Vivek Yadav

The Silent Patient is a captivating psychological thriller that expertly builds suspense and keeps readers guessing until the final page. Alex Michaelides's prose is elegant and atmospheric, drawing readers into the enigmatic world of Alicia, a renowned artist who mysteriously stops speaking after a horrific crime.

The novel's exploration of trauma, guilt, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness is thought-provoking. The dual narratives of Theo Faber, the therapist determined to unlock Alicia's silence, and Alicia's chilling artwork create a compelling tension.

However, while the plot is undeniably gripping, a few plot holes emerge as the story progresses. Some of the revelations feel somewhat contrived, and certain character motivations lack depth. Despite these minor flaws, The Silent Patient remains a compelling and entertaining read that will leave readers pondering the complexities of the human mind.

Dennis Lehane's Mystic River is a gripping tale that delves deep into the lives of three childhood friends whose paths intertwine tragically decades later. From the haunting prologue to the chilling climax, Lehane masterfully weaves a narrative that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking.

Lehane's characters are complex and relatable, their past traumas shaping their present actions. The author's vivid descriptions of Boston's gritty underbelly bring the story to life, making it feel both intimate and universal. The tension builds steadily as the mystery surrounding a young girl's murder unravels, revealing the dark secrets buried within the trio's friendship.

While the novel's themes of guilt, redemption, and the enduring power of childhood trauma are heavy, Lehane's writing style keeps the story engaging and accessible. The pacing is well-executed, and the plot twists are both surprising and satisfying.

Mystic River is a powerful and unforgettable novel that explores the complexities of human nature. Lehane's ability to craft compelling characters and a gripping narrative make this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and literary fiction alike.

Rating: 4.5

Coming from two years worth of a reader's ennui and having watched both Dune movies already, I didn't expect much from this book. I expected it to fare the same way a lot of other fiction books had in this post covid reading slump I was in... Discarded after a couple of chapters of not being able to capture my attention.

However, I now understand why Frank Herbert is called the JRR Tolkien of science fiction. I can't wait to learn more about the Dune Universe, CHOAM and even Salusa Secundus. I could almost see Paul Atreides facing the trials and tribulations that Arrakis threw at him. And what a way to get me excited about Princess Irulan's character in the upcoming books by having her share tidbits about the world of Dune at the beginning of each chapter!

PS. Definitely diving into Dune Messiah right away!

Rating: 3.5/5

Chitra Banerjee's The Palace of Illusions presents a captivating retelling of the Mahabharata, centering on the enigmatic figure of Draupadi. While the novel skillfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and the complexities of human nature, it ultimately falls short of fully capturing the depth and nuance of its protagonist.

Banerjee's writing transports readers to the opulent world of the Pandavas and Kauravas. The novel delves into the complicated dynamics of the characters, particularly Draupadi's tumultuous relationship with her five husbands. However, while the author attempts to portray Draupadi as a strong and independent woman, she often succumbs to stereotypical tropes.

The novel's primary focus on Draupadi's romantic entanglements, especially her obsession with Karna, overshadows her other significant roles and accomplishments. While there are moments where Draupadi exhibits flashes of defiance and courage, these instances are fleeting. Instead, she is frequently portrayed as a capricious and impulsive figure, driven by emotions rather than reason.

Despite its shortcomings, The Palace of Illusions remains an engaging read, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless epic. However, readers seeking a truly empowering portrayal of Draupadi may be left wanting.

A Solid Continuation, But Lacking the Spark

While A Dance with Dragons certainly picks up the pace compared to its predecessor, A Feast for Crows, it still struggles to maintain the same level of excitement and intrigue as the earlier books in the series. Martin's decision to juggle so many different perspectives, while ambitious, can also lead to a fragmented narrative that can be difficult to follow.

The author himself has acknowledged the challenges he faced in writing this book, and it's evident in the pacing and tone. The story feels like it's meandering, taking its time to set the stage for the climactic events that are yet to come. While this approach might be necessary for world-building and character development, it can also leave the reader feeling a bit impatient.

Tyrion Lannister continues to be a standout character, his wit and resilience providing a much-needed breath of fresh air amidst the chaos. His journey through the world of Westeros offers some of the most engaging moments in the book.

Overall, A Dance with Dragons is a solid continuation of the series, but it falls short of the heights reached by the earlier books. While it's certainly worth reading for fans of the series, it's likely to leave many readers feeling a bit unsatisfied and eager for the next installment.