'Criti....que not Criti....cize'

 Name of the book: Today’s Pasts: A Memoir Author: Bhisham Sahni Translated from Hindi to English by Snehal Shingavi Publisher: Penguin Group First published in Hindi as Aaj Ke Ateet by Rajkamal Prakashan 2004 Number of pages: 434 pages Price: Rs 499 “Life’s experiences couldn’t be considered irrelevant. These experiences provide perspective, improve perception, and affect a writer’s sensibility. I took courage from such notions.” – Bheesham Sahni Sahni (1915-2003) was a writer -- one of the icons of modern Indian literature -- who transformed the landscape of Hindi literature. From novels, short-stories, essays to plays, he has delivered many substantial works. He was the proud recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 for Tamas , his best-known novel that was subsequently adapted into an award-winning film by Govind Nihalani. Sahni was awarded the Padma Bhushan(1998) and the Shalaka Samman (1999)- the Delhi Government’s highest literary prize...

In The Shadows of Death: A Detective Agni Mitra Thriller by Sourabh Mukherjee My rating: 4 of 5 stars The New Year began and so did the Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2016. So I thought why not read something that I wouldn't normally read. So here I was, holding a copy of In The Shadows of Death: A Detective Agni Mitra Thriller. And then it began, a murder mystery that led to more murders even before the murderer was found! This was the first thriller that I read by an Indian author and he seems to have done a pretty good job. Any tale should be able to deftly tie up the loose threads towards the end but here, Sourabh not only ties all loose ends but also gives the reins of the tale to the reader. But hold on! It is not before he has brought in twists and turns to his satisfaction. A disturbed Officer with his own demons to fight at home is given the task of solving the mystery. In the process of finding the culprit, the professional task gets personal...

Six Stories and An Essay by Andrea Levy My rating: 4 of 5 stars Never before has an abruption felt so perfect, so needful. The best part about this book is her lucid and honest writing that leaves you wanting more and yet leaves you with a strange sense of calm and a sense of revolt at the same time. It is a lethal combination but probably the only sensible thing for us as humans. For how else can one justify the anger of being subjected to racism and yet being happy with 'one's own'? The book provides an interesting, thought-provoking and firsthand account of someone subjected to racism and the trials and tribulations that need to be overcome in order to 'try and fit-in' in a place that one always considered 'home'. Brutally honest and immensely touching, it is a must read for all those who have always thought that racism is not a very draining issue and that it happens to 'others'. It is also an important read for a generatio...

Bookless in Baghdad and Other Writings on Reading by Shashi Tharoor My rating: 4 of 5 stars Only a well-read and well-travelled person could have written this book. As a public figure, there have been quite a lot of criticism about him and his personal as well as political life. But this book has been a refreshing change, offering a glimpse into the working of mind of an intellectual so often judged upon his 'Indian-ness' on the basis of where he resides and what he has to say about certain issues. What an awesome way of answering his so- called 'critics'! His writing is fluid,witty and tongue-in-cheek at many instances. After reading it, it somehow strengthens my belief that books are really an important part of our lives for 'in order to survive, we eat. But why do we live if it is just to eat more and survive? There must be a purpose'. Books do provide a sense and purpose to our existence. Thanks Mr. Tharoor for offering a glimpse...

This article can be read here as well. Mumbai, October 29, 2015: After what seemed more like enthusiasm to meet some great authors than a crowd trying to get past the security personnel’s bulky arm, TATA Literature Live!: The Mumbai LitFest finally kickstarted at the National Centre of the Performing Arts (NCPA). The opening ceremony was graced by Vikram Seth, famed author of ‘A Suitable Boy’, Germaine Greer, the feminist author famous for her works like The Female Eunuch and the more recent White Beech: The Rainforest Years , who has many times kicked up quite a few storms for her libertarian thoughts and provocative writing. Mr. Anil Dharker, Founder and Festival Director, Dr. Mukund Rajan, Brand Custodian, Tata Sons, and Mr. Khushroo Suntook, Chairman, NCPA were some of the other dignitaries present at the inaugural session. Germaine Greer in  conversation with Vikram Seth on 'Can books change the World' at Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2015 ...

Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy My rating: 4 of 5 stars True to the review printed in the book, "This is why you read fiction at all". More than the journey of a girl rediscovering her birthplace, away from her place of rebirth or perceived rebirth ( post her adoption),it is the little things that give life to the very pages of the book- the aroma of the ginger and clove tea, the sage in sunglasses by the sea,the man watering a rootless plant with unfailing dedication, the braids of her hair, the gold earrings, the chatter of the old ladies and their will to live life in spite of the turbulence in their lives, no matter what situation they find themselves in. It is about living life, not by closing every page of the past but by seeking reference from it in order to understand the present well. :) Thank you Anuradha Roy, for breathing life into an otherwise "lesser" mortal. - Divya Nambiar Author of the book: Other books by the Author: , ...

Hold Still Please by Tina Huerta My rating: 3 of 5 stars This is a compilation of poems written by Tina Huerta over time and the aesthetic and subliminal use of pictures make the poems more endearing and sensuous. But considering the Indian sensibilities and set-up, I wonder how many would be comfortable enough to turn over the pages in public. But it does make for a good read. However, I would have appreciated it more if the layout in some poems had been a bit more easy on the eyes. For example, Soul Twin and Ethereal Rein could have done with a better font setting. But nevertheless, the poems makes up for their placements! The poems do touch a romantic chord somewhere. Certain emotions expressed through certain words may not be comprehended as per the author's wish but isn't that the beauty of a poem, after all? To be left to be interpreted as per the reader's understanding, rather than pressing to find out what 'exactly' the poet meant when she w...