Book Review: Chand Ehsaas (Poetry Collection)

My review of a hindi poetry collection 

https://criticspace.com/2019/11/15/book-review-chand-ehsas-criticspace-2/

Book Review: Footprints (Poetry Collection)

My review of an interesting collection of poetry 

https://criticspace.com/2019/11/19/book-review-footprints-criticspace/

Book Review: The half mother

Since common people only get to hear the media version of Kashmir, the story from only one side, Shahnaz Bashir, in his "The half mother" makes a bold effort to present the story of the other side. His attempt is a daring feat because being a male, he takes the task of portraying and narrating the story and emotions of a woman. The Half Mother is a powerful account of what a mother feels and goes through when her child is taken away from her infront of her eyes.

This is the main theme around which the entire narrative revolves. There are other minor themes and issues that the author attempts to raise here. These are, the position of women, loss mistaken identity, relationships, love, family, political manipulation, subjugation of common man.

The power of Bashir is such that this idea of half resonates throughout the text and gives jolts to the reader. Resultant of this, the reader is helplessly sympathetic towards the protagonist, Haleema but at the same time is in awe of her powerful transformation from a mute, voiceless, crying mother to becoming the leader of the Association of Relatives of the Disappeared Persons.

The two most important men in her life, her life, her father Ab Jaan and Imran also emerge as lively and realistic characters. They both meet their tragic fates which infuses pathos in Bashir's writing. Bashir's debut with this powerful and daring writing successfully gives voice to the women who suffer the most, especially mothers. They remain half not just as mothers but also in every phase of their lives.

Book Review: That thing about you

On reading the title, "That thing about you" by Abhaidev, it seems like a conventional love story. But on reading, the reader gets to know the subject matter is completely different. The beginning is quite abrupt breaking the illusion if the novel being a romantic text.

As the novel progresses  the reader finds out the other themes that the author intended to explore: aloofness and loneliness in the mundane city life, love, relationships, family, maturity, acceptance in society, the psychological effects on a person of rejection and non acceptance. 

The protagonist, Subodh is not accepted by his office mates because of his "immaturity". This makes him feel out of place and different from everyone else and eventually making him feel aloof and uncomfortable in opening up to anyone. The rest of the events in the story are a result of this. The most interesting is the twist the twist the author gives towards the end. It is completely beyond the wits and expectations of the reader. The appeal of the novel is not limited to any age group. Everyone can read it due to the simple language and the air of mystery the author creates from the beginning.

Book Review: Ishq Wala love 2

Love does Conquer All

As soon as I finished Sabira Mallick's "Ishq Wala Love 2", the first thing I remembered was Chaucer's Prioress of his Canterbury Tales and her pendant which said, "Love Conquers All". At the surface level the novel is a love story but the dimensions it explores are different. The novel explores the power of the connection and bond love creates among human beings. So much so that without actual communication senses work and develop as instincts.The power and strength love for someone can give is explored in the story. 

It can be said that the story is a step beyond or the next level of the college romance "Love Never Dies" by the author. Here the struggle for the lovers was to get united in matrimony. But in "Ishqwala Love 2" the story begins after the marriage of the protagonists. This is what makes the book interesting to be read not just youngsters but adults also. The cover of the book shows the protagonists together and surrounded by fire. That clears that they are at each other's side and against the world.

The style of writing is casual and serious at the same time. When the lovers are shown together, it becomes casual and full of love. But when the situation changes, so does the style become serious. The plot is swift and action packed. The reader doesn't get bored or lose track of what comes next. The characters are very lively and realistic with human qualities and flaws. How love affects people differently is also explored in the different characters who the author creates as villains.

One remarkable fact about the novel is that it is a modern romance where the beloved is not docile and voiceless as in Spenser's "Epithalamion". Rather she is bold, daring, wise and more powerful than her male counterpart. She is prudent and knows managing and balancing the situation. Today's women can relate more closely with such a character.

It is a one time read for all those who want a glimpse of life after the happily ever after (marriage of the lovers).

Book Review: Love Never dies

One of the books that explores the story after the happily ever after

Read for more

http://www.merrybrains.com/book-reviews/book-review-love-never-dies-by-sabira-mallick/

Book Review: Chand Ehsas

The first poetry collection I have reviewed. Best thing, it has poetry of all shades 

Read for more details:

https://criticspace.com/2019/11/15/book-review-chand-ehsas-criticspace-2/

Book Review: Walks through life

One of my few reviews of short stories collection. All stories of different styles and different genres, yet interesting to read. Read further here: http://www.merrybrains.com/book-reviews/book-review-walks-through-life-stories-by-santhosh-komaraju/

Book Review: One precious moment

A tale reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks, must read for all those who believe in love. Read for more:

http://www.merrybrains.com/book-reviews/book-review-one-precious-moment-by-ritu-kakar/

Book Review: Lute of the Nightingale

A different text from the mainstream writing, it held my grip from beginning to the end. Read the review further:

https://criticspace.com/2019/11/17/book-review-lute-of-the-nightingale-criticspace/

Book Review: The Dark Lord

In this mesmerizingly enthralling tale, the author attempts to connect the myth and the reality. Unlike mainstream contemporary writing, Sharma has a different story to tell the readers hoping to hear something different. 

As the title suggests, the story is about the darker side of the universe, the side which the readers may have only heard about but not read. The most interesting aspect of the book is the fact that the reader is on his toes till the end and the author cleverly gives interesting descriptions and turn of events time and time again. 

Must read for all age groups and definitely for ones looking beyond cult writing.