Pens and Places

In "Varaha's Vengeance," Arun Krishnan masterfully continues the captivating saga initiated in "Nandi's Charge," the first volume of the Battle of Vathapi series. Seamlessly building upon the narrative groundwork laid in its predecessor, Krishnan navigates readers through the turbulent landscape of the Chalukyas and Pallavas era, where the clash of empires dictates the course of history. Krishnan's narrative prowess shines as he intricately weaves together the threads of ancient warfare, enveloping readers in the cacophony of battle and the quieter moments of introspection. His descriptive prose serves as a portal to a bygone era, where notions of honor and duty collide amidst the chaos of the battlefield. A hallmark of "Varaha's Vengeance" lies in its well-rounded characters. Krishnan breathes life into both male and female protagonists, allowing them to undergo profound growth throughout the narrative. Whether it's the valorous exploi...

  This book has to be on everyone’s shelf. As always, Mitch Albom has expanded the level of small moments to detailed meanings of life. I never thought that this book would turn out so soooo emotional. I cried a lot, re-thinking all my deeds at my earlier stages, re-evaluating all my unintentional moves which caused pain to my parents and re-considering all my decisions which might have resulted well, just because of their guidance.  I don’t know what I could have done without my parents - or you can say - my grandparents. They were my guiding light at every step of my well being. I didn’t ever imagine my world without their existence, but now when they are not here, there’s not a single day when I don’t remember them in my thoughts. This book has my whole heart, because it gives a random dream to spend one more day, if I could have.  One of the most compelling aspects of "For One More Day" is Albom's ability to infuse each character with depth and relatability. From Chic...

  Hosseini has something in his mind, that everytime he creates magic with his words. “And the Mountains Echoed” is a splendid collaboration of stories, which shows that every story is made of little efforts and human emotions. This book has been on my shelf for the last 4 years, not because I didn’t want to read it, but because I wanted to read with my proper devotion ( coz I worship Hossein’s work!) And here I am, holding on to the post-read era of crying and overthinking.  If you are suffering from intellectual-thought-processing-syndrome, where you don’t know where to stop traveling in your dreamy sentiments, then this book is for you. It has all the flavors of love, sacrifice, sibling’s attachment, guilt, devotion, back stories of so many little moments, harassments, childhood traumas, childhood nurturement and so much more.  At the heart of the novel is the bond between Abdullah and Pari, siblings torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Their story is a po...

  "Tarkash" by Javed Akhtar is a poetic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional literature. As a reader, I found myself entranced by the sheer brilliance of Akhtar's words, which effortlessly weave together a tapestry of emotions, philosophy, and the human experience. The book, predominantly a collection of ghazals, delves into the intricate realms of life, love, and the myriad emotions that define our existence. Akhtar's verses are not just words; they are an exploration of the soul, resonating with a depth that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. His poetic prowess is evident in every line, each verse a gem that reflects the profound wisdom of a seasoned wordsmith. What sets "Tarkash" apart is its relatability to the common man's journey. Akhtar has a unique way of capturing the essence of everyday struggles, joys, and sorrows. Through his ghazals, he paints a vivid picture of the human condition, making the reader fe...

  J.K.Rowling is that one person for me, who deployed the meaning of magic in my mind. Through the Harry Potter world, she created the galaxy of imagination. And this book is just a perfect blend of all those imaginations and failures. “Very Good Lives” is a short book, based on the commencement address given by the author herself on Harvard graduation ceremony. She had perfectly presented the best advice through her journey. No exaggeration, no solid big and classy vocabs. Nothing! She defined the beauty of failures through imagination, by giving references of her parental expectations, professional journey, personal trauma, fear of poverty, and most importantly about the ability to think beyond the basic human beings.  I would have cried a lot if she had given this speech on my graduation day. By justifying her life, she gave the greatest strength to grow and conquer. Even after merely reading her draft, my eyes couldn’t hold the tears. And definitely the illustration also e...

  It is such an honor to experience the legendary conversation between the people, best of their fields and revealing nostalgic memories related to the evergreen songs of Indian Cinema. This book is all about honest chit-chat on behind the scenes, what happens in the making of lyrics, what are the contributing factors behind picturing the entire scenes and takes, and how everything impacts the age of songs. Gulzar Sahab, the extraordinary man, who is the backbone of Bollywood’s poetry is a delight to read, and here - extra delight to listen. Being a fan of songs, I always admired Gulzar Ji’s lyrics. There’s a conversation where Gulzar Ji was asked to pick his favorite among his songs, and he replied “The choice reflects the experience of the moment. There is no numbering involved..”. I can’t agree more with this. If I am in my philosophical mood, I would prefer to listen “Tujse naaraz nahi zindagi, hairan hun main”. For my jolly mood, I would like to dance on “Chal chaiyaan chaiyaa...

  "Dwapar Katha" by Sudipta Bhawmik, a renowned podcaster, offers a compelling exploration of the Mahabharata, one of India's most revered epics. The book, born from Bhawmik's childhood fascination with an illustrated Mahabharata and his later affinity for the Bengali version by Rajsekhar Basu, promises a unique perspective on the timeless tale. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of the Dwapur Yuga, a period known for the emergence of Lord Krishna, the Mahabharata, and the reign of the Pandavas. The engrossing and captivating storytelling weaves together the tales of Saint Vyasa, the saga of warring cousins, and the intricate reasons that led to the epic Mahabharata. Bhawmik skillfully portrays the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas, unraveling the layers of their emotions, motivations, and desires. The author's vivid descriptions of the battleground, the mind games of the Kauravas, and the fuming angst of the Pandavas bring the epic to life...

  In the debut installment of the Battle of Vathapi trilogy, "Nandi’s Charge," Arun Krishnan masterfully weaves a gripping tale of honor, strategy, and vengeance set against the backdrop of the Seventh-century Battle of Vathapi. Drawing on historical events and rich cultural landscapes, Krishnan's narrative brings to life a captivating drama that unfolds in the heart of ancient Bharat. The story centers around King Narasimhavarman, a young Pallava monarch burdened with the solemn promise to avenge the humiliation suffered by his father and kingdom in the Battle of Pullalur. With the strategic brilliance characteristic of historical fiction, Krishnan introduces readers to three gallant Pallava warriors – Elango, Kannan, and Muthu. Tasked with debilitating the Chalukyas' allies, the Gangas, the Lankans, and the Pandyas, these warriors embark on perilous journeys fraught with enemies and obstacles. Krishnan's meticulous research is evident in the vivid descriptions o...

Chitra Banerjee never fails to show the mysteries of women, behind every male-dominated story. “The Last Queen” is one such diamond from the historical events of ancient India. Author has gracefully and bravely described all the faces of a common girl, rising from ash like Phoenix.  This book is divided into those stories of the last queen of Punja, Rani Jindan, who was a symbol of intelligence, wit, devotion and humor. Through “behind-the-scenes” coverage of evergreen ballads of famous kings, you will get to know the different side of the tale through Jindan’s eyes. This story is a simple life’s journey of Mayi Jindan, from a daughter/sister who was an epitome of innocence and love, to the mother who dedicated her last breath for patriotism. Honestly, I couldn’t put the book down once I started. Everything was surreal, like a real life story in front of my eyes, beyond the grand walls of Sheesh Mahal. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate details of places, events, costumes, food, le...

  Imagine you get a chance to deliver the lecture as if it’s your last day at work, how will you feel?. You will try to make the best of it, right?. But with this book, Randy had lived the moment of reality. He actually delivered his last lecture, accumulating all of his childhood dreams and lessons of life. After a very long time, I cried while reading the emotions. It’s totally a surreal gesture to go on a ride through someone’s else’s eyes. I am not going to give any spoilers but all I can say is if I will be stranded on an island alone, I would prefer to carry this book among all of the materialistic things. There’s everything here you can think of life and its atrocities, powerful optimism, clarity of dreams, hope for future, humor at every phase, and sincerity in each challenge of the world. This book is meant for the young readers as well the oldest generation, who need the best kind of advice.  On the other hand, it might be difficult to put your foot in someone’s shoe...

  Balli Kaur Jaswal's "Now You See Us" delves into the intricate lives of Cora, Angel, and Donita, three Filipina domestic workers in Singapore. The author skillfully navigates the complex tapestry of their experiences, revealing the harsh realities and social injustices these women face. Cora's sorrow over her nephew's death, Angel's turmoil after a breakup, and Donita's resilience despite abusive employment showcase a powerful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Jaswal masterfully weaves a tale that goes beyond a simple murder mystery, tackling broader issues of classism, exploitation, and the maltreatment of migrant workers. The book doesn't shy away from revealing the cruelty these women endure at the hands of their employers, emphasizing the stark imbalance of power and privilege. The vivid portrayal of Singapore's diverse landscapes and societal challenges adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. What stands out is the author's ...