Review- The Last Latte by Dilshan Boange

The Last Latte on Goodreads

Release date: 2020

Published by: Darshana

Page numbers: 135

REVIEW: 

Dilshan is someone I’ve known for years from Twitter. I would read his tweets, shared by my friend Ankita, who recently put us in touch, and when I got to know that Dilshan has a book out, I knew I had to read it. Forever grateful for these two lovely friends, I am also grateful that I got to read this incredible book, which was so well done. I did not know what to expect from this book, but I must say that I was really impressed, so much that it still lingers on my mind because of its wonderful narration.

The Last Latte is the story of two friends, Christy and Steve, who start a great coffee lounge in Colombo, which soon becomes a hit and is visited by not only big names from Sri Lanka, but from all over the world. During the troubled times of the Indo-China war, Sri Lanka is left hanging for life. This was one aspect of the book that really moved me. It was touching and saddening to know how the country was affected, seeing as it often gets left aside in the bigger picture. This book gives an excellent insight into how troubled times affect people, cities and countries.

Christy and Steve meet at Christy’s Caffe Lounge on the same day they opened it, almost 20 years later, when the times are tough. The two friends bond over all the superb memories they have created together which they will cherish for life, while brewing one last cup of the lounge’s popular white chocolate latte. The entire process of preparing this tempting beverage was written in a manner that was neat. While it did seem long, the explanation did not even once seem tiring or monotonous, and Dilshan’s storytelling ability and talent deserve all the credit for that.

Dilshan has mindfully and skillfully written about just one day in more than 120 pages without leaving even a single second for anything to get boring. His simple, neat and brilliant writing coupled with his meticulous narration and the overall gloomy yet comfortable ambiance of this entire book, make it a great read that will leave the reader feeling empty yet fulfilled. The characters seem like you have known them for as long as they have known each other, with just the right number of references to their growing up together and how the bond between the two kept strengthening. Quite reminiscent of that one childhood friendship that will last a lifetime, Christy and Steve will take you down the nostalgic road, which is always a beautiful and sad (in the most positive way) journey.

A book I would highly recommend, check this one out for the writing, narration, lots of laughter and friendship. But above all, check it out to know about the amazing country that is Sri Lanka and its beautiful people, who make you feel at home and welcome, even in fiction. Christy and Steve are literally people you would love to meet one day. A really well done book, this one!

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

Review: Les Cicatrices by Rathnakumar Raghunath

  BOOK SUMMARY:

Le livre de poésie « Les Cicatrices » parle de ceux qui ont ressenti cette douleur particulière que seul l’amour peut infliger à quelqu'un, et leur cheminement vers la guérison.

Release date: October 27th 2021

Published by: Self-published

Page numbers: 31

REVIEW: 

Les Cicatrices by Rathnakumar Raghunath is a gorgeous collection of French poetry that is all about giving yourself a reality check every once in a while, sadness, hope and happiness. What takes it to the next level and makes it even better is the multi-talented writer’s French, which as a language is in itself extremely pleasing and poetic, and Rathnakumar’s knowledge of it takes it further ahead, making it even more gorgeous. His writing that is straight from the heart is very touching, comforting and soothing. The stunning cover designed by Reshma Dhanraj deserves a mention and a huge round of applause for the unique purple and the intricate and stunning illustrations. Overall, if you know even some amount of French, give this lovely collection a go for it is simple, pure and simply stunning.

Review- You Are My Love Forever by Amit Nangia

  BOOK SUMMARY:

‘You don’t love someone because they’re perfect; You love them despite the fact that they’re not.’
TARUN has built himself from scratch, after beating all odds. He has one strict policy – to stand up against bullies and help people, especially girls.
NEHA has started her life afresh in Shimla. No one in the small town knows her, or her painful secret. Her past has taught her to live a life of caution.
Destiny brings them together, but their deep-seated fears constantly stop them from embracing each other.
Will life give them a second chance? Will their unconditional love heal them?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Shimla, You Are My Love Forever is a charming, heart-warming and irresistible story of the power of true love.

Release date: July 9th 2021

Published by: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Page numbers: 200

REVIEW: 

Amit Nangia is another Srishti author whose books are popular, but I had never read them. When You Are My Love Forever was out, I thought it was finally time to give it a go. A story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, this book narrates the beautiful story of Neha and Tarun, two broken people who find hope in each other.

Author Amit Nangia’s writing is easy and sweet. It is not surprise that his books are quite popular because the simple writing, relatable characters and comforting storytelling are bound to establish a connect with readers, making it accessible for a wider audience, especially in India. The only negative about the writing was the sudden and unnecessary shift between past and present tense in the narration.

Set in Shimla, You Are My Love Forever explores a lot more than just human relationships. It takes the reader on a nostalgic trip to college days, exploring the beautiful Shimla and most importantly, gives a sad yet real glimpse into a difficult childhood. Overall, this book is a good one time read.

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

Review- Musings by Arjun Thapa

   BOOK SUMMARY:

"Life is like the song Bohemian Rhapsody, a blend of completely different elements put together to trigger chaos. Opera, ballad, rock; it has got everything. Only if it was pleasing enough to put on loop and play it over and over." He took another sip for dramatic emphasis. "But that's fine, I guess," he said at last, "cause' in the end, just to reiterate, nothing really matters."

"Musings" is a collection of short stories and poems that uncovers varied tales of monotony, politics, and betrayal. With existentialism as its central theme, Thapa's book offers a series of works that makes one contemplate, question, and even embrace the monotonous nature of modern existence. It explores how dreams are martyred and buried beneath the cycle of everyday life. The book also critics the cultural atmosphere that harbors such living and makes misery almost an inherent part of it.

Release date: September 25th 2021

REVIEW: 

Arjun Thapa’s Musings is an unique and poignant collection of short stories and poems that are right up my alley with all the philosophical references and questions it leaves about life. With six short stories and nine poems, this is a short read but definitely not a light one. Taking up themes that are dark and real, two short stories that really stood out for me were Dear Professor and So Does Everybody which were intelligent, contemplative and really well done. The poems titled There’s Beauty in Misery and Fitting In were really well thought of and written and spoke to me the most. Overall, Arjun Thapa seems like a promotions writer whose work, probably influenced by some of his favourite writers, was refreshing and thought-provoking. If he writes more, I for sure will be looking forward to it.

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

Review- Naked Soul by Aarthi

   BOOK SUMMARY:

The collection of poems that tells the classic tales, clad in the magic my world.

REVIEW: 

Aarthi Vamanan’s collection of poetry titled Naked Soul gives a slight glimpse into the mind and life of the writer with its poems that seem inspired by what she herself has been through. While this collection as a whole is filled with nice poems, there are a few that really stood out to me, like Panacea and Who Am I. A humble and pleasing attempt at poetry, this one is a quick read that is bound to leave the reader feeling reminiscent and hopeful at once. The poems are simple to follow and understand, which makes this book an easy read. Also, the simple, minimalist and elegant cover stands out as a major plus.

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

Review- The Journey of Our Love by Deesha Sangani

   BOOK SUMMARY:

"“Real love sets you free from the clutches of expectation.”

ANUSHKAA - A chirpy girl with big dreams and a bigger heart. She was chasing her dreams when she lost the love of her life. Despite that, she did not give up on her dreams, nor did she stop believing in love.

ABHIMANYU – Young and dynamic, he is spearheading his company with gusto. The complete opposite of Anushkaa in many ways, he is equally passionate about work and achieving his dreams.

When they meet, sparks fly! They fall in love with each other’s imperfections.

Will love claim Anushkaa's heart again? Will she accept Abhimanyu?

There are many surprises in store for Anushkaa and Abhimanyu as they venture into The Journey of Our Love.

Release date: September 8th 2021

Published by: Srishti Publishers and Distributors

Page numbers: 208

REVIEW: 

After reading author Deesha Sangani’s The Diary of My Love, I was looking forward to reading more from her because her character Anushkaa was a level-headed, mature and beautiful person, which was refreshing and good to read about. The Journey of Our Love takes Anushkaa’s story forward. After losing the love of her life before she could even confess her love, she has lost all hope and is in a sad state, when the smart and equally mature and loving Abhimanyu walks into her life.

Just like her previous book, Deesha’s writing in The Journey of Our Love is also simple, beautiful and relatable. While there were times when I felt that there were repetitive situations and conversations and the story didn’t seem to move forward, there were many adorable and extremely grown up instances that made the story interesting and wonderful. Anushkaa and Abhimanyu’s chemistry was hard to miss and filled with hope.

As a life coach, Deesha has very smoothly and organically added life lessons here and there in a manner that doesn’t seem imposing or preachy at all, but rather amicable and with good intent. Overall, The Journey of Our Love was a wonderful read packed with emotions, travel, fun and life lessons.

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

Review- The Girl in the Red Lipstick by Ajay K. Pandey

  BOOK SUMMARY:

Arun is a bestselling author, and the heartthrob of thousands of readers. While on a book promotion tour, he is injured and agrees to call a masseuse. Little did he know that the masseuse would turn out to be someone with a secret!

Arun sees a story in her, and in digging deeper, is amazed to discover her strength of character. Even though Lalita is a young survivor of human trafficking, she has unmatched determination.

A single encounter with her makes Arun take decisions that he had never even thought of. He is willing to risk everything for her, his own life too.
But the more he tries to help her, the deeper he drowns in the swamp.
Will two broken people be able to heal each other? Will society ever accept a girl from the forbidden alleys of the city?

The Girl in the Red Lipstick is a charming story of friendship, life and finding love where we least expect to.

Release date: August 13th 2021

Published by: Srishti Publishers and Distributors

Page numbers: 216

REVIEW: 

While I have been reading books by Srishti Publishers for the longest time, I realised recently that I hadn’t read anything by their most popular authors like Preeti Shenoy, Ajay K Pandey and Amit Nangia. When I saw The Girl in the Red Lipstick, however, I was very curious to know more about the story and how author Ajay K Pandey must’ve dealt with the topic of prostitution. I must say that I now kinda understand why he is such a popular writer and so loved among his reader friends.

The Girl in the Red Lipstick is the story of Lalita, Arun and Kajal. While on a book launch trip to Kolkata, Arun suffers from a physical injury and is advised a massage by the hotel staff. When Lalita shows up on his room, more than shocked or even ready, Arun is simply curious to know more about Lalita which leads to a series of beautiful events, a beautiful journey and an even beautiful end.

Author Ajay K Pandey’s writing is simple and really beautiful. He writes about daily, mundane activities in a manner that makes the reader want to know more. Told mostly from Arun’s point of view and sometimes from Lalita and Kajal’s points of views, all in first person, the narration flows smoothly, the writing is simple in a manner that is relatable yet up to a certain good standard and the storytelling is interesting, in that, it keeps the reader engrossed.

I have read quite a few books on prostitution, which have been interesting and enlightening in many ways, but The Girl in the Red Lipstick stands on its own as a more accessible and easy read for many people who could benefit a lot from knowing the lives of people who are humans like you and I at the end of the day.

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