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shreyabaldwa's reviews
110 reviews
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Marjan Kamali's The Stationery Shop is a movie in waiting. It has all the elements of a perfect drama - a heartbreaking love story, political violence, a nation in conflict and some villains in a love story. The two teens fall in love slowly stationery shop amidst political upheaval in their country, get separated and are again reunited years later in a foreign land. Peppered with Rumi's poetry, some beautiful scenes of cooking Persian food and anecdotes of the Iranian culture, the book is an easy read. There is no unpredictability in the plot so to say but still the author manages to keep the reader invested in this love story. It's a little unrealistic in today's age and time, but then as Rumi says - “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
Pinjar: The Skeleton And Other Stories by Amrita Pritam
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Picked up the book as a part of a club reading. Amrita Pritam's Pinjar uses partition as a side theme to tell the stories of abducted women and how more than often it's the women are the silent victims in a conflict. It talks of the role of consent, how women exercise agency and bargain with patriarchy in the midst of difficult situations. Pritam also beautifully explores depicts different dimensions of violence against women; on religious, social and most prominently physical and mental levels. Sadly what happened some 70 odd years ago, hold true today as well. Women still have to assert their right to dignity in our patriarchal society.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Agatha Christie is probably one of the most celebrated mystery writers. And Then There Were None, which Christie herself has described as one of her most difficult works to wrote, lives up to her reputation of keeping the readers engaged till the end. Christie's skillful plotting and character development shine in the book and the rhyme called “Ten Little Indians” that becomes the undercurrent theme in the book adds to the mystery. The isolated setting intensifies the psychological suspense, creating an eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere. Christie has the ability to trick you into guessing and guessing again, until you feel certain who the real killer is, and then turns the plot in a different direction. It's a short whodunit that can be wrapped up easily in a day.
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
Got this as a birthday gift and was very excited about it as it covered two of my favourite themes: crime and food. But, was totally disappointed. I enjoy reading good psychopath stories, but this one just didn't fit my bill. It was overwritten, dragged and I lost my interest midway.
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
emotional
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Sonali Deraniyagala's 'Wave' is a book about loss and also about family, it's about sorrow and also walking with it all through the life. On the outside, it's a small book, but on the inside the memoir is a tale of grief and love.
The book is about Sonali's husband, her parents, and her two sons, all of whom died in a single morning in December, 2004, when the tsunami hit the resort where they were holidaying in Sri Lanka. It's about the tragedy on that day and her long journey since. She talks of her life after the death of her family members, while also sharing anecdotes from the life that she shared with them.
For most of us, a loss on this scale is unimaginable. Yet, Sonali manages to live through it and also has the ability to share her trauma with the world. There are times when the book makes you emotional and your heart reaches out to Sonali (especially when Sonali finds her husband research paper, her son's tshirt months after the tragedy).
Unlike in films, moving on is easier said than done in reality. In real life, the pain does not fade away, but always resurfaces in things, talks and memories that were earlier mundane, but are now the trigger to the times bygone. While the tragedy that occurred with Sonali is huge, it's the way that she expresses herself that makes a mark in the reader's mind. At the end of the book, all you want to do is give a virtual hug to Sonali and hope that things turn out well for her.
The book is about Sonali's husband, her parents, and her two sons, all of whom died in a single morning in December, 2004, when the tsunami hit the resort where they were holidaying in Sri Lanka. It's about the tragedy on that day and her long journey since. She talks of her life after the death of her family members, while also sharing anecdotes from the life that she shared with them.
For most of us, a loss on this scale is unimaginable. Yet, Sonali manages to live through it and also has the ability to share her trauma with the world. There are times when the book makes you emotional and your heart reaches out to Sonali (especially when Sonali finds her husband research paper, her son's tshirt months after the tragedy).
Unlike in films, moving on is easier said than done in reality. In real life, the pain does not fade away, but always resurfaces in things, talks and memories that were earlier mundane, but are now the trigger to the times bygone. While the tragedy that occurred with Sonali is huge, it's the way that she expresses herself that makes a mark in the reader's mind. At the end of the book, all you want to do is give a virtual hug to Sonali and hope that things turn out well for her.
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Julia Armfield's Our Wives Under the Sea is told in alternating narratives — through Leah’s account of a submarine mission that goes wrong, and Miri’s voice following Leah’s return to their shared home. The story captures a different kind of grief: the feeling of separateness that continues between the two women due to Leah's changed personality after she resurfaces. I have very mixed feelings about the book. Looking at plot, I was very excited. But by the end of the book, there were just too many lose threads and unanswered questions. While the writing is great in parts (especially Miri's POV), the overall narrative seems stretched too far.
Rekha: The Untold Story by Yasser Usman
informative
medium-paced
2.0
Rekha, considered to be one of Bollywood's earliest divas, has a mysterious aura around her, which prompts you to know more about her. This curiosity is what made me pick up, Yaseer Usman’s 'Rekha - The Untold Story'. The book talks of her early years with her mother in Chennai, her entry in Bollywood and how her carefree, brash nature got her the symbol of a 'sex kitten'. There are also mentions of her alleged relationships, sensational headlines and her provocative media interviews. However, just like the media gossip, there's no way to ascertain if any of this has any truth to it, as Rekha refused to speak to the writer about her version. The book adds nothing new to the public domain. All that's mentioned in the book is already known to the public through her interviews, media bytes etc.
While the writer has reached out to a few film personalities for their insights into Rekha the actor, there's nothing much about Rekha the person. Unfortunately, just like Rekha’s love life trumped her career, the same holds true for this book. Most of the book's attention is towards Rekha's alleged relationship with Amitabh Bachchan. I wish, the book could have dealt with experiences that were more personal and critical to her life like - how she (and if she) has gotten over the suicide of her husband, how did she deal with never getting acknowledged by her father, her experiences with body shaming, racist attitude when she ventured into films, her bond with her family. (Only her mother and secretary are mentioned in detail. Her sister is mentioned in a passing reference). Much of the book is centered around the triangle of Rekha-Big B-Jaya. I wish, the author could actually speak to Rekha and bring to light her voice and her story.
While the writer has reached out to a few film personalities for their insights into Rekha the actor, there's nothing much about Rekha the person. Unfortunately, just like Rekha’s love life trumped her career, the same holds true for this book. Most of the book's attention is towards Rekha's alleged relationship with Amitabh Bachchan. I wish, the book could have dealt with experiences that were more personal and critical to her life like - how she (and if she) has gotten over the suicide of her husband, how did she deal with never getting acknowledged by her father, her experiences with body shaming, racist attitude when she ventured into films, her bond with her family. (Only her mother and secretary are mentioned in detail. Her sister is mentioned in a passing reference). Much of the book is centered around the triangle of Rekha-Big B-Jaya. I wish, the author could actually speak to Rekha and bring to light her voice and her story.
Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop: A Cookbook by Dana Cree
informative
fast-paced
3.75
Whether you want to churn your own ice cream or not, the book is a good read just to understand the science behind the delicious dessert. I like the simple, no jargon kind of writing that the author chose while explaining the how and why behind the making of ice creams. Apart from the recipes, there are also a tips on how to fancy up the dessert with fruit purees, add-ins and composed scoops. However, the book doesn't have any vegan options. Overall, a good nerdy read without the complicated language.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
While we have now started talking in bits and pieces about sexual pleasure, intimacy from women's POV, rarely do the elderly voice gets a mention. So, naturally, the title and the initial plot of the book gripped my attention.
In Balli Kaur Jaswal's 'Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows,' a group of elderly women get together to discuss their sexual fantasies, memories and desires. Most people think they are just gossiping with each other, but these women still have needs. The women feel liberated, cherished and excited while discussing these racy stories in their own 'secret club.' Most stories depict the women's longing for equality, a need for attention on their desires, fetishes, sexuality and pleasures. However, the plot is soon overtaken by murders, unsolved deaths and the life of the community under the watchful eye of a local moral policing group, the Brothers.
With too many subplots, the book is no longer the outlet for women to discuss their desires. I wish that instead of moving towards the mysterious genre, the author would have explored the widows and how their erotic stories unruffled the feathers of the community or angered the self-appointed moral policing guys. How the elderly women fight against the society to freely express their sexual desires would have been an interesting read!
In Balli Kaur Jaswal's 'Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows,' a group of elderly women get together to discuss their sexual fantasies, memories and desires. Most people think they are just gossiping with each other, but these women still have needs. The women feel liberated, cherished and excited while discussing these racy stories in their own 'secret club.' Most stories depict the women's longing for equality, a need for attention on their desires, fetishes, sexuality and pleasures. However, the plot is soon overtaken by murders, unsolved deaths and the life of the community under the watchful eye of a local moral policing group, the Brothers.
With too many subplots, the book is no longer the outlet for women to discuss their desires. I wish that instead of moving towards the mysterious genre, the author would have explored the widows and how their erotic stories unruffled the feathers of the community or angered the self-appointed moral policing guys. How the elderly women fight against the society to freely express their sexual desires would have been an interesting read!
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Kaikeyi is probably one of the most famous figures from the grand epic, Ramayana. Yet, so very little is known of her. In her book, Vaishanvi Patel uses speculation, fantasy, magical realism and feminist politics to give voice to Kaikeyi as well as the other seen-but-not-heard women of the Ramayana – Kaushalya, Sumitra, Manthara.
It's not a re-telling of the Ramayana. Nor does it adhere to the popular versions of the epics. While the cover and the feminist take on the epic attracted me to the book, I realised that one needs an open mind to actually understand its essence. We are so used to the tainted, evil, selfish and vicious narrative of Kaikeyi, that any other perspective can leave us confused. The book will work for those who look at it as another piece of literature and not in the religious context.
In Patel's book, Kaikeyi is a strong woman, with a mind of her own and a kind heart. While Kaikeyi is portrayed as a sensible queen, Ram is shown to be a misogynist. My only issue with the book, (apart from it being draggy in a few places) is showing Kaikeyi as overtly good and righteous, while Ram has his own share of flaws. Thematically, it follow the epic as the book also shows win of good over evil (Ram's views on women and his stubbornness makes him the evil here, while Kaikeyi's desire to do well for her kingdom makes her good). It could have been more interesting if it was two morally right characters at odd with each other. But, nonetheless, the book is a fresh take on a story that most of us know. It's a feminist retelling of the epic from the point of view of the vilified queen whose motivations are questioned but seldom explored.
It's not a re-telling of the Ramayana. Nor does it adhere to the popular versions of the epics. While the cover and the feminist take on the epic attracted me to the book, I realised that one needs an open mind to actually understand its essence. We are so used to the tainted, evil, selfish and vicious narrative of Kaikeyi, that any other perspective can leave us confused. The book will work for those who look at it as another piece of literature and not in the religious context.
In Patel's book, Kaikeyi is a strong woman, with a mind of her own and a kind heart. While Kaikeyi is portrayed as a sensible queen, Ram is shown to be a misogynist. My only issue with the book, (apart from it being draggy in a few places) is showing Kaikeyi as overtly good and righteous, while Ram has his own share of flaws. Thematically, it follow the epic as the book also shows win of good over evil (Ram's views on women and his stubbornness makes him the evil here, while Kaikeyi's desire to do well for her kingdom makes her good). It could have been more interesting if it was two morally right characters at odd with each other. But, nonetheless, the book is a fresh take on a story that most of us know. It's a feminist retelling of the epic from the point of view of the vilified queen whose motivations are questioned but seldom explored.