, lemon grass ice cream again, as Deep suggested it, followed by saada paan. Phew, was stuffed like a pig and ready to burst.
As I sit here revisiting my experience, I have nothing but gratitude and fond memories. Thank you Ahmedabad Book Club for everything and for making me a better man and a better writer.
Priyanshi, give me some of your energy and leadership traits, Khurshid Aunty, firstly tell me what should I call you, aunty or maam, and then bless me with your kindness, warmth and a loving heart, Amita, give me a little of your elegance, charm and poise, Deep, I respect your patience and being there for the woman you love, Karan, taking a cue from you, I will try to smile more often and openly. Thank you everyone for making this trip a worthwhile experience. I am looking forward to being there soon.
P.S. Café Latte, my fourth title—and UNUSUAL compilation of 18 short stories was also launched at crossword on 5th of October, at 11.30 am. What was the UNUSUAL part there? Well, three to be precise. One, great reading done by Shubhrata and Khurshid Ma’am. Two, meeting Ilaxi Patel, charming, simple, giving and a cerebral powerhouse. Three, Crossword served frooti instead of Cafe Latte. Lol. Just kidding.
September 27, 2014
Mars to Bars
Toying between the Devil and Deep Sea, Angel and Cloud nine, days and weeks surreptitiously tiptoed away. Further accentuating the nimbleness of time, lack of inertia kept me away from updating this space.
Why do we need to update everything? Living area to software, relationships to skill set, why we are expected to do the same. How sane life would have been if nothing required periodic updating. Imagine a status quo all around you. Same scene, same setting, same people, same shops, same movies playing, same shows.
Freaky it sounds. And what would have been the biggest impact of this morbid status quo status? Well, poor Arnab losing job, as the nation would not have been keen to know anything as it would have already known whatever was worth its salt. No mushrooming news channel, no newspapers invading our privacy every morning. But then…
Newspaper reminds me of the ridiculous tiff going on between TOI and our own, next door, hotty, Deepika. For starters, it’s time when we should stop treating TOI as a newspaper and taking any of its comment seriously. Long before when some Mr. Jain got the brilliant idea of having something then called ‘Page 3’ and instructed the journalists to scout for paid news, the pre-independence legacy crumbled down.
Newspapers are not made by signing up Ranbeer Kapoor who for sure would have never even read a single headline. Back to the issue which the nation wants to know—Deepika’s cleavage. The bigger question is does the nation really want to know? With new hotties on the block, Shraddha and the other lady (can’t get her name), I am referring to the girl with that perpetual pout…damn it, that daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, who gives a damn to Deepika? Her innings are almost over. And if she wishes to reveal her cleavage, not that anyone is interested in it anymore, why should anyone object to it? TOI, which has ended being the Punjab Kesari of English language. Deepika, flaunt it all that you can, I am with you. If you need any help, I mean if you want me to make it my DP, do let me know.
DP, as we know stands for Display Picture. Now don’t make me tell you the meaning of ‘selfie’ too. have I spelled it correctly?) I bet you know it already. Don’t you? What you need to know that in Hindi ‘selfie’ translates into ‘khud ki lena.’ So the picture posts of a guy from the state I come from, UP, or its neighboring state, Bihar, would read something like ‘khana khate hue khud ki lena,’ ‘Doston ke saath khud ki lena’ ‘Film dekhte hue khud ki lena.’ Eeks, how preposterous!
Well, some good news. My fourth title, Café Latte has been launched and is doing well. Thank you for all your support. It was launched on 19th August, at ITC, Mughal, Agra amidst a gala event hosted by the Agra Book Club. A great launch indeed. The screening of 26 Down Express, a short film, based on one of the stories from Café Latte made the event more special. This was the first time when a title was launched with a film based on it. Guinness book of world record? Mmmm, Limca book of records for sure. Also, stories of two young, talented authors; Kartikey Sharma and Vasundhara Goyal, features in the compilation. Thank you ABC for everything. A word of special thanks to Dr. Shivani Chaturvedi for being the gracious host, Nidhi Khanna Lall for her operational excellence, Dr. Sarika Srivastava for all her support, Dr. Anjali Gupta for her never ending likes and comforting words, Komila SunejaDhar for that sumptuous cake, Minu Khandelwal for all her wishes, Kripa Sudhakar Kishore for excellent media handling, Mrs. Sangeeta Bhatnagar for gracing the event, Saumya Gupta for sparring time and being there, Ashutosh Chibba for his warm hospitality, Sumita Chibba for her warm support, Reshma Bhatnagar for being the guest editor and every single member for being there.
Agra launch was followed up by another event, a book reading organized by Delhi Book Lovers at Kunjum Café, Hauz Khas, Delhi. Thank you Kunal and Leher Sethi for everything. On 5th October Café Latte gets launched at Crossword, Ahemdabad. This event would be hosted by Ahemdabad Book Club. Another ABC? Nahiiiiiiiiiiiiiin. Let me get some coffee. Latte for you, cappuccino for me. Yeah, feels better now.
The festive season is here. So is my season of feeling depressed. Don’t know for some reason, I get these acute festive blues. Especially around Diwali, it peeks. I sulk, get crankier, no where to be seen or heard. There is only one specie that shares similar strains of feeling blue around Diwali. Any guesses? Yeah, I know that you do. That wicked smile of yours is a giveaway. You got it right, DOG. Poor thing, they scamper for cover, not being able to bear the maddening sound of crackers. Maybe I was a dog in my past life. Or who knows, I still am.
A lot many people would love being a dog. At least that would get them entitled to a kind pat, a hug and for sure, some love. Ask Bilawal Bhutto and you would know what I mean. He is facing and living the age old saying “Koi bhi Bhutto, na India ka na Pakistan ka.” His outcry of getting back Kashmir has made him a worldwide laughing stock. He should have known that even Oxford can’t teach common sense. Did Rahul Baba also attend Oxford? No, I think he went to Cambridge. Both these top universities would be cursing the day they took Bilawal and Rahul on board.
What Oxford and Cambridge cant, the age-old university called Life does, and that too with such panache. Listen to Modi’s address at the UNGA and you will know what I mean. The man who was denied visa by the US, hounded by activists funded by US based donors, stood tall, in front of global audience, with his outstandingly articulated, global leader like speech. I still can’t decide what took the cake; his oratory or his vision for the world. In just one stroke he reduced Pakistan’s bickering to something so petty that it merit no attention. Proud of you Mr. Prime Minister you have made me feel proud to be an Indian again.
And why not, there are reasons as I have started seeing some hope. Firstly, we have successfully put our spacecraft in Mars and secondly the country has efficaciously put ‘Amma’ where she deserved to be; behind the bars. Mars and Bars! I am sure that “Massi” “Bua” “Tau” “Bhaiya” and every single larger than life politician who ruled the country or its states and focused on filling their own coffers would be shivering in their saris and dhotis.
The cynic in me would like to sign off on a positive note, a happier note, leaving you with some food for thought.
What if Rahul Baba had become our PM?He would still be wondering why the country is going gaga over Mars. After all it is just a chocolate bar.
Why do we need to update everything? Living area to software, relationships to skill set, why we are expected to do the same. How sane life would have been if nothing required periodic updating. Imagine a status quo all around you. Same scene, same setting, same people, same shops, same movies playing, same shows.
Freaky it sounds. And what would have been the biggest impact of this morbid status quo status? Well, poor Arnab losing job, as the nation would not have been keen to know anything as it would have already known whatever was worth its salt. No mushrooming news channel, no newspapers invading our privacy every morning. But then…
Newspaper reminds me of the ridiculous tiff going on between TOI and our own, next door, hotty, Deepika. For starters, it’s time when we should stop treating TOI as a newspaper and taking any of its comment seriously. Long before when some Mr. Jain got the brilliant idea of having something then called ‘Page 3’ and instructed the journalists to scout for paid news, the pre-independence legacy crumbled down.
Newspapers are not made by signing up Ranbeer Kapoor who for sure would have never even read a single headline. Back to the issue which the nation wants to know—Deepika’s cleavage. The bigger question is does the nation really want to know? With new hotties on the block, Shraddha and the other lady (can’t get her name), I am referring to the girl with that perpetual pout…damn it, that daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, who gives a damn to Deepika? Her innings are almost over. And if she wishes to reveal her cleavage, not that anyone is interested in it anymore, why should anyone object to it? TOI, which has ended being the Punjab Kesari of English language. Deepika, flaunt it all that you can, I am with you. If you need any help, I mean if you want me to make it my DP, do let me know.
DP, as we know stands for Display Picture. Now don’t make me tell you the meaning of ‘selfie’ too. have I spelled it correctly?) I bet you know it already. Don’t you? What you need to know that in Hindi ‘selfie’ translates into ‘khud ki lena.’ So the picture posts of a guy from the state I come from, UP, or its neighboring state, Bihar, would read something like ‘khana khate hue khud ki lena,’ ‘Doston ke saath khud ki lena’ ‘Film dekhte hue khud ki lena.’ Eeks, how preposterous!
Well, some good news. My fourth title, Café Latte has been launched and is doing well. Thank you for all your support. It was launched on 19th August, at ITC, Mughal, Agra amidst a gala event hosted by the Agra Book Club. A great launch indeed. The screening of 26 Down Express, a short film, based on one of the stories from Café Latte made the event more special. This was the first time when a title was launched with a film based on it. Guinness book of world record? Mmmm, Limca book of records for sure. Also, stories of two young, talented authors; Kartikey Sharma and Vasundhara Goyal, features in the compilation. Thank you ABC for everything. A word of special thanks to Dr. Shivani Chaturvedi for being the gracious host, Nidhi Khanna Lall for her operational excellence, Dr. Sarika Srivastava for all her support, Dr. Anjali Gupta for her never ending likes and comforting words, Komila SunejaDhar for that sumptuous cake, Minu Khandelwal for all her wishes, Kripa Sudhakar Kishore for excellent media handling, Mrs. Sangeeta Bhatnagar for gracing the event, Saumya Gupta for sparring time and being there, Ashutosh Chibba for his warm hospitality, Sumita Chibba for her warm support, Reshma Bhatnagar for being the guest editor and every single member for being there.
Agra launch was followed up by another event, a book reading organized by Delhi Book Lovers at Kunjum Café, Hauz Khas, Delhi. Thank you Kunal and Leher Sethi for everything. On 5th October Café Latte gets launched at Crossword, Ahemdabad. This event would be hosted by Ahemdabad Book Club. Another ABC? Nahiiiiiiiiiiiiiin. Let me get some coffee. Latte for you, cappuccino for me. Yeah, feels better now.
The festive season is here. So is my season of feeling depressed. Don’t know for some reason, I get these acute festive blues. Especially around Diwali, it peeks. I sulk, get crankier, no where to be seen or heard. There is only one specie that shares similar strains of feeling blue around Diwali. Any guesses? Yeah, I know that you do. That wicked smile of yours is a giveaway. You got it right, DOG. Poor thing, they scamper for cover, not being able to bear the maddening sound of crackers. Maybe I was a dog in my past life. Or who knows, I still am.
A lot many people would love being a dog. At least that would get them entitled to a kind pat, a hug and for sure, some love. Ask Bilawal Bhutto and you would know what I mean. He is facing and living the age old saying “Koi bhi Bhutto, na India ka na Pakistan ka.” His outcry of getting back Kashmir has made him a worldwide laughing stock. He should have known that even Oxford can’t teach common sense. Did Rahul Baba also attend Oxford? No, I think he went to Cambridge. Both these top universities would be cursing the day they took Bilawal and Rahul on board.
What Oxford and Cambridge cant, the age-old university called Life does, and that too with such panache. Listen to Modi’s address at the UNGA and you will know what I mean. The man who was denied visa by the US, hounded by activists funded by US based donors, stood tall, in front of global audience, with his outstandingly articulated, global leader like speech. I still can’t decide what took the cake; his oratory or his vision for the world. In just one stroke he reduced Pakistan’s bickering to something so petty that it merit no attention. Proud of you Mr. Prime Minister you have made me feel proud to be an Indian again.
And why not, there are reasons as I have started seeing some hope. Firstly, we have successfully put our spacecraft in Mars and secondly the country has efficaciously put ‘Amma’ where she deserved to be; behind the bars. Mars and Bars! I am sure that “Massi” “Bua” “Tau” “Bhaiya” and every single larger than life politician who ruled the country or its states and focused on filling their own coffers would be shivering in their saris and dhotis.
The cynic in me would like to sign off on a positive note, a happier note, leaving you with some food for thought.
What if Rahul Baba had become our PM?He would still be wondering why the country is going gaga over Mars. After all it is just a chocolate bar.
September 14, 2014
September 13, 2014
In conversation with Ila Garg
A conversation with Amit Shankar :)
He is the author of three national bestsellers; Flight of the Hilsa, Chapter Eleven &
Love is Vodka - A Shot Ain't Enough. He is an avid music buff and a great exponent of the guitar. Here he lets his readers know a little more about himself and his journey so far.
1. Tell us something about yourself and your book?Nothing in specific, just a loner, who loves to blabber, guard his space and totally in love with writing,
coffee, rock and jazz. During my professional career spanning for more than 14 years, I have donned the
hats of a copywriter, creative director and a CEO. Café Latte is my fourth title; my first collection of
short stories. Prior to this, I detested the format of short stories. Never read them or even attempted
writing. And here I am, now completely in love with them. What makes Café Latte special?
Well, it is the only compilation, which explores and romantices ‘death’ unfurling its various hues.
A majority of the stories showcase the true beauty of the only truth; death.
2. Why Vitasta Publishing?Why not would be my question to you. Can you recall the pubisher of Godfather or Gone with the
wind? Moreover, I can never forget that Vitasta was the first one to sign me.
With four titles down the line, guess we are on equal footing. Maybe it is time to seek and explore more.
3. What inspired you to write this particular collection?Simple, the desire to do something different from my earlier forms, titles and genres.
Also, I wanted to make myself love something I hated all my life—short stories and then to excel.
Read the collection, if you havent by now, and you will find it to be refreshingly different—
UNUSUAL, as I term it. The reviews have been more than heart warming.
Please check them out on my FB page.
The response has been exceptional, both in terms of critical accalim and the numbers.
4. How was the journey in this writing field so far?I have always been a writer. Earlier I used to write love letters for my friends, then compelling
sales stories for brands and finally, fiction. I find the journey to be enjoyable, exhilirating and exuberant.
5. What do you think is your biggest strength when it comes to writing?I have the courage to go where no one does. This results in telling offbeat stories.
From Flight of the Hilsa to Café Latte, all of them have not been really mainstream,
if you know what I mean. When the writing circuit was abuzz with love stories with IIM romance
churning mill working overtime, my first title approached the grave and serious topic of demystifying
happiness and that too from a woman’s POV. The second one, Chapter 11 peeked inside the
shiny corporate façade juxtaposing it with our crumbling value system. Love is Vodka
analysed ‘love’ thorough a microscope sans the lens of morality.
And café Latte, is now enthralling readers with a bag full of UNUSUAL observations and narration.
6. What is your least favourite part of the writing process?I complete the manuscript so fast that I get no time to figure out the favourite or the least favourite part.
Café Latte was written in four days flat. An interesting thing, what you read is the first and final draft.
I never write and revisit my writing. Never let anyone to edit it. Just proof check by someone and
it’s good to go. I prefer content over form factor.
7. Share some of your interesting memories you lived while writing this book.An apartment on the 12 floor, five days and four nights, three bottles of Glenlivet, loads of carrots
and apples and macbook air. Of course my writing glasses and rubik cube.
8. If you were to describe your book in one line, what would it be?Nothing like anything you would have ever read, UNUSUAL.
9. What are some things you like to do when you’re not writing?Cook, love sitting at a café watching people, re arrange furniture, and of course strum my guitar.
10. Readers need an author they can look upto, not a proud author. Few months ago, you
publically made fun of Book Reviewers and now when your book is in the market, you are
seeking reviews for your book. How far do you think your statement was justified? You wrote,
“Can’t write to save your life? Become a Book Reviewer.”
Don’t you think you should apologise for your words?
“Lions make leopord tameYeah, but but not change his spots”The whole context of context is lost when it is taken out of the context.
11. It may be unfair to ask but we’d love to know your personal favourites from ‘Café Latte’?The Jazz Player. I like it for its strains of melancholy, the interplay of life’s cruelty pitched against hope.
12. How do you feel when someone disagrees with something you have written?I appreciate different POVs. How boring would life be if everything was uniform?
No wonder I hated my school uniform. I am one of the few writers who post reviews as it is.
When I had launched Chapter 11, a journalist tore it apart in her review. I
sent her a mail thanking her for her time and expressing her point of view.
She was flabbergasted.
Not that I am trying to prove a point but the fact is criticism does not affect me as I write for my self.
If readers love it, it’s double whammy.
13. Tell us something about your future projects.A big canvas, crime thriller. This wuld be my first time in this genre.
Trying my best to make it different from my earlier four titles.
14. Anything else that you would like your readers to know about you?I'm the devil with no makeup.
15. Lastly, is there a message you would like to convey your readers?“The lover of life's not a sinnerThe ending is just a beginnerThe closer you get to the meaningThe sooner you'll know that you're dreamingSo it's on and on and on, oh it's on and on and onIt goes on and on and on, Heaven and Hell”
Description
We are brought up listening to and reading stories, which makes us form a clichéd framework of
expectations and concepts about life. Café Latte takes you on a tantalizing foray into the unusual with
some refreshing and some startling narrations.
The stories cover a broad spectrum of people and events and will have you turning the pages eagerly
for the twist in the end.So shed the mundane, become a fearless traveller and savor a fresh approach towards the enigma called
Life.Posted by Ila Garg at 11:47 AM
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Labels: Anthology, Interview, writerReactions:
September 11, 2014
Cafe Latte Review by Kalyan Panja
Cafe Latte: Amit Shankar
Cafe Latte by Amit Shankar is a collection of 18 short stories based on the shades of life with the content of the various stories is soft, that leaves the reader indifferent and apathetic, and is recommended for most impressionable minds with the style is clear and elegant.
A book of short stories to be read quickly and with less effort than a novel, which you can read in the car, metro or during breaks in work, this collection contains the following stories of Temple of the King, one of my favourites in the book, 26 Down Express, Code of Honor, The Jazz Player, Let Me Help You Die, The Black Widow, The Lion, The Leopard And The Hyena, A Rose for Her, A Highway called Life, The Chosen One, Home Sweet Home, The Other Side, The Dream Chaser, The Guardian Angel, Every Mouse Ain't A Mickey Mouse, Smart TV, True Lies, and Writer’s Block.
The stories are all of love and hate, loss and gain, and victory and defeat, all very exciting, ranging from 15-16 pages to 4 pages, and it was a perfect choice and in fact, those pages can grow in a perfect way to rouse the attention and interest of the reader into a climax and then growing that always ends with a surprising end.
This volume collection by Amit brings all of his supreme intelligence, his lucidity, his acute perception of reality which come to life and extraordinary powerful figures, which are the most beautiful fruit of the imagination of a writer. Amit’s obsession with the shadowy forces, his exploration of the depths of the morbid folly, and dread lead us through the pages of a travel with fantastic stories that are over the threshold of reason, including figment of the imagination and surreal situations with the fantasy of this mind in constant motion.
The stories are all written well and there is no shortage of initial detour on topics sometimes profound that mesmerise with the writing, sophisticated at the same time and easy to understand, that still manages to attract the reader with all the stories relate to the theme of expectations and concepts about life.
The book shows what Amit is really capable of and he writes with skill and manages to make you feel the feelings and emotions of his characters in a fairly deep, or rather makes you feel his feelings and emotions. Yes, because when you read it, it seems that it is Amit himself who lived through the various events narrated first-in personality and this gives a special something to read.
He also narrated the situations well and each story is different from the other and in each of them the author addresses more psychological aspects, investigating between the personal obsessions and not failing to mesmerise from which readers are fascinated, also throwing in his pleasant experiences.
It is perhaps the essence of the writing genius of Amit, wisdom and twists which is nothing short of wonderful with the book succeeded too well to explain certain feelings and moods, thanks to the division in the stories, which is pleasant, although some stories impress more and others a little less, but you will never feel bored or too busy to read this little book of no more than 190 pages.
The various stories have a particular theme and some of them manage to be almost raw at times and is able, ultimately, to get you into the story and to excite more than enough thanks to the great style of this author with a journey into the depths of the innermost mind, full of charm that is characteristic of insalubrious characters.
And one can not but appreciate the skilful construction of manias and obsessions that quest man or the author seems to have lived with confidence and pride, as if to make his own life the tremendous masquerade that we find in every story. And what about the visionary talent, fear and sometimes the feeling of anxiety mixed with fear where we feel when we look into the eyes of individuals that seems to have so much in common with the ones described by Amit.
Once you read the stories, that in one way or another, it is in us the images that this author gives us lie in our hearts and will haunt as a reminder of our life we live and if you are looking for compelling stories to read, and without too much effort maybe for when you have little time available.
In conclusion, it is an enjoyable read, never boring and exciting where from the red windows you will see fantastic shapes in motion at the sound of dissonant melodies, and, like a fast river through the pale door a crowd rushes and laughs, but does not smile.
Cafe Latte by Amit Shankar is a collection of 18 short stories based on the shades of life with the content of the various stories is soft, that leaves the reader indifferent and apathetic, and is recommended for most impressionable minds with the style is clear and elegant.
A book of short stories to be read quickly and with less effort than a novel, which you can read in the car, metro or during breaks in work, this collection contains the following stories of Temple of the King, one of my favourites in the book, 26 Down Express, Code of Honor, The Jazz Player, Let Me Help You Die, The Black Widow, The Lion, The Leopard And The Hyena, A Rose for Her, A Highway called Life, The Chosen One, Home Sweet Home, The Other Side, The Dream Chaser, The Guardian Angel, Every Mouse Ain't A Mickey Mouse, Smart TV, True Lies, and Writer’s Block.
The stories are all of love and hate, loss and gain, and victory and defeat, all very exciting, ranging from 15-16 pages to 4 pages, and it was a perfect choice and in fact, those pages can grow in a perfect way to rouse the attention and interest of the reader into a climax and then growing that always ends with a surprising end.
This volume collection by Amit brings all of his supreme intelligence, his lucidity, his acute perception of reality which come to life and extraordinary powerful figures, which are the most beautiful fruit of the imagination of a writer. Amit’s obsession with the shadowy forces, his exploration of the depths of the morbid folly, and dread lead us through the pages of a travel with fantastic stories that are over the threshold of reason, including figment of the imagination and surreal situations with the fantasy of this mind in constant motion.
The stories are all written well and there is no shortage of initial detour on topics sometimes profound that mesmerise with the writing, sophisticated at the same time and easy to understand, that still manages to attract the reader with all the stories relate to the theme of expectations and concepts about life.
The book shows what Amit is really capable of and he writes with skill and manages to make you feel the feelings and emotions of his characters in a fairly deep, or rather makes you feel his feelings and emotions. Yes, because when you read it, it seems that it is Amit himself who lived through the various events narrated first-in personality and this gives a special something to read.
He also narrated the situations well and each story is different from the other and in each of them the author addresses more psychological aspects, investigating between the personal obsessions and not failing to mesmerise from which readers are fascinated, also throwing in his pleasant experiences.
It is perhaps the essence of the writing genius of Amit, wisdom and twists which is nothing short of wonderful with the book succeeded too well to explain certain feelings and moods, thanks to the division in the stories, which is pleasant, although some stories impress more and others a little less, but you will never feel bored or too busy to read this little book of no more than 190 pages.
The various stories have a particular theme and some of them manage to be almost raw at times and is able, ultimately, to get you into the story and to excite more than enough thanks to the great style of this author with a journey into the depths of the innermost mind, full of charm that is characteristic of insalubrious characters.
And one can not but appreciate the skilful construction of manias and obsessions that quest man or the author seems to have lived with confidence and pride, as if to make his own life the tremendous masquerade that we find in every story. And what about the visionary talent, fear and sometimes the feeling of anxiety mixed with fear where we feel when we look into the eyes of individuals that seems to have so much in common with the ones described by Amit.
Once you read the stories, that in one way or another, it is in us the images that this author gives us lie in our hearts and will haunt as a reminder of our life we live and if you are looking for compelling stories to read, and without too much effort maybe for when you have little time available.
In conclusion, it is an enjoyable read, never boring and exciting where from the red windows you will see fantastic shapes in motion at the sound of dissonant melodies, and, like a fast river through the pale door a crowd rushes and laughs, but does not smile.
Format: Paperback ♥ Published: August 2014 ♥ Publisher: Vitasta Pub
Cafe Latte Review by Abhilash Ruhela
"I haven't read the 1st book of Amit Shankar but I was surprised to find another author with a big potential after reading Chapter 11 and Love is Vodka. Chapter 11 was a hilarious book which made me laugh and entertained throughout. Love is Vodka was quite sensuous but it was a fine attempt considering the genre in which it was written. Amit Shankar has just come out with his 4th book that's an anthology named "Cafe Latte". The 190-pages anthology is out by his home publisher- Vitasta and the cover page of the book promises "eighteen unusual short stories". These days, many small publishers are coming out with their respective anthologies back-to-back and hence, when I came to know that Amit Shankar has done the same, I was quite doubtful because reading short love stories aren't something new for Bloggers like me. But as the book promises, I really got to read some unusual tales and happily, there wasn't a single love story. Yes. Do you get it, new and small publishers? This is what an anthology is. Not the shit you are publishing these days.
Every story begins as if it's just another tale but as soon as the half of it ends, you realize that the end is not going to be predictable. By the time you reach the end, you find your mouth open in surprise and shock. This anthology is been attempted seriously without any casual approach. Every story is written in a way that might want you to read more such stories which can leave you with lots of questions, thoughts and interpretations. The kind of messages and outlook these story provides, it assures that you aren't having the same opinion about the discussed topic anymore. It gives you an insight that you could have never known if not read these stories or faced those situations yourself which is quite unlikely to happen.
Temple of the King, the 1st story itself makes you sad knowing what happened to one of the protagonists. Even the last story with which the book is ended is upon an unusual happenings between a publisher and writer. The book consists story of emotions of a boy who's father owns a lingerie shop, a girl who confesses to a Father before committing suicide, a child beggar who sells a rose daily to a schoolboy of the same age, a jazz player who feels he has no existence etc. All the protagonists are such about whom we don't think much as they aren't given much damn because of their own sad lives or presence. But Amit Shankar, though his stories, gives those characters a presence that makes you think time and again how problematic life can be and how wonderful our lives are.
Coming to the author, I would say that Amit Shankar has once again impressed me with his writing and the kind of stories he selected for this anthology which is surely one of the bests I have read. But I would suggest him to continue with the full-fledged novels that he writes because I didn't feel the same excitement in this book when compared to my happiness and reviews after I finished reading 2 of his novels. It would be fine publishing one Cafe Latte kind of a book after every 3 full-fledged novel but continuing with anthologies and short stories won't be a good idea for a wonderful talent like him. He has an amazing story-telling skill that he shouldn't limit with anthologies. I give this attempt 3.75*/5 considering it to be a bizarre sort of anthology. :-)"
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
Every story begins as if it's just another tale but as soon as the half of it ends, you realize that the end is not going to be predictable. By the time you reach the end, you find your mouth open in surprise and shock. This anthology is been attempted seriously without any casual approach. Every story is written in a way that might want you to read more such stories which can leave you with lots of questions, thoughts and interpretations. The kind of messages and outlook these story provides, it assures that you aren't having the same opinion about the discussed topic anymore. It gives you an insight that you could have never known if not read these stories or faced those situations yourself which is quite unlikely to happen.
Temple of the King, the 1st story itself makes you sad knowing what happened to one of the protagonists. Even the last story with which the book is ended is upon an unusual happenings between a publisher and writer. The book consists story of emotions of a boy who's father owns a lingerie shop, a girl who confesses to a Father before committing suicide, a child beggar who sells a rose daily to a schoolboy of the same age, a jazz player who feels he has no existence etc. All the protagonists are such about whom we don't think much as they aren't given much damn because of their own sad lives or presence. But Amit Shankar, though his stories, gives those characters a presence that makes you think time and again how problematic life can be and how wonderful our lives are.
Coming to the author, I would say that Amit Shankar has once again impressed me with his writing and the kind of stories he selected for this anthology which is surely one of the bests I have read. But I would suggest him to continue with the full-fledged novels that he writes because I didn't feel the same excitement in this book when compared to my happiness and reviews after I finished reading 2 of his novels. It would be fine publishing one Cafe Latte kind of a book after every 3 full-fledged novel but continuing with anthologies and short stories won't be a good idea for a wonderful talent like him. He has an amazing story-telling skill that he shouldn't limit with anthologies. I give this attempt 3.75*/5 considering it to be a bizarre sort of anthology. :-)"Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
Cafe Latte Review by Sakshi Nanda
"I think when Man first invented short story anthologies it was done keeping this day and age in mind – you know, the quickie-reading era. Short concentration spans, limited reading time and enough to distract us in the world of technology leave us with very little motivation for a long drawn novel. And where are we reading? As much as we like to imagine a French window with white curtains overlooking a Gulmohar tree in full bloom and a teak rocking chair under our derrière with a book in hand, we, dear readers, are reading in air planes and trains, en route offices stuck in jams or while waiting for a coffee date. That is where anthologies come to play an important role, for they expect nothing more than a few minutes of surrendering to a certain author’s story – his ideas, her thoughts, his characters, her twist – before freeing you of the obligation to read any further. And then, variety is called the spice of life for a reason. Don’t you think?
‘Café Latte’ by Amit Shankar is a collection of ‘Eighteen Unusual Short Stories’ from different genres. In the Prologue he himself assures us that this is ‘a very unusual compilation … typing the stories as they happened.’ Spontaneity is indeed apparent in each of the 18 stories, but what is unusual about a select few is not how they have been executed, or how the themes have been rendered. The uniqueness is either a trait of the protagonists or their professions, their reactions or their relationships. Hence, the stories in themselves are not unusual. The subjects of some make them so.
The ones which shook me and stirred me
‘The Black Widow’ kept me awake long after I had called it a day and switched off the lights. I was shaken enough to expect the phone to ring any second and a woman to whisper from the other side. To get a paranormal story to do that to you is tough these days, what with “muses” in the form of Holly-Bolly and a rerun of X-Files on Star World, that too in HD. Amit managed the stories of this genre very well. '26 Down Express’ is another example, where Mr. Gupta’s crazed “You take good care of Tinni. She is a sweet girl” shocked me as much as it did Bikash, the girl’s father. I did not see what was coming even when I was just a millimetre away from it.
I have always believed that while shocks are short lived, the stories which stay with you are the ones which stirred something deeper than your goosebumps. Poignant stories with characters who touch a chord with us carry a universal appeal which surpasses all trappings and techniques of the plot. Three such stories drew me in with their warmth, their unhurried narrative, honesty of thought and the simplicity of the protagonists. ‘Code of Honour’ - a father’s letter to his son from the frontline, ‘The Jazz Player’ – one of the saddest stories I have read in recent times and ‘Home Sweet Home’- with its beautiful expression of old age and the desire to own a home. The ambient detailing of a mother readying her child for school in ‘The Other Side’ was well done. I could smell the roasting oats!
In terms of execution and experimental writing, ‘The Lion, the Leopard and the Hyena’ stood out, as it reminded me of Plato’s dialogues with his student and the power of convincing through question-answer and logic. Also, ‘Every Mouse Ain’t a Mickey Mouse’ for unconventionality of thought as well as an unusual style of narration. (I only wonder why the author used ‘ain’t’, a word no one does here or even there, across the seven seas!)
The ones which fell flat, and why
Some short stories in ‘Café Latte’ just did not live up to the mark set by the aforementioned ones. ‘Temple of the King’ was typical, ‘Let Me Help You Die’ predictable from a mile away, ‘Smart TV’ flat in delivery and effects and ‘A Highway Called Life’ too moral science for my taste, with a moral attached.
I want to mention two overarching problems with the stories in this book:
1. Closures – A recurrent habit that Amit Shankar could do without is making the closures of his stories too explanatory. He will have to believe that the reader is an intelligent animal and that the idea that he is trying to put across has been well received. Unnecessarily putting in so many words the idea behind the story weighs the balance towards ‘tell’ and away from ‘show’, often eating into the effect of the story and leaving a childish after taste. ‘The Chosen One’ is a sweet little story of an interestingly employed young man and the idea of work-life destiny. Except for the way it ends.
2. Language – Simple and spontaneous, for the most part the language suits the style that comes to the author most naturally. However, erroneous “slips of tongue” dotted almost all the stories. Some examples – Beginning sentences with ‘Though/Although’ and using ‘but’ as a conjunction in the same sentence, sentences like ‘I know I have never written you long letters’ and ‘but why to mix drinks?’, vagaries like ‘He was not finding enough air in his lungs’, incorrect syntax like in ‘I tried today also, and…’, and missing words like in ‘What do I gain being a lion?’ Good editing could easily have creased these away.
‘Café Latte’ is not a perfect anthology of short stories. Even as I say that, I wonder if any anthology can be homogeneously and universally satisfying. After all, if there is variety to the stories and genres in the book the same holds true for the kinds of readers and their tastes in the tales too. I will recommend this collection as an accompaniment to your coffee for the simplicity with which Amit Shankar explores and presents the dynamics of human relationships, the conflict-ridden world of jobs, the meaningless of living and the all-powerful idea of loss and death, picking real stories right up from surroundings that you and I share. An entertaining collection."
Title: Cafe Latte
Author: Amit Shankar
Publisher: Vitasta
2014
‘Café Latte’ by Amit Shankar is a collection of ‘Eighteen Unusual Short Stories’ from different genres. In the Prologue he himself assures us that this is ‘a very unusual compilation … typing the stories as they happened.’ Spontaneity is indeed apparent in each of the 18 stories, but what is unusual about a select few is not how they have been executed, or how the themes have been rendered. The uniqueness is either a trait of the protagonists or their professions, their reactions or their relationships. Hence, the stories in themselves are not unusual. The subjects of some make them so.
The ones which shook me and stirred me
‘The Black Widow’ kept me awake long after I had called it a day and switched off the lights. I was shaken enough to expect the phone to ring any second and a woman to whisper from the other side. To get a paranormal story to do that to you is tough these days, what with “muses” in the form of Holly-Bolly and a rerun of X-Files on Star World, that too in HD. Amit managed the stories of this genre very well. '26 Down Express’ is another example, where Mr. Gupta’s crazed “You take good care of Tinni. She is a sweet girl” shocked me as much as it did Bikash, the girl’s father. I did not see what was coming even when I was just a millimetre away from it.
I have always believed that while shocks are short lived, the stories which stay with you are the ones which stirred something deeper than your goosebumps. Poignant stories with characters who touch a chord with us carry a universal appeal which surpasses all trappings and techniques of the plot. Three such stories drew me in with their warmth, their unhurried narrative, honesty of thought and the simplicity of the protagonists. ‘Code of Honour’ - a father’s letter to his son from the frontline, ‘The Jazz Player’ – one of the saddest stories I have read in recent times and ‘Home Sweet Home’- with its beautiful expression of old age and the desire to own a home. The ambient detailing of a mother readying her child for school in ‘The Other Side’ was well done. I could smell the roasting oats!
In terms of execution and experimental writing, ‘The Lion, the Leopard and the Hyena’ stood out, as it reminded me of Plato’s dialogues with his student and the power of convincing through question-answer and logic. Also, ‘Every Mouse Ain’t a Mickey Mouse’ for unconventionality of thought as well as an unusual style of narration. (I only wonder why the author used ‘ain’t’, a word no one does here or even there, across the seven seas!)
The ones which fell flat, and why
Some short stories in ‘Café Latte’ just did not live up to the mark set by the aforementioned ones. ‘Temple of the King’ was typical, ‘Let Me Help You Die’ predictable from a mile away, ‘Smart TV’ flat in delivery and effects and ‘A Highway Called Life’ too moral science for my taste, with a moral attached.
I want to mention two overarching problems with the stories in this book:
1. Closures – A recurrent habit that Amit Shankar could do without is making the closures of his stories too explanatory. He will have to believe that the reader is an intelligent animal and that the idea that he is trying to put across has been well received. Unnecessarily putting in so many words the idea behind the story weighs the balance towards ‘tell’ and away from ‘show’, often eating into the effect of the story and leaving a childish after taste. ‘The Chosen One’ is a sweet little story of an interestingly employed young man and the idea of work-life destiny. Except for the way it ends.
2. Language – Simple and spontaneous, for the most part the language suits the style that comes to the author most naturally. However, erroneous “slips of tongue” dotted almost all the stories. Some examples – Beginning sentences with ‘Though/Although’ and using ‘but’ as a conjunction in the same sentence, sentences like ‘I know I have never written you long letters’ and ‘but why to mix drinks?’, vagaries like ‘He was not finding enough air in his lungs’, incorrect syntax like in ‘I tried today also, and…’, and missing words like in ‘What do I gain being a lion?’ Good editing could easily have creased these away.
‘Café Latte’ is not a perfect anthology of short stories. Even as I say that, I wonder if any anthology can be homogeneously and universally satisfying. After all, if there is variety to the stories and genres in the book the same holds true for the kinds of readers and their tastes in the tales too. I will recommend this collection as an accompaniment to your coffee for the simplicity with which Amit Shankar explores and presents the dynamics of human relationships, the conflict-ridden world of jobs, the meaningless of living and the all-powerful idea of loss and death, picking real stories right up from surroundings that you and I share. An entertaining collection."
Title: Cafe Latte
Author: Amit Shankar
Publisher: Vitasta
2014
