Reviews & Musings

I don’t think I have ever underlined silences the way I did while reading Eighteen Inches Apart.  I have followed Sonia Bahl’s writing long enough to know her gift is not just in telling stories, but in listening to silences, the unsaid, and the fragile tremors between people who almost touch but don’t. And here, once again, she writes in that delicate space of the eighteen inches between two hearts, a glance and a goodbye, and between what we carry and what we dare to release.  Reading this felt like sitting by a window on a slow afternoon, watching light shift across familiar objects and realizing they were never quite as ordinary as they seemed. There is warmth here, along with an ache that settles deep, like the echo of something you once lost and are only now beginning to understand. 

Floating Worlds is not interested in telling a story in straight lines. In her debut, Alpa Arora follows the rhythms of a mind that wanders, retreats, and returns, often without warning, making the reader inhabit that same uncertainty.  At its center is Ruby Khanna, a former scriptwriter, empty nester, and a woman suspended between selves. Ruby does not simply escape; she lives inside escape. Her movement between fantasy and reality is not always marked, conscious, and within her control. The novel refuses to rush into naming this as damage or disorder. Instead, it lingers in that uneasy space where the mind fractures out of a need to survive what cannot be neatly contained. Ruby’s inner life unfolds through a series of imagined scenarios, desires, and projections that slip quietly into her lived reality. These are the novel’s way of thinking.  At a time when so much fiction leans toward clarity and resolution, Arora stays with what is unclear, unresolved, and at times uncomf...

Noorjahan Bose’s Daughter of the Agunmukha is a powerful and deeply moving memoir, chronicling a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice and knowledge. Born in 1938 near the mouth of the River Agunmukha—aptly named the Fire Mouth River—Bose’s life story unfolds against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s tumultuous history and the ever-present threat of natural calamities. Yet, it is not just the external forces that shape her journey; her fight for autonomy and dignity arises from the complex interplay of personal trauma and political awakening.

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.

ISBN:  979-8895569573 Genre: Horror Publisher: Notion Press Year: 2024 About the Book  Adithya is bitter when he is forced to accept the delivery of an antique bed on behalf of his neighbor. The large and majestic bed occupies his whole bedroom. Every time he sleeps on it, he has nightmares. He dreams about killing different people with whom he had disputes. And at the end of it all, he wakes up devastated, completely drained. When he soon learns that the people whom he had killed in his dreams have also died in real life―passing away naturally in their sleep―he begins to realize the power the bed wields. What follows is a macabre series of events as the monstrosity and deep dark desires of the human mind are unleashed by a power so horrific, that escaping it seems hopeless.  In The Ferryman, Krishnakumar weaves a chilling and thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the shadowy recesses of the human psyche. At the heart of this gripping psychological thriller is A...

ISBN : 978-8197412493  Genre:   Fiction/ Drama Publisher: Readomania Year: 2024 About the Book  When fate intervenes, can love prevail? Doctor Gaurang’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when Vedika, a corporate professional burdened by life’s challenges, enters his examination room. Sparks fly as they delve into treatment options for Vedika’s daughter’s rare medical condition, awakening emotions long dormant. An unforeseen event hurls their worlds into chaos, blurring the lines between duty and desire. As Vedika’s estranged husband, Rohan, reenters the picture, the trio confront difficult choices that could either break them apart or offer a path to redemption. Join them on a heartrending journey of love, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of invisible bonds. Can love mend what destiny has broken, or will fate do them part?  About the Author  Smita Das Jain, a passionate writer, dedicates herself to writing every day. Evidence of her writing can...

  ISBN: 978-9351951766 Genre: Fiction Publisher: Hachette India Year: 2015 About the Book  For ten-year-old Ori, his mother’s life as a theatre actor holds as much fascination as it does fear. Approaching adolescence in an unstable home, he is haunted by her nightly stage appearances and the suspicion and resentment her profession evokes in people around her, at home and among their neighbours. Increasingly consumed by an obsessive hatred of the stage, Ori is irrevocably drawn into a pattern of behaviour that can only have catastrophic consequences. Political bullies, actors, hairdressers, set boys, and backstage crew make up the world of The Firebird, a visceral exploration of a young boy stumbling into adulthood far ahead of his years. About the Author  Saikat Majumdar was born in Calcutta and educated in India and the United States. He is the author of a novel, Silverfish, and a book of criticism, Prose of the World. He currently lives in Delhi and teaches English and...

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...

ISBN ‏ : ‎  978-0143463962 Genre: Nonfiction Publisher: Penguin India Year of Publishing : 2024 About the Book Transforming a product or service into a trustworthy brand is key to standing out in an insanely crowded marketplace. While extensive branding literature exists on international brands, there is a scarcity of the same on Indian brands, especially the new-age ones. India’s diverse and evolving market presents unique challenges. What works in developed markets like America may not work in India. Additionally, the obstacles and limitations faced by start-ups differ significantly from those encountered by established corporations. Consequently, the literature on established Indian brands may not be highly relevant in the rapidly evolving world of startups. If you want to understand how a start-up can transform into an iconic brand in India’s diverse, crowded and ever-changing market, this book, a goldmine of strategies and stories, you must read. About the Author  Hars...

In Palestine Wail: Poems , Yahia Lababidi creates a profound and unflinching exploration of the ongoing Palestinian crisis, drawing from his own heritage and heartbreak to reflect on a political and humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded across decades. This collection, imbued with personal history, political outrage, and spiritual contemplation, serves as both a witness to injustice and a call to humanity. The work’s origins lie deeply in Lababidi’s own roots—his Palestinian grandmother, Rabiha Dajani, was forced to flee Jerusalem at gunpoint, a traumatic event that reverberates throughout Lababidi’s poetry.  As an Arab-American writer, Lababidi is uniquely positioned to speak on the intersection of identity, politics, and human rights. His poetry, both personal and political, draws a clear line between the suffering of the Palestinian people and the complicity of global powers in perpetuating that suffering. Through his words, Lababidi eloquently counters the equation that Z...

"Decoding ESG - A Comprehensive Guide to Environmental, Social, and Governance Principles" offers a profound exploration of the intricate realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Through a meticulous examination of its core components, this book serves as an indispensable resource for readers seeking to understand and apply ESG principles in today's corporate world.  The book commences by elucidating the fundamental concepts of ESG, illuminating its paramount importance in shaping contemporary corporate strategies. It then proceeds to dissect the three pillars of ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—providing readers with a nuanced comprehension of their profound impact on businesses worldwide. 

ISBN:  978-9358111019 Genre: Drama / Contemporary Fiction Price: INR 349/- Lost Edges by Salini Vineeth Lost Edges by Salini Vineeth is the story of a couple, Ravi and Geetanjali as they navigate through their marriage. The story takes place in a decade after their marriage and captures the ups and downs of their marriage beautifully. Salini Vineeth is a fiction writer and travel blogger based out in Bangalore, India. Her latest book is Magic Square - an English Novella. She is an engineering graduate from BITS Pilani, Goa. She later completed her MTech from IIT-Bangalore. While working as an electronics engineer, Salini started her travel website Pick, Pack, Go in 2014.   Having read her work previously, I was kind of prepared for Lost Edges. However, the author that she is, Vineeth blew me away with the treatment of this story. Her knack for dealing with relationships, talking about their messier aspects while continuing to retain their beauty shines through the book....

  ISBN: 978-9395481205  Genre: Non-fiction Publisher: Vishwakarma Publications  Bringing together his experiences as a journalist and a keen observer, David Lepeska writes a raw and gut-wrenching book on Kashmir. Part memoir, part travelogue, and part reportage, Desiccated Land is a page-turner.  The book starts by tracing the history of the region along with his own history, as a student who was dimly aware of the history of Kashmir and the turmoil it has been causing for centuries between India and Pakistan. Lepenska takes us to Nilamata Purana ( likely written in the 7th century ) which tells us the story leading to the birth of this region. He also shares an alternate possibility of the word being derived from a lake ‘Mira’ named after Vedic Sage Kashyapa.  His first visit to Kashmir closely followed by his second (and much longer) visit as a journalist working for the Kashmir Observer after the 9/11 attacks, make for an interesting read. Lepeska had ques...

  About the Book  Women today not only deserve but should expect a pain-free, active lifestyle, no matter their age, no matter their previous experience. In his famed San Diego clinic, Pete Egoscue has taught women of all ages and from all walks of life how to use the Egoscue Method for safe, effective, and permanent relief from chronic pain without prescription painkillers, physical therapy, or invasive surgery. Now he shares his specially adapted “Pain Free” program for women to use at home.  Whether you suffer from back or neck pain, joint discomfort or sore knees, or need more stamina, improved balance, and extra strength, here is a revolutionary and proven approach to self-care that promises optimal health through a simple set of exercises that will transform the way you move and feel — forever! Egoscue shows women how to take back their bodies by recovering and restoring a precious health asset — full, free, flexible motion — that he believes has been drastically ...

Introduction  Living with Chronic Illness is like being in for a new surprise every day. Despite following all that you have been advised, your body might choose to respond differently to the same factors daily. Bringing together such experiences of day-to-day life is Shruti Buddhavarapu’s book ‘The Weight of a Cherry Blossom‘.  About the Book  If you took a map and pinned each city I’ve lived in, I’d exist somewhere in the tautness of the string attaching one point to the other.    ISBN: 978-93-5333-699-8  Category: Non-Fiction  Imprint : Rupa Publications  Year: 2019  If a life is lived across many homes—from balmy Chennai to muggy Mumbai, the crackling expansiveness of Delhi to the breathtaking splendour of Vancouver in spring—where do you truly belong? If you are constantly on the move, is home just what Customs can clear? And how do you find love, in the middle of it all, when you do not or cannot stay in one city long enough? Funny, ...

Namrata reviews Jerry Pinto’s latest book, The Education of Yuri (Speaking Tiger, 2022) emphasizing how everything about this book spells classic.   “We are born alone, and we die alone. In between, we reach out to other people.”    From the book blurb  Jerry Pinto’s latest work of fiction, The Education of Yuri (Speaking Tiger, 2022) is a tender portrayal of a young boy growing up in Bombay in the 1980s. Jerry Pinto is one of India’s finest writers with award-winning works to his credit across genres ranging from translation, poetry, memoirs, and fiction. Time and again, he has proved that he is a writer par excellence. In his writings, he is known to capture Mumbai and its nuances with an unmatched exactness. This is exactly what he does with The Education of Yuri too. Mumbai (then- Bombay) is the heart of this story which takes you through some of the early days of Yuri, as he grows up in the 80s.  Pinto tells us his story with a certain profundit...

The Middle Finger by Saikat Majumdar  Publisher: Simon and Schuster (2022)  The first thing one notices about The Middle Finger by Saikat Majumdar is its dark grey cover with the left profile of a young lady on it with a colourful eye. It is only when you remove the jacket from the cover that you see underneath a picture of a woman’s reflection in the glass pane of a window, with a cup and some books lying by it. It is that woman’s eye that is popping through the cover image from a round cutout. In many ways, this speaks a lot about the book itself.  Every single character in the book has layers, multiple of them. On the face of it, they look very different as they struggle to go through their day-to-day pretending to be someone else. To an extent, they are scared to reveal their truest selves to the world. And yet, there are times when they see the world differently because their soul is tired of pretending. Saikat Majumdar is a critically acclaimed writer with many po...

Namrata reviews Nasreen Rehman's first volume in The Collected Stories of Saadat Hasan Manto-Volume 1: Bombay and Poona (Aleph Books, 2022) and calls it a must-read collection. As a writer, Saadat Hasan Manto needs no introduction. His works are celebrated widely for their quintessential depiction of the stark realities of life. The Collected Stories of Saadat Hasan Manto – Volume 1: Bombay and Poona – Translated by Nasreen Rehman and published by Aleph Books, is the first of a three-volume series that will contain all of Saadat Hasan Manto’s 255 known stories in English from Urdu for the very first time. Volume 1 collects fifty-four stories and two essays written by Manto about his time in Bombay and Poona in colonial India. Read the full review on Kitaab .

Namrata reviews The Poetry Conclave Year Book 2022 edited by Sharmila Roy, Aneek Chatterjee, Gopal Lahiri, and Rajorshi Patranabis (Published by Authors Press, 2022) calling it a carefully strung priceless necklace.  Poetry Conclave Year Book 2022 is a poetry collection consisting of works of 64 poets (from India and abroad) across themes and moods. Poetry Conclave was formed with the motive of providing a platform for writing and reading English poetry. The love for poetry further metamorphosized into poetry collections. “One of poetry’s most appealing elements can be the mixture of observations and ideas. Here the poet reaches out to the world and poetry. Poet’s heart is attuned to the changing patterns of the society and its surroundings, its landscapes and seasons, its sorrow and malice, its dream and hope.” (From Editors’ Note, pg 5) As the editors’ note mentions, the poems in this collection are diverse and span myriad moods and emotions. This ensures reading this book is...