Review- Mayurkhund by Sadiqa Peerbhoy

Mayurkhund on Goodreads 

Release date: February 15th 2019

Published by: Readomania

Page numbers: 288

REVIEW: 

I always enjoy reading author Sadiqa Peerbhoy's books. There's something very intriguing about her exquisite writing and her poignant storytelling. Very ethnic and spellbinding, her stories take me to a place in my home country but in a faraway time and place which is always exciting to visit. Her Marry Go Round was a fun and interesting story about arranged marriages set in Hyderabad, while my favourite of hers, House of Discord, was a story about family, politics and religion set in Mumbai. 

Mayurkhund, Sadiqa Peerbhoy's latest, is the devastatingly beautiful story of Zeenat who aspires to become a playback singer. Just when she thinks she's close to achieving her dreams, live starts throwing curve balls at her which makes her reconsider everything she had thought of for herself. By a series of events which are interesting to get to know but sad to understand, she finds herself in the Mayurkhund palace. Zeenat's daughter, Amari, grew up in Mayurkhund but eventually left the place due to her own fascinating series of events. She is haunted by the peacocks that Mayurkhund is famous for and when she visits Rajasthan for a work trip, she gets a call from the Queen to visit her childhood home. 

There is so much more to talk about the story but I would rather the reader discover how wonderfully it has been put down on his/ her own. The story alternates from Zeenat's life in the 1960s to Amari's in the late 1990s. The incidents that take place in both their lives are connected in some way or the other and add to the depth and beauty of the book. Sadiqa Peerbhoy's writing is, as always, incredibly easy to follow and yet so amazingly worded that even though it was confusing for me at first as who is who, it all fell into place quite soon and I found myself immersed in the story. 

The ending of the book left me with mixed feelings. I didn't laugh or smile and I didn't feel sad either. I just found myself relieved and at peace with the way everything turned out. That, for me, was a first. I don't quite remember feeling this way about any ending before, and that is one of the main reason I will remember this book for a long time. I would highly recommend this glorious read that is packed with rich history, tradition, family and the ethereal relation between parents and children.  

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Readomania in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

Release date: November 8th 2016

Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books

Page numbers: 293

REVIEW: 

Any book of the Harry Potter franchise always makes me happy. Always.

When I read J.K. Rowling's library collection, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander a long, long time ago, I was always curious to know more because it developed in me, a greater love for the incredible magical creatures. Then when a movie based on the book came out last year, I had the most magical time revisiting my home and the place that I belong in- the magical world. So when I saw that there was a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay written by the Queen herself, I had to get a copy and read it. 

Reading the screenplay after months of watching the movie was one the coolest ideas I've ever had because not only did I read and get to experience the written world which Rowling does so bloody brilliantly, but I also got to revisit the movie, which I loved to bits. One of the biggest advantages of reading the screenplay is all the side action that is, albeit in brief, explained meticulously which sometimes doesn't portray so particularly well on screen because it's not explicit. Revisiting the movie and meeting the wonderful Newt again was just so amazing. 

Aside from Newt, however, I loved how close a look I got into the life of this dark but very poor and likeable child, Credence, who is one of the most important characters of the movie. It was also beautiful meeting curious and funny Jacob, sweet and sexy Queenie and lovely and strong Tina again. Not just that, but visiting the American wizarding world again was a fantastic experience. I could imagine everything so perfectly and it felt good to go back.

As always, with any magical world book by Queen Rowling, I find myself incapable of doing her writing and storytelling justice, so I will leave it up to you to buy a copy, read and devour the screenplay of which we have the privilege of reading.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

And the Mountains Echoed on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

An unforgettable novel about finding a lost piece of yourself in someone else.

Khaled Hosseini, the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, has written a new novel about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. 

In this tale revolving around not just parents and children but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. 

Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe—from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos—the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page.

Release date: May 21st 2013

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing 

Page numbers: 416

REVIEW: 

I've been reading books for 10 odd years now, and what I've realised is that words make me happy. They're my happy place. They're not an escape from reality for me; they are my reality. I've learned to believe that words speak louder than actions. They've managed to bring a smile to my face. But this time around, with And the Mountains Echoed, somehow these same words that I thought made my day, brought tears to my eyes in a way no words ever have before.

I don't consider myself worthy of reviewing a masterpiece, a work of art that is And the Mountains Echoed. I honestly thought that The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns were the most incredible, raw, real and heart touching books I've ever read, but of course, trust Khaled Hosseini to prove me wrong. What he has done with this book, it's unreal, it's so incredibly magical and heartbreaking, devastating and tragic that I don't even know what to feel or how to feel. I just don't know.

All I know is that this is a book that's going to bring more tears to my eyes every time I remember it and seeing as I'm never going to forget it, I'm going to be needing many, many tissues. I swear no book has brought tears to my eyes the way And the Mountains Echoed did and no words moved me the way Khaled Hosseini's words did. A master storyteller, he blesses the word with literary gems every time he writes.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood

A Light Amongst Shadows on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

James Spencer is hardly the typical “troubled youth” who ends up at Whisperwood School for Boys. Instead of hating the strict schedules and tight oversight by staff, James blossoms, quickly making friends and indulging in his love of writing, while contemplating the merits of sneaking love poems to the elusive and aloof William Esher.

The rumours about William’s sexuality and opium reliance are prime gossip material amongst the third years. Rumours that only further pique James' curiosity to uncover what William is really like beneath all that emotional armor. And, when the normally collected William stumbles in one night, shaken and ranting of ghosts... James is the only one who believes him.

James himself has heard the nails dragging down his bedroom door and the sobs echoing in the halls at night. He knows others have, too, even if no one will admit it. The staff refuses to entertain such ridiculous tales, and punishment awaits anyone who brings it up.

Their fervent denial and the disappearance of students only furthers James’s determination to find out what secrets Whisperwood is hiding... Especially if it means keeping William and himself from becoming the next victims. 

Release date: June 1st 2018

Published by: x-potion designs

Page numbers: 

REVIEW: 

In case you did not know, I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Kelley York. She is one of my favourite authors, who has given me some of my favourite reads like Hushed and Made of Stars. I missed her collaboration with her wife, Rowan Altwood the last time when they wrote Other Breakable Things, so when I heard about A Light Amongst Shadows, I was super excited to read it. I was also so glad to be finally reading something by Rowan Altwood, and it was truly worth the wait. 

A Light Amongst Shadows started out as a very magical book as it reminded me of Hogwarts with the grand description of the boys school, Whisperwood. Discovering the school with the protagonist James was incredible because with time, I formed a bond with him. Going to the dining hall from the dorms to the secret tunnels, the graveyard and the forest was an adventure and I literally felt as if I was there with James. 

James was a very typical Kelley York character who I loved. He had a dark past and he worked hard towards a bright future. His friendship with Oscar, his roommate, reminded me so much of previous friendships Kelley has written about. And his relationship with William was incredibly well done. For two boys to be so comfortable and confident with and about each other at a time when such stuff was out of the question, was magnificent to see. 

The story of A Light Amongst Shadows revolves around James and his extremely sharp mind which starts discovering really odd stuff at the school. He takes it in his hands to find out exactly what happened to his roommate when he disappears one day. I would have liked to know more about the whys behind the discovery that James makes at the end, but the how of it was sad but satisfactory. I also found the story to be slightly slow in terms of pace, but it was something I could pass as I didn't want the book to end anyway. 

Overall, A Light Amongst Shadows came as a pleasant surprise because it's very different from what I'm normally used to from Kelley York. There is no doubt that she does LGBTQ really well, but now I know that she does historical really well, as well. So when the two came together here, it was a win win situation. I would definitely recommend this one, but if you are a regular Kelley York reader like me, this isn't like the author's previous works, so just be prepared for that. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the Kelly York in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- Inferno by Dan Brown

Inferno on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

‘Seek and ye shall find.’

With these words echoing in his head, eminent Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon awakes in a hospital bed with no recollection of where he is or how he got there. Nor can he explain the origin of the macabre object that is found hidden in his belongings.

A threat to his life will propel him and a young doctor, Sienna Brooks, into a breakneck chase across the city of Florence. Only Langdon’s knowledge of hidden passageways and ancient secrets that lie behind its historic facade can save them from the clutches of their unknown pursuers.

With only a few lines from Dante’s dark and epic masterpiece, The Inferno, to guide them, they must decipher a sequence of codes buried deep within some of the most celebrated artefacts of the Renaissance – sculptures, paintings, buildings – to find the answers to a puzzle which may, or may not, help them save the world from a terrifying threat…

Set against an extraordinary landscape inspired by one of history’s most ominous literary classics, Inferno is Dan Brown’s most compelling and thought-provoking novel yet, a breathless race-against-time thriller that will grab you from page one and not let you go until you close the book. 

Release date: May 14th 2013

Published by: Bantam Press

Page numbers: 465

REVIEW: 

After The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, Inferno was the third Dan Brown book I read. I had actually watched the movie when it came out, and I could relate to it on a whole new and practical level of reality and acceptance, which had me curious to pick up the book. When I ended up picking the book name from my 2017 TBR jar, I was more than excited to finally get on another Robert Langdon adventure.

Inferno starts very abruptly with Langdon somehow waking up in a hospital in Italy and escaping the dangerous Vayentha with Doctor Sienna Brooks. When a mysterious object with an inscrutable message is found in Langdon's jacket, a search begins for decoding, discovering and destroying Bertrand Zobrist's gift for the world.

I found the story to be very slow and with unnecessary details sometimes because for a 400 plus pages book, the story itself only revolves around a couple of days. But, as always, Langdon's adventures are packed with action and knowledge, a combination I've grown to appreciate and admire. I wish more people would worship this incredible hero who is someone to look up to!

Dan Brown writes the most meticulous and accurate stories that have the reader on the edge of the seat from the starting until the very end, and Inferno wasn't any exception as it proved to be another marvel of Brown. However, I do have a soft spot for this one because I learned so much from this book.

Overall, I would highly recommend Inferno if you care about the world and art and when you know you have time to invest in a book as this is a long, but a bloody brilliant one.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- Branded by the Pink Triangle by Ken Setterington

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Before the rise of the Nazi party, Germany, especially Berlin, was one of the most tolerant places for homosexuals in the world. Activists, including Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein, campaigned openly for the rights of gay men and women, and tried to repeal the old existing law against homosexuality. But all that would change when the Nazis came to power and existence for gay people turned into one of fear. Raids, arrests, prison sentences and expulsions became the daily reality. When the concentration camps were built, homosexuals were imprisoned along with Jews and any other groups the Nazis wanted to suppress.

The pink triangle, sewn onto prison uniforms, became the symbol of the persecution of homosexuals, a persecution that would continue for many years after the war. A mix of historical research, first person accounts, and individual stories bring this time to life for readers. Stories of bravery in the face of inhuman cruelty, friendship found in the depths of despair in the camps, and the perseverance of the human spirit will both educate and inspire. 

Release date: April 15th 2013

Published by: Second Story Press

Page numbers: 155

REVIEW: 

When I first came across Branded by the Pink Triangle, I was very curious to know about the condition and situation of homosexuals during World War II because I never even gave it a thought. I always love reading about World War II because books based during that time are full of raw emotion and they shatter me. I also love reading LGBT books for more or less the same reason. So when I realised that there is a book that takes up both the themes, I was overwhelmed and I had to read the book. 

Branded by the Pink Triangle is a non-fiction account of homosexuality during Hitler's regime. Now we all know that this time was the most bloody and brutal of all history. This book isn't any different. It already kills me on the inside to read about the way people were treated during this period, but to have learned that homosexuals were treated even more badly by means that were absolutely disgusting and nasty, had me devastated. 

A very well written book with thoroughly researched information, Branded by the Pink Triangle is a true eye-opener to something that hasn't been spoken of enough, and that deserves a place in history and in all our hearts. Author Ken Setterington has put out a commendable and remarkable piece of work that deserves and demands to be read, just to understand everything a little better. And to all those people mentioned in the book... Wow, we salute you. 

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- The Desperate Love of a Lord by Jane Lark

The Desperate Love of a Lord on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From Kindle bestselling Historical romance author, Jane Lark, comes a brand new FREE novella to accompany her breathtakingly beautiful Regency series.

Fiercely independent, Lady Violet Rimes, the merry widow, has played the town, dangling men from leashes like a pack of adoring hounds, always the one in control. She has never let a man toy with her.

An idle, attractive rake, Lord Geoffrey Sparks has had little to do other than enjoy life. He has let Violet play her games for months without complaint, because he likes her company—and admittedly her bed. But in recent months he's found himself gravitating towards her more and more. Things have changed between them. He likes her for who she is and not simply the notorious widow. He thought his feelings were returned, but . . . Why then has she suddenly vanished from town without a word?

A couple of months ago, she'd complained about his friend being a heartbreaker, but now Violet is breaking his heart... 

Release date: October 5th 2015

Published by: HarperImpulse

Page numbers: 108

REVIEW:

Author Jane Lark's The Desperate Love of a Lord is a novella that's free on Amazon. I am not into historical romance or romance in general, but I was in the mood for something quick and light, which is why I picked up this novella. Although it was very silly for my taste, it served its purpose of being a light and quick read that was, at the same time, nice as well. 

This is the story of Violet and Geoff, a man who is younger to her by seven years. Violet is now a widow and she meets Geoff for purely pleasure purposes. Obviously, you don't need to be the God of romance to put two and two together and figure out that the two eventually start developing feelings for one another when one fine day, Violet just decides to leave the city. The reason behind her disappearance is her newly found companion. 

For a historical novella, this story had some modern liberty and intellectuality thrown in as Violet and Geoff's relationship stems from something that is forbidden. And it further leads to more twists and turns that are generally considered forbidden. So it was fresh and atypical to see that in a historical romance. It was genuinely nice to have traditionalism veering slightly towards modernity.  

One part that didn't quite sit well with me was all the sexual activity which seemed to be the highlight of the book. No doubt that a romance digger would love to read about it, but I was looking for a meaningful story that had some great conversation between the protagonists. Nonetheless, The Desperate Love of a Lord was a quick, light and nice novella that's perfect for romance lovers. 

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades of Gray on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously--and at great risk--documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives.Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart. 

Release date:

Published by: 

Page numbers: 

REVIEW:

Wow. I don't know what to say. Humanity seems to be such a funny word after reading Between Shades of Gray. Who even invented it? Does it even exist? I am so speechless and so contemplative. All I can come up with is one of my most favourite quotes by Albert Camus that author Ruta Sepeteys herself has used a part of in the book and that fits Between Shades of Gray perfectly: 

Between Shades of Gray is an eye opener of the part of European history that remains untold and unheard of until one reads this book. The book was so real, so raw and so true. The characters are not the only people suffering. The reader suffers with them. Half the time, I just kept asking myself, what is happening? Why is this happening? This shouldn't happen! Not to innocent people. Not to anyone. Historical fiction really teaches us what history is all about. History is not just about the socio-political scenarios. It's about feelings and emotions. It's about how the surroundings of a person affect her or him. It is devastating, and it hurts just reading about it. Imagine being a part of it... 

I really have no idea what to say. I wouldn't say that Between Shades of Gray was out of the ordinary. But it moved me and it touched me. It taught me so much. I have really learned to value life because you never know what can happen and how one can go from hundred to zero in the blink of an eye. It taught me strength. I cannot even begin to imagine myself in the place of the characters. 

I know my review is of no help, but there are plenty of reviews out there that explain how incredible this book is. The only reason I decided to put down something is to let you, my dear reader, know that Between Shades of Gray is worth it. It will modify you in the most breathtaking way. And like my friend Tanja was there for me, I will be there to hug you once you're done reading this work of art. 

Buy the book: AMAZON / FLIPKART

Review- The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Berlin 1942

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

Release date: 2012 (first published in 2006)

Published by: Vintage Children's Classics

Page numbers: 223

REVIEW:

When my friend Ao, over at Aobibliosphere, recommended The Boy in Striped Pyjamas to me and when I read his review for the same, I knew that I had to read the book. Even though I could try to understand why the book has got many negative reviews and why it has been bashed, I really don't care, because to each her/ his own. Besides, for me, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas was somewhat like The Kite Runner meets Between Shades of Gray, and it was a very moving and touching story that had my heart shedding tears. 

Fictionalizing history is very difficult because there's always going to be something that is going to offend someone. Bridging the gap between reality and fiction by respecting both is a truly an art, and author John Boyne narrates a resplendent tale of two boys who look at each other as humans first, and don't even bother defining each other based on anything else. While their innocence could be termed as naïveté, why wouldn't nine year-olds behave like nine year-olds? There was so much of depth to Bruno and Shmuel's friendship that it made me want to get them out of the book and hug them tight. 

More than just friendship though, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas is about a very difficult and violent period in history. What's told in this glorious tale is the story of two boys and two boys alone, but there's so much more to it than just that. The story is about courage, humanity and hope. Courage to cross the line and greet another as a friend. Humanity towards another human, which is what's expected. And finally hope that one day, everything will be all right. 

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas left me in tears and the two young and awe-inspiring boys taught me so much about life in less than 200 pages. John Boyne tells a lovely and heart-breaking story in a very simple manner. The author's writing was incredible, his words flowed so easily and his characterization was very realistic, with flaws and imperfections- just the way it should be. The Boy in Striped Pyjamas will take a few hours to finish, but will stay with the reader for far more than that time. 

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN) / FLIPKART

Review- Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Goodreads Summary:

It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. 

She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

REVIEW:

Author Ruta Sepetys' Out of the Easy had been sitting on my shelf since a very long time. Then out of the blue, the book was constantly on my mind for some reason, so I decided to finally pick it up and read it. I had only seen the book around before and heard great stuff about it. Having no clue what it was actually about, I went in without any expectations whatsoever, other than the fact that I was hoping the book would blow my mind away. Thankfully, the book was intriguing, mysterious and unique enough to do just that. I can't really say that I was surprised by the same, because from the very beginning, I knew that I had confronted a really nice story. 

Out of the Easy is the story of literature admirer and bookstore caretaker, Josie, who also happens to be the daughter of a prostitute who works for a very chic, quirky, strong and powerful women by the name of Willie. Josie also works for Willie wherein she does cleanup at the brothel. For me, having these three women at the core of the story made the book very women-centric. What was most admirable was that each of them was so unique in their own way and had a personality that was quite contrasting to the others. Having said that, the men in the story were very unparalleled as well. So we go from Cokie, the driver, to many men who visit the brothel and get nicknamed based on the place they come from to Charlie, book owner and author to spooks who give chills... Everyone was very unique and well developed as characters. Josie had two guys in her life, Patrick and Jesse, both of whom were astoundingly attractive and commendably smart. 

Even though Out of the Easy is essentially historical, there wasn't much of the socio-political history of the late 1940s and early 1950s other than the mention of a few wars here and there. What was really historical and what made it very charming was the description of the old world from the houses, buildings and exteriors to the roads, cafes and restaurants. Another positive was the mystery added which kept the story very gripping and extremely fast-paced as well. I thoroughly loved every second of the story and I was curious to read and know more. To top it all off, Ruta Sepetys' writing was so lovely and had a very rapidly poetic feel to it, and made the book very mysterious and dazzling. 

While the ending of the story was rather simplistic in my eyes and I would have liked the mystery to take a stronger hold since it seemed like it was the most important aspect after a certain point, I still liked Out of the Easy more than enough. Josie was a lovely and smart girl who made for a very brave and admirable character whose company I loved since page one. Her love for literature was easy to relate to. She is the heroine of the book, and honestly, there wouldn't be any problem if there were no guys in the story, because Josie was the hero too. This was her book and her story. A dazzling tale of the dark side of a town, the dark side of power, the unsteadiness in relationships, ambition, strife and everyone looking for their own advantages, Out of the Easy is a very lovely and gripping story. 

RATING:

Review- India Was One by An Indian

Goodreads Summary:

…Suddenly, he saw something shiny at the bottom of the abyss. He squinted his eyes to see what it was. He ran back to his binoculars and turned them to see what it was. Sharp barbed wires that separated the two mountains came into focus. He had come as far as he could in his country. But she was standing in another country.

He was in South India and she was in North India…

Have you ever imagined India being divided into two countries? What happens to the millions of Indians who are from South India but are now residing in North India? Kaahi & Jai were two such people who got trapped in this situation. Everything was going smoothly for them and suddenly, their world turned upside down.

How will they get together? Will India become one again?

Take an exciting journey with them from their college days in Mumbai to their life in the US and back to India when they find out that India is divided.

REVIEW:

I was intrigued by the title "India Was One" the moment I saw the book online. Being a student of Political Science, I knew this was one book I had to read. Before reading the summary, I had assumed that the book would be about Indian history before partition. But India Was One was not even close to what I thought it would be. I was trying my best to lay my hands on this book when the author very kindly gave me a copy of it in exchange for an honest review. 

There were some aspects of the book that I really liked while there were some that didn't sit quite well with me. Honestly, I don't really know how to review India Was One without giving away too much and without taking prejudices into consideration. 
India Was One is the story of Vijay (Jai) and Kahani (Kahi), college sweethearts who, after getting married, move to the US and all hell brakes loose when, just as they are settling in and getting used to thier new lives, CNN flashes news that the country of India has been divided into two parts, North India and South India. 
One of the best aspects of the book for me was that I could connect to it emotionally. The college scenes with Jai, Kahi and their friends, Bunty, Subra and Punk were exactly like any normal college scenes. The family scenes, anxiety in times of cricket matches, sipping chai (tea) endlessly, food, parties, dance, drama are also easy to relate to. Being an Indian myself, I could easily understand why someone did something in some way. The author has nailed the art of explaining a simply complicated Indian scenario with simplicity and extravagance simultaneously. All Indian concepts and histories that non-Indians might not be aware of have been clearly elucidated. These concepts and histories are clear in my head, but reading about them was an altogether different learning experience. 
When Jai and Kahi move to the US, they walk into a new world. They learn to live life in a new way. Not just me, but so many Indians have relatives in the US and we've all heard stories about their experience when they first went there. Another facet that I could relate to. We have all teased NRIs (Non- Residential Indians) by calling them Non- Required Indians. We have all, in a teasing manner of course, made fun of them saying that they leave India and don't care about the country at all after that. We have all heard them complain about India when they occasionally revisit and we've all curiously listened to their US-India comparisons. 
We have all been there and done that and India Was One is just a reflection of that. 
Jai and Kahi's return to India was what made the book emotionally powerful. Just the fact that they come all the way back to India only to see if their parents are okay is what makes an Indian, an Indian. 
This part is where you get to see how India, the largest democracy in the world, is in a chaotic state and nothing can be done. I would have loved to read an elaboration of the division of India. How it all happened, why did it happen... Instead, it was just said that India was divided due to national unrest. Radio stations and TV channels are turned off. The Indian economy is in shackles and even cricket (which is more of a religion than a sport in India) is out of the picture. It would have been enlightening to read about the what's, how's and why's of it.
The ending was extremely heart wrenching. The 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai were referred to and everyone has their personal opinion on it. I do too, but I do not how to share them without having to pick over either sides of the story. Even though the attacks happened in Mumbai and it was important to give significance to Mumbai residents or Mumbaikars, I thought the stress on Mumbaikars was heavy, keeping aside the others. Nonetheless, it was beautiful and I loved how the author stresses on unity among Indians during times of trouble and how, in the end of the day, no matter which of the 28 states of India we come from, we are all the same- Indians. 
The book took me back to Chetan Bhagat's The 3 Mistakes Of My Life and 2 States, two books that I absolutely adore and I really liked how India Was One reminded me of them. A resplendent read, India Was One made me smile at times, laugh at times, and feel tearful sometimes. It is a book that respects India, is proud of India, but above all, it is a book that will remain close to the heart of Indians and will be a knowledgeable and beautiful experience for others as well. 

RATING:

X 3.5

LINK: 

Those of you who'd like to further check out the book, you can visit the India Was One Official Website. 

Sarika