Review- The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky by Manan Kapoor

The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Kashmir — 1991

In between the insurgency and the exodus, Inayat finds solace in the company of Gul, a Kashmiri pundit, and Aaqib. She blooms under the eyes of her father, Maqbool — an alcoholic poet, and her mother — Wahida, who is fraught with sanguinity. They spend their days listening to The Doors in Gul’s backyard and attending Shakes-Peer’s English lessons at the school. However, as they leave behind their childhood, they realize that the future holds things for them that they have never even imagined.

Inayat comes face to face with loss as bereavement engulfs Kashmir. The echoing of the machine guns, the wails of her loved ones and the silence that she is bequeathed with is all that is left. The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky is the story of a skirmish with life and the perseverance in the dark times

Release date: April 18th 2016

Published by: Leadstart Publications

Page numbers: 249

REVIEW: 

When I first heard of The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky, I was really interested because even though I have always been curious, I had never read a book set in Kashmir. The only exposure I had to a fictionalised Kashmir was the recent movie, Fitoor. There was no way I was going to skip this book; and while it took me a long time to get to it and even more time to finish it, it was worth it because this book is exceptionally beautiful. The only disadvantage (or that's what I consider it) is that Manan Kapoor has really set up my expectations for books set in Kashmir, so the similar books that I will read in the future better be just as beautiful. 

The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky follows the story of Inayat, her parents, Maqbool and Wahida and her friends, Gul and Aaqib. Every character in the book is very uniquely made and wonderfully portrayed with a slight glimpse from almost every point of view, every once in a while. A true gem of historical fiction, this book gives us a realistic and raw look into the socio-political scenario of Kashmir and more than just that, it tells us what a few people went through because of that. Books like these teach you more than what history textbooks or even Google ever could, because they explicitly show us pain and suffering, something that- although difficult to digest, is very, very real.

For such a young writer, Manan Kapoor is very talented. His writing is beautiful and his storytelling is extremely addictive because I never wanted the book to end. With just one book, the author has already made his way to my auto-read list because I am very much looking forward to anything and everything that he will write next as I'm sure it'll be beautiful. There was a wonderful and very smooth flow to his words- almost similar to Khaled Hosseini, who is one of my most favourite writers, so that's definitely something special. Manan Kapoor is definitely an author to watch out for.

I don't want to get into the story because this is one of those stories that is better read than told. What I can promise is that The Lamentations of a Sombre Sky will leave you feeling a hundred and ten feelings because it is a beautifully sad book that will stay in your heart forever. It is, hands down, one of the best books I have read so far in 2016. Also, not to forget, the book cover is just as beautiful as the story itself, so this is one of those rarities where judging the book by it's cover will actually prove you right, because everything- and trust me- everything about this book is beautiful. 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures by Harsha

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

After having recurring dreams, a man considers retracing Lord Hanuman's epic journey from India to Sri Lanka. While rationality argues against the pursuit, the dream appeals to something deeper, and he sets out with two friends on a 1200 kilometre trek across South India. The journey however, doesn’t turn out to be quite what they expected. Along the way, through encounters with evil cans of pepper spray, wise men, pimps, hellhounds, and manic elephants, they are forced to confront their personal demons. At one of their lowest moments, plagued by doubt, they lose all hope. That's when they experience a sign, the first of many, which renews their spirits and helps them push forward.

Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures, provides a candid account of the trio’s incredible journey - their misgivings, sufferings, and triumphs, all in search of faith.

Release date: October 2015

Published by: Leadstart Publishing 

Page numbers: 242

REVIEW:

Even though Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures doesn't fall under a genre I normally prefer to read, when I first came across the book, there was something extremely intriguing about it, which is why I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book, and more importantly, how much I learned from it. This was a book wherein the balance between fun and seriousness was well done and it made for a very entertaining yet enlightening read. 

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures is the story of an epic trip taken by three best friends Sam, Sri and the author Harsha, after the latter has a dream in which he follows the entire path taken by Lord Hanuman on foot. I've always believed that dreaming is easy, but actually making a dream a reality is what is difficult, and people who pursue their dreams are full of bravery and courage. In spite of how ridiculous it might seem to someone on the outside, the trio go on a journey that changes them; for better or worse, that's for the reader to decide. 

Throughout the book or rather the journey, emphasis is laid on faith and whether what the trio are doing actually makes sense or no. Sam, Sri and Harsha were so different from each other and that gave three different perspectives on a single thing which was very beautiful in a broadening your horizons or taking back something from it kind of way. The incessant and hilarious banter between Sam and Sri, for me, was the highlight of the book and even though the book is Harsha's story, I found myself relating the most to Sam, who seemed like my twin. 

It is clear that a lot of thought and research went into writing  this beautiful book because it taught me so much about our rich Indian mythology, our vast and wonderful country, people, nature and practically everything in between. I'm not the biggest fan of trekking or hiking, but this book has made me want to get out there, explore more, appreciate nature and just live and feel the moment. Besides, being an animal lover, I was touched by the many mentions they got, and major, major plus points for the concept of "dogeism" which had me smiling. 

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures is about more than just an epic trip. There is so much more to it than just three friends having the time of their lives. The book is about faith, friendship, trust, courage, strength and humanity and I devoured every page of it; but most importantly, it is about not giving up. It is the kind of book with which you have to relax and take your own time to really understand how deep it is and to make yourself a part of the journey. 

*Note: This book was provided by Harsha and Leadstart in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book. 

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN) / FLIPKART

Review- Marry Go Round by Sadiqa Peerbhoy

Goodreads Summary:

A determined mother using blatant emotional blackmail to inveigle her NRI son into a marriage with the right sort of desi girl; a reluctant groom with a live-in girlfriend following him all the way to India; a bride on the rebound from a disastrous liaison with a married man; skeletons rattling in old family cupboards; an aunt on the vengeance trail ? and we have a heady cocktail of an arranged wedding that morphs into a love marriage with quite the wrongest possible girl?with a little tactical help from long-dead ancestors. Written in a refreshingly original style, Marry Go Round is one quaint combine of today?s merrily irreverent humour and a staid Hyderabadi milieu with its Nawabi hangover from grandiose times long past.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Marry Go Round by Sadiqa Peerbhoy from Leadstart Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for the book! 

Marry Go Round sounded like a fun and frilly read and that's exactly how it turned out to be. Obviously, that means that there are possibilities of a cliché, but honestly, this book was anything but that. I was at the edge of my seat till the very end, thinking about which girl our hero Riaz would end up with and I was quite happy with the ending. I do enjoy these kind of chick lit and girly reads once in a while- once in a while being the most important part of the sentence. 

Marry Go Round is set in the charming city of Hyderabad, and the story takes place in a typical Hyderabadi Muslim home. Fortunately for me, I go to Hyderabad quite often so I know almost everything about the city. Although I've never really visited a Muslim home there, I've heard tons of stories about it. 

Riaz's mom wants her only son to get married as soon as possible for reasons only she knows. Working in New York, Riaz has a hip life going on there and he even has a White girlfriend Sarah. To make her son come visit, Sartaj Jehan makes drama that could beat any of those ridiculous soaps they air on TV. On Riaz's return, the drama takes a whole new turn and it's a silly but enjoyable ride. 

Each character in the book added their own unique personality to the whole story in general. Sartaj's inner dialogue and English were funny and her husband's Shakespeare obsession and quotes and hunger pangs added more humour. From Riaz's girlfriend to his suitors to his suitors' parents to his cousins to his relatives to his friends, everyone made this book a joyful ride. 

Author Sadiqa Peerbhoy's writing was charming and kind of reminded me of Salman Rushdie. She has written an absolutely enjoyable book that captures the charm of a hearty Muslim household and of the Nizam's bejewelled city of Hyderabad. 

Marry Go Round had many aspects relating to marriage that I don't quite like or even understand for that matter but the book ended with a type of marriage I love so I can oversee all the other flaws. The book can be read like a romantic comedy Bollywood movie where you don't really need to use your brain. All you gotta do is read and enjoy the ride. 

RATING: