Book Review: Original Sin

Author: PD James
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Type: Fiction

This was my first ever book of PD James. When I started this book, I thought I was going to witness some quick, intelligent, crime solving. Sadly, the author took her time to plough the field for murder and spin the motive for the string of suspects. The story was set in an era where telephones were the quickest means of communications and everything moves at a snail pace. The author also elaborates on every character, their life, thoughts etc. I think the author was besotted with architectures. She gives quite an elaborate note on every other building in the story which I think could have been brief and I had to skip a few descriptions. The style of writing was similar to some of the abridged versions of classics I have come across. The vocabulary was way out of my league and wanted me looking for synonyms of certain words. The long sentences took time to comprehend and makes this story no light reading.

Some novels make us linger on it even after we have completed it but this one does not make my list. I liked how the characters were portrayed and the intelligently the murder was committed. The revelations in the end were also neat. All the loose ends of the plot and tied together in the end, except, I was not convinced by the climax. I wanted it to be more dramatic and I could not conclude if the murderer was right or wrong. 

Verdict: Do not read this if you need a thriller with goosebumps moments.

Book Review: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Adventure
Type: Fiction

No-nonsense book after a very long time. The story has all the right elements to make it a page-turner. Katniss, the kickass female protagonist has no emotional outbursts despite standing on a knife-edge situation. Being a dystopian novel, I was expecting a very depressing story line. Of-course, there are no joyful incidents, but they do not bring down the emotional state of the readers, rather, it focuses more on how any tribute is going to win the hunger games. The tragic killings of the fellow tributes were shown in a less gruesome manner than I anticipated. So that's a relief. This book is also a first-person account from Katniss and gives us insight of a young girl hardened by life. She is compassionate, selfish at times, dexterous, not emotionless but is not weak. 

I am still thinking why I never attempted to read this book before. I am looking forward to continue the trilogy. The author demands an applause for the designing the characters and the dystopian world in such a way.

My Verdict: This book is a tease for those who cannot handle anticipation

Book Review: The Year I Met You

Author: Cecelia Ahern
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit
Type: Fiction

The book keeps me wondering how some unconventional friendships can change the perspective towards life.The plot explores the love-hate friendship between two neighbors - Jasmine and Matt and gives the first-person account of Jasmine all the way.

The novel is partitioned into 4 seasons - Winter, Spring Summer, Autumn which I think represents the different moods of the story. Starts with the gloomy mood and the Jasmine's coldness towards Matt, moving towards new revelations, realizations, acquaintances and warming up to Matt during the spring, colorful blooming of relationships happens in the summer and towards autumn, ends with the beautiful satisfaction. 

I like how Jasmine compares her life to different plants when she forays into gardening. I was under the impression that this is going to be a boy-meets-girl kinda story but certainly liked the way it broke my assumption. 

The flow is medium-paced and would suit readers who want to read a few chapters and brood over the thoughts. I grew fond of Heather, Jasmine's sister who has Down's syndrome but is confident, finds happiness in every aspect of life, has only short term goal and truly satisfied with life. 

Unlike any other chick-lit I have read, this plot has very little scope for humor. There are places where you can find yourself smiling but cannot laugh aloud. 

This book has a philosophical stand towards life and you will certainly need some time to think. Do not expect a hearty laugh just because it is a chick-lit.

Book Review: The God of Small Things

Author: Arundhati Roy
Genre: Family Drama
Type: Fiction

This is my first book review on my blog and so I start with an Indian author who won the Man Booker Prize for this piece of work.

I was skeptical and felt it was a drag when I started but it was a good read in the end.

The story is not chronologically aligned and shuttles between different times. The pace is slow and sometimes too slow or I would say I wasn't able to concentrate on certain details. The depth of the characters and how they were revealed at appropriate intervals needs applause. Especially, Rahel and Estha reminds me how a child can know things but at the same time cannot understand the intensity of the knowledge. Almost all the characters have been given a backstory. The language is not very easy to comprehend and the style is complicated. Few places 'Stopitted' and the reading backwards amused me. The reasoning of the characters brings out the caste discrimination during that period. It also gives us sneak-peek on the Communist riot and Syrian Christian lifestyle. 

A special mention the moments between the twins - the twins have their verbal fights and different character and attitude but they stay connected all the time ('We' and 'Us'). 

It makes me imagine of a dark blue and gloomy shade while reading. 

The ups of the novel - Story, Characters and Intense emotions

Setbacks - Complicated and slow paced narration

I would recommend this for one time reading but I doubt if I'll re-read it. 

The Books I Read

A man's basic need is food, shelter and clothing. Mine would include books too. Books are like drugs to me and I can get high just by looking at the bookshelves in the bookstore. Starting my reading habit at class 2, I have read almost anything - from weekly magazines to historical fiction novels. In schools I have spent my breaks scurrying down aisles in the library. With books I've enjoyed, got emotional, frowned upon, been horrified, felt good, had a good laugh - and sometimes I didn't know what I felt after reading some books. Fiction has always been my choice(Non-fiction has never been my cup of tea). Here I will be jotting down my views on the novels I read. 

A Eulogy to the Lioness

I could not refrain myself from writing this. This day has indeed been heart-wrenching.

I do not remember the first time I had heard of Ms. J. Jayalalithaa. But I always found her appealing and it was not because of her beauty. Why did I like her? I can render a few probable reasons which led to have first impressions.

Maybe it was watching a parent being an ardent fan of that political party and its leaders; Maybe it was the political party channel playing all through the day in my living room TV; Maybe it was incessant movie marathon of Puratchi thalaivar MGR and Puratchi thalaivi Jayalalithaa; It could have been any of these or more. I never knew.

It took me all my childhood and teenage to realize that I like her. I have admired her eloquence in English and Tamil, watched her gait with the charm of a queen, observed the emotionally detached look in her face. She had this inexplicable charisma and composed manner.

Many a time, I have said this to my relatives and friends, ‘I do not know the ABC’s of politics, neither can I weigh the pros and cons of her administration. But I always respect for the lady she is’. Not many women (me included) could have achieved what she has, despite the humiliations and accusations. They would have hidden behind excuses. She never gave up on herself. There had been many political jokes on ‘falling on her feet’ culture. She might have demanded it or people might have started doing it out of fear and respect. Either way, I do not appreciate it, but it does not happen to all the women in politics. She had everyone spring into action at the flick of her magic wand.  

When I heard about the fake news of her death, it took me sometime for the reality to set in. I shuddered at the realization that she is no more. Why should I? I just like her like any another famous personality. That should not affect me. No, I do not just like her. It is something more.

She was good at what she was doing, a paragon of administration and a leadership. Deep in my heart, I believe that she will be the guiding light to many more individuals.

From what I hear, she entered the movie industry and politics out of compulsion. If she had excelled in fields which she was forced to be in, what could have happened if she had pursued her interests. The world will never know.

Ma’am, your accomplishments are many and there are common people crying at your feet paying their last respects. Though you didn’t have an immediate family, many call you ‘Amma’. And that is your biggest accomplishment.

May you Rest In Peace!!

Let Her Be!!

She is in love – I wonder if she is a girl of good character!!

She had a recent break-up – I wonder if she cheated!!

She is in love again – OMG! There she goes again. I wonder how long this is going to last!!

She is getting married too early – Maybe she did something inappropriate that her parents want to get her married soon!!

She is 30 and still unmarried – I wonder why no one wants to marry her!!

She is married for 5 years and had no kids – I wonder if she has a problem!!

     Above thoughts sound vaguely familiar? I sure have heard them. Truth is, men are not under scrutiny as much as women in our society. People constantly wonder what is wrong with her. And this happens mostly outside the immediate family or friends. What do we know about her? Do we even have a clue of what she wants in life? Do we know if she is unhappy of what she is? Why do people set goals for a girl’s life in our society? And what’s with all these awkward questions? Do we even know how embarrassing she feels with all those questions? She has to dodge all of them with an inconvenient smile.

     Most of these people say, ‘I can understand what she is going through.’ Really? Sadly, women are the one who mostly gossip about other women. I honestly believe people can only sympathize. Empathy is too far-fetched. No one can ever understand a situation like another individual.

     Maybe you have the right to judge if her decisions directly impact you. Oh wait! Do you have the right? Let her live her own life. She might reap goodness out of her decisions or not. At least it is she who has taken the decision and not the mouth-piece of someone’s brain.

     For those who are hurting inside by these questions and gossips – There is no such thing as how to fall in love or age to get married or by when you should have kids. Stay Strong! Do things the way you want to and when you want to. People who care for you, won’t judge you and those who judge, never mind them. Live your life on your terms.

     I am no saint. So finally, if I have ever judged a woman in my walk of life, I really want to apologize and pledge to never judge again. Sorry ladies!!

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL ‘WONDERING’ ABOUT HER LIFE - Let her be!!!