The Death Story - Book Review

The Death Story
By Amay Saxena
Review By Ila Garg

The Death Story, a novel by Amay Saxena, is published by Partridge India. The cover uses a black backdrop with a ghostly looking man peeping from behind a pillar. The addition of the red colour gives it that spooky effect.

Khel the writings - Book Review

Khel – the writings
By Vishal Goswami
Review By Ila Garg

Khel – the writings, a novel by Vishal Goswami, is published by Frog Books in association with Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd. I found the cover very dull and too gaudy. It clearly didn’t click with me as I was left totally unimpressed.

Vishal Goswami is a MBA-Finance graduate from Boston, U.S.A and is passionate about reading and writing in all its forms, whether fiction or non-fiction and also all other genres. He is active on Twitter as @WritetoFite tweeting about more contemporary topics.

The blurb reads as, “The abandoned Haveli in Brahmdev, a hill station near Mumbai, is known amongst the local population to be haunted. People keep away from it. A group of youngsters decide to explore it and what follows is a horrifying reality they do not live to relate. Sanya Sharma is an investigative journalist, with a shattered life and a grieving past. Having lost her husband and little daughter within a span of six months, her once perfect life is a distant dream. Depressed, unable to concentrate on work and barely paying attention to her ten-year-old son, she takes help in alcohol and regular visits to her psychiatrist. Her last chance at redemption in a case of mysterious deaths on small hill station. What follows is a series of mysterious, eerie and horrifying events that Sanya cannot understand and finally with the help of a local police inspector turned friend, it draws upon her that the Haunted Haveli is not just small town hocus-pocus but a reality that had turned on her. The evil that she encounters slowly affects everything around her and she knows that it will finally consume her. But why? What were the deep, dark secrets of the Haveli's past? What was the Nawab family's past? Who is the old woman haunting her? What are the cards and what is the card game? How is such a horrifying situation merely a game and how is she to play it? Why do the writings on the cards come true and people die? She has to find a way to save herself and her son from the evil and the game of cards that makes everything come true. People around her are dying one by one making her wonder why she is spared. Will she play the final KHEL - The Writings - or will it be the evil that will end the game?”

After reading the blurb, I was instantly intrigued. Opening scene introduces the reader to a group of four youngsters who want to make a documentary. They reach an abandoned Haveli seeking an adventurous story for the same. This Haveli was situated in Brahmdev which is a hill station near Mumbai. As the youngsters begin to explore the Haveli, some unexpected events occur which eventually lead to their deaths one by one.

News of their deaths spread like wild fire the next day. Yeah, almost like a film script! I will give this to the author that he has built up an amazing plot. Writing a horror story isn’t as easy as often thought of!

So soon this news catches the attention of an investigative journalist, Sanya Sharma, whose job is at stake. She sees these mysterious deaths as her only hope to save her job, and jumps into the case. She was already shattered and on the verge of depression as she had lost her husband and young daughter in a very short span of time. This case thus is the best she could have think about to free herself from the thoughts of her lost family.

The story afterwards moves at a slow pace, but manages to send to scare the readers every now and then. The language is simple and easy to comprehend; thus newbie readers would find it readable. Nowhere will a reader feel any disconnect as the author has maintained a smooth flow.
However, I did find some grammatical errors in the book which marred the effect of the plot and made reading this story a bumpy ride for me, especially the misspelt names of the characters. The plot wasn’t too extraordinary as well.

How the youngsters reach the Haveli and decide to explore it, how they die one by one, the unraveled mystery behind the haunted Haveli, the card game and its significance, how Sanya dealt with the case, was she successful in saving her job, was the Haveli actually haunted are some of the many reasons why you will keep turning the pages to find out what happens in Khel – the writings.

Further, this 140-page book is good enough to keep you hooked till the end. The author could have got it edited in a better way. Rest was good. Best wishes to the author for his future writings!

Ratings: 3/5

Buying Links: Infibeam | Flipkart | Amazon

Project S.A.I. - Book Review

Project S.A.I.

By Srinivasa Gopal

Review By Ila Garg

Project S.A.I. by the debutant writer, Srinivasa Gopal is published by Frog Books (an imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd). The book cover is dark and mysterious and gives away no hint about the story which hooks the readers instantly. The teddy bear amidst the gory background looks a little out of place. This novella appears to be an in and out thriller.

The author has always loved writing as a leisure activity. He has also penned a few academic papers that have appeared in well-known journals and have been featured at academic conferences. Like all Indians, he loves Indian food, Indian culture and is a great fan of the Indian Cricket Team. He has worked for several leading multinational firms all over the world and has even set up his own software company. Project S.A.I. is his literary debut.

The blurb reads as, “Sarangan & Lakshman are two brothers, who come from the same pilgrim town in rural Tamil Nadu but who live completely different lives. While Sarangan and his family are content to remain in their hometown, Lakshman raises his sons in the bustling metropolitan city of Chennai. Tragedy strikes when the two families come together for their annual pilgrimage. Now it's a race between Lakshman’s son, Ananth, and the police, to prove whether or not their deaths were really caused by an accident.

‘Project S.A.I.’ is the story of two young men overcoming their own personal grief, to help others discover the truth behind the troubles plaguing them. And all this with the help of a device, whose existence most people would deem impossible - a device that allows a person to have conversations with those who no longer belong to the realm of the living.”

This pocket-sized book is set in Tamil Nadu. Sarangan & Lakshman are two brothers born and brought up in a rural pilgrim town of Tamil Nadu. It is interesting to note that apart from this, they hardly have anything in common - their beliefs, life styles, ambitions, ideologies are all different from each other. While Sarangan and his family are content to remain in their hometown, Lakshman moves to the metropolitan city of Chennai with his wife and kids. The beginning doesn’t give even a slightest hint that where the story is heading to. It is only when the two families come together for their annual pilgrimage that the story takes a turn and turns into a tragic thriller.

The story will appeal to all those readers who want to read something different from the mainstream drama. The way this narrative is written and the plot is woven compels the readers to read on and get involved with this fantastic tale. The author has managed to keep the story tight knit and though it is fast paced, yet it seems comfortable for the readers. The story is kept short and crisp; to the point, no exaggeration is done which is the USP here.

The language is easy to comprehend, with a little use of vernacular words like Adirasam, Puliyodarai, Thambi, etc. All characters are sketched very well and they make the plot even more interesting. Author’s language is really fresh and the narration is entrancing too. Readers will find it interesting and will not be bored.

The 86 page book manages to be a nice read, though it could easily be more descriptive. This book is definitely a page turner and a very quick read. The blurb almost reveals everything, leaving not much excitement to be unveiled. For a debut writer, Srinivasa Gopal has presented a nice book with a different storyline. The plot and thrill kept me glued to this book, although the grammatical errors kept irking the flow.

The downside of this book for me is its editing and the under developed storyline. It left me disappointed. To err is human, but to err and err again is not justified. The narrative has a lot of spelling, punctuation and basic grammatical errors that slipped through the writer's and editor's eyes.

‘Yay’ Factors: The genre.

‘Nay’ Factors: The too many editing errors right from the first page to the last page.

My Verdict: To find out what happened at the annual pilgrimage, was the tragedy just an accident or was it planned, who suffered the greatest and why, who was at fault; you will have to read the novella, Project S.A.I.

Ratings: 3/5

This (Unbiased) book review is a part of "The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program". To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com. Thanks Nimi Vashi for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

Buying Links: Flipkart | Landmark | Amazon

When a Laywer walks down the aisle - Book Review

 

When a Lawyer walks down the aisle
By Amrita Suresh
Review By Ila Garg

When a Lawyer walks down the aisle, is a novel by the writer Amrita Suresh, who is earlier known for When a Lawyer falls in Love. The book is published by Radiance Publications. The cover is simple and soothing to the eyes. The title is attractive too. Use of bright colours and image of two penguins in a wedding dress, add to the reader’s interest.

There is no proper blurb. The author’s bio is missing too, as well as the acknowledgement. The presentation of this book is not up to the mark and it left me disappointed. Yet, I somehow began reading and my opinion gradually began to change.

When a Lawyer walks down the aisle, revolves around a young group of lawyers namely Sonali, Ankur, Vyas, Souvik, and Jaishree. From the very first page, the novelist manages to capture the reader interest.

The story begins at a graveyard and the spookiness continues till the end. In that sense, the novel is a blend of serious and comical episodes. It’s a witty ride of culprit-hunting, who was the murderer of an octogenarian lady. An insight into the lives of lawyers working on a case which is full of mysteries and perfectly involves supernatural elements as well as the old forgotten knowledge of Upanishads, Hindu Mythology, Zen Buddhism, and Psychometry. A fresh tale, with a refreshing plot that doesn’t bore you for even a microsecond.

However, not further revealing the plot, I would like to mention that this tale doesn’t involve solely the lawyers. We have several struggling actors too and we have villians, we have common people, we even have a candle light march. It has so many subtle plots woven in it that you can’t help but enjoy the book. Apart from the solving of one major murder case, it has given a balanced space to misunderstandings, life of struggling actors, theatre groups, haunted house, friendship, love, divorce cases, and a message to live life when you can.

The book has more to it than meets the eye. It somehow retains the element of humor from beginning till the end. It makes you wonder about the author’s background and how she managed to say this much in such a short space. The author, Amrita Suresh, in that way seemed well read to me and left me impressed! I was awestruck to read several bold lines and the mention of things like porn. And on top of it, the secret fairy revealed to me that the author is a proud mother of a very naughty kid!

The too many twists and turns in the case, is just one of the reasons you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens in When a Lawyer walks down the aisle. Another reason that would keep you glued to it would be the couple of Souvik and Jaishree and what their future will be.

This 164 page book is not a regular tale. The book has a few grammatical errors, punctuations missing and several spelling errors too. The books lacks in proofreading and a proper typeset. There are major name goof ups too like Aditi Adithi, and Sonu Sonlu. Apart from this, it is very entertaining and brings to forth some real life problems too which we need to understand to live life happily and cherish the rare moments. For me it was a quick read, as I completed the novel in some 2-3 hours. 

‘Yay’ Factors: The story line and the characters. 

‘Nay’ Factors: The presentation of the book. The proofreading and editing errors. 

My Verdict: To find out whether Ankur, Vyas, Sonali and the others are able to solve the case or not, Jaishree and Souvik unite or not, what happens to Mrs. Shireen Lakdawala, who is Tara Bhansal, does Pavan manages to fulfill his dream of becoming the lead actor, and is Vyas able to find his compatible partner; you will have to read the novel, When a Lawyer walks down the aisle. 

I would like to wish the author all the best for future endeavors. 

Ratings: 3.75/5 (I would have given it a 4 or 4.25 if the proofreading was done properly and the presentation was taken care of.)

Buying Links: Amazon | Flipkart | Infibeam

Lucifer's Lungi - Book Review

 

Lucifer’s Lungi

By Nitin Sawant

Review By Ila Garg

“…sometimes the road less travelled, is less travelled for a reason…”

Lucifer’s Lungi, by the debutant writer Nitin Sawant is published by Fablery Publications. The book jacket is appropriate and hooks the readers instantly. The old temple, the moon, everything is appealing. It intrigues the readers into believing that it’s a horror story. The book is small sized and makes you wonder what can be stored in it. This novella is an in and out thriller and the cover adds to its thrill.

The author has tried to make a living by being a software programmer, engineer, stock market analyst, copywriter, journalist, tele-shopping expert and jewellery designer at various stages of life. He has travelled far and wide across the world, and has led a nomadic life for past 20 years. This gives a unique perspective to all his tall tales and offers a distinctive colour to his writing. There’s usually a tinge of sadness to every joke he’s experienced. And he’s always ended up laughing, whenever he’s lived through a horror moment, like in the ‘Lucifer’s Lungi’. It is his literary debut.

The blurb reads as, “An atheist city-slicker unleashed on a medieval holy village...

A simpleton village priest's boy who blindly worships and guards a pantheon of Gods and Their traditions...

Strange things happen when their worlds collide!

This is a tale of that turmoil on a lonely night in a jungle, when the ghosts you never knew till a few hours ago are let loose on the ghosts that you always carried within, unknowingly.

Welcome to the unholy clash of beliefs, fears and frailties with unknown Gods and demons. A clash that will test your convictions. A clash that will rabidly claw and unmask your subconscious, leaving you naked and paralyzed in front of your demons - in a climax that is as ambiguous as it is certain...

Welcome to the madness of 'Lucifer's Lungi'... where What-You-See-Is-NOT-What-You-Get...”

The author begins absurdly but soon takes his readers on this gripping ride. This book is written in the form of a travelogue. The protagonist of this pocket-sized-rocket is an atheist working in the city. He loves to take out time every weekend to go on trips. It brings colors to his monotonous life. It’s almost like an escape route from his neck-breaking corporate life. On one such trip, he lands up in a village where people question his purpose of visit. They want to know why ‘saar’ (sir) has come there if he doesn’t want to buy flowers or visit a temple.

The people there further believe in strange tales and traditions. They believe in the wrath of ghosts and similar things. He is caught in this ‘unholy clash of beliefs, fears and frailties with unknown Gods and demons’. Much against his will, he is drawn into a world that plays on his subconscious fears and his imagination, driving him to a state of no-return.

Bringing to the fore, the rift between Lucifer and God, good and evil; the author has indeed taken a bold step. The way this narrative is written, it compels the readers to believe that it is a realistic tale. The author has managed to keep the story tight knit and though it is fast paced, yet it seems comfortable for the readers.

The language is easy to comprehend, with a little use of vernacular words like ‘Apattu’ (hazardous), ‘Tondaravu’ (trouble), etc. All characters are sketched very well and they make the plot more interesting. Author’s language is really fresh and the narration is entrancing too. Readers will find it interesting and will not be bored.

The 111 page book manages to be a wonderful read. This book is definitely a page turner and a very quick read. Though my first impression was that the author won’t be able to condense his ideas in such a small book. I wasn’t too sure if I would like this novella but gradually as I began reading, I realised how intelligently Nitin Sawant has used the right amount of words to grip his readers.

For a debut writer, Nitin Sawant has presented a nice book with a different storyline. The plot and thrill kept me glued to this book. Due to the simple language used by the author, the readers will not find it difficult to comprehend.

The downside of this book is its editing. It left me disappointed. To err is human, but to err and err again is not justified. From the “po-logue” to the “ippo-logue”, the narrative has a lot of spelling, punctuation and basic grammatical errors that slipped through the writer's and editor's eyes. Apart from these, the excessive use of slangs like kinda and gawd made this dish too salty for me! 

‘Yay’ Factors: The compact story line.

‘Nay’ Factors: The too many editing errors right from the first page to the last page.

My Verdict: To find out who is the protagonist, why does he go for the weekend trips, why the locals question his visit, what is the mystery behind the temple, will he get back, how does he deals with the clash between fear and power, good and bad, who wins this clash in the end - Lucifer or God; you will have to read the novella, Luficer’s Lungi.

Ratings: 3/5

Buying Links: Amazon|Flipkart|Homeshop18