Delhi: City of the blood gates by Vineet Bajpai

 "Delhi: City of the blood gates" by Vineet Bajpai - The conclusion! 

This book is published by Treeshade books in 2023 and has 336 pages. This is Book 3 of Delhi trilogy.

The mulla has tricked Mastaan’s friend Shahbaaz to take Fay and Pat out of Delhi. An army attacks them, hundred times their size. Three English generals (John Nicholson, William Hodson, Theo Metcalf) are coming to Delhi to win it back from the mutineers. The Badshah has asked for three wishes to the half faced Darwish at a terrible price. Delhi is colored with blood. Pujari of the Neeli chatri mandir, Gauri Shankar Shastri, is a mysterious person.

Where is Bandookbaz? Will he fight with or against the mutineers? Can he save Fay? What is the date of Delhi?

It’s the final book of Delhi trilogy. We know the outcome of Revolution of 1857, so it’s not difficult to guess how the story will end. The fight for Delhi has reached its final phase. The fight between Mastaan and Nikhaal Bhagvan is the highlight of the story.

I have read Harappa trilogy of this author and it was very good. So, my expectations from this trilogy was high, but unfortunately this trilogy falls short of expectation. Neither does it spell bind the audience, nor does it have a good flow. It looks like a patch work quilt.

However, author makes an important point. Indraprastha was created by burning the Khandavprastha forest and killing all animals and tribes in it. So, Delhi has a violent history and the violence continues till date.

At the end, author rues the lack of attention to the first revolution for freedom and that we don’t know many heroes other than Mangal Pande and Rani Laxmibai. He also argues that the single most important reason why we lost in 1857 was because the freedom fighters were fighting without a leader, without a guiding light. They were scattered all over India. Agree with author on both counts.

Why I read this book? Author. Have read first two books.

What did I like? The fight with Nikhaal Bhagwan.  

What didn’t like? The Tipu angle.

Give it a miss!

The hidden Hindu 2 by Akshat Gupta

 "The hidden Hindu 2" by Akshat Gupta - Its not a religious book!

This book is published by Penguinebury  press in 2022 and has 250 pages. This is Book 2 of the trilogy.

Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Parshuram are trying to penetrate Om's memories that are somehow locked. They find Devdhwaj in the memories. But who is he? Nagendra is on mission to find and steal nine words that will unlock something very potent. Vrishkapi and Milarepa are attacked. Almost half of the words are lost.

Will Milarepa die? Can Vrishkapi survive? Can Nagendra steal all words? What do the words unlock?

It's a combination of mythology and treasure hunt. Nagendra, LSD and Parimal backed by a mysterious figure on one side and Immortals and Om Shastri on other side. Immortals are losing. To add to it the real identity and past of Om is a mystery that doesn't allow immortals to trust son completely. Moreover, immortals are also not completely united.

The story slows down at times but generally keeps the reader interested. Several references from mythology make it interesting, if you know your mythology.

With several words lost, the evil is closer than ever to overcome good. Wait for the last book of trilogy to know what happens.

Why did I read this book? Liked first book.

What did I like? Concept of immortals fighting for good. 

What I didn't like? Pace, at times.

Recommend reading if you have read ebook 1 and intend to read Book 3. 

The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey

 "The Bombay Prince” by Sujata Massey - Pre-independence whodunit!

This book was published by Penguin Random House India in 2021 and has 400 pages. This is Book 3 of Parveen Mistry series.

Parveen Mistry is the first female lawyer of India. Prince of Wales is visiting India. Freny Cuttingmaster, a Student of Woodburn college consults her on how to avoid being thrown out of college for not attending Prince’s procession. On the day of procession she is killed in the college.

Can the British solve the case impartially of the murder of a Parsi girl? Who is behind the murder? How is Praveen involved? Why? Whodunit?

The story is set in pre-independence India. There are British quarters in Mumbai. Parsi’s are seen as sympathetic to British. Wind of independence is blowing strong. Women are still not allowed to perform several duties including arguing a case in court. Hence, Parveen works as a solicitor and not a barrister. She and her father, Jamshedji Mistry, run a law firm. She is divorced but has tender feelings about Colin Sandringham, a British Civil Servant with defective right leg. It’s a time when speaking to a man was frowned upon. Her friend Alice Hopson-Jones (an English lady) works as professor in same college.

Since the story happens in 1920s, it’s slow. It’s neither a detective story with lot of investigation and deduction, nor is it a court room drama with smart arguments. It’s neither this nor that kind of story. Reader keeps anticipating that it will turn into either one of the two but it doesn’t. As a result, readers remain unsatisfied. The revelation of the reason of murder is also plain. Could have been much more dramatic. Identity of the perpetrator and the reason of murder is also not very convincing.

The book ends on a curious note with introduction of a freedom fighter. Perhaps, this character will appear in the next book of the series.

Why did I read this book? Curiosity about Pre-Independence mysteries. 

What I didn't like? Pace and climax. 

What did I like? Parsi set-up. 

Not a must read.

Bourne defiance by Brian Freeman

 "The Bourne defiance" by Brian Freeman - What’s defiance? 

This book was published by Head of Zeus- An Aries book in 2024 and has 400 pages. This is Book 18 of Jason Bourne series. 

American presidential elections are close. The race is heating up. One by one several Treadstone agents are being killed. Some one is cleaning up. All the agents are related to a secret operation called ‘Defiance’. Bourne doesn’t remember if he was ever associated with Defiance but he is attacked and survives. He decides to get to the bottom. He discovers that several unrelated persons are also being eliminated. Defiance was about an airliner that went missing mid air, never to be found.

What was Defiance? Why are persons related to it being killed? Is Iran involved? Who is behind this? Can Bourne get to the bottom?

The story starts with a lot of questions. On one side Bourne has to get to the bottom of the mystery. On the other, he has to try and keep his girlfriend Abby (an author) out of this and protect their relationship. But anyone related to Bourne automatically gets a target on their back. 

Author keeps the identity of mastermind under wraps for majority of the book. The readers are looking somewhere else and the mastermind is somewhere else. There lies his success.

One shouldn’t ask questions like, how everyone around Bourne dies but he survives?

Author has made Bourne younger. Now he is in his late thirties or early forties. So you have to forget the original trilogy and only take the concept of a spy who has lost his memory forward.

The end of the book is predictable and also appropriate. That gives the author something to continue the series.

Why did I read this book? Bourne novel after a long time. 

What I didn't like? Bourne remains anonymous in America.

What did I like? Hidden identity of the mastermind. 

Read if you like Bourne series.

Praying Mantis by R. V. Raman

 "Praying Mantis" by R. V. Raman - Whodunit! 

This book is published by Pushkin Press in 2023 and has 304 pages. This is Book 3 of Harith Atreya series.

Harith Atreya is a retired police investigator who does occasional private work. Javed, friend of Atreya, invites him to his hotel, a converted English structure, called Castle Dan, to look into a riddle. Five young individuals have checked-in in his hotel and although they know each other they pretend not to. The curious riddle turns into a murder investigation. The uncanny similarity of the death with another one few years ago complicates things.

Why are the five pretending not to know each other? Who is murdered? Can Atreya find the culprit? Whodunit?

There are limited characters of interest. The five individuals include Linda, friend of Javed’s daughter. Ipshita, the interior designer. Poorvi, search engine optimizer. Sarosh, the angel investor with strange mustache. Davak Strummer, a singer. In addition to them there is a couple. Kingshuk, fitness instructor & Mrinal his fiancée and a start up entrepreneur. And to round off the count there is Asma, Javed’s daughter. Mazin, Adma’s cousin and finally Javed, Atreya’s friend, retired police psychologist and owner of Castle Dan.

The story is interesting. A typical whodunit. There are several false trails and red herrings in the mix. Someone drugs Atreya. There is also the mystery of bloody hand to add to the complexity. Everyone has an opportunity. Several seem to have a motive too. Atreya has to wade through the information or the lack of it to get to the truth.

I had zeroed on two possible culprits and one of the two turned out to be the eventual killer.

The story keeps you interested and anticipation makes you read the book. All in all a good story.

Title of the book is fantastic. It fits the story perfectly.

Why did I read this book? Whodunit after a while.

What did I like? Interesting story. Title.

What I didn't like? Umm…. 

Recommend reading.

Worthy opponents by Danielle Steele

 "Worthy opponents" by Danielle Steele- A misnomer ! 

This book is published by Macmillan in 2023 and it has 298 pages. 

Spencer Brooke is the owner of a high end store selling rare fashion brands located in a run down locality. This is her grandfather’s store and it’s her life. Her love for store and insistence to continue working after the birth of the twins has cost her the marriage. Mike Weston is an investor. He runs his own fund and is extremely successful. He offers Spencer to buy controlling stake in her store. Spencer flatly refuses. It’s more than just a store for her.

Will Mike accept the rejection? Why does such a small business attract big shout like Mike? Will Spencer be compelled to sell? Who are worthy opponents?

It’s a typical Danielle Steele novel. Well to do people. Nice people. Crisis. Happy ending. Goodie goodie.

Spencer is driven. She loves the store and loves her work. She can also think out of the box. She can’t imagine selling the store. She respects Mike but can’t accept his offer. Mike is rich, intelligent, handsome and very considerate (rare to find all these in one person). He can’t make a deal without controlling stake but admires her courage.

Well, the story is interesting until the fire incident. Thereafter it becomes very predictable. At the end of the book you wonder if the title of the book is appropriate. Doesn’t look so. It’s a misnomer.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Predictability.

What did I like? Feel good. 

Recommend reading.

The Architect’s apprentice by Elif Shafak

 "The Architect’s apprentice" by Elif Shafak - Stretched end!

This book is published by Penguin Books  in 2015 and has 464 pages.

Jehan is an elephant tamer. He arrives in Turkie with a white elephant gifted by Shah of India to Sultan of Turkie. Here he is selected by Master Sinan (Chief Royal architect) as his apprentice along with three others. The story takes us from his arrival to almost end of his life.

What does he experience? How does he survive Palace politics? What secret is he hiding? What friends does he make? What enemies does he make? Will he be known for his art or for his elephant?

The story takes place in 16th century Turkie. Jehan is a child when he arrives and goes on to live beyond age of 90. But his life is full of intrigue, plots, suspense and mystery. His love for the elephant and his master is exemplary. He is a normal man, not a hero. He has friends but he is alone. He loves someone he can never marry. Despite a full life, it’s empty. Since the story happens in 16th century, the pace is slow. But author keeps readers interested.

The end, however, is stretched unnecessarily. This extension turns counterproductive and spoils the taste of novel. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Pace. Stretched end. 

What did I like? Overall story. 

Read if you don’t mind slow novel.

Gapsap (गपसप - पळसखेड परिसरातल्या अस्सल लोककथा) by Na. Dhon. Mahanor

 "Gapsap (गपसप - पळसखेड परिसरातल्या अस्सल लोककथा)" by Na. Dhon. Mahanor - Simple and sweet!

This book is published by Samakalin Prakashan. This 5th edition was published in 2018 and has 63 pages. 

This is a small collection of rural folktales from the area of Palaskhed, the place where author belongs. Folktales are spread by word of mouth rather than through written books. But this tradition is disappearing fast. This is author’s attempt to preserve the stories and making them more approachable to a larger pool of readers.

Gapsap (गपसप): This is the story of a cobbler who wouldn’t mend the broken footwear unless the owner tells a good tale (Gapsap). One day he meets a customer who teaches him lesson of his life.

Thakbaji (ठकबाजी): There are two expert cheaters. They decide to work together. But would they share the loot?

Kalkutya Gangyabhat (कळकुट्या गंग्याभट): Gangyabhat is a Brahmin. But he has a very bad habit of creating scandals out of nothing and making people fight. When he is about to die, he throws his final dice.

Rangrao Patlachi Goshta (रंगराव पाटलाची गोष्ट): Rangrao Patil and his young beautiful wife (Kesar) have no offspring. Rangrao has relations with several women. Narayan, a strapping young Brahmin likes Kesar and wants her. He and domestic help of Kesar hatch a plan to unite them.

Zhoot bolne mein maja hai (झूठ बोलने में मजा है): It’s the story of the daughter of a Kunbi, who, by her intelligence and confidence convinced a king that it’s fun to lie.

Pakhranchya goshti (पाखरांच्या गोष्टी): This is a collection of very very short stories about various birds that tell you why a bat hangs upside down, why Maina’s make a lot of ruckus? Why the owl can be shoo’d off only with one curse and nothing else? Why Koyal calls kuhu kuhu etc.

It’s a very small book. The stories are also small. Sometimes there is a confusion of time period. Sometimes they don’t sound credible. But all that is bound to happen when they are passed on through word of mouth. Nevertheless, they are all interesting.

Why did I read this book? Small. Was available.

What did I like? Originality. 

What I didn't like? Only 5-6 stories.

Recommend reading. A good quick read. 

The last tale of the flower bride by Roshani Chokshi

 "The last tale of the flower bride" by Roshani Chokshi - Very good!

This book was published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2023 and has 304 pages. 

Indigo Maxwell Castenada, a heiress marries a professor, scholar of myths and one who believes in fairy tales. She has placed only one condition. He will not pry.

In any fairy tale promises are broken. That’s what makes it a tale. Will the Professor break his promise? What is the secret? Will the marriage survive? What’s a flower bride?

Well a flower bride is a fairytale bride, made of flowers. Unreal!

This book merges reality with fairytale. Magic is in the air. The house, called House of dreams, is a living breathing organism. It has feelings, it responds, it reacts, it has moods. Indigo is the enigmatic heiress. She loves tales and fables. Professor, her husband satisfies this thirst of hers. They play games based on tales. Life is good until they are called to meet Tati, her aunt, at the house where she grew up.

Here a new character is introduced. Asher. Indigo’s best friend. No one knows where she went years ago. The story becomes interesting here onwards.

One has to understand that this story is a blend of facts and fiction, reality and magic, so the mortal world logic doesn’t always apply. It’s a very different world with a lot of references to fairytales. But it’s mind blowing. The book holds you hostage till the end. 

I have read a few books of Roshini, but this was way above any of them. She should write more such books.

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.  

What I didn't like? Slow pace. 

What did I like? Imagination of author.

A must read.

The hidden Hindu by Akshat Gupta

 "The hidden Hindu" by Akshat Gupta - Its not a religious book! 

This book is published by Penguin eBurry press in 2022 and has 256 pages. This is Book 1 of the trilogy.

A secret facility in Ross Island of the coast of India. There are various personalities. Shahista, a psychologist. LSD (Lisa), a hacker. Dr. Batra, the second in command. Dr. Srinivas, chief of the facility. Veerabhadra, head of security. An expert of Hindu mythology. Parimal, a stammering history professor . Om Shastri, who claims to be Sushen of Ramayana, Vidur of Mahabharata, Banda Bahadur and many more. A man who never dies.

Is it possible in this modern age? Can any one live forever? Who has captured Om Shastri? Why?

The book is interesting. Immorality always is. But how can one look the same since the time of Ramayana? Why doesn’t he age? Almost entire story happens on an island south of southern tip of India. But the story keeps you interested. 

Well, it’s a trilogy. So, not all the things are clear in this book. But we know it’s about immortality. It’s about Mritt Sanjeevani. Immortals Parshuram and Ashwathhama are introduced. Will the other immortals come in the subsequent books?

I had seen this book from afar but never tried to read thinking it’s a religious book. But it isn’t. It’s a mythological fiction.

Why did I read this book? Interesting title. 

What did I like? Build up. 

What I didn't like? Umm…. 

Recommend reading if you plan to read the series.

Matarese Countdown by Robert Ludlum

"Matarese Countdown" by Robert Ludlum - The sequel!

This book is published by Orion in 2010 and has 592 pages. This is sequel of Matarese Circle. 

25 years have passed from the heroics of Brandon, Vassily and Toni. Brandon and Toni are living on a far away island peacefully. That’s when the American intelligence picks up clues of Matarese resurrection. The only person who can counter them is Brandon. So they send their best, Cameron Price, to convince him. Brandon agrees on his own terms. They are joined by Lt. Colonel Leslie Montrose.

Can’t Brandon stop Matarese? Can Matarese be stopped? This time are they even better prepared? How will the things unfold?

In first book Brandon and Vassily were clear protagonists. This story doesn’t have a clear protagonists. Cameron and the Leslie are one team. They do the leg work. Brandon and CIA’s director of operations is another team that has to handle the command. But Brandon can’t stay out of the action.

Brandon’s character is shown as an adult child. An adamant oldie. He calls the CIA boss Squinty. Childish. It’s completely out of sync with his character in previous book. As if the two books are written by different authors. 

The Matarese is resurrected for this book. One character from previous book and one new character make the Matarese. They have a big plan to bring the world economy to its knees. But Brandon is here to foil it.

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Not uninteresting.  

What I didn't like? Brandon’s character. No clear protagonists.

Read if you  want to continue the story, otherwise give it a miss.

Shewatcha sakshidar (शेवटचा साक्षिदार) by Sanjay Kale

 "Shewatcha sakshidar (शेवटचा साक्षिदार)" by Sanjay Kale - A Veerbhadra adventure! 

This book is published in 2018 and has 122 pages.

One day Veerabhadra saves a young girl (Bhanu) from musclemen of a Godman. She tells him that she’s the last witness of a murder. Veerabhadra decides to help her and Police officer Vinodrao along the way. The fight is with Godman Jatashankar.

What will Veerabhadra do? Can he save Bhanu? Can he dismantle the Godman? 

Veerabhadra is the good guy. He helps police solve cases, without taking credit for it. However, he doesn’t always operate within the ambit of law. Vijaya is his beautiful and equally capable wife. Bhairav is their servant, confidant and man Friday. Bhanu is the college going girl who witnessed the murder of her boyfriend. She is determined and doesn’t care for her life. Jatashankar is the villain who does all the despicable things like rape, murder etc. His reach is immense. Trahishankar is his son, out to prove his worth. Vinodrao doesn’t like Veerabhadra’s means but doesn’t mind when he gets the credit for the crime solved by Veerabhadra. He adores Vijaya like a younger sister but frowns upon Veerabhadra.

It’s a straight forward story with hardly any twists and turns. There is no surprises element, no major twists. The heart doesn’t pound. The pulse doesn’t race. You don’t sit on the edge of your chair. You aren’t eager to turn the page. But you also don’t get bored. You don’t abandon the book. It keeps you just interested.

Since it’s a short book you don’t mind but it’s too plain for a thriller.

Marathi grammar is bad. Too many wrong syntaxes (मी असं करेल). A little proof reading was in order. 

Why did I read this book? Marathi book after a long time

What did I like? Idea of character of Veerabhadra.  

What I didn't like? Too plain for a thriller. 

Not a must read. 

Death benefit by Robin Cook

"Death benefit" by Robin Cook - Start of medical thriller series !

This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2019 and has 502 pages. This is Book 1 of Pia Grazdani series. 

Pia Grazdani is a third year medical student. Brilliant, exceptionally gorgeous. She has difficult childhood. She is assisting a difficult professor with stem cell research. Edmond and Russell’s company buys life insurance policies from patients. Jerry Trotter and Higgins run a hedge fund that doesn’t always play by the books. Another hedge fund manager is predicting a big fall and is shorting.

What will Dr. Rothman’s research achieve? What will Edmond do? Who can contain fiery Pia? What is the Albanian connection? Why are there murders and why do they look natural?

Pia is brilliant, beautiful but aloof. Her difficult childhood from one foster care to another and abuse have scarred her. George is her only friend. He is handsome and studies with her. He has feelings for Pia, but she doesn’t have feelings for anyone. Edmond and Russell are hard nosed businessmen, here to make money. Dr. Rothman is a Nobel winning researcher nobody likes but everyone tolerates because of his brilliance. Dr. Yamamoto is his assistant and the one who smooths the ruffled feathers. 

The novel is centered around Pia. This is the first of the series of Pia Grazdani novels. She is someone who you can’t help liking despite her numerous flaws. You also feel for George who can get any girl but has eyes only for Pia.

The idea of the murders is borrowed from a real life murder of an ex KGB spy in London. It’s not original. But the Albanian connection makes the matter interesting. It also makes Pia vulnerable. 

End of the book is a little bit anticlimactic and abrupt. It doesn’t take the graph to the pique. 

It’s a good start. Hopefully subsequent books are to the expectations. 

Why did I read this book? Medical thriller. New series. 

What I didn't like? Abrupt end. 

What did I like? Pia.

Recommend reading.

Pradyumna: Son of Krishna by Usha Narayanan

 "Pradyumna: Son of Krishna" by Usha Narayanan  - Burden of father’s reputation!

This book is published by Penguin Metro Reads in Oct 2015 and has 300 pages. 

Pradyumna was born to Rukmini and Krishna. At the time of his and Samba’s (Krishna’s other son) birth, Narad professized that one of them will be destroyer of the Yadu kul and other could save humankind. Pradyumna was abducted by the demon Kaalasura and given to his Queen Mayawati, who raised him as her own. In reality Pradyumna is avatar of Kamadev and Mayawati is avatar of his wife Rati. Krishna’s vein son, Samba, from his other wife Jambavati, assumed that he will succeed Krishna and inherit Dwaraka, until Pradyumna’s return.

Why was Pradyumna abducted? How does he come back to Dwaraka? Will he and Samba be good friends? How will the two brothers cope the burden of expectation of being Krishna’s sons?

Pradyumna is extremely good looking and very brave. He is wise. He respects elders and is polite. In short, he has all the qualities to be called Krishna’s son. Mayawati raises him as mother but she is his wife from previous birth and wants to continue in same role. What a scandal that would have been? She gives her everything to get her husband back from oblivion.

Samba is also handsome and has striking similarity to Krishna in his looks. But the similarity ends there. He is vein, rash, reckless and not as good as Pradyumna in bravery. He sees Pradyumna as an upstart and usurper of his birth right.

This book follows two stories:

The death of Kamadev and separation from Rati. Reincarnation. Coming together and Pradyumna’s life goal.

Two sons of same father. But they handle the pressures differently and their personalities are shaped differently. One becomes reason of extinction of the Yaduvash and other tries to avoid that.

The story, although good, doesn’t have a good flow. It appears like various stories are clubbed together to make a novel. Sometimes, the timeline of events vis-a-vis the events of Mahabharat are not clear. Context of events w.r.t. Mahabharat is not clearly provided. So whether certain events happened before Vanvas or after, before swayamwar or after etc is not clear.

The book reads like a report rather than an interesting story.

I am a strong proponent of author’s honesty. Author shouldn’t lie. If he or she is writing a series, it should be clearly written on the book cover, so that the reader has a choice to read the series or not. This book doesn’t say anything about series but the book ends with Gandhari’s curse to Yadu clan. The objective of Pradyumna’s life is left for the sequel. Knowing that the story will continue on the last page of the book is unfair to the readers.

Why did I read this book? Curiosity about Pradyumna.

What did I like? Umm…. 

What I didn't like? The story doesn’t have good flow. 

Give it a miss.

All the lives we never lived by Anuradha Roy

​"All the lives we never lived" by Anuradha Roy - Slow!

This book is published by Hachette India in 2019 and has 344 pages.

This is the story of Mishkin Chand Rosario, son of an Anglo Indian father and Bengali mother. His mother ran off with a German in pre-independence India.

Why did she run off? How big a scandal was it in those times? Why didn’t she take her son? What becomes of her? What becomes of Mishkin?

Gayatri, daughter of Prof. Agnisen is married to his student Nek Chand, whose mother was an Anglo Indian. She is 16 years younger than her husband. They live in Muntazir town. Gayatri is a free spirited girl. She doesn’t like restrictions. She is suffocated in her household. One day she decides to escape. Her plan succeeds except one thing that haunts her for life.

Mishkin is confused as he doesn’t know why his mother leaves him. Her departure affects her irreversibly.

It’s a story of melancholy and regrets. Everything is not as it looks. The relationship between Gayatri and the German is also not what it appears.

It’s a very slow story and readers need a lot of patience to sail through. Nevertheless, it’s a curious story.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Pace.

What did I like? Character of Gayatri.

Not a must read.

10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world by Elif Shafak

​"10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world" by Elif Shafak - It’s different!

This book is published by Penguin in 2020 and has 320 pages. 

Tequila Laila, a prostitute, is dumped in a waste bin in Istanbul. She is dead. But it is said that even when your heart stops and body dies, your brain remains active for 10 minutes and 38 seconds. In this time Laila reminisces her life.

What is Laila’s story? How does she die? Will she get a decent burial? Does her rag tag group of friends care for her? Does she have a family?

Laila has no friends other than Hollywood Humeria (a night club singer fighting depression), Nostalgia Nalan (Born male and becomes female), Zeinab 122 (a dwarf), Jameela (a weak African prostitute) and Sabotage Sinan (her timid childhood friend). Love finds its way to Laila and she gets married eventually to get back on the streets.

It’s a tragedy. However, the suffering, the injustice doesn’t break Laila’s spirit. She lives a life on her own terms, until she dies. This is when she is buried into cemetery of unknowns and her friends decide to give her a heart felt and decent burial.

It’s a very slow story but it’s also poignant. It makes you think. Credit to author for conceiving the idea and giving birth to the book.

This book was shortlisted for Booker prize.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Pace. 

What did I like? The concept. 

Recommend reading.

Pokharan by Uday Singh

​"Pokharan" by Uday Singh - Boom or Fizzle?

This book is published by Bantam Press in 2012 and has 368 pages. 

Pokharan blasts in 1974. Pride for the country. But was there a fallout of the destination on the populace nearby? Chaitanya is born Quadriplegic. But he is sharp and achieves unprecedented success when he joins MIT. What can he do for his home twin Pokharan?

Why is father murdered? Why are seemingly unrelated 6 people kidnapped? What does Chaitanya want? What are the founding principals of Life, Liberty and Level playing field?

The story starts interestingly.  Readers readily connect with Chaitanya. Good journey from birth to MIT is a bit jerky. I mean the narration is jerky. Sometimes author takes his own time and on other occasions he runs through years. Nevertheless, readers remain interested because they know what happened at the end. The book is a flash back. 

But then in the last 100 pages of the book, when one expects the graph to rise and reach crescendo, it kind of fizzles out. Readers rue the missed opportunity. The anticipation that was built up dissipates. The readers ask ‘why?’

If this was the ultimate purpose, then the buildup was more of a red herring. If buildup was correct, then climax was not achieved. 

A lot of unaccounted promise. 

Why did I read this book? Title. 

What did I like? Build-up. 

What I didn't like? Fizzle. 

Give it a miss.

Shiledarache iman (शिलेदाराचं इमान) by Anant Tibile

​"Shiledarache iman (शिलेदाराचं इमान)" by Anant Tibile -Historical fiction!

This book is published by Riya publications in 2013 and has 200 pages. 

Pre-Shivaji period. Yavan riders raid a village, kill all men, rape and then kill all women. They spare Sirajmiya, a fakir, because he is from their faith. A four year boy, Kedar Shelar, survives. Sirajmiya is a good guy loved by all despite being from a different religion. He adopts Kedar and makes him a good man who has ambition to fight against injustice. He gets weapons training from Hambirrao. One day grown up Kedar meets Shivaji raje and his life now has a purpose.

What will Kedar do for Surajya? Is thereA love triangle? What sacrifice will Kedar make?

It’s a historical fiction. Although it happens during periods of Shivaji and Kedar works for Shivaji, it’s not the story of Shivaji, it’s of Kedar. He is an ideal man. Handsome, well built, agile, expert in disguise, has command over all weapons, is intelligent and loyal. Sirajmiya (Chacha) is a good soul. He doesn’t agree with violence on the name of religion promoted by his fellow yavans. He raises Kedar as a Hindu. Makes him a good man. Hambir Rao is an ex soldier who lost both his sons in battle that broke him. Now he gives weapons training to young kids. Manjula is Hambir’s grand daughter. She and Kedar are in love. Salma is daughter of a local rich guy. She is also sweet in Kedar and thinks he is Muslim. Her character is a little underdeveloped. 

It’s a good story. It slows down a little bit in the middle but corrects the course. The involvement of Kedar in Historical incidences like take over of Panhala, attempt to win Miraj etc makes things interesting. 

There are some errors in the book like calling kaka instead of Chacha and Vice versa, some grammatical errors etc. Nothing that could not have been fixed. 

It’s an interesting book. If you like historical fiction, this book is for you.

Why did I read this book? I had purchased it long time ago.

What did I like? Concept. 

What I didn't like? Errors as mentioned above.  

Recommend reading.

The Matarese circle by Robert Ludlum

​"The Matarese circle" by Robert Ludlum - Another Ludlum masterclass !

This book was published by Bantam in 2015 and has 576 pages. 

Russian intelligence operative Vassily Telenyikov & American intelligence operative Brandon Scofield are sworn enemies. One has killed other’s wife and the second one has killed first ones brother. Matarese circle is a deadly organization that worked for high profile jobs. All the covert agencies in the world have used them including CIA and KGB. The organization died few years back. Now they have resurrected but this time they have become autonomous. The only way to stop them is, if Brandon and Vassily can work together and without knowledge of their respective governments. 

Will the arch enemies work together? Why would they do so? What is Matarese Circle planning? What is the end game? Who is the Shepherd Boy? What’s the legend of Baron of Matarese?

Brandon is the best of America and when Vassily approaches, he sees a trap. They hate each other. They respect each other. They know there is no one like them. So when eventually they come together, they are a formidable team. But they are fighting with a thousands headed hydra with seemingly unlimited resources and the world for taking.

The story is interesting and intense. The story of Baron of Matarese is not very credible, but works for the overall story. The rivalry between the two protagonists and the compulsion to work together for the greater good is shown very interestingly. Entry of Antonia complicates the matter further. Plot of the Senator to become President is very good. The climax, however, is a little too fast and little too easy.

This book was written years ago, before the mobile era. However it’s still interesting and makes you sit on the edge of your seat. Credit to author.

A sequel to this book is published.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Plot

What I didn't like? Easy end.

Recommend reading.

Death benefit by Robin Cook

​"Death benefit" by Robin Cook - Start of medical thriller series !

This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2019 and has 502 pages. This is Book 1 of Pia Grazdani series. 

Pia Grazdani is a third year medical student. Brilliant, exceptionally gorgeous. She has difficult childhood. She is assisting a difficult professor with stem cell research. Edmond and Russell’s company buys life insurance policies from patients. Jerry Trotter and Higgins run a hedge fund that doesn’t always play by the books. Another hedge fund manager is predicting a big fall and is shorting.

What will Dr. Rothman’s research achieve? What will Edmond do? Who can contain fiery Pia? What is the Albanian connection? Why are there murders and why do they look natural?

Pia is brilliant, beautiful but aloof. Her difficult childhood from one foster care to another and abuse have scarred her. George is her only friend. He is handsome and studies with her. He has feelings for Pia, but she doesn’t have feelings for anyone. Edmond and Russell are hard nosed businessmen, here to make money. Dr. Rothman is a Nobel winning researcher nobody likes but everyone tolerates because of his brilliance. Dr. Yamamoto is his assistant and the one who smooths the ruffled feathers. 

The novel is centered around Pia. This is the first of the series of Pia Grazdani novels. She is someone who you can’t help liking despite her numerous flaws. You also feel for George who can get any girl but has eyes only for Pia.

The idea of the murders is borrowed from a real life murder of an ex KGB spy in London. It’s not original. But the Albanian connection makes the matter interesting. It also makes Pia vulnerable. 

End of the book is a little bit anticlimactic and abrupt. It doesn’t take the graph to the pique. 

It’s a good start. Hopefully subsequent books are to the expectations. 

Why did I read this book? Medical thriller. New series. 

What I didn't like? Abrupt end. 

What did I like? Pia.

Recommend reading.

Dating Dr. Dill by Nisha Sharma

​"Dating Dr. Dill" by Nisha Sharma - Name says it all !

This book is published by Avon in 2022 and has 384 pages.

Kareena turns 30. Still single, taken for granted by her family (father, grandmother, younger sister who is a professor, YouTuber and engaged). Her father decides to retire, sell their house and relocate. Kareena doesn’t want to sell the legacy of her dead mother. She doesn’t have money to buy this Prime property from her father. Her father has set aside a sum for her marriage either to be given as cash or to be spent for marriage expenses. The only way Kareena can get that money to pay her father is by marrying. Dr. Prem mourns his fiancé Gauri’s death for 3 years. He works as a talk show host with nome de plume Dr. Dill. He wants to open a community clinic catering to needs of South Asians. He has investors but is still short of cash for acquiring the dream property for his clinic. His Mom entices him that if he gets married, she will cover the shortfall. 

Will they meet? Will they date? Will they fall in love? Will they marry? Will it work?

It’s a classic love story. They meet. They are attracted. They fall out, a fierce, public spat. They fight. They hate each other. Circumstance brings them together. They agree to work together for mutual benefit. They are attracted to each other. They lust for each other. They fall in love but deny it.

Kareena likes Prem. She thinks he is a perfect match. But he can’t give her the one thing that’s most important to her. Love and commitment. Prem likes Kareena. He can’t stand any other man near her. He is worried for her. He can’t think anything other than her. He doesn’t believe in love. He thinks it’s only the chemistry. He can’t give love to her.

The story undulates between hope and despair. Will they? Won’t they? Although we know how it will end, reader remains interested. The aunties play the background characters in addition to their families. 

A section of this book is erotica. Pure erotica with detailed description of sex scenes. I felt that was not really necessary for the story. 

It’s a dramatic book. It can be made into a movie. Based on the characters. I even casted the lead pair. Sonakshi Sinha will play Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor will play Dr. Dill. 

Why did I read this book? Was on hand. 

What I didn't like? Unnecessary Erotica. 

What did I like? Drama. 

Recommend reading.

Portrait of an unknown woman by Daniel Silva

​"Portrait of an unknown woman" by Daniel Silva - Gabriel Allon continues!

This book is published by Harpercollins in 2022 and has 448 pages. This is Book 9 of Gabriel Allon series. 

Gabriel Allon has retired from espionage and is now living in Venice with wife Chiara and their twins. Julien, a London art gallery owner gets a mysterious letter from Madam Valerie Berangar about Portrait of an unknown woman, attributed to Anthony Van Dyke, that he recently sold. He goes to meet her in France but she is killed in an accident on her way to the meeting. Julien requests Gabriel’s help to determine if he sold a fake to the art fund manager. As Gabriel investigates, he wades into the murky world of art forgery. 

Was the painting fake?  How can Gabriel determine the genuine from fake? How big is the fake business? Which new enemy will he make?

Being a Gabriel Allon thriller, it has two exotic elements. Espionage and art. Gabriel is master of both. His character is likable. Despite being in bad business, he hasn’t lost his goodness. There is customary visit to Don Orsatti at Corsica and the mysterious lady over there. There is Christopher, his ex enemy and now friend. There is Sara, Christopher’s wife and ex CIA. Finally there is Chiara, good wife and mother of his twins. 

It’s an interesting story. You are not distracted. One thing leads to another. Here Gabriel makes acquaintance of and reforms another shady character. 

The climax is anti climactic. With the buildup readers expect a thrilling climax. The very end with the revelation of identity of the forger is also not fully convincing. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? End. 

What did I like? Everything else.  

Recommend reading, even if you haven’t read the series. 

The housekeeper and the professor by Yoko Ogawa

​"The housekeeper and the professor" by Yoko Ogawa - Beautiful ! 

This book is published by Vintage Digital in 2009 and has 191 pages. This book is translated from Japanese to English by Stephen Snider.

The housekeeping agency assigns a house keeper to the house of a mathematics professor who had an accident in 1975, when his memory stopped. All his new memories last 80 minutes. The professor is immersed in numbers and nothing else. Its a small house, no visitors or phone calls, light meals; ideal for a housekeeper. Except for the host who doesn’t remember her next day, who is whimsical, doesn’t have good table manners and who asks her birthdate, shoe size, zip code everyday. But somehow the Professor likes her son.

How can the housekeeper handle the professor? Will Professor accept her the next day as he doesn’t remember her? Why does he call her son Root? How long will it last?

Professor doesn’t remember what he has for lunch but he can solve the most complex mathematical problems easily. He devises riddles for Root. Root and the housekeeper love this fatherly professor who doesn’t remember them the next day. The three persons create a special affection, based in a microcosm of their own. 

Author takes us into a world of her own. A world confined to the interiors of a small house. But a world with limitless possibilities. World with infinite numbers. The professor can express his feelings and affections only through numbers, but house keeper and Root express it normally. Professor doesn’t understand that. Author unveils the relations and relationships between humans in a very delicate and unique manner. It’s beautiful, poetic!

This Book has only four characters. Professor who I talked about above. Housekeeper, a single mother. Her reaction to professor goes from guarded, strange, empathetic, compassionate to looking at him like a family member. Root is 10 years old. He shares interest in baseball with Professor. His interest in mathematics is kindled due to his association with Professor. Sister-in-law is sister-in-law of the Professor who recruits and plays for the housekeeper but she doesn’t help in any other way, observing from the sidelines. 

My collectible sentence from this book:

I wonder why simple words sound so exotic when used in relation to the numbers.

What is the uniqueness of this book? First it’s a first person narration of the housekeeper. Second, none of the characters have name. Professor is Professor. Housekeeper is Housekeeper. Son is Root. Sister-in-law is Sister-in-law. Third it’s good.

This book sold 1 million copies in two months.  This book won Hon’ya Taisho award and was made into a film. 

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.  

What I didn't like? Everything.

What did I like? Umm….

A must read.