The Peshwa: War of the deceivers

"The Peshwa: War of the deceivers" by Ram Sivasankaran - Fight with scorpions!

This book is published by Westland in 2018 and has 496 pages. This is Book 2 of "The Peshwa" series. 

Book 2 starts 6 years after the end of first book. Now Bajirao is established as Peshwa. Emperor Muhammad Shah of Delhi has hatched a grand plan with Nizam Ul Mulk and Maharana Ram Singh to finish Bajirao Peshwe and Maratha confederacy once and for all. Scorpions, the silent assassins of Mughal empire are unleashed. A man claiming to be dead Chimajiappa, younger brother of Bajirao, is accepted in Shaniwar wada. Anamik, basterd son of traitor Trimbakrao Dabhade, has gained Peshwa's confidence but many in Maratha confederacy distrust him. Anamik is also working for  Nizam.

Is Anamik on Bajirao's side or on Nizam's side? What is the grand plan of Mohammad Shah? Who will Bajirao lose? Will the Scorpions succeed? Will Bajirao meet Mastani?

This book takes the story forward. Bajirao has plans to conquer Delhi. But there is a truce between Mughal Badshah and Chatrapati Shahu of Satara. Both parties want to throw it in the dustbin. Who will do it first? Although Bajirao has established his reign, he is losing a number of men to the Mughal secret order of assassins, now reporting to Nizam. The die is cast. Nizam plays a very devious game. A game that will destroy Bajirao's reputation and then kill him and install Nizam's agent masquerading as Chimajiappa.

The story is interesting. It slows down on occasions but manages to keep reader interested. In this book, Anamik is the one who moves all the pieces. He is the double agent. He is the real deal. He is trusted by Bajirao despite contrary advise by his close ones. Anamik is the key. Bajirao, on the other hand doesn't appear decisive. He does not appear the supremely confident, brave and decisive like in Book 1. Why Nizam confirms allegiance to Mohammad Shah,  rather than remaining independent, remains unclear. Rasool, the Narban (eunuch) scorpion, is an interesting character, but it's exit is abrupt. Mastani appears in the story along with Chatrasal, but doesn't meet Bajirao yet. Apparently it's for next book. Author doesn't say how many books make this series. There is a big twist towards end of the book, but one can guess as it comes closer. 

Author's lack of knowledge about Peshwe customs is apparent. (I had made this remark while reviewing Book 1 as well). Fir example, author shows that Peshwe women take pallu over their head. They never did. Bajirao is called Rao, whereas he was really called Rau. Kashibai wears vermilion in parting of her hair, which is not a Maharashtra custom. 

In review of first book I wondered the relevance of 'The lion and the Stallion'. It becomes clear in this book. Lion is Mughal empire and Stallion is Maratha confederacy. All in all author had strung together a nice fiction on historical character. Look forward to next book. 

Why did I read this book? Book 1 was good. 

What I didn't like? Confrontation with scorpions.

What did I like? Last twist. 

Recommend reading.

Dark Justice by Jack Higgins

"Dark Justice" by Jack Higgins - Run of the mill!

This book is published by Putnam Adult in 2004 and has 288 pages. 

A plot to assassinate President of America is foiled, but the white assassin prefers suicide to capture and dies with warning 'Beware wrath of Allah'. Dillon, ex IRA, now works for 'Prime minister's army', a secret organization answerable only to the PM of UK. He is tasked to handle the situation. Major Yuri Ashimov, right hand man of billionaire Joseph, is behind this. Joseph has Putin's backing. 

Who is behind the attempted assassination? How come a white man is recruited by Islamist terror group? Are there Irish links? How will Dillon handle? What price will good guys have to pay?

The story is easy. The start is catchy. An attempt to assassinate POTUS is a good beginning. One expects the story to be a complex plot with many twists and turns. But the story is relatively straight forward. Involvement of Russians is not a secret, so it's a situation of 'we know and they know that we know'. The climax is a bit anticlimactic. It happens between 6 people in a house. One expects the climax of an international plot to be very exciting, but that's not what we get. 

Dillon is the enforcer, he is also a legend of IRA, now with the establishment. Greta Novikova is GRU, loves Yuri and also moon lights for Joseph. She shows some liking for Dillon. Yuri Ashimov is Joseph's goon and head of security. Joseph is ex KGB and now Oligarch. Salim is British imam of Iraqi origin,  has a PhD, & is trying to recruit young British muslims. 

However, readers don't understand a number of things. Why Joseph is trying to kill US President? Why a fine angle created by author of spark between Dillon and Greta is wasted. Why Salim tries to recruit? He is not even shown as a hard core jihadi. Why does Dillon act solo when he should have a considerable power of PM to apprehend the perpetrators? Why 'Wrath of Allah' becomes irrelevant for the story? Why does the assassin use silenced AK47 to take shot at the President rather than sniper rifle? Too many loose ends.

Why did I read this book? It was on hand. 

What did I like? Irish angle. 

What I didn't like? Climax. Loose ends. 

Not a must read.

Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

"Jaya" by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

This book is published by Penguin India in 2010 and has 372 pages.

Jaya, the itihas, is popularly known as Mahabharat. It's the story of Pandav's and Kaurav's, of Sri Krishna and Bhagwat Geeta, of victory of Dharm over adharm, and of the glorious 18 day war.

Popular Mahabharat starts from Shantanu, but author starts from Budha an Ila and continues to Dushyant Shakuntala then Yayati Devayani, Sharmishtha then Yadu and then Shantanu. Similarly story does not end with Yudhishthir reaching swarg but with him achieving Jaya.

Author tells us this known story in his style. He narrates the story chapter wise and then provides his commentary and analysis at the end of each chapter. This commentary is insightful. He  analyzes the events of the chapter from logical, social and philosophical point of view. (e. g. How the story of shakuntala changed from Mahabharat to Kalidas based on prevailing social practices or Edipus complex VS Yayati complex). Author refers to a number of folk tales across India and neighbouring countries like Indonesia as well as artistic literature to corroborate his deductions or to emphasize a point. 

Author makes some important points:

Philosophy of veda's was not to aspire or achieve but to introspect.

Dharma is not about defeating others but about conquering ourselves. 

India is originator of board games where only luck rules (snakes and ladders), where luck and intelligence rules (Chausar) and where only intelligence rules (Chess).

Disrobing of Draupadi represents collapse of a civilization, fall of Dharma.

In Mahabharat forests are not inky lands but the represent unknown, untamed part of mind. Rishis were the first to explore them. They created trails that connected caves and water bodies. Then it becomes safe for common man to inhibit. These are metaphors for taming of mind.

It's a good read that gives you knowledge about Mahabharat and more. However, you should have patience to read the known story again. 

Why did I read this book? Author and Story. 

What did I like? Commentary. 

What I didn't like? Nothing. 

Recommend reading so that you can look at it as more than just a story.

Dead line by Chris Ewan

"Dead line" by Chris Ewan - Strange!

This book is published by Faber & Faber in 2013 and has 368 pages. 

Trent is following a French businessman, Jerome, when his convoy is attacked and the businessman is kidnapped. Jerome has a kidnap policy. Trent offers to help. The one person he can trust is retired police officer Gerard. 

Why is Trent following the businessman? Is he trying to protect him from kidnapping? How will he deal with the kidnappers? Does he have an ulterior motive?

Story starts well with kidnap of Jerome, the businessman. Trent teams with Stefani (Jerom's young trophy wife), Philippe (his young son) and Alain (his bodyguard). Trent wants to save Jerome, but he needs him to find Emme, his fiancee. The graph of story keeps rising until the ransom demand is made. But after that author loses control over the story. There is an affair, not required for the story. Then there are deaths. Author introduces death expecting to give shock to the audience but ends up making the story jerky. Death after death takes the story off the track. 

The end is also very unconvincing. A dead man becomes alive. The mastermind is revealed but there are no hidden clues in the earlier story, so it appears as afterthought rather than being integral part of the story. At the end, everyone dies but Emme is still missing. Does the author plan a sequel? I hope not. To top it up, guess what, there is no dead line. 

Characterization appears to be shallow. Trent, an experienced negotiator acts rashly. Jerom's sadistic actions in past have no relation to the present story. Author can't decide if Stefani is oppressed or opportunist. Gerard retires, why? Alain's character builds up nicely to make an untimely exit.  

Give it a miss. 

Why did I read this book? It happened to be on hand. 

What I didn't like? Story and execution. 

What did I like? Umm...

Mastaan by Vineet Bajpai

"Mastaan" by Vineet Bajpai - A 1857 fiction!

This book is published by Treeshade books in 2019 and has 290 pages. It's a historical fiction. 

Mastaan is raised by a noble British officer after Mastaan's father sacrifices his life for that officer in battle. Mastaan grows to become one of the most fearsome fighter of East India Company (Company Bahadur). Come 1857, Mastaan is not convinced by the sipoy unrest about cartridges laced with Cow and Pig fat and talk of mutiny. He also has someone to protect. 

Will Mastaan oppose the revolution? Will his loyalty to Company Bahadur waver? Is there a connection to Mangal Pandey? Is there a love angle? Did one man really change the course of history's greatest war for freedom? How is Tipu Sultan's treasure connected to all this? What did the Badshah promise to the half faced dervish?

Mastaan is described as boisterous, flamboyant, loud mouthed and magnificent. He is the best marksman of Company Bahadur and the speed with which he can reload and fire is unmatched. He is a single man army. With 1857 uprising, he finds himself in the crisis of his life. On one side is his loyalty to Company Bahadur and on another side is his country. On one side is religion and other side duty. On one side love of someone close, on other side a loss of someone close. 

Author has set the story in 1857 (obviously). Mastaan appears to be a confused character. If he was shown as a rational and neutral who chooses one side over other, then his character would not appear confused. But he is shown as patriot and lovelorn. He has to choose a side knowing that he would inflict irreparable damage to other side, it would change the course of history. And he chooses his side. Sujata's story and Mangal Pandey connection also appear to be an afterthought, rather than integral part of the story, inserted to justify actions. 

The story is delivered in bits and pieces. It lacks continuity. So readers won't sit late night to read the book. It's not a page turner. The book ends with implication of Mastaan's death. Author has opened up two stories that he doesn't conclude. One of the pact between Badshah and half faced dervish and another of Tipu's treasure. Readers might have guessed, by now, that there is a sequel or sequels. In fact these open ends make the readers wait for the sequel.

Readers come to know that this is not a one-off book at the end of the book. The book cover does not say that it's a series. I believe it's moral responsibility of author and publisher to clearly state that this is a sequel so that readers have a choice to buy the book or not. I had made same comment in my review of author's first book Harappa,  that turned out to be a trilogy.

Character of Mastaan loses the grandeur it was supposed to have. Probably author will try to repair the damage in sequel by showing how he saved India. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? Unexciting story. 

What did I like? Setting of 1857. 

Read if you plan to read the sequel too.

Death signs by Vilas Vare translation Prof V. G. Apte

"Death signs" by Vilas Vare translated from Marathi to English by Prof V. G. Apte. This book was published by Neehara Prakashan in 2019 and has 128 pages. 

A new hospital is inaugurated somewhere between Pune and Mumbai. It's first of its kind. It is a speciality hospital for AIDS patients. A number of patients are admitted.

Are they ashamed? Will the patients gel? What impact does the impending death have on them?

This is not a fiction. It's a social novel that handles a rarely discussed topic boldly. AIDS is seen with disgust. It is associated with loose morals and the infected person is percieved as characterless. For the infected it's a social stigma and the hospital provides them the much needed shelter and escape from society. 

A number of new relations take shape in the hospital. Mohan and Kalpana fall in beautiful love. Dattu and Tanu develop a father-daughter bonding. Kundalik regards Dora and Alka as sisters. 

Characters are very good. Dr. Nimbalkar, the lone Doctor. Nurses Rima and Nita. Patients Mohan & Dattu. Defeated in love Kalpana. Warkari Kundalik. Six year old Tanu. Colorful Rekha Pawar. Prostitutes Dora and Alka. They come from all the strata of society. The only lacking representation in the mix was a rich person. 

All of them have lost all their hope and have come to the hospital to make their final stand and to die. Nobody intends to kindle any kind of new relationship. Many of them don't even want to talk to anyone. However human being is a social animal and even when death is staring them in face, they create new relationships and cherish them. They take pleasure in small things, do little things for others and enjoy life till they have it. 

Although death is a foregone conclusion, each death brings immense sorrow for the surviving patients. As if they have lost some one from their own family. It is ironical that people who have lived life without a thought of God make peace with death whereas, a person who has devoted all his life to God turns atheist in his final days. 

Credit to the author for taking up such a subject and carrying it through on his able shoulders. Although the writing lacks the professional finesse, it does not reduce the quality of work. On the contrary, it appears to come from heart. 

I read the English translation of the original Marathi book. Translator has stayed true to the job of translator. He has not added any of his own thoughts while translating and has stuck to the basics. He has also ensured that the beauty of Marathi is not lost in translation. 

A good story and a good change.

Why did I read this book? I was one of the chosen pre-publication readers. 

What I didn't like? Narration is a bit scattered at times. 

What did I like? Subject and conviction. 

Recommend reading. 

Disclosure: Translator of this book is my father.

NLP: Health and well being by Joseph O'connor and Ian McDermott

"NLP: Health and well being" by Joseph O'connor and Ian McDermott - Short and sweet!

This edition of book was published by HarperCollins in 2010. 

Author defines health as physical, social and psychological well-being. Being fit and being healthy is not the same thing. Authors say this new definition was also proposed by Greek philosopher Hippocrates. Authors explain how our thinking can influence our health. People with good network and relationships are found to have lower mortality rate. Negative thoughts impact your health.

Two persons can react to same situation differently. Well-being is related to Social life and fulfilling relationships. Stress is not what happens to you, it's how you respond to what happens to you. Two ways to deal with stress: associate and dissociate. Worry is lot of thinking and no action. 

We worry about what we don't want to happen and what has not happened. Worry is imaginary and complete waste of time. Worry is a loop, break it! We react to a situation based on triggers from our past experiences. 

It's a small book. Authors have tried to keep it simple. It would have been very easy to complicate this book, but authors keep to basics and rather than trying to cover entire gamut of NLP, concentrate on health and well being. 

At the end of the book authors have given exercises to improve health, reduce worrying, sleeping etc. The exercises are interesting and should be tried with concentration. The idea of sleeping exercise is interesting. 

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by successful individuals and applying them to reach a personal goal. It relates thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior learned through experience to specific outcomes.

Definition of health appears to be new for western society, but physical, social and psychological well-being has always been a part of Indian definition. 

Why did I read this book? Wanted to know about NLP.

What I didn't like?  Short length.

What did I like? To the point.

Recommend reading.