Truth is stranger than fiction

I was introduced to Edwidge Dantecat's books as a part of my university syllabus.  Everything Inside is a collection of 8 stories about individuals who are dealing with several hardships in their life. It ranges from a woman conned by her ex husband, a girl learning about the illness of a father whom she has never met, a young woman holding on to her dream, 2 lovers uniting after a catastrophe, a man falling to his death and a mother suffering from postpartum depression.  Danticat's style of storytelling is moving and very evocative. In her sobre yet powerful writing style, she creates characters that resonate with the readers. They are complex and each one is carrying a coffin inside them, which explains the premises of the title. The life of Haitian immigrants is showcased here along with  several other themes. She emphasizes on family, friendship, marriage, motherhood and also a serious illness like Alzeimers.  One story that struck a chord with me was Sunrise Sun...

It was the 25 th of August. Not a special day by any means. Neither was it my birthday nor my anniversary. Yet it felt special for some inexplicable reason.  I had stepped out at the break of dawn onto the quiet streets. There was a sort of lingering grey tone to the atmosphere. Perhaps it was the remnants of the smoke and ash that had emanated from the fires that had erupted around the Bay area.    The bad air quality during the weekend had barred me from going out for a run. After a long overdue of the lockdown period, it was tiresome to stay indoors on a weekend. So it felt refreshing to step out again in the open air. Plugging my music, I began my strides and entered into a rhythmic pace. A pace that enabled me to experience mindfulness and savor every breath. The virus was consuming several lives and in the past few weeks, it was shocking to hear news about fellow runners breathing their last.    Just as I turned around the corner, a glow caught my eye...

Book Review Title: Sula Author: Toni Morrison Genre: Fiction  Set in Ohio in a fictional town called Medallion, Sula traces the story of 2 Black women in the community of Bottom, where black people primarily dwell. Nel and Sula hail from the same community but different backgrounds. Despite their differences, they form a strong friendship. Sula leaves town and returns to Medallion after a decade. Her comeback is viewed as an ill omen by the community. The story goes on to describe the course of events, strained relations and confrontations. Simultaneously, there exists a parallel narrative of a character named Shadrack, who returns from World war I and is suffering from PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder).  Sula is spread over a span of generations and written in a chronological order from 1919-1965. The beauty of Toni Morrison's writing lies in its complexity and the layers that she brings to the characters and the plot. The tone is conversational and has a no holds ba...

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, had an opportunity to read the story of his birth and also relive the Amar Chitra Katha days.  This story talks about how Parvathi created a human form from turmeric paste. When she inserted life into it, it turned out to be a boy. Much to Lord Shiva’s indignation, the boy refused to let him enter Parvathi’s chambers. A war erupts and a fierce battle is fought between the heavenly deities and the little boy.  What happens later commemorates the significance of Lord Ganesha and his status in the world today. It’s always delightful to dive into the world of mythology. The pictures and texts display the creativity of the comic that we all love dearly. Not to mention, it brings back fond memories.  Happy Ganesh Chaturthi everyone.  -- 

Book Review Title: Things not made Author: Michael Sellars Genre: Horror Things not Made is an interesting story about how a spiked drink results in an outlandish adventure.  Holly is a bookworm who finds her drink spiked on a night out.  She gets separated from her best friend Melanie and finds herself steering away from reality. Pursued by a strange man with a green hood, she ends up in a  strange world infested with a bed of eels and tentacles. Melanie goes in search of Holly. Will she rescue her friend in time? The narration alters between the points of view of Holly and Melanie.   The writing is exemplary with a good amount of engaging dialogues. The author manages to capture several scents, taste and sights along with several references to classic literature. The Haunting of Hill House and The Turn of the Screw are mentioned several times.  The story delves into the history of their friendship back in high school where Holly had been subject...

The class of 83 chronicles the journey of the 83 batch of the Police training school in Nasik which produced some powerful encounter specialists.  This is set around the time when Mumbai was infested with the deadly underworld gangsters. Senior Police inspector Pradeep Sharma vows to clean up the city from the mafia and bring back law and order.  The book further delves into the world of  high octane shooting encounters, car chases, drug mafia and informants. It also highlights the unforgettable  26/11 episode.  The class of 83 is a gripping narrative of a renowned officer who along with success also faced his downfall and eventually bounced back to glory. It showcases rivalry, jealousy, fair weathered friendships and how success always comes at a price. Themes of power, fear and revenge are touched upon here.  The class of 83 is informative, well researched and gives an insight into the world of crime.  It’s bound to be enjoyed by those who possess a ...

My writing group had given a word prompt and the word was Fall. Being the month of August, this word triggered a memory of an incident that occurred many years ago in August.  The weight of which, I've been carrying for a while. Thought this was a good opportunity to pen it down, considering the fact that writing is cathartic.  It was the year 2003. The heat of Chennai was as unbearable as ever in the month of August. I had returned from my university after a tiring day. My parents were out and I retreated to the cozy corner of my room. I almost fell into slumber when the shrill sound of the telephone woke me up. I answered the extension in my room in a groggy manner. My 13-year-old cousin’s voice sounded frantic.  “Are your parents’ home?” “No,” I replied curtly.  I was about to end the call by telling her to call back later when something she said startled me.  “Grandpa fell down and he’s not opening his eyes.”  Suddenly the world...

  This was around the time when the world was normal. Running events were being held both in cities and on trails.  I had run a half marathon on a particular trail in Fremont, wearing a T shirt with the colors of the Indian Flag. I felt free and alive, feeling the bush of wind on my face. I savored every stride with a breath of fresh air. There was no fear of a dreaded unseen enemy. I fellas free as a horse galloping in the meadows.  Today is the Indian independence day. India had fought the British back then to attain this sense of freedom. And today the world is fighting a deadly virus. I am still waiting for that day when we can actually celebrate the real Independence Day.  A day when the world is declared free from the clutches of Corona. A day when things go back to the old normal. A day when this phase would become just a lesson in the history books going down the future.  That day will embark a new Independence Day, not for one country but for the entire...

Awaiting a good film these days is like waiting for rain during the drought season. It was refreshing to see movies like Dil Bechara and the latest release which was biopic of  Flight Lieutenant Gunjan  Saxena.  The movie is the story of her life from a little girl who harbors dreams of becoming a pilot. It goes on to showcase her trials and tribulations as the first woman in the Indian Air Force. She braves against odds and chauvinistic mindsets to finally attain her place and respect. She was the first woman to commission helicopter services during the Kargil War.  The biopic is fast paced and has a no nonsensical approach to it. One of the USP of the film lies in the father (Pankaj Tripathi) being supportive of his daughter (Jahnvi Kapoor) with regards to her unconventional vocational choice. Something that was a rarity especially in the 90s. This exhibits a beautiful message of being respectful of your children's choices rather than being bogged down by societal ...

Book review  Title: The Magical language of others  Author: E.J. Koh Genre: Memoir/Translation (Korean) This book was prescribed for this month as a part of the summer book club at my University.  The Magical language of others entails the journey of poet E.J. Koh and her relationship with her mother. Koh’s parents return to South Korea after living in California for several years. They leave 15 year old Koh and her older brother behind. Koh finds herself abandoned while her mother sends letters to her expressing her guilt and seeking forgiveness.  This aching and poignant memoir exhibits deep emotions. Through these letters, readers get a glimpse into the lives of Koh’s grandmothers. A certain revelation makes her question her identity.  It touches upon aspects of mental health, eating disorders and suicide.  The author also delves into the political history of South Korea, describing its war with Japan. A particular portion of the book describes Jeju isla...

Enid Blyton! The name just brings a smile to my face along with a wave of nostalgia. I am instantly transported to my childhood days just like how her stories transported me to a magical world of pixies, fairies, brownies and elves.  After I got over my phase of those picture books and Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales, I was introduced to books by Enid Blyton when I turned seven. I still remember my first book that I read. It was titled Mr Pink Whistle's party. I skimmed through the pages and was soon immersed in a world where a nice man comes and sets things right for children. I was hooked.  From there on, I was introduced to the Five Findouter and Dog series. Staring with The mystery of the burnt cottage, the series of 15 books introduced me to 5 smart children, an adorable dog, a pesky policeman, some disguises and chuckles. My favorite being The Mystery of the Missing Man. After which  I feasted on Famous Five and Secret Seven.  Then came the magical world of the Fara...

Book Review Title: The Houseguest & Other Stories Author: Ampora Davilia Genre: Translation (Mexican/Spanish)/Short Stories The Houseguest is a collection of 12 short stories that are set in Mexico. It revolves around characters who are dealing with some terrifying unseen force or a menace.  The stories range from a man who is in charge of his deceased brother's pets, a woman tormented by the house guest, a man obsessed with his old love, a diary of a person to a woman depressed with the outcome with her life. .In her engaging manner, she describes the terror that lurks in rooms and houses. With its fine line between reality and absurdity, readers find themselves wondering if these unseen sources of terror are real or just a figment of imagination of the characters.  This book portrays how fear can hold a person a prisoner and cripple them for life. The psychological angle coupled with slight horror reminds one of Shirley Jackson's writings. The Houseguest border...

It was in the year 2001 when Dil Chahta Hai (DCH) released. I was in my final year of college. A naive 20 year old who lacked the drive and purpose in life. Just like Akash in DCH, I hadn't seriously thought about the future. When my parents posed the same question to me as Akash's parents did in the movie, I quipped something similar saying I hadn't thought about it. Probably in a less cheeky manner than Akash did, nevertheless with the same cluelessness that he had exhibited. I was content being wrapped up in a bubble which comprised of a few friends, driving my own car and attending college.  I recollect watching this movie with some friends back then. This was also a time when Hindi cinema was maturing and catering more to the urban suave audience. The characters were realistic and relatable. Sid especially was the one who caught my fancy back then. With his seriousness and sensitivity, his quiet demeanor visualized the direction that their friendship would take. The 20...

Book review Title: Redhead by the side of the road Author: Anne Tyler Genre: Fiction This one piqued by interest as it was long listed for the Man Booker prize this year. Set in Baltimore, the story revolves around an ordinary man named Micah. Micah prides himself in doing mundane chores. This includes going for a run, cleaning his apartment,  doing odd jobs and spending time with his woman friend. When a boy named Brink lands up at his doorstep and claims Micah to be his father, the latter’s monotonous life is disrupted. Anne Tyler’s ability to create good imagery, her eye for detail, the subtle wry humour in the engaging dialogues, makes it an absorbing read.  It captures the struggles faced by simple characters which easily resonates with the readers. Themes of loneliness and relationships are touched upon here. The story has an interesting mix of a certain breeziness interspersed with some depth. It’s also fascinating to see the title being a metaphor for th...

Book Review Title: Yakshini Author: Neil D' Silva Genre: Horror/ Mythology Yakshini chronicles the story of a 15 year old girl named Meenakshi who is the youngest of the seven daughters of the Patil couple. They lead a peaceful life in a small Maharashtrian village.  Meenakshi often finds solace in the company of the Sal tree in her garden. One fine day, Meenakshi discovers a voice of another person inside her-that of a Yakshini bound by a celestial curse to be trapped inside a human body. Things take a sudden turn when Meenakshi's fast maturity and her exotic beauty coincides with other strange occurrences in the village. It remains to be seen if the Yakshini is her savior or an evil force that is out to destroy mankind.  The writing style is simple yet engaging. It details life in a village, its customs and superstitious beliefs of the rural folk. It's interesting how the topic of mythology blends well with the supernatural element in the plot. The character of Mee...

Title: Sweet Bean Paste Author: Durian Sukegawa Genre: Translation (Japanese) Reading World literature can be an eye opener in many ways. I've been reading Japanese literature lately. Its amazing how certain themes are weaved in these simple yet powerful stories.  . Sweet Bean Paste is the  story of 2 unlikely individuals who form a beautiful bond of friendship under the most unexpected circumstances. Senato has a criminal record and once harboured dreams of becoming a writer. He now runs a  confectionary shop making dorayaki and sweet bean paste. One fine day he is approached by an old woman named Tokue who makes the best sweet bean paste. She also has a disturbed past and has overcome a certain disease. When her secret is revealed, it results in some devastating consequences. The story goes on to showcase the power of friendship and finding meaning in life.  While friendship forms the main premise here, the...