Assassins by Mukul Deva

"Assassins" by Mukul Deva. This book is published by Forge books in 2015 and has 416 pages. This is Book 2 of Ravinder Gill series. Book 1 was titled 'The dust will never settle' in India and 'Weapon of vengeance' in USA.

Ravinder Gill had resigned and is trying to come to terms with his life & his daughter's death at his hands. Sisters of Benazir (SOB), a terrorist organization lead by Fatima (Benzir's niece), has contracted assassinations of Pervaiz Masharrat (Dictator of Pakistan at the time of Benzir's assassination) and Abid Zardosi (Benzir's husband), in India, to Leon Binder as they were masterminds of Benazir's murder.

Binder happenes to be a very close friend of Sir Edward Kingsley (Director of MI6) and Ravinder Gill during their college days. Gill accepts to lead the taskforce to prevent the assassinations on Indian soil. Can he stop Binder or will he be humiliated again? What's in the past? What score has remained unsettled? What happens to SOB?

Entire story takes place in six days. There are twenty odd chapters in each day. Some of the chapters are only a page long and some only a few lines long. It's an intelligent chapterization.

Although story is good some things keep nagging the seasoned readers. Thus the story becomes semi engaging. It's unbelievable that a hardened assassin, chief of a terrorist organization and a terrorist mole in Indian intelligence talk freely over unsecured phones using real names (I had same observation on author's previous books as well) and that an assassin meets his employer in person in open. Use of WhatsApp and Dropbox for exchanging sensitive information is also baffling. This is recklessness. The assassin spelling his name backward for his most important identity is laughable.

Generally the protagonists in thrillers are depicted as impeccable superhumans. Here Mukul had given them touches that are more like common humans (e.g. The assassin has a stomach upset, he sleeps in unsecured location due to exhaustion, Gill is ill at ease with computers etc.). Gill, the assassin and the mole all forget to do something vital every now and then that allows the story to go on.

Vishal is shown as an orphan who does not know his parents, then how come he has got a cousin? Looks like an avoidable error.

Pakistani characters are based on real life figures. Author has altered the names only slightly making it apparent, even for a naive reader. Benzir's assassination is described in great detail.

A new thing is a terrorist organization (SOB - Pun intended?) run by women, a sisterhood. However it's not clear why head of such an organization behaves in amateurish way. Binder accepting the assignment despite knowing of the leak and despite having a bad feeling about it is also inexplicable. A professional assassin who has 36 hits to his credit suddenly throws all caution to the wind for the sake of revenge, not convincing.

Ravinder Gill thrillers seem to be a personal matter for Gill. In first book it was his daughter and in this it's his one time best friend. His past haunts him and gives him nightmares. It makes him more human. He also loses his close family member in each book. At this rate, the series can not go beyond three books.

Why is the book titled Assassins? Not clear. Probably a more appropriate title would have been Assassinations!

An OK book, not a must read.

The Normans: From raiders to kings by Lars Brownworth

"The Normans: From raiders to kings" by Lars Brownworth. This book is published by Crux publishing in 2014 and has 254 pages. It's a historical nonfiction.

Towards end of 9th century Viking raiders (known as Norsemen) from Scandinavia were regularly raiding and foraging Frankish kingdom and England. Vikings were known as fearless, brute, cruel, semi civilized, pirates and invaders who worshipped Odin.

In 911 AD, Frankish king Charles offered large land in Northern France to Viking Lord Rollo, to reduce Viking raids. Thus the Norman state was founded with Normandy as it's capital. Rollo embraced Christianity and adopted to French way of life to make himself acceptable to the local population. He was a staunch supporter of Pope.

Rollo's line continued - William, Richard, Richard II, Richard III & Robert who expanded the territory governed by Normans. Robert's son William-the-conquerer, eventually became King of England and his line ruled England.

The narration then moves to the Italian adventures of Normans. Another William, a minor Lord became a Duke by expanding his empire in Southern Italy. It was furthered by his son Roger Guiscard who marched in Byzantine empire and was close to victory when he had to return to Rome because King of Germany attacked the Pope. Upon his death Bohemund, his son was deprived of inheritance. He seized the chance to join crusaders against Constantinople and carved out a state for himself but lost a lot to a misjudged war and the state remained a principality and was longest serving, though weak, Norman state.

Robert Guiscard's brother, Roger of Sicily, is known for his conquests of Muslim Sicily. He brought entire Sicily under his rule by defeating or subjugating Arab and Berber rulers and was known for tolerance towards other religions. His son Roger II conquered Southern Italy in addition to Sicily and was crowned King by the then Pope. He was the first one to apply common man's law to the warlords and barons. He was succeeded by his son William-the-bad who won many battles by not fighting them, his son was William-the-worst. He was succeeded by a man called the Monkey king and later by Frederick II, who lead and won the fifth crusade and was titled King of Jerusalem.

All this history of Normans spans about 200 years and is full of wars, truce, rebellion, pillage, looting, rapes, assassinations, exiles, excommunication, marriage alliances, politics, religious politics and ambitions. They were supporters of trade which brought prosperity. Except for Frederick II, none are mentioned to have provided patronage to art and science. They simply meant business of war.

Normans were fearless warriors and they won a number of wars despite being numerically inferior, some when they were ridiculously inferior. These victories created psychological terror in the minds of their opponents. Their knights were known as legendary fighters second to none.

Their virtue was that they preferred to blend with local populace rather than trying to impose their identity, thus making themselves easily acceptable. Their rule extended from north sea to north Africa.

From being raiders to becoming kings was a spectacular feat achieved by Normans in less than a century. Credit goes to their valor, foresight and exploitation of European politics. (German monarchy, English monarchy, Pope, Byzantine empire of Greeks, Turks and African Muslims)

Read it if you are interested in Norman history, even if you are not a history student. If you are not interested in history, better read wikipedia.

The bootlegger by Clive Cussler

"The bootlegger" by Clive Cussler & Justin Scott. This book is published by Berkeley books in 2015 and has 435 pages. This is 7th book of Isaac Bell series.

It's 1920s America. Alcohol prohibition is in effect. Black market of alcohol is striving. Bootleggers are minting money. Joe Van Dorn is shot while chasing one of the bootleggers at sea. Isaac Bell takes charge of the Van Dorn detective agency temporarily to find out that Bootleggers have bribed and compromised some of the agency staff.

Who are the bootleggers? Why is Van Dorn after them? What will Isaac Bell find? Is there more to it than what meets the eyes?

The smuggling of alcohol from international waters using high speed small crafts, it's dilution and sale in black market, corruption & violence that comes with it are depicted in great detail. It was a thriving business in America in 1920s. People made millions in this business while spinning off other illegal businesses.

I was curious to know why a Clive Cussler thriller is based on prohibition and bootleggers. Certainly it doesn't have enough spice for a thriller. After reading it becomes clear that bootlegging is only tip of the iceberg and there is a more sinister plot. Here the Comintern, Russian communist propaganda arm for international operations, has stepped into bootlegging in order to mask the real agenda and finance it.

The story is fast paced. It involves daredevil adventures of Isaac Bell. In this book he pilots flying boat, high speed water craft and flying yacht. There is a beautiful lady on the wrong side who likes Isaac. There is a battle of wits, daredevilry, skills and agenda between Bell and the Bootlegger.

The story is fast. The book keeps you interested till the end. It's a high tech thriller of that period. Finally Isaac saves the day.

For a change locomotives and railroads do not play an important role in this Isaac Bell thriller.

If you like Cussler and Bell adventures, read it.

Zadwata (झाडवाटा) by Anand Yadav (आनंद यादव)

"Zadwata (झाडवाटा)" a Marathi (मराठी) book by Anand Yadav (आनंद यादव). This book is published by Mehta publishing house. This edition was published in 2013 (First edition 2000) and has 140 pages. I read the book through Grantha Tumchya Dari (ग्रंथ तुमच्या दारी) scheme of Kusumagraj Pratishthan (कुसुमाग्रज प्रतिष्ठान). This book is a collection of 14 short stories.

'Eka dagdi gharacha itihas (एका दगडी घराचा इतिहास)' is the story of only two storied house in the village and how it's occupants amassed wealth and what happens later.
'Bakdyawarche jag (बाकड्यावरचे जग)' is not really a story. It's the thought process of a traveler who looks at various scenes from the bus he is traveling in.
'Nar (नर)' is the story of a male and his attempts to find a mate, a female (मादी). But not human, who's he?
'Nave walan (नवे वळण)' is portrait of a village that undergoes changes due to the prosperity and its side effects brought by the new sugar factory from the eyes of a school teacher.
In 'Anghul (आंघूळ)' Bhau works as labourer. He is very tired and wants to bathe with hot water in one winter. There are numerous obstacles that make the bath more and more alluring. Can he take bath?
'Haat (हात)' is the story of a body builder who has lost both his arms in an accident thereby making him dependent for life. What does he want to do with his non existent arms?
'Pot (पोट)' is the story of Dattu Sawkar who was once a very rich merchant and has now list everything after a paralysis stroke and works as a labourer.
In 'Jeevan (जीवन)' all the bank staff is looking forward to one and half day of weekend when news arrives that mother of the bank manager is dead. What about the weekend plans?
In 'Eka gaditil prawasi (एका गाडीतील प्रवासी)' author, who has lost his job and is traveling to Pune in a bus observes his co passengers.
In 'Duty (ड्यूटी)' Banda, a village police, who supports education of two nieces doesn't have money to pay for their school fees. Is there a God sent opportunity?
In 'Badli (बदली)' Mane guruji, a primary teacher in a village, is summoned to bring 30 persons to a sterilization camp. He could find none. What would be the price?
'Palvi ani paangal (पालवी आणि पानगळ)' is the story of Datta, who ran away from all his responsibilities and family 25 years ago. He comes back to his village. What does he find?
'Dushkalanantarcha paus (दुष्काळानंतरचा पाऊस)' is the story of varied reactions to rain after a draught of three years. But not all reactions are happy, why?
'Zadanchi raanwat (झाडांची रानवाट)' is the regret of Darumma, an old farmer, who worries that none of his progeny wants to look after the farm. He worries what will happen after his death?

All the stories have rural background and use rural Marathi. Of these stories I liked Bakdyawarche jag, Dushkalanantarcha paus and Duty.

In a number of stories author has used non living things like bunglow, house, road and village as characters in the stories. It's a USP of the book.

Two of the stories are not really stories but articles about changes, progress and the impact on human lives. And they are very well written.

OK book. Not a must read.

Manto - Selected stories translated by Aatish Taseer

"Manto - Selected stories" translated by Aatish Taseer. This book is published by Random house India in 2012 and has 200 pages. This is a collection of ten short stories.

Manto was born in Punjab, made his career in Bombay as script writer, is considered best short story writer of Indian subcontinent, was controversial and was tried for obscenity. He moved to Lahore after partition, a decision which he later regretted. Translator Aatish Taseer is son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and Pakistani politician Salman Taseer.

In 'Ten Rupees' Sarita, a 15 year old care free girl is sent for prostitution by her mother. She spends a day with three Hyderabad youth in Bombay. What happens?
'Blouse' is story of Momin, a servant on the edge of puberty, and the unknown strange feelings generated within him when he sees his young mistress sew and try on a new blouse.
'Khol do' is the story of Sirajuddin who's young and beautiful daughter was left behind in Amritsar during partition and found.
'Khaled Miyan' is the story of Mumtaz, a doting father of Khaled, who is afraid that Khaled will die before turning one. He is paranoid. Will Khaled Miyan die?
'My name is Radha' is the story of Neelam, an actress, who is infatuated with the handsome and well behaved hero.
'Ram Khilavan' is the Dhobi of Manto and indebted to his wife for saving his life. During partition riots, drunk Ram Khilavan attacks Manto. What will happen next?
'Licence' is the story of Nesti, beautiful wife of a coachman who dies shortly after marriage. Nesti decides to drive the coach herself. Can she?
In 'The mice of Shah Daulah' Salima gives up her first born to Shah Daulah for blessing her with children but can never forget her first born. By luck she meets him. What next?
In 'For freedom' Gulam Ali and Nigar are active in independence struggle and enamoured. Babaji (A character based on Gandhiji) announced their marriage and has very high expectations from them. Can they live up to it?
'Smell' is story of Ranjit who had bedded many girls. He can not forget a working class girl and her earthly smell even after marriage.

Of these stories I liked 'Khol Do' and 'License' the most. These stories awaken a feeling in the reader that makes him think of the stories long after.

Three of the stories have author as a character and are narrated in first person. Seven stories have implied, overt or covert sex or sexuality in them. Such stories made Manto controversial more than 60-70 years ago. All the stories are pre independence stories but the period is only a few years before independence.

All the stories have the smell of earth. They are precise and to the point. Manto unhesitatingly puts his point across without floral wordings or delving too much in the background information. Thus all the stories are really short. Sometimes there is a sudden end to the stories that is less comprehensible.

Credit should also go to Aatish Tasir, the translator, for bringing these Urdu stories to the non-Urdu readers.

Good book. Read it to get introduced to Manto.

Kamadeva: The God of desire by Anuja Chandramouli

"Kamadeva: The God of desire" by Anuja Chandramouli. This book is published by Rupa publications India in 2014 and has 328 pages.

Kamadeva is the God born from Lord Brahma's desires and was assigned the department of desire, love and sex. He was  the most beautiful male in three universes. His consort Rati was most beautiful female.

In his attempt to help Deva's, he tried to hasten the union of Shiv and Parvati. Shiva opened his third eye and burned Kamadeva to ashes. What happens next? Can he be revived? Will he be?

The book is divided into two parts. First part is of Kamadeva and Rati with his sidekicks, their adventures and misadventures, curses and pranks, booze, love and sex, his friendship with Indra and Vasant, Kama and Rati's love. Finally his death by Shiva's third eye.

Second part is story of Pradyumna, son of Krishna who was Kama reborn, his abduction when infant and attempted murder by Shambara, his upbringing by Shambara's wife Mayawati, his fulfilling the prophecy and marrying Mayawati who was Rati reborn,  his life and eventual death with the Yadu clan.

Apart from the fact that Pradyumna and Maya were Kama and Rati reborn, these two stories have nothing in common. These two stories can even be considered two separate books.

The stories are good. Story telling style of Anuja is different. Really speaking very little is known about Kamadeva in mythology apart from his department, sugarcane bow, flower arrows and death by Shiva. Creating a big novel out of what little is known is not an easy feat. Author has done a decent job of it but even she had to take refuge of Pradyumna's story to make it sizable. In reality Pradyumna's story is more happening than Kamadeva's story.

Sometimes you wonder how much time the Gods spent in carnal pleasures and procreation while they were not aiding humanity or not playing politics.

I was not impressed by the cover of book. It could and should have been more beautiful, considering that it's the story of most beautiful male known.

Read it for a change.

Murder in Amaravati by Sharath Komarraju

"Murder in Amaravati" by Sharath Komarraju. This book is published by Amaryllis in 2012 and has 209 pages. This book was longlisted for Commonwealth book prize 2013.

The village hostess (prostitute), Padmavati, is murdered. Body found in Kali temple by priest Krishna Shastri. Head constable, Venkata Reddy, investigates. There are various characters. Sarpanch Seetaraamaiah, his young son Kishore and crippled daughter Indira. Satyam the postmaster and his wife Lakshmi. Shekhar a man who is wasted below waist and his wife Vaishnavi, a drunkard Sanga, Shastri's wife Annapurna etc..

Who killed Padmavati? What will come out of investigation apart from murderer? Who is the murderer? Why was the murderer committed?

The characterization is good. The village atmosphere, it's intricacies, affairs and enmity is depicted very well. Idea of a constable and priest playing detective is also innovative. Murder of prostitute kicks a scandals in a small village.

Story keeps you interested till the very end. The timeline, alibies, confirming the statements from other witnesses etc. shows influence of Agatha Christie.

When I purchased the book I thought it's a murder mystery in God Indra's Amaravati. However it turned out to be a village in Andhra which was the capital of Satvahana kings, once upon a time. So rather than a mythological mystery, it turned out to be a modern day mystery.

There are some avoidable errors in the book e.g. When the Kali mandir was built by Seetaraamaiah much later, how did his mother, Jagdamba, prayed at Kali temple?

I guessed the killer halfway through the book but as the book converged it appears that I had missed the mark but then I was again proved right in epilogue.

If you like murder mysteries, read it. If you want to venture into murder mysteries then this is not the book to start with.

Thousand faces of night by Geetha Hariharan

"Thousand faces of night" by Geetha Hariharan. This book is published by Penguin books in 1992 and has 139 pages.  This book won 1993 Commonwealth writers prize for best first book. It was given to me by my father.

Devi comes from an orthodox Tamil family. While studying in USA she befriends Dan, a fellow black student. Though it's more than just friendship, Devi does not accept his marriage proposal, returns to India and arranged marries Mahesh.

The book is a portrait of Devi, her mother Sita and housekeeper of her husband's house Mayamma. All three ladies had potential but were suppressed in one way or other after marriage.

Devi is influenced by her grandmother. She does not really know what she wants in life. Doesn't know what will bring her joy and in her pursuit of it makes one wrong decision after another. It's incomprehensible why she becomes a meek housewife from a foreign educated independent youngster. Does she get what she wants eventually?

Sita is passionate about everything. She longs for perfection in everything. Order is second nature to her. She shapes career of her husband and childhood of her daughter (Devi) impeccably. Does she get what she wants eventually?

Mayamma has an happy marriage with abusive husband and mother in law who ill treats her. She sees everything that happens in master's house. She watches occupants and their problems and watches the events unfold while doing her daily chores mechanically and remembering the past. Does she get what she wants eventually?

Devi is continuously on the run. First from America, then from Dan, then from her mother, then from her house, then from her husband and then from Gopal in search of something that she does not know. It's a search for something that she wants to do. She has to confront her own problems and demons, make her own choices, only then her wandering will come to an end.

Writing style of this book is very different. Author has not tried to bring order to the narrative. It's loosely knit and appears like 'order in chaos'. She is not bothered about going back and forth in time, leaving the subject and jumping to another, leaving the scene unconcluded, mixing fact with stories, at times telling two unrelated things together etc. Thus the writing resembles the working of mind, here one moment and there the other. At times it even borders on drivel. It's a mix of first person & third person narrative.

It's a bold writing style. Writing your first book in this fashion takes guts and she has received the prize for it. It was good to read this very different book.

It's different. Read it for a change.