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!

If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  

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

So, do check it out and Happy Reading! 

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!

If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  

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

So, do check it out and Happy Reading! 

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. 

If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  

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

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!