Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

After I read Murakami for the first time last year, I gained a renewed interest in magical realism. The hint of magic, the strong emphasis on an unseen power and more such  ideas had me enthralled. I went on to hoard some more books by Murakami, and I also went on to buy some books by Gabriel Garcia as he is considered a master in this genre.

After much contemplation, I picked up Chronicle of death foretold by him as it is the shortest and somehow I was already overwhelmed by his aura – hence, I decided to pick something short to start with.

The Curse of Mohenjodaro by Maha Khan Phillips

'There is no God,'he told his shocked family. 'There is no Allah, no Shiva, no Buddha. There are only humans. Humans and more evolved humans. Those of us who are evolved.. Well, we have all the power.' Often he made little sense. And so did the book. There was a constant struggle throughout the story. Historical fiction, thriller and some science fiction, the book intended to be a good mixture of everything but failed epically. It's worse because a book named 'The Curse of Mohenjodaro' does not deserve to be pushed away like this. I was expecting more. Sadly it did not deliver. 

Cover page 

Mohenjodaro is an ancient civilisation which has been mapped. It is not understood much and the lines are often confusing. There is a lot to be found out and a lot to be learnt. 

The cover page depicts just that. The maroon background of the layout portrays the hazy picture. The golden font compliments the background and shaky lettering gives out the mystery. It is an intelligent design. 

Characters 

The story is about two sisters. Nadia is a paranormal writer who is quite famous in the field. She is an independent person, mostly due to the circumstances imposed on her rather than by choice. But if there is someone she cares about more, then it is her sister Layla. 

Layla is studying archeology. She is just the opposite of Nadia. She loves company and life has given her more chances. Layla is chasing her dream to be an archaeologist unlike Nadia who is doing what she is best at. 

There is not much said about the characters in the story. Maybe because it is plot driven. But I would have liked to know them personally rather than the outside view that was given in the book. 

Content 

There are two parallel stories in the book. One taking place in the current time and another in 3800 BC. Nadia in 'today' is having some dreams or visions. These visions are trying to reach out to her but she is not able to decipher it until one day her sister goes missing in Mohenjodaro after what could be a radioactive emission. Nadia while tracing her sister down draws the significance of the visions in which she was seeing a woman from an ancient period. 

In 3800 BC, in Meluha, Jaya is chosen as the 'Goddess Blessed'. It is meant to be an position of prime importance but she slowly discovers the ugly truth. She is being used for shellfish motives and the power to read the future is slowly destroying her. 

The stories run parallel with each era taking turns to depict the monstrosity that selfish motives befall on the mankind. 

Unfortunately, the intention of the book was not clear right from the beginning. The supposed historical fiction slowly turned into a thriller ended into a science fiction and philosophy. It was a bit confusing throughout. The story flowed with ease but there was no direction there either. Parts could have been cut short and it wouldn't have made any difference to the story. Only after page 233 is the intention clear. 

Ultimately the book leaves more questions than it gives answers. Such as why was the story in past based in 3800 BC when the Mohenjodaro period is dated at least ten centuries after that, what was the intention? How did bloodstone show visions to some but not others? And several more. 

Language 

The narration did not help the content at all. It was quite dry. There was nothing to look forward to and nothing that created any suspense. 

Good points 

The cover page is a work of art. It definitely piques one's interest in the book. 

Bad points 

Everything else. The characters lacked depth. The content was unconvincing. The narration was dry. 

Overall 

The book is nothing that I expected it to be. I shut the book thinking 'what was the point'! 

Whom do I recommend this to 

I frankly cannot categorize this book. I would recommend everyone to stay away from it. 

I received the book from the publishers for review. The opinions are my own, completely uninfluenced.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Emma Donoghue is considered to be amongst the most influential women authors. Her book, Room, inspired the movie by the same name which went on to win Oscar. The book which is inspired by the real-life cases of kidnapping and captivation; stands out in the book shelf. Especially since the narrator is a five-year-old who believes this is his world. 

Cover page 

I own a kindle copy of the book which is a shot from the movie. Movie-tie in covers are my least favorite types. They are too pictorial and leave no room for imagination. 

Characters 

The book is essentially a story of a boy who has been living in a room since he was born. He now thinks that it is his world, that there is no outside. Jack is good with numbers. He can spell words. He can make word sandwiches too. This is how he whiles away his time in the room.

Jack's mother, who is known as 'ma' throughout the book loves jack as much as any mother loves her child besides their unusual relationship. She tries to keep jack engaged in different activities. Both jack and ma are pillars of support to each other. 

Content 

'Today I'm five. I was four last night going to sleep in wardrobe, but when I wake up in bed in the dark I'm changed to five, abracadabra.' 

It's jack's fifth birthday when 'Ma' decides to tell Jack the real story about the real world and how she got there. It was about seven years before when 'Ma' was kidnapped by Old Nick and put into the room. That is where jack happened. All this is a blow to jack who till now believes that the room is the world and there is nothing outside of the room. It is a painful story of coming in terms with the existence of a new world and the trapping of self in the old, which gets comfortable because of lack of knowledge of the outside.

The story is divided into several parts; presents, undying, dying, after and living. Each part unfolds the story of jack, his mother, and their great escape steadily. The surprise is that the book does not finish at the great escape but reveals how jack copes with the world outside. 

It is a well-structured story told from the point of view of a five-year-old boy. It is difficult to judge a book of this sort which deals with a lot many aspects than just a uni-dimensional story. 

Sadly the story loses interest after the great escape. The life after is just trips to clinic and grandparents. The story loses its pace towards the second half of the book. 

Language 

The story is narrated by a five-year-old boy, therefore there are mispronunciations, misspellings, and general grammatical errors. There is also a stunted understanding of the entire story from the point of view. 

Agreeing to the author's choice of voice, it did not go well with me. The five-year-old was getting annoying by the day. There were other serious happenings in the story which did not come to light due to the narrative style. I would have wanted to know more about the creaks from the bed when Old Nick visited and Jack's elder sister who is not. All this was difficult for a child to comprehend, hence the dislike of narration. 

Good points 

The general subject of the book is quite Interesting. Seldom you get to hear a child's perspective of the story. 

Bad points 

The movie-tie-in cover did not work for me. I would have rather preferred other editions. The story got boring after a while. The narration was single toned which made it monotonous. The book failed to address some grave issues.

Overall 

Overall this book wasn't for me. I will refrain from calling it a bad literature. But it was not what I was expecting from a book of this sort. 

Who do I recommend this to

This book is for those who are interested in different styles of narration. Those who enjoy psychology in their stories are going to love this too.

Quotable quotes 

But when I want something I want it always, like chocolates, I never ate a chocolate too many times. 

Grandma made them a few dinners ago and I just pretended I didn't see them on my plate. Now I'm in the world, I'm never going to eat green beans again. 

There's playgrounds in every town. Lots of the world seems to be a repeat.

The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side by Agatha Christie

On September 15, 1890 the queen of Crime was born. A lot of us have her to thank for, for having made us fall in love with crime fiction. This year also marks 100 years since the introduction of Poirot to the literary world. He is a loved detective in the field of crime fiction. Ms.Marple is another quirky woman who has been a protagonist in a lot of Christie’s work. I for one have a woman crush on Ms.Marple. The Mirror Crack’d from side to side features the very witty and smart lady who solves another crime once again.Here is a book that I am reviewing since it's Agatha's birthday month!

Cover

Published by Harper Collins, the cover is  a grey one with the author’s name written across the top half – in a font that is signature to a lot of books published by Harper. The lower half has a cracked mirror and the title over-layed on it in a bold purple. I don't really have much to say about the cover, as it is not elaborately done (maybe an Author of her stature needs no cover to entice a reader!), however it reflects the title as precisely as can be. It does not give away anything about the plot, but on reading the book you will realize the presence and significance of the phrase time and again.

Characters

Miss Marple is our lead protagonist and is now old ,and confined to her home except the few times she misleads her overseer and takes a walk into the town and the newer development abutting the town. Celebrity Marina Gregg moves into this quaint little town with her director husband Jason Rudd, after buying the house of Mrs. Arthur Bantry. One one of her secret escapades Miss Marple meets Heather Badcock who is a Ambulance helper and helps Miss Marple when she falls down. The same Heather attends the party at her idol Marina’s house and dies after drinking a poisoned daiquiri. These are the most significant characters, other than the investigating officers, the husband of the deceased,  the wagon of support staff of Marina like her manager, chef etc and her adopted estranged children and her own mentally unstable child.

Content

As mentioned in the characters, Marina moves into Gossington hall, which happens to be Miss Marple’s dear friends old abode. Marina holds a charity lunch where more than half the town is welcomed, and a few others are invited for the closed door cocktail event. Among others, is Heather Badcock, who is a fan of the actress and goes on to elaborate to her, how a few years back, she inspite of being sick made it to an event just to see Marina and get her autograph. As the event progresses, Heather drinks a cocktail originally meant for Marina, and dies of poisoning. What follows inshysterical breakdown of the paranoid actress as it looks like an attempt is made on her life.

Each person around her seems to have  a motive to kill her, but due to a mishap, an innocent woman is killed. The police is baffled as they are quite clueless except the fact that Mrs. Arthur insists, that Marina had a horrified expression momentarily after and before which the event went on smoothly until the time of death of Heather. Mrs. Arthur relates to her friend Miss Marple, how Marina looked like Lady Shallot, as though doom has come upon her (and hence the title of the book).

Language

Written in signature Christie style, one will quickly get attuned to the books. The plot at a few times might seem like a little confusing,  but the simple writing helps. There is no life altering line or stanzas, which is quite natural considering that it is a no-nonsense mystery. What really irked me was how the same person is sometimes addressed by their first name, and sometimes by their second name, and as  it is the mystery and the number of people  have you a little muddled –this does not help!

Not to forget, the character portrayal of the fine old Miss Marple is adorable. It is so easy to fall in love with the frail old woman, who is in reality quite badass!!

Good Points

Miss Marple is so lovable. The way her character has been written is such that you will instantly want an accomplice like her. The book completely satisfies a mystery lover as to the very end you have no clue who it is! One keeps guessing, and is almost convinced with their choice of pinning the culprit, but alas – Christie beats you with the most unexpected climax!

Bad Points

I mostly love the covers of all Agatha Christie books, but this just average. Also, as mentioned above, the different ways in which the person is addressed is a tad confusing.

Overall

Another book that makes me fall in love with this legend some more. Do not even bother to pin the murderer, for YOU KNOW NOTHING!

Who do I recommend this to?

Christie fans, and book lovers in general who enjoy this genre will enjoy this book.

Quotable Quotes

Heather Badcock meant no harm. She never did mean harm, but there is no doubt that people like Heather Badcock (and like my old friend Alison Wilde), are capable of doing a lot of harm because they lack - not kindness, they have kindness - but any real consideration for the way their actions may affect other people. She though always of what an action meant to her, never sparing a thought to what it might mean to somebody else.

Why shouldn't I hate her? She did the worst thing to me that anyone can do to anyone else. Let them believe that they're loved and wanted and then show them that it's all a sham.

Incursion (Catalyst Moon #1) by Lauren L. Garcia

Freedom is worth everything. Everything. 

It is a world of fantasy where some rule over the significant others. Some live freely while others in cuffs, all for their inherent characters. Lauren Garcia tells a beautiful tale of the worth of freedom. Her beautiful story is made even more interesting with the presence of mages and sentinels. And of, course other beastly creatures. 

Cover page 

The cover page reflects the genre. Black dominates the cover with lead characters from the story and a crow. Which has a part to play in the story. The cover page is good to look at. I wish the spine and the back cover was paid similar attention. The spine looks dull and the back cover looks incomplete. 

The designers have followed the rules and delivered a good product. The pages and font inside are easy to read. I am glad I was sent a physical copy for my collection! 

Characters 

Mage halcyon is a magician living in the world of ordinary people and hence assumed dangerous. She is kept in watch bound by cuffs which is locked by hematite. But kali is hardly evil. She is a woman with kind heart who wishes good for the ordinary and others too. 

Stonewall is a sworn sentinel appointed among many others to maintain a balance in the world. He has no one he can call his own and that has toughened him up. Stonewall is an epitome of masculinity in the book. He is strong, courageous and respects women. 

There are other characters too in the book. Canderis for example are 'built like Oakes and strong as oxen. These blue eyed warriors are paced about like wild creatures.' 

All the characters are distinct which makes them interesting to read. 

Content 

The book contains parallel scenarios happening in the same realm. These connect with each other in fragments. 

The world is full of magic and ordinary people. Those who possess magic are considered to be dangerous since they have powers yet to be known to normal being. Therefore to maintain a balance in the world they are kept bound in handcuffs which is very closed to being jailed. 

The situation is unacceptable to some of the mages and hence they plan an upheaval. 

Mage halcyon, completely unaware of the upheaval is happy to be sent off to whitewater where she hopes for a cure to her knee.

The story is of the journey of Kali and stonewall. The story is thrilling. The detailing such as the sound of battle etc paints a vivid picture. The slowly developing intimacy in the book is definitely a major highlight of the story. It resurrects your faith in the emotion. The writing keeps you on your toes. The unexpected occurrences wow you. It is 312 pages of shear magic and thrill. 

Language

The language is very simple. The narration is fast paced. The story is a mix of fantasy and regency. 

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. The characters are powerful. Each one possesses different endearing qualities. The content keeps you on your toes. The narration invites you into another world and makes you stay. 

Bad points 

312 pages seem too less. You are left with wanting to know what happens next. But that is what sequels are for, right? 

Overall 

Overall this is a fast over fantasy novel which will keep you on your toes throughout. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for all those who are new to the genre. This is also for those who like quick thrillers.

Quotable quotes 

Nox bring your spirits safely over the river. Tor guide your steps into the next life. The one keep you in all your days. 

How bleak it must be, to live without such a faith that made his own life vibrant. 

"Freedom," he repeated. "It's worth all the danger, Eris. It's worth everything."

August additions to my bookshelf

As fellow Meraki post members say, I go a little crazy when it comes to buying books, but as I always correct them – it is crazy and broke! But buying books is so wonderful, I’d happily be broke. Thanks to The Biblio Box, I now try to buy books around the theme so that my book buying is a little more organised and not too random.

At the start of the month, I stumbled upon some beautiful hard bound classics from Crossword bookstore , made for them by Penguin Publishers. I own a tattered copy of Black Beauty, and was looking for a nicer one as I love the book, and I just seem to have found one. Hence I bought this one and bought The secret Garden, because I have heard wonderful things about the book, and had to have it on my shelf!

Coming to my upgraded box! The theme for August was Crime fiction, and I chose to upgrade it with a bunch of used books by varied authors. The box itself had The Trap by Melanie Raabe, and The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie. Apart from which they had a hoard of crime themed bookmarks, a hand cuff bracelet, a key-chain with a quote from Sherlock and a BIBLIO scarf, which is again inspired by Sherlock Holmes! I got Three act tragedy, Mrs.Mcginty's dead, Problem at Pollensa Bay, Murder is easy- all by Agatha Christie, and Prophecy by Peter James. I picked  Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde from a local bookstore as it was another book that was listed by them and I wanted for myself.

Apart from these, I got some lovely books by Pan Macmillan India.  I got The Muse, The thing about Jellyfish and What lies between us from them. I just love how wonderful these books sound, and I have been very very excited about The Muse and look forward to reading it soon.

Overall, I love how diverse my bookish purchases have been this month, and to make myself feel it wasn't a very expensive affair, as most books are used (but in very good condition), and the hardbacks came at a great price, and I got some to review. The only flip-side is – I DO NOT HAVE SHELF SPACE!

In the clearing by Robert Dugoni

The third one in the Tracy Crosswhite series, In the clearing is a fine offering made by Robert Dugoni. Featuring Seattle Homicide Detective Tracy Crosswhite, the series has kept Dugoni in the Amazon top 10 for more than two years. He is also the author of the legal thriller series featuring David Sloane. In all he has published 10 novels and an expose, The Cyanide Canary.

Cover

Drawing a direct reference to the name, the cover depicts a clearing surrounded by trees. The title stands boldly against the heavy background, which just seems like both the title and the illustration is wrestling for attention.

The cover draws a direct reference to the title which again draws direct reference to the site of the tragedy. However, I have a mixed opinion about the cover, because though the illustration and the lettering are heavy it still manages to hold your attention.

Characters

It is the third book in the Tracy Crosswhite series,  she is a polished homicide detective  and has a penchant for tackling unsolved crimes. Having lost her own sister to murder at a young age, Tracy dedicates her career to bringing justice and closure to the families and friends of victims of crime. She takes on the apparent suicide of a teenage girl, Kimi Kanasket in the 1970’s, which on further probing turns out to be a murder.

The case is originally investigated by Buzz Almond, who’s daughter hands over the case to Tracy on his demise. Buzz plays a significant part in the plot. The dead teenage girl, is the victim around whose death the story revolves.

The other significant characters are another  victim, and  his wife and son – both  being suspects for his murder. Other characters that play a important roles are Kimi’s boyfriend, her family, the four teenage boys who shoot to fame after winning a game in the 1970’s, Tracy’s boyfriend (who apparently has a much larger and significant role in the previous books but it somehow in the background in this one) and Tracy’s team along with a fleet of forensic experts who put the story in perspective.

Content

The book is narrated in two different times- one in the 1970’s where Buzz Almond’s investigation is explained, and the other one set in the time where Tracy is investigating the case. It also involves murders of two completely unconnected victims.

While the case at hand is the murder of a man, who loses his life in his estranged wife’s house. The suspects for this murder are both his wife and his son, and each produce a different story and own to the crime. The case that Tracy is assigned to, is the apparent suicide of a teenage tribal girl. The investigating officer then, is not convinced about the conclusion and continues to probe it, to dig deeper for more clues and while he does so for most of his life in vain, Tracy takes it up and on inspection and help of the modern forensics deduces it to be a murder.

With two murders- one of which has mixed trails, and the other has clues and evidences lost in time, Tracy is faced with a challenge to bring justice to both victims. Especially to the bright teenage girl, who’s death delves deeper than mere murder.

Unlike most books that keep you in the dark about the guilty right to the end, In the clearing gives you an impression that you already know who is responsible, yet it has you reading on for the way they are brought to justice is quite interesting.

Language

The book is written in a very crisp manner. It doesn't beat around the bush, and though the plot takes the reader back and forth in time and shuffles between two different cases, the transition is smooth and uncomplicated.

Good points

It’s a fast paced murder mystery – actually a double murder mystery set in two different times and completely unrelated, and yet united by a strange thoughtful link.

The way the story swings between two different times, and between two different investigations is pleasant and doesn't have you confused even for a moment. The characters hold your attention and the writing elevates an already intriguing plot.

The writing is bold , crisp and to the point, and the lead character- Tracy is portrayed with an air of confidence of a recurring lead that will leave a mark on you, making you want to read the others in the Tracy Crosswhite series ( and I am doing just that! ) .

While a lot of mysteries keep you shooting daggers in the dark, this one makes you believe you got the bulls-eye! You just think you know who the criminals are, and yet you read on to confirm your suspicion only to be surprised. Not to forget the subtle hint at a supernatural presence, its barely there but there nevertheless leaving you a little more inquisitive.

However, the real winner in this book for me is the intense research the Author has put into the geographic study and forensics involved. A fine mystery is  one that doesn't leave loopholes or have flaws in its process, and this book shows how good research elevates a book to new heights! Brownie points to Robert Dugoni for the fantastic in-depth knowledge that he has acquired for this book that is evident in the elaborate forensic advances and geographic details included in the book.

Bad Points

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I feel that the lead character could be defined better. Since it is a series with Tracy as the lead I would like to know her more with every book in the series. Maybe the first book has a better portrayal of her, but I believe that every book on her should teach us a little more about her. Oh, and precise and crisp writing leaves little food for thought, hence no quotable quotes.

The only thing that wasn't very pleasant for me was how one case took the limelight while the other was sidelined. The conclusion to the murder of the man seemed hurried and not well thought of.

Overall

All in all, I completely enjoyed In the Clearing. Starting the book with a blank mind and not many expectations (reading crime by Authors you haven’t read before makes you a little skeptical!), I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I latched on to the book and how quickly I was seeking other books by the same Author.

Who do I recommend this to ?

Bibliophiles who enjoy crime and mysteries are sure to enjoy this one by Robert Dugoni.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

A story which is absolutely simple and minimalistic and yet makes you reflect on the various notions and emotions of an individual.

Accoladed with the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prize for his masterpiece, Ernest Hemingway considered this as his finest work. What started off as an essay for a magazine, culminated into a novel after almost a decade of his career. 

Cover Page

The novel comes in various cover pages. The black background with a tint of blue and the stormy sea waves lashing around gives one an idea of what the storyline could be based on.

The stormy sea, a definite obstacle for a fisherman, is perfectly depicted on the cover page. 

Characters

Here, we have a minimal and strong line of characters. The old man, Santiago, around whom the story revolves, is like any other fisherman in his everyday whereabouts, but his determination and strength is what sets him apart from the rest.

The boy, Manolin, who is taught the art of fishing by the old man, from a very young age, is the one Santiago can lean on if, need be and is also a constant help to the old man out of gratitude and respect.

There is, of course, the huge Marlin, definitely an important character, the one who keeps the old man at the sea for three whole days; giving him a good fight and to whom the old man refers to as his brother, enemy and dear friend. 

Content

The story starts with the description of how the old man hasn’t been lucky with his fishing for eighty-four days in a row. The boy is made to leave the old man’s company for his misfortune but does not miss taking care of him. Hence, Santiago considers the boy, his very good companion. 

On the eighty-fifth day, the boy decides to help the old man by bringing him the sardines. The old man ventures into the sea determined to return with a prize, telling himself that eighty five is a lucky number. After a long day at the sea and a couple of unlucky attempts at his various lines, he has a big, long, marlin, hooked to his line. But this isn’t like any other fish the old man has encountered. Being a strong one, he isn’t easy to get. When the old man realizes this fact, he has a new found respect for his fish. He fights for three long days to get him ashore.

The entire book gives the reader a detailed glimpse of the struggles of Santiago at sea, with references to his age taking a toll on his strength required at that point of time, to how he misses having the boy around to help him, to his conversations with the Marlin and the other elements of nature he is surrounded by – which was his means to survive in the sea (one is never alone at the sea), to how he tackles the giant attacks of the sharks at his prize.

The old man constantly apologizes to his marlin throughout the struggle against the sharks as he feels the marlin put up such a good fight before being caught. All through the struggle, he could not keep his thoughts at bay and they finally did end when his fish was ruined by the sharks. It is the numbness that creeps into him at that point of time, clearing his mind of every thought related to the past three days.

Language

Hemingway’s language is one of a kind. Void of drama and meandering of events, the whole story is described in a simple display of emotions, thoughts, events, and characters involved which is definitely the beauty of this novel.

Good Points

The whole story is just what it means without any kind of interpretations to it. Even though one’s determination is dampened by a change of events, it is hope that makes you face the next day with a renewed force. Hemingway has clearly made a point of the same through this wonderful story. 

Bad Points

I have enjoyed the story ever since I read the first page of the book. So no pointers down for this.

Overall

This novel can definitely turn a non-reader into a bookworm.

Who Do I Recommend This To

Written in a simple language, this one is for those who appreciate a light, to-the-point, non-dramatic read, without expecting a sharp turn of coincidental events.

Quotable Quotes

Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.

"But man is not made for defeat," he said. "A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” 

He always thought of the sea as 'la mar' which is what people call her in Spanish when they love her. Sometimes those who love her say bad things of her but they are always said as though she were a woman. Some of the younger fishermen, those who used buoys as floats for their lines and had motorboats, bought when the shark livers had brought much money, spoke of her as 'el mar' which is masculine. They spoke of her as a contestant or a place or even an enemy. But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favours, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought.

It is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars. It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers.

If the others heard me talking out loud they would think that I am crazy. But since I am not, I do not care.

You did not kill the fish only to keep alive and to sell for food, he thought. You killed him for pride and because you are a fisherman. You loved him when he was alive and you loved him after. If you love him, it is not a sin to kill him. Or is it more?

Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.

He is a great fish and I must convince him, he thought. I must never let him learn his strength nor what he could do if he made his run.

It's silly not to hope. It's a sin he thought.

Fatal Attraction: When love turns to murder by Mike James

A true crime library, Fatal Attraction was first written in the year 1992 by Mike James. It is a compilation of 20 short stories, more so a documentation of 20 gruesome crimes of passion, committed due to love and rage.

Stories touching upon various human emotions like money, love, lust, rage, jealousy etc this book has series of stories written by different writers. This non fiction documentation is a subtle reminder that we are not just diving into another world through the leaves of the book, but going through real life incidents that are very much a part of our society.

 

A softly whispered “I love you” can melt the hardest hearts. They can also prove to be the most dangerous words in the English language. For love and hate are the opposite sides of the same coin; and passion runs eternally along the borderline of madness.

Cover page

With a red and black jacket showcasing a few faces involved in the crimes documented within , the book has been published with two different cover pages.

With the title in bold gold letters sprawling across the cover, the use of red is a clear indication of passion, love and rage that are the driving force for all the stories and the theme is pretty straightforward and apt for a nonfiction documentation of true life events.

Characters

Enclosing 20 different crimes, Fatal Attraction has many characters that are involved in these crimes. However, as the book follows a theme ie; “crimes of passion”, most people involved are spouses, and an additional love interest outside the realm of marriage which often is the reason for the crimes to have been committed. However, this is not the exact same pattern in all the stories, but predominantly so.

Content

These 20 stories are selected based on the theme followed for the book . All the crimes that have been documented are a display of how love, lust, rage, jealousy, money etc lead these people into taking the sinister route.

Most people written about are not habitual criminals, but those people who resorted to crime out of desperation, in a fit of anger, for vengeance or due to sheer jealousy.

The content being a documentation of real events throws light on how humans operate when exposed to unexpected turn of events and how extreme emotions when not handled well can lead to sad and unsettling consequences.

My pick out of the 20 stories would be “The lonely hearts killers of Horsepond Road”, simply due to its disturbing content.

Language

Written by different writers, the language through the book is simple, crisp and is a narrative perspective. Mostly talking in past tense, some writers have opted to keep it simple and explain events as they happened, while some others have opted to go back and forth in their narration swaying between the trail and the events that lead to it.

Good points

Everything about this book screams careful and smart planning. Considering that it is a series of short stories, and real life events at that, the stories listed stick to the theme all along and the mix of stories is done so in a comforting way. Putting it simply, the stories are organised in such a fashion that one very gruesome story is followed by a less terrifying one just to give respite to the reader who might be overwhelmed by the reality of it all.

The language used, the simple way of narration adopted by all writers will barely have you wondering if it’s all written by different people.The uniformity in the content and the style is very pleasant and easy to attune oneself to.

Bad point

Written in a very crisp and orderly manner, there is not much to point out to as it is a documentation of real life events. There is nothing that can be said about the plots or characters that have been written about as they are unaltered facts, presented in a blunt fashion without making a biased conclusion.

Overall

I cannot exactly say I enjoyed the book, simply because unlike other tales that talk about crime that are mere fragments of the author’s imagination, these are real life events and it is unsettling to know that simple, ordinary people who make up a large part of the society we live in are capable of such heinous crimes. Having said that, it does not mean the book is bad, but a rather clean and unbiased presentation which makes it a good read.

Gripping and at the same time unsettling, lovers of this genre will breeze through this book as the crimes are gory enough, presented very straightforwardly and are fast paced without beating around the bush.

Who do I recommend it to?

Bibliophiles who thrive on thrillers and murder mysteries , you are sure to enjoy these. However, the vividly described crimes may not go to well with the faint-hearted.

Quotable quotes

I bless the hour that brings me death
for the hour that thou wert mine!

The higher up one is in the social scale, the more one is responsible, the more vulnerable.

There are people who, although giving every appearance of being normal, are like kegs of a dynamite. They wear ordinary faces, lead commonplace inconspicuous lives. There is no way you can know them for what they truly are, for human nature is not to be melted in a crucible and tested in the laboratory. Yet, in the secret recess of their emotions, a power train has been laid – built up slowly, grain by grain, of stored up hate, goading vengefullness, or consuming jealousy. Then the spark falls and there erupts a shattering explosion of berserk human violence.

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.