Brain droppings by George Carlin

"Brain droppings" by George Carlin. This book is published by Hyperion in 1998 and has 272 pages.

George Carlin was a stand up comedian, social critic, actor and author. He clarifies at the beginning that he is not going to suggest a solution to identified social problem. He will simply state the problem without pretending to know the quick fix solution.

He then goes on to enumerate the problems and comments on a number of things that he doesn't like. Stuff, that we accumulate, stuff means all the physical belongings. He proposes that current Zodiac signs are old and we should have new signs like schizophrenia can person, serial killer, rapist etc. Then he makes a comparison between Baseball and Football. 

He then moves to the differences. Difference between Irony and Coincidence, Momentary and In a moment, Celibacy and Chastity, Sour grapes as rationalization and as non achievability, abbreviation and acronym and so on. He criticizes use of wrong phrases e.g. don't do the same mistake twice has three mistakes and  enlists a number of oxymorons like silent alarm, friendly fire etc. 

He also spells out 15 rules to live by e.g. Stay in the middle third, develop attitude, surround yourself with inferiors, today doesn't count, enjoy yourself and forget responsibility etc. He also shows how a number of figures of speeach sound utterly rediculous when taken literally. He enumerates redundant expressions like general public, new initiative, advance warning, future plan, basic fundamental etc. 

The problems are not in any specific order. It's as if he writes whatever comes to his mind. George waltzes through a number of issues. Readers should take it at face value without trying to find consistency, logic or theme in it. It's a chaos with order.

He tickles, he rubs, he fingers, he criticizes, he curses, he taunts, he blurts and he entertains. He comes out as Intelligent, Observant, Hilarious, one who has good command over English, opinionated and likable. 

Sometimes he uses coarse language and uses the f**** word frequently. But he has excellent timing and great punches. What did he say? Nothing. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. 

Brain droppings! What a title. And I must say that the title is a perfect one because that is exactly what this book is.

Why did I read this book? Title. Author. 

What I didn't like? No take away. 

What did I like? Author's take.

Hear or read it, enjoy it, forget it. 

The conspiracy at Meru by Shatrujeet Nath

"The conspiracy at Meru" by Shatrujeet Nath. This book is published by Jaico publishing house in 2016 and has 389 pages. This is Book 2 of 'Vikramaditya Veergatha'.

Asuras attack Alkapuri with Vyalas. Indra makes a deal with Kuber and unleashes a Yaksha on Ujjaini to take what Vikramaditya has promised to protect. Jayanta, son of Indra, wakes a serpent dragon, Ahi. The council of nine unearths hidden powers provided to them but they can't control them. 

Can Ujjaini sustain the attacks? Will Shukracharya's identity be revealed? What is the conspiracy at Meru?

Narration if the book is fast, interesting and tempting. All the odds are stacked against Vikramaditya. Everyone wants Vishada's dagger. Can a human fight Devas and Asuras, that too at the same time?

The Epic is complex, it has numerous plots and sub plots. Some go together, some independently and some counter each other. There are a lot of secrets, special powers, double crosses, unions, divisions, consolidations, rifts, enticements, revelations and what not. However the author juggles it all expertly without letting any ball fall. He presents a very interesting story that keeps readers wanting to know more. 

The attacks by Deva and Asura on Ujjaini, the fight, the resistance, the action & drama is very graphic. You live the battles. The conspiracy at Meru is hatched towards the end of book, but it is designed to break Ujjaini for good. Will it succeed? 

Author is imaginative. Vyalas, the demon Ahi, Shape shifting Yaksha etc are fascinating and so are the councillors, each with a special power. Book ends at an interesting turn. 

Trilogy name was changed from 'Vikramaditya trilogy' to 'Vikramaditya Veergatha' when Book 2 was published. Why?

In mountaineering parlance, the story has reached the base camp. Third Book should be the summit.  

This Book 2 is better than Book 1. Recommend reading. 

The Disappearence by Annabel Kantaria

"The Disappearence" by Annabel Kantaria. This book is published by Mira in 2016 and has 384 pages. 

1970s, Audry lost her father and arrived in Bombay. She met Ralph, had a torrid affair, married him and moved back to England. 2013, Twins John and Alexandra are trying to plan future of their aging mother in their own way. Present day, John and Alexandra accompany their 70 year old mother on a cruise trip and one of them goes missing. 

Who goes missing? Dead? Why? How?

The story is interesting. Audry's story, 2013 story and present day story run parallely. The stories toggle so that the reader is kept abreast of all three stories. 

Audry is swept off the feet by Ralph. She is in love. But then his moods come to fore. His possessiveness stifles her. Her attempts to break the shackles are thwarted by ruthless husband and innocent children. The twins start seeing Old Audry as a liability. They want her to move to a Sheltered facility. Audry enjoys cruise trip to the fullest with her children. 

Author uses Simple language and emotions but stays away from melodrama. Picturesque depiction is her forte. Toggling between time period does not confuse the reader. The mystery, however, is not hard to deduce. 

Author has adopted an interesting narration style. A number of things happen during the story and the story ends when the book is about 80%. Then comes a series of events in flash back that reinterpret the events that the reader has already read. This section reveals all the secrets. This is an interesting style. 

The book is categorized as Thriller. But in reality it's a family drama with some thrill in it. It's the story of a mother's selfless love towards her children. 

Annabel Kantaria is a British journalist who lives in Dubai. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb. High rating by Goodreads. 

What I didn't like? Unnecessary angle of another mother. 

What did I like? Audrey's character. 

A good book. Recommend reading.

The butcher of Benares by Mahendra Jakhar

"The butcher of Benares" by Mahendra Jakhar. This book is published by Westland in 2014 and has 332 pages.

Hawa Sing, Sr Inspector - Delhi crime branch, has come to Benares with his father. He finds the body of an American lady floating in Ganga, impaled with a wooden cross. Hawa Sing is asked to investigate. FBI sends their investigator Ruby Malik. Deceased was interested in Bhrigu Samhita (Maharshi Bhrigu was the first compiler of predictive astrology. Bhrigu Samhita is said to to contain information on past lives and predictions on current and future lives). More white Christans are killed. Each has some connection with Vatican. 

Who is behind the murder? Extremist Hindus or extremist Christans? What's the connection between astrology and astronomy? What is the Vatican angle?

Hawa Sing is a unique police officer. He has a bullet lodged in his brain that can't be removed. As a result he suffers pain and black outs. He is not afraid of dying, in that he is even reckless. He has aversion to technology and does not even have an email account. He is a very good investigator, prefers to work solo and is known to move stealthily vindicating his pseudo name 'Ghost'. 

Other characters are typical. They play their part. None worth specifically mentioning except the fog. Fog plays the role of a character in this book. The dense Benares fog adds to the unknown, the mystery. It also reduces the visibility. 

The female protagonist is Ruby, the FBI agent, who is half Anerican and half Pakustani. If the author brings in a character of such exotic mix in the play, there has to be a reason to it. But her ethnicity does not play ANY role in the story. Then why assign it to her? Why create a potential and not use it?

Bhrigu Samhita is central to the story but it remains unclear why it's existence was hidden from the world. In fact it's revelation would prove that Benaras is the oldest city in the world. 

The reason given by the killer for his killings is a bit lame and there is no direct or hidden reference of it in the story until the killer tells it. Author should have scattered something about it somewhere in the story. Thus killers justification appears artificial. 

Success of author lies in the fact that although I deduced who was not the killer, I was not able to recognize the killer. From the way book ends  it appears that author is planning a sequel. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity.    

What I didn't like? Unrelated details, killer's logic. 

What did I like? Suspense about the killer. 

Read if you find this review interesting. 

The first commandment by Brad Thor

'The first commandment' by Brad Thor. This book is published by Pocket Books in 2011 and has 528 pages. This is Book 6 of Scot Harvath series. 

Five notorious terrorists are released from Guantanamo Bay by US Presidential order. One of them starts targeting people near and dear to Harvath. He is inflicting Biblical plagues in reverse order on them. US President asks Harvath to stand down on the issue. 

Why did the President pardon the terrorists? Can Harvath stand down? Will he defy direct order from President?

It's a typical thriller. The story keeps you interested. Something is happening all the time. Scot is pained to see people close to him attacked. It includes his girl friend and mother. This time it is personal. To add to it, US government has issued orders to stop Scot from pursuing by any means. So he also become a pariah. 

Character of the dwarf who does business of information is interesting. He forges a temporary alliance and vanishes towards the end. I am sure we have not seen last of him. 

The reason given for the capitulation of US government is lame. If this reason can bring US government to its knees, America would have ceased to exist by now and terrorists might have be in the command of this world. 

The handler of terrorist who is attacking Harvath's dear ones is another example of lame logic. The reason given by him for unleashing the terrorist can't be bought. 

Read if you have time. 

The bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

"The bastard of Istanbul" by Elif Shafak. This book is published by Viking in 2015 and has 368 pages. 

Zeliha, a 19 year old girl, who smokes, wears mini skirts, has nose piercing, is not averse to profanities, walks into a clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, for abortion. Asaya Kazanci is a young lady born in Istanbul in a Turkish family full of women and no men. Armanoush Tchakhmakhchian is born in America to an Armenian father and American mother who divorced after her birth and her mother married a Turk.  

Who is the bastard of Istanbul? Will Asaya and Armanoush gel? 

Asaya is a bastard of Istanbul in a literal sense. She was born, out of wedlock, and brought up in Istanbul. Armanoush, belonging to Armenian diaspora exiled from Turkey, is a bastard of Istanbul in a border sense. 

Armenians, alongwith other minorities, faced genocide at the hands of Ottoman Empire around WW I. They were either murdered or extradited from Turkey. Thus a large population of Armenians belong to Turkey but are unwanted there. There is a historical antipathy between Turks and Armenians. Armenians want the Turks to accept that it was a genocide but Turkey refuses to accept it as genocide, although many other countries have.

The book is full of contradictions and idiosyncrasies. Armanoush's realization that Armenian community is living with the memory of genocide passed on through generations whereas Turkish people don't see themselves as responsible because, for them, the atrocities of Ottoman Empire were by someone else, not them, is stunning. Istambulaits consider themselves westerners whereas westerners consider them mid-easterners. An example of such contradiction is a sentence 'A man who looked abnormally normal walked in'.

Readers get A jolt when the ghastly secret is revealed. By the time readers comes out of the shock another secret is revealed. The book suddenly takes a serious turn. 

In her attemp to display the Turkish culture author has given a recipe of a Turkish sweet in the book. Recipe in a novel. Really? 

Author has built a fascinating tale in first 17 chapters but 18th chapter comes as an antithesis. It doesn't add anything to the story. On the contrary the story loses its intensity. The book would have been more effective if either the last chapter was not there or it would have been converted to an epilogue if not more than a couple of pages.

Characterization in this book is rich and vivid. It has numerous but distinct characters. Armenian family members of Armanoush, Turkush family members of Asaya are vividly depicted. Armanoush is an Armenian American girl who is in search of her identity. Asaya is a funky, rebel, iternally full of anger Turkish girl full of contradictions. She loves Johny Cash songs, has multiple lovers at the age of 19 and reads philosophy. Asaya's group in Cafè Kundera is made up of a Dipsomaniac Cartoonist, his Wife, an exceptionally untalented poet, a closeted gay columnist, Nonnationalist scenarist of Ultranationalist movies (there goes the contradiction) and his current girl friend. These characters don't have names they are addressed by their traits. Cafè Constantinopolis is a chat room made up of grand children of Armenians, Greeks and Sephardims exiled from Turkey. The diaspora has a collective memory of Turkish atrocities and they have a common enemy, Turkey.  

Two outstanding things in this book are:

1. In the book, one of the character presents 15 point test of Armenian-ness. This checklist distils the essence of being Armenian and is too good.
2. Author says that on one hand Turks are in the habit of denying their wrong doing and on the other, Armenians are in the habit of savouring the cocoon of victim hood. 

Although I know a few Armenians, I read more about Armenia and Armenians after starting this book. 

Elif Shafak is a Turkish author. She was sued for insulting Turkishness in this book but was later acquitted. 

Why did I read this book? The title, the Turkish author and set up.

What I didn't like? The recipe and the last chapter. 

What did I like? Knowledge about Armenian community, Story. 

A very good book and a must read. 

Skyfire by Aroon Raman

"Skyfire" by Aroon Raman. This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2016 and has 245 pages.

Himalayan region on Indi-Pak border has experienced sudden electrical storms. Such events then appear all over India followed by acid rain and pandemics. Orphan Children and homeless adults, from Delhi slums, are disappearing mysteriously. 

Hasan Ali and intelligence community is investigating first and Chandra-Meenu the second. Why is it happening? Who is behind it? Are these two unrelated events?

Chandrasekhar (Chandra)-the reporter, Meenakshi Peerzada (Meenu)-the history proffessor and Hasan Ali-the sleuth, team up again (They were first introduced in Aroon's first book 'The shadow throne').

Weather modification as WMD is not a new concept in literary world but I think it's used for the first time in contemporary Indian literature. The book starts as a very promising story but slowly peters out. 

The plot weakens with an amateurish plan hatched by proffessionals to attack power company. In a nutshell it is 'We will go there and play by the ear'. It's a hairbrained scheme. Why would anyone involve a business magnet in it and why would he accede?

Chandra's obsession for Vaish, just because she looks like his deceased wife, also sounds unreal. That too when he is already in relationship with someone else. 

Who is behind the conspiracy? The characters can't guess it, but even casual readers can easily deduce. 

This is Aroon's third book. The book cover proclaims that Hindustan times has called him 'India's answer to Robert Ludlum'. Author fails to justify his reputation in this book.

Why did I read this book? Previous 2 books were good. 

What I didn't like? Naive plot. 

What did I like? Weather modification concept.

Give it a miss. 

The secret of immortal code by Saptarshi Basu

"The secret of immortal code" by Saptarshi Basu. This book has 168 pages. This is Book 1 of 'Rudra trilogy'. 

Rudrapallam, the master leaf, holding the secret of immortality, protected by Valluvars for centuries, is stolen from library in Tanjavur. Nolan is trying to save his son from a certain death as a result of curse. Eons ago Rudra was upset on theft of Amarkatha. A Great war is fought with Andhakasur. 

What does the leaf say? How did it come into possession of Valluvars? What did Rudra do? Who is behind the theft?

The book has three stories. One of the theft of Amarkatha from Shiva by treachery and resulting war in ancient times. It's the epic war between lord Shiva, Ganas, Nagas and Yakshas on one side and Andhakasur and Asuras on other. Other story is of the Valluvars, who are assigned the task of guarding Rudrapallam a few hundred years ago. Another story of Chief of Naadi Astrologers, Bhadraka, his son Bala and couple Nolan-Jaya in modern times. 

The book has time leaps from beginning of the world to modern times to sixteenth century to again in ancient times, India to America and so on. It toggles between stories and various years within the stories. The leaps are too many moreover there is no time stamp so it becomes confusing as to what you are reading happened before previous section or after.

There are some tense related incongruencies and grammatical as well as English language mistakes in this book. Bad English. It plays a spoil sport. Better proof reading is called for.

Narration varies from good to bad in patches. It's as if the author wrote it over years. Thus it lacks continuity and consistency. It's as if the book was hastily put together, by assembling literature written in bits and pieces, to achieve the publishing dead line. 

It's like a dish where all the good ingredients are available, appropriate utensils are available, correct kind of spices are available, recipe is available and despite all this the taste of the final product is mediocre. 

Why did I read this book? Interesting title. 

What I didn't like? Too many time leaps, bad English & mistakes. 

What did I like? Potential. 

Give it a miss.

The Pharaoh's secret by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"The Pharaoh's secret" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown. This book is published by Penguin UK in 2016 and has 432 pages. This is Book 13 of NUMA files.

A ship accident releases a black mist on an island and that nearly kills all living beings (A strange coma). Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are nearby and rescue about 20 people alive. Paul and Gamay Trout are on vacation when they discover that all the aquifers in Tunisia, Libiya and other North African countries are suddenly depleted of ground water.

What is this black mist? Can the affected people recover? What's happening to ground water? Are the two issues connected?

The story takes place mostly in Italy and North Africa. The concept is good. A company called Osiris International, named after the Egyptian God of death, decides to change the governments in Arab countries and install it's puppets by depriving the country of water and instigating water riots. At the same time threatening the world with black mist, a biological weapon, from the times of Pharaoh's in ancient Egypt. 

Kurt and Joe foil their initial attempts. When they understand the reach of Osiris, they rope in Paul and Gamay. They also have the help of NUMA, their organization, and backing of Vice President James Sandecker.

Narration is good. It's a typical Cussler thriller with prologue of about 100 or more years ago, attention to details, fast pace, luck favoring the protagonists, adrenaline pumping adventures, diving to ship wreckage, beautiful female, wise ass cracks between Kurt and Joe, thinking on their feet, action and emerging triumphant. 

The book keeps you interested. Readers do not stray. Initially you think that black mist is the main theme but then water depletion gains prominence. Anyone who likes the thriller genre would enjoy it. 

The character of Italian Doctor is a bit odd. She is a doctor but can dive, knows how to wield gun, has considerable influence in government, is also called a secret agent. Does not go with the profession. Moreover if she is an important figure, she would not get personally involved in adventure but send someone.

Why did I read this book? Clive Cussler.

What I didn't like? Predictability. 

What did I like? Wise ass cracks.

Cussler fans would like it. 

Devlok by Devdutt Pattanaik

"Devlok" by Devdutt Pattanaik. The book was published by Penguin Books Limited in 2016 and has 256 pages.

In this book author answers a number of questions regarding mythology and religion. 

What are Upanishadas? Who was Ved Vyas? Did Ramayan come first or Mahabharata? Where is Shakti? What is the concept of Trimurti? Why is Krishna blue? Is black inauspicious? Why Shiva has no avatars? Who are Yakshas? Why Brahma is not worshipped? Why Indra is not worshipped? Why do Gods have vahan and what is the significance? What does Gita say? What is Vaastu Shastra? Can human beings marry Gods? What does avatar mean? Are all nakshtras female? Why do we break coconuts in temples? What is the difference between Yagna and Puja? Etc. 

While answering the questions he explains the Hindu mythology, philosophy and religion in the context of society. He explains how religion evolved with the changing times. The two main branches are vairagi and grahastha. Shiva is the vairagi and Vishnu Grihastha, householder. Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shakta and later Ganapatya sects had their own versions. Importance of Karma and owning the consequences of ones actions in this birth, previous birth and next birth. Central theme in religion and mythology is that nothing is permanent. 

He explains the repetitive themes like vairagya, paap punya, rebirth, Sanskriti, Prakriti, symbolism, the eternal cyclicity of everything and metaphors. He emphasizes repeatedly not to take the meaning literally but look at the essence (bhavartha).

Devdutt is India's leading mythologist and author. He has written a number of books on mythology. 

This book is based on his popular TV show with same name on Epic channel. In this adaptation author has maintained the format i. e. Q&A. In my opinion this format is good for a live show with multiple episodes but for a book, it created repetition of certain themes in the same chapter. If author had grouped the material according to theme as prose instead of Q&A, it would have become more powerful.

Nevertheless this book helps in clarifying a number of doubts and enlightens reader about a number of known things. It also provides the philosophical and spiritual aspect of mythology and religion.

The book is titled Devlok but ironically there is not a single question regarding 'Devlok'. Some questions, though, touch parts of Devlok. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. Lure of mythology. 

What I didn't like? Q&A format

What did I like? Information, simplicity, philosophy.

A good trove of knowledge for the interested. Recommend reading. 

Dork by Sidin Vadukut

"Dork" by Sidin Vadukut. This book is published by Penguin books in 2010 and has 239 pages. It's Book 1 of Dork trilogy. 

Robin 'Einstein' Varghese is an utterly stupid IIM-A graduate (is that an oxymoron?). He is recruited at campus by a mediocre firm Dufresne Partners. His first year at job is full of mishaps, goof ups and blunders.

Will he be terminated? Or will he survive?

The book is a 1st person narrative of Einstein. It is written as diary entries by Einstein, addressed to - none other than - the diary itself. He narrates what happened in his life to the diary. LOL. 

Einstein has a very innocent and impractical view towards everything. Where people see him as stupid he assumes they find him funny and intelligent. When they make fun of him, he thinks they appreciate him. When his stupidity costs him, he blames it on luck. He is utterly stupid, extremely lucky, rates himself very highly, has a inflated hubris and is even pompous. 

The book is written in an uncomplicated, humorous and sometimes even hilarious style. Readers come to know the character of Einstein through the diary entries and his self proclamations. Reader is exasperated and empathetic at the same time. Robin faces numerous problems of his own making but eventually survives to see another day. 

The book also criticizes consulting business, objective of consultants to milk the clients, billing the five star expenses to client, over charging, smart ass attitude and general disregard for everyone else. Einstein's treatment of Gouri is a very good example.

All in all, you become a fellow traveler in Einsteins first year journey in corporate world. Some times you curse him, some times you get frustrated, sometimes you hate him and some times you pray for him. 

Why did I read this book? Ravi recommended it. 

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? Author's take on corporate world.

Recommend reading. 

An iron rose by Peter Temple

'An iron rose' by Peter Temple. This book is published by Quercus in 2011 and has 384 pages.

McArthur John Faraday, a cop is on to a drug smuggler and about to bust the entire operation when everything goes wrong and he is terminated. He turns black smith. Best friend of his father, an aboriginal, and also his good friend, Ned, commits suicide by hanging. 

Is it a suicide? Mac is suspicious. A doctor Ned visited, commits suicide in same fashion. Mac investigates. What will he find?

The story is set in rural Australia. The laid back life style, sparse population and Australian toughness are on display. It's probably my first Australian novel. Everything sounded different. A good change. Mac, divorced, is a blacksmith, plays ball, enjoys life until Ned dies. He finds clues in Ned's belongings and starts investigating. A facility run for women comes into question.

Narration is decent. It's a foregone conclusion that Ned's murder and Mac's termination, years ago, has to converge. And so they do converge at the end of book. The culprit behind it is identified. 

Is it a thriller? Well, may be a mild one. It involves murder, investigation, double cross, falsification, love and sport. It mainly depicts the rural Australian life.

Why is it called Iron Rose? No idea. Probably because the protagonist is a black smith.

Why did I read this book? To try something different. 

What I didn't like? Pace. 

What did I like? Rural Australian life.

Give it a miss.

Unreal Aliens by Karthik Lakshman

"Unreal Aliens" by Karthik Lakshman. This book is published by Penguin Random house India in 2016 and has 240 pages. It's second fiction of Unreal series after 'Unreal elections' by same author. 

Aliens have landed in Delhi. Modi charms the aliens with his showmanship, signs a number of agreements, involves them in Swacch Bharat Abhiyan but refuses to give them what they are looking for. Pakistan conspires with Aliens and Aliens take control of India. 

What will India do? What is China's position? What are Aliens looking for? What will Modi do?

Modi forms a motley crew comprising of trusted Amit Shah, Smart Subramanium Swamy, unreliable Kejriwal, Dozing Devegouda and loud Arnab Goswami to fight and defeat Aliens by watching a movie and copying the trick. It's a race against time and fight for survival. Rahul Gandhi once again plays a key role.

Modi, again, is the larger than life figure and protagonist. Modi's speeach to the audience made up of his accessories in walk in closet, response of various news channels to arrival of aliens, Ajit Doval's cameo, Arvind Kejriwal's histrionics and the double twist at the end of book are too good. 

Keen observation of famous personalities and correct use of it for the story is the key to success of this book. Kejriwal's anti Modi rant, Swamy's proximity to Supreme Court as he needs to go their daily, Badass Amit Shah, Arnab who can't stop talking, Dhoni who emphasizes process, swearing Kohli, Rajdeep Sardesai's anti Modi campaign and aversion to the word prestitute, compulsive sleeper Devegowda and many more are shrewdly captured and wittily used.

One of the best part of the book was Arvind Kejriwal's performance at 'India has got talent' show where he successfully blames everything on Modi, including something that happened before he was born. A masterpiece. 

The only section of book that slows down the story is the cricket match. Cricket match was entertaining but largely unnecessary and not in line with the story. The book fictionalizes real life figures, so those who don't know these figures will not find the book amusing. Another shortcoming is that author has used Hindi dialogues in the book verbatim. The readers who don't understand Hindi will not understand it. Thus the book will be deprived of international audience. 

It's a witty book. Readers can't help smiling multiple times and laughing out loud a few times. It tickles you, pricks you, makes you smile, amazes you and fully entertains you. 

Why did I read this book? Previous book by same author was too good.

What I didn't like? Cricket match. 

What did I like? Everything else and the end. 

Recommend reading. It's a must read.

The drum tower by Farnoosh Moshiri

"The drum tower" by Farnoosh Moshiri. This book is published by Sandstone Press Ltd in 2014 and has 320 pages.

This is a first person narration of tale by a young girl Talkhoon who's mother has disappeared and father is absconding. She is not quite right in head. She lives with her grand parents, sister, other relatives and servants in a family mansion called The Drum Tower. It's an aristocratic family of ministers. Talkhoon tells the story of transition. 

What's changing? What is the tale? What has it got to do with Simorgh?

The characterization is rich. Baba-ji, Talkhoon's grandfather, who is obsessed with Simorgh. Simorgh is an Iranian mystical benevolent creature equated with Griffin, Phoenix or Garuda. It's the bird of knowledge. Khanum jaan, Talkhoon's grandmother, who runs the house and hates Talkhoon and her deceased mother. Taara, Talkhoon's beautiful setarist sister, who elopes. Vafa, Talkhoon's paternal uncle, who turns revolutionary. Sina, Talkhoon's absentee father, who is a leftist. Soraya, Talkhoon's dead mother, who is surrounded in numerous rumors. Talkhoon, a neglected and unloved girl, in who's head, wind blows. Asad, Talkhoon's step uncle, who's status is only slightly above a servant. Drum tower, the ancestral ancient palatial mansion of generations of ministers including war minister of Shah. 

Although it's the story of Talkhoon and Drum Tower, it shows the transformations (political, social and religious) in Iran before and after the Islamic Revolution. Pre revolution Iran wasn't very different than Europe. Freedom to all, no restrictions, liquor culture etc. Post revolution everything changes. The novel is, thus, largely allegorical. We read the story of Talkhoon but it's pretty much the story of Iran. The crumbling Drum Tower, it's state of disrepair and neglect is also allegorical. 

The story is slow. Talkhoon's attempts of escape from Drum Tower always bring her back to Drum tower. She is always in a circular flight, like Simorgh, that brings her back. Last flight is the biggest. Will it be circular? She meets a number of people. Good, bad, greedy, innocent, caring, careless and through them she and reader understand Iran and transition. 

Character of Assad is a special one. He obsessively loves Talkhoon's mother. His obsession turns to Talkhoon who has a lot of similarities to her mother. This obsession turns to possessiveness blended with care. He is unreasonable and considerate at the same time.  Tyrant and loving at the same time. Vicious and forgiving at the same time. 

Reading this book is similar to viewing old Sepia photographs. Graphic but very different from today's times. End of the book is a bit strange, hurried and forcefully brought together. Author has also made it mystic and symbolic. 

Farnoosh Moshiri, the author, fled Iran in 1983. She lived in Afghanistan and Iran for 4 years before emigrating to USA. This book won Black Heron press award for Social Fiction in 2014. 

Why did I read this book? Raj recommended it. 

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? Characterization, allegory.

Recommend reading if you like social fiction. 

A Himalayan love story by Namita Gokhale

"A Himalayan love story" by Namita Gokhale. This revised edition of the book is published by Penguin books in 2002 and has 207 pages. 

Parvati grows up with her maternal uncle, a head master. He refuses to marry her to one of his favourite student, Mukul, and instead marries her to another favourite student for cast reasons. Years later head master dies and bequeaths his estate to Mukul. Mukul returns to find Parvati in asylum. 

What does the will say? What is Mukul's reaction after seeing his first love? How will he fulfil his responsibilities?

The book starts as a 1st person narrative of Parvati. Midway it changes to first person narrative of Mukul. In Parvati's narrative, Mukul only has a passing reference. It appears that Mukul's love was one sided. Parvati did not love him or any other person but she has multiple affairs. 

Author has used Heavy English words normally not seen in books of Indian English authors. I also found Continuity issues. Ramsingh dies but he helps Mukul pack his bag a few pages later. Avoidable.

Mukul is attracted to a Tibetan girl who sells trinkets. He visits her and sleeps with her. Why? What was the significance of this girl in the story and why does she agree? Unnecessary. 

The book is titled 'A Himalayan love story'. If it's the love story of Mukul, he fails. If it is of Parvati, she never loved. If it's about the hill people, there is no love story. At the end the solution agreed could have been agreed on the first day of Mukul's arrival. So why the story? Is it a story of rediscovery? Not really. The story sounds more like drivel. 

Cover shows black silhouette of trees on blackish red background. Gives it a spooky appearance. But the story isn't. 

I have been reading this book for about one month and half, which by my standards in interminably long. I did not abandon reading only because I don't like to abandon. But it was a test of my patience. 

AVOID

The new one minute manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

"The new one minute manager" by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson. This book is published by Harpercollins in 2014 and has 112 pages. 

Ken Blanchard is a famous author of books like Gung Ho!, Full Steam ahead! He has developed Situational Leadership model with Paul Hersay. Spencer Johnson is author of legendary book 'Who moved my cheese?'. The duo has co-authored the original 'One minute manager'.

This is the updated modern version of the famous book 'One minute manager'. In the message from authors they explain why they wrote this book. The world has changed from the times of previous book. Organizations have to respond faster, with fewer resources, to keep up with ever changing technology and globalization. In short it's a modern retelling of previous story making it current.

Three secrets of one minute management as per this book are:

1. Setting one minute goals - Set clear goals at the start of an assignment, write them on one page, review frequently and adjust your actions. 
2. One minute praisings - Catch them doing something right. Praise and encourage. 
3. One minute re-directs - Specify what went wrong and reaffirm trust in said employee. 

This retelling of the story changes the management style to suit present times. It was a directive or telling style of management in former avatar, this one is proponent of a participative style of management. The spirit of collaboration is prominent. Here you involve your charges in decision making. The reprimands in previous book have become re-directs.

Simple recommendations of this book are that People who feel good about themselves produce good results. Be people AND result oriented. Provide regular feedback. 

This avatar of the book is more people oriented. In the feedback from manager how the manager 'feels' is emphasized. Human angle is prominent. Even the example of pigeon is replaced by that of a child.

Authors have provided 'The new one minute manager's game plan' towards the end of book. It's a simple flowchart on one page that captures the essence if this book. The book is interspersed with important quotes. The quotes pack the punch by saying a lot in few words. 

It's a good idea to write a modern retelling of hugely popular old book. It thus remains current, addresses present situation & does not become an obsolete classic. It also makes a great commercial sense as good sales are guaranteed. Every person who read previous one will read this one too. In fact I read previous one again with this one to determine what the changes were. 

Although the authors do not say it explicitly, it appears that the seeker in previous book has now become New One Minute Manager and now there is a new seeker. The chain continues. One can't help but wonder how the book ends so quickly. 

A must read.

Pirate by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell

"Pirate" by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell. This book is published by Penguin UK in 2016 and has 400 pages. This is Book 8 of 'Fargo adventures' series. 

Hundreds of years ago the treasure of the King John of England is declared lost but in reality it's hidden to prevent it from falling in the hands of French Prince who has usurped the power. Cut to present times. Sam and Remi Fargo decide to take a week off and venture in a rare books shop. There is a robbery. 

Why rob a book shop? How are Fargo's involved? Who are they up against?

Sam and Remi's vacation plans go for a toss once again. Here they encounter same enemy numerous times and survive death at least ten times. How the enemy manages to be where they go remains a mystery.

The couple goes after the treasure tracking one clue that leads to another. These clues were not found by anyone in 200 years but Fargo's find them without sweat. Legend of Robin Hood is also strung in this adventure. 

Narration is OK, but not in the league of other Cussler books. Of all the Cussler series, this one is my least favorite. 

Although the book is not boring, it's nothing to write about either. 

Give it a miss.

The narrow road to Palem by Sharath Komarraju

"The narrow road to Palem" by Sharath Komarraju. This book has 114 pages.

Rudrakshapalem is a small sleepy village in Andhra on the banks of Godavari. During the day it's a normal village, but during night all sorts of wierd things happen. This book is a collection of such stories in this village. 

In 'The ace of clubs', Subbaiya comes in possession of a card, the ace of club. It changes his fortune, but at what cost?

Yenki starts seeing ghost of her husbands first wife 'Malli'. Why is she back three days after her death?

In 'Round and round', 17 year old Raji and middle aged Chander meet at the lake, when they try to return, some how, the come back to the same spot. Why?

In 'The milk is sour', 5 year old Sanjay thinks his mother is a demon and his mother thinks that he is jealous of his newborn sister and is a danger to her. Who's right?

On 'The narrow road to Palem' Vikas and Ritu meet a man selling mirrors. What does Ritu see in it? Why don't they remember where they left their car?

In 'The Sitarist of Palem', Lata comes to a shelter run by missionaries. When she plays Sitar, only she hears tabla. What is the significance?

'Peaceful are the dead' is story of Ramashastri's family that comes into possession of a lingam that will fulfil three wishes. What would they wish?

'The barber and the milkmaid' is a strange story of Gopal and ghost of his wife, who agree that their kids are the reason for their poverty and loss of love. What will he do?

In 'Dear house', a family lives in 20 different haunted houses in 20 years. Or is it the other way round?

'No yellow in my rainbow' is the story of an old woman whose grand daughter goes missing. Local landlord is suspected but not apprehended. What can an old woman do?

Author has created a village called Palem. It has a money lender, a land lord, a priest, a barber, shopkeepers, missionaries, a prostitute, general public and many more. This book is a collection of stories that happen in Palem but with a twist. All the stories are horror stories. It's a novel idea to write horror stories with a theme binding them, in this case Palem, the village. 

None of the stories makes you skip a beat or two of you heart. They don't tell you something beyond your imagination. Most of them are mild horror stories. The shock is gentle. 

Unfortunately the author becomes predictable as you read the book. So in later stories one can guess where the story is headed and how it may end. Reader can fairly accurately predict the twist. And this is the undoing of book. 

Sharath is a good author. I have read few of his books and have liked them. This one, though good, is not one of his better creations. He has also authored another book about this village Palem. I haven't read that. 

Read for a change, if you like horror stories.

The last mile by David Baldacci

"The last mile" by David Baldacci. This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2016 and has 352 pages. This is book 2 of Amos Decker series.

Melwin Mars, a man with white father and black mother, is on the verge of entering NFL and becoming very rich. He is arrested and then convicted for murder of his parents. 20 years in prison, when he is about to be executed, his execution is stopped. Amos Decker joins a task force. He comes to know of Mars case. 

Why is the execution stopped? How is Amos involved? What will he discover? Are there parallels?

Readers of the first book 'Memory man' know that Amos suffered accident in a NFL football match that caused injury to his brain and a condition called Hyperthymesia. Thus he does not forget anything. He is recruited to a task force that is set up to investigate cases gone cold. The task force is headed by special agent Bogard and consists of his ex-colleague Alex Jamison, criminal psychologist Lisa Davenport and another FBI agent Milligan whose character shows potential but makes a quiet exit and then re enters. 

Character of Mars is interesting. He is a giant but extremely agile. A meticulous planner and his ability to take in the situation and knowing exactly the positions of those around him make him a force to recon with. Being black he is subject to prejudices, white father not withstanding. He is confounded upon his release and does not know why his parents were murdered and by who and why was he set up. Amos starts investigation to find truth, not to save Mars. Mars doesn't trust him initially, but it changes gradually. 

Narration is good. The story has customory twists and turns. It keeps you interested. On several occasions you think the story is nearing end, but another thing comes up and story continues. 

Bogart's entries and exits seem unnecessary. It makes reader think that he is s double agent. Character of Roy is under developed. His explaintion to Melwin about his actions is lame. Author should have spent some more time on this character. 

Story ends but the author gives clear hint that we have not seen the last of Melwin Mars. He will make an appearance in the series in future.  

Not a must read.

The little old lady who broke all the rules by Catharina Ingleman-Sundberg

"The little old lady who broke all the rules" by Catharina Ingleman-Sundberg. This book is published by Pan in 2014 and has 300 pages.

A group of Old age home clients Rake-Sailor turned Gardner, Brains-Inventor, Christina-Millionaire, Anna Greta-Banker, lead by Martha-a former teacher, (All more than a decade past their retirement ages) decide to rebel against the oppressive management in an incredible way. By plotting to kidnap paintings to bring zest in their staid lives. 

Can they even get their old and tired bodies to move? Can they escape the home? Can they succeed in their crime?

It's a crazy idea. Walkers and walking sticks wielding septunagenarians getting bored, longing for glamorous prison, pulling off crimes and still remaining free at the end. As crazy as it sounds, it's a fantastic idea. 

Author pulls off first crime very well. But then the book becomes stagnant when the oldies surrender and are imprisoned. I was close to abandoning it during that period. But then they are released and pull off another one. This one is a bit hurrirledly written.  The book ends with a seed for a sequel. Btw: the sequel is already released recently. 

Author has a Swedish Dry humor. She does not go overboard with it. Narration is very good in patches. The story looses its tempo due to the jail term. She should have avoided the jail term and gone to Crime 2 straight away. That way the flow would not be lost and book would have become shorter and crisp.

There are a number of books by Swedish authors released in English in last few years. Jonas Jonasson's 3 books '100 year old ....', Girl who saved ...' & 'Hitman Andres ....', Romain Puertolas' 'The Fakir ...', Millenium trilogy by Stieglitz Larsson are some examples. The first two authors have also displayed Swedish dry humor. Sweden is known for its book culture and affordable book prices. Catharina continues the tradition. 

Read if it sounds interesting.

The unexpected inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan

"The unexpected inheritance of Inspector Chopra" by Vaseem Khan. This book is published by Hodder And Stoughton in 2015 and has 304 pages. This book is Book 1 of Baby Ganesh agency series. 

Inspector Ashwin Chopra retires early due to his heart condition. On the day of his retirement two things happen. One, his uncle sends a baby elephant to him as a gift. Two, dead body of a young man is found and his superior asks him to close this 'accidental drowning' case. More surprises are in store for Inspector Chopra. 

What will Inspector Chopra do with the elephant? Can he go against his gut feeling and close the case? Can he really retire and live a peaceful life?

Inspector Chopra is a considerate, old school, straight forward and honest man. His family migrated to Maharashtra from Punjab three generations ago. So he is as good as a Maharashtrian and is married to a Maharashtrian.

The story is not fast paced and has little action. The narration is elaborate and covers the life of Inspector his relatives and his wife in addition to the murder mystery. Author has built up a lot of seeds and possibilities in the first book that will allow him the continuity in subsequent books. Second book of the series is already released. 

From the story and social details, it appears that the author has not stayed in Maharashtra enough. 

Name of the villain is Arun Jaitley. Why use the name Arun Jaitley for villan? Arun Jaitley is the name of current finance minister of India. Generally even when the character is based on a real life figure, use of the real name is avoided. Here the character is not even based on the real life figure. Why use the name then? Perplexing!

Read if you plan to read the series, else give it a miss. 

Harry Potter and the cursed child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorn & John Tiffany

"Harry Potter and the cursed child", a play, by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorn & John Tiffany. This book is published by Little Brown in 2016 and has 352 pages. This is 8th book of Harry Potter series. 

19 years have passed since the battle of Hogwarts. Harry is Head of magical law enforcement and Hermione is Minister of magic. Harry's son Albus Severus is growing under pressure of his father's achievements and all is not well between them. His best friend is Scorpius, son of Draco Malfoy. They decide to right a historical wrong by using an illegal time bender, confiscated by ministry of magic. 

By going back in time, what will they change? How will it impact? What will be the consequences? Will it end with their adventure? Who is the cursed child?

Readers are taken back to the world of magic and spells. Albus and Scorpius find an ally in Delphi, cousin of Cedric Diggery. They travel to past and try to change the course of time only to find that their supposedly innocuous and well intentioned actions have had major repercussions on the history. They realize it, but is it too late?

Although author had publicly said that this book will not be a repetition of previous Harry Potter stories, since the characters are same, repetition occurs. Hogwarts appears again, sorting hat happens again, the same subjects are taught, the same map and invisibility cloak are used, Voldermot is there and so on.

However it gives a nostalgic feeling to the readers and they go down the memory lane to remember and refresh the details of the story. 

Harry has a difficult task of not changing the past (that he would have liked to) and not allowing others to change it either. The narration is decent but not as good as the original series. It lacks the detailing. This may be because it is a comparatively small book written as a stage play.

Who is the cursed child? Well it can be Harry, Albus, Scorpius or Delphi. Any or all of them are cursed children.

Harry, Hermione and Ron call Ms McGonagall by her first name, Minerva. Some times Harry calls Prof. Dumbledore as Dumbledore. One doesn't do that to one's teacher. 

The important question is Why a play? Especially when the series of novels and movies have done so well and after watching the movies with special effects, watching a stage play might seem bland. 

Those who have read the Harry Potter series will read it, those who haven't won't. 

The treasure of Kafur by Aroon Raman

"The treasure of Kafur" by Aroon Raman. This book is published by Pan Macmillan in 2013 and has 400 pages.

The story starts in 1312 AD when Malik Kafur, slave & commander-in-chief of Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Dilli, hides a priceless treasure plundered from South India in a river near Deogiri. Time leap to 1580 AD Sillod. Asaf Baig Farruqi, King of Khandesh, is cobbling up a grand alliance against the Mughals of Akbar. He needs two aces. One is secured and one is sought. Future of Hindustan is in balance. One wrong move and everything will be lost. 

What are the aces? Who is Ambu, the guardian? Can her grandson, Datta, save the treasure with the help of talking animals; a cow Aditi, a Tortoise Manas, Ravens Kanaka and Shukra and a parrot, Sheherazad, for guide?

The story is narrated with ease and the curiosity and interest is retained till the end. Author has probably invented Taraks, the cult of Thataka, the demoness Ram killed. But author does not elaborate about the superhuman agility of the Taraks. He also does not say if Taraks realize that the treasure was gone?

Characterization is good. Ahilya, fiercely independent, longs freedom, the best archer, beautiful and spirited. Akbar, larger than life, expert at disguise, languages and fighting, big hearted. In this book Akbar leads a covert mission of three in person. He even meets Rana Pratap. Ambu, old but very solid in mind, has foresight. Dilawar, brave, good friend and loyal. Datta, compassionate, hates violence, brave, to an extent naive. Band of talking and thinking animals.

Comrediery between Datta and Dilawar, Datta and Ahilya, Akbar and his advisors, Datta and his animals is beautifully depicted. Readers become part of Dattas friends while reading the novel. 

Author has used the entry of characters at the opportune time to tilt the out come of fight in the favor of protagonists repeatedly and very effectively. It gives reader adrenaline shot. 

Towards the end of book, another quest looks imminent. But the book ends on the eve of the quest. If author plans to write a sequel, it's a great ending. If he doesn't, still it's a great end. Full marks to the way author concludes the book. 

There are number of novels that include hunt, in present times, of a treasure hidden in ancient times. This book is different on two counts. One it's not a hunt for treasure, rather avoiding the discovery of treasure. Two it doesn't happen in present time but in the times of Mughal ruler Akbar. I enjoyed it more, thus.

A must read.

The inquisitor by Mark Allen Smith

"The inquisitor" by Mark Allen Smith. This book is published by Simon & Schuster in 2012 and has 432 pages.

Geiger is very strange person. Very still, does not bat eyelid, no friends, no emotions, disquieting to others. He is in the business of IR (Information retrieval). Plainly put torture (physical, mental and emotional). His partner is Harry, who is a computer geek and manages the incoming business through anonymous website.  One day a client brings a subject for interrogation and their world changes forever. 

Who is the subject? How does it impact Geiger? Why? What does he do? Who is he up against?

It's a very different story. A very different business, a very different protagonist and a very different end. Initially I thought that the story would revolve around various torture techniques. But was relieved to see that it was not so. 

Character of Geiger is intriguing. Readers keeps trying to understands the character till the very end.

Author has brought the character of Lily in the equation but I could not understand why? The character is always in the background and makes a vital contribution in the end but the story would have gone on even without her. 

Geiger's father gives him a gift. Author does not say why he does that or to what purpose. This gift is the beginning and the end of the story. But reader keeps asking the question why? And it goes unanswered. 

A man with no emotions sprouts empathy for someone and it unravels his world and his life beyond repair. Did he expect this to happen sometime?

A very different thriller. Read if you are interested.

The Collectors by David Baldacci

"The Collectors" by David Baldacci. This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2014 and has 560 pages. This is Book 2 of 'Camel Club' series. 

A powerful anti corruption congressman and a librarian of rare books are dead. Camel club gets involved. A defense contractor is suspected. But he too is killed. Annabel has pulled a long con on a casino King. 

Who is behind this? Will Annabel meet Camel club? Is there an espionage angle?

Camel club is involved in this affair through Caleb Shaw who is assigned as literary executor of the deceased. Inevitably Annabel gets involved. Camel club investigates with its limited resources. The plot thickens with discovery of 12th copy of Song Book. Only 11 are known to exist in the world. They are all in it together. 

Narration is decent. A number of sub plots are played out simultaneously. The angle of selling out of secret information to enemy makes it darker. However using the library of congress, an elaborate procedure and number of persons seems unnecessary. The same could have been done with a simple message drop or even snail mail. The alter ego angle is also conspicuous.

One can not help but think that Camel club has bit more than it can chew. The events are too complex for a group of 4 simpletons lead by an ex assassin and assisted by a con artist. 

Although it's not a great book, it's not boring either. Reader is not tempted to abandon. An OK affair for light reading. 

The book ends but the story doesn't. The espionage chapter is closed but the long con chapter remains open for the next book of the series. 

Don't' read it if you have not read the first and if you do not intend to read the series.

The Mughal high noon by Srinivas Rao Adige

"The Mughal high noon", a debut novel, by Srinivas Rao Adige. This book is published by Rupa Publications in 2016 and has 183 pages.

Mughal emperor Shahajahan is sick. Hakims can't cure him. Jahanara suggests to take help of a Vaid, a Hindu, a taboo. To do or not to do. Four princes vie for the succession. 

What should Dara, the heir apparent do? How would his brothers Shuja, Murad and Aurangzeb react? How will the power politics play? What are the plans of wily Aurangzeb?

The book traces the events from Shahjahan's illness to his recovery, rebellion by his sons, fighting and alliances between them, the power struggle, wars and finally ascent of Aurangzeb. 

Author has narrated a good story, but it appears a bit imbalanced. He has spent a lot of page space to tell the story of Shuja and Murad that could have been curtailed. Story of Shuja starts in a great detail but then it is suddenly abandoned and we come to know, of what happened with Shuja, only as a news. Considering that this is not a big book, it leaves less page space for Aurangzeb, the main character as the title suggests. 

The story tells what Aurangzeb did but does not tell us what he was made up of. Auranzeb's personality traits are not elaborated. The story ends before his crowning. Some more focus on Aurangzeb, the person, would have done a lot of good to the story. How was he able to garner support and loyalty despite not being viceroy of a rich viceroyalty. 

In the epilogue, Aurangzeb is shown in the mood of repentance on his death bed. Did he really repent?

Author is an IAS officer. It is a new emerging trend, in Indian fiction literature, where IAS and IFS officers with their rich experience turn into authors and mostly good ones. This author has also demonstrated a lot of potential in this debut novel. 

Recommend reading.

Numero Zero by Umberto Eco

"Numero Zero" by Umberto Eco, translated from Italian to English by Richard Dixon. This book is published by Random house in 2015 and has 208 pages.

Colonna, a loser and unsuccessful writer, is approached by Simei to work for an as-yet conceptual newspaper's Zero issue and simultaneously ghost write a book, creatively describing the journey of this newspaper, for Simei. There is a conspiracy theory. 

Who has purported conspiracy theories? What does Colonna know? What about Mussolini?

This book is about conspiracy theories, one of which is that Mussolini did not die when the world thought he did. This theory is introduced for the first time when the book is half way through. Till then the story ambles along without much happening. 

It appears as if the author is confused if he wants to write what happens at the newspaper or he wants to write about Mussolini.  In trying to step on both stones he ends up neither here nor there. I decided to read the book after reading the blurb in Bookworld in Dubai mall that emphasizes on Mussolini angle. 

Character of Braggadocio spews conspiracy theories one after another. He is killed. Why? By who? Maia is a lady lost in her own train of thoughts. Colonna appears to be more capable than his achievements. 

Author has a style of writing long nested sentences. The book is written for Italian readers assuming they know all the references. However international readers will either have to go to Internet to understand the references or simply skip them. 

What is the message that author wants to give? Conspiracy theories? Paranoia? Life goes on?

I actually started reading the original Italian book but gave up after a few pages and read the English translation. But I wasn't satisfied with it either. 

AVOID.

The Rigveda code by Rashmi Chendvankar

"The Rigveda code" by Rashmi Chendvankar. This book is published by The Write Palace in 2014 and has 244 pages.

Vrij is strongest kingdom in Bharatkhanda. Rikshavi is princess of Vrij. She is a natural archer but her father is not interested in teaching her. Her father, King Vrajesh, is searching for the Ultimate weapon that ever existed. 

What is the ultimate weapon? Will the Kshatriya code be broken? What does Rigveda code say? Is Rikshavi the one to fulfill the prophecy? What secrets are going to be revealed? What is the politics?

The story is set in 600 BC, 300 years after the great Mahabharata war. It is the period when India was divided into smaller kingdoms after weakening of Pandav clan. A period when weapon wielding females was an oddity. 

The story is based in the legend that Krishna left his Sudarshan Chakra, the ultimate weapon, behind in the care of Pandav and there is a clan that still guards and hides the Chakra from being discovered. It's the Clan of Pancharishis founded by Sahadev, the fourth Pandav who was an accomplished astrologer. The Chakra is to be hidden until a person with unique Rajyog can claim it. 

This is a new Indian legend for a fiction. Search for Sudarshan chakra can be a powerful plot. However author only makes passing references about the search and failures of finding the Chakra. She builds the story up but the climax is summarily executed. It could have been more thrilling and interesting.

The book ends with the creation of the first republic in the world. Later known as Licchawi republic. However author does not elaborate much about how Rikshawi deciphers the Rigveda code and how she determines that Lord Krishna intended to create a republic through his message.

Author has left some threads unexplored. Why is Amogh in love. Even if he wasn't there would have been no change to story. What happens to Magadhan forces after they depart? Is there no retaliation. Why reveal identities of Pancharishis? Is Lord Krishna's work over after formation of one republic or did Krishna wanted it to happen for the whole world? We're there three storied residential buildings in 300  BC?

I liked one sentence from this book very much. It goes like this 'Each one of is born with an element of God inside of us, it's called the conscience'. 

Appreciation is due for the cover design showing outline of a female with flowing hair and stretched bow, about to release arrow on a backlit background. The arrow tip is colorful peacock feather. The cover interested me and I purchased the book. 

The book back cover identifies the genre of the book as historical fiction, but it's actually a mytho-historical fiction. It's a good book, could have been better.

Recommend reading.

Bravely fought the queen by Mahesh Dattani

"Bravely fought the queen", a play, by Mahesh Dattani. This book is published by Penguin India  in 2006 and has 100 pages. My father gave me a copy to read. 

Dolly and Alka, sisters, are married to Jiten and Nitin, brothers. One day Lalitha, wife of their employee, Sridhar, comes to their house. A number of unspoken things and secrets are revealed. 

Who is Praful? Who is Daksha? Why is Baa upset?  What are the secrets?

It's a strange story. A number of unrelated things are revealed to the reader as the story moves on. The revelations do not make sense until the end. The last dialogue brings forth the truth for the audience.

A mentally and physically challenged  young child who appears only in reference, married women's fantasy, a manipulative brother who never makes an appearance, impractical brothers, Baa's diatribe and wondering and uncomprehending couple form he cast of the play. 

Unique thing about this play is that Act 1 and Act 2 happen at the same time. In Act 1 we see what happens at the residence and in Act 2 we see what happens in office at the same time. Another unique thing is Baa's dialogues withsome one  that happen independently but are blended with ongoing scene. Baa appeares in the background of both scenes i.e. Home and office. 

When you read a play, the characters and their relations with other characters are not explained by author like in a novel. Audience comes to know them through dialogues. Here the things take eternity to untangle. 

When I started to read the play, I wondered what was the significance of the title. It then became clear that is has the reference to the famous poem about Rani of Jhansi that says 'Khoob ladi mardani who to Jhansi wali rani thi'. 

This play touches a number of subjects like suppressed emotions, wife abuse, homosexuality, infidelity, deceit  etc.  

Mahesh is a Sahitya Akadami award winner. He is also a director and owner of theater. Mahesh's plays are known to portray women as victims. This play is no exception. Here every woman is a victim. This play was first staged in 1991.

Some plays are interesting to read and watch. Some are more interesting to watch than read. This play falls in the later catagory. I have not watched this play on stage. With a good director, it's a powerful play of suppressed emotions and desires.  

Watch the play rather than reading the book.