Posts

Book Review: The Correspondent

Image
Book Name: The Correspondent Author: Virginia Evans Publication: Penguin Genre: Fiction ( Epistolary Novel) The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is an epistolary novel, a novel written through letters, and a story that connects a woman with people who felt writing was easier than speaking to communicate what they wanted, even when she was losing her eyesight. The book follows the story of Sybil, a woman in her seventies who communicates through correspondence, whether she has to talk to her friend, family, stranger, or even neighbours. She was bold and outright when it came to writing a letter. From June 2, 2012, till February 8, 2020, she wrote letters to multiple people, and each letter was a reflection of her relationship with the person she wrote the letter to. She showed angst, plea, disgust, sorrow, happiness, and every other virtue without shying away in her letters, no matter how the other person would feel. It is all about letters, and the story falls in place when the rea...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Marigold and Rose

Image
Book Name: Marigold and Rose Author: Louise Glück Publication: Aleph Book Company Genre: Fiction Marigold and Rose by Louise Glück is a fiction novella featuring twin sisters Marigold and Rose, as the title says. A cute and obsession-worthy work that will fill readers with delight and leave them with a lot of thoughts. Marigold and Rose are born, and their parents play a key role in their growth. The story starts from their birth until they turn one, and in between, how their behavior and instincts play a different role throughout will make readers giggle and feel shocked at times. How both the sisters are way different makes them the perfect twins. The characters are Marigold, Rose, and their parents, who have been talked about in this little book of fiction. Marigold, an annual being, is in love with books and also wants to write a book, which eventually she writes in her dream. But the sad part is that Marigold keeps questioning her life and her existence. On the other hand, re...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Jagannath: Stories of Faith and Devotion

Image
Book Name: Jagannath: Stories of Faith and Devotion Author: Smita Das Jain Publication: Srishti Publishers Genre: Non-Fiction “Long before maps or roads, some journeys were guided solely by faith.” - Smita Das Jain Jagannath by Smita Das Jain is a collection of seventy-five short stories exploring the traditions, legends, and beliefs surrounding the worship of Lord Jagannath. The collection is thoughtfully divided into different sections, each exploring a unique aspect of Lord Jagannath's life, worship, and presence. Readers get to discover stories about his origin, childhood, his bond with his siblings, sacred rituals, and accounts of devotees who believed the Lord guided them through life's most difficult moments. Whether it was ensuring they never went hungry, giving them the strength to pull the Rath during the Rath Yatra, or simply making his divine presence felt, each story reflects the unwavering faith of his devotees. The book is divided into six parts. The Origin ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Almond

Image
Book Name: Almond Author: Won-Pyung Sohn Publication: HarperVia Genre: Fiction “I have to act to give you what you want, and I can’t. It’s just impossible. So please stop now. Everyone’s acting like they’re scared of you, but they’re actually laughing at you.”  -Yunjae (unable to express his emotion) to Gon (bullying)  Note for Readers: This book contains portrayals of murder, bullying, violence, trauma, and loneliness. Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn is a story of hope, resilience, friendship, human conditioning, and, of course, subtle humour amidst the seriousness of the protagonist's struggles and loss. The story follows a teenager named Yunjae, who was born with a brain condition called alexithymia, which makes it difficult for him to identify, express, and process his own emotions, even in the gravest situations, such as when his mother is brutally attacked and his grandmother is shot right in front of his eyes. While the crowd stands frozen in terror, Yunjae simply watche...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: Colony Diaries

Image
Book Name: Colony Diaries Author: Anupam Parganiah Publication: Astitva Prakashan Genre: Fiction Colony Diaries by Anupam Parganiah is a nostalgic ride back to childhood in the 90s, set within the close-knit confines of residential colonies. The story follows families living in the colonies of Bhilai Steel Plant, C3, and HSCL, separated by a canal. It features different families whose children attend two schools, BPS and NPS. The narrative primarily revolves around the Verma family, which has two children. As the story begins, the elder child, Guddi (aka Rinika), is admitted to NPS for its higher standards and reputed curriculum, while her younger brother, Amit, continues studying at BPS. As Rinika adjusts to her new school, Amit struggles with a strict teacher who constantly finds new ways to punish him. However, this is only a small part of the story. The novel beautifully captures colony life through children's after-school adventures, women's kitty parties, and, of cou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: The Little Prince

Image
Book Name: The Little Prince Author: Antoine De Saint-Exupery Publication: Fingerprint/Om International Genre: Fantasy “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This is a secret that The Little Prince reveals, offering readers a way to understand life through the heart. It is the story of a boy and the Little Prince who journey across different planets in search of a friend or companion with whom he can share life, experience joy, and have meaningful conversations. When you start reading this book, you will notice how the narrator begins his story as a child, only to be discouraged by grown-ups from pursuing his creativity and instead told to focus on more “important” things. But what does that mean? Isn’t creativity an essential part of life? Read the book to understand how the narrator navigates his journey and forms a deep connection with the Little Prince. Review The book may appear to be a children’s story from its cover ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Image
Book Name: The Picture of Dorian Gray Author: Oscar Wilde Publication: Penguin Classics Genre: Classics “The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame.” The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic that is witty, philosophical, and explores themes such as beauty, youth, art, influence, manipulation, morality, vanity, and narcissism. The story follows Basil, an artist who decides to create the portrait of one of the youngest and most handsome men, Dorian Gray. As Basil works on the painting, Dorian is introduced to Basil's friend, Lord Henry. Henry sets the tone for Dorian's life, and his influence gradually grows stronger, reshaping the way Dorian sees himself and the world around him. Dorian becomes increasingly self-obsessed and convinced that his beauty should never fade. When the portrait is completed, Dorian reacts in an unexpected way. Rather than admiring it, he grows troubled by the realization that while the paint...
Post a Comment
Read more