'The Bookshelf' : 2014

Wednesday 31 December 2014

Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit

     Author                         PG Wodehouse

     Country                       United Kingdom

     Genre                          Comedy Novel

     Publication Date         1954

     Pages                            240

I am kind of embarrassed to admit that this was my first PG Wodehouse! As most of us do, I surely have friends and family who swear by him but for some vague reason, despite considering myself fairly well read, I have never found myself comfortably perched with a PG Wodehouse. And thus, I sort of surprised myself by picking this up from my sister's impressively stocked library on my last holiday.

And am I glad for having done that! It's like you are missing out in (literary) life by not spending time with a PG Wodehouse.

This is a brilliantly written, witty, funny and adorable story. From Bertie's new moustache to Jeeves unflappable disapproval of the same to Aunt Dahlia's magazine and how she needs Jeeves incredible enterprise to sell her magazine and retain her amazing chef - this is a classic case of comedy of errors that leaves one amazingly amused and refreshed.

Besides the funny story and the witty comments, I particularly enjoyed the language used in the book. It's somewhere between the difficult English of classics and the everyday casual language of today's books. The use of words and phrases reflect the incredible intelligence of the author!

In summation, I would not be exaggerating in saying that PG Wodehouse is an experience that everyone must embark upon!

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You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Shodh

     Author                       Taslima Nasrin

     Country                     Bangladesh

     Genre                         Fiction (Women's Rights)

     Publication Date       2009

     Pages                         227

I saw this book in the bookshop and for some reason was reminded of 'Lajja' - a beautifully written book by the same author. And that was reason enough for me to add this to my bookshelf!

Unfortunately, if wouldn't be an understatement to say that I was let down by the book. From the quality of English translation to the oft repeated & mundane storyline, the book did not meet my expectations. Honestly, I don't remember too much of 'Lajja' since I had read it years ago but my impression of that and of Taslima's quality of work is that it's far superior to what 'Shodh' denotes.

Having said that, 'Shodh' was a quick read and I particularly liked the subtle sarcasm with which the story is told. Jhumur is a well educated, independent young women who marries for love but unfortunately, finds herself caught up in a particularly regressive and patricahal set up. She takes her own time getting over this and finally asserting herself and 'evening' it out with her husband. (As the title suggests: 'Shodh' means to even out or take revenge).

Jhumur's life during those years and her perspective on what she undergoes is hard hitting and poignant. She expresses it beautifully when she says that while Haroon (her husband) gave her everything; he left her with nothing. Few of my favorite quotes from the book that bring this to life are:

"Haroon had violated the very truth of my being by his unwarranted suspicions. My anger, my infidelity was the expression of my utter loyalty to my own integrity"

"He has shattered my aspirations, destroyed my dreams, crushed my spirit. I had hoped for a happy married life which didn't take away individual freedom, which respected differences and allowed contradictions"

In summation, it would be suffice to say that while this book is not one of my most highly recommended reads, it did give a perspective on how seemingly self reliant women can get crushed by matrimony and how they need tremendous gumption to get over it and break free!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Tears of the Giraffe (The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency)

Author Alexander McCall Smith
Country Scotland

Genre Detective Novel

Publication Date 2000

Pages 227

Highly recommended to me by my sister, this book is a part of the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series. I would define this book as a light hearted & fun read: a perfect companion on holidays. I am not a strong believer of the 'don't judge a book by its cover' adage and hence the fact that the cover of this book is bright, creative and endearing started me off fairly positively on this journey.

Set in Africa, this is the story of Mma Ramotswe who owns the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Interspersed with snippets from her personal and professional life, Alexander weaves together an addictive read that follows Mma through her cases as well as her impending marriage to Mr JLB Matekoni, a well respected mechanic.

The positive tone of the book along with the general goodness in the hearts of most of the characters make this a rather welcoming read. The sense of attachment and pride towards one's country that the story reflects is something to learn from.

I have immensely enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend if to anyone whose on the lookout for a good read. Deep and insightful are typically two of my favorite words to describe some of my best reads; but I would suffice in saying that while being a fun read, 'Tears of the Giraffe' wasn't without its own meaning.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Never Let Me Go

     Author                              Kazuo Ishiguro

     Country                            United Kingdom

     Genre                               Science Fiction

     Publication Date              2005

     Pages                                288

It's no surprise that this book was on the Man Booker Prize shortlist. And the fact that the author is none other than the Booker prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro himself. My love for Kazuo Ishiguro started with his short story collection 'Nocturnes' and has only intensified since then.

'Never Let Me Go', in typical Ishiguro style is marked by abolsutely beautiful and endearing writing. The narrative is soft and warm like a hot cup of coffee on a particularly cold day. This is a first person narrative by Kathy as she is reminiscing snippets of her past life. The fact that the narration does not follow a strict chronological order but Kathy comes up with stories as and when she remembers them make the book real and uniquely conversational.

While being conscious to not reveal too much of the plot, I would suffice by saying that this book is both a science fiction and a realistic fiction. Through 3 different stages in the lives of Kathy, Ruth and Tommy, Ishiguro builds their friendship, relationship and what binds them together in their unquie circumstances. Brought up in a secluded boarding house with mysterious rules, the three of them struggle to truly fathom their 'special status' and what life has in store for them.

The book raises some relevant medical and ethical questions while subtly touching upon the purpose of human existence, the importance of an innocent childhood and the inevitable end of life.

I would highly recommend this book to one and all. It's innovative, perceptive and plain lovely!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 15 October 2014

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

     Author                         Mark Haddon

     Country                       United Kingdom

     Genre                          Mystery

     Publication Date         2003

     Pages                           221

This is mostly described as a mystery novel but honestly, there is so much more to it than just that. This award winning book is more appropriately a children's fiction but I guess reading it a little later in life allows one to form a slightly evolved and mature perspective.

Narrated in the first person by the 15 year old Christopher; this is a story through which he investigates the murder of Wellington, his neighbor's dog. Interspersed with this investigation is a peek into Christphers life, his thinking process and his relationships with his mom and dad.

Without making a direct reference, Mark has implied through the book that Christopher has a well developed Asperger's syndrome. And that's what makes the book unique. Christpher's character is portrayed as someone who is extremely smart, uncomfortable with feelings/emotions/human touch, likes structure, is afraid of strangers and hence is a typical case of autism.

It is this understanding of autism offered to the readers subtly through the protagonist that makes the book special. Christopher's fears, his urge to overcome his fears, his innocence and his brilliance are heart wrenching.

In one sentence, I would describe this book as worth your read!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 8 October 2014

Love in the time of Cholera

     Author                         Gabriel Garcia Marquez

     Country                       Colombia

     Genre                          Fiction

     Publication Date        1985

     Pages                           422

This book by the noble prize winning author has always received raving reviews. Gabriel is someone who is highly respected in the literary society. As an obvious consequence of this, 'Love in the time of cholera' came into my life with an immense history and sky rocketing expectations. I totally appreciate that that is an unfair starting point for anything but, unfortunately, life is full of choices and expectations and any form of art has to rage an unavoidable battle against these.

This is the story of Florentino Ariza, an ordinary looking young man who falls in love with the elegant and beautiful Fermina Daza and establishes a successful relationship of exchanging passionate love letters with her. This innocent relationship comes to an abrupt end when Fermina in the flash of a moment refuses his proposal of marriage and goes on to marry another more respectable individual. Thus rejected but not disheartened, Florentino spends his entire life waiting for a reunion with his love. He works hard and has innumerable sexual relations with different women but none can match up to the love he is waiting for.

While the book aspires to emotionally move it's readers with love, passion and desperation, to me the book is nothing more than a 'let down'. While the writing is different and in some ways endearing, the story line is not very different from a Bollywood love flick. Florentino's character annoys me to no end. The fact that he passes his entire life hoping and waiting for a reunion with Fermina reeks of passivity and waste of a life in my opinion. Maybe I am too unromantic for this but the fact is that I would rather have had him move on with his life than indulge in mindless sexual encounters to fill the gap left by someone he hardly knew.

I know that this may be too harsh a judgement on someone's character but that's the idea of a review, isn't it? I didn't enjoy the book at all and wouldn't recommend it to others. If there are others out there who don't share my views, I would love to hear from you!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Rebecca

     Author                          Daphne Du Maurier

     Country                        United Kingdom

     Genre                           Fiction

     Publication Date         1938

     Pages                            380

This is a gripping book that made me stay up late. Effortlessly written, it has all the characteristics of a typical Jane Austen classic with an elegant touch of modernity.

The story starts in Monte Carle where the heroine meets the handsome and recently widowed Maxim De Winter. With humble beginnings and working as a paid companion to an almost detestable lady, her joy knows no bounds when she is proposed to by Max. Full of innocent excitement, she gives up her current occupation to accompany Max to his gigantic estate and build a new life as Mrs De Winter.

Life, however, had other plans in store for her. Being young, innocent and naive, she is overwhelmed by the shadow of Max's first wife, Rebecca that still seems to rule the house and all her loyal servants. She finds it hard and harrowing to establish her feet as both the mistress of the house and as Max's wife. The fact that the book is titled 'Rebecca' and the heroine isn't even given a name other than Mrs. De Winter is a telling reflection on how Rebecca's shadow is the protagonist and our heroine who is supposedly a 'nothing' in front of her has to battle against it to find her ground.

Her constant struggle, self doubt, desire to prove herself, the knowledge that Max probably loves her - but more as a kid than as an equal - make the novel heart wrenching. The readers in a subtle way are made to reflect on the parity in a marriage. While in some way she is a companion to Max (providing him the much needed company after Rebecca's death), is he truly a companion to her? The fact that she could not openly discuss her insecurities with Max or lean on him for emotional support point to the contrary. But then, to be fair to Max, did she demand that out of him? Not till late for sure. And that in some way is reflected in her own thoughts when she wonders how many people are there in the world like her who suffer because they cannot break away from their own shyness and garner the courage to demand the truth.

In a snapshot, this truly is a coming of age story for our heroine, Mrs De Winter; besides being a gripping romance mystery. Married to a much elder and mature man, she takes her time getting over her own inhibitions and demanding that she be treated as an equal in their marriage. Luckily for her, this happens sooner than later and she finds in Max a loving husband.

Unfortunately, most of us spend too much of our life time before we gain this courage!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Flight Behaviour

     Author                            Barbara Kingsolver

     Country                          United States

     Genre                             Realistic Fiction

     Publication Date            2012

     Pages                              436

An interesting contemporary read is how I would describe this book.

Through this book, Barbara builds the story of Dellarobia - a farm wife, mother of two who finds herself giving up her aspirations when she accidentally gets pregnant at the age of seventeen. Now, many years hence, trapped in a bored, loveless marriage with a husband who refuses to stand up for her or for himself against his overbearing and judgemental mom, Dellarobia desperately seeks reprieve. She wants to find a larger meaning to her existence and the sudden appearance of the magical butterflies on the family farmland provide her this reprieve. She ends up getting a job with the scientist who works on this and is amazed at how much she was losing out in life by not stepping beyond her home to explore the world outside. One thing leads to the other till Dellaboria finds the courage to stand up for herself and do what is best for her.

Interspersed with the story of Dellaboria is the story of the magical butterflies which is due to a possible climate change. The scientists view on global warming and the refusal of the soceity to believe that it bodes any ill are an interesting backdrop to the story.

In conclusion, I would say that is is an interesting read where Dellaboria's character is built as a classic case of a woman who loses herself and her innate desires in the demanding world of marriage and motherhood. And her struggle to get out of it is a lesson to many who find themselves in her position.

While the story is compelling and relevant to our times, unfortunately, for me the book did not build as much an emotional connect as I had expected. Its one of those situations where its hard to exactly verbalise what was missing. Guess thats why books are as much about feelings as they are about cognizance and I wouldnt be inaacurate in saying that while this book had everything to make it an emotionally moving story, for me, it didnt go beyond being just an 'interesting read'.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Thursday 18 September 2014

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

     Author                            Ken Kesey

     Country                          United States

     Genre                             Fiction

     Publication Date           1962

     Pages                             320

Set in the 1960s, this book gives the readers an interesting insight into the life at a mental asylum. The main plot of the the book is built around an ongoing and irresolvable conflict between the two protagonists: Nurse Ratched who likes order and control and the patient McMurphy who is a fun loving, spirited and boisterous rebel. McMurphy's refusal to bow down to the almost tyrannical nurse reflects his streak of non conformity and individualism in a world that is mostly defined by rules and authority.

Ken has done a fine job of showcasing the human dynamics that come to play in any organizational set up. The willingness of the other patients to succumb to the nurse (for fear of consequences), the refusal to support McMurphy in his crazy expeditions and finally the consequent uprising against authority once they see in McMurphy a leader of their cause, reflects how human psyche works. We are all vulnerable and are willing to bow down to authority to protect our selfish interests; unless there is someone who can lead us to believe otherwise.

While I enjoyed reading the book, my honest submission is that this is a little over rated. I admire McMurphy's spirit and his courage to stand his own but am confused on the final message that the book wanted to convey.

McMurphy's tragic end to me signifies the crushing of human spirit in the favour of authority. But am not convinced that that is what Ken wanted to leave us with. Thus, I am left wondering whether the sole idea of the book was to convey the struggle between authority and individualism rather than selecting a winner between the two!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Thursday 11 September 2014

Sounder

     Author                        William H Armstrong

     County                        Canada

     Genre                          Fiction

     Publication Date        1969

     Pages 83


I happened to chance upon this book at the library and ended up picking it up more on impulse than design. And really, what makes life captivating is these seemingly insignificant impulse 'purchases'; which start with no expectations and then delight you like rain shower on a particularly hot day!

Honestly, I am not too much of a 'short story' or 'novella' person since I like books to grow on me through their many pages. Thus, my love for this book is limited in that sense. It can never end up featured on my list of favourite books but within it's established limitations, it did a fine job.

This is the story of a black family and the bond that ties them together in a world that is unjust and biased. It's a story of love, family ties, desperation, injustice and yearning.

What intrigued me immensely about this book is the fact that none of the characters have a name - they are addressed as 'boy', 'mother', 'father' and the like. To me, this is a subtle message from the author that these individuals were really a non entity in a world that was governed by the colour of the skin. The fact that there is no reason shared with the reader as to why the boy's father was incarcerated makes me believe that the family was not worth being reasoned to. The fair skinned looked down upon these African Americans and did not deem it important to afford any justification for their actions against them. It is these subtle messages left to the interpretation of the reader that make this book endearing to me.

The boy's desperate search for his father, his coming of age as a result of his father's disappearance and his yearning to learn to read and write give us an insight into his character; which is heart wrenching.

A reasonably good 'quick read' is how I would describe this book!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Friday 29 August 2014

A Passage to India

     Author   E.M. Forster

     Country                      England

     Genre                         Historical Fiction

     Publication Date       1924

     Pages                          293

This is a book written by an Englishman in 1924: at the height of India's independence movement. The fact that it's written by an Englishman and protrays an almost honest and unbiased view of the bridge that existed between the British and the Indians make it an interesting read.

However, I found the book far from engaging. In my view, reading a book is like embarking on an emotional journey; and there are some that just put you at the centre of action (almost making you feel like a character in the book) and others that leave you as a bystander (or a reader). Unfortunately, this book made me the latter. It's a fine story of an Indian and his interaction with different English men and women but it surely lacks the punch that make 'good' books 'great'.

The central theme of the book is the wide bridge that exists between the two societies and the way Indians are treated by the British in their own country. While some English men and women question and in a subtle way oppose this 'not so pleasant' treatment of Indians, the British Raj largely believes that their job is to maintain peace and order in the country rather than being pleasant and friendly. The overriding belief is that Indians who are beset with their own inter sect clashes are far from capable of running the country on their own.

Another important theme that Forster skillfully develops through the course of the book is the feasibility of friendship between an Indian and an Englishman. While Aziz and Fielding start off as friends, very soon the deep rooted animosity between the two cultures and the lack of trust takes over resulting in the loss of this friendship. Thus, Forster evolves the notion of friendship during the course of the book: while in the early part of the book it seems that individuality and mutual respect are more critical to friendship than societal norms, the same does not hold true towards the end of the book when external circumstances colour this friendship for good.

Forster ends the book on a rather strong note from Aziz who believes that while India may have its own problems of inter sect clashes, it is clearly against the British rule and could get united to push the British out. This in a way gives an indication of the Indian freedom struggle to follow.

All in all, it was an interesting book but it did not move me emotionally or engage me as much as I would have wanted it to.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Friday 22 August 2014

Man's Search for Meaning

     Author                         Viktor E Frankyl

     Country                       Austria

     Genre                          Non Fiction: Psychology

     Publication Date        1946

     Pages                          165

This book came highly recommended. Given the intriguing and thought provoking title, and the fact that it's a 150 page concise book, I was more than tempted to pick it up post my recently concluded escapade with the 900 plus page 'Anna Karenina'.

Through this book, Victor Frankyl, a psychiatrist by profession, chronicles his experiences as an inmate in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War 2 and his psychotherapeutic method for dealing with such experiences.

The first part of the book which deals with the author's personal experiences at the concentration camp is insightful. The fact that he analyses how people react to such experiences rather than just relaying these experiences as a work of historical fiction, make the book different from the host of other books on this subject. Victor throws light on how man can get used to any circumstances and how in such extreme conditions, he regresses to just fulfilling his basic needs and develops an almost uncanny insensitivity to others. One of the most disturbing impacts of such conditions is the loss of the sense of being an individual (with a free mind) and the constant threat to ones values. Such situations leave men with just 2 options - to either add a deeper meaning to life by being brave and dignified or to forgo all dignity and become an animal in this fight for self preservation. While very few men manage to do the former, the fact that even one can do it makes one believe in the feasibility of the same.

Through the second and third part of the book, Victor builds his psychotherapeutic method called logo therapy. While the details of this were too technical for my comfort, what has stayed with me is that ones mental well being depends on a certain degree of tension - between what one has achieved and what one still aspires to achieve - finding that deeper meaning in life. So many of us today suffer from what is called 'existential vacuum' or inner emptiness. As Victor aptly remarks, one can find meaning by devoting himself to a cause or by experiencing beauty/love or through the attitude one develops towards unavoidable suffering.

In a snapshot, while the latter part of the book was a little technical, overall it's been insightful and thought provoking and definitely worth a read.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Anna Karenina

Author Leo Tolstoy

Country Russia

Genre Fiction: Classic

Publication Date 1877

Pages 864

One of the longest books I have read in the recent past. But a much awaited and wonderful read. I am amazed at Leo Tolstoy's ability to weave a beautiful story that touches upon love, insecurities and societal norms against the backdrop of Russian contemporary politics.

Through this book (first published in 1878), Leo Tolstoy has skillfully crafted the story of Anna, a high society woman who falls in desperate love with Count Vronsky and defies all societal norms to be with him (leaving behind a husband and a son). She is, however, not treated well by the society which almost completely shuns her while Vronsky continues to enjoy a social life. Interwoven with this is the tale of Levin who enlightens the readers on the Russian peasantry system and his search for a deeper meaning in life; while being married to the wonderful and sensitive Kitty.

What has particularly touched me about this book is how an intelligent, self assured and an almost formidable woman like Anna can fall prey to insecurities and jealously over her relationship with Vronsky. It's a classic case of how each of us harbour vulnerabilities within us; irrespective of the persona we present to the world at large. And it's no surprise that society plays an immense role in our sense of self esteem and worth. Having been shunned by the society, post her relations with Vronsky, Anna grows anxious and isolated. And this further fuels her already growing insecurity.

It is this insecurity over Vronsky's love for her and her nagging pain and guilt of having left her son 'motherless' that lead to her tragic end.

Life is not simple. It has it's shades of grey. Accepting the greys and cherishing what is brings along is my takeaway from this almost impeccable piece of literature.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Wednesday 30 July 2014

The Circle

     Author                            Dave Eggers

     County                           United States

     Genre                             Science Fiction

     Publication Date            2013

     Pages                              504

This is an exciting and futuristic book by the New York Times best selling author, Dave Eggers. It follows the story of Mae Holland, a young and ambitious girl who lands a job in the much coveted organization called 'Circle'.

Through the course of the book, she is both amazed and enraptured by the technology and the insight of the company. However, before long, Mae finds herself at the centre of this large scale change movement and she absolutely loves the attention.

The central theme of the book is the use of technology to create a much better world (as deemed by the leaders of this organization). In their view, there should be no privacy and all information should be available in full with everyone. The fundamental belief is that secrets enable immoral activities and everybody would behave righteously if they know they are being watched (and hence the need for round the clock monitoring of everybody). This cent percent openness would, they believe lead to a society which is bereft of any crime and misdoings.

While the belief sounds utopian and aspirational, at a more humane and personal level, it opens up questions around an individual's right to his privacy.

This is indubitably one of the most contentious debates of our times and in that sense, this book hits the nail on the head. While the perspectives are more from the view of those who are pushing for this change, the book leaves an engaged reader questioning the limits of information sharing.

And that is somewhere what Dave had aspired for - to raise the right questions and force people to seek answers.

In summation, I would describe this as an insightful book that leaves the reader thinking. However, the book could have surely benefited from some brevity.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Thursday 24 July 2014

Go put your Strengths to Work

Author Marcus Buckingham

Country United States

Genre                             Non Fiction: Management

Publication Date            2007

Pages                              270

Most of us in the HR fraternity are exposed to Gallup's strength based approach pretty early in our careers. This book by Marcus who has been spearheading the strength based work at Gallup and now has his own consulting organization, takes the same beliefs and theories a step further.

The basic premise of this strength based philosophy is that all of us are more productive when our work is structured such that it uses more of our strengths than weaknesses. As Marcus says, 'success' and 'failure' are not necessarily opposites. By focusing and working on our weaknesses, we wouldn't necessarily achieve success. For success, we need to identify our strengths and work on those.

Through the book, Marcus urges the readers to identify their strengths and ensure that their work is steered towards using these strengths. While this may not always be in an individual's circle of influence, by making deliberate efforts and speaking to ones managers and consequently delivering better results (as a result of using strengths), one can make this feasible.

As Marcus elucidates, a strength is not just something that one does well in (this is a necessary but not a sufficient condition), but is something that one is instinctively drawn towards, enjoys doing and feels a huge sense of satisfaction after having done it. This is particularly insightful since so many of us merely restrict ourselves to the first part of the definition - the belief that if I am good at something that's my strength irrespective of whether I enjoy it or not. As a result of this limited approach, more often than not we erroneously allow others (mostly our managers) to identify our strengths.

I personally am a huge proponent of the strengths based approach and fundamentally believe that each of us deserves to lead a more fulfilling work life; and the starting point of the same indubitably is knowing our strengths and weaknesses and then ensuring that we spend more of our time on strengths.

In my view, this is a simple yet powerful and insightful book. A recommended read for any management professional.

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

Tuesday 15 July 2014

The Book Thief

Author Markus Zusak

Country Germany

Genre Historical Fiction

Publication Date 2006

Pages 550

This is a book I simply adored. It's one of those books that keep you up late into the night to be finished and then leave you with a huge sense of emptiness the next day. I am amazed at Markus' brilliance at weaving together a story around a much explored topic (Nazi Germany) with such ease and beauty. This book has been a treat like none other.

This is the story of a 9 year old girl, Leisel who comes to live with her foster parents in Nazi Germany. Against the backdrop of all that was happening in Nazi Germany in the 1940s, Markus tells the story of Leisel and how she becomes a book thief since she finds solace in the written word. The story is mostly built through the eyes of this naive girl who is smart and observant and starts connecting many dots very early in life to decipher what really is happening in Germany.

Very uniquely, the narrator of the book is Death. Given the war and the mass exterminations happening in Germany and all around, the imagery of Death as the narrator gives both a grave dimension and a certain amount of humor to the book ( Death claims that she has a hard job and gets no vacation and so on).

Throughout the story, Markus builds the connection that Leisel feels with her books. Starting from a sense of pride in learning to read and write to an absolute need to possess books to rendering solace to others (in shelters) by reading to them, Lesiel grows and matures with her books. And both literally (she was writing in her basement when air raids kill all her friends and family) and figuratively, Leisel survives those years because of her books!

Hans Hubberman (Leisel's foster father) is another strong character in the book. He plays an immense role in Leisel's life (by teaching her to read, staying up with her through the nightmares etc) and is a conscientious man keen to do the right thing. Having been saved by a Jew during the war, he can never forget the favour and in return, he paints to remove anti Jew slurs from outside their houses, gets whipped on the street for handing over bread to a starving Jew, hides a Jew in his basement and so on. Hans is a reflection of how hard it was for people like him to be themselves and survive in a Hitler led Germany.

Through the character of Max, a Jew who hides in Leisel's basement; Markus illustrates the Jewish side of Nazi Germany: a life of desperation and injustice.

Markus's story brilliantly builds upon several themes: darkness (through the narrator and the war, air raids etc); desperation (through Max and other Jews who live during that time); the love of words (Leisel) and being conscientious and scared at the same time (Hans).

This is a story that is both deep and light; it's both real and fiction. Like I said, it's simply adorable. Huge respect for Markus!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!

The Razors Edge

     Author                        W Somerset Maugham

     Country                      United States

     Genre                         Fiction: Classic

     Publication Date       1944

     Pages                          314

This again is one of those books of Somerset Maughum that has decided to stay with me. And the best way for it to stay would be to feature on my blog and hence; here it comes.

This is a story about Larry Darrell, an American pilot who is traumatized by his experience in World War 1 and he hence proceeds to lead a life in search of truth and meaning. Larry's refusal to lead a 'normal life' (as defined by the society) and to take up a regular job separates him from his then fiancé; Isabel who is unwilling to get married to someone who is leading a life of wandering & searching. Isabel goes on to marry someone of her status in society while Larry fills his life with innumerable spiritual and other experiences across Paris, India and other places. The story is interspersed with Elliott Templeton, Isabel's uncle who strives thorughout his life (and even on his death bed) to lead a life of social eminence.

In usual Maugham style, the story flows seamlessly and the reader is left gripped with different characters in the book. The ending is particularly powerful where he points out that each character gets what he was thriving for: Larry - happiness; Isabel - an assured position in society and Elliott - social eminence.

This powerful yet simple book leaves me with just one thought: how each of us strive for different things in life and how it's a blessing to know what one wants out of life. While to some Isabel may have seemed selfish to have not pursued her relationship with Larry, to me she's someone who exactly knows what's important for her in life and is unwilling to sign up for something lesser. While I may not be able to associate with her aspirations, her clarity around those is impressive.

So many of us drag ourselves through life doing the so called 'right' things with absolutely no inkling of what our mind & soul truly crave for. Clarity of mind and the grit to pursue would make life so much happier!

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!