Book Review: Lore of the Land – Storytelling traditions of India by Nalini Ramachandran

Introduction

Source: Amazon.in

ISBN: 978-0143429234

Genre: Non-Fiction/ Children's /Young Adult

Publishers: Penguin Random House India

Price: Rs. 599/- ( I got the book for review from the publisher)

Behind the Book

Into the land of stories . . .

Moody Mohini belongs to a legendary family of storytellers. Telling tall tales is supposed to be in her genes. Except, she doesn't think so-even though her family (as well as just about everyone in Mithika) expects her to be the torchbearer of this rather marvellous tradition.

One day, cracking under the pressure of a plotline, Mohini runs far away from home . . . only to be held hostage by a spunky spirit, who traps her in a strange spell and whisks her off on a whirlwind tour of the country and its many storytelling traditions. And how else can Mohini break the charm-you guessed it-but by telling a story herself!

Join Mohini as she receives a unique education about the untold ways in which the people of India weave tales-using everything from stick figures and cave paintings to shadow puppets and flamboyant dance dramas-all the while discovering the profound powers of that special skill-storytelling.

About the Author

Nalini Ramachandran spends much of her time oscillating between the worlds of serious fiction and fantastic non-fiction. She is the author of the graphic novel-biography A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: One Man, Many Missions.

It is said, “You are never too old for fairytales.” And that is exactly what this book reiterated to me. Growing up listening to folk tales, my childhood was a fairy tale for me in many ways. Reading this book was a like a walk down the memory lane.

Nalini Ramachandran’s writing was a combination of a travelogue cum essays and pieces on culture and tradition of India mixed with the beautiful art of storytelling. The lovely illustrations by Abhishek Choudhury make it all come alive in this enthralling read. I just loved the way the whole book has been illustrated starting from the cute cover, intricately designed interior layout and the titling of every chapter. It is a unique.

Okay, time for a serious confession here. There were many things which I myself didn’t know before reading this book, despite being born and brought up in India. That is the beauty of books. They have the magical ability to reveal secrets where you were never aware of, about a world in which you exist.

I was captivated by this mesmerizing journey of Mohini and was all along with her till the very end. I laughed, was surprised and enjoyed each and every moment. It was all so colourful, vibrant and full of life. It made me feel blessed that I am born in such a country that has such rich cultural heritage. What an inimitable way to tell us about different forms of storytelling across India.

Strongly recommended!

Foodie Verdict

This book is like chocolate fondue cake - full of surprises and leaves you with a yummilicious feeling.

Source: goodtoknow

Movie Review: If by Tathagata Ghosh – A Tender Portrait of Love, Loss, and Possibility

If , a 26-minute short film by acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Tathagata Ghosh, is a sensitive, evocative piece of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. Set against the everyday rhythm of life in Kolkata, the film delicately unpacks the story of a lesbian couple torn apart by the weight of societal expectations and dares to imagine a different future, one where a mother's love might just change everything. What struck me first was the film’s raw, grounded realism. The characters feel like people we know, middle-class families navigating a complex world with quiet resilience. The world of If is filled with silences, glances, and stills, rather than heavy dialogue. Ghosh masterfully uses these moments to speak volumes, allowing viewers to sit with discomfort, interpret the unspoken, and feel deeply.

Book Review: The Story of Eve: Selected Poems by Zehra Nigah

Few voices in Urdu poetry have carried the weight of history, resistance, and deep personal introspection quite like Zehra Nigah. One of the first women to break into the traditionally male-dominated world of Urdu poetry, Nigah’s work stands as a testament to the power of words to illuminate, question, and challenge. The Story of Eve: Selected Poems, translated by Rakshanda Jalil, brings together some of her most powerful nazms and ghazals, showcasing both her literary elegance and her unflinching gaze at the human condition, particularly through the lens of gender, social injustice, and political turmoil.

Book Review: Butterflies of Success by Ranga Iyer

ISBN: ‎ 978-8196920951 Genre: Personal Transformation Publisher: Highbrow Scribes Year of Publishing: 2024 About the Book "Poverty is relative term" Lack of money alone cannot stop someone from succeeding in life. The social evil of poverty can be defeated with a determined mind, courage, mental strength, and education. Butterflies of Success follows the compelling journey of Mukta and Prem, a couple with four daughters who leave their village in search of a better life in Thakurli, near Bombay. Facing numerous challenges, including living in a small, unsanitary dwelling, financial struggles, and health issues, Mukta leads her family of six in a fight to improve their situation. She starts by selling boiled chickpeas and gradually expands to open a diner and a tailoring unit with Prem's help. As the business progresses, the family strives to educate and marry off their daughters, which brings new challenges, including mounting debts. Not oblivious to her parents' da...

Reviews & Musings

Search This Blog