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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Behind Latticed Marble: Inner Worlds of Women by Jyotirmoyee Devi Sen | Translated from Bengali: Apala G. Egan | Niyogi Books

 

Title: Behind Latticed Marble: Inner Worlds of Women
Author: Jyotirmoyee Devi Sen
Translated from Bengali: Apala G. Egan
Publisher: Niyogi Books (2023)
Genre: Literature, Translated Fiction 
Pages: 216, Paperback
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-9391125332
Buy the Book: Amazon 

Jyotirmoyee Devi Sen’s Behind Latticed Marble is a collection of 10 intriguing tales, originally written in Bengali, and translated into English by Apala G. Egan. It offers a glimpse into the life of women behind closed doors – the life of royal harems - in early 20th-century Rajasthan. Set against the backdrop of Rajput grandeur, these narratives resonate with contemporary issues as well.

Through the timeless stories, Sen presents a nuanced perspective on struggles, social expectations, and the nature of human interaction, especially between men and women within this particular setting.

Each story sheds light on the gender and caste norms that restricted their experience. In the first story, ‘Beneath the Aravalli Hills’, a young girl from a village mysteriously vanishes into the city and finds herself in the harem, and at last dies in prison. This is an unsettling tale where the father sells his own daughter.

‘Sell my daughter? Did I not raise her all these years? It costs money to feed and clothe children? Why should His Highness get her for free?’   

In the story, ‘The Child Bride’ we witness the tragic journey of a young widow and an unjust act of her in-laws. ‘Kesar was widowed, shortly afterward, her husband’s brothers and his second wife sent the young woman on a long visit to her stepmother’s home. She would recover from grief better there, they indicated. They also said, ‘Leave your jewellery in our family vault. It will be safe here…’ As a result, Kesar endures a life of utter poverty, she serves along with other impoverished widows at Vrindavan.  

‘The Princess Baby’ delves into the theme of dowry, whereas, ‘The Queen and the Concubine’ explores the challenges faced by women living in the harem, as well as those living in the palaces. These stories reflect on the present society and prompt readers to ponder upon the battles yet to be fought.

Born into a prosperous upper caste family in Jaipur, Jyotirmoyee Devi married at young age and widowed by 25, she returned to her mayaka and embarked on a prolific writing career. Despite not pursuing a formal education, she found solace in her grandfather’s library.  

‘Behind Latticed Marble’ contains 10 translated stories, each of which had previously been published in international journals and gained recognition. Apala G. Egan brilliantly captures the essence of Sen’s work. Seamless prose allows readers to fully immerse in the vibrant world of Rajasthan.  

With its timeless themes, this collection provides a unique insight. An important read.

 

About the Author

JYOTIRMOYEE DEVI SEN was born in 1894, in the kingdom of Jaipur, during the time of the British Raj in India. Her grandfather, who had emigrated there from Bengal, rose to the position of dewan, or prime minister, to the Maharaja of Jaipur. The lives of the queens and concubines in the royal harems made a deep impression on her. She married Kiran Chandra Sen of Guptipara, Bengal, who passed away during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Returning with her children to her parents' home, she wrote under the pen name Jyotirmoyee Devi during her long widowhood. Jyotirmoyee Devi Sen is among the earlier women writers of modern Bengal, when most women were not allowed educational opportunities. She won the prestigious Rabindra Puraskar for Bengali writing and her work is part of the Women's Studies curriculum at Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

 

About Translator

APALA G. EGAN grew up in India and currently lives in the US. She is fluent in Bengali and English and also speaks Hindi. A former community college instructor in the United States, she devotes her time to translating and writing. She has attended the Community of Writers Conference, formerly named 'Community of Writers at Squaw Valley', where she was awarded the Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston Scholarship.

 

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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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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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Salman Rushdie's Victory City | Penguin Random House

 

Title: Victory City
Author: Salman Rushdie
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Hardcover: 350 Pages
ISBN: 978-0670098460
Buy Link: On Amazon
 

‘Fictions could be as powerful as histories, revealing the new people to themselves, allowing them to understand their own natures and the natures of those around them, and making them real.’

In ‘Victory City,’ Salman Rushdie weaves the epic tale of the mythical Bisnaga, where the main protagonist Pampa Kampana - a sorcerer and poet - plays a pivotal role in the birth of the empire. Eventually, the destiny of this realm is shaped by Pampa Kampana along with many characters.

Salman Rushdie has a wide range of narrative forms, while exploring the intricacies of society he wisely integrated references from folklore history to biblical tales. Rushdie’s prose is magical and elegant, at times almost poetic, as he discussed religious conflict, power, and race. 

‘Only when she saw the last slabs of roasted flesh fall away from Radha Kampana’s bones to reveal the naked skull did she understand that her childhood was over and from now on she must conduct herself as an adult and never commit her mother’s last mistake. She would laugh at death and turn her face toward life.’

The story begins with a traumatic atrocity witnessed by Pampa, which strengthens her existence, still, her divine calling doesn’t shield her from the harsh truth of life ¬ every blessing comes with a downside.

“… I am more than one person, and not all those persons are admirable. I am the mother of the city—even though few people believe I am she—but I am away from my own daughters and during this separation I do not feel like their mother at all.’

Rushdie’s way of interlacing vivid descriptions makes you visualize the ancient city, and it maintains momentum despite various subplots – he succeeded in making me believe that it is a translation of an epic poem, Jayaparayam. At heart, it is a meditation on story culture, recollections of community tales, and a sense of being.

‘You are not plants, to come from such vegetal origins! You all have memories, you know your life stories and the stories of those who came before you, your ancestors, who built the city before you were born. Those memories are genuine and were not implanted in your brain by any whispering sorceress.’

Rushdie’s writing was so compelling, I got mesmerized by how he muddled up the margins of reality, dimensions, and imagination. He delves into a saga of the ancient empire and intentionally relates it to partition. That’s the power of storytelling. 

One of the novel’s strengths is the strong and remarkable women characters, including the protagonist, who embraced contemporary beliefs throughout the entire narrative. Besides this, a generous portion of humour, philosophical notions, and an enthralling storyline captivate the reader.

‘Looks like even the magic seeds have one rule for the rulers and another for the ruled,’

‘Victory City’ is a gripping and significant work of art, the only thing that disengaged me a bit, was a few outmoded sentences.  Overall, I adored the book and would recommend it to readers. 

About the Author

Salman Rushdie is the author of fourteen previous novels, including Midnight's Children (for which he won the Booker Prize and the Best of the Booker), The Satanic Verses, and Quichotte (which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize). A former president of PEN American Center, Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for services to literature and was made a Companion of Honour in the Queen's last Birthday Honours list in 2022. 

P.s. Thank you, Vivek Tejuja and Penguin Random House for providing a review copy. 

 

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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Life and Political Realities: Two Novellas by Shahidul Zahir | Translated by V. Ramaswamy, Shahroza Nahrin

 

Title: Life and Political Realities: Two Novellas
Author: Shahidul Zahir
Translated by: V. Ramaswamy, Shahroza Nahrin
Publisher: Harper Perennial India
Genre: Literature, Translated Fiction
Pages: 204

Amazon: Book to Buy

 

Life and Political Reality, is a collection of two gripping tales. These novellas are originally written into Bangla by Shahidul Zahir, and the collective efforts of our translators ¬ V. Ramaswamy & Shahroza Nahrin bring them up to the wide range of readers. Basically, the book unfolds the monstrosity of war and its consequences. It sets into Bangladesh, and covers the brutality of Liberation War of 1971. 

Long paragraphs, fascinating prose style, and pacy narration, can make you feel restless ¬ all in a right manner. There are multitudes of characters, yet the detailing of scenes, is another aspect which intrigued me the most. It is heartbreaking at places and one needs strength to experience the atrocities dealt by masses.

The original title of the first novella is ‘Jibon o Rajnoitik Bastobota’ – Life and Political Reality. It begins with the haunting visuals, how an abandoned sandal leads to the past memories, where resides the barbarity of war, brutalized – victimized kids, social injustice, religious hatred and dark side of politics. The story revolves around the journey of two pivotal characters, Moulana Bodu and Abdul Mojid. Meanwhile, I encountered to ‘Razakars’, the term I was totally unaware about. Basically, Razakars were an auxiliary force of the Pakistan army during the 1971 Bangladesh War. It is an Arabic word which literally means volunteer. On the other hand, in Bangladesh, they take it as a traitor. That’s what my bit of research says. Whereas, the first part was gut-wrenching, the second half of the book felt light-hearted read.  Abu Ibrahim’s Death reminisces the meaning of relocation. It explores many facets of human-psyche.    

If you would like to explore history of Bangladesh and their literature, it can definitely be your pick. Recommended!  

What Blurb Says

 Born in 1953 in Old Dhaka, Shahidul Zahir died young and published only six works in his lifetime — but these are some of the most unique and powerful works of fiction to have come out of the subcontinent. With his own particular blend of surrealism, folklore, oral storytelling traditions, magic realism, a searing understanding of social and political reality, and rare clarity of vision, he forged a truly extraordinary voice.

Life and Political Reality is the work that established his reputation and granted him cult status in Bangladesh. It examines the 1971 war and its aftermath — a treatise on liberation, and the destruction of the idealism and spirit of post-war Bangladesh, told in a single corrosive, stream-of-consciousness paragraph. Abu Ibrahim’s Death is a quieter companion novella, and one that is equally concerned with idealism and compromise, as it studies with deep empathy and nuance the fall of its titular protagonist.

 

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