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_askthebookbug's Reviews (1.34k)
// Dear Mrs. Naidu by @mathangiwrites
I knew I'd go back for more the minute I finished reading Subramanian's A People's History of Heaven. Dear Mrs. Naidu is both similar yet different from the former title but one thing that remained constant was the beautiful writing. Set in Bangalore in a Basti, this quirky and warm read is written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl. Sharing the same name as the renowned Sarojini Naidu, this girl dreams of studying in a better school and does everything in her power to make it happen. What begins as a school project in which the children are asked to write letters to anyone they intend to, the little Sarojini turns to the once political activist which eventually changes her life. This book is really a bunch of letters packed with humour, wit and an abundance of charm.
Sarojini is 12 when she suddenly loses her best friend Amir, who has now moved to a private school. The government school that she goes to has no playground or toilets. When she accidentally learns about the Right to Education, she sets on a mission to make her school better. This includes the involvement of a whole bunch of women from her basti, a lawyer, Sarojini's friends and ultimately the great Sarojini Naidu herself. Written in the form letters, this book makes for such a wonderful read not only for children but also for adults alike. There's a lot to learn from this story, be it the negligence of the government or the corruption that still persists at posh schools, about the various laws that grants free education to those who fall below the poverty line. The writing is laid-back with the honesty that comes with being a child. Subramanian gives a lot of emphasis on friendships and loyalty, which was often the case with A People's History of Heaven too. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift for your child or anyone else for that matter, Dear Mrs. Naidu is the one for you.
I recommend it.
I knew I'd go back for more the minute I finished reading Subramanian's A People's History of Heaven. Dear Mrs. Naidu is both similar yet different from the former title but one thing that remained constant was the beautiful writing. Set in Bangalore in a Basti, this quirky and warm read is written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl. Sharing the same name as the renowned Sarojini Naidu, this girl dreams of studying in a better school and does everything in her power to make it happen. What begins as a school project in which the children are asked to write letters to anyone they intend to, the little Sarojini turns to the once political activist which eventually changes her life. This book is really a bunch of letters packed with humour, wit and an abundance of charm.
Sarojini is 12 when she suddenly loses her best friend Amir, who has now moved to a private school. The government school that she goes to has no playground or toilets. When she accidentally learns about the Right to Education, she sets on a mission to make her school better. This includes the involvement of a whole bunch of women from her basti, a lawyer, Sarojini's friends and ultimately the great Sarojini Naidu herself. Written in the form letters, this book makes for such a wonderful read not only for children but also for adults alike. There's a lot to learn from this story, be it the negligence of the government or the corruption that still persists at posh schools, about the various laws that grants free education to those who fall below the poverty line. The writing is laid-back with the honesty that comes with being a child. Subramanian gives a lot of emphasis on friendships and loyalty, which was often the case with A People's History of Heaven too. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift for your child or anyone else for that matter, Dear Mrs. Naidu is the one for you.
I recommend it.
// Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai.
I knew very less about Manchuria being occupied by the Japanese back in 1931, later being named as Manchukuo. Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state, enabling many Japanese to settle in amidst the Chinese. The Chinese weren't happy about losing their state to the invaders which ultimately caused a hostile situation between the two groups. Under the Broken Sky is the story of two Japanese sisters growing up in Manchukuo who were later forced out of their homes when Soviet Union entered China. The story is undoubtedly very heartbreaking but also needs to be read to understand the lesser known part of WWII.
Natsu and Asa live with their father in Manchukuo on a farm until their father is drafted to fight for the Japanese empire. The Japanese settlers quickly turned into refugees. Their neighbour who is referred to as 'Auntie', assumes the role of a guardian and looks after the girls as they make their way to Harbin. They walk for days with little or no food, meeting angry Chinese on the way and even escaping bombing planes. Upon reaching Harbin, the Japanese refugees are made to live in an abandoned school with inedible food, and no insulation to get through the winter. This particular part reminded me of the concentration camps where families were dying slowly due to malnutrition or cold. The Chinese and Russian forced or begged the Japanese families to let them adopt their children and most of them had to succumb to it in order to save the kids. Natsu and Asa share an endearing bond and although their story ends on a happy note, not many were met with the same fate. This is undoubtedly the lesser known historical event that happened during the WWII.
Under the Broken Sky is about how innocent people have to pay for the decisions made by the men who wield power. Although this is a middle grade novel, I think it's suitable for a slightly older crowd. I certainly recommend this.
I knew very less about Manchuria being occupied by the Japanese back in 1931, later being named as Manchukuo. Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state, enabling many Japanese to settle in amidst the Chinese. The Chinese weren't happy about losing their state to the invaders which ultimately caused a hostile situation between the two groups. Under the Broken Sky is the story of two Japanese sisters growing up in Manchukuo who were later forced out of their homes when Soviet Union entered China. The story is undoubtedly very heartbreaking but also needs to be read to understand the lesser known part of WWII.
Natsu and Asa live with their father in Manchukuo on a farm until their father is drafted to fight for the Japanese empire. The Japanese settlers quickly turned into refugees. Their neighbour who is referred to as 'Auntie', assumes the role of a guardian and looks after the girls as they make their way to Harbin. They walk for days with little or no food, meeting angry Chinese on the way and even escaping bombing planes. Upon reaching Harbin, the Japanese refugees are made to live in an abandoned school with inedible food, and no insulation to get through the winter. This particular part reminded me of the concentration camps where families were dying slowly due to malnutrition or cold. The Chinese and Russian forced or begged the Japanese families to let them adopt their children and most of them had to succumb to it in order to save the kids. Natsu and Asa share an endearing bond and although their story ends on a happy note, not many were met with the same fate. This is undoubtedly the lesser known historical event that happened during the WWII.
Under the Broken Sky is about how innocent people have to pay for the decisions made by the men who wield power. Although this is a middle grade novel, I think it's suitable for a slightly older crowd. I certainly recommend this.
// Moom by @bani.basu.3705
Translated by @arunavasinha
Moom begins with girls being addressed as enemies. Because even today, certain families in our country consider daughters as an unnecessary and an expensive burden. Why spend so much on daughters who eventually leave their homes, taking with them a sizeable dowry? Getting them educated makes no sense for they aren't going to look after their parents. It's the sons who are precious. So they get the best food, clothes, education and also life. The life of a male child, if weighed and compared with that of a girl's, is always worth more. Moom, originally written in Bengali by Bani Basu and later translated into English by Arunava Sinha, is one that sends chills down the spine. The story haunts one long after they're done reading it.
A Marwari family in Calcutta has it all. They're rich, live in a grand house where men make the rules and the womenfolk follow unquestionably. There are the in-laws, their son and his wife along with the servants, living comfortably until the women of the house die. Basu writes about the men in a rather sympathetic manner, left behind without any women to look after them. The mother-in-law, as long as she lived ruled the house with an iron fist. The daughter-in-law lived with a broken heart after losing her daughter as a child. The house was maintained as a home because of her well oiled duties. Bani Basu adds a supernatural touch to it where the presence of the dead daughter-in-law lingers long after she's gone. Right when I thought there's nothing more to the story is when Moom enters. Moom, like 'mombatti' (candle), a young girl turns up at the house out of nowhere becoming a much needed company to the father-in-law. Who is this girl, really and what's her story? It's surprising how Moom, who plays such a pivotal role in the story turns up in the latter part of the story. Basu, with her stunning narration makes one empathetic towards the characters even when they didn't deserve it. Needless to say, Sinha's translation was perfect, retaining the very essence of the book.
I highly recommend this.
Translated by @arunavasinha
Moom begins with girls being addressed as enemies. Because even today, certain families in our country consider daughters as an unnecessary and an expensive burden. Why spend so much on daughters who eventually leave their homes, taking with them a sizeable dowry? Getting them educated makes no sense for they aren't going to look after their parents. It's the sons who are precious. So they get the best food, clothes, education and also life. The life of a male child, if weighed and compared with that of a girl's, is always worth more. Moom, originally written in Bengali by Bani Basu and later translated into English by Arunava Sinha, is one that sends chills down the spine. The story haunts one long after they're done reading it.
A Marwari family in Calcutta has it all. They're rich, live in a grand house where men make the rules and the womenfolk follow unquestionably. There are the in-laws, their son and his wife along with the servants, living comfortably until the women of the house die. Basu writes about the men in a rather sympathetic manner, left behind without any women to look after them. The mother-in-law, as long as she lived ruled the house with an iron fist. The daughter-in-law lived with a broken heart after losing her daughter as a child. The house was maintained as a home because of her well oiled duties. Bani Basu adds a supernatural touch to it where the presence of the dead daughter-in-law lingers long after she's gone. Right when I thought there's nothing more to the story is when Moom enters. Moom, like 'mombatti' (candle), a young girl turns up at the house out of nowhere becoming a much needed company to the father-in-law. Who is this girl, really and what's her story? It's surprising how Moom, who plays such a pivotal role in the story turns up in the latter part of the story. Basu, with her stunning narration makes one empathetic towards the characters even when they didn't deserve it. Needless to say, Sinha's translation was perfect, retaining the very essence of the book.
I highly recommend this.
• r e v i e w •
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"Ours was an ancient story, the woman wants the baby and the man doens't want the baby and a middle ground does not exist. What would a middle ground be? We couldn't have half a baby." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
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Adichie proves once again that she can do nothing wrong when it comes to writing. She says the right things even if it's visceral and perhaps this is why people trust her books. For her honesty. While we often go about our lives without paying much attention to the things happening around us, Adichie highlights these instances and makes us sit down and ponder over it. In Zikora too, she does the same. In a short story that can be finished in just half an hour, she manages to pass on a whirlwind of emotions to the readers. Zikora explores women's roles as daughters, mothers, wives and partners. Zikora is sheer perfection.
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The very first chapter opens with Zikora in labour, a million thoughts rushing to her head. There's this searing pain not only from her contractions but also because of the absence of her partner. Zikora's mother with whom she never shared a close bond is by her side while her father is away with his other wife. African culture allows a man to be married multiple times without having to divorce his existing wives. Zikora's mother too becomes the first wife and with that, retreats into a shell. As Zikora contemplates her own romantic relationship which was once perfect but ended up in pieces because of her unexpected pregnancy, she begins to see her mother in a different light. Women, as she knows now have countless trials to go through and she is no exception.
.
She dips into various difficult topics ranging from single motherhood, abortion, insecurities, fear and of child rearing too. I desperately wished for the story to never end. In spite of being just a few pages in length, Zikora stays in your mind for a much longer time. There's no doubt that Adichie is a master storyteller and she definitely likes to remind the audience of this fact time and again. I highly recommend this.
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Rating : 5/5.
.
"Ours was an ancient story, the woman wants the baby and the man doens't want the baby and a middle ground does not exist. What would a middle ground be? We couldn't have half a baby." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
.
Adichie proves once again that she can do nothing wrong when it comes to writing. She says the right things even if it's visceral and perhaps this is why people trust her books. For her honesty. While we often go about our lives without paying much attention to the things happening around us, Adichie highlights these instances and makes us sit down and ponder over it. In Zikora too, she does the same. In a short story that can be finished in just half an hour, she manages to pass on a whirlwind of emotions to the readers. Zikora explores women's roles as daughters, mothers, wives and partners. Zikora is sheer perfection.
.
The very first chapter opens with Zikora in labour, a million thoughts rushing to her head. There's this searing pain not only from her contractions but also because of the absence of her partner. Zikora's mother with whom she never shared a close bond is by her side while her father is away with his other wife. African culture allows a man to be married multiple times without having to divorce his existing wives. Zikora's mother too becomes the first wife and with that, retreats into a shell. As Zikora contemplates her own romantic relationship which was once perfect but ended up in pieces because of her unexpected pregnancy, she begins to see her mother in a different light. Women, as she knows now have countless trials to go through and she is no exception.
.
She dips into various difficult topics ranging from single motherhood, abortion, insecurities, fear and of child rearing too. I desperately wished for the story to never end. In spite of being just a few pages in length, Zikora stays in your mind for a much longer time. There's no doubt that Adichie is a master storyteller and she definitely likes to remind the audience of this fact time and again. I highly recommend this.
.
Rating : 5/5.
// Other Words for Home by @jasminewargabooks
Jude's story is that of thousands of immigrants who are forced to leave their homes and families just to stay alive. Written in verse, this novel is equal parts moving and hopeful, one that leaves us with a smile as we flip through the last page. I do not read verse novels much but when I do, I'm often reminded of how beautiful the writings are. Warga's words are suffused with longing, comfort and love. I binge read this book in half a day and later couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that comes with reading about leading lives that are beyond our control. But amidst all the hatred and instability, Warga convinces one that home doesn't only have to be the one you left behind but can also be the one you build far away from it.
Jude and her mother move to America amidst the turmoil in Syria. The prospect of having to live in a new country puts the two of them in a glum mood what with Jude's father and brother still living in the war ridden Syria. America is shiny, clean and expensive but with it also comes the fear of being singled out for the clothes Jude wears, the language she speaks and also for being a muslim. As she wades through uncertain waters, she is both welcomed and shunned by those around her. She finds unexpected allies and courage to survive in a new country. But her heart still pines for her brother and father. It takes a while for Jude to come to terms with having two homes. One that her father lovingly built for themselves, which held memories of love and laughter; the other one in this new gleaming country where she is loved by her uncle's family. Other Words for Home is a lovely read that explores certain difficult topics in the simplest of ways. Warga has done an incredible job in making this book a comfortable and a thoughtful read for the middle grade students.
I certainly recommend this one.
Jude's story is that of thousands of immigrants who are forced to leave their homes and families just to stay alive. Written in verse, this novel is equal parts moving and hopeful, one that leaves us with a smile as we flip through the last page. I do not read verse novels much but when I do, I'm often reminded of how beautiful the writings are. Warga's words are suffused with longing, comfort and love. I binge read this book in half a day and later couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that comes with reading about leading lives that are beyond our control. But amidst all the hatred and instability, Warga convinces one that home doesn't only have to be the one you left behind but can also be the one you build far away from it.
Jude and her mother move to America amidst the turmoil in Syria. The prospect of having to live in a new country puts the two of them in a glum mood what with Jude's father and brother still living in the war ridden Syria. America is shiny, clean and expensive but with it also comes the fear of being singled out for the clothes Jude wears, the language she speaks and also for being a muslim. As she wades through uncertain waters, she is both welcomed and shunned by those around her. She finds unexpected allies and courage to survive in a new country. But her heart still pines for her brother and father. It takes a while for Jude to come to terms with having two homes. One that her father lovingly built for themselves, which held memories of love and laughter; the other one in this new gleaming country where she is loved by her uncle's family. Other Words for Home is a lovely read that explores certain difficult topics in the simplest of ways. Warga has done an incredible job in making this book a comfortable and a thoughtful read for the middle grade students.
I certainly recommend this one.
// Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan
It's the last night of 1949, and India is still settling into its newly acquired independence. The economy isn't faring so well, the rich have lost money and the poor are striving for equality. There are only a handful of Britishers who are still willing to stay back in the country and amidst that is an English diplomat named Sir James Herriot. When Herriot is found dead at his own New Year's Eve party, the higher authorities are pressurised to solve the case quickly. The case, somehow falls into the lap of India's first female Inspector, Persis Wadia. Persis then sets out on a clever wild goose chase with almost everyone standing against her. This is entirely a female centric novel, one that has been executed exceptionally well. And how delightful it was to read about Persis!
It's 2021 and yet women aren't taken seriously at work or everywhere else so one can imagine a scenario when a female inspector had to work alongside disgruntled men back in the 40s. There's a lot of patriarchy, machismo as we watch Persis throw herself into solving the case. The characters are wonderfully built, the setting of the book is vivid and Persis's personality is gold. The history of our country, its leaders, politics and the communal riots that trailed after the partition are very well narrated. While the mystery can be resolved on our own before we reach the climax, it does not dim the story in any which way. The various twists thrown at us coupled with all the suspicious characters do the job to keep us guessing. But it is Persis's character that steals the show. Vaseem creates a protagonist with her own shortcomings but also brilliant in her own way. I saw myself in her and so will many other women who read this book.
This is one book that is a perfect cocktail of history and mystery, neither overpowering the other. Want to read a crime novel which houses a stellar female protagonist? Look no further.
Thank you for the copy @hachette_india
It's the last night of 1949, and India is still settling into its newly acquired independence. The economy isn't faring so well, the rich have lost money and the poor are striving for equality. There are only a handful of Britishers who are still willing to stay back in the country and amidst that is an English diplomat named Sir James Herriot. When Herriot is found dead at his own New Year's Eve party, the higher authorities are pressurised to solve the case quickly. The case, somehow falls into the lap of India's first female Inspector, Persis Wadia. Persis then sets out on a clever wild goose chase with almost everyone standing against her. This is entirely a female centric novel, one that has been executed exceptionally well. And how delightful it was to read about Persis!
It's 2021 and yet women aren't taken seriously at work or everywhere else so one can imagine a scenario when a female inspector had to work alongside disgruntled men back in the 40s. There's a lot of patriarchy, machismo as we watch Persis throw herself into solving the case. The characters are wonderfully built, the setting of the book is vivid and Persis's personality is gold. The history of our country, its leaders, politics and the communal riots that trailed after the partition are very well narrated. While the mystery can be resolved on our own before we reach the climax, it does not dim the story in any which way. The various twists thrown at us coupled with all the suspicious characters do the job to keep us guessing. But it is Persis's character that steals the show. Vaseem creates a protagonist with her own shortcomings but also brilliant in her own way. I saw myself in her and so will many other women who read this book.
This is one book that is a perfect cocktail of history and mystery, neither overpowering the other. Want to read a crime novel which houses a stellar female protagonist? Look no further.
Thank you for the copy @hachette_india
From My Balcony to Yours by Nino Gugunishvili
Pandemic has changed us all. Being confined to our homes for several months with little to no physical contact with friends and extended family, left us alone with our thoughts; sometimes tranquil and at times frightening. I was vacationing in Kolkata just a couple of months before the virus hit the news and everything has been a blur ever since. Nino's From My Balcony to Yours hits home as she records her time spent during the pandemic. Often, it felt like reading my own diary entries. These are intimate, fun, clever and also full of raw emotions. I began reading these vignettes in the morning and within just a couple of hours, I was finished. I was left with a feeling of relief, that I'm not the only one to feel so disconnected and dazed the past year.
Nino's writing is refreshingly good, something that makes any book an instant hit. Documenting her life during the lockdown, she goes through different phases from enjoying being at home in the comfort of her quiet and then you notice a shift that comes from being confined for too long. There's existential crisis, the fear of what the future holds and finally there's reminiscing of childhood and age old memories. So many instances made me go 'This is exactly how I feel!' because there's an honesty in what she puts down on paper. By the time I was done reading the book, I felt a warm flush pass through me.
Nino's book has a great way of connecting with the readers. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this lovely read to everyone. Let her words embrace you into a warm hug :)
Thank you so much for sending me the ecopy @ngugunishvili
Pandemic has changed us all. Being confined to our homes for several months with little to no physical contact with friends and extended family, left us alone with our thoughts; sometimes tranquil and at times frightening. I was vacationing in Kolkata just a couple of months before the virus hit the news and everything has been a blur ever since. Nino's From My Balcony to Yours hits home as she records her time spent during the pandemic. Often, it felt like reading my own diary entries. These are intimate, fun, clever and also full of raw emotions. I began reading these vignettes in the morning and within just a couple of hours, I was finished. I was left with a feeling of relief, that I'm not the only one to feel so disconnected and dazed the past year.
Nino's writing is refreshingly good, something that makes any book an instant hit. Documenting her life during the lockdown, she goes through different phases from enjoying being at home in the comfort of her quiet and then you notice a shift that comes from being confined for too long. There's existential crisis, the fear of what the future holds and finally there's reminiscing of childhood and age old memories. So many instances made me go 'This is exactly how I feel!' because there's an honesty in what she puts down on paper. By the time I was done reading the book, I felt a warm flush pass through me.
Nino's book has a great way of connecting with the readers. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this lovely read to everyone. Let her words embrace you into a warm hug :)
Thank you so much for sending me the ecopy @ngugunishvili