Shoes of the Dead Posted by Drac , Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 10:30 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Rupa

Title: Shoes of the Dead

Author: Kota Neelima

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Genre: Fiction

Shoes of the Dead by Kota Neelima not only have a catching title but also captivating content.

Gangri, whose brother committed suicide owing to all the debts his farming cursed on him, is fighting for a dead man’s rights. On the other hand, a young politician Keyur Kashinath, bestowed by political powers transcended due to his father’s legacy is looking forward to embark his mark in the dirty politics. When their world collides, what the reader gets is a story filled with farmer’s plight, dark face of government politics and image of a shattering society caged with false anticipations.

One would say there is nothing left to say when it comes to such a concept this book is based upon. And they might be right. Shouldn’t one read Premchand instead? And one might be wrong. People like us, belonging to a foremost middle class group either believes that things are getting better – ‘Hey there is a new chain of XYZ brand in the city.’ or ‘It rained good this year.’ Or, we believe things are getting worse – ‘What petrol prices hiked again!’ or ‘Are you kidding me, no subsidy on LPG?’ But the fact is things have always been the same for the farmers of this nation. Government, politicians, society and corrupted professionals, everyone constitute for it. And maybe they will be this bad for a long time, unless a struggle begins, one such portrayed in this novel.

But that’s not all what the author has to offer. She has also taken into account of politician’s thinking. Something, I don’t remember I witnessed anywhere else; and hence an applauding effort.

Writing is refreshing and next to perfect. It feels good to learn that you are investing your time in such a book whose author has done a tremendous research. The confidence, anger and urges are conveniently conveyed with moderate flow, quite appropriate for such a story. No, it’s not a drag.

The only bad part I came across is that many-a-times I felt the dialogue between characters as superficial. Reminds you of something you may have heard somewhere. Also, it makes the characters to lose a bit of credibility.

Overall, this is a fresh read which you begin with a sigh of relief that it’s not going to be in the junk shelf of your library and complete with lots of thoughts and emotions storming through your brain. Recommended for every reader who need food for thoughts, particularly those who can’t miss a day’s newspaper.

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogadda.com as part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Chanakya's New Manifesto Posted by Drac , Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 9:53 PM, in Labels: book, non-fiction, Rupa

Title: Chanakya's New Manifesto: to Resolve the Crisis within India

Author:  Pavan K. Varma

Publisher: Aleph

Genre: Non-Fiction

A lot has been written over Chanakya, supposedly India’s first politician. From a fictionalized version of his life and work, as in Chanakya’s Chants; to an attempted biography by Igen. I used the word ‘attempted’ as no reliable documented source is present to verify the early life of Chanakya. Where some writers present him as a cruel politician, some adores his intellect and write books giving out examples from his life to improve your business strategies or to make you a good leader, as in Corporate Chanakya. So what is so NEW in Chanakya’s New Manifesto by Pavan K. Varma? 

Well, first thing is that it relates to today’s scenario. Based on the epic Arthashashtra written by Chanakya, author tries to analyze the problems India is facing today and also suggest the solutions. The book is chiefly divided on five aspects, each covering an area responsible for growth, peace and safety of our country, namely, Governance, Democracy, Corruption, Security and Creation of an Inclusive Society. Spread since the independence of India till after 66 years of its struggle, author points out the reason of our weakness and shed some light on the prospective solutions. From the loopholes present in our government and how every citizen has a part to play in it, to the flawed democracy and its resurrection through Chanakya’s method. Author has given more than a hundred points to fight corruption, considered as the biggest plague of our country. Whether it is terrorism or violence against women, nobody feels secure in this country of righteousness; author recommends it’s a soaring time to restructure our security issues. The last chapter is what makes this book unique from other pompous work where author just point the flaws. This part talks directly to the reader and explain how every person plays an essential role in forming our nation and how if we do our part with dedication, our dream country won’t be just a dream anymore. Even though nothing seems like an ‘out of the box’ idea or a miraculous observation, writer’s work is agreeable. 

Best thing about this book is author’s realization that his ideas might not be bullet-proof. Unlike other writers who just want to stamp their thoughts on reader’s mind (note my previous review for instance), author here clearly states that his ideas are meant for debate and he is just presenting a hope for the betterment of our country without taking political sides. Overall it is an easy and enlightening read. It gave me a lot of material to discuss in my company’s next GD session. Highly recommended for those who don’t miss a day’s newspaper. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogadda.com as part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Bankster Posted by Drac , Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 3:23 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Rupa

Title: The Bankster

Author: Ravi Subramanian

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Genre: Fiction

The Bankster by Ravi Subramanian follows the quest of Karan Panjabi, an ex-banker turned journalist as he tries to find the truth behind suspicious death of three employees of Greater Boston Global Bank, Mumbai, and how that connects to a blood diamond deal at Angola and a wildlife scam at Kerela. Looks like a conventional thriller? Well, it’s not. The packaging might showcase traditional story line but the content is unique. They don’t exaggerate when they call Ravi Subramanian, John Grisham of banking world. Okay, they do. But even if he is not John Grisham, he is on his way to become one indeed. 

But I like to be quiet straight forward here, the only reason I didn’t read the previous books of the author is because of their titles. I know I am being presumptuous, but ‘Bank’ in the title of a book reminds me of waiting in a long queue, economic downfall and conversations involving lots of terms which I don’t understand. But title of this book was the reason I got interested in it at the first place. Is that irony? A banker got involved with underworld of gangsters is the first impression you get and you are not wrong either, leaving out the juggling of intriguing twists in the tale, a race against time, a fight for the truth and all these based on the backdrop of real world scenario; a world of global financial system that is. 

I assume you are aware of how the financial system moulds the society, how every small decision affects our day-to-day life and vice-a-versa. Having seen this world from inside, author is much confident in his approach and thus makes the reader feel safe when we try to take a leap of faith with The Bankster. Through the buildup of the plot and as the story progresses, I was sure author will put up the “One World” concept, but he didn’t. Which was a bit disappointing, but maybe he is playing safe or don’t want to reveal all his cards at once; giving me another reason to lookout for his next book. 

Just one suggestion to the author, please drop those Hinglish phrases, they are a big turn-off. Also, it won’t be surprising if most of the readers find it boring because of all the banking know-how. It is a deal breaker, especially if the screenplay takes the reader for granted and restricts their imagination. Even with three stories to intertwine, I found myself pushed towards a bit disappointing climax. Overall, it is a good whodunit. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogadda.com as part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”