Janice Pariat's Everything The Light Touches | On the longlist of JCB Prize for Literature (2023)

Title: Everything That Light Touches
Author: Janice Pariat
Publisher: HarperCollins India (2023)
Genre: Literature, Nature
ISBN: 978-9356291393
Hardcover: 512 Pages
Buy the book: Amazon 

In Janice Pariat's book, "Everything the Light Touches," she seamlessly blends research with imagination across centuries. The narrative delves into the lives of four individuals: Shai, Evelyn, Johann (Goethe), and Carl, whose journeys are interconnected like the roots of an ancient Banyan tree.

In her previous work, "Nine Chambered Heart," Pariat employed a unique narrative technique, recounting the girl's story through various characters, including teachers, lovers, and flatmates. In "Everything the Light Touches," she continues with this approach, using multiple perspectives, to enrich the narrative.

The central character of the story is Shai, a woman in her thirties. The book begins with Shai's journey as she prepares to fly from Delhi airport to her hometown, Meghalaya—a place seemingly forgotten by its own country. ‘We land in a place that falls off the map. So far east in this vast country that it feels not of this country anymore.’ 

While each of us must eventually return to our origins, Shai is concerned about her family and community.

Pariat in an interview: We live in a world of very unequal stories, where someone like Karl Linnaeus will be known but somebody from a small little corner of India's northeast, who might have the same amazingly profound ideas about our relationship to the natural world, will quite easily be dismissed. It was very important for me to place these stories also on the same plane, so that Goethe and Linnaeus exist amidst all of these other characters who are equally valid, equally important.

Pariat excels at crafting multi-dimensional characters, and it's the small details that breathe life into her work. For instance, when Shai reunites with her mother, Pariat vividly describes the encounter, ‘it’s been less than a year since I’ve seen her—in which secret hours did she age? When I hug her, though, she smells familiar, of wool and naphthalene and hand cream…’

The narrative then shifts to Evelyn, deeply passionate about botany, and less interested in conventional life. Frustrated by the lack of academic opportunities in England, she embarks on a journey to India, to explore the Himalayan flora and fauna.

One of the most innovative chapters belongs to Carl. Pariat fearlessly experiments with storytelling in this section, incorporating approximately 40 micro-poems that are both lyrical and comforting. These poems range from one-liners to free verses, with "How to Hunt a Bear" consisting of just three words: "Do not miss."

SIGNS

The peasants who reside near the cliffs or rising ground judge by the crows the approach
of bad weather; for these birds seek the marshy country before it comes on.
They say they have been reading such signs for years.   

Here, I am borrowing the words of Nilanjana Roy: Everything the Light Touches is a magnificent reminder that the natural world does not lie outside of ourselves, and that when we break trust with the earth, we break our own spirits into scattered fragments. Janice Pariat finds a new language of connection, wonder, and loss, for the songs of the earth from Lapland and Goethe's Europe to the Lower Himalayas and remote villages in India's Northeast, her stories dancing between centuries in this generous and intricate work.

As Henry Miller said, "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." 

Janice Pariat's "Everything the Light Touches" is not just a book but a grand narrative that delves into the essence of existence, human bonds spanning ages, botanical wonders, poetic beauty, and profound discoveries. It has earned a place on the longlist of the JCB Prize for Literature in 2023.

  

About the Author

Janice Pariat is the author of Boats on Land: A Collection of Short Stories, Seahorse: A Novel, and the international bestseller The Nine-Chambered Heart. She was the recipient of the Young Writer Award from the Sahitya Akademi and the Crossword Book Award for Fiction in 2013. Janice's work has been translated into ten languages. She teaches at Ashoka University, and lives between New Delhi and Shillong with a cat of many names.

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Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey Through Opium’s Hidden Histories by Amitav Ghosh

Title: Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey Through Opium’s Hidden Histories
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Publisher: HarperCollins India, 2023
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Culture
ISBN: 978-9356992757
Hardback: 408 Pages
Buy the Book: AMAZON

‘The stamp of the past sometimes sinks so deep into the fabric of everyday life that its traces are difficult, if not impossible, to erase.’  

Amitav Ghosh’s Smoke and Ashes is a blend of travel diary, life memories, and history. Ghosh explores opium's impact on Britain, India, China, and the world. This book sheds light on our intertwined history with the tea and opium trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. The British Empire pushed the opium trade, vital for survival.The impact in India was tragic. 

Seven years ago, reading "Sea of Poppies," I missed its extensive research. "Smoke and Ashes" now discloses that around twenty years ago, when Ghosh started working on the Ibis Trilogy, he was surprised to discover that the lives of the sailors were influenced by a valuable thing they carried - opium. Along with, its surprising connection to his family's history. 

The blurb says Moving deftly between horticultural histories, the mythologies of capitalism, and the social and cultural repercussions of colonialism, Smoke and Ashes reveals the pivotal role one small plant has played in the making of the world as we know it - a world that is now teetering on the edge of catastrophe.  

Ghosh's memoir links his ancestry to opium's influence. His father's tales from Bihar, show opium's dual force: – both destructive and life-giving. Ghosh writes, that in the East, the British ran a heavy-handed Opium Department, all under its thumb, dictating planting, auctions, and farmers' pay.

Smoke and Ashes, highlights the collective memory and recognizes our role in shaping of cultural history. The account travels globally – from Mumbai's Parsis, then to China's artisans, weavers, and potters in bustling Guangzhou.  

‘Had eastern travellers entered the home of a poppy farmer, they would have noticed, to their further surprise, that in this harvested poppy region, the latex was stored not in pots of water, as was the practice in the east, but in containers filled with linseed oil. Had curiosity compelled them to visit a production facility, they would have been astonished to find themselves not in a huge fortress of a factory, like those of Patna or Ghazipur, but in a small shed, filled with flat cakes laid out to dry in the shade.’

In Ghosh's non-fiction style, research combines with storytelling. While tracing opium’s history, the author exposes the truth behind capitalism. Each chapter offers captivating narratives. To sum up, Ghosh's book delves into the depths of opium history, its detailed research and compelling prose lingering. A recommended read!

About the Author 

Amitav Ghosh was born in Calcutta in 1956. He studied in Dehra Dun, New Delhi, Alexandria and Oxford and his first job was at the Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi. He earned a doctorate at Oxford before he wrote his first novel, which was published in 1986.

The Circle of Reason won the Prix Medicis Etranger, one of France's top literary awards, and The Shadow Lines won the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Ananda Puraskar. The Calcutta Chromosome won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for 1997 and The Glass Palace won the Grand Prize for Fiction at the Frankfurt International e-Book Awards in 2001. The Hungry Tide won the Hutch Crossword Book Prize in 2006. In 2007 Amitav Ghosh was awarded the Grinzane Cavour Prize in Turin, Italy. Amitav Ghosh has written for many publications, including the Hindu, The New Yorker and Granta, and he has served on the juries of several international film festivals, including Locarno and Venice. He has taught at many universities in India and the USA, including Delhi University, Columbia, the City University of New York and Harvard. He no longer teaches and is currently writing the next volume of the Ibis Trilogy.

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Book Review: The Witch in the Peepul Tree by Arefa Tehsin

 

Title: The Witch in the Peepul Tree 
Author: Arefa Tehsin
Publisher: HarperCollins India (2023)
Genre: Contemporary Literature, Mystery
Pages: 344
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-9356992405
Buy the Book: Amazon

‘The Witch in the Peepul Tree’ is a genre-bending tale that unfolds within the course of a single day. It immerses readers in a captivating world of mystery and darkness. It sets in the enchanting city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. 

The story begins with the introduction of an old peepul tree. It unravels the labyrinthine plot, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and plunging readers into a shadowy world, they never knew existed.

From the pov of Ahad, Dada Bhai’s son, ‘From the jharokha on the front wall above the main entrance, he could see the peepul tree outside. Every time his aunts visited, they swore that the jeevti dakkan-the living witch-danced under it, long after the lamps were dimmed and the night was dark as a clogged drain. They said she was invisible during the day, hanging upside down in the tree. Perhaps she lay suspended right now, giving him a secret, saw- toothed smile.’

As the book delves deeper into the enigma of the murder, eventually more characters come into spotlight. From a young Bhil Nathu to the attractive night soil worker Parijat, each individual adds another layer to the story, keeping readers guessing at their identities. Also, skillful characterization creates an atmosphere of constant tension, making every twist and turn all the more exhilarating.

‘Parijat preferred to walk through the brass utensils and clothing shops, not those of grains and spices. The upper castes didn't want her ilk close to their uncooked fare. She was polluted by birth. Her proximity could foul their food. Her touch, their frail purity.’

Udaipur, with its rich history and mystical aura, serves as the perfect backdrop for this dark tale . On Makar Sankranti in the year 1950, the lifeless body of Sanaz, a sixteen-year-old, is found in her father Dada Bhai's residence in Bohrawadi. The setting itself becomes a character, its hidden secrets seep into the narrative, adding an air of palpable mystery and vivid descriptions transport the reader through the winding lanes and history. 

What sets ‘The Witch in the Peepul Tree’ apart is its ability to seamlessly blend multiple genres. It traverses the realms of mystery and psychological thriller, often leaving readers uncertain of what lies around the next corner. The narrative employs a gripping structure, jumping between characters and perspectives, further heightening the suspense.  For instance, the widow Sugra, who rolls a rosary and wishes for the jeevti dakkan to be her secret ally.

‘She swore she had seen the jeevti dakkan there on a few nights; a dark shadow flitting purposefully between the branches when everyone was drunk on sleep. Sugra wanted to make her acquaintance—a powerful, supernatural ally who was not weighed down by human morality.’

As the day progresses, the story takes a chilling turn, delving into the darker recesses of human nature and the price one must pay for unearthing secrets. 

‘Tapan's path of progression was laid clearly before him, he had to reach the top. And now, Dada Bhai's daughter Sanaz's mysterious murder presented him an opportunity to rise in the ranks in this new epoch, which was the offspring of the forced marriage of the princely states into a nation.’ The author's atmospheric prose evokes a sense of impending doom.

In conclusion, ‘The Witch in the Peepul Tree’ is an enthralling journey, with its immersive setting, and intriguing characters. If this genre interests you, then it can definitely be your next weekend read. 

About the Author

Arefa Tehsin is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, both for children and adults, and contributes columns and features (to various national dailies and magazines like The Indian Express, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Outlook, The Wire and The Times of India. Her books have been taken up as textbooks and supplementary readers in schools in India and Sri Lanka.

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Book Review: Change Your Habits Change Your Life by Ashdin Doctor

Title: Change Your Habits Change Your Life
Author: Ashdin Doctor
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Self-help
Paperback: 208 Pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9356295384
Buy the Book: Amazon link
 

“Change Your Habits Change Your Life” by Ashdin Doctor is a thought-provoking and practical book that explores the valuable principles of habit formation and provides guidance for creating positive change in one's life. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, the book emphasizes the importance of consistency, practice, and creating systems that work for us. At the end of each section, it offers actionable strategies for reshaping our habits.

Ashdin presents a three-golden-rules process for habit change, which includes – Make it stupidly small, Make it extra easy, and Never miss two days in a row. He explains how we could break up habits that no longer serve us and then substitute a new routine that satisfies the same craving.

One of the book's most compelling sections is the role of practice, Practice is a powerful tool that enables individuals to improve their skills and abilities. Consistent practice leads to mastery and expertise and individuals can overcome obstacles, developing perseverance.

Ashdin argues that habits are not about the goal alone, habits are about the journey.  The daily practice of positive habits can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of purpose. He suggests that, instead of relying on sheer willpower, we can create a “system" that has a positive ripple effect on other areas of our lives. For example, by establishing a regular exercise routine, we have more focus throughout the day. 

Besides this, it highlights the role of an accountability partner, by providing support and encouragement, a partner can help individuals stay committed to their goals. This book points out that staying within your comfort zone limits your potential and pushing yourself too far beyond your comfort zone can lead to burnout. You can expand your capabilities by gradually stretching your comfort zone.  It insists that habit tracking is a powerful tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement. Along with this, setting a clear intention is crucial in the process of habit change. Intention directs focus to take action toward their desired outcome.

Basically, we all have habits we wish to alter. As a personal habit coach, Ashdin shares numerous analogies and relatable instances from his life account, whether you're looking to break a bad habit or establish a new one, this book can be helpful.

Overall, " Change Your Habits Change Your Life" is a fascinating and practical book that offers a wealth of insights and strategies. It is written in an engaging and accessible style that makes complex concepts easy to understand, and it ended with five success stories that bring the ideas to life.

About the Author

Ashdin Doctor is a Mumbai-based popular habit coach who has been transforming the lives of many who feel stuck by creating habits that can be easily incorporated into daily life. He is the founder of Awesome 180, a habit coaching programme. He also hosts a popular podcast, The Habit Coach.

 

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Anukrti Upadhyay's The Blue Women: Stories | HarperCollins India

Title: The Blue Women
Author: Anukrti Upadhyay
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Contemporary Literature, Short Stories
ISBN: 978-9356291164
Paperback: 276 Pages
Buy the Book: Amazon Link   

‘Autumn is a good time to forget, to let everything flare in brilliant colours one final time and then extinguish after the turbulence of spring and summer.’ – The Satsuma Plant

"The Blue Women" is a captivating collection of 12 short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the human psyche. The collection primarily focuses on the theme of love, determination, and resilience, providing richly textured observations of contemporary life and the ways in which individuals navigate routine challenges.

From the first story to the last, Upadhyay weaves together diverse themes and characters, creating thought-provoking tales that challenge the reader's perspective and engaging narratives that transport them to another world.

Upadhyay's prose is clear and concise, displaying skillful use of language that ranges from lyrical to poignant, reflecting the diversity of the characters and settings portrayed in the stories.

The stories vary in tone, from moral struggles to uplifting, from melancholic to insecure, yet they all share a common thread of humanity that makes them relatable and resonant.

The collection includes a story about a young girl who develops an intimate bond with a bat, a golden girl with a complex relationship with her stepfather, and a standout story titled "The Big Toe," which tells the devastating story of a man whose existence is ruined solely because of his big toe. ‘I was intrigued. I am always on the lookout for stories. You could say I am a sort of collector of curious tales. It irritates my wife. She considers it one of my small-town vices. ‘You and your plebian nosiness,’ she says.’

The title story, "The Blue Women," is another standout, with evocative descriptions and keen insights into fears, wounds, and toughness, making it a powerful read. ‘Decisions about what I should do about the blue women. You see, I couldn’t go on like that. I had to do something to stop the blue woman from haunting my taxi.’ Through her stories, Upadhyay portrays ordinary women who persevere and embrace their flawed existence.

"Dhani," This story is told from a unique perspective that gives readers a glimpse into the character's inner world and desires. Upadhyay's deft handling of the narrative makes this a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. “I ate in silence. Some people are proud of their ability to converse, I am proud of my ability to be silent. I prefer silence to the chatter people fill it with. You would, too, if you spent entire days in an audiometry lab listening to sounds at different frequencies and pitches and shouting instructions into deaf ears. Still, it is true that sitting next to that silently smiling woman, I felt an urge to talk.’  

Upadhyay's intricate storytelling, vivid imagery, and philosophical insights have earned her much praise, and it seems that many of her stories are based on real-life characters that she imbues with a sense of mysticism and wonder. Readers can expect to encounter a unique and diverse range of narratives that offer insight into the human psyche.

This collection showcases the author's artful storytelling and emotional depth, leaving readers fully immersed in each story and rooting for the characters. It's definitely worth exploring!

About the Author 

Anukrti Upadhyay writes fiction and poetry in both English and Hindi. Her Hindi works include a collection of short stories titled Japani Sarai (2019) and the novel Neena Aunty (2021). Among her English works are the twin novellas, Daura and Bhaunri (2019), and her novel Kintsugi (2020); the latter won her the prestigious Sushila Devi Award 2021 for the best work of fiction written by a woman author. Her writings have also appeared in numerous literary journals such as The Bombay Review, The Bangalore Review and The Bilingual Window. Anukrti has post-graduate degrees in management and literature, and a graduate degree in law. She has previously worked for the global investment banks, Goldman Sachs and UBS, in Hong Kong and India, and currently works with Wildlife Conservation Trust, a conservation think tank. She divides her time between Mumbai and the rest of the world, and when not counting trees and birds, she can be found ingratiating herself with every cat and dog in the vicinity. 

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Aayush Gupta's My Name is Not Devdas | HarperCollins India

Title: My Name is Not Devdas
Author: Aayush Gupta
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Paperback: 150 Pages
ISBN: ‎ 978-9356292826
Buy the Book: Amazon Link

 

‘There are two kinds of dead people. The first are remembered fleetingly, of course-for the things they did when they were alive. Made money. Travelled. Loved Lost. The second are remembered for the things they did not do in life. Never cheated anyone. Never committed a crime. Never hurt a fly.’

“My Name is Not Devdas” by Aayush Gupta is a captivating retelling of an Indian classic. The novel sets in Delhi and weaves an imaginative world around intriguing characters – Paro, Chandramukhi, and Dev. It takes us on a sweeping journey through modern reality.   

At its core ‘My Name is Not Devdas” is a story about bruised egos, frame-ups, and quaint obsessions. The characters are incredibly relatable to contemporary India. The portrayal of characters is nuanced and moving, as they struggle through intense human emotions.

‘I honestly don't know. My love for Dev didn't have a when. It didn't happen at a time, or a place, or a moment or a word. It happened to me much like life. Constantly. Inevitably. He was the cigarette smoke corroding my very being. I knew it would kill me, but in this moment, the smoke was the air that I breathed in and out. How does one stop breathing?’

Aayush Gupta’s prose is elegant and crispy, immersing readers in the rich details of the current scenario. The story deals with key elements such as student politics, outrage over gender-biased assault, and corruption. Dishonesty and desire work as prime driving forces. Besides, he wisely blends classic chords and complex power dynamics of present society, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved story that has been told-retold for decades. 

‘Devdas. Such an apt name for him. Beaten. Lovelorn. Chaotic. The maddest in a mad world. The only one who made sense.’  

Devdas is not the typical tragic lover who is misunderstood by society, Basically, Dev is a Marxist and holds principles that motivate him to become a reformer.  Paro is not the typical beloved who is rejected by her lover and withdraws from the world, and Chandramukhi is not the stereotypical prostitute, who is kind-hearted. As the plot unfurls, the characters make tough choices and, that leads to a shocking revelation. 

Overall, ‘My Name is Not Devdas” is pacy and thought-provoking read, perfect for the young generation seeking to explore the complexities of identity and relationships. It’s a slim and stunning book, that can be your perfect weekend read.  

About the Author

Aayush Gupta is an author-screenwriter. He's been a part of writers' rooms in Eros, Zee and is currently associated with Yash Raj Films. He's produced and presented shows for All India Radio's External Services and National channels. Under his own banner, Guddi Productions, he has directed and co-produced multiple nonfiction shows and documentaries.

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Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas by Satyarth Nayak | HarperCollins India

 

Title: Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas
Author: Satyarth Nayak
Publisher: HarperCollins India (2022)
Genre: Mythology, Non-Fiction
Pages: 436
ISBN: 978-9356294493
Buy the Book: Amazon Link

In ‘Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas’ Nayak narrates the enthralling stories of devas and asuras with a fresh perspective and more personal touch. Basically, it is a compilation of 100 tales of our ancient lore. It begins with ‘Brahma begins creation’ and ends with ‘Janmejaya’s snake sacrifice. Author tried to chronicle these mythological stages of life in a very sequential order. The writing is simple yet captivating. The illustrated part is enticing and amplifies the storytelling.  

‘The Parabrahman now implanted its own seed in the water. Thus fertilised, the water nurtured the seed and, in due course, generated an egg. A golden egg that shone like an orb of light. Since this egg, or anda, had been spawned by the Parabrahman, it came to be known as Brahmanda. The cosmos.’

Author clearly stated that, creative liberties have been taken to enhance the bodies of some of these tales, but their souls remain untouched. He added, there is no simplified dichotomy of good and evil but a highly complex cosmos where even devas can act vile and ever asuras can act virtuous, where boons can often create chaos and curses can often lead to good.  

‘Something was emerging from Yamuna right behind him. Someone was looming so high that it was blocking the moon. Casting a shadow over father and son. Vasudeva turned and stared in awe. The mighty Vasuki had surfaced from the river. The serpent's ten hoods were spreading over them like a giant parasol. Gods and goddesses appeared now to see this divine spectacle. To see Vasudeva cradling the lord below and Vasuki shielding him from above. To see both man and animal celebrating the Preserver who had taken another avatar for their sake.’

This book provides an insightful ride of the lives of mortal and immortal gods. It touches the basis of various Vedic warfare. It is such an intriguing read. I’ll definitely go back to these pictorial alluring stories someday. Undoubtedly, an essential read for those, who feel inclined to Hindu mythology.

Some enlightening fragments:   

Shiva emerges
Vishnu gets the Sudarshana Chakra
Marisha takes ten husbands
Ganesha comes to life
The Vamana Avatar
Vishnu is beheaded
Sita lays four curses
Vishwamitra accepts meat.
Krishna Heals Kubja

"I have been working on it for five years and went through all the Puranas. 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition," ¬ Satyarth Nayak on his book. 

Blurb

Do you know the story where Brahma and Vishnu race against each other or where Shiva battles Krishna? Where Indra attempts foeticide or where Rama punishes a Shudra? Do you know about Maya Sita or Narada's monkey face? Or why Surya falls from the sky or why Chandra commits adultery?

The Puranas of Hinduism are a universe of wisdom, embodying a fundamental quest for answers that makes them forever relevant. Now, for the first time, 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition. Besides popular legends of devas, asuras, sages and kings, Satyarth Nayak has dug up lesser-known stories, like the one where Vishnu is beheaded or where Saraswati curses Lakshmi or where Harishchandra tricks Varuna. Nayak also recounts these 100 tales in a unique chronological format, beginning with Creation in Satya Yuga and ending with the advent of Kali Yuga. Using Puranic markers, he constructs a narrative that travels through the four yugas, offering continuous and organic action. In such a reading, it is revealed that these stories are not isolated events but linked to each other in the grand scheme of things. That every occurrence has a past and a future. A cause and effect. An interconnected cycle of karma and karma-phal.

Delving into the minds of gods, demons and humans alike, Mahagatha seeks a deeper understanding of their motivations. The timelessness of their impulses speaks across the aeons to readers of today. Written in lively prose with charming illustrations, these 100 tales will entertain and enlighten, and make you connect the dots of Hindu mythology like never before.

 

About The Author

 

Satyarth Nayak is an author and screenwriter based in Mumbai. A former SAARC Award winning Correspondent with CNN-IBN, Delhi, he holds a Masters in English Literature from St. Stephen's. Sridevi – The Eternal Screen Goddess (Penguin, 2019) is Satyarth's best-selling biography. His debut novel, The Emperor's Riddles, was released in 2014. He followed it up with his second thriller titled Venom in 2020. Satyarth has also scripted Sony's epic historical show, Porus, touted as India's most expensive television series that aired from 2017 to 2019. His short stories have won the British Council award and appeared in Sudha Murty's Penguin anthology, Something Happened On The Way To Heaven. 

Connect to author:  Twitter 

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Teja Lele's LIVE SMART:100 HACKS FOR A HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIFE

Title: LIVE SMART:100 HACKS FOR A HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIFE
Author: Teja Lele
Publisher: Harpercollins India
Cover: Sayan and Amit Malhotra
Genre: Non-fiction
Paperback: 245 Pages
Amazon: Buy the Book

Live Smart: 100 hacks for a healthier and happier life by Teja Lele, is a great resource of lot of techniques I already aware of it, still It assisted me to gain refreshing theories about self-sufficiency.  It stimulated the memory, the old practices of organizing things I have seen at my maternal home. This book lends you a hand to adapt a better philosophy about art of living.

Why did I select this book to read? Because I have curiosity about DIY-art, for instance: Reuse citrus piles, home composting, Grow an herb garden, and Homemade pesticide. The author managed to finish this task brilliantly. She put her wisdom in a concise and straightforward way.

After setting the basic objective of writing this book, author categorized these millions of ideas into five sections: Home - Food and Kitchen – Beauty - Health and Well-being - Reuse and Recycle. These methods rejuvenated the urge to get things back in order. You can simply integrate these hacks into your daily routine.

The best thing about this book is everything is in details and that too systematic. One can actually enjoy while applying the practical tips in their daily life. Adding to that, I really liked how the book is designed especially its cover, that is done by Amit Malhotra and Sayan. Live Smart by Teja Lele is a quick read and you can keep it as your go-to-book. Informative!  

Here, I compiled a list of ideas I liked the most.

Bird Feeder from a plastic bottle.
Reduce Nausea
Deal with Insomnia
Screen cleaner
Revamp leftovers
Pasta from scratch
Reuse spare rotis
Miracle hair oil
Redo old furniture
Unsponge

Blurb

Are you trying to fix a leaky faucet? Wondering how to treat a bee sting? Looking to purify water without a fancy purifier? Making a chemical-free lotion bar? Wondering what to do with the pile of cardboard boxes left after online retail therapy?

If yes, then Live Smart: 100 Hacks for a Healthier and Happier Life is your go-to guide! Here you will find user-friendly DIY solutions for everyday problems and interesting tips accompanied by illustrations that will help you navigate the how-to-do-its in a step-by-step manner.

Live Smart is an invaluable manual for those looking for practical ways to organize and improve their daily life—and having a little fun while they’re at it!

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The Map and the Scissors by Amit Majmudar | Book Review

Title: The Map and the Scissors
Author: Amit Majmudar
Publisher: HarperCollins In
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: ‎ 978-9354894640
Paperback: 344

‘Because nothing is purely Hindu or purely Muslim in India. Nothing is pure anywhere, least of all Gujarati, with its Sanskrit and Farsi and Arabic and English loan words – its own words – all tumbling into meaning. Gujarati is a merchant’s linguistic coin collection from around the world, a farmer’s language hardy with lexical weeds.’

The Maps and the Scissors by Amit Majmudar, is a historical fiction that portrays the life of two core pillars of Indian politics during the times of late British Raj. In his book, author captures the existence of Gandhi and Jinnah – two lawyers, dreams a same future for our country in discordant ways. The premise is not restricted to their political perceptions only, but leads to personal lives as well.  

Among many political movements, one can get a clear reflection of differences originated between Congress and Muslim League. A demand for separate country, and an enigmatic emotion on the thought of two-nation theory. I found some familiar characters as Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Pater, Liaquat Ali Khan, Kasturba, Fatima and many more.  

‘It is not the first time or the last that he will go to jail. At first, Kasturba was scared for him, but his letters came back curiously untroubled. The prison was not pleasant, but the South Africans whites, no matter how much they hated him, feared their subjugated dark races too much to torture to kill him. They did not dare find out what tens of thousands of non-violent Indians would do if the one man who preached non-violence died by violence.’

These characters strengthen the storyline that is woven from the balanced knowledge of historical incidents. Adding to this, the novel depicts how they deal with odds in their private lives. It is the most fascinated part of the book, ‘The name Gandhiji is a drug. They are already beyond any sense of their own vulnerability. When the rifles pop a few times, the reports are barely audible against so many voices. No one falls. They really are invulnerable. The name really is a talisman, protecting them against all threats, justifying all actions, cleansing all guilt.’

Then, there is a moment, when Jawahar Lal Nehru looks troubled, and shares the conflicted thoughts running in his heart, — ‘I’m ashamed that it bears my last name. its terms ensure us more sluggishness from the British. They’ll never leave, at this rate. And even worse, it wants Dominion’s status for India. Do we realize “Dominion” comes from the word for “Lordship”? why should the British be our lords, for even a second after we gain independence? Is that our goal?

Despite well-researched facts, at some places, one might not agree with author’s perception towards particular leaders, but it is writer's imagination and perspective that keeps evolving. There is a word called ‘Creative Freedom’ and reader needs to respect that.  

Above everything else, I loved the prose style – such visual writing. I read a book around political figures in well-crafted passages, it is more like a dream for a reader who is interested in literature regarding to partition and late colonial period.

 

Here, I’m sharing an excerpt from the book to get an idea about the book:

‘His lips are moving now. ‘Sare Jahan se achcha Hindostan hamara..’ Better than all the world, this Hindustan of ours...

What a lovely tune, thinks Gandhi. Someday they will ask me what our national anthem should be, and I may well choose this song. When was it written? 1904? Just a year before the British tried to divide us all by diving Bengal, that failed colonial experiment: riots in the street, everyone at each other’s throats.

Many will expect Tagore to compose something, or Sarojini, but they would do it in Bangla. This song is in Hindustani, and almost everyone in India understands a little Hindustani.’

 

Synopsis:

Two intense, inflexible personalities duel over a question that will decide the fate of millions: one nation-or two?

Jinnah, the consummate, ruthlessly analytical gentleman in a tailored suit, starts out skeptical of those who come to his door proposing a 'Land of the Pure', but ends up founding exactly such a country. Gandhi, the religious visionary in homespun khadi, experiments with Truth in his quest for one India-only to witness, in anguish, the bloody birth of two nations.

The Map and the Scissors is a novel about the epic origin story of modern South Asia, brought to life by two London-educated lawyers, mirror-image rivals who dreamt the same.

 

 About the Author

Amit Majmudar is of five critically acclaimed novels, four collections of award-winning , a translation of the Bhagavad Gita with , as well as a forthcoming memoir and a three-volume retelling of the Mahabharata. The former Poet Laureate of Ohio as well as a diagnostic and nuclear radiologist, he lives in Westerville, Ohio, with his wife and three.

Reach him at: Twitter | Amazon

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The Curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee | Book Review

Title: The Curse of Kuldhara
Author: Richa Mukherjee
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Pages: 330

‘Prachand turned his placid gaze on the inquisitive Yatish, ‘can’t you see it? All this while, I was reluctant as I didn’t know of a problem. Whatever would I do on a film set? But now I have found a mystery to solve. It’s a curse of Kuldhara!’    

The Curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee, is a compelling crime-thriller. I am intrigued by its elements, an unspoken dread, a cursed village, and haunted atmosphere. All of these components transport you into mysterious world.

Basically, the story revolves around Prachand Tripathi, our protagonist who runs a detective agency with his wife. Amidst the underlying tension of work, this couple receives an unexpected assignment, a movie-offer presented by a high-profile politician. Prachand takes it as a - once in a lifetime opportunity - and accepts it immediately, not even being bothered by the quaint history of that place, the place where the movie being made, place that is abandoned and cursed. With all the twists and turns, the story leads to an unexpected killing. Is there some evil power behind this murder?

Author states ‘About two hundred years ago, Kuldhara in particular was inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, a devout and proud lot who believed in living simply and peacefully. Our ancestors are correct in saying that too much of a good thing attracts the evil eye. The same misfortune befell the poor Paliwal Brahmins. Their troubles came in the form of an evil diwan who laid his unchaste eyes on the daughter of the village chief. They bagged and pleaded with him to let her be. However, he unleashed his vengeance on them by pressurizing them financially and giving them an ultimatum to hand her over. As it was the matter of honour, they chose to abandon the village overnight.’

What I really like about the book is the vibes around the village. The author depicts the place in such an exquisite manner, it feels as you visited that place in real, as ‘Naveli Haveli, in its dilapidated state, was unlike the other better – preserved vestiges of Rajasthan’s history, but it shared a common feature with them – its walls. They were a medley of brick, sandstone, marble, wood, plaster and granite that insulated the interiors from the onslaught of the winds both during the summer and the winter.’   

No spoilers, but the character of an old lady is really absorbing. I loved how author added some colloquial words, Dash of wit and humorous dialogues, it truly enhances the palette of its narrative structure.

Although, at some places, I feel mixed-bag emotions for the characters, the struggle to connect to the core of the story was there. To wait to 14th chapter to come up to the place, the book actually based on. I really wish it could have been fleshed out well. But on the whole, I liked the book, a gripping crime-mystery. It definitely deserves more appreciation.

Despite being a part of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. Series, this book stands alone. I have not read the previous part, but it worked for me. This page-turner thriller can be your weekend companion.  

 

Synopsis

What can possibly go wrong when fame and fortune come knocking? Plenty! We return to the charming and colourful lanes of Gwaltoli to revisit Prachand Tripathi, our favourite desi detective and owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd. While he has progressed from locating lost pets and garments to problems of gravitas, their moderate fame doesn't impress wife and CFO Vidya Tripathi who still complains about wasted potential and the tepid life they lead. As if on cue, an unusual but promising proposal comes their way, one they simply cannot refuse. It's an invitation to oversee a film shoot based on their lives, whisking them away to the resplendent deserts of Rajasthan. What follows is an unbelievable and spine-chilling adventure that will drag them through a morass of inexplicable events, dangerous secrets and a cursed, abandoned village that wreaks havoc on the living and dead alike.

 

About the Author

Richa is an ex-journalist and advertising professional turned award winning writer, poet and blogger, contributing to several online platforms. Her first novel I Didn't Expect to be Expecting was a humorous take on the rollercoaster ride of pregnancy and her second, Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, a comedic thriller was picked up for a screen adaptation. Excess Baggage is her third book and is also headed to the big screen. She has authored anthologies, e-singles and audiobooks.

Reach her at: Twitter | Amazon

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Chronicles of The Lost Daughters by Debarati Mukhopadhyay | Book Review

 

Title: Chronicles of The Lost Daughters
Author: Debarati Mukhopadhyay
Translator: Arunava Sinha
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Buy Online: Amazon

 

‘...do you know what it will mean if we don’t get boys for our daughters? Do you realize the kind of trouble there will be if Awpala isn’t married before she’s twelve?’

Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s Chronicles of the Lost Daughters is an enthralling historical fiction, translated by Arunava Sinha, Centered around the state of women of nineteenth-century Bengal. It is originally published in the Bengali, title is ‘Naraach’ that simply means – Weapon.

The story begins with Krishnoshundor Chattopadhyay, a penniless brahmin, is trapped into an offer of decent job. He grabs this as an only escape for his sister, Bhubonmani – who has been faced a hellish journey. She endured a child marriage, widowhood and sexual assault – that too, at the age of sixteen. The so-called learned man of society grabbed this opportunity to fulfil their malicious desires, and they declared shamelessly ‘A raped woman must of course perform strict penance. In this case the rapists are from another religion, which means that even if she herself is a brahmoni, the act has made a mleccha out of her. She will be restored to her own people if a high-born brahmon is willing to accept her services for two fortnights.’

Her brother, Krishnoshundor was too innocent to decipher these words at first, and when things got cleared to him, he put questions at the religious texts, ‘How very unfair! So Bhubonmoni would have to be raped for a month because some criminals had raped her once? This was utterly unjust, which shastras asked for this? Krishnoshundor could sign an oath it was impossible for such a thing to be written in any of the shastras. It was impossible.’

Besides the deep level of research, Debarati Mukhopadhyay took a creative freedom and presented many historical figures, Dr. Kamdambini Ganguly, Tagore and Nawab of Oudh – Wajid Ali Shah to us. Apart from this, there are many subplots running around the core theme, such as women education, widow remarriage, caste-disabled society, child marriage is one of them, basically that was times of Bengal renaissance.

‘That was the age of shruti. Women enjoyed high social standing, they used to study the Vedas, they used to teach. They were not yet considered anyone’s property. A wife was her husband’s partner in every sense, not just his companion in bed as she is now. But those days are gone. The diagnoses of the learned men, Muslim rule and patriarchy in society have gradually pushed women back into their homes and turned them into puppets. It is the age of the Manusamhita. The woman will be subservient to her father in childhood, to her husband after marriage, and to her son when she is a widow. She will never have an independent life. How can you speak of your own daughters remaining unmarried in such circumstances?’

What is the role of Brahma Samaaj movement? How did Bhubonmoni’s life turn out, once she joins the movement?
Why did Wajid Ali Shah created a mini-Lucknow in Calcutta?

The life story of Kadombini is so inspiring that adds the value to the story. I quite liked the determinate character of Bhubonmoni’s sister-in-law, who she seeks her as a mother. 

With crisp, and clear writing, this book feels like an exhilarating journey. And the translation of Arunava Sinha uplifts the reading experience. Chronicals of the Lost Daughters is a heart-wrenching historical saga. Regardless, interlinked stories, interlaced characters, this book is such a page-turner. Recommended!

 

Synopsis:

When unspeakable tragedy befalls Bhubonmoni, a young widow, she must leave her village along with her brother, Krishnoshundor, and his family. Ensnared by the wily entrepreneur Nobokishore Dutta, they end up in an overcrowded depot near a port, soon to be packed into a ship sailing to Surinam, where they will be sold as sugarcane plantation slaves. But Fate has other plans. Bhubonmoni finds herself being led away from the port and her family to be stowed away in a secret location in Calcutta. Not too far away, a young rebel Shourendro is swept up by the ideas of the Brahmo Samaj. Meanwhile in Metiabruz, a shy musician Chondronath impresses the exiled Nawab of Lucknow with his art. None of them know it yet, but the stars are aligning despite overwhelming odds for them to meet under curious circumstances…Set against the vibrant background of late nineteenth-century Bengal, Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s beautifully woven novel brings together the glory and the decadence of colonial times. Fast-paced and thrilling, with a lively cast of characters including historical figures such as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr Kadambini Ganguly, Chronicles of the Lost Daughters is an unforgettable saga

 

About The Author

Debarati Mukhopadhyay is one of the most popular authors of contemporary Bengali literature. A young Government officer by profession, she has written more than 20 bestselling novels including Narach, Dakat Raja, Glanirbhabati Bharat, Shikhandi, Ishwar Jakhan Bandi and Aghore Ghimiye Shiva. Her corporate world novel Dasgupta Travels was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Many of her novels, such as Narak Sanket, Ranrkahini, and Shikhandi have been adapted for the silver screen. Debarati is a prolific writer and contributes regularly to Bengal’s prominent literary magazines and journals. As an officer, bestselling author, travel-enthusiast, an amateur violinist and mother to an infant, Debarati is considered a youth icon in Bengal who volunteers her time to guide government-job aspirants. A widely recognized public speaker, Debarati can be often found delivering motivational talks at educational seminars, conferences, and at the halls of Ramakrishna Mission.  

 

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