Book Review : Rukhsat- The Departure by Sujit Banerjee

Book- Rukhsat- The Departure

Author- Sujit Banerjee

Editor- Cora Bhatia

Genre- Fiction (Short-Stories)

Publisher- Frog Books, Leadstart Publishing

Blurb-

26 short stories, each imparting something valuable. What can be someone’s darkest secret or wish? Who have hurt you the most? Whose movement in/out of your life made things harder?

Such daily life concepts, with some very different turns constitute this collection.

Title-

It happened for the first time that I judged the title after the cover. So whatever I feel about the aptness of the name is due to what I feel about the cover.

Cover-

Beautiful cover and very meaningful. Well, the fallen leaves depict everything which the blurb says. People coming and going, but life never stops moving. I was spell-bound totally. The effect of sketching and the black-white contrast worked well for me.

Note (For title and cover)- Now, how it is related to all the stories or the concept? I read the blurb of the book and then realized what the name is all about. Frankly speaking I couldn’t connect with it in the first encounter.

Characters-

That’s what the book is all about. There are 26 different characters, each having so much to say and do in life. They are in between chaos of different kind.

 

Reviews-

Very rarely it happens that you come across a book which has elements of all kind. And expecting that from a collection of short stories is a hard task. I took this book because I love short stories. Coming on the book, the concept is unique and so are the stories. I was about to handle every story personally but then I realized that darkness is a common factor in all of them.

When there is likeness, there is a chance of boredom but thanks to the author, I remained away from that zone. I loved the darkness which came in front with every story. The source of despair and dismay was different every time. Every story had something unusual to gift. Every story increased my assertiveness, it had that power. Every story has something beyond the usual norms to share with its reader.

A very intelligent approach is used. The story is told to you and not explained. You have your wild imaginations with you to deal with them. But that happens only in well constructive stories. Stories which were regular were easy to grasp indeed.

Stories like “Gustav” and “Eklavyya” were normal but affective. They can tell you the normal mistakes people tend to do. But time which is moved, never returns. Such small messages make the book handy and boastful.

I loved the story “Hemakshi”. It was a very searing story of continuous loss. What a woman desires and how her loss moves her to unimaginable levels. The story was a treat. This line in the story is worth remembering...

“The sky was an iridescent orange. All around otherwise was pitch dark, but not darker than her inside.”

I also liked the twists of story “Indu”.

Many stories had unrealistic and unexpected turns. It enhanced the story unmistakably. Many stories were intelligent, regular reading, with half attention can’t decode the real meaning for you. Some stories gave you grief in the start and smiles at the end. No story was below any other. They were all on the same ground, complimenting each other and also this book.

Turn-on’s-

The main turn on is the idea behind this book. It was unique and it flabbergasted me. Who can think that 26 letters can create such magic not just in penning the sentences but also in framing an idea for these stories? Well thought.

I really loved the fact that there was barren land everywhere on the cover. It clicked me (I don’t know if that was intentional or not). It seemed close to the story in one way or the other.

 

Recommendation-

Short story readers can pick this book without any hesitation. It has all the elements to entertain you, if you are ready to read it with proper care.

About the author-

Born to Bengali parents in Lucknow, Sujit grew up in Patna, where he finished his post-graduation in Psychology, from Patna University and ended up becoming a tour operator instead of a Psychologist. His work took him all over the globe and introduced him to the worlds of Mayans and Aztecs. He started getting interested in Shamanic ways, in healing and joined Pranic healing courses to become a certified healer. Today, he both heals as well as reads Tarot cards. He continues to work in tourism and lives in Delhi. This is his first work of fiction.

Connect with the author-

· Twitter handle- @sujitrukhsat

Book Review : A Thousand Unspoken Words by Paulami DuttaGupta

Book- A Thousand Unspoken Words

Author- Paulami DuttaGupta

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Readomania

Blurb-

Musafir, the idealist writer is finding hard to move in life. Tilottama is an ardent follower of his work. But till when can idealism win in this not so friendly environment of haters?

Tilottama and Musafir move ahead in life. But till when they can face the differences of opinion?

Till when can things go right for them?

How will they move ahead without harming things much?

Title-

The title is stupendously well. I kept on thinking for a while and then it clicked just like that when I was on the last few pages. It made a lot more sense than earlier. And I fell in love with the book once again after it ended in such a pleasurable way.

Cover-

The cover has different elements. But the main focus goes on the face of the man and I see Musafir in him. The relentless facial expression makes me think all that he went through, all the duality in his life and his immobile thinking which isolates with the moving story.

Characters-

There were no external links in the book. The characters are same throughout. The supporting characters are very helpful in constructing this bridge. The main characters take all the limelight. They have so much to show, so much to tell. The people have a lot moving in their lives. They themselves seem infected due to all that is happening. There are constant changes in people but Tilottama was a constant character, doing what she like and loving what she longed for.

If I had to pick some characters for their awesomeness then they will be- Tilottama, Musafir and Mimi. Mimi played a very important role being a supporting character; she helped the main leads to cross the line at various places.

Narration-

The author’s narration shows expertise. There was no such place where she left some crease in my mind. It felt she filled the canvass with pure sincerity. The chapters were properly maintained and framed. There were proper breaks and perfect pick-up. I didn’t have to think twice or turn the page to know where the story is headed. My reading found a perfect balance with every new chapter.

Reviews-

The story is about Musafir and his continuously changing life. It starts with a very long and properly penned Prologue. It gave me a spontaneous insight. Judging the characters was very easy in the start. A very harsh scenario is in front. You feel sympathetic, curious and adventurous at the same time. Splendid writing results in the formation of such trio.

Well, I was not able to adopt the changes at first. I was angry as the things moved. Yes, I was that much into the book. Thank you author. But then things changed. I understood why things were moving that way. Why the source was exciting the hues of unwanted parameters? My all Why’s were resting in peace, as soon as a good amount of chapters were done.

The prologue and the initial chapters were mind-blowing. There were new things, situations and characters, treating you well. But what the middle part had for the readers? Just realizations, plain, but effective. To be frank there was not much of story in between. There were just some connected things which took the book ahead.

Also, there was a time when some chapters came, where in a hidden corner was a hope, a hope for a light of newness. Some turns had the same contents which made the story predictable. And at times the required doors didn’t open which loosened the strand. Thus sadly the middle was not that helping.

Thank God the ending had some difference in its womb. No matter how much the story is dragged, a climax can’t be mundane. A thousand unspoken words had an end which can be remembered for days or even months. It had so much to offer you, like love, depression, desire, self-control, losing control and last but not the least the never ending hope of finding the true meaning of oneself, for oneself.

The book had a deep discovery of human mind-set, notions and preaching. It had turns which were not usual yet relatable. It had verses of flexibility with stiffness. Every turn had a perfect blend, every character had a lot to express and every situation had radiance of its own kind.

Eye-catchers-

· “Change must come or it shall lead to arrogance.”

· “Popularity had given him what ideology couldn’t.”

· “Pain is a very inspiring thing.”

· “...idealism wouldn’t fill my stomach or buy me wine. My pen will.”

· “...for you alone know where I reside.”

· “Silences don’t feel empty, they are companionable.”

Turn-on’s-

The confined situations, the work of Musafir, the idealistic approach, a strong woman and definitely the last two letters need a special mention. My heartbeat rose with all the nightmares that arrived in the story and it sank as the end was approaching without something substantial but things were sorted quite well.

Turn-off’s-

Nothing noteworthy the book has which can be written in this section. Apart from the middle part which was monotonous, as compared to the start and end.

Recommendation-

If you haven’t read a book lately which have a reversible impact of things, or you need something more than a story in a novel then this book can be in your 2016 reading list.

About the author-

Paulami DuttaGupta is a novelist and screen writer. She shuttles between Kolkata and Shillong. She has worked as a radio artist, copy writer, journalist and a television analyst at various stages of her life, having been associated with AIR Shillong, The Times of India—Guwahati Shillong Plus, ETV Bangla, The Shillong Times, Akash Bangla and Sony Aath.

As an author, her short stories have appeared in various anthologies and literary magazines. A Thousand Unspoken Words is her fourth book. Paulami also writes on politics, social issues and cinema. Her articles have appeared in Swarajya, The Forthright and NElive.

Paulami is associated with cinema and her first film, Ri- Homeland of Uncertainty received the National Award for the Best Khasi Film. Her second film Onaatah—Of the Earth is at post production stage and will release in 2016. She is currently working on her third screenplay. A short film tentatively titled ‘Patjhar’ is also in the pipeline.

 
Connect with the author-

· Twitter handle- @ShillongGal

Book Review : A dog eat dog-food world by C. Suresh

Book- A Dog Eat Dog-Food World

Author- C. Suresh

Genre- Fiction (Humour/Satire)

Publisher- Fablery Publications

 

Title and Cover-

The title and cover are unique and depicts difference in commonness. It has that gripping factor, which makes one think, what can be there in the book. This novella has the perfect start for attracting preys.

 

Characters-

This comic tale didn’t need many characters. Some books have enough external factors to let it move fashionably enough. But if I was to point then I would surely pick, Jerry and Tyke. They depicted real sense of present time. Spike was good too.

 

Narration-

The narration is smooth and elaborative. No sugar-coating is done; neither there is any hidden content. The writer was very clear about his precise presentation. No exaggeration and no understated phases. A perfect blend. The special notes at the end of the chapters did wonders in showering some extra smiles.

 

Reviews-

The story opens at a really hilarious point. Who thought that a lot of money can be such a pain? From the very start it is clear that it is not that simple blabbering tale with a mountain of social aspect building up in the support. The writer has made it clear that it is a simple tale with some interesting turns.

There is sarcasm in his tone and there is laughter in the small connections. Every chapter is penned with extreme care. And same care can be seen with the names of chapters. They are not those usual phrases which one can find in between, they are the source of extra illumination, if one gets lost in the tale.

Beginning, middle portion and ending had equal hand in making this 95 page long novella worthy. It was a step-by-step approach, linking transmitter and receiver with no noise (hitches) to corrupt the message. It was an intelligent step from the author.

The chapters that blew me off were:

· The Reluctant Rival

· Tell it yourself

· Selling dogs (and cats too)

· Clumsy cats and cheesy cats

These four chapters had vivid characters, describing human nature, rivalry and what not. It was a treat to read the book. I was targeting to complete it sooner but more I read, more I had the urge to re-read it. It was that a beauty.

 

Eye-catchers-

· “The appearance of effort was more important than effort.”

· “Dog may bite but dogs do not back bite.”

· “The only utility of product is fashion.”

 

Turn-on’s-

From being simplistic to highly witty and humorous, this book has the power to hold you up from the beginning. It has that uniqueness which is missing these days.

 

Recommendation-

Have you missed intelligent books in this romance novels scenario? This novella can really be a treat for you.

 

About the author-

C . Suresh reignited his passion for writing with a fairly popular blog www.jambudweepam.blogspot.in. The blog has been rated among the Top 5 humour blogs in India, twice in succession – 2014 and 2015 - by BlogAdda, and has also been listed third among the „Top Humour Blogs by Baggout‟.

He also has a short story published in a collection “Uff Ye Emotions” and has edited and written a novelette in an ebook anthology “Sirens spell danger”.

Book Blitz : I don’t wear sunscreen by Kavipriya Moorthy

Book Blitz

I Don't Wear Sunscrean
by

Kavipriya Moorthy

Blurb

For Laksha, life is a gift wrapped in red ribbon. But that's all shattered when she falls for a misogamist. His ambivalence and vacillation always keeps her at bay, turning her into a neurotic. She gets betrayed by the most credible, loses her job, feels devastated and dejected as incidents crowd upon her corrupting her naiveté.

Enigmas unfold revealing every glitch. Who will clear her blurred skies? What invigorates her career and life? Will she ever forgive her beloved? And how will Laksha survive?

The story also revolves around her rapport with Pallavi, a childhood friend and the relationship she has with her silver-tongued mom. Focusing on how experiences change perception of little things, this contemporary tale gives a better meaning to friendships, relationships, solitude, pain, compassion and success.

More often than not, Life drags you down to the adversities and thrusts outward to shine. It is your grit that truly matters when you reach rock bottom, and left with no choice other than to pick yourself up and leap forward, however arduous it may be!

Grab your copy on 

 

About the Author

Kavipriya Moorthy is based out of Chennai, India. She is an avid reader, writer and blogger who blogs at http://kavipriyamoorthy.wordpress.com She scored an MBA degree and worked in IT organizations before; she just answered her call for passion and started off with polishing her writing skills. She is known for being broad minded and is established as a high morale person with a sweet family and good bunch of friends supporting her writing spirit. I don’t wear sunscreen is her debut in the literary world.

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Book Blitz : With you I dance by Aarti V Raman

Book Blitz

With You I Dance
by

Aarti V Raman

Blurb

Meera Sagar had everything—the perfect job as a principal ballerina (for a prestigious New York ballet company) and a man who loved her as much as she loved him. But tragedy struck on the night
before her biggest performance, forcing her to do the one thing she never wanted to do—come back home. To Mumbai.

Now, a year later, Meera is still trying to pick up the pieces, while fending off marriage proposals from her well-meaning but traditional Gujarati family, and figure life out all over again. By starting a ballet school in Mumbai. But she has two problems. One, she doesn’t know anything about running a business. And two, she can’t dance. Not anymore.

Enter . . .
Abeer Goswami. Hotshot junior partner at a South Bombay law firm and a man nursing a broken heart. When he meets Meera again, the woman who left him, he tries his hardest to be her friend, to help her . . . and not let the past get in the way.

And then . . .
There is the sexy Zoya Sehgal. Meera’s only friend in the city and the woman Abeer is currently seeing. They say triangles have pointy edges, for a reason. Will Meera find a new dream in her ballet school? Can Abeer and Meera find their way back to each other again? And, most important, has Meera danced for the last time?

With you I dance is a warm, funny, at times heart-rending, love story of second chances, true love, and finding yourself when your dearest dream has vanished.

Grab your copy on 

 

About the Author

Aarti V Raman is an established novelist in the romantic thriller genre (White Knight, Kingdom Come) with her third book, a contemporary romance titled “With You I Dance” out soon with Fingerprint Publishing.

29 years old, she graduated from Mumbai University in 2007 with a degree in Mass Media focused on Journalism, which provided her the perfect background for conducting sound research on any project. She then went on to study Creative and Professional Writing at Deakin University in Melbourne for post-graduation in 2008. It was there that she learned to hone her craft and lifelong ambition of writing romances that had strong characters and stronger stories that remained etched in the reader's minds.

While waiting for her big break, Aarti pursued commercial writing and gained a vast amount of knowledge (from fishing tackle to soft toys) that she claims have helped her with molding better stories. Her first novel "White Knight" was published by Leadstart in 2012 and gave her the impetus to continue writing. In 2013, her work was excerpted in the Tamil Edition of Mills and Boon novels. And in 2014, her short story "Post-Coital Cigarette" was chosen to be part of the Rupa Romance Anthology "An Atlas of Love" curated by bestselling author Anuja Chauhan.

Her latest novel "Kingdom Come" (Harlequin MIRA) has enjoyed a brief stay at the bestseller lists in Amazon India. Her work is represented by Red Ink Literary Agency, Delhi. And very recently, she was a speaker and panellist at the Goa Arts and Literary Fest 2014, Vth Edition.

She is currently expanding her skill set to include copy editing, content marketing, and creative writing workshop that help her explore the wonderful world of words in various forms.

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