Book Review Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Title Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E.L. James
Publisher: Arrow Books, Random House UK
ISBN: 978-0-09-957993-9
Pages: 514
Genre: Fiction, Erotic Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5/5

BDSM stories are not my cup of tea – somehow the entire concept doesn’t appeal to me (quite traditional in that matter). However I really enjoyed E.L. James’, “Fifty Shades of Grey”. I came across the book through the people at Random House India and somehow it turned out to be a racy and an entertaining read.

The book is much talked about and has created quite a stir; and this is my view on it. Fifty Shades of Grey is about Anastasia Steele, who is a few weeks away from earning her degree at Washington State University. When her roommate Kate gets sick with the flu, Ana volunteers to take her place to do an interview with the illustrious Seattle CEO Christian Grey (but obviously that’s where the title comes from). When Ana meets Grey she senses a spark, so much so that she has to keep her cool around him. When Christian shows up a couple of days later Ana feels that he might also share the same attraction and then wards the idea.

Christian on the other hand is a private and suave man, keeping pretty much to himself. He has no qualms going after what he wants and all he wants is Ana. He has a dark secretive need to dominate. A contract is signed up and she knows about his need. The game begins. The relationship between the Dom and the Sub starts, leading to a very surprising conclusion.

So the premise is interesting. I liked most parts of the book. The sexual awakening is captured in a believable manner. The attraction between the two is raging and intense and that’s the idea of the book, otherwise how else would the BDSM angle be so intense. It is a dark and addictive story (with the usual and quite predictable parts) and character driven, which works best for this kind of a book.

Now to what I did not like about the book: Like I said some parts were predictable, which I read in other books and that was that. The sex scenes are sometimes more laughable than erotic. Having said that, the book is racy and mpoakes you turn the pages as quick as possible. The writing is okay. E.L. James has created quite a series (I am sure the next two would be as quick) considering it is her first attempt at writing fiction. I would say one can read this book and one should however may be borrow it before owning it. I would read the other parts – Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed just to know how it all ends though.

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Book Review: Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake by Preeti Shenoy

Title: Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake
Author: Preeti Shenoy
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 978-81-8400-279-9
Genre: Indian Fiction
Pages: 265
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3/5

I think I have had my share of chick-lit reading for this year. I am glad that it ended with, “Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake” by Preeti Shenoy. Preeti Shenoy writes with urgency – almost like she has to catch the next bus and will miss it, but it is that urgency that gives the book its much needed tone and pace.

The plot is about starting again. Nisha’s life is not the perfect life one would want. She is plump (and well there is more than one reference to that in the book), plain-looking and but obviously single. She has had her heart broken once by being in an eight-year old relationship with the suave and charming Samir Sharma and being dumped at the altar. Enters a younger man Akash and the promise to start all over, knowing that it could or could not work out. Chances need to be taken and this time Nisha would have to take them all over again, though being guarded and apprehensive. The question is: Will she or won’t she?

The book has its secondary characters in the form of Nisha’s family, friends and colleagues, dispensing advice and sometimes just being there for her. For me, “Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake” worked in some places and some places it did not. The writing is very well executed. You can imagine the setting and it is more conversational, which worked for me.

What did not work for me was sometimes the entire premise – the end to be fulfilled only by having someone in your life and sadly it is true for the way we live now. The maddening need to find someone and for him or her to stay is the crux of the book, of course besides love, which is at the core.

Having said this, I enjoyed the writing. It isn’t in your face and at the same time it is not very guarded. I like how the concept of a live-in relationship was not made too much about in the book. It may not seem to be such an issue considering the times we live in, but it still is. Over all, I enjoyed the book barring certain parts which did not seem to work for me.

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Book Review: Fever by Samaresh Basu

Title: Fever
Author: Samaresh Basu
Translated by: Arunava Sinha
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 978-8-184-00194-5
Genre: Classics, Literary Fiction
Pages: 129
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Post-colonial literature in our country can never go out of existence or become outdated. That is also because the issues are the same, all the time – poverty, class, unemployment (to a very large extent), race issues and illiteracy. When a literary genre is named after something that so largely affected the entire nation, then one cannot ignore the genre and what works come out of it. Post-colonial literature is not just about literature post a certain period. It encompasses a shift – in rule, in defiance, in the government, the policies and the implications, which some authors try to document and make note of as literature.

One amongst many such writers happens to be Samaresh Basu. Translated fiction in India is another topic of discussion, maybe meant for a later time; however this post is about his book, “Fever”, translated wondrously by Arunava Sinha and republished recently by Random House India.

“Fever” is a book, though small in its size, took me some time to write a review about, mainly because of its content and what it represents. The book is a paean to the Naxalite movement and what it stood for or rather still stands for. Fever is about Ruhiton Kurmi – a once hardcore Naxalite, now moved from one prison to the next for seven years and eventually freed, looking back at his life – achievements and losses and the ideals he once believed in. Ruhiton not only looks back on the movement, but also his personal life – aspirations (whatever few that he manages), his wife, his youth, the friends he has lost along the way, and how he ended up where he is today.

At one point, I almost lost interest in the book (the pace is surreally slow) and got back to it, thanks to the translation. Arunava Sinha has been a doyen at translating Bengali literature (Tagore, Sankar, and Banaphool) and this one has been translated to the hilt, with excellence.

Samaresh Basu’s originality remains intact or so it seems while reading – for one I did not think the language or expression was lost in translation. Consider this, “He was reminded of all their faces, and of their voices, laughing, crying, talking in unison. He could not control the waterfall coursing down his heart”.

Personally, I do not enjoy novels with a political bent to them. The only other writer whose work I have enjoyed that remotely comes close to the Naxalite movement (very loosely though) is Mahasweta Devi, with her epic, “Mother of 1084”. Fever on the other hand is a representation of the movement through the mind and memories of a broken man, trying to make sense of the past and the present. A read that had me thinking for sure.

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Book Review: Death in Mumbai by Meenal Baghel

Title: Death in Mumbai
Author: Meenal Baghel
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 978-8184000658
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 248
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Death in Mumbai by Meenal Baghel is a gripping account of the infamous killing of Neeraj Grover by an aspiring actress Maria Susairaj and her naval boyfriend Emile Jerome. Everyone knows the story and how the killing took place. Everyone knows what happened. Why the need then to chronicle this in a book? That is because no one is aware of how it started and also because one must not forget that brutalities such as this one still exist in our so-called civil society.

Meenal Baghel writes the book without any bias which is what is needed while writing such a book. The writer has to come without opinions and pre-conceived notions and only then can a book of this stature be written. The book takes into account everything, all of it: how Neeraj met Maria, his career graph, her need to become what she wanted to, the lengths she would go to, the involvement of Emile, the murder and its aftermath.

Meenal takes the writing to one step further – she involves the direct and the indirect cast as well. From speaking with Ekta Kapoor (Neeraj Grover used to work for her) to providing a perspective on the ‘script opportune’ Ram Gopal Varma and his film based on this incident, Neeraj’s family members and their grief, Meenal doesn’t leave any stone unturned. The best part of the book is the role played by the Mumbai police led by Rakesh Maria, then the joint Commissioner of Mumbai Crime Branch, in cracking the case. The book is heavy with the details (because that is where the meat lies) – the interrogation, the confession and finally the trial and its outcome.

Death in Mumbai is not for the faint hearted. It is brutal, hard-hitting and but of course real. It shakes you up and makes you see the murder in a different light – The motives and what led to it. I thoroughly enjoyed the book – the writing is honest and blunt and it made me finish the book in one sitting.

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The Average Indian Male Quiz

Hi Everyone, here is another quiz from yours truly. This has been graciously sponsored by Random House India, and they are giving away 4 signed copies of, “The Average Indian Male” by Cyrus Broacha. This quiz is only open to residents of Mumbai and will be open till – the 16th of December 2011, 6:00 pm. The quiz is a generic one and the questions are given below. Please leave the answers in the form of a comment mentioning our twitter handle (if you have one). Good luck!

1. Meenal Baghel has written a book published by Random House India. Name the book.
2. Haruki Murakami’s latest title is _______
3. Who is the writer of the book, “Lucky Jim”?
4. Cyrus hosted a show on MTV related to an animal in its name. Which one was it?
5. Cyrus Broacha has acted in movies. True or False?
6. Who wrote the book, “A Confederacy of Dunces”?
7. Shobha De also wrote a book on Indian Men. What was the title?
8. Is Death in Mumbai a fictional title? Yes or No
9. Cyrus Broacha has written another book. Name the title
10. Which publishing house has published Cyrus’ Book?

Thank you for participating. The winners will be announced tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

Book Review: The Average Indian Male by Cyrus Broacha

Title: The Average Indian Male
Author: Cyrus Broacha
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 9788184001600
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 244
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3/5

A book about Indian Men is not easy to write. We come with our own traits and mindsets and perceptions. Men in general are difficult to gauge (just like women) and more so are Indian Men, who are considered very unique. But obviously, have you met, “The Average Indian Male”? He is the apple of his mother’s eye, thinks no end of himself, wants to dominate the world and farts wherever convenient. I do not subscribe to these generalizations. The book does sometimes and sometimes it doesn’t.

I picked up the book fully aware of the fact that there would be parts I would not like and I was happy I did that. It happens all the time – my idea of funny is not equal to others’ idea of funny and fair enough. After all, we live in a democratic society and that is what is expected. The Average Indian Male is a regular critique of Indian Men and their habits, their surroundings and how they would react or think in given situations and the fact that it comes from another man is quite heartening. Cyrus Broacha is known as the funny man and he delivers what he promises – a funny book.

The book is not a mirror of all Indian Men. One must understand that before reading this book. Indian Men cook, help in the kitchen, do not urinate everywhere and anywhere and are empathetic – no matter what percentage of those Indian Men. That doesn’t count. “The Average Indian Male” is funny in parts and almost had me fall off my chair while reading it.

Cyrus Broacha is funny, though there were places I felt he was trying too hard, however those can be ignored by the reader. My favourite parts of the book were, “The Long and Short of Indian Pants”, “Girls Bar Bar” and “Powder Puff Boys”. The writing is clear and colloquial – so that is a major plus for the book and also for readers who want and expect a quick read. I would give it only 3 stars because there were times I did not agree with the book, nonetheless it is a good read.

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Book Review: Get to the Top: The Ten Rules for Social Success by Suhel Seth

Title: Get to the Top
Author: Suhel Seth
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 9788184001860
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 208
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

I do not read self-help books. I do not subscribe to the theory that life can change by applying rules that worked for someone else. It doesn’t work like this. So when I was given Suhel Seth’s book, “Get to the Top” to review, I was skeptical as it was branded as a self-help book. What surprised me was that I finished the book in less than a day’s time and felt that may be one can take away something from this book and apply it differently to his or her life.

Get to the Top is a book that talks of how to be socially successful. In my opinion it talks of manners per se – a sort of modern day Emily Post-ish document. Get to the Top is divided into four sections, where the ten rules are spread and an appendix which contains tips on how to be a good host, how to be a good guest and the worst social crimes you can commit.

The book is direct and straight forward. Suhel Seth’s writing is not pretentious and he does not at any point force his opinion down the reader’s throat. What I liked about the book was that it is easy to read and at any point does not become boring or preachy. Suhel Seth speaks from experience, which I am certain is wide-spread. He encourages people to go out and meet different kinds of people – as the experience will only be richer and more complete.

Rules such as, “The Self-Development Rule” and “The Networking Rule” make a lot of sense when we are plagued with competition all around us. At the same time, the funny bone in the book is not lost. He talks of being a gossip and judgmental in a frivolous manner, yet achieving the purpose. Questions such as these are eloquently answered: When to be a gossip? What to judge? What not to speak about at parties? What is a conversation starter?

I thankfully did not read the book as a self-help catalogue. I read it mainly because I wanted to see what it was all about and thankfully it did not disappoint me. It was a good read and yes for someone who is looking to know something about social etiquette and behavior, it will be a great read.

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Interview with Mohammed Hanif

After I finished reading, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti, my thoughts were all over the place and I had questions for the author. I managed to conduct a short interview with Mohammed Hanif over the phone and here it is for you:

1.A Case of Exploding Mangoes is radically different from Our Lady of Alice Bhatti. What inspired Our Lady?

Lots of brilliant, gutsy women I have worked with. Also an unhealthy interest in other people’s personal lives.

2.Your take on the Pakistan that you see today…

Pretty bleak place, with bits of it blowing up every day. Weather is lovely though.

3.Our Lady is satirically funny and at the same time there is this sadness attached to it. How closely do you relate or connect to Alice’s point of view?

I spent a lot of time with her while writing this. Spent even more time with her while not writing and just thinking about her. But I don’t really know if I am any closer to her point of view. I wasn’t aiming for a realistic portrait of a profession nurse. I think in the end all I have ended up doing is channelling my own obsessions.

4.What influenced you to be a reader first and then a writer?

Boredom I guess. I grew up in a village where there was no TV, no newspapers, no books. Printed word was a rare exotic thing and I found it very exciting. And a lot of random, obsessive reading can lead to some scribbles which after a lot of rewriting can sometimes turn into writing.

5.Your literary influences…

Too many. Punjabi classical poets. Virginia Woolf. Hanif Kureishi. Truman Capote. City pages of local news papers. Day time TV.

6.Mohammed Hanif the writer…

is always at war with that other Hanif who hates writing.

7.Mohammed Hanif’s next book would be about?

Love, I hope. Or some spectacular crime.

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Book Review: 1888 Dial India by Anuvab Pal

Title: 1888 Dial India
Author: Anuvab Pal
Publisher: Random House India
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9788184001587
Pages: 230
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5/5

Anuvab Pal is one of the wittiest writers I have read in a while. I would not classify his writing as necessarily funny. His writing style is more sarcastic and satirical than anything else. He writes about India – today’s India and what it means to its citizens and how outsiders view it. I remember watching his play, “The President is Coming” with much trepidation – as he wasn’t a known playwright back then. I also recall enjoying the play a lot and then also watching the movie with the same enthusiasm. As I read his new book, “1888 Dial India” I was certain that I would read more by him in the future.

1888 Dial India is a book about new India and its follies. It is about the illusions it is creating and how people are emerging to be a part of the consumerist culture that is taking over half the country. The year is 2009. America is in a financial mess. Unemployment is in the air and doesn’t seem to go away easy. Enter: Arun Kumar: Entrepreneur, pragmatism personified, evangelist of new India’s dreams and under the impression that he can outsource the saving of American lives to India as well.

That is the crux of the book, however there is more to the surface than what meets the eye. Anuvab’s eye to detail is brilliant – the nuances of everyday living are skilfully displayed – from the BPO culture to the merging of India’s past, present and future perceptions. Corporate culture is most certainly written about a lot, however not in the usual boring tie and meetings affair – Pal’s writing comes from observation and there are so many instances that I could relate to having worked in that environment for most of my professional life to date.

I enjoyed reading the book more so because of the writing style. It is well-paced and it is at times in your face, however that is where the humour stems from, so one can overlook it. The writing nonetheless is crisp and to the point. It does not at any point get preachy, which is how ideally one should write when talking about current issues.

For me reading 1888 Dial India was a welcome change from the usual literary fare. It was something that happened by chance and I will re-read it for a laugh or two. It is definitely a perfect read for one of those lazy Sunday afternoons.

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Book Review: A Free Man by Aman Sethi

Title: A Free Man
Author: Aman Sethi
Publisher: Random House India
ISBN: 9788184001532
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 226
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

A Free Man by Aman Sethi is an unusual book. It took me a long time to get to reading the book and while I was reading it, to actually be taken in by the writing. Books sometimes tend to get that way – they will only be read when they are ready for you. The reader cannot force himself to read a book. There has to be the right time and that was the case with me while reading this one. For that time I overlooked the fact that this was the writer’s first book (normally I get sceptical), and continued reading, till the book marvelled me at some point and it did.

A Free Man is about a man named Mohammed Ashraf – an orphan and is spread across four parts – Azadi (Freedom), Akelapan (Loneliness), Lawaris (Orphan) and Ajnabi (Stranger), which clearly define the essence of the book and string it together. Ashraf has done almost everything – from learning biology to repair television sets to slice chicken. He has lived in different pockets of the country – Hyderabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Surat, and Patna. He has done all that he has wanted to. He is now a construction worker at Delhi’s Bara Tooti Chowk in Sadar Baazar. After a stoned night, he only has questions: Why is he the way he is? How does he make a living? Where does he hang-out and is there ever a way back home?

Aman Sethi is the interviewer and Ashraf is the interviewee and theirs is a wonderful relationship that unravels itself as the book continues. Over alcohol, tea and smoking weed together; Ashraf tells Sethi his life story. I enjoyed the style in which the book is written – Sethi does not mince his words nor does he try and hide anything. The book is in all clarity – defining the politics (and to some extent corruption) of the nation and what it feels like to work here. Sethi also interviews Ashraf’s friends and there are different perspectives there – of the small compromises of life, the struggle and what it is to be human.

As Ashraf puts it quite eloquently, ‘The ideal job,’ Ashraf once said, as if elucidating a complex mathematical function, ‘has the perfect balance of kamai and azadi’….’Kamai is what makes work work. Without kamai, it is not work, it is a hobby.’….’Azadi Aman bhai, Azadi,’ ….’Azadi is the freedom to tell the maalik to fuck off when you want to. The maalik owns our work. He does not own us.’

The above idea and thought beautifully sums up the book. Sethi brings out what we choose to ignore most of the time. Sections of the so-called society that we do not think exist are brought to surface with the hard-hitting reality of how things are with that much-needed dash of humour to ease everything and make it more palatable for the reader.

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