Mistress of the Throne by Ruchir Gupta

"Mistress of the Throne" by  Ruchir Gupta -  Story of the unwed Mughal queen. 

This book is published by Shrishti publishers and distributors in 2014 and has 312 pages.

This is the story of Jahanara, first born daughter of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The story starts with Shahjahan's crowning and takes us through death of Mumtaz, sibling rivalry, building of Taj Mahal and Shahajahanabad, fight for throne etc. 

Who was Jahanara? Why was she the mistress of the throne? What were her choices? Was there live in her life?

It's how Jahanara sees the world from behind the veil, behind the curtain. She is a lovely lady, extremely beautiful, a spitting image of her mother. She is also in charge of building 'The structure' that would be later known as Taj Mahal. She also designed Shahajahanabad, later known as Delhi. Her internal struggles about love and rivalry between her brothers Dara and Aurangzeb. Sister Jahanara's hate of her. Controversies and politics. 

Although she has everything, she is forbidden to one thing that she longs most. To be loved. Mughal princesses are not allowed to marry. She is in love with Gabriel Boughton, a British doctor. But can't marry him. She joins the Sufi Qadriya order along with Dara. Here she finds peace of mind. She is also a witness to simmering tension between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb. Her efforts of mediation are futile. She has to witness the bitter end of this fight. But she is loyal to the throne. Rumours of her affair with her father add to her misery.

The story is slow. Since Jahanara was restricted to Harem, she is normally away from action. The action comes to the readers as news or report, making it less exciting.  Character of Jahanara appears more helpless than in authority. Being queen of Mughal India, I expected her to wield more power. 

Author introduces mysticism and special powers to see what is happening elsewhere as literary liberty. It helps to take the story forward but appears incongruous. 

For one reason or other, I wansn't able to read this book continuously. It took more than a month to read it. This may be one of the reasons I found it less exciting. 

Credit to author for choosing to write about Jahanara, who despite being the queen is not talked about much. 

Why did I read this book? Mughal fiction. 

What I didn't like?  Not gripping. 

What did I like? Harem politics.

Read if toy have time. 

Everyone has a story by Savi Sharma

"Everyone has a story" by Savi Sharma - Story of Vivan and Maya. 

This book is published by  Westland in 2016 and has 184 pages.

Meera, a young and beautiful lady, is an aspiring writer who regularly attends book events and "Meet the author" events in her regular Cafe'. One day she meets Vivan in such an event. They strike friendship. She thinks he has a story but he directs her to the manager of Cafe', Kabir. Maya and Vivan come close. One day Vivan disappears. 

Are they just friends or more? Where is Vivan? What's his story? What's Kabir's story? Can Meera write a book?

Although it's a good story, most of it is predictable. Experienced readers get the drift early-on and the author follows the standard pattern of two strangers meeting, coming close, falling in love, separation, break up, incident and finally coming together to realize their dreams. 

At times author has been miser with words. In her attempt to make the story crisp and short, she has compromised on necessary build-up and creation of background. However, she has still managed to write a short and crisp novel. Her writing style is also refreshing. Credit to her for creating a story out of simple things in life like time spent in a Cafe'.

Vivan has a passion to travel. It's like obsession. But while reading the book it appears only to be a wish, a desire, not passion. So his actions later in the story appear sudden and unexpected.

Very late in the book author introduces a twist, a big one. This makes the story interesting but again their is no hidden hint or clue earlier in the story so it comes out of the blue and serves it's purpose of shock. 

Although the title of the book is 'Everyone has a story', this is only one story of Meera and Vivan with a side story of Kabir and Nisha that is not adequately covered. 

For a change, this story takes place in Pune. There are a few references like Shaniwar wada and Rajgad (near Pune). The book says that it takes 15-20 Lakh rupees to set up a new Cafe'. Appears to be way low than reality. 

Why did I read this book?  Predominantly displayed in book shops.

What I didn't like?  Predictable. 

What did I like?  Some flowery sentences, easy narration. 

A good change. Recommend reading. 

A place in the Sun by R. S. Grey

"A place in the Sun" by R. S. Grey - A romance.

This edition of book is published by Createspace in 2016 and has 346 pages. 

Gorgie, a beautiful young lady, fed up with her mother's efforts of match making, escapes from England to Italy. She wants to tan and find love. Here she meets a devastatingly handsome Italian guy, Gianluca. But this brooding hunk isn't interested. 

What is Georgie looking for? Will she like Italy? Will she find love? Why is Gianluca aloof?

The story takes place in Italy in the area called Cinque Terre, in the village of Vernazza. It's a beautiful setting. Picturesque rural Italy with sea inn one side and mountain on other.

Georgie wants to befriend Gianluca but he is not approachable. He tries to avoid her. But Georgie decides to make him a friend and perseveres until Gianluca relent.

Is love in the offing? When the happy end approaches, a secret is revealed. Gianluca does not take the final step, holds back. Can Georgie and Luca find their place in the Sun?

Narration is very good. Apart from the details of amorous encounters, it's a clean romance. There is no villain, but circumstances. You know how it will end but you want to know what happens in between. 

I remember that when I was in Italy in late 1990s, movie 'Un posto al Sole' was making waves, although, I did not watch it then. When I saw the book I instinctively decided to read it.

Why did I read this book? The movie. 

What I didn't like?  Umm.....

What did I like? Story and execution

Recommend reading.