Review- Dark Blossom by Neel Mullick

Dark Blossom on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Sam returns home from a business trip a day before his son's thirteenth birthday and is looking forward to being with his family, when his world is cruelly shattered in one fell swoop. Initially he thinks he can cope with the loss, but finally seeks the help of Cynthia, an experienced therapist, to regain his equipoise. What he does not know is that Cynthia herself is trying to cope with a debilitating divorce and the sinister shadow of her ex-husband over her daughter...

What happens when doctor and patient find themselves in the same sinking boat? Moreover, when they are rowing in opposite directions--one clinging to the past, and the other unable to get rid of it! In the midst of it all is Lily, Cynthia's daughter, who harbours a secret that has the power to explode the lives around her.

Release date: December 20th 2018

Published by: Rupa Publications

Page numbers: 224

REVIEW: 

When I first saw the cover and read the blurb of Dark Blossom, I knew I had to read the book to find out more. Although the summary provided me with a vague idea as to what the story would be like, I was pleasantly surprised at some unexpected turns which it took and that always makes me satisfied because predictability gets boring sometimes. 

Written by author Neel Mullick who contributes to and works towards various social causes, Dark Blossom is the story of Sam, who loses his beloved family in an accident and Cynthia, who, as a therapist, helps Sam cope with his huge loss and she is also the mother of punk-inspired teenager, Lucy. Sam, Cynthia, Lucy and Sam's son, Will are the most important characters in this story and the way in which their lives are intertwined is described fetchingly by the author who opts for a classic, slow burn and super effective way to describe the progress of each relationship. 

While the reader follows Cynthia's narration in the first person point of view, one still gets to know the other characters really well. For a book that's around 200 pages long (or short- depending on how you look at it), the story spans over the period of 18 months. Because of the short length of chapters, Dark Blossom truly was unputdownable. While I did read the book with long pauses, it never felt to me like I had left the story once I got back to it. I found this story to be rather magical and satisfying. 

Dark Blossom- as the name aptly suggests- is a dark read in terms of suffering and coping, but it's also accompanied terrifically by the very positive and hopeful blossoming of both relationships and the individual involved in them. While I did have some issues with the way it ended, the journey itself was relishing. If human emotions, feelings and minds interest you even the slightest, I would suggest you pick up this book ASAP! 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- The Diary on the Fifth Floor by Raisha Lalwani

The Diary on the Fifth Floor on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

A woman leaves her infant at home but finds her on a busy street in an unexpected turn of events.
Another woman wakes up in a flight hours later, befuddled, in the strangest circumstance.
A fascinating tale of a twenty-five-year-old woman that takes hold of us from the moment she enters the fifth floor of a hospital; more precisely, the psychiatric ward. Visibly terrified, she clutches at her clothbound diary, caught in the horns of a terrible dilemma—whether or not to hand over the diary to the doctor. She fears that she will be declared insane if her tangled web of thoughts unspooling in dark mysterious stories is read by the dissecting eye of a doctor.
What does this diary contain? As the novel progresses, we are drawn into characters and stories that are toe-curling, strange, and haunting in their raw intensity. What is the story of this woman? What secrets lie in the pages of her diary? And most importantly, what happens on the fifth floor?

Release date: October 21st 2018

Published by: Rupa Publications India

Page numbers: 184

REVIEW: 

Over the past few years, I have observed that Rupa publishes some really good books towards the end of the year. So even though I have my list of books to read before the year ends, it's hard to say no to these interesting new releases. The Diary on the Fifth Floor sounded like a nice, mysterious and creepy read which I couldn't resist. 

The Diary on the Fifth Floor recounts various incidents that happen around us everyday. While we might ignore them, once we start to really think, we cannot stop ourselves from questioning the human mind, emotions and intentions. This book really makes you question why people are the way they are. 

When I first read about The Diary on the Fifth Floor, it sounded very mysterious and eerie to me. Unfortunate, it didn't turn out to be that way. While the ending was just what I wanted it to be- a complete turn of events- I felt the story in general lacked spark. I wish it had more of a concrete yet creepy plot. 

Overall, however, this book is really worth a read for the easy language, interesting anecdotes and for the awareness it creates about mental health. Being a short read, this one is perfect for the weekend if you are looking for something deep but easy to read. I must applaud the author for writing a book that really makes you think. 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Tides Don't Cross by Simar Malhotra

Tides Don't Cross on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.

Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny. Deeply touching, this is an unforgettable story of thwarted desires, of love and its loss, of losing and finding oneself, and of falling and learning to rise.

Young and talented author Simar Malhotra has created yet another piercing and riveting read.

Release date: October 1st 2018

Published by: Rupa Publications

Page numbers: 256

REVIEW: 

I haven't read many books by Indian authors this year, so when I picked up Tides Don't Cross, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. When I first saw the cover and read the summary of the book, I thought it sounded really good and unique. Prior to reading this one, however, I was in a reading slump, so all I wanted was a book that would keep me engaged and entertained. Fortunately, Tides Don't Cross was a very refreshing and wonderful read. 

Tides Don't Cross is divided into three parts and follows the story of sisters Mrinalini and Rukmani who have a very strict mother which ends up making one sister very submissive, while the other lives life on her own terms. While there wasn't a lot of interaction between the two sisters, their relationship was beautifully portrayed. From being polar opposites to finding a smooth rhythm and from being far away to being emotionally connected, Mrinalini and Rukmani's relationship survived it all and made for a wonderful story. 

The story also revolves around Ayaan who finds himself being a very important part of the lives of both the sisters. Ayaan's was truly the best character in the book. He just naturally brought out the best in people and seeing Mrinalini and Rukmani with him was amazing. It's hard to express how he made an impact on both their lives without giving away any spoilers. It's something that you have to read to find out and devour. 

Overall, Tides Don't Cross is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to lovers of contemporary fiction. Author Simar Malholtra managed to keep me wanting to know more and more and the most awesome fact was that I wasn't able to figure out the ending, which is very rare. A different and fresh story, you do not want to miss this one! 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- The Elephant Chaser's Daughter by Shilpa Raj

The Elephant Chaser's Daughter on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Saved by her grandmother from being killed at birth for having been born a female, Shilpa’s life took many unexpected turns and twists through her early years. She faced abandonment by her mother, the formidable constraints placed on her by her family, and the barbs of village elders bound by hundreds of years of oppressive practices and customs that subjugate women. Shilpa is torn between the contrasting lives she leads: one of servitude and injustice experienced by her family; the other of opportunity and empowerment offered by a good education in a school started by a philanthropist.

Just when all seems settled, an unforeseen death under mysterious circumstances shatters whatever stability remains in her life. Pulled in opposite directions, and torn between despair and dreams, Shilpa finally makes a choice for her future. Is she strong enough to stand up to the people she loves, and pursue what she wants?

At its heart The Elephant Chaser’s Daughter is about hope, when all seems lost. Written with raw honesty and grit, this is a deeply moving memoir of a young girl confronting her ‘untouchable’ status in a caste-based society, and her aspirations for modernity.

Release date: July 10th 2017

Published by: Rupa Publications India

Page numbers: 260

REVIEW: 

The reasons I decided to pick up The Elephant Chaser's Daughter are the simple facts that it's the story of a village girl and it's the real story of the author. Without even knowing her, I'm able to say that Shilpa Raj is a very brave woman for sharing her story, which she has penned down in a manner so interesting that I wish she never stops writing. I want to know more about her life.

Any book set in rural India piques my curiosity because the condition and situation of women in Indian villages is a topic I've been interested in since a few years now. Set in Thattaguppe, Kerala, The Elephant Chaser's Daughter is about Shilpa, her family, her village and the one institute that saves her life- Shanti Bhavan, a school started by an American that takes village children into its arms and gives them wings to fly.

Shilpa's family and alma mater were two points that help make her into who she becomes. Shilpa is truly someone to admire and respect for whatever she has been through. I found it so difficult to even imagine some of the stuff that happens in her village. But the girl's courage, determination and strength make her stand on her own two feet. I really liked how Shilpa was, because her story was so real and raw that it's hard not to relate to her at some point or the other.

This book is so well done and so emotionally piercing that it just makes for a very great read. A true memoir of the author's life as a child stepping into adulthood with ups and downs, The Elephant Chaser's Daughter is one brilliant book that talks about the life of people in Indian villages with a focus on women, family and the kindness of strangers. But above all, this book is the voice of the voiceless. 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscapes by Tejaswini Apte-Rahm

These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscapes on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

A fanatical collector of beetles finds out too late where his passion has led him. A woman out on a shopping spree in a glitzy mall finds she can’t go home again. A servant girl experiences a cruel loss of innocence when she eats something that wasn’t meant for her. In the sweltering heat of Bombay, a schoolgirl finds the ground slipping beneath her feet except when she’s watching Star Trek. Four friends meet for drinks one evening, only to find that their friendship is not what it seems. And, in the extraordinary title story, a student who has worshipped his teacher for decades comes to a terrible realization about him. Meanwhile, his old mentor is planning a cunning legacy of his own.

Release date: December 10th 2016

Published by: Aleph Book Company

Page numbers: 168

REVIEW: 

If there's one thing that's absolutely flawless and meticulous about These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscapes, it's the writing. Author Tejaswini Apte-Rahm's writing is so crisp, precise and completely amazing, that it made the book unputdownable. The writing reminded me so much of Meghna Pant, who is one of my favourite Indian writers, so that's commendable.

These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscapes has a total of ten short stories, that are each different from the other and take up an interesting subject. So in one book itself, we go from Star Trek to the mall to Dean Martin to homosexuality to teacher-student and servent-master relationships and what not. As a collection, this was very interesting and versatile because there is something for every taste and there's to bound to be a story that will stay with the reader long after putting the book down.

Short stories can be tricky because they leave you wanting more and can end up being incomprehensible because not everything can be explained in a few pages. For me, this collection was an exact 50-50 split between stories I liked and those I didn't really get. Of the ten, five stories really stood out for me as they were relatable and very well made. They were: The Mall, The Girl Who Loved Dean Martin, The House on the Hill, Sandalwood and Mili; these were wonderful, but of them all, Sandalwood is the one that I liked the most.

Overall, These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscapes is definitely worth a try because of the- and I repeat myself for the 100th time here- beautiful writing and the very detailed and precise story-telling. I would definitely recommend this book because there's something for everyone. Give it a go over the weekend or something because you're bound to have a good time exploring this one.

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

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- The Karachi Deception by Shatrujeet Nath

The Karachi Deception on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

“…one of the finest thrillers I’ve come across…” -- Zac O’Yeah

Three commandos of the Indian Army’s elite Unit Kilo—Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer Suleiman and Lieutenant Rafiq Mehmood—are chosen for a one-of-a-kind ops mission: to enter Pakistan and eliminate dreaded underworld don, Irshad Dilawar. However, somehow, the Inter-Services Intelligence and Dilawar always seem to be one step ahead of them, foiling every plan they make. It doesn’t take long for Major Imtiaz to realize that something is amiss—the operation has been compromised. Will he be able to successfully complete his mission, or are he and his men, like Abhimanyu, entering a trap they cannot make their way out of? Set in the world of covert operations, where double-crossing and diabolical mind games are the norm, The Karachi Deception will keep you hooked till the very end.

Release date: April 15th 2016

Published by: Rupa Publications

Page numbers: 231

REVIEW: 

When I first came across The Karachi Deception, I thought it sounded so good. Then when I met the author, I was literally begging Shatrujeet for a copy of it because I was so looking forward to reading the book everyone was raving about. When the book was published again at last, trust me, I was the happiest person, and while it took me a lot of time to get to the book and even more time to finish it, I am so glad I read it because it was entertaining and thrilling. 

At first glance, The Karachi Deception is a very well organised book. By that, I mean that the various parts its divided into and the various situations that take place at once were very well done in a way that wasn't even a bit confusing, which is what tends to happen when there are too many things going on at once. While it takes a while to get used to the various divisions in the book, once I started reading, then whether it was after a gap of a few hours or a few days; I was completely into it because it was a very gripping plot. 

While I'm not into thrillers, like I said before, there was just that special something about The Karachi Deception that made me want to read it. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised because I really enjoyed the guessing game that every chapter made me play. Shatrujeet's writing was very on point and that has made me a bigger fan of his. Everything in this book was so well done. I would definitely recommend it to fans of thrillers. 

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

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Mothers Day Book Contest! *Featuring Rupa Publications*

Hi, everyone! So I know we don't post on Sundays, but I thought I'd just drop in here real quick to let you guys know about a special Mothers Day Book Contest we're having in association with Rupa Publications. Take a look at the banner which has all the instructions and I'll see you on Facebook and Twitter! 

Here's wishing a very happy Mothers Day to all beautiful mothers out there! 

The Readdicts Monthly Giveaway 2016 #5 (May) *Featuring Rupa Publications*

Hi, everyone! I am so excited to present this month's giveaway to you all, because it is extremely special. As always, you can check out the main post to know more about our monthly giveaways. 

If you have been following us for a while, you will know that Janhvi and I had the pleasure of meeting author of The Karachi Deception and The Guardians of Halahala, Shatrujeet Nath at the Pune International Literary Festival last year. Without having read his books yet, we became instant fans of the super person that he is. I must admit that I was literally begging Shatrujeet to pass me a copy of The Karachi Deception but the book had sold out all copies, until recently, when it was brought back by Rupa Publications. 

In our monthly giveaway for May, we have teamed up with Rupa and Shatrujeet, who has ever so kindly offered to give away not one, not two, not three, but four signed copies of his book to four lucky Indian readers! *happy dances* A huge shout out and thank you to Shatrujeet for being so generous. 

P.S: That's the giveaway banner, all you Instagrammers! 

Check out The Karachi Deception on Goodreads

Before we get to the giveaway, here's some information about Shatrujeet and even though everything is explained in the Rafflecopter, please don't forget to read the main entry rule carefully before entering! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shatrujeet Nath has sold ice-creams, peddled computer training courses, written ad copy, and reported on business as a journalist and assistant editor at The Economic Times. His first book, The Karachi Deception, was published in 2013. The Guardians of the Halahala, his second book, and the first in The Vikramaditya Trilogy series, was published in 2014. At present, he is writing The Conspiracy at Meru, the second volume of the trilogy. When he is not writing, he can be seen reading or playing with his daughter – or daydreaming of buying a small castle in Scotland.

AUTHOR LINKS: GOODREADS / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

MAIN ENTRY RULE: You have to use the hashtag #IWantToReadTKD because... and the complete the sentence on your Twitter or Facebook or both and link us to your tweet or post or both. If you complete all other entries but not this, you will be disqualified. 

Now onto the more easy and simple rules: 

*The giveaway is open for residents of India only. 

*Enter by filling out the Raffflecopter form below. If the form doesn't load, go here.

*The giveaway will run from May 06 to May 31.

*Once winners are picked, they will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond, or else we'll be compelled to pick new winners. 
*The books will be shipped by the author or publisher. 

That's all there is to it! May the odds be ever in your favour!

From: Sarika's Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'd like to thank both Rupa and Shatrujeet once again for this tempting giveaway that makes me participate in our own giveaway. And thank you, readers, for stopping by! 

Review- On Women by Khushwant Singh

Summary (from Rupa Publications):

Well known for his unabashed interest in the fairer sex, Khushwant Singh revelled in the notoriety 

his interest evoked, almost as much as he did in the response he received from women. Indeed, this 

enduring obsession provided fodder for some of Singh’s best-known work, both as a journalist and as 

a peerless raconteur. 

On Women, a wide-ranging selection of Singh’s writings on the subject, includes Singh’s recounting 

of an embarrassingly drunken meeting with Begum Para, an actress of yesteryears; a sharp profile of 

Shraddha Mata, a tantric sadhvi who was alleged to have borne Jawaharlal Nehru’s illegitimate child; 

and a touching sketch of Singh’s grandmother in the twilight of her life. Also featured in this volume 

are unforgettable women characters from Khushwant Singh’s most popular works of fiction: Georgine, 

a clueless American teenager who is seduced by a middle-aged tour guide in Delhi; and Nooran, a 

young girl in pre-Partition Punjab, who discovers the sweet pleasure of first love only to be overtaken 

by cataclysmic events which leave her adrift.

Insightful, poignant, and occasionally wicked, the essays and extracts in On Women are testament to 

why Khushwant Singh remains one of the most popular writers of our times. 

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of On Women by Khushwant Singh from Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for the book.

 I was looking forward to reading Khushwant Singh's On Women. As I've been working on feminism and women representation for my research, I thought the book would help me in some way or the other. Turns out, I was completely wrong. It's not that I didn't learn anything. It's just that I didn't come across anything that would help me as such. Don't get me wrong. That in no way means I didn't like the book. I started off not liking it as I thought it was sexually exploitative, but as I moved ahead, I realised there was more to the retellings than just female bodies and sex. 

On Women tells the readers short tales of women in Khushwant Singh's life- either in fiction or in reality. Some of the women are characters taken from his works, while others are women he has come across, met and been with in his life. The latter goes from his grandmother, his mother to his wife, his classmates from various academic institutions, the foreign tourists that he received to a beggar on the street to famous personalities like Phoolan Devi, Indira Gandhi and Mother Teresa. 

As far as the book is concerned, I thought the stories were very well picked and put together. There was something interesting in Khushwant Singh's way of depicting women. Even when there were times when things got physical and it seemed like the whole purpose of the story, there would be something that brought up intelligence and integrity in a woman which made the stories really satisfactory and strong. I especially liked how women were portrayed as well-developed personalities and they stood their own alongside the presence of one of India's most renowned and powerful writer. 

I have previously read Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan and for the life of me, I never understood that novel but it still left a mark on me. I was pretty glad when I read and understood On Women. Overall, while I did start off not liking On Women, I ended up liking it more than I have possibly been able to say. It was a really nice and short read that could have been more interesting, but even in the absence of that, it was a great read. 

RATING: