The Spy by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is best known for his work 'Alchemist' where he stylistically infuses fable with philosophy to give out a wonderful piece of literature. But it was after reading 'Adultery' that I established my love for his writing. 'The Spy' came in at the right moment. The new found love for 'historical fiction and Paulo Coelho' seemed like the best treat. 

Unfortunately, it was one of those times when you get over excited and the bubble bursts eventually. 'The Spy' is the reason people say 'stick to what you do best'. 

Human Acts by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith

Han Kang stirred the literature world last year with her book 'Vegetarian' which went on to win the Booker prize for fiction. Deborah Smith had translated the book from Korean. While the book is still one of the most sold books, Deborah Smith has gone ahead to translate another book by the same author. 'Human Acts', this time, brings to us the reeking stench of civil war between its pages. 

Someone has said: the country where children are happy is heaven on earth. Korea once upon a time was definitely not one. 

Cover page 

The cover page is one of the most stunning ones I have seen this year. The rib cage onto which the bird is sitting is definitely an eye catch. Ocher gives an illusion of happy whereas the rib cage runs a shiver down the soul. 

'Crown publishing' is slowly climbing up to be one of my most loved publishing houses. See: The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride. 

Characters 

There are multiple characters in the book but there is a constant 'you'. 'You' is a fifteen-year-old boy who wants to participate in the civil war against the government but he is too young for the army. The story begins with the narration from 'You' and slowly moves on to his friend whose body is buried beneath a pile of several others. There is an editor, a prisoner of war, a factory girl and the boy's mother. 

All these characters have their own impacts from war. A boy just wants to be useful whereas his mother is unable to let go of the memories of her son. The prisoner shares his own experience of the war and all that he has lost because of it. 

The characters are impactful. They are hard hitting with her their compose. No erupting volcano but just their compose. 

Content 

It is a book about the 'Gwangju Uprising'. The country at the time was a haven for political unrest where children and young men were out in a battle against their own government. Children as young as 12 years of age were being shot and the bodies were thrown on top of another to form a pile and burnt. 

The massacre turned out to be not only brutish but inhuman. 

'No, none of us fired our guns. 

None of us killed anybody. 

Even when he soldiers stormed up the stairs and emerged toward us out of the darkness, none of our group fired their guns. It was impossible for them to pull the trigger knowing that a person would die if they did so. They were children. We had handed guns to children. Guns they were not capable of firing.' 

A platoon of children incapable of firing was razed to the ground within seconds. 

Han kang having lived in the country has seen the impact and the book translated by Deborah smith portrays a psychological picture which is going to be glued on to the blind spot forever. 

The book begins with a boy trying to look on to a procession. It looks like a regular rainy day but it is hardly so. 'The Boy' is out looking for his friend and his sister when. Having searched at all the places he takes up work at the mortuary. He prepares the bodies for those who come to identify their relatives. The gory descriptions leave you a scar. The boy while working wonders 'for how long does a soul linger near their body after death'. 

'The boy's friend' is death already, stuck beneath a pile of other death bodies. He wants to go looking for his friend. 'When they threw a straw sack over the body of the man at the very top, the tower of bodies was transformed into the corpse of some enormous, fantastical beast, it's dozens of legs splayed put beneath it.' The soul remembers his friends and the days gone by. And then he talks about mere bodies now. As bone chilling as this, this part is probably hit me the hardest. 

There are other chapters which are grotesque too. An editor is slapped by a soldier to reveal the information that she has no idea about. She is trying to forget the slaps in her head whereas on the outside it a regular day for her. A prisoner is recollecting his memories from the war. And a mother is remembering her youngest child, wondering if the early death of her husband was a tragedy or a blessing for him. 

The stories span several decades after the uprising portraying its impact on each individual.

The book in its entirety holds a good claim for the Booker too. It is not a war novel. It is a psychological ghoul which will follow you everywhere. This is a book that will change lives! 

Language 

Surprisingly, unlike other Booker winners, Han Kang writes simple prose. Her language is utterly simple. Her craft lies in sentences where psychology and acute aloofness are intermingled. 

Good points 

I had not read any book on the uprising. It was a different topic to have read about. The cover page is hauntingly beautiful. The characters are exceptional. The content is stunning. The writing style is unlike anything else.  

Bad points 

The book is flawless. 

Overall 

'Human Acts' is by far the most beautiful book I have read this year. 

Whom do I recommend this to 

This book is for those who like good informative literature. Those who like diversity are going to like this book too. 

Quotable quotes 

What happens to the soul? How long does it linger by the side of its former home? 

When a living person looks like a dead person, mightn't the person's soul also be there by its body's side, looking down at its own face? 

"Don't you know how shocked I was when people said they'd seen you here? Good grief, all these corpses; aren't you scared?" 

"The soldiers are the scary ones," you said with a half-smile. "What's frightening about the dead?" 

How long do souls linger by the side of their bodies? 

Do they really flutter away like some kind of bird? Is that what trembles the edges of the candle flame? 

If I could escape the sight of our bodies, that festering flesh now fused into a single mass, like the rotting carcass of many legged monster. If I could sleep, truly sleep, not the flickering haze of wakefulness. 

I was startled to discover an absence inside myself: the absence of fear. I remember feeling that it was alright to die; I felt the blood of a hundred thousand hearts surging together into one enormous artery, fresh and clean… 

We will make you realise how ridiculous it was, the lot of you waving the national flag and singing the national anthem. We will prove to you that you are nothing but filthy stinking bodies. That you are no better than the carcasses of starving animals. 

If life was the summer that had just gone by, if life was a body sullied with sweat and bloody pus, clotted seconds that refused to pass, of life was a mouthful of sour bean sprouts hat only served to intensify the hunger pangs, then perhaps death would be like a clean brushstroke, erasing all such hinges in a single sweep. 

We needed the national anthem for the same reason we needed the minute's silence. To make the corpses we were singing over into something more than a butchered lumps of meat. 

We mustn't let ourselves become victims. 

But I don't have a map for whatever world lies beyond death. 

How could I tell whether your father's loosening grip on life was something I ought to pity, or to envy?

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Margaret Beaufort is an important figure when it comes to the history of Tudors. The weight of reinstalling the Lancaster crown in the king's seat comes into her small shoulders. A woman of a great resolve and sole vision to see her son as the king of England drives her slaying all the others on the way. 

This book by Philippa Gregory explores the queen mother as she might have been. A mix of history and some imagination results in this book. 

Cover page 

The cover page follows the tradition of historical fictions of this sort. On the cover is the picture of Margaret Beaufort herself in her royal attire. The font matching the glitter of the court. It is a stunning cover, easily identifiable on the shelf. It is also a trademark style of Philippa Gregory novels. A collector would know. 

The cover is interesting but there is nothing extraordinary about it. 

Character 

It is a character-centric novel about Margaret Beaufort. Margaret is a woman obsessed with the royal throne. She believes herself to be like Joan of Arc who would lead the realm to light by placing her own son on the throne of England. Margaret Beaufort gives up all the vanity, for she is God's child. 

Throughout the book, she is portrayed as the negative character. She bears a lot of anger and disgust for the white queen and others who do not support her cause. 

The entire persona as described by the author is uni-dimensional. Margaret Beaufort is an uninteresting character to read about in the book. Gregory fails to draw attention to her in the book, epically. 

Content 

The book begins with the marriage of Margaret Beaufort and subsequent birth of Henry VII after multiple sessions of marital rape and insults. Margaret Beaufort has a difficult childbirth. After losing the throne of England to King Edward she somehow knows that it is her son who is destined to sit on the throne of England. 

Throughout the book, Margaret Beaufort is planning and plotting to install her own son on the throne of England. Each of her action displays her ardent obsession, making her the villain of her own story. 

The book consists of repetitive paragraphs. The obsession of Margaret Beaufort is annoying. The plot is close to the history but not entirely. After reading the book on Margaret Beaufort i only wish to read more about her and her part in Henry VII's the accession to the throne. 

Language 

It is a fast paced story. The narration is little annoying at times. The singular dimension of the story told from one side hardly quenches the thirst. Vanity is portrayed well. 

Good points 

It's a fast-paced book, quite close to the history. The cover page is a great composition. 

Bad points 

The characters are uni-dimensional. Certain portions feel repetitive. The narration is dis-interesting. A much better job could have been done with the content. 

Overall 

The book does not quite live up to the hype of the author in the historical fiction genre. I am frankly disappointed with the first book that I read by the author. 

Whom do I recommend this to 

This book is for all those who are interested in the Tudor Dynasty of England.

Quotable Quotes

I have to say I am much less impressed by crucifixion now that I am in childbirth. It is really not possible that anything could hurt more than this.

A parcel, taken from one place to another, handed to one owner to another, unwrapped and bundled up at will is all that I am.

A woman of sense would always only marry for the improvement of her family. Only a lustful fool dreams every night of marriage of love.

My life comes down to this: a court which has forgotten me, a husband who mocks me, a son who has no use for me, and a Gd who has gone silent. 

The Tudor Kings and Queens by Alex Woolf

The Tudor dynasty has been, probably, the most famous of the Monarchs in the history of England. There are a number of books that have been published which feature this dynasty and yet this one caught my attention. I have read widely about King Henry VIII but not so much about the other Tudors. This one seemed like a perfect book to learn about the other kings and queens in chronological order. A short read of just 128 pages, this book covers all the Monarchs in Tudor dynasty in depth.

Cover page 

The cover page consists of the picture of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. There are some illustrations on the border and some catchy calligraphy. The typography is beautiful. It gives good idea of the genre it belongs too. It is a great cover which will compel readers to buy a copy for themselves.

Characters 

This is a non fiction book about the Tudor kings and queens. It covers Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. 

Content 

Henry VII founds the dynasty and conquers England. But he hardly has time to rule over the kingdom. England is left for King Henry VIII. He is probably the most famous of the monarchs. His regime sees some great changes in the foreign policies and religious structures. But the King is most known for his marriage to Anne Boleyn and over throwing of the Catholic Church for the same. 

The book moves on to King Edward VI and Mary I. Both their reigns were rather short. Mary, also known as Bloody Mary did not do much to win over the people even though she was a pure blood Tudor, which earned her the support of the commoners.

Mary left the throne for Elizabeth I, her step sister and daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth reigned over England for over 45 years, eventually with her death ending the Tudor reign over England. The author has done a great job of structuring the chapters and including all the relevant data. The book is heavy on facts but does not make it a boring read. 

Language 

The book is written in simple English making it very easy for anyone who wants to read about the Tudors. Flowery language is kept at bay. The structure of the book makes it even more simpler. It helps in keeping the timeline and understanding the sequence of events better.

Good points 

The book is a short read. It is very concise. Those who want to understand the gist of the Tudor reign are going to love this one. It covers all the Tudor rulers and their reign and keeps it precise. The language is very simple to understand.

Bad points 

The book may seem data heavy at certain places. Some rulers have been given more space in the book than others which might come as a disappointment. But this maybe because of their short rule. Even then.. 

Overall 

Overall, this is an interesting book about the Tudors. It summarizes their reign in short. 

Who do I recommend this to 

I recommend this book to all those who are interested in knowing about the Tudors but want to avoid all the chunky books. Those who like precision in history are going to love this one. 

Quotable quotes

The England Elizabeth inherited was a weak and divided nation, surrounded by enemies. 'She is only a woman, only mistress of half an island,' remarked an admiring Pope Sixtus V, 'and yet she makes herself feared by Spain, by France, by the Empire, by all. She instilled a sense of national pride in her people and became a living symbol of resistance to a foreign threat.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Bees have power over death. They are understood to be the halo of life in the melancholy of darkness. Albert Einstein rightly predicted that the entire human population would disappear in four years should all the bees in the world decide to die or get killed. A set of creatures this small possessing massive amount of power over the existence of life on earth gives some important lessons of life to Lily too. This book which brought the author 'Sue Monk Kidd' into the limelight is the story of Lily during the great civil rights movement in United States. The book went on to win a number of awards and was made into a film. 

It turned out to be a great book to come around to reading 10 books this year that I have always wanted to but kept procrastinating.

Cover page 

I am lucky enough to come across an ancient edition of this book in a used book store in my city. This is the hardback edition published in hardback by 'Review'. The cover page features the beehive and some objects that feature in the story. The entire book is purple in color which is the color of the honey when bees start ducking in elderberries. The cover page is rich with content and significance. A dust jacket like this one makes the books beautiful outside. 

The words inside are large enough to read. This is what is most appealing about the book. Especially when the story is great you do not want to deal with small fonts that make your reading troublesome.

Characters 

Lily is suffering from ever present guilt. She killed her mother accidentally when she was four and now she lives on wishing things turned out different, namely her mother not dying, T-Ray loving her just a little bit more and her classmates inviting her to parties that they attended. Lily's dreams of being a professor or a writer. 

Lily is the central character in the book. She is surprisingly strong and hopeful. There are other characters in the book who have their own uniqueness. Every new character that you meet is written with the freshness of the raindrop.

Content 

Lily lives at her farmhouse with Rosaleen and T-Ray.

T-Ray is her family but he hardly feels like it. In the entire book Lily is chasing the ghost of her mother. She is constantly driven by a guilt. The only thing that she thinks about is the hope of an alternate reality. She wants to live in peace and make something out of her life but before that she has to clarify few things. 

So one fine day when she can no longer be with T-Ray she runs away from the house. The story that follows is the series of events that happen to her on the run and living with three African American sisters who may have know her mother in the past. She feels at home with them, but forgets it's hardly so. T-Ray is searching for her. And them comes the real revelation. It may not help Lily but she now for sure knows what her next step is going to be. 

The story is beautiful. Lily is a brave girl and so are others in the story. The tale of bees is interesting too. There is a revolution happening in the background which adds flavor to the saga. 

Language

The story is narrated by Lily. It is a little childish but still too deep. The perspective is quite interesting. The slow transformation of the characters is notable too. 

Good points

The book cover is beautiful. I own a worn out copy but I plan to gift it to a couple of friends who might like it. I am surely going to try and get this edition. The characters are way too deep and there evolution is well seen during the course of the story. 

Bad points 

I was not fully satisfied with the ending. I was expecting something drastic like a bang! But I guess I was wrong in expecting it altogether. The language itself is very calm and surreal. An end with a bang would be out of place. But still….. 

Overall

Overall, I am elated to have reviewed the first book that I have finished in my TBR shelf. I am happy to have read it this year. 

Who do I recommend it to

This books of for literary fiction readers. Those who love strong characters will find it interesting.

Quotable quotes

Someone who thinks death is the scariest thing doesn't know a thing about life.

Knowing can be a curse on a person's life. I'd traded in a pack of lies for a pack of truth, and I didn't know which one was heavier. Which one took the most strength to carry around? It was a ridiculous question, though, because once you know the truth, you can't ever go back and pick up your suitcase of lies. Heavier or not, the truth is yours now.

It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening.

There is nothing perfect...only life.

Sunset is the saddest light there is.

And when you get down to it, Lily, that is the only purpose grand enough for a human life. Not just to love but to persist in love.

There's nothing like a song about lost love to remind you how everything precious can slip from the hinges where you've hung it so careful.

The Confession of Katherine Howard by Suzannah Dunn

Queen Katherine, the fifth Queen of Henry VIII, has always been a character overlooked often. She has often been described as a teenager girl who was made the Queen to satisfy her uncle's ambitious plans for her family and she was equally naive about it. It gets difficult to comprehend the character as such, with a crown on head and a giggle on face, married to a persona like Henry VIII. Curious to find out more about the Queen, I stumbled upon this book in a book store and decided it will help me get another perspective to the story. It erases the 'child whore' character that Author Emily Purdy had described in her book 'The Tudor Wife', but not much. 

Cover page 

The cover page is not very different from the other books in this genre. Tassels on the side with the queen face and twirly font, this book cover plays by the rules. It makes it easy to spot it on the shelf and classify the genre but also easy enough to forget after reading. 

Characters

The books is written from the point of view of Queen Katherine's friend. Her life with the queen is all she knows. She knows her for what she actually is unlike most people who are blinded by the naivety of the young girl. 

The queen has been described as naive alright but she is also a different kind of naive. 'Sometimes she cutting, unkind, petty; sometimes droll; often intriguing.' 

She has been described as someone everyone loves and strives to meet standards with, where she herself is edgy. She does not grant passage to everyone into her world and that is why her friend feels honored to be with the Queen. 

Content

The book is about the fifth Queen of Henry VIII. It begins from when the queen is about to be sentenced to death due to adultery and treason. The story then goes back to the days at Chesworth house where she resides with Catherine. They become thick friends even though it took long. Cat understood the soon to be queen like no one did. She is afraid when Katherine is chosen to be the next queen. She is found saying - 'Try as I might, I couldn't laugh along with him because I was afraid, all the time, that she'd be uncovered. The King - for all that he was King and should know everything - seemed to be under the misapprehension that Kate was a lady worthy of his devotion. Well, I knew differently. What I knew was that she was just a girl, and moreover, a girl who liked boys.' 

The narration follows the life of the Howard queen till she is beheaded. 

A detailed sequel of events adorn the book. Every name and face has been described too well. The situations have been made realistic through the narration. 

Language

The language here is the tricky part. It keeps switching from medieval English to modern everyday language which is quite disturbing. The words are often repeated. Too flowery sentences lose the plot at some places. The description is quite detailed at few places which could have been skipped for sure. The story is from Cat's perspective, which gives another voice to the queen itself. 

Good points

The characters in the book are detailed to the speck of dust. The content is a great story and not merely a collection of data. Each character is different from the other. The second person perspective is a breath of fresh air.

Bad points

Use of everyday language and repetitive words kill the otherwise beautiful narration. Some details in the book seem unnecessary. It puts off the reader.

Overall 

It is an interesting book on the fifth queen of Henry VIII. It is a different take on her life altogether. Worth a read but may not necessarily quench the thirst to know more about the queen. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for those who are new to the genre. 

Quotable quotes 

How, though, really, it struck me, has she ever been a proper queen? A little over a year running around in some lovely dresses: that's all it had been, her queenship. It hadn't ever been serious, she hadn't ever been in the least like a queen. A private wedding in a tiny chapel. No coronation. She was a Ninteen-year-old girl who'd produced no heirs, promoted no one, inspired no reforms or counter-reforms, and made no alliances.

Clisson and Eugénie by Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte, known for his military conquests, possessed an exceptional skill when it came to writing. A man of 26 who had lived to know nothing but war, his entire life, found refuge. And then, 'during the years 1794 and 1795, the period following Napoleon's ventures into literary and political writing, he was to experience the love affair that would inspire the creation of his most ambitious work, Clisson and Eugénie.' Napoleon wrote this part fiction love story but never went ahead to publish it. Later the fragments were found in different parts of the world. Clisson and Eugénie, here, is translated by Peter Hicks and published by Gallic Books London. The book contains a forward and explanatory notes in the beginning and the end, respectively. These help in understanding the background of the story and the mind of the writer. I would like to thank the publisher for sending me the review copy of this book. 

Cover page 

The kindle copy I received does not have a cover page but for the readers who intend to buy a copy for their own personal library will not be disappointed. The cover page contains the image of Napoleon Bonaparte and some silver tassels on the cover. This seems to be the approach all the publications take for historical novels. 

Since this is not a conventional historical fiction I would have loved to see any other approach to the design of the cover. In spite of this, the cover page is a balanced composition. It is appealing visibly.

Characters 

The book is about Clisson, a general who is fascinated by war. The first sentence itself gives away the dark side of the brilliant general, 'From birth Clisson was strongly attracted to war'. The entire book is about the confusing love of life, and fascination with death. This is the plot of the book here. 

Clisson decides to let go of the melancholy in his heart and give himself up to the woman he finds his soul drawn to. During the course of the story Clisson changes from a man looking for a quite and meaningful life to being a soldier without a purpose again. The gradual development of the character is not only interesting but also intriguing. It will keep you wanting to know what happens to our hero who had decided to give up violence once. 

Content 

The story is about Clisson, a man who wanted to be happy but found glory instead. The story follows the life of Clisson who is a general. His heart is filled with melancholy. He is looking out for the beauty that life is and finds himself in love with a girl. What follows is a tragic love story. Napoleon Bonaparte was a brilliant soldier who found solace in reading and writing. Clisson and Eugénie is one of the most well known works of his. 

The translation by the publisher is a apt. The background information helps in understanding the story much better, giving the story a context. 

Language

The writing is to the point, short and deep. Many readers like it this way. There is a lot of historical and cultural significance to the story. It is a simple short story no less brilliant than Shakespearean tragedy, this story is well translated by the publishers. 

Good points

The content is creatively enriched. The characters are distinguished. The language is simple and to the point.

Bad points 

The cover page could have been better. There is a lot of explanation in the beginning about the book and the context which may be helpful to some readers while others may dislike it completely. 

Overall 

The book is a brilliant read for those who enjoy tragedies, more so in historical context. 

Who do I recommend this to

This book is for the romance readers who enjoy historical fiction. Shakespeare fans are going to love this short story by another significant identity in the history. 

Quotable quotes 

Like all men, he desired happiness, but he found only glory. 

'Come the morning, this place will be soaked in blood! But as for you, Eugene, what will you say, what will you do, what will become of you? Rejoice in my death, curse my memory, and live happily.'

Season of the rainbirds by Nadeem Aslam

Nadeem Aslam's debut novel, 'season of the rainbirds' is a narrative set in a small town in Pakistan. Touching upon the lives of the inhabitants and the turn of events due to certain unexpected incidents, this book brings to fore human responses and behavior in the most natural and unpretentious manner. 

Cover

Season of the rainbirds is adorned in a bright & chirpy yellow- green cover, probably depicting the monsoon of the 1980’s of this small town in Pakistan which is where the story is set. With caged birds, which might signify how people, more so women were bound by the societal norms and hypocrisy and the raven bearing the letter also throws light on the plot of the story.

Published the first time on January, 1st, 1993, this book has mostly been published with this cover page. The clever portrayal of the undertone of the novel is worthy of mention.

Characters

The number of characters in the book can be a long list to mention here as the story revolves around the entire town. In order to make it simple for the readers, the writer has enclosed a list of the recurring characters who tie the story together.

Maulana Hafeez, one of the clerics in the town, Azhar –the deputy commissioner, and his Mistress from a different faith, Mujeeb Ali- the landlord, Mr. Kasmi, the retired school teacher and the deceased Judge Anwar hold the plot together and elevate it, making it an interesting read.

Content

Set in a small town in Pakistan in the 1980s, this book has won The Betty Trask Award & The Author’s Club First Novel Award. This story brings to its readers the life of the residents of this town. With the murder of an influential resident and the mysterious reappearance of a sack of undelivered letters after 19 years, the lives of most residents is altered for good. 

With the town already caught off-guard by the murder, the reappearance of the letters sets in motion an undercurrent of insecurity and concern that is heightened by the assassination attempt of the President ruffling up this quiet little town.

Portraying the simple minds of the poorer folk, the conception of religion & societal hierarchy and their lack of questioning these, bringing to fore the need for power and control of the influential, Season of the rainbirds touches upon the raw realities that exist in our society and are relevant even today.

With these events brewing at a more intimate level, a larger conspiracy is hinted at as the President is assassinated and the rigorous investigation of that digs out a lot of buried scandals. 

Language

Simple narrative is adopted and considering the number of characters involved in the novel, this simplicity is an added incentive. A few words from the local language are woven into the script adding an intimate touch to the writing.

The book also comes with a translation of the words used from Urdu and Arabic for the benefit of readers who aren’t well versed with these languages.

Good points

The book touches upon the topics and emotions that one can relate to on a very intimate level. It is interesting to note how the author has very subtly infused the story with social stigmas and notions that make readers retrospect on the same without hurting the religious sentiments of anyone in particular.

It cleverly portrays the simple lives and thoughts process of the people and at the same time, the complex weave of the society and hypocrisy is clearly shown.

Bad points

Going by the brief that raises a sense of intrigue about the turn of events after the discovery of letters is a little underplayed. Building up to an impending climax, the pages turn rather quickly only to reach the end already while one still wonders about the dramatic climax one was hoping for.

It is also a little unsettling to note that the brief hints at the discovery of letters, murder of the Judge and the assassination to be co-related, only to find at the end that the connection is neither clearly explained nor does it leave the reader with a sense of mystery. It almost comes off as just being contemporary and fragmented events documented together.

Overall

As a debut novel, Season of the rainbirds is commendable for its subtlety. Touching upon sensitive topics, without coming off as offensive is one of the most significant qualities that books like this often demand and the writer has rightfully obligated without compromising on the essence of the story.

Though set in the 1980s it would be surprising that the distribution of the power, the societal taboos that existed then are relatable event toady, as they still linger in our society.

Quotable Quotes

The deeds of others are not our concern. We must dedicate our lives to the pursuit of moral & religious excellence.

He turned to Alice & said, ‘The woman we had before you used to say on hearing about someone’s death, What is there to a human being? Nothing but illusions.’
“After Father left, mother told her dreams. She seemed to fall through a hole , and continued to fall for such a long time that , above her head, the rim of the hole disappeared … Nothing but darkness, and yet she kept falling..”

Yusuf Rao looked up sharply .His glance conveyed the tension and anger he was feeling as the rope attached to a mighty sail conveys at a touch the power of the distending wind. ‘Typical. The deed’s done and , even though we don’t approve let’s not waste time thinking about it , analyzing it .A girl’s clothes are torn off in the street , so what ? No need to think about how or why it happened . Let’s just talk about it as though it’s the most natural thing in the world . That’s your policy . That’s this whole harami country’s policy.

Some of us don’t have time to think. We’re too busy trying to get through the day with our hides intact. We don’t have time to analyze.

Mary, Queen of Scots by John Hale

After the long awaited death of Mary Tudor or “Bloody Mary” as the subjects knew her, Elizabeth ascended to power. Much to her people’s loathsome attitude towards her, Elizabeth triumphed as a queen who would finally succeed the Tudor dynasty. All other monarchs during her time were forgotten due to her lineage and her rule, full of scandal but one. Mary of Scots, after losing her husband, the king of France, left France to come back and rule over Scotland. And why not. It was her right, by birth. But a long time had passed since she first set foot on the Scottish soil. The subjects seemed to have forgotten her. Here she built her kingdom piece by piece. Surviving all the scandals and her Cousin Queen Elizabeth’s notorious plans, Mary finally rules of Scotland. 

This tale is of Mary, Queen of Scotland. She is much overshadowed by the cousin, Queen Elizabeth. This book enlivens her again in flesh and blood. A tale which we ought not to forget. Was Mary a woman or a monarch?

Elizabeth said sharply, “Do you rejoice at the prospect of the death of a Queen?”
“She is a Papist and an enemy of England.”
“Papist or not, enemy or not, she is a Queen.”
“But your grace, it is you who wished her destroyed.”
“Cast down, but not dead,” said Elizabeth at once. “Her army destroyed, but her life spared. I do not relish the thought of the death of any Queen. It is too close to our person.”

Cover page

The cover page is an interesting composition. But not very different from other books in the genre. It consists of the queen face and some golden tassels here and there. The title comes at the bottom with the black background. The cover page has been kept simple and classy. The author has not taken any risks of deviating from the norms. Hence, it fails to make a lasting impression. 

Characters

The book, as the title suggests, is about the Queen Mary, of Scotland. It captures her during the most troublesome times of her life. Therefore, at every page flipped, a vulnerable woman rather than a strong Queen, is seen. There was always struggle between her heart and her head, and every time her heart won. It was sad, seeing a Queen of such an honor to be diminished to someone like that. The author chose to show the weaker side of her. There was also nothing kings-like in John’s description of Mary. It might as well be another woman who has been wronged. The characterization feels one-dimensional.

Queen Elizabeth, on the other hand, has been portrayed as a woman who detests the subjects who participate in treason. This quality, she seems to have been inherited from her father. She is also a jealous woman who understands her position in the court. Other than these, there is not much about the queen who is so much talked about.

Lord Darnley, the second husband of the queen, is just described as a drunk fool who would never hesitate to put himself in trouble. There is more to these characters than described in the book.

It is an independent decision of an author to choose to show only one side of the characters, but in this case, it may not go down well with the fans of the genre. There is no point in reading about a royal life when there is no royalty in the characters. 

Content

Mary loses her husband while she is in France. Seeing her position wavering, she decides to come back to Scotland where she is expected to rule. Only to discover that it is not very easy. The kingdom needs to be tamed. Elizabeth, on the other hand, sees her as trouble and conspires to overthrow her demeaning herself in the process. 

The book is the tale on Queen of Scots from the time she ascends to the throne till she dies at the scaffold in the tower of London. It is filled with the conspiracy theories and the murderous epidemic that washes the land during Queen Mary’s rein. 

“If this horse had a name it would go down in history, but as I stole it some hours ago in Edinburgh it will not be remembered.” 

Language

The narration is filled with suspense and pity. It is a fast paced story of descend of the Queen of Scots. The language definitely needs some polishing, but it definitely puts the author in the lineage of authors like Jean Plaidy and Emily Purdy. 

Good points

The book is a fast-paced historical fiction. It speaks of the sequence of events and its results without taking sides. The cover is well composed. A safe approach but appealing. The book tells history without dwelling in unnecessary details. The makes the book a thriller. 

Lady Jean had straightened up and she smiled. Any man worth his salt would have liked to have seen that smile when he woke and turned over. 

Bad points

The characters lack depth. Especially since the characters are royalties, there should be more written about them than it is in the book. 

Overall

The author has a knack for storytelling. This book definitely puts the author on the map. 

Who do I recommend this to

This book is recommended to all the curious readers who are interested in the tales of the royals. Mary of Scots is an interesting personality to be read about. 

Quotable quotes 

Elizabeth standing in the doorway, looked at her ageing lover at the feet of her eternal rival. “Madam”, she said, “If your head matched your heart I would have been the one waiting for death.”

On scaffold she raised her voice triumphantly, “I freely forgive all my enemies and all who have lusted after my blood – for my end is my beginning.”

* I received this book from the publication for review. It has not influenced the review at all.

Eterlimus by Aziz Hamza

Roman empire has astonished me since I read Julius Ceaser. Therefore when I received this book for reviewing I instantly said yes. This is written by an author from Saudi which further aggravated my curiosity.

History immortalizes both the names of the greats and the tyrants without making a distinction between them.

Cover page

Eterlimus is a story of Rome hence the classical architecture is very much expected in the cover-page. But what really attracted me to the book is the color riot. The book cover is splashed with different shades of red (or crimson?) which subtly describes the anger during the time. There are also buildings on fire indicating an uproar or a rebellion. All-in-all I love the cover-page. I would definitely love to have the book in my collection.

Characters

As the Title suggests, the book is about Eterlimus. He is a pimp in the times of the evil King Tarquinius. Tarquinius has preceded the throne with treachery. Eterlimus is a peace loving master of a pleasure house. He is clever and knows how to avoid unfavorable circumstances using his wit. A perfect character to help overthrow the king.

Content

The Roman empire is in the hands of an evil king who has stepped on the throne by killings hundreds. Eterlimus's family was also murdered by King Tarquinius. Flavius saves the little boy Eterlimus and takes him under his own wings. Eterlimus learns better and does not seek revenge. UNTIL, one of the girls in his pleasure house is brutally assaulted in his pleasure house on Sextus's orders.

Eterlimus, drowned in the idea on revenge, forms a plan which will eventually lead to the destruction of the king. But what he does not know is that it will also lead to the rape of Lucretia. Eterlimus's plan throws more people in fire than he had expected to, leading to his own destruction.

The content is filled with suspense. It keeps you on the edge of the table waiting for the story to unfold. The book is very fast paced. It has got the essence of the Roman empire. It is a treat for people who love a face paced historical fiction.

Discourses, which are mostly wrapped in spurious religious and patriotic ideologies that ignite the enthusiasm of the ignorant masses.

Language

The narration is a bit confusing at times. It is more like a play than a story. It may very well remind you of Julius Ceaser. There is also a mix of tenses at a few places.

Good points

I just loved the cover-page. It is a work of art. It indefinitely puts the book on the map. I was happy with the content, more or less. Language gave a feel of the Roman empire, which is what I was going for.

Bad points

Eterlimus’ love story was not very convincing. I did not find it growing. It felt very shallow. I wish the author had a more planned approach for narration.

The virtuous are among the weakest and quickest to sin.

Overall

The book definitely has more positives than it has negatives. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

Who do I recommend this to

I recommend this to people who enjoy history and historical fiction.

Quotable Quotes

when you walk the path of revenge, know that someone will always follow your trail.

If the gods chose Sextus as King of Rome, the worst possible evil will befall it.

Poor Little Rich Slum by Rashmi Bansal, Deepak Gandhi

Poor Little Rich Slum is a book I picked up out of curiosity. I had enough about Dharavi and redevelopment projects. I just wanted to see another perspective to it. I did not learn something new out of the book, but I definitely came across a fine writing. The book is a piece of art with an amazing collection of photos and beautiful presentation.

We wish they would not exist, but we cannot wish them away. Sixty percent of our city is a slum and it all started here, in Dharavi.

Cover page

The cover page is an aerial sketch of the slum with a gray skyline and white sky. The tile is on the top above which is the tagline which says “what we saw in Dharavi and why it matters”. The cover behind is similar. It has the title and a message behind. I am really impressed by the cover page.

Characters

The book is a non-fiction where the authors go around Dharavi meeting different people and understanding the structure head to toe. The book features the stories of different entrepreneurs of Dharavi, people who are helping it develop and few others. The characters are the people whom you may find in your everyday life. The writing is what makes them sound like superman!

Content

The outsider is blind to the drudgery of Dharavi. He chooses to see a colorful, chaotic, creatively inspirational mess. We watch these blind men as they scramble over the elephant of Dharavi. It is an amusing sight and, at the same time, a tragic one.

Above are few sentences that are written by the authors about the situation in Dharavi. They have picked up individual entrepreneur stories from the slum. The book showcases how the inhabitants have made a comfortable life for themselves despite the hardships.

There is also a mention of different NGOs working towards a better life for the people in Dharavi. The book gives a statistical account with a personal take on the lives. It is not always the pitying state. The authors also provide with solutions towards the end.

The content of the book is well put together. This is a massive positive point in the book.

But all’s fair in love, war and business.

Language

The language is very simple since the book is directed to the majority who cares about the cause. The authors also go poetic in a few places, quoting books. It also has a Hindi sentences to bring people in slums closer to the readers. I liked the flow of sentences. Even though they are separated by wide gaps the sentences seem to have a flow.

Good points

The cover page is an art. It gracefully portrays the non-fiction part and does not compromise on the reachability.

The content is well compiled. It has been presented well with the help of photographs and just a good graphic designing. The language is simple and connectable. Simple quotes here and there make the book all the more beautiful.

Bad points

Even though the book is a good read I did not find anything I did not know already. I was expecting more out of this book.

We don't want to move somewhere else.

Overall

The book is a well-researched account of the lives in Dharavi, and the development programs.

Who do I recommend this to

I would recommend this book to someone who wants to understand the situation in Dharavi. It is a good read for someone who likes a well-presented book.

Quotable Quotes

There is a revolution in Dharavi. A revolution of energy and enterprise.

Yahan sab kuch hai—paisa accha hai, log acche hain, par aasmaan nahi hai, jaan hai, jahan nahi hai.

Now, here’s the ‘sample flat’. Each house measures 300 sq ft. This is the living room—velvet sofa, flat-screen TV and modern art on the wall. Come, see the modular kitchen, isn’t it nice? Here is your bedroom, with a built-in cupboard. Do you like the bedspread? Come, see your study room with computer (LCD monitor). Itna sab kuch 300 sq ft mein? This is a work of science fiction. The fiction of making promises. The science of never keeping them.

In Dharavi, an address is meaningless. Any place is only known by its proximity to another place.

The Tudor Wife by Emily Purdy

Anne Boleyn is a historical character that has astonished me, and I am sure many others. After watching different series and documentaries, I was very much obsessed with the Tudor queens, Anne Boleyn especially. When I came across this book in a recent sale I instantly knew learning about the queens from a lady-in-waiting’s perspective is going to be something else! I started reading this book as soon as I bought it. This is definitely a piece of art that anyone interested in the English royalty must read!

‘Your wife I cannot be; your mistress I will not be.’ Those were her words, cold and to the point, like a dagger in the heart.

Cover page

I absolutely loved the cover-page. It has been well thought over and researched. The cover consists of a queen wearing the periodical attire. Very cleverly the artist has hidden the face of the queen and only the ensemble is visible, since the book is about all the queens and not just one. The book title reads—The Tudor Wife. The typography is well thought of. The cover-page in all does complete justice to the story inside. 

Characters

The book is a compilation of the life of all the Tudor queens married to Henry the eighth, except the last one. The person narrating the tales is Jane Rochford, Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law. All the characters in the queens are parallel to the history and not much change has been done in the name of historical fiction. You will come to love, hate and sympathize with all the queens, such is the writing of Emily Purdy.

There are many other characters that have been brought to live by Emily Purdy.

Content

Vengeance is mine; I shall repay.
–Romans 12:19

The book begins with this verse. This is for Jane Rochford, who dies with the blood of Anne Boleyn and many other in her hand. The book talks about all the queens but last of Henry VIII. Jane is the narrator of the story. Hence all the characters are depicted from her point of view. These are the tales of accession to the throne and the downfall. Each of the queens have been given their due. 

More than half of the book is dedicated to Anne Boleyn, fairly so since she is probably most remembered queen. One chapter is dedicated to Anne of Cleaves. And all that has been said about her is that she was repulsive to the king, so much that he divorced her and adopted her as a sister. Other queens have their fair part in the book, their stories told well.

But things were changing. Though Henry continued to profess his undying love and shower her with gifts, there hung about him brooding air of a man who has grown tired of waiting and is beginning to wonder whether it is really worthwhile…

Language

The narration is filled with guilt, even though Jane talks about vengeance. Jane Rochford definitely feels guilty of the various deaths that are partly on her heads. Therefore in the entire book she is always looking for sympathy and justifying herself. 

The narration is going to get you sympathize and understand each queen and Jane Rochford herself. Where in the entire world she is known as a symbol of jealousy and betrayal, the author will get you to maybe pity her somewhere. 

I absolutely loved the narration. I got to have some beautiful quotes too. So I am happy! 

Good points

The cover-page takes you to the world of royalty right at first glance. This is definitely one of the covers that will compel you to buy the book. 

The characterization is very gripping. Anne Boleyn has been further immortalized by the book. Other queens also get their respective spaces.

The narration is really gripping. You would find yourself wishing that you could read for a living. This one book is going to keep you awake till the midnight. 

Bad points

Where the author got all the characters right, she deviated a lot when she came to Catherine Howard. Catherine has been portrayed throughout as a nymphomaniac child. It sentence itself sounds wrong but yeah. There are also too many details of her encounter which seem to be unbelievable at certain stage.

There are certain passages in the book that feel repeated. The same lines have been said with different words. Which tend to tire you. I mean who liked to listen to the same thing over and over again! 

‘Calais,’ she continued, as if she had not heard. ‘Once a woman surrenders herself to a man, even though that is what he wants to do, he instantly loses all respect for her. Some men are just better at hiding the truth than others, and some do not even bother to try.’

Overall

Overall, I loved the book enough to read few other by the same author. I am now interested in knowing what happens to the Tudor offspring and how Elizabeth succeeds to the throne. Emily Purdy has definitely got me curious. 

Who do I recommend this to

I would recommend this book to everyone interested in the English royalty. Anne Boleyn fans, this is definitely something to watch out for. Someone who loves good narration, this is the book!

Quotable Quotes:

‘Perhaps you look for dead men’s shoes?’ Anne batted her lashes coyly. ‘If any misfortune befell His Majesty you would look to have me!’

Guard your heart, Elizabeth, guard it as if it were your greatest treasures; keep it under lock and key, and be wary of who you let near it, lest you be betrayed. Let no man be your master; be mistress of your own fate instead. Never surrender!’

‘Weep not for us, but for the absence of justice from England!’ Weston advised the crowd as they were led back to their cell in the Beauchamp Tower.

‘No, Jane, you have courage, for you have far greater need of it than I do! You have to go on living, while I have only to die. And someday, Jane, you too will die, and then you will have to answer to God for what you have done. He—in this case, she—who sows the whirlwind must expect to reap the storm. Good-bye Jane.’

A swift slash of silver steel ended Anne’s life. So died the only woman who had ever made a fool of Henry Tudor, challenged and denied him.

In death, poetry, and legend they had all found immortality. And I would be remembered alongside them, my name a byword for jealousy, treachery, betrayal, and lies. I found my immortality in infamy; I has unjustly become one of the villains in Anne Boleyn’s tale, my true innocence blotted out and obscured by bloodstains.

Thanks to Thomas Cromwell, I would always be remembered as “The Red Widow”, with my husband’s blood forever on my hands; whenever people heard my name they would instantly think of lies, jealousy of embittered wives, and treachery.
Yes I had a lot to thank Cromwell for—that is what I thought of as I stood beside the scaffold and watched him die.

‘There is no such thing as love, Jane; it’s just the dream we all aspire to, and the stuff of songs and stories that fuel our hopes and longings. Aye, there is passion, but passion is not love, Jane, though we like to delude ourselves into thinking it is. But it dies quick; it is a flame that flares high, blazes bright, and soon dies, and all we are left with are the cold ashes of memory.’

Even though tomorrow I must die, and Cranmer urges me to clear my conscience so that I mat die shriven of all my sins, of that I will never repent! Vengeance was mine and I did repay!