Book Review : What Might Have Been by Lynn Steward

Book- What Might Have Been

Author- Lynn Steward

Genre- Fiction (Romance/Women’s Fiction)



Blurb-

As a fashion buyer at one of New York’s most glamorous departmental stores, Dana McGarry is a tastemaker, her keen instinct for fashion trends and innovative ideas coupled with a razor sharp business sense. But like the elegant and conservative store that employs her, Dana is caught between two eras- between being like and standing her ground, between playing by the riles and being a maverick. Dana is sensitive and beautiful, but what you see is not what you get. Behind the cool and attractive facade, Dana is both driven by her need to control yet impeded by her expectation of perfectionism. As she competes to replace women at the top of their game, she is challenged by jealous colleagues. And when a wealthy love interest wants to open doors and support her ambition, she embraces Coco Chanel’s mantra of “never wanting to weigh more heavily on a man that a bird.” As the women’s movement paves the way, Dana finds a path to the carer she wants at the expense of happiness that was not meant to be.

Steward captures the nuances of 70s life in New York City and provides the perfect backdrop for an independent woman determined to make her mark. What might have been is a story that transcends any period.



Review-

The novel is set in 1970’s and the author has tried her best to bring in the flavour of the old school. The cover of the book is quite enchanting and it gives the feeling of independent behaviour. It is certain after having a good look at the cover of the book that the story will revolve around the "meaningful and challenging" life of a lady.

Penning female protagonist is not hard but it surely is challenging. Because one has to take care that the lady comes out to be serene and not just a subject.

The author has tried her best to talk more about Dana's professional life which made it easy for me to see a person rather than a lover, a wife or a friend in larger sum.

There were some characters like Father Macaulay, Patti, Andrew, etc who allowed me to explore the other sides of Dana. I thought that author has done justice in presenting the different characters and also connecting them with the main protagonist.

Also I loved the detailing done by the author in order to present the likes of Dana and how she explores various artistic aspects. For those who have lost hope after losing some bits of their life in the long run then Dana can be your perfect companion. She can help you to look beyond and fathom a world for yourself, made by your whims and fancies.



Eye-catchers-

• “...a determined woman could accomplish anything if, above all, she didn’t lose the spirit to fight for what she believed.”

• “A life worth living she realized had to be shared with others.”



About the author-

Lynn Steward, a veteran of the New York fashion industry and a buyer on the team that started the women’s department at Brooks Brothers, created the Dana McGarry series, set at a transformational time in 1970s world of fashion and in the lives of multigenerational women. What might have been is the second volume in the series. A Very Good Life, Steward’s debut novel, was published in March 2014.



Connect with the author-

• LynnSteward.com

• Pinterest.com/LynnStewardny

• Facebook.com/LynnStewardnyc

• Twitter- @LynnStewardNY



Buy the book-

• Amazon link- https://www.amazon.com/What-Might-Have-Been-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00U8CR2KG

Book Review : Shamsuddin's Grave by Paromita Goswami

Book- Shamsuddin’s Grave

Author- Paromita Goswami

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Partridge Publishing



Blurb-

Shamsuddin is in the search for a place to call his own. In all these years only two ladies have been behind him in the ups and downs.

Latika is all set to have a fresh start. But there were things which became hard to handle.

What happens when the natural forces make things vulnerable? Will the people be ready to accept the changes? How things will wrap up for the final drop?



Title and Cover-

I loved the cover even though it was teamed up with a plain white background. The idea of using a photograph to depict the idea behind the novel is really creative. I can see a wandering man in the person who is shown in the cover, an umbrella in hand takes things to different level. On the other hand, the title of the book is really intriguing and suspenseful. All in all the first impression is really deep and any curious reader can pick the book for a good look.



Characters-

Oh, well there were so many characters in the novel that I almost fell in love with every person I came across. There was so much difference shown by the author that it became a nice package of varied courses. I saw ladies who were powerful and also those who were gloomy and lonely. Then I saw men who were sentimental and also who were goons. And above all there was this very important part of the book “The Brahmaputra” which had a larger share in shaping things the other way out. Though there were no dialogues by the river but there was this power which made things more lifelike.

From all the major characters I loved Shamsuddin, Latika, Snehlata, Debjyoti. They all were very powerful and serene to inspect.

And from the minor characters I loved Geeta, Latika’s father, Monidi. I found Geeta and Monidi very similar, there circumstances were same, just there way of living was different.



Narration-

The author used third person narration which worked nicely in all terms. But what I felt didn’t work was using the dialogues in the narrative section. It stops the flow. Also I felt that a lot of work could have been done to make behind the scenes part a bit more fluidic, so as to match the other part of the story. There were places where a lot of extra information the author has provided which could have been edited easily.



Review-

Shamsuddin’s Grave is one of a kind book. Right from the start such aura was maintained that sheer attention and a need to complete the book as soon as possible was driven inside. I was really engrossed in the book due to the short and crisp chapters which the author has penned. The short incidents presented in front in quick successions have made things really sorted out and clean in all respect.

I was certain in the start that the book is about a man who is a wanderer. But as I explored the book more I realised the real aim of the book. It’s not just about a man; it’s about the root cause of things which people don’t notice, even though they live in closer proximities.

I loved the complete concept of a NGO which was seen from time to time in the book. It made things more relatable and to the point in understanding the deeper concepts.

Everything was going superbly fine till some chapters. This is so because I was able to read a part of everyone who was in the major lead. But then as the chapters proceeded I found people getting subsided. I thought that the author has started focussing on the issues and not on the story, which is the most important thing that was needed to be look after at.

I was seeing incidents of varied people. It worked nicely, it brought up the whole concept but sadly it was a different part which didn’t gel well with the story. Also I found that some major leads in the book were having a major share of the story somewhere in the middle part of the book.

There were a lot of hopes in my mind after I completed the prior show. But I was disheartened later…

The ending chapters changed that scenario and made the book shine like before. I liked the different imageries with which the author played while explaining the surroundings. I could easily relate to the things and I could feel the rage and agony and what not.

After the track was restored I was enjoying each and other part of the story. I loved the terrifying picture, also I loved the movement in the story, I liked the way things altered for good or for bad, I liked the longing which develops in some characters due to incidents of different order, I loved the things which were wrapping up in the last chapter.

The last chapter to be precise is my favourite in the whole book. I liked the fact that author hasn’t tried to do things to make a showdown just fine. She has gone beyond her limits to think something which suits the picture in the longer run.

Summing up- The book was a great image to bring in front some important aspects which are neglected by almost all the classes, even the suffering ones. Everything came out to be a treat. Only and only if things were made to move one by one in every character's life then maybe the other characters wouldn’t have been left behind in the background. Paromita Goswami stole the show with the closing paragraph. Well done mam…



Eye-catchers-

• “Whatever Allah has assigned for you will always come back to you. Nobody can seize it from you. So have faith in his actions and serve him selflessly.”

• “He had already waited for so long that waiting some time more didn’t make much difference to him.”

• “They say the grass is greener on the other side and we run only to find it pretty same as this side. The day we stop running maybe we could make a difference to our life.”



Turn-on’s-

• A perfect showdown to a well lifted story.

• The atmosphere created throughout.

• The first visit of Latika to Shillong.

• The account of Debjyoti and Latika.

• Loved witnessing the amazing sentiments and feelings.


Turn-off’s-

• Editing errors.

• The brining up of dialogues in the narration part.

• Improper treatment of characters while dividing their share in the chapters.



Recommendation-

Shamsuddin’s grave doesn’t target a particular group of readers. It is more of a standalone novel. Anyone can give it a try. It will be worth your time.


About the author-

Paromita Goswami is an Indian based freelance writer and blogger. She also writes for many travel magazines. She is born in Shillong and spent her growing years in the Northeast before moving to Delhi. “Shamsuddin’s Grave” is her debut novel.


Connect with the author-

• Twitter - @authorparomita


Buy the book-

• Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/1482843943/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1471706695&sr=8-1

Book Review : Never Again by Shreyan Laha

Book- Never again : Tale of a Stranded Legend

Author- Shreyan Laha

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Dream House Publication



Blurb-

The secrets are hidden in the pages of an old diary which is with an old librarian. There are many people who are after that but only a historian gets his hand on it first to decode the hidden things.

Kasper Hartman, a Nazi soldier, narrates his life right from his childhood revealing the best and worst days of his life.

What happens when there are many people involved to claim the old piece? Will things be revealed? Or the story of “The stranded legend” will remain buried?



Title and Cover-

The title contain the main aspect of the book. It is working literarily and otherwise too as well. And as far as the cover is concerned it contains the important things, like a target, a soldier, a city ahead of him. I liked the visuals, loved the elements and most importantly I liked the rough colour scheme.



Characters-

When the story contains the background of a war or a war zone than it is certain to see some very great personalities and it happened in the book “never again” as well. I was surrounded by tough and determined soldiers who were ready to do anything.

From the major leads I loved, Kasper and Aarav. Kasper had all the traits of being in the top charts. He was showing colours of magnificent degree.

And from the minor leads I liked Saira, Siddha Maharaj, Klara and Petra.



Narration-

The narration was smooth and not hasty. I liked the concept of using third person narration while the life of Kasper was decoded. The author was really clear about the presentation of the story and it can easily be seen in the well divided chapters and incidents.



Review-

Never again is not a simple book which you hold in your hand every other day. It is one of a kind historical fiction which unleashes some different aspects of different countries. The book had opened up some really serious issues which remains answerless even in the 21st century. The way the author has mixed genres to bring out the best of both worlds is seriously a great attempt to make.

I liked the idea of the book. I think that it is the background or the base which the author created, which has lifted up the book. How the things connect and move ahead is really noteworthy. The best part of the book was the life of a Nazi solider that was shown very nicely. Witnessing the surrounding they are into, the kind of life they lead produces a really nice impact.

A historian is on the verge to decode the meanings but then that is not all. There are a lot of inner dimensions which are working simultaneously to bring the best in front. I found the approach of author to lift the story in a raw and rustic manner really radiant. It made things more engaging. If the flashback technique with simple narration would have been used then things wouldn’t have reached the present level for sure.

The advancements in the story are not at all predictable and it makes you glued to the book. Only if the author hadn’t used the Italic font the book would have taken less time. Nevertheless, it was the inspiring story of Kasper that made me read it in spite of all the hurdles.

I loved the harshness which his life had. I loved the phases which his story passed from. I loved his childhood, adolescence and adulthood. I loved him when he was at his darker side and I loved him even more when he was fully committed.

What impressed me the most was the ending or I can say the concluding pages. They were very promising and delicate. It shows the transition of a person in a very extravagant manner. The problem in the book arises when the secrets are revealed one after the other. I felt that if the secrets were opened in a more systematic manner or from time to time than it would have created a different effect altogether.

Summing up- The book is a complete treat in all terms. The chapters were divided well and the concept of putting in front one incident at a time worked perfectly. Never again is a very interesting book in all terms.



Eye-catchers-

• “People do not change. The changed self is always within us, unknown to us.”

• “Maturity is the worst barter we have in life.”



Turn-on’s-

• Concept of the book.

• Different shades of characters.

• Mystery of high order.



Recommendation-

A vintage thriller with a love story of different order, well yes the book can be highly recommended to any book lover.



About the author-

Shreyan Laha is a MBA student of XIMB and has completed his graduation from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack and hails from Jamshedpur. He marked his literary debut with a paranormal romance novel ‘The Adventures beyond Existence’ which earned him the Rajiv Gandhi Youth Literary Award in 2014. He has continued his literary voyage with several short stories and his second novel ‘Never Again’.


Buy the book-

• Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9384180696/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471706391&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=never+again+by+shreyan+laha&dpPl=1&dpID=51ED91GDhKL&ref=plSrch

Book Review : In Love with Shah Rukh Khan by Ajitabha Bose

Book- In Love with Shah Rukh Khan

Author- Ajitabha Bose

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Authors’ Ink Publications



Review-

The idea behind the book is something which can catch the attention of any person. I loved the concept. An out of box idea that made the book a wonder project. Though the idea is tremendous, the story is just nice but not extra-ordinary. Stories of this sort have become quite common these days. But what I liked about this story is the showcase of utter determination and the want to do something for the one you love. I was really touched by this ten to fifteen minute story which the author penned.


Connect with the author-

• Twitter- @ajitabhbose


Buy the book-

• Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9385137514/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471705166&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=in+love+with+shah+rukh+khan+by+ajitabha+bose

Book Review : Boltu by Debaprasad Mukherjee

Book- Boltu

Author- Debaprasad Mukherjee

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Petals Publishers

Pages- 240

Price- Rs. 275



Blurb-

Boltu is surrounded by some not so great friends and family. He finds a bit of solace only when he meets Madhab and Poly. With a dangerous plan, Boltu is ready to take a leap in his life. But do things happen the way he thinks?

What happens when Dr. Mohapatra struggles for his life? How he is related to everything?

Mr. Kapoor, a senior Forest official is in a dilemma? Will he be able to come out of what is going on?

Boltu always thought of doing something big. When his quest will end?



Title and Cover-

The title and cover both has the main lead in major proportions. The front cover has a man looking ahead seeing the vast river body. This fact can only be understood after the completion of the book and I love when I discover hidden or important facts which tell things much more than what is decoded from the story. Similarly, the back cover has a man and a woman in close proximity. That too is an important part of the book, and the source of light which is ahead of them says a lot. I simply loved the cover.



Characters-

There were a lot of characters in the book which came in the front according to the different phases which the book contained. The characters were simple and highly apt. I loved the changes which came in them as the chapters progressed.

From the major characters I loved Boltu and after a long time I have loved the main lead. Boltu had everything which a lead needs to have, in order to outcast others.

And from the minor characters I loved Dr. Mohapatra, Madhab, Chirkut, Paltan, Paltan’s mother, Poly’s mother, Poltu, Baramdeo etc. I found the minor characters really helpful and creative. It was because of them that the book could reach different tangent.

I also loved Fotu-Babu because he was an ideal antagonist who took the book to another level.



Narration-

Third person narration worked well. But I was a little misguided in between because I felt the narration was done by Madhab but later I found that it was not the case. The chapters were divided well; different people ruling different situations and making a strong connect to finally reach the much awaited ending.



Review-

Boltu is a great book with a wonderful storyline. I was into the book from the first chapter itself. The author made himself very clear from the beginning and the characters and situations helped him a lot in making a wonderful start.

The first phase of the book is all about mischief of four boys who want to achieve something in their lives. I loved the way the author has showed their intimacy. Thank God it was not the same which we see in the films or other novels. Friendship isn’t the name of sharing same background or likeness it’s much beyond that. And the thin line was shown widely in the book.

First person narration used in the tale from time to time made things more understandable and easy to grasp. Because it gave a wider outlook to see things beyond what the narrator has in mind to offer.

Further, the story moved to Madhab and his college life. I loved the way things were connected but on second thoughts I was able to guess that a bit when the name of Madhab’s new friend was mentioned. I was hoping that what I am thinking mustn’t be implicated but sadly….

I liked the phase when Boltu and Poly were going ahead. What infatuation can turn into is shown well by the author.

The story edged ahead when “The Plan” was executed. I liked the changes in the story. I loved the variety shown in a person. I loved the atmosphere created by the author. But most of all I loved the way the kindness was shown in the further chapters in one form of the other.

A woman was shown at her best in the form of Dr. Mohapatra’s wife. Well, women are really hard to understand.

Then there was this incident about the roommate of Boltu who brought some light humour in the tale, which was going without any crests or troughs till then. A hilarious account can always provide a great break. But apart from being comic, the scene was sarcastic as well.

Finally the big bomb is dropped when Boltu and Poly advances. Well the way they met was a bit melodramatic for me or maybe a bit over the top for a decent story. But what stole the show was the ending. I loved how the concept of Boltu’s wish of doing something great was stretched and was used to create a great ending. Well, the showdown was stupendous.

Summing up- Boltu’s story was crafted in a very precise manner, while keeping in mind all the details that were needed to pen some different realities and lifestyles of characters. Everything came out as a great package and the book turned out to be a superb fictional tale which had all the elements, like friendship, love, want, honesty, sacrifice, lust etc.

Eye-catchers-

• “Our body is like a nuclear plant which can either make bombs or can make energy for the benefit of mankind.”

• “Strange is the world and stranger are women! You never know which chord will stroke the right note in them.”

• “If you don’t remember a problem, it is as heavy as iron; if you understand the same, it is as light as cotton.”



Turn-on’s-

• I loved the characters.

• Then I loved the way how the story ended.

• Perfect chapter length with proper breaks.



Recommendation-

Well Boltu is a genre less story. A fictional tale at its best. But yes to some readers it can sound a little heard but there is no harm in giving it a try. Entertainment guaranteed.



About the author-

Originally from Rourkela, Debaprasad Mukherjee is a doctor by profession. His first book, Pearl Oysters, a collection of short stories was published in 2011. His second book Familiar Faces also a collection of short stories was published in 2014. Boltu is author’s first novel. He is an avid follower of writers like Anton Chekov, RK Narayan, PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie.



Connect with the author-

dpmsmailbox@rediffmail.com



Buy the book-

• Amazon Link-
http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9385440039/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471430868&sr=8-1π=AC_SX118_SY170_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=boltu+by+debaprasad+Mukherjee