InklingsInsight

Book Name: For Everything Left Unsaid Author: Uma Shukla Publication: Rupa Genre: Poetry “I am always the echo, Never the sound that makes people turn.” For Everything Left Unsaid by Uma Shukla is a heartfelt collection of poems that will make readers question their choices, existence, and being. It is a collection divided into five themes: Intake, Irregularities, Corroboration, Unfiled Material, and Verdict (Undelivered). Each theme in itself delivers a deep meaning, and so do the well-written poems in each of them. Each section starts with context-setting that describes what the poems in that section are about. The poems differ in length, but what makes them similar is their depth and relatability for the readers. The writing style of the author is thought-provoking, evocative, and heartwarming. Some poems may make readers smile and find themselves in them, while some might feel heart-wrenching. From raw emotions to deep philosophical understanding, every reader will find someth...

Book Name: The Bose Conspiracy Author: Saugata Chakraborty   Publication: Srishti Publishers Genre: Fiction (Thriller and Suspense) “Transformation manifests through minor acts of love and service. Be the light in darkness.” The Bose Conspiracy by Saugata Chakraborty is a work of fiction that takes readers back to the times of pre-independence through the lens of the family lineage of the Chakrabarty family. The story starts in 1920, in Rangpur, from Dwijbandhu’s household, where his wife and daughter are found preparing for the festivities while he is contemplating his decisions for his daughter on the terrace when he is met by his son, Bharat. The family history has been complex, but each man and woman who followed after Dwij’s generation has been passionate about the nation and its people during the pre-independence era. The family’s medicinal practitioners, be it Bharat, his younger brother Ashutosh, who chose homeopathy after his grants to pursue law were withdrawn, or Pra...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

Book Name: Psycho Path Author: Prerna Wadhawan Publication: Self-Published Genre: Psychological Thriller “Psychopaths aren’t made. They’re evolved. A gene that strips out the noise of empathy, guilt, hesitation. It lets them do what the rest of us can’t.”  - Prerna Wadhawan Psycho Path by Prerna Wadhawan is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of the human psyche in the name of revenge and fragile ego. Note for Readers: This book contains portrayals of abuse, psychological harm, rape, violence, and disregard for human and animal life and emotions. Review The plot follows two best friends, Tejas and Shubh, who turn into hardcore enemies in a race to prove what they can do and go viral, even when it comes at the cost of other people’s lives, respect, emotions, and feelings, including those close to both of them. What starts as a mere conflict between them grows into something much bigger and leads to one mishap after another. One of them turns into a psychological...

Book Name: The Girls Are Not Fine Author: Harnidh Kaur Publication: Penguin Genre: Non-Fiction “When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around here.” - Adrienne Rich The Girls Are Not Fine: The Cost of Ambition, Careers and Becoming by Harnidh Kaur is a non-fiction book that gives voice to opinions many women have kept on mute for years, and are still struggling to raise in many spaces. Review This book has four parts, each portraying different aspects of women’s conditioning. These include On Unravelling, On Work, On Relationships, and On Money. Every phase and aspect of a woman’s life deserves to be talked about. From the phase where a woman says “I am fine,” which actually means “I am not fine,” to the phase where she speaks up for her rights in her family or workplace because she knows her limits and what lies beyond them, this book covers it all. These are conversations not only women need, but society needs to hear too. One aspect that p...