Along With The Sun - Book Review

A unique anthology of short stories from the 'Karisal' or 'Black Soil' region of Tamil Nadu.

Edited by Ki. Rajanarayanan, one of the most acclaimed and influential writers in Tamil, these stories tell, with genuine affection and concern, of the lives of people living against the backdrop of the black soil land. Here the rain plays hide-and-seek, sometimes oppressing them with drought, sometimes with floods; caste and religion still form a large part of the social order; cattle and moneylenders decide the fate of populations; and local gods are a very real presence.

Written by celebrated contemporary Tamil authors in a range of literary styles, these are stories that will resonate universally long after they are read.

About the Authors

Ki. Rajanarayanan (b. 1922) is an acclaimed writer and folklorist. He started writing in the late 1950s. With his firm conviction that the spoken language was the correct language to use while writing, he was a pioneer in the introduction of dialect in his works. He has over thirty books to his credit, the most recent being the novel Andarandap Pakshi (The Andaranda Bird). In 1991, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award for Gopalapurathu Makkal (The People of Gopalapuram), a novel about a community of Telugu-speaking people who had migrated to Tamil Nadu. He was also the recipient of the Ilakkiya Chinthanai Award in 1979, as well as a Literary Achievement Special Award from the Toronto-based Tamil Literary Garden in 2016. From 1998 to 2002, he was a member of the General Council and Advisory Board of the Sahitya Akademi. As a member of the Communist Party of India, he was twice imprisoned in the late 1940s and early 1950s, for his support for and participation in peasant rebellions. To mark his sixtieth birthday celebrations in 1982, he embarked on the publication of this anthology, Karisal Kadaikal. He lives in Puducherry.

Padma Narayanan (b. 1935) is a short-story writer and the translator of numerous works of literary fiction from Tamil to English, including a collection of stories by the noted writer Imayam (forthcoming), Aadhavan's I, Ramaseshan (2008), La. Sa. Ramamritham's Apeetha (2014), Indira Parthasarathy's Poison Roots (2014), Ramamritham's The Stone Laughs and Atonement (2005), and two collections of short stories by Appadurai Muttulingam (2009 and 2017). Her work has appeared in Agni (Boston), Words Without Borders, and elsewhere. Her translation of Dilip Kumar's 'The Story of a Clerk', published in Caravan in 2012, inspired a celebrated movie adaptation, Nasir (2020). She has also translated several books from English into Tamil, and has written and spoken on the subject of translation. She lives in New Delhi.

One of the things that I really admire about my country is its diversity. There are innumerable cultures to delve into, numerous languages to communicate, and a variety of people with whom one can interact. These bring out a wide plethora of stories which have unique regional fragrances in them. Take for instance my latest read, ‘Along With The Sun’, which is laced with beautiful tales of Tamil Nadu’s black soil.

One assurance that I can provide you is that this book will keep you hooked. There are multiple stories, each exploring a different theme, written by a different writer. As such, the writing style and plots are unique in itself. No two stories are alike, but they do have a beautiful similarity in backdrop that binds them together – the black soil region of Tamil Nadu.

The stories revolve around subjects like broken dreams (‘Along With The Sun’), devotion (‘A Fierce Love For One’s Soil’), politics (‘Helpless’), rituals (‘Gruel For Rain’), and so on. The tales are well laid out, and do touch the inner chords of one’s heart. Special credit should be given to Ki. Rajanarayanan for the flawless editing and Padma Narayanan for the brilliant translation. The cover too is beautiful, reflecting the plethora of stories that can be found in its pages.

Though there is a ‘Glossary and Notes’ section towards the end, I felt an index of regional words with their meanings/ descriptions with the exact page number would have helped. Often, when I came across a regional word that I was not acquainted with (and there were several of them), I had to browse through ‘Glossary and Notes’ to comprehend it. Mention of exact page number where that word was defined would have been more helpful.

Nevertheless, I do recommend this book, not only to those who would like to connect with the regional flavors of the beautiful Tamil Nadu, but also to all those book lovers who are in search of good stories. Do give it a try and let me know what you think about it.

Title: Along With The Sun

Editor: Ki. Rajanarayanan

Translator: Padma Narayanan 

Publisher: Harper Perennial India

Publication Year: 2020

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

No. of Pages: 314

Price: INR 399

My Rating: 4/5

Karna's Wife - Book Review

 

Being an ardent fan of Hindu mythology, I have always viewed Karna as a doomed Hero. His prowess, valour and strength were often downplayed because of his upbringing, and an identity crisis that haunted him until his death. Karna's mind was bonded by loyalty and devotion towards Duryodhana, as he found himself stuck between righteousness and wrong. But what about his wife?

'Karna's Wife' by Kavita Kane paints the story of Uruvi, the Princess of Pukeya, right from her childhood. Being a free spirited girl, she turned out to be a bold lady whose decisions were often not appreciated by the royal lineage.

The love between Karna and Uruvi was as powerful as their misfortune. It was not supposed to be a happy ending, and this was accepted by both of them. It was this fear of loss that accentuated their love, and made their union everlasting.

Karna and Uruvi both fought their own battles, the former with bows and arrows, and the latter was bruised by conflicts between her mind and heart. They held on together, even in the most testing of times, making us believe that love is stronger than all other forces.

However, having read 'The Fisher Queen's Dynasty' by the same author before, I couldn't stop myself from comparing the two. Fisher Queen is a winner to me all along, right from its bright cover to the events that unfold in the book. Satyavati as a character had a greater impact than Uruvi, and left a lasting impression. Also, being a decision maker in the growth of the Kuru Dynasty, the journey of Satyavati was more intriguing than that of Uruvi.

A Flutter In The Colony - Review

In 1956, the Senguptas travel from Calcutta to rural Malaya to start afresh. In their new hamlet of anonymity, the couple gradually forget past troubles and form new ties. But this second home is not entirely free and gentle. A complex, racially charged society, it is on the brink of independence even as communist insurgents hover on the periphery. How much should a newcomer meddle before it starts to destroy him? Shuttling in time and temper between the rubber plantations of Malaya and the anguish-filled years of pre-Partition Bengal, between the Malayan Emergency and Direct Action Day, between indifference and lust, A Flutter in the Colony is a tender, resonant chronicle of a family struggling to remain together in the twilight of Empire in Asia.

About the Author

Sandeep Ray was born off the Straits of Malacca, on the edge of a rubber plantation. Educated in India and in the United States, he began his career as a film-maker, travelling widely and producing award-winning documentaries. A historian now, he explores woven pasts in A Flutter in the Colony, his first novel.

‘A Flutter In The Colony’ is a work of fiction based across significant historical events in time. The story starts in 1956 in Malaya, which is at a doldrums owing to the Malayan Emergency and the struggle of the natives, and often jumps back to the 1940s in the era of Pre-Partitioned Bengal, the Indian Independence struggle, and the political uprisings in the state. Sandeep Ray, being a noted historian, uses his vast array of knowledge to bring out the pictures clear in the mind of the readers.

The male protagonist of the story has not been named in the book. Rather, he has been referred to as ‘Young Man’ throughout. This felt odd to me. Perhaps, the author had planned to keep his protagonist unnamed, so that the readers could own the character and give him an identity as they wished; or maybe the author wanted to refer to a larger community who had faced the hardships of those struggling time, and didn’t want to confine the story to that of a single person.

The character of Maloti, the protagonist’s wife, has been sketched in a manner that it would evoke a feeling of serenity and love among the readers. Maloti is caring and binds the household. Even before her marriage, she had become a prime figure in the Sengupta family, her importance reverberating throughout the pages, making her presence essential in the life of the Young Man, as well as in the story.

Other characters too make their presence felt in Calcutta and Malaya. The writer makes an honest attempt to bind the two different time zones, and bring out the pathos of the commoners. Some of the chapters are well written. However, there are some dialogues in local dialect which I found hard to comprehend. Though it provided a sense of authenticity, I personally didn’t like it. Also, the characterization of the Young Man could have been more powerful. I did not find any quote or dialogue from the book worth noting down, which again was a sort of disappointment to me.

I, however, recommend this book to all lovers of history. The details of places are descriptive and picturesque, and the readers wouldn’t feel left out in an unknown land.

Title: A Flutter In The Colony

Authors: Sandeep Ray

Publisher: HarperCollins India

Publication Year: 2019

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Action & Adventure

No. of Pages: 344

Price: Rs 499

My Rating: 3/5

The Lowland - Review

Born just fifteen months apart, Subhash and Udayan are inseparable brothers, one often mistaken for the other in the Calcutta neighborhood where they grow up. But they are also opposites, with gravely different futures ahead.

It is the 1960s and Udayan - charismatic and impulsive - finds himself drawn to the Naxalite movement: he will risk all for what he believes. Subhash, the dutiful son, does not share his brother's political passion; he leaves home to pursue a life of scientific research in a quiet, coastal corner of America.

But when Subhash learns what happened to his brother in the lowland outside their family's home, he comes back to India, hoping to pick up the pieces of a shattered family and to heal the wounds Udayan left behind - including those seared in the heart of his brother's wife. Suspenseful and piercingly intimate, The Lowland is a masterly novel of fate and will, exile and return. This is Jhumpa Lahiri at the height of her considerable powers.

About The Author

Jhumpa Lahiri is the author of three previous works of fiction: Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake and most recently, Unaccustomed Earth. A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, a PEN/Hemingway Award, the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2012.

This June, while I was done reading most of my unread piles, I decided to give ‘The Lowland’ (which has been lying unopened for so many years in my book shelf), its share of attention, and whoa, what a revelation it has been. I was instantly struck with regret – why didn’t I read this before? But then, as they say, there is always a perfect time for everything. Probably, my tryst with this masterpiece was slated for this summer.

‘The Lowland’ characterizes time, spanning decades, going back and forth with whatever each moment has to offer. Subhash and Udayan are the two protagonists, siblings, who move onto different paths, their choices conflicting, yet their bond endearing. They are conjoined by an inexplicable camaraderie of brotherhood, so much that their stories remain entwined till the end.

There is Gauri, fiery, with a mind of her own, but trapped in fate’s ordeals. Though strong in outlook, her vulnerability is essayed in many decisions that she takes throughout the course of her journey. There are times when she is wrong, and moments when she has been wronged, her path criss-crossing with the two brothers, jittery, unsteady, but always in focus.

And then there is Calcutta, gradually progressing to Kolkata. The markets, the people, and the rickshaw – pullers, the politics all around, the unrest, and then finally the change that years of instability bring, form the core of this novel.

‘The Lowland’ is an experience, an emotional one, a struggle between guilt and determination, failure and the ongoing expectation, a hope, a dream. It’s real, caressing the boundaries of human aspirations. ‘The Lowland’ is a remarkable voyage, where one could be lost, hoping to be found, again.

Title: The Lowland
Authors: Jhumpa Lahiri
Publisher: Random House India
Publication Year: 2013
Language: English
Binding: Hardcover
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
No. of Pages: 344
Price: Rs 499
My Rating: 5/5

Lost In Love - Review

Neil had many questions related to his life. Having suffered a total eclipse of the heart, dumped by Arya, he had nowhere to go. He was completely shattered. Till one fine day, when his friend Gauri, who had a crush on Neil ever since her childhood, comes into his life and they begin their journey of love, romance, fantasy and fairy tales. 
Not for long, as their world comes crashing with a tragic, life-turning event. This is a heart-wrenching romance thriller that is bound to move you and hit your soul as you take a plunge and get Lost in Love.

About The Author
Arvind Parashar is a bestselling author of two books, and a well-known motivational speaker.

‘Lost In Love’ is the second part of the ‘Messed Up’ Trilogy. Since I had not read the first book of the series, I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to follow up with the plot. However, the good thing is that you can take it up both as a continuation and a separate book, the latter working well for me.

The ‘Messed Up’ trilogy belongs to the genre of romantic thriller, something that is always a delight to read, and equally difficult to execute. While many authors have done justice to this genre, a larger number has disappointed, trying to establish a plot, but then falling prey to the clichés. To which category, then, would I place ‘Lost In Love’?

The book starts on a highly expectant note for me. Gauri, live-in partner and girlfriend of Neil, goes missing one fine day, and our protagonist Neil is caught in the midst of the investigation. He is questioned, fingers are pointed, and the story looks promising. At this point of time, I couldn’t avoid comparison with Gilian Flynn’s masterpiece ‘Gone Girl’, and was eager to turn the pages.

However, what could have been a racy and gripping thriller quickly fizzles away. There were some moments of suspense, true. There were a few twists here and there, true. Arvind does have power in his words, true. But what lacked was the most important ingredient of any book – a coherent storyline.

Arvind establishes the plot based on a loose outline. The characters are hazy, and come in and out of the frame. Even the protagonists are not introduced in a proper manner. Neil’s personality remains vague throughout the novel. His feelings are confusing, and his memories of Arya seems unconvincing. His conflicts with Arya don’t help either. The characterization of Gauri, the female lead, is left to readers’ imaginations. There is no description of her nature; the only point being reiterated after every few pages in the novel is that she is a beautiful girl, nothing more. The other characters too fall prey to a seeming lack of identity. They don’t leave much of an impact, and we fail to relate with any of them.  It is like a bunch of Lego blocks that a reader has to arrange to give a proper form to the characters.

Another big disappointment is the poor depiction of intimate scenes. The description is graphical rather than sensual, which proves to be a letdown. There is no art, or literature, and the whole love making scenes turns out to be shallow.

However, credit should be given where it’s due. I have seen a large number of new age authors coming up with books featuring grammatical errors. Arvind, and the editorial team, ensures that there are no lapses on that end. Arvind’s language is crisp, his writing fluent, with hardly any silly errors. If Arvind is able to bind the plot together and weave a stronger storyline in his subsequent novels, he can be a name to reckon with in the literary industry. The author does have the flair; he only needs to execute it well.

The cover of the book is bright and appealing, something that would soothe your senses. Srishti Publications have been nurturing young authors and giving them the platform to showcase their dreams. The onus, now, lies upon the authors to do justice to the stage.

Title: Lost in Love
Authors: Arvind Parashar
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance
No. of Pages: 176
Price: Rs 175
My Rating: 3/5

Love A Little Stronger - Review

Life is a collection of moments, some memorable and some mundane. Often it is the tiniest things that bring the greatest joy, even though at that time, we have no idea that what we are witnessing may be magical, something that we will talk about and laugh over after many years.
Packed with her hilarious narratives, poignant observations and a writing style loved by millions across the world, this book is certain to strike a chord with anybody who has children or who has been a child, themselves!
For those who have read 34 Bubblegums and Candies, this is a new version, with many additional stories. For others, it is a heart-warming, hilarious, and inspiring collection of true anecdotes from the author’s life, telling us to Love A Little Stronger, no matter what happens.

About The Author
Preeti Shenoy is the bestselling author of Life is What You Make It and nine other titles. Her books have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. She is among the highest selling authors in India. She is also a speaker, columnist, and artist. Preeti has been featured on BBC, Conde Nast, Verve, India Today and all other major media.

There is something pleasant about this book that grabs your attention straightaway, nudging you to turn the pages with a glass of cold water, and cupcakes by the side. Do you know what that ‘something’ is? The title, of course! ‘Love A Little Stronger’ – so aptly said. In a world that is currently in doldrums owing to commotion and disturbances from all quarters, people tend to stick towards negativity, not realizing that there are positive aspects in our lives too. What we all need is our share of love, as well as sharing of love, the best place to start being, of course, our homes.

We live in a busy world filled with goals and ambitions. We have, unknowingly, become part of a rat race driven by technology. When was the last time we had a hearty dinner with our family, close relatives and friends without the interruptions of television and mobile phones? We have surely had memories of those days, but they have receded somewhere in the far corners of our minds. Preeti Shenoy digs in deep through those memories and brings them down to our heart. She narrates her own life incidents, and we, the readers, seek our own slices of déjà vu embossed in them.

The book is divided into five sections. ‘The Parent Trap’ illustrates the close bonding between Preeti and her parents, as well her own tale of parenthood. Being a proud mother of two lovely kids, Preeti narrates the ordeal that goes on in her house, daily. ‘Life, Love And Laughter’ comprises anecdotes that are funny, humorous and at times plain embarrassing. There are moments of her life that might have looked awkward when they had happened, but now invite laughter.

We have all fought with our siblings when young, but again, the love and bonding that is shared between siblings is unparalleled. ‘Hey Brother!’ narrates incidents involving Preeti’s son and daughter. The innocence of children, and how well the siblings protect each other during times of need, makes a happy reading.

Love in all form should be welcomed, ‘cause it’s a blessing and a precious gift to have. Love can come from any direction; we only need to embrace it with arms wide open. The fourth section of the book, ‘Love A Little Stronger’ speaks about love and acts of kindness, and how they stand against all odds. In the concluding section of the book – ‘Be The Best You Can Be’, Preeti Shenoy shares tips on life and parenting, and also advices for aspiring writers.

‘Love A Little Stronger’ is a light read, and can be completed in a few hours. However, the message that it imparts is deep. It makes us think about our childhood, adolescence, and the stages thereafter. It creates a sense of nostalgia in us, so much that we would instantly have the urge to call our loved ones and speak our hearts out with them.

This book comprises of real-life incidents not only of Preeti Shenoy, but of all of us. We find ourselves in the pages, and we are drawn towards it. What works best is the lucidity of the language, and the way emotions have been dealt with. Preeti Shenoy is a master story teller, her words coming to life with every paragraph. ‘Love A Little Stronger’ is a must – read book. After all, love is what creates the bonds between us humans, making us live in stories, scripted out of reality.

Title: Love A Little Stronger
Authors: Preeti Shenoy 
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
No. of Pages: 178
Price: Rs 175
My Rating: 4/5

Little Maryam - Review

While giving an acceptance speech for his Nobel Prize nomination, Dr. Saadiq Haider, a renowned gene therapist and professor at Stanford University, receives a phone call that changes his life. Abandoning his duties and responsibilities, Saadiq hurriedly boards a flight bound for India, embarking on a journey that spans thousands of miles and pulls him back into a past Saadiq thought long-buried. Seated next to him on the flight, Anne Miller-an intrepid journalist with a nose for headline news-senses the reclusive genius has a story to tell. During the flight, Anne manages to break through Saadiq's hard exterior and listens, rapt, as he unfurls a tale fraught with love and heartbreak. His story transports Anne back in time to a small, sleepy town nestled in the mountains of northern India, where Saadiq spent his childhood. Through Saadiq's narrative, Anne meets Maryam and witnesses the friendship between Maryam and Saadiq mature into an intense love; a love that is tested when tragedy strikes and the lovers are separated. Try as they might, their devotion is no match against the workings of fate, and the tighter Saadiq and Maryam cling to one another, the faster they slip apart. Now, after two decades of trying to forget his past with alcohol and drug abuse, Saadiq tells Anne that fate has acted again; Maryam is in the hospital, her condition critical. When their plane lands in India, the newfound friends part ways and while Saadiq rushes to Maryam's side, Anne returns to her life, grateful to have met the enigmatic man. Months later, Anne learns that after wrenching Maryam from the indomitable grip of death, Saadiq took her back to America, where they finally married. But, her assumption that the greatest love story she had ever known would end happily is shattered.

About the Author
Hamid runs a successful market research company, providing customer insights to some of biggest names in the industry. He is a voracious reader and has been one for as long as he can remember. He started penning short stories at a very young age, but never thought of writing a full length novel until the idea for Little Maryam popped into his head. He writes as fast as he reads, which is sometimes just a little too fast. Apart from enjoying good books, Hamid is passionate about travel and food. He is sometimes called "the culture connoisseur" by his friends because he loves having long conversations about different cuisines, exotic travel locations, and of course, books. Hamid lives in New Delhi with his wife and two wonderful kids.

When one sees the front cover, with the silhouette of a little girl swinging by a tree, a pre-conceived notion can be formed about the novel. A story of a girl named Maryam, who is playful and fun-loving, and his association with the tree to which the swing is attached, is what I guessed the backdrop to be when I first glanced at this book. This is true in a way, the only addition being the other protagonist of the novel – Saadiq Haider.

Saadiq and Maryam have been in love since the time they first met each other, during their childhood. Maryam was the daughter of Colonel, while Saadiq’s father, Haji, was his gardener. However, the Colonel treated both Haji and Saadiq with dignity, not allowing their different lifestyles affect their bond. When Colonel had gone away for work, Haji had introduced Maryam to Saadiq, so that she could get a companion in her father’s absence. Little had he known that this companionship of childhood would churn out a bond so strong and unforgettable.

Hamid Baig, the author, does a commendable job on his debut. He highlights the friendship between Saadiq and Maryam in vivid colours, as they grow up, remaining loyal and attached to each other. The fact that Maryam belonged to the echelons of higher class didn’t deter Saadiq, who had a modest livelihood. It only instilled in him the desire to work harder and get into the good books of Colonel so that some day he could seek his permission to marry his daughter.

 Saadiq loved Maryam, and cared for her. He grabbed ice-cream from other boys for her, and hit those who teased her. Saadiq and Maryam’s favourite hang out was swinging by the Kalpavriksha (the same tree that is displayed in the cover). They spent hours together, basking in each other’s company, happy and contented.

However, love stories seldom have a smooth path. The story takes a sharp twist, a rather harsh one, and we, the readers are left gasping for breath. We feel pity for Saadiq, and Maryam, but we do believe that things would again be fine for them. The rest of the story is a progression from darkness to the desperate search of light, draped in the hardships and struggle of the lovers, their successes and failures, and Saadiq’s everlasting devotion to the first and only love of his life.

Saadiq as a character develops through each page of the story. He is everywhere, in the stanzas, chapters and even in the readers’ minds. Saadiq isn’t the perfect hero. He has flaws, and there have been instances when I have hated him for his behavior. His successes made him arrogant, and he is rude with others. He hit people due to his own obsession with Maryam, and also tried to play a few tricks using his power. However, when we re-analyze his actions, we find them to be a mere expression of human emotions. Are we not selfish towards our wants and desires? Don’t we like to protect our love and grant all the wishes that he or she might have? Saadiq actually behaved like any of us would, placed in those circumstances, and that’s when we realize that he is a character which isn’t just the author’s figment of imagination, but also could be a real person. Beneath his tough outlook, he has a heart that beats only for Maryam. He is both a lover and a guardian to Maryam, protecting her and her interests. And by the time I reached the last chapter, I realized that Saadiq has a heart of gold, winning us over with his act to safeguard his love’s happiness.

Hamid Baig is fluent in his narrative. He has painted the visuals beautifully, and the chapters flow seamlessly one after the other. None of the events seem stretched or unnecessary. However, there are  a few grammatical glitches which could have been avoided. Also, none of the characters, apart from Saadiq and Maryam leave a lasting impression. Nevertheless, ‘Little Maryam’ by Hamid Baig should be your go-to book this spring. It will reach out to you, enthrall you, and gradually seep within you, so that the characters, Saadiq and Maryam, will keep beating inside you, even after days.

Title: Little Maryam
Authors: Hamid Baig
Publisher: Notion Press, Inc.
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance
No. of Pages: 296
Price: Rs 225
My Rating: 4/5

Ramayana-Stand Strong - Review

The Ramayana is not a story. It’s a way of life. It’s the game of life.

Life is a constant reminder that nothing, however powerful in one season, remains unchanging. The endless cycles of change can truly us if we are unprepared to face its realities. However, we often see these changing times as problems larger than they really are. Many issues in life when perceived with fear, result in pain; but when perceived with CLARITY, result is FREEDOM.

Situations of helplessness are almost always created by our own limited imagination.

Do you have the courage to face your fears?

Stand Strong, the fourth book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series reminds us through its eternal stories -- such as the tale of brothers Vali and Sugriva -- that life is like a high-risk treasure hunt: one often has to walk through a maze of confusing paths while being chased by dangerously complex dilemmas to find the hidden treasure of wisdom.

About The Author

Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values.

I have been an ardent follower of Ramayana – The Game of Life series, not only because I love reading Indian mythologies, but also because the author Subha Vilas imparts the tales with such lucidity that one seems to be witnessing the story on a first person basis. Along with the fluent narration, Subha Vilas also adds lessons based on the learning from the epic that we can apply to our day to day activities.

‘Stand Strong’ takes the story forward from its prequels, ‘Roar With Courage’ (Book 1), ‘Conquer Change’ (Book 2) and ‘Adopt Patience’(Book 3). As the title suggests, this book imparts the message to be strong and wise in all adversities. The story starts with Rama and Lakshmana’s search for Sita, which takes them to the Rishimukh mountain range. Here, they are spotted by Nala, Nila and Taru, who failed to recognize them and rushed towards Sugriva to warn him of upcoming danger. Thus commences the Kishkinda Kand of Ramayana, which revolves primarily around the vanaras and how they serve Rama in his mission.

‘Stand Stronng’ also introduces one of the most loved characters of Ramayana, Hanuman. We get to know about his birth, childhood, and the boons and curses he went through, in crisp details. We are made aware of his journey, his powers and his prowess. Hanuman is humble and despite being more powerful than Sugriva, he has no qualms in serving the latter. He performs his duties with utmost sincerity, and can rightly be considered as the backbone of this great epic.

The fight scene between Vali and Sugriva is one of the key highlights of this book. Initially, one might be apprehensive towards Rama’s judgement and his actions during the fight between the two brothers, but as we read along, we understand the deeper meanings of Rama’s deeds. We realize how he analyses the situations, and like a true leader, he knows what would be the right decision for a particular course. However, there are moments when Rama feels low and disheartened with the loss of Sita.  He misses her with the change of seasons, comparing her and their love with beautiful metaphorical references to the world around. At such times, his brother and able companion Lakshmana provides him mental support, urging him to have patience and be calm and strong.

As always, Subha Vilas does full justice to the epic. He has narrated the events in such details and with utmost beauty that the readers will be transported to that divine world. The characterization is perfect, with every protagonist in the book being provided with their own space to grow and form an image in the mind of the readers. We, while reading the book, find ourselves questioning the actions and the deeds of the characters, forming our own judgments. This indicates how well the author has managed to create a connect with the readers.

Though I have been familiar with the basic premise of the Ramayana, it’s still a delight reading this version, an added plus point being the numerous back stories and anecdotes which we are not aware of, but which still play integral roles in the development of the plot. This is a must read for all lovers of mythology, and for those who are not, this book might well be able to pique their interest towards this field.

Title: Ramayana-Stand Strong

Authors: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2017

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Mythology, Religion

No. of Pages: 316

Price: Rs 295

My Rating: 4/5

The Boat-Wreck- Review

After a boat wreck overturns his life, Rameshchandra Chowdhury mistakes young Kamala for his newly wedded bride. They move away from Calcutta to start a domestic life together, even as Ramesh is unable to forget Hemnalini, whom he was always in love with, but could not marry. Meanwhile, Hemnalini must steel her heart, whilst her hypochondriac father and hot-headed brother seek grooms for her. When Nalinaksha, a serene and influential doctor, enters the scene, fate decides to rock the boats again. 

Initially serialized in Bangadarshan magazine between 1903 and 1904, and then published as a novel in 1906, Noukadoobi was Tagore's exercise in psychoanalytical probing of an ensemble cast of characters, to reveal not just their individual pains and passions, but also the collective consciousness of the society of the period. Narrated in warm tones that reveal the tenderness of everyday life, and translated gracefully by Arunava Sinha, here is a story about love and sacrifice, faith and resilience that is timeless.

About The Author
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) is India's greatest littérateur. The only Indian to have won the Nobel Prize for Literature, he wrote prodigiously and brilliantly across forms, including novels, short stories, plays, poetry, song lyrics, essays, travelogues, and even question papers. His works span an astonishing range of subjects, including humanism, love, family and society, politics, sociology, philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and religion. Tagore wrote primarily in Bangla, and his works have been translated into almost every major world language. 
Arunava Sinha translates classic, modern and contemporary Bengali fiction and non-fiction into English. More than thirty-five of his translations have been published so far. Twice the winner of the Crossword translation award, for Sankar's Chowringhee (2007) and Anita Agnihotri's Seventeen (2011), he has also been shortlisted for The Independent Foreign Fiction prize (2009) for his translation of Chowringhee. Besides India, his translations have been published in the U.K. and the U.S. in English, and in several European and Asian countries through further translation. He was born and grew up in Kolkata, and lives and writes in New Delhi.

“Music is nothing but a matter of practice. Once a sense of melody has been instilled, everything becomes easier.”

Arunava’s adaption of Rabindranath Tagore’s classic ‘Noukadubi’ flows true to the above spoken words by Annada Babu, like a soft melodious tune. Renamed ‘The Boat-Wreck’, Arunava Sinha sticks true to the essence of Tagore’s sensibility, capturing the Bengal of early twentieth century, an essence wrapped neatly in time.

Considering its basic premise, it would be safe to categorize ‘The Boat-Wreck’ as a love story. However, the pages narrate tales that are unconventional. There are elements of mutual affection, trust, romance and also a tinge of betrayal, embossed in the backdrop of Tagore’s romanticism. ‘The Boat-Wreck’ is a story told in time, flowing with time, and finally emerging with its own realization against time. It is an episode of self-discovery amidst the tumultuous period of losing and finding oneself.

There are four basic characters in the novel with distinct identities of their own. Hemnalini is pretty, smart and confident. Like most of Tagore heroines, she comes with an innate sense of power that draws the readers towards her. She is loved by people around her, specially her father Annada Babu who trusts her blindly. Hemnalini has a soft corner for Ramesh, but it is very rare that she confesses this feeling openly.

Kamala is the second female protagonist of the novel. Unlike Hemnalini, she is not well educated. She is simple and has a childlike innocence that makes her the cynosure of the story. In fact, most of the narrative revolves around Kamala, her relations and her inner turmoils. Though she isn’t acquainted with the finer nuances of ways of the world, she has her own sense of practicality and wisdom that guides her through and helps her stay afloat in roaring tides.

Ramesh and Hemnalini share a mutual affection towards each other. They are all set to marry, when a cruel storm overturns their plan. Ramesh is kind, sensitive and affectionate. However, he can be blamed for indecisiveness and not staying firm to his resolutions. His sense of duty and responsibility urges him to accept Kamala as his wife, but his non-clarity of ideas get Kamala admitted to a school, so that she wouldn’t be near him. Both Hemnalini and Kamala are loyal to Ramesh till a certain point, but the cloud of confusion and self-doubt in Ramesh’s mind creats a maze for all, where the protagonists find themselves tangled.

We are introduced to Nalinaksha towards the latter half of the story. Gripped by a grief of his own, he has devoted his life to the services of people in Kashi. He is responsible, and is not afraid to speak his mind, even when his opinion differs from his mother whom he respects a lot. He balances his heart and mind, and takes his decisions only after proper considerations.

‘The Boat-Wreck’ reflects the chaos in the consciousness of the protagonists created by the turmoil of the tides. It lays bare open situations that no sane man would ever like to encounter. That is how life is, and the novel tries to depict one. However, coincidences and chance meetings often crop up in the story, which dilutes the mystery and creates a sense of predictability. That, though, doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of the plot, which grows on and on the readers, taking us to a mesmerizing ride, sometimes subtle and other times turbulent.

Title: The Boat-Wreck

Author: Rabindranath Tagore (Translated by Arunava Sinha)

Publisher: HarperPerennial

Publication Year: 2017

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Classics, Love

No. of Pages: 308

Price: Rs 299

My Rating: 3/5

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time - Review

This is Christopher's murder mystery story. There are no lies in this story because Christopher can't tell lies. Christopher does not like strangers or the colours yellow or brown or being touched. On the other hand, he knows all the countries in the world and their capital cities and every prime number up to 7507. When Christopher decides to find out who killed the neighbour's dog, his mystery story becomes more complicated than he could ever have predicted.

About the Author

Mark Haddon was born in 1962 in Northampton. He has done a variety of different jobs including working with disabled people, drawing illustrations and comic strips, writing and working as a painter. Haddon has written a whole range of different things including books for children and adults, poetry, TV screenplays and a play for the theatre. Mark Haddon wrote and illustrated his first picture book at the age of twenty-five. Since then he has written many picture books including the 'Agent Z' series and the 'Baby Dinosaur' series. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was published in 2003 and it was the first book ever to be published simultaneously in two editions – one for adults and one for children. The book was instantly a huge success and has won a whole host of prizes. Mark has won two BAFTAs for his work in writing TV screenplays for children and adults. He's also published two more books for adults.

There is a closely guarded world among all of us, rooted deep within. We look at what’s happening around us, and judge, and finally act. Our decisions are sometimes rash, other times controlled, and often plain intuitive; ‘cause we are humans, with our own set of thought processes, our own idea of good and bad, influenced by our upbringing, our society and the world.

And then there was Christopher, a teenage boy who was good with numbers, computing tables in his mind whenever he needed to be calm. Christopher counted cars to make his day good or bad. ‘Four red cars’ in a row meant Good Day for him, ‘three red cars’ denoted Quite Good Day, ‘five red cars’ implied Super Good Day, and ‘four yellow cars’ signified a Black Day. Christopher lived with his father, and his rat, and loved mystery novels. Christopher belonged to the society, but he had devised his own set of rules that he strictly followed.

Mark Haddon touches the sensitive topic of autism in his novel ‘The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time’. His protagonist Christopher is autistic, and thus his thought processes are different. Christopher is also the narrator of the book, which makes the idea of the novel all the more compelling. There had been a ‘murder’. A neighbour’s dog was killed, and Christopher took it upon himself to solve the mystery. This is what the cover of the book indicates too, but what makes it different than a normal suspense novel is the way the whole plot has been conceptualized and treated. Christopher’s fascination with Mathematics shows that he is a genius in his own way. The constant encouragement and advice from Siobhan, and the beautiful relationship they shared bring a smile on our face. Christopher wrote down his adventures (in the form of this book), and we couldn’t but admire the warm innocence and simplicity that oozes out of his words.

What genre does this novel belong to? Thriller? Suspense? Dark Humour? To be honest, this book can’t be tied to one particular genre, as it is a reflection of Christopher’s day to day life, and the tasks he undertook. We as readers fall in love with Christopher, his brilliance and shortcomings, his determination, and also the fear, and his willingness to always speak the truth. Christopher didn't like people touching him, and he hit a policeman in the process. Christopher makes us giggle, without him realizing, and that’s the best part about him.

However, this book opens a question wide to me? Did I really like it? And strangely enough, I didn’t find a conclusive answer. Did I like Christopher? Yes. Did I like the narration? Yes. Did I like the concept? Yes. Did I like the first half? Yes.

But did I like the way the story progressed? No (it dragged in second half). Did I like the mystery? No (I didn’t find the investigation exciting). Would I re-read this book? No (it was good for a one time read).

Thus, my personal opinion is that Mark Haddon has brought up an interesting idea and scripted this book, but it’s not devoid of its loopholes. I would have liked the second half being trimmed a bit. I admire the honesty in the narration, but expected more grip in the suspense element.

I would suggest giving this book a try. This is not the regular stuff, and to be fair, I haven’t read anything like this before. 

Title: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Authors: Mark Haddon

Publisher: Vintage Books

Publication Year: 2003

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Classics, Mystery

No. of Pages: 304

Price: Rs 299

My Rating: 3/5

03:02 - Review

At 03:02 on a Sunday morning, the world as we knew it came to an end. Mumbai suddenly went black - no electricity, no phones, no internet and no working cars. It was as if someone had turned off the master switch of our civilization, turning us back hundreds of years overnight. We learned that it was not just Mumbai, but much of the world that had been impacted. We also learned that it was no accident. A deadly enemy was behind it. An enemy that was now in our midst, seeking to conquer us and destroy our way of life. This is how our war for freedom began. A war that was to be waged not on the borders or by the Army, but in our homes and streets, with us as the soldiers. This is our story. '03:02 celebrates fictional heroes who fight for our freedom, but to give back to the real heroes who do so every day, for every copy sold, a contribution from author royalties will be made to the National Defence Fund, which takes voluntary contributions to help armed forces service members and their families.'

About the Author

"After finishing his schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road and his under-graduation at Hindu College, Delhi, Mainak Dhar graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He has spent two decades in the corporate sector - starting with Procter & Gamble in India. He spent eighteen years with P&G, fifteen of them outside India across the Asia Pacific region. In 2014, he moved back to India as the CEO of the India operations of a major consumer products multinational. A self-described cubicle dweller by day and writer by night, Mainak is also the author of over a dozen books, some of which have been bestsellers in India and abroad. These books have been translated into Turkish, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Puja, and their son, Aaditya. When not at work or with his family, he can usually be found working on, or thinking about his next book.

When I received the book, I was instantly drawn towards its mysterious cover - smoke soaring over high rise buildings, and a man holding a gun. Could this be an action packed novel revolving around bullets and war? I quickly turned to the back cover, and the first line of the blurb, bold and in large font, caught hold of my attention -   “At 03:02 on a Sunday morning, the world as we knew it came to an end.”

The first few pages revolves around corporate policies, ambitions, dreams and designations. Aadi is happy, he is ecstatic, celebrating his promotion with colleagues. He realizes he has come a long way in his career, stepping up the corporate ladder, and possessing a respectable position in his organization. Little did he know that the next morning would render all these meaningless. Every target he had tried to achieve, the spreadsheets which kept him awake long nights, and the innumerable meetings conducted to finalize business deals, would no longer hold an essence the following day.

’03:02’ by Mainak Dhar jolts you, shakes you, and makes you sit up and think. This book is an eye-opener for most of us. In fact, the blurb stands true when it states ‘This is our story’.  How many of us use electricity and electronics gadgets on a daily basis? Most of us would raise our hands, isn’t it? Again, how many of us can survive without these means for even a single day? The thought itself is scary, something we would never imagine even in our worst nightmare. Mainak Dhar brings this fear to us through this paperback. The city of Mumbai all of a sudden faces the worst outage when electricity, mobiles, cars and other gadgets stop operating at 3:02 am on a Sunday, and nobody has any clue as to how this happened. Lives threaten to come to a standstill, and people have no idea when their devices will start working again. Food and water become the primary concern, and matters take a darker turn when goons start causing disturbances in the neighborhood. However, the worst is yet to come. Through sources, people get to know that this is a terror attack, and the terrorists have already set foot on their city.

This is when Aadi steps in. He analyzes the problems in hand, and with his sharp mind, and help from others in the society, he chips in with able solutions. He even confronts the goons and terrorists, and knocks them off on a few occasions. It is good to see him take crucial decisions at times of need, and the society hailing him as their leader. However, I would have preferred if the author had focused more on the plot instead of Aadi’s heroics. Aadi turns out to be almost flawless, which dilutes the realistic tone of the novel to a certain extent.

However, full credits to Mainak Dhar for the brilliant and unique concept and making us realize how much we have become dependent on technology. It’s as if the technological gadgets are controlling our lives, a thought we wouldn’t like to believe, and yet, is definitely true. '03:02' is a fiction, and we hope it remains so. It is a mirror of the modern times, and for all enthusiastic book lovers, comes packed with its own buffet of thoughts.

Title: 03:02

Authors: Mainak Dhar

Publisher: Westland

Publication Year: 2016

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Action

No. of Pages: 342

Price: Rs 295

My Rating: 4/5

The Tantric Curse - Review

On an amavasya night, eight-year-old Rhea mysteriously lands at the doors of Shaktidham, a Tantric house of worship, in a trance. Realizing that she is blessed with unusual faculties, the guru of Shaktidham, Satya, chooses her as a disciple over his own son, Krishnam, to carry on his lineage, a privilege previously bestowed only to males. But the lineage has been cursed for generations, and it is up to Rhea to either break the curse or perish in the attempt. Will she succeed in her endeavour? Will her love for Krishnam become an obstacle in her path? The Tantric Curse, an unusual story set in the world of Tantra that aims to dispel most of the myths about the practice, will keep you spellbound till the very last page.

About the Author
Anupama Garg was born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She has studied chemistry, business management and law. She has been training under her Guru, Baba Batuk Nathji, a renowned Tantric and head of the Bhoot Nath Charitable Trust, since the last twenty-two years. Today she conducts experiential workshops for corporates, hospitals, college and schools under the name 'Life by Choice'. She also devotes time at the ashram of her Guru, The Bhoot Nath Ashram. Anupama is married and lives with her husband and son.

 

 

If you stare at the cover for too long, you might, well, be forced to keep staring at it. Ah, don’t get scared, but the cover of this book seemed to have a hypnotising effect on me, and I was instantly drawn towards the two big eyes and the white silhouette of the girl. A good start one may say, signifying that the cover stands true to the theme of the story – Tantra.

Interestingly, Anupama Garg, the author, has been trained under a renowned Tantric, Baba Batuk Nath ji, which adds an altogether different dimension to the book. Tantra as a subject in India is surrounded by myths and controversies. It is often termed as dangerous to the society, a pre-conceived notion that does not tend to go away easily. The reason can be attributed to the fact that there are many practitioners who have used the knowledge of Tantra for their own selfish deeds, thus maligning the art. ‘The Tantric Curse’ intends to shed light on all misconceptions, clearing our thoughts and bringing Tantra to us in a refreshing and sacred perspective.

Rhea is the protagonist of the story. After the sudden demise of her parents, eight year old Rhea comes to Shaktidham. Satya, the guru of Shaktidham, allows her to live there and loves her like his own daughter. He soon realizes that Rhea is special, and has the power to foresee the future. He decides to make her his disciple, and imparts her with knowledge of Tantra that he possesses. Satya’s son, Krishnam, is a few years older to Rhea, and loves to spend time with her. The feeling is mutual, as they share their stories, dreams, desires and aspirations with each other. As time passes by, love grows between the two. Krishnam makes her feel like a woman, exploring her sexuality, and instigating a passionate fire between them.  Rhea wants to be with him, forever. When he leaves Shaktidham, her heart is still glued to him, knowing that he would always belongs to her.

Tantra is an art that should be worshipped. Anupama Garg brings out several facets of this art that most of us are unaware of. Through the protagonist Rhea, her teacher Satya, and her lover, Krishnam, the author imparts pieces of knowledge about Tantra. The use of meditation, the fruits of Sadhana and the meaning of Kundalini Yoga are briefly described, inviting the readers to learn more about them.

Rhea is a calm, level – headed and mature girl. The book depicts her journey from a little girl to a responsible adult, highlighting the challenges that she faced on her way, and showcasing the rewards that she deserved. She is there in almost all the pages of the book, which strengthens her character, but does not give much emphasis on the others, perhaps, apart from Satya. Krishnam disappears halfway into the book, and only makes an appearance towards the end. Other characters like Rhea’s and Krishnam’s friends come and go for brief periods of time, and are not able to make any lasting impression.

The author tries to introduce a few twists in the course of the story, like the moment when Rhea was attacked by the evil Tantric Bhairava. Though she braves the situation, and with the help of Satya and Krishnam she was able to save her life, I found it difficult to digest that the transformation of Bhairava came across quicker than expected. Dr. Vishnukant’s entry into the plot added another twist, as he slowly became obsessed with Rhea, trying everything to hold her back to him. I found it tough to comprehend that despite Rhea being fully aware of Vishnukant’s feelings towards him, and his sexual advances which she didn’t like, why did she still continue living with him. Perhaps, it was her own way to let him know that however he may try, she can never be his, as her past, present and future was devoted towards Krishnam. However, that doesn’t convince me much.

‘TheTantric Curse’ holds promises, with an unconventional backdrop. The initial chapters are riveting and don’t let you keep the book down. However, as the story progresses, the plot seems to drag a bit, and often sounds preachy. The book does have potential, but fails to linger on to you once you finish it. This is a decent one time read, and can be picked up for some valuable lessons on Tantra and the art of living life with love, peace and happiness.

Title: The Tantric Curse
Authors: Anupama Garg
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Publication Year: 2015
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction
No. of Pages: 256
Price: Rs 295
My Rating: 3/5

Ramayana - The Game of Life (Book 3) : Stolen Hope - Review

In the evil labyrinths of Dandakaranya forest, human values are put to test. Rama’s righteousness, Lakshmana’s loyalty and Sita’s endurance reflect our own sense of values and judgment in difficult times. The story unfolds the facets of human life – the conflict and the trickery, the praise and the slander and, above all, the hope and the despair in the eventful forest life of the Exiled Royals.
Stolen Hope is about extreme deception and extreme love. It is about arrogant power and deep devotion. With every twist and turn, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana find themselves robbed of whatever and whoever they value most.
Exploring the dynamics of human relations – between father and son, husband and wife, teacher and disciple – and the complex game of power and greed, Stolen Hope mirrors our own dilemmas in the modern world and teaches us how we must overcome them.
Seek courage when everything, including hope, is stolen.

About the Author
Shubha Vilas, a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, holds a degree in engineering and law with a specialization in patent law. His leadership seminars are popular with top-level management in corporate houses. He addresses their crucial needs through thought- provoking seminars on themes such as ‘Secrets of Lasting Relationships’, ‘Soul Curry to Stop Worry’ and ‘Work–Life Balance’ to name a few.
He believes that a good teacher, no matter how knowledgeable, always sees the process of learning and teaching simultaneously as an inherent aspect of personal and spiritual growth. He also helps individuals in different parts of the world apply the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana and other dharmic traditions in dealing with modern- day life situations.

‘Stolen Hope’, the third installment of Shubha Vilas’s Ramayana – The Game Of Life series, serves as a mood shifter. You feel elated when Rama and Lakshmana defeat the demons in the Dandakaranya forest, relieved when beings under the spell of curse get freed by the divine touch of Rama; you smile when you know that Sita feels happy and contented in the forest solely for the reason that Rama has her full attention here, away from the hustle and bustle of his kingdom, and cry your heart out when she wrongly accuses Lakshmana and questions his character and intentions despite him serving his brother and his sister-in-law selflessly over the years. It’s anger that takes over you when Ravana flies away with Sita to his abode, Lanka, trying to win her love and trust through immoral means, and you start behaving impatiently when the book comes to an end, eager to know what happens next. At least, these are the emotions that travelled within me throughout my journey with this book.

The story of Ramayana isn’t new for most of us. We have read, re-read and listened to the various episodes of this epic from different sources. What then causes Shubha Vilas to stir the readers, engaging them to pick up his latest endeavor? The answer lies in the honesty and the clarity of his efforts. Though we know the basic premise of the Ramayana, we may not be aware of the subplots and the fine nuances that this epic has to offer. In fact, there are several segments, stories and characters which we haven’t heard of, or are acquainted with only a mild familiarity. Shubha Vilas tries to bring these points to the fore, enlightening us with the minutest of details. These pieces of information serve more like a jigsaw puzzle, and when we put the pieces together, we start seeing the Ramayana in a different light altogether, clearer and illuminating.

‘Stolen Hope’ starts where ‘Shattered Dreams’ concluded, in the Dandakaranya forest, highlighting the adventures of the divine trio – Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. As they move from one place to the other, we are introduced to several interesting tales and anecdotes. My personal favourites were the stories about Sage Agastya. Also, true to its essence, this adaptation of the Ramayana is wrapped in learning for our hearts and souls. The footnotes, and the pieces in boxes, are words of pure wisdom, raining the spirit of righteousness and knowledge, and leading us to the path of duty. What is interesting is that these fragments of luminance are relevant even today, and we can adopt them in our day to day activities, making our lives easier, and better.

The book begins on a positive and pleasing note. However, as it reaches its end, we are left enraged by the arrogance and evil of Ravana. As a dedicated reader of this series, I am looking forward to the next volume, where Rama would be able to free Sita from the clutches of Ravana, and punish him for all his wrong doings. Shubha Vilas’s words have magic, his narration simple and fluent, and his story-telling gripping. For all mythological lovers, this book is a must-have asset on your shelves.

Title: Ramayana - The Game of Life (Book 3) : Stolen Hope
Authors: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Year: 2016
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Religious, Mythology
No. of Pages: 312
Price: Rs 299
My Rating: 4/5