Sharp Read and Review: Sharadha & Arpit

[[deleted user]]

What really surprises me:

It was selected for Oprah's Book Club in November 2001 and sold hundreds of thousands of additional copies throughout North America as a result.

Can you picture those poor Canadians reading this? :P This is TOO INDIAN!! What could've they gotten from this?

[[deleted user]]

Let's try to finish it before April ends! What say?

[[deleted user]]

Finished chapter 6!

(view spoiler)[I knew this demolishing business would be coming!! Well done, Sanjay *slow claps*
I'm also getting a feeling that the family planning program would somehow affect them too :/ (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I don't like Dina aunty's behaviour, but I think I'm only sympathetic towards Ishwar and Om because I know their background story. We all have our own sets of prejudices. I can't blame Dina aunty much though. She has her own never-ending problems, but she is way too much insecure!! Again, life wasn't fair to her either. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Ishvar noted that the tea breaks upset Dinabai no more. It confirmed his suspicion, that she was longing for company.

“It’s not the buying, Omprakash – it’s the applying I want you to remember.”

<3

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "I found it hard, it's hard to find
Oh well, whatever, nevermind!!!"

Did you just... Did I just... Can this be... I can't... You didn't just... I'm so glad we're buddies 😭

[Sharadha]

You're racing ahead, buddy. I'll catch up and respond very soon. I also think that we can finish this in April. Then Mr Sampath in May. Sounds good. Now getting off GR hehe.

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "Can you picture those poor Canadians reading this? :P This is TOO INDIAN!! What could've they gotten from this?"

Its Indian but not in an obscure way. So it opens up some insight into Indian living to all the non-Indians who read it. And besides, Canada is more than 50% Indians :)

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "Finished chapter 6!"

Chapter 6 - is that the one titled "Beautification"??

(view spoiler)[
*joins Arpit for the slow claps to Sanjay*
family planning affecting them?? ummm... yeah maybe... read on.
These are the chapters for which I recommended this book to you... not sure whether you'll like it or not, but I'll love reading your take on this situation :) [selfish reco *hides face*]

And I forgot what kind of behavior Dina aunty portrayed in this chapter that you didn't like.... may be the part where she's trying to throw them out of her house??
Overall I remember her as kind hearted and helping lady.
(hide spoiler)]

Congrats, you've reached the point of no return, no DNF! you just can't leave this book now... right?

[Gorab, TheGunman]

Sharadha wrote: "You're racing ahead, buddy. I'll catch up and respond very soon. I also think that we can finish this in April. Then Mr Sampath in May. Sounds good. Now getting off GR hehe."

All geared up for Mr Sampath :) :) :)

[[deleted user]]

I finished chapter 8 (7?), and it was (view spoiler)[ so beautiful. Made me cry happy tears. (hide spoiler)]

But the problem is that (view spoiler)[ the next chapter's name is The Bright Future Clouded!!!!!! *throws himself on the floor and cries for hours*
I don't wanna read anymore. This book made me so tired. I can't take another tragedy. Please, Mistry uncle, I beg you, just finish it on a happy note NOW!!!
(hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sharadha wrote: "ARPiT wrote: "I found it hard, it's hard to find
Oh well, whatever, nevermind!!!"

Did you just... Did I just... Can this be... I can't... You didn't just... I'm so glad we're buddies 😭"

*tries to wink*

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "Its Indian but not in an obscure way. So it opens up some insight into Indian living to all the non-Indians who read it. And besides, Canada is more than 50% Indians :)."

ROFL!!!
Exactly, even their PM is Indian, right?


Anyway, I think there would be some footnotes and translation for all those Hindi words in the North American edition?

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "ARPiT wrote: "Finished chapter 6!"

Chapter 6 - is that the one titled "Beautification"??"

Yep, that's the one, sir!
Remember CWG 2010? There were also some rumours (news?) about "beautification" of Delhi by removing beggars and street dwellers out of Delhi's streets. You know, to welcome our foreign visitors! At that time, I welcomed the move, but now I feel ashamed for that thought!

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "I finished chapter 8 (7?), and it was [spoilers removed]

But the problem is that [spoilers removed]"

Good that you are paying attention to the chapter titles... they are indeed meaningful and good for retention ;)

For Arpit, on chapter 8 (7?)
(view spoiler)[I dont want to give any spoilers, but people say its one of the grimmest book they've read.... so don't expect happy endings just yet :) (hide spoiler)]

[Sharadha]

I am going to start chapter 8, Beautifications now. Until now, I really like the 3 guys, they better stay untouched, Mr Mistry! One finger on Ishvar and I'll stop reading 😭

From the Maneck/Avinash and Maneck/Om dimensions, I understand how guys become good friends and the things they talk about ;-) Only you can attest to the authenticity to them though, buddy.

I'm still wondering where Avinash went? Did he leave college? Or hide at home with his parents? Did Maneck never see him again in classes even after moving in with Dina? I hope he is addressed in the later chapters otherwise it will stick out like a sour thumb with me :(

Why is Dina like this? I thought that years of living alone will warm her up to more people keeping her company, but that doesn't seem to be the case. And the Dina/Maneck storyline? *puke* They are so not suited for each other! Please let there be no love angle in their story, please please! I'm not against the older woman/younger man thing, but their feelings are so conflicted and moody. There is no room for angst in this grimness, that doesn't lay foundation for a good relationship (if there is any ahead).

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "I do know of Saint Shankaracharya. We had a Sanskrit lesson on him ;)

Have you read The Immortals of Meluha? The author put a different spin on the cast-system. I gave the book 1 star and didn't continue the series :P :P

Anyway, on this whole caste debate, we have to agree to disagree."

Didn't know you had studied Sanskrit in school, buddy. Me too 🙌🏾 But remember very little of it now.

I haven't read Immortals of Meluha yet nor do I plan to read it any time soon. I have all the books but I may not read them 😜

Yes, let's bury that subject here :)

[Sharadha]

Gorab wrote: "Good that there wasn't any mention of classes and similar *useless* stuff :P
Its the same chapter where these two guys love playing chess right? And form a good companionship.
The political drama and all also felt pretty realistic to me."

Agreed on all points. I really liked the way their friendship was painted. If only I knew what happened to Avinash! I'm too much of a pedant for my own good 😫

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "What really surprises me:

It was selected for Oprah's Book Club in November 2001 and sold hundreds of thousands of additional copies throughout North America as a result.

Can you picture those po..."

I think it is because it tackles a very specific group of under-represented group of the Indian population (Parsis)? It does have a lot of discussion points and on a grim subject. Quite a lot is explored in this tome so it only makes sense that bookclubs (the elite ones) will pick this up.

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "Finished chapter 6!

I knew this demolishing business would be coming!! Well done, Sanjay *slow claps*
I'm also getting a feeling that the family planning program would somehow affect them too :/[s..."

Who is Sanjay? 🤔 (did I spoil your joke?)

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "Ishvar noted that the tea breaks upset Dinabai no more. It confirmed his suspicion, that she was longing for company.

“It’s not the buying, Omprakash – it’s the applying I want you to remember.”

<3"

THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[[deleted user]]

Sharadha wrote: "Who is Sanjay? 🤔 (did I spoil your joke?)"

Oh, we are talking about Sanjay Gandhi. It was all his fault, all his fault.
Read this article, buddy. It will give you a little insight into the Emergency mess:
http://indianexpress.com/article/rese...

this too:
https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Indira-...

[[deleted user]]

Also note that it was Sanjay who convinced her mother to declare an Emergency (I mean that's what Ramchandra Guha/Khushwant Singh told us).

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "This is the closest account I've heard of what happened inside the PM's house (Bol to aise rha hu as if I read much on politics!!)

Going by IAG, AFBalance (yes! thats why I keep recoing it to you), and this..... wish Sanjay wouldn't have met that accident. Such a powerful personality.
That part about him appearing in court and janata ripping his shirt off... and still him fighting it back with his fists!"


You need to explain this, Gorab buddy!!!

[Gorab, TheGunman]

whats there to explain? Sanjay was such a powerful personality... Indian history would have been different had he succeeded Indira ;)

I reco'd IAG because we keep discussing how Guha sir skipped that emergency part... and we read about BlueStar from KS uncle... so I wanted you to read this by Mistry uncle :)

Did you feel that was a wrong reco? And I need to explain this?? :P :P

[[deleted user]]

I realised that yesterday I was too mad at the author for that horrendous ending. I loved the book actually and it deserves at least 4 stars.

I have so many things going in my head right now ...

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "whats there to explain? Sanjay was such a powerful personality... Indian history would have been different had he succeeded Indira ;)

I reco'd IAG because we keep discussing how Guha sir skipped t..."

I agree that he indeed was a powerful personality (like mother, like son), but why do you think he would've been good for India's future? Or you meant "different", but not in a good way?!
i am confusion....

I mean I don't know much, just some half-baked stories from here and there, but from all of those stories he didn't seem a very good person to me. conceited and arrogant more like. But again, he was a part of India's most powerful family (grandpa, first PM of India, mommy, then PM of India), so the attitude is justifiable.

i mean, idk. Considering most of the atrocities of Emergency were his ideas (including the Mother Emergency), I can't imagine what he would have been like with full power officially in his hands. Yeah, he didn't mean bad with Family Planning program and Beautification program, but he shoulda been careful na :(
:(
idk idk idk
this is too much...
RKN is better, from now on I'll stick to him wonly. rainbow, sunshine, butterflies, music...

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "I reco'd IAG because we keep discussing how Guha sir skipped that emergency part... and we read about BlueStar from KS uncle... so I wanted you to read this by Mistry uncle :)
"

I guess we shouldn't forget that it's a work of fiction.

[[deleted user]]

Gorab wrote: "Did you feel that was a wrong reco? And I need to explain this?? :P :P"

No, actually thanks for pushing me, else I would've never finished this book :P :P
Wanted a clarification on Sanjay Gandhi wala part.

[[deleted user]]

Sharadha wrote: "From the Maneck/Avinash and Maneck/Om dimensions, I understand how guys become good friends and the things they talk about ;-) Only you can attest to the authenticity to them though, buddy. "



Buddy, I...I mean, this is somewhat true, but outdated though
And not in that manner (or language)
I mean I should properly defend my gender, but most men are trash, so yeah

[[deleted user]]

Off-topic: GR should allow few more html codes, it's fun :P

[[deleted user]]

Gorab, I see that The Hindus: An Alternative History is NOT in your tbr, which simply and clearly means that you ARE interested in this book. So, whenever you'll read it, please let me know, I'll join in the BR

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "I realised that yesterday I was too mad at the author for that horrendous ending. I loved the book actually and it deserves at least 4 stars.

I have so many things going in my head right now ..."

I can understand that. Yes it is maddening and slightly(?) disturbing!

[Gorab, TheGunman]

Sanjay:
Yes you got it. Not sure how good or bad for India, but it would be a hell lot different than Rajeev & Co.
Sanjay was arrogant and all... but he always looked like a man with a plan. Population was India's biggest problem then (and even now)... what he proposed was horrendous in any case!

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "I guess we shouldn't forget that it's a work of fiction."

True that. It is fiction.
But I get the feeling its not far from the truth either. May be I'm wrong.

[Gorab, TheGunman]

@Shar - where have you reached? Enjoying it?

[Gorab, TheGunman]

ARPiT wrote: "Gorab, I see that The Hindus: An Alternative History is NOT in your tbr, which simply and clearly means that you ARE interested in this book. So, whenever you'll read it, please let ..."

Ahem ahem.... I see what you've done here. Lets see :P
Whenever (if) I read this, you'll be the first to know :)

[Sharadha]

I can't... Spellbound? I'm not sure.. I don't know what to say, what to feel, I just don't know why I do this to myself 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[Sharadha]

I want to unread this book but at the same time I'm happy that I read it 😭

[Sharadha]

Full 5 stars, I mean, THAT WAS A FREAKING RIDE 😭

[Sharadha]

Too many thoughts in my head.

I'm a ghastly cynic 99% of the times and I hate the world, but finding company in Mistry, I mean, we cascade that effect. It's unbearable to have two cynics around. Makes me hate the world more.

All I wanted for Ishvar was that MISTRY NOT TOUCH HIM ANYMORE THAN HE ALREADY HAD BUT NO 😭

[Sharadha]

And as much as I am happy that Dina aunty's landlord goondas were arrested for the wrong crime, I'd rather that THAKUR DHARMASI ROT IN JAHANNUMMMMM!!!! 😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬

[Sharadha]

Ok buddy, some serious questions:
1. Most and least favourite characters?
2. Most and least favourite chapters?
3. Liked the ending? If no, then what would have been your ideal ending?
4. Most and least favourite character arcs?
5. Most and least favourite pairings?
6. Most and least favourite plot lines?

I'm not going the political route, but if I were alive at that time, I would also kill Mrs IG :( :( She inflicted so much pain on my beloved characters and gave badhaavaa to that spineless THAKUR!!!! 😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "Sharadha wrote: "Who is Sanjay? 🤔 (did I spoil your joke?)"

Oh, we are talking about Sanjay Gandhi. It was all his fault, all his fault.
Read this article, buddy. It will give you a little insight..."

WHY THE HELL DID SANJAY GANDHI CALL FOR STERILISATION DRIVES IF HE CAN'T FREAKING DO IT PROPERLY?! LUNATIC OF THE FIRST ORDER! UGH!!!!

[Sharadha]

Gorab wrote: "Sanjay:
Yes you got it. Not sure how good or bad for India, but it would be a hell lot different than Rajeev & Co.
Sanjay was arrogant and all... but he always looked like a man with a plan. Popula..."

I read on Quora that fertility in conducive Indian population is deteriorating. And anyway, India has always grappled with high population. This sterilisation BS is uncalled for. Who exactly did these ministers think they were? Bullying and exploiting the naïve. Irritates me to no end.

[Sharadha]

ARPiT wrote: "Sharadha wrote: "From the Maneck/Avinash and Maneck/Om dimensions, I understand how guys become good friends and the things they talk about ;-) Only you can attest to the authenticity to them thoug..."

🤭😆🤗😬

[Sharadha]

We should read more of Mistry's works, buddy.

[Sharadha]

Oh, by the way, we finished a tome this year, buddy 😌

[Gorab, TheGunman]

Congrats for finishing the tome Shar... and more congrats for liking it too :)

[Sharadha]

Thanks, Gor!!! :D

By the way, buddy, a small anecdote:

I hadn't read the last two pages properly (grim, grimmer, grimmest). So I went on Quora to see some questions on AFB and see if I can exchange insights there and then I came across this question - "Why did Maneck commit suicide at the end of "A Fine Balance"?" and I couldn't keep my face straight 😭

Went back and re-read the second last page and... I am inconsolable 😭😭😭

[Gorab, TheGunman]

when you think it's ending on a grim note, there's a shocker and it gets grimmer :(