Debkanya
Meant for ex-Calcutta dwellers, whodunnit lovers. Overdose of nostalgia with a splash of history. Interesting take weaving fiction and history! But the twists of the whodunnit part is pretty messy and abrupt.
I generally don't take the time to pen my thoughts after reading a book. This review though is more like an ode to my nostalgia of To kill a mocking bird which had introduced me to concepts like race, friendship etc some odd almost quarter century ago.
I had picked up this book simply to get a chance to live in Atticus and Scout's world again. Discovered that this is a coming of age story in a father-daughter relationship, set in the backdrop of white American southerners reacting to the NAACP. If you have always imagined Atticus on a pedestal and have strong views on utopian racial equality - be prepared to be uncomfortable. But do read if you want a fair account of southern white person perspective on social positions tied to race. Anyways, you always have your curiosity to see what grown up Scout is like to keep turning the pages.
Three stars because will not be a repeat read for me for sure.
Written nearly a century ago - it was tad bit difficult to follow the Oxonian customs from that time period or relate to the cultural expectations from each sex in general society. However, it was surprising how some of the underlying issues addressed in this book, circling on the role of women, remain relevant till date. I would recommend this book for the author's style of writing and the exhibition of proficiency in describing human emotions.
I read Gaudy Night, before reading the previous books of the Peter Wimsey series, which created some confusion - but it did not particularly act as an impediment for me to follow the larger plot. This book falls in the crime/ mystery genre, and is not a traditional murder mystery.
Very interesting read to get out of a reading slump. Carefully thought through plot twists and vividly imagined story setting - will be very difficult to set it down once you start :)
Can't wait to finish the next parts!
Quick read. To be honest, given the hype expected a much better storyline. Almost written for a TV show.
Hunger games, Eragon series, family drama, erotica all combined into one... fast and easy read - can't wait for November now
Is loneliness a consequence of artificial patriarchal norms or is it a consequence of personal choices like the same society makes you believe. Economics and sociology comes to my rescue to answer these twisted questions
Simple narrative - almost like reading diary entries of single middle-aged professor going about life on her own terms while battling the woes of loneliness that comes along with the same lifestyle
An essay on NYC got me interested in Joan Didion and her style of narration. This collection of essays did not disappoint either. Yes, it sounds pretentious to read this book now - odd marketing ploy - sudden revival of interest after an author's death. But don't let not the desire to not fit in the popular culture deny you the joy of this raw beauty.
What a read! Not for the faint hearted, for sure. Please don't read if you are in a dark space mentally, trigger warning.
Bitter medicine to life and it's woes served in a simple non-nonsense manner. Easy to read. A bit preachy and recycled knowledge in some parts.
Enjoyed reading the book, particularly the character development. However, I did not enjoy the manner in which the the author ended the book. The solution was abrupt and felt hurried.
Very engaging and fast paced read. Being a Bengali, and having lived through and currently living through the political and religious upheaval - this book was highly relatable. I loved the way the author has accurately described the cultural nuances of middle and lower class Calcutta. Character development is fantastic.
However, be fairly warned that this is not a feel good read - and I would not recommend this book to anyone going through a difficult time or someone who is frustrated with the current socio-political scenario.
This is a tale of friendship and hope. This is also a story of deep seated horrors which we have normalised. Highly recommend for its lucid style, profound emotions and reflection of Turkish culture
This is a story of survival and hope. I highly recommend this book for it's simplicity with which it has dealt with complex mental health issues. However, trigger warning: note that this book deals with issues of parent-child psychological abuse.
Elephant poaching in the forests bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - the story is told from the point of view of the elephant, the poacher, the poacher's family, the forest department, the veterinary doctor, the elephant's caretaker, the film makers.... All packed in a couple of pages. Beautifully written, the words truly transports the reader
Very well researched book. This book helped in correcting my misconceptions and presumptions about Indian tribes which I had unconsciously developed as a result of influence from popular media and lack of information. Loved the narrative.
Great concept, unfortunately the title summarises the entire book. Although, if you like a concept explained with a lot of examples (by a lot, imagine a book of examples) this is the right book on the problem of choice for you. The subject matter is a bit gloomy, but that's not the author's burden, it's just a byproduct of capitalism.
P.S. Don't want to be rude, but if you are using the audiobook version to prop up your reading habit - the audiobook makes a great sleep story :p