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anusha_reads
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Have you heard of SHINRIN YOKU? It’s a Japanese practice of relaxation, wherein one walks through a forest, breathing deeply and observing nature. It is also known as forest bathing.
I felt the same when I read Valli. I just did Shinrin Yoku. Its rich description of the Wayanad forest, its animals, its birds, its herbs, its trees, the gushing river, and the mountains are simply mesmerising and make you feel like you have been there.
I wouldn’t say that Valli is the story of the people living near the forest. I felt as though the forest was narrating its story and the author was the medium through which its voice could be heard. The author has revealed her deep love for the rich flora and fauna. Kerala with its lush greenery is always breathtaking and the book takes you deep into those dense green forests.
It begins with the tale of a devadasi Unniyachi. I found the tale very magical and moving. I would have loved to know a little more about her. I also enjoyed a few historical anecdotes.
The books by Gabriel Garcia Marquez are frequently mentioned. One hundred years of solitude spans seven generations and Valli spans four. We see a lot of changes happening across these four generations, both political and structural. The story moves in various directions. It not only covers myths, traditions, and religions but stories of the FOREST too.
The forest is home to millions of living animals, birds, and insects, and is resplendent with herbs and people deface it for their selfish motives. Through the story, the author brilliantly warns us of the catastrophic repercussions of human greed.
Some parts were very distressing as we saw many people being killed because of their opposition to changes. A major part of the book portrays the ill effects of urbanization, deforestation, the cruelty behind poaching, the damage to the environment and much more.
She also talks about how certain old languages of indigenous Adivasis (tribals) vanish. It often happens when people become multilingual and they lose proficiency in their mother tongue.
The language is easy, the writing is lyrical, and the story is partly epistolary, but the diverse characters, the nonlinear prose and the length make it a tad difficult to read. The book was shortlisted for the JCB prize 2022 and I would say it rightly deserved it.
I read it with our bookclub members and I thank them for reading-along this gem of a book!
I felt the same when I read Valli. I just did Shinrin Yoku. Its rich description of the Wayanad forest, its animals, its birds, its herbs, its trees, the gushing river, and the mountains are simply mesmerising and make you feel like you have been there.
I wouldn’t say that Valli is the story of the people living near the forest. I felt as though the forest was narrating its story and the author was the medium through which its voice could be heard. The author has revealed her deep love for the rich flora and fauna. Kerala with its lush greenery is always breathtaking and the book takes you deep into those dense green forests.
It begins with the tale of a devadasi Unniyachi. I found the tale very magical and moving. I would have loved to know a little more about her. I also enjoyed a few historical anecdotes.
The books by Gabriel Garcia Marquez are frequently mentioned. One hundred years of solitude spans seven generations and Valli spans four. We see a lot of changes happening across these four generations, both political and structural. The story moves in various directions. It not only covers myths, traditions, and religions but stories of the FOREST too.
The forest is home to millions of living animals, birds, and insects, and is resplendent with herbs and people deface it for their selfish motives. Through the story, the author brilliantly warns us of the catastrophic repercussions of human greed.
Some parts were very distressing as we saw many people being killed because of their opposition to changes. A major part of the book portrays the ill effects of urbanization, deforestation, the cruelty behind poaching, the damage to the environment and much more.
She also talks about how certain old languages of indigenous Adivasis (tribals) vanish. It often happens when people become multilingual and they lose proficiency in their mother tongue.
The language is easy, the writing is lyrical, and the story is partly epistolary, but the diverse characters, the nonlinear prose and the length make it a tad difficult to read. The book was shortlisted for the JCB prize 2022 and I would say it rightly deserved it.
I read it with our bookclub members and I thank them for reading-along this gem of a book!
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
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This book has a very unusual start. There are cop duos but not the confident, professional, out-to-catch-in-a-snap kind of cops, bonded but lacking the chemistry of the usual on-screen cops. Then there is a bank- robber, who is again an unusual one, who lacks confidence, is unsure, and is not the usual stick-em-up kind of a robber. The bank robbery turns into a hostage situation but the victims don’t behave the way they should. The book is hilarious. The author is very insightful and depicts human emotions, behaviour, and relationships beautifully.
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This book has a very unusual start. There are cop duos but not the confident, professional, out-to-catch-in-a-snap kind of cops, bonded but lacking the chemistry of the usual on-screen cops. Then there is a bank- robber, who is again an unusual one, who lacks confidence, is unsure, and is not the usual stick-em-up kind of a robber. The bank robbery turns into a hostage situation but the victims don’t behave the way they should. The book is hilarious. The author is very insightful and depicts human emotions, behaviour, and relationships beautifully.
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I had come across the term Stockholm Syndrome somewhere. It is defined as the condition in which the victim empathises with the captor. So now you understand the situation in the book.
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This is my second book by Fredrick Backman. I've read A Man Called Ove and fell in love with the grumpy old Ove. All the characters in this book are lovable except for a character called Zara, who is rather irritating but we do come across such people in life who can make us feel small and inconsequential. As we read on we understand Zara’s life better and can relate to her. but I ended up loving Zara too towards the end.
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The book covers difficulties faced by people due to finance, loans, affordability, banks, love, marriage, career and many more problems.
Overall an amazing book, so relatable and heart-warming.
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challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
“If a woman is invisible in the kitchen, then anything she does in that space is also mostly unaccounted for even if her contribution feels life-altering to her. For men, this is not the case” says Shambhavi Roy @thewirein
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LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is a story about a beautiful, intelligent, independent, feminist, Elizabeth Zott. It is set in the 50s and 60s in America. She is a scientist who sports a resolute attitude and constantly struggles to excel and prove herself capable. Life is a struggle, irrespective of which era you belong to, but to top it up, if the misogynist men around her try to humiliate, undermine, and sexually abuse her, imagine the plight of the lady. Deep-rooted inherent insecurity projects as one-upmanship. Are misogynists born with inherent hatred? What makes them the way they are?
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I enjoyed the thoughts of the dog whom she calls Six thirty. The author herself has a dog named ninety-nine.
Every character in the book is great, especially Harriet who selflessly goes out of the way to help Zott. The moment I read about this character I thought that It was very unlikely we come across such an amiable person at some difficult crossroads of our life and Zott was lucky to have found such a friend.
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I loved Elizabeth Zott for her courage and spirit. Parts of the book are rather disheartening, particularly when I read about the hardships faced by Zott. Giving scientific relevance to every aspect of cooking, she cooks with great panache. But as the cliché goes that every woman’s domain is the kitchen, so exactly what happens to Elizabeth Zott?
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We got a chance to meet the very amazing author, Bonnie Garmus because of our very amicable friend our from bookclub and thoroughly enjoyed the session. It wouldn’t have been possible to talk to the author otherwise. The author tirelessly answered all our queries and questions.
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I would recommend this book to one and all.
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LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is a story about a beautiful, intelligent, independent, feminist, Elizabeth Zott. It is set in the 50s and 60s in America. She is a scientist who sports a resolute attitude and constantly struggles to excel and prove herself capable. Life is a struggle, irrespective of which era you belong to, but to top it up, if the misogynist men around her try to humiliate, undermine, and sexually abuse her, imagine the plight of the lady. Deep-rooted inherent insecurity projects as one-upmanship. Are misogynists born with inherent hatred? What makes them the way they are?
⚘⚘
I enjoyed the thoughts of the dog whom she calls Six thirty. The author herself has a dog named ninety-nine.
Every character in the book is great, especially Harriet who selflessly goes out of the way to help Zott. The moment I read about this character I thought that It was very unlikely we come across such an amiable person at some difficult crossroads of our life and Zott was lucky to have found such a friend.
⚘⚘
I loved Elizabeth Zott for her courage and spirit. Parts of the book are rather disheartening, particularly when I read about the hardships faced by Zott. Giving scientific relevance to every aspect of cooking, she cooks with great panache. But as the cliché goes that every woman’s domain is the kitchen, so exactly what happens to Elizabeth Zott?
⚘⚘
We got a chance to meet the very amazing author, Bonnie Garmus because of our very amicable friend our from bookclub and thoroughly enjoyed the session. It wouldn’t have been possible to talk to the author otherwise. The author tirelessly answered all our queries and questions.
⚘⚘
I would recommend this book to one and all.
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emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
🌚THE SEVEN MOONS OF MAALI ALMEIDA, SHEHAN KARUNATILAKE #BOOKERPRIZE2022 🌚
🌚🌚
The number seven is interesting. Mathematical fact: seven is an odd number, a prime number. But why do we have seven days of the week, seven continents, seven colours of the rainbow, and seven wonders of the world, and why do many consider the number seven to be lucky? The title of this brilliantly written book also has seven.
🌚🌚
‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ is a very different kind of a read. Set in Sri Lanka, full of unrest and tension due to the civil war, it’s the ghost story of titular Maali Almeida, narrated in the second person format, a whodunit.
🌚🌚
A photographer by profession, after death he is given the time of seven moons i.e. a week, to solve his murder mystery. We see a confluence of the realms of the living and the dead. He goes back and forth between the real world and the netherworld(?). He struggles to communicate with his people. He is restless and is unable to guide and reveal the mystery behind his murder to the living humans. Many parts were humorous, and some parts were heartbreaking. It portrays the devilish nature of humans which was scarier than the ghouls and ghosts. A Quote from the book that justifies this thought: “IT IS NOT MONSTERS OR YAKAS OR DEMONS WE SHOULD FEAR. ORGANISED COLLECTIVES OF EVIL DOERS WHO THINK THEY ARE PERFORMING THE WORK OF THE RIGHTEOUS. THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD SHUDDER.”
🌚🌚
I liked the character, Maali, the protagonist, whether he was a ghost or otherwise. An amazing photographer who captures many beautiful pictures of gruesome things happening at that time and gets into trouble because he takes a few photographs that could expose a few fraudulent leaders and could change the face of the regime. As a living being, he appeared to be a person who didn’t like to completely get involved with anyone. He sports a detached behaviour even towards his mother.
🌚🌚
This spirit world is an in-between world which decides the rightful place for every soul(?). It looked as though there was a hierarchy even here. This place was interesting as even animals’ souls spoke, signifying the fact that all living things have a soul. A quote: “DO ANIMALS GET AN AFTERLIFE? OR IS THEIR PUNISHMENT TO BE REBORN AS HUMAN?”
While reading every chapter I kept hoping some clue might crop up with which the whodunit might be revealed, only to be jolted to my soul by the twist in the tale at the end.
A literary fiction, which is also a murder mystery, with a sprinkle of humour, a dash of romance, political turmoils, war, conspiracies and wandering spirits and their mythical abode.
It makes me wonder how a person can think of such a premise! It’s a very unusual book that one cannot not enjoy reading!
🌚🌚
The number seven is interesting. Mathematical fact: seven is an odd number, a prime number. But why do we have seven days of the week, seven continents, seven colours of the rainbow, and seven wonders of the world, and why do many consider the number seven to be lucky? The title of this brilliantly written book also has seven.
🌚🌚
‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ is a very different kind of a read. Set in Sri Lanka, full of unrest and tension due to the civil war, it’s the ghost story of titular Maali Almeida, narrated in the second person format, a whodunit.
🌚🌚
A photographer by profession, after death he is given the time of seven moons i.e. a week, to solve his murder mystery. We see a confluence of the realms of the living and the dead. He goes back and forth between the real world and the netherworld(?). He struggles to communicate with his people. He is restless and is unable to guide and reveal the mystery behind his murder to the living humans. Many parts were humorous, and some parts were heartbreaking. It portrays the devilish nature of humans which was scarier than the ghouls and ghosts. A Quote from the book that justifies this thought: “IT IS NOT MONSTERS OR YAKAS OR DEMONS WE SHOULD FEAR. ORGANISED COLLECTIVES OF EVIL DOERS WHO THINK THEY ARE PERFORMING THE WORK OF THE RIGHTEOUS. THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD SHUDDER.”
🌚🌚
I liked the character, Maali, the protagonist, whether he was a ghost or otherwise. An amazing photographer who captures many beautiful pictures of gruesome things happening at that time and gets into trouble because he takes a few photographs that could expose a few fraudulent leaders and could change the face of the regime. As a living being, he appeared to be a person who didn’t like to completely get involved with anyone. He sports a detached behaviour even towards his mother.
🌚🌚
This spirit world is an in-between world which decides the rightful place for every soul(?). It looked as though there was a hierarchy even here. This place was interesting as even animals’ souls spoke, signifying the fact that all living things have a soul. A quote: “DO ANIMALS GET AN AFTERLIFE? OR IS THEIR PUNISHMENT TO BE REBORN AS HUMAN?”
While reading every chapter I kept hoping some clue might crop up with which the whodunit might be revealed, only to be jolted to my soul by the twist in the tale at the end.
A literary fiction, which is also a murder mystery, with a sprinkle of humour, a dash of romance, political turmoils, war, conspiracies and wandering spirits and their mythical abode.
It makes me wonder how a person can think of such a premise! It’s a very unusual book that one cannot not enjoy reading!
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
🌾🌾
The protagonist Holden Caulfield narrates his story. It’s not a story that spans many years but just a few days.
🌾🌾
Holden goes to a posh boarding school, and he does not clear all his exams except English. He runs away and spends a few days in various places in New York, meeting people he knows and strangers as well.
He doubts the system, the pedagogy, and the teachers. He finds many people ‘Phony’, those who are too superficial. He uses the word 35 times in the story. He finds all those people who are flashy and not empathetic irritating.
🌾🌾
He assesses people, is judgemental, and cannot go by the book. He calls himself an illiterate but devours many books.
🌾🌾
I loved his relationship with his sister. He lovingly buys a record for her, that he feels she will enjoy listening to, but unfortunately, it breaks. There is a scene where he goes to his little sister, Phoebe’s room, and he just admires his little sister while sleeping thinking about the fact that children look so sweet while they sleep, and adults don’t. I found this part very sweet, and it portrays his utmost love for his kid sister. Although he hates many people for being fake, he is not a misanthrope.
🌾🌾
Although he plans to run away and work. He does not have a reality check. He has a very unclear perception of his future.
🌾🌾
I found the protagonist, sweet, irritating, opinionated, empathetic and both lovable and hateable, like any teenager could be.
The character makes us question a lot of ideals that people set for themselves and others. It also makes one think about the way children are taught and examined in schools.
🌾🌾
The title of the book was intriguing, and it comes from the song written by the poet Robert Burns ‘Comin Thro the Rye’. Holden dreams of saving children from falling off a cliff while playing in the field of Rye. It is very symbolic of Holden's appreciation of innocence in children.
It's a charming, and beautifully crafted story that I enjoyed rereading.
🌾🌾
The protagonist Holden Caulfield narrates his story. It’s not a story that spans many years but just a few days.
🌾🌾
Holden goes to a posh boarding school, and he does not clear all his exams except English. He runs away and spends a few days in various places in New York, meeting people he knows and strangers as well.
He doubts the system, the pedagogy, and the teachers. He finds many people ‘Phony’, those who are too superficial. He uses the word 35 times in the story. He finds all those people who are flashy and not empathetic irritating.
🌾🌾
He assesses people, is judgemental, and cannot go by the book. He calls himself an illiterate but devours many books.
🌾🌾
I loved his relationship with his sister. He lovingly buys a record for her, that he feels she will enjoy listening to, but unfortunately, it breaks. There is a scene where he goes to his little sister, Phoebe’s room, and he just admires his little sister while sleeping thinking about the fact that children look so sweet while they sleep, and adults don’t. I found this part very sweet, and it portrays his utmost love for his kid sister. Although he hates many people for being fake, he is not a misanthrope.
🌾🌾
Although he plans to run away and work. He does not have a reality check. He has a very unclear perception of his future.
🌾🌾
I found the protagonist, sweet, irritating, opinionated, empathetic and both lovable and hateable, like any teenager could be.
The character makes us question a lot of ideals that people set for themselves and others. It also makes one think about the way children are taught and examined in schools.
🌾🌾
The title of the book was intriguing, and it comes from the song written by the poet Robert Burns ‘Comin Thro the Rye’. Holden dreams of saving children from falling off a cliff while playing in the field of Rye. It is very symbolic of Holden's appreciation of innocence in children.
It's a charming, and beautifully crafted story that I enjoyed rereading.
🌾🌾
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
What can I say about this book except that: it's cuteness overload! Tetsuko is a Japanese Television personality and UNICEF goodwill Ambassador. The author has narrated some events of her school life.
She used to call herself Totto-Chan and was a naughty girl. Having been expelled from one school for being very disruptive and restless, she joins a very innovative school, known as Tomoe Gakuen, run by Principal Sosaku Kobayashi. The school is unconventional in its approach and sees to it that children learn to educate themselves by making their own choices and through real-life skills, experimenting and hands-on experiences. The children get a unique sense of freedom, feel appreciated and proud of their work. They behave more empathetically, adjust with each other, and enjoy the school and its related activities thoroughly. The school motivates children to talk by giving them encouraging prompts. It lets them wear old rag-like dresses to school so that they wouldn't be worried about getting dirty.
A significant part of the book describes the excellent teaching techniques adopted by the school, reflective of the multitude of doubts parents and teachers have about teaching children.
It is quintessentially a way to deal with children who cannot easily adapt to strictly structured learning during the early learning stage. The principal is a visionary and sees to it that every child blossoms into a better human being by tapping the best skills in every child. Totto Chan herself appreciates and loves him a lot and so does every other child in the school.
We see the way the child reacts to various situations with utmost innocence and complete involvement. The whole narrative is adorable and parts of it are moving as well.
In my opinion play way techniques are needed for children until grade two or three. After those years slowly they need to be moulded into studying in a more structured manner. I can’t imagine calculus or organic chemistry being taught by the play way method.
It is a must-read for teachers and parents and is narrated in a simple, fluid manner, even children can read it.
She used to call herself Totto-Chan and was a naughty girl. Having been expelled from one school for being very disruptive and restless, she joins a very innovative school, known as Tomoe Gakuen, run by Principal Sosaku Kobayashi. The school is unconventional in its approach and sees to it that children learn to educate themselves by making their own choices and through real-life skills, experimenting and hands-on experiences. The children get a unique sense of freedom, feel appreciated and proud of their work. They behave more empathetically, adjust with each other, and enjoy the school and its related activities thoroughly. The school motivates children to talk by giving them encouraging prompts. It lets them wear old rag-like dresses to school so that they wouldn't be worried about getting dirty.
A significant part of the book describes the excellent teaching techniques adopted by the school, reflective of the multitude of doubts parents and teachers have about teaching children.
It is quintessentially a way to deal with children who cannot easily adapt to strictly structured learning during the early learning stage. The principal is a visionary and sees to it that every child blossoms into a better human being by tapping the best skills in every child. Totto Chan herself appreciates and loves him a lot and so does every other child in the school.
We see the way the child reacts to various situations with utmost innocence and complete involvement. The whole narrative is adorable and parts of it are moving as well.
In my opinion play way techniques are needed for children until grade two or three. After those years slowly they need to be moulded into studying in a more structured manner. I can’t imagine calculus or organic chemistry being taught by the play way method.
It is a must-read for teachers and parents and is narrated in a simple, fluid manner, even children can read it.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Man is born free but is everywhere in Chains- Jean Jacques Rousseau
I think this quote is more applicable to women. The more the world progresses there are more scientific tools to enhance the beauty of women, but do we need them? Is it all about sartorial elegance as opposed to inner beauty? The fashion industry, parlours and cosmetic clinics thrive on it. Facial and breast augmentations, women going under the knife to attain Barbie-like figures, skin treatments and many more- all of which are ephemeral and come with side effects. Are we free to be the way we are or are we influenced by the people around us?
Mieko Kawakami brilliantly incorporates issues like breast augmentation and donor conception. There are stories within stories and stories about women, Ill-treating misogynist husbands, societal pressures, and ladies drawn towards artificial insemination. The story read like the inner battle of many women.
This book primarily is about the protagonist Natsuko, who is a writer. The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with not only Natsuko but also Makiko (Natsuko’s elder sister) and her daughter Midoriko. Makiko is obsessed with breast augmentation and Midoriko being only twelve is horrified by the idea of getting her periods. Both are the topics that every woman constantly is irritated with although many do not talk about them much.
The second part of the book deals with the life of Natsuko, her small house, her work, her book, and her urge to be a mother. This is a wonderful book apt for any book club where the author has tackled many debatable issues which are not only worth pondering but also question the necessity or relevance of these issues.
I liked the protagonist as she comes across as a very strong, hard-working, determined, and independent person. She pursued her goal by assiduously working towards it, be it her book or her motherhood. In this world where there are people who still hush up their daughters when they talk about periods, I found this book very enlightening and liberating and I recommend this book to one and all, but ladies, it’s a must-read!
I think this quote is more applicable to women. The more the world progresses there are more scientific tools to enhance the beauty of women, but do we need them? Is it all about sartorial elegance as opposed to inner beauty? The fashion industry, parlours and cosmetic clinics thrive on it. Facial and breast augmentations, women going under the knife to attain Barbie-like figures, skin treatments and many more- all of which are ephemeral and come with side effects. Are we free to be the way we are or are we influenced by the people around us?
Mieko Kawakami brilliantly incorporates issues like breast augmentation and donor conception. There are stories within stories and stories about women, Ill-treating misogynist husbands, societal pressures, and ladies drawn towards artificial insemination. The story read like the inner battle of many women.
This book primarily is about the protagonist Natsuko, who is a writer. The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with not only Natsuko but also Makiko (Natsuko’s elder sister) and her daughter Midoriko. Makiko is obsessed with breast augmentation and Midoriko being only twelve is horrified by the idea of getting her periods. Both are the topics that every woman constantly is irritated with although many do not talk about them much.
The second part of the book deals with the life of Natsuko, her small house, her work, her book, and her urge to be a mother. This is a wonderful book apt for any book club where the author has tackled many debatable issues which are not only worth pondering but also question the necessity or relevance of these issues.
I liked the protagonist as she comes across as a very strong, hard-working, determined, and independent person. She pursued her goal by assiduously working towards it, be it her book or her motherhood. In this world where there are people who still hush up their daughters when they talk about periods, I found this book very enlightening and liberating and I recommend this book to one and all, but ladies, it’s a must-read!
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
People are flawed despite portraying perfection, be it physically or psychologically. Death is a very sensitive topic, and it affects the people who are left behind on earth. Some people can express their loss emotionally, but others bottle up. If we talk about suicides, it again affects the people who are left behind more than the person who has left. It traumatises the bereaved more!
Norwegian wood, named after the song by the Beatles, although is fiction, it reads like a memoir with a blend of behavioural science and romance, or the word should be smut.
I am sorry to say I found the book devoid of empathy. If that’s what the author tried to achieve, well he won!
The book deals with mental illness, suicide, selfishness, and man’s irrevocable lust, a downright misogynistic novel. It paints a picture of the male chauvinistic society where ladies are insignificant, objects of desire. Many suicides are showcased but it looked like nobody missed anybody. Murakami probably tried to depict how people take mental illness and suicide lightly.
A quote from the book: “If you think about it, an unfair society is a society that makes it possible for you to exploit your abilities to the limit.”
I didn’t like any of the characters in the book and maybe that was the aim too. The protagonist of the book is Toru Watanabe, it is very difficult to describe the character who is reticent but enjoys himself when anything is free. He is shown to be hogging his food despite his friend and girlfriend fighting at the table. There were many other instances where he enjoys himself irrespective of who is unwell or depressed.
I buddy-read it with @eranhereads. Though I have read many Murakami books earlier, this one wasn’t like any of his other books! Probably one should read books after having pressed alt ctrl del in one’s brain, hence freeing any preconceived notions.
Norwegian wood, named after the song by the Beatles, although is fiction, it reads like a memoir with a blend of behavioural science and romance, or the word should be smut.
I am sorry to say I found the book devoid of empathy. If that’s what the author tried to achieve, well he won!
The book deals with mental illness, suicide, selfishness, and man’s irrevocable lust, a downright misogynistic novel. It paints a picture of the male chauvinistic society where ladies are insignificant, objects of desire. Many suicides are showcased but it looked like nobody missed anybody. Murakami probably tried to depict how people take mental illness and suicide lightly.
A quote from the book: “If you think about it, an unfair society is a society that makes it possible for you to exploit your abilities to the limit.”
I didn’t like any of the characters in the book and maybe that was the aim too. The protagonist of the book is Toru Watanabe, it is very difficult to describe the character who is reticent but enjoys himself when anything is free. He is shown to be hogging his food despite his friend and girlfriend fighting at the table. There were many other instances where he enjoys himself irrespective of who is unwell or depressed.
I buddy-read it with @eranhereads. Though I have read many Murakami books earlier, this one wasn’t like any of his other books! Probably one should read books after having pressed alt ctrl del in one’s brain, hence freeing any preconceived notions.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“THE IMPOSSIBLE COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED, THEREFORE THE IMPOSSIBLE MUST BE POSSIBLE IN SPITE OF APPEARANCES” – AGATHA CHRISTIE, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.
How would you visualise a murder mystery? I would imagine a murder, a murderer, a weapon, an investigator/detective, and clues of course. As children we used to love to play Cluedo: Miss Scarlett was killed with a dagger in the dining room!
This book by Stuart Turton is very unusual. Though a murder mystery, instead of moving forward it goes into a time loop, wherein it auto-plays the day on a repeat mode with different perspectives.
Who dies? The titular Evelyn Bishop
Who kills her? We don’t know
What was the motive? We don’t know that either.
But we know where the murder takes place, and we see it happening from various angles and we
Stuart Turton has woven a fantastically brilliant murder mystery with Aiden Bishop as its protagonist?? Well, he is there, and he is not there too!
I was confused when I started reading and then I was totally flummoxed as the plot took twists and turns.
It portrays an affluent family living in Blackheath Manor. They host a party welcoming their daughter Evelyn, who returns home after living in Paris for many years. She is murdered that night. Instead of a sleuth, Aiden who wakes up every morning in a different body must investigate. Aiden cannot leave this place until he solves her murder. He has only eight avatars or eight days to unravel the mystery.
I loved the dark country house setting which was both eerie and majestic at the same time. Though I enjoy reading books with the time loop theme, I couldn’t imagine this theme for a mystery, I suppose that’s what an investigation is about: revisiting the site of the murder. It would be easy for investigators to have such a time loop.
The book ends with these profound lines: “EVERY DAY AFTER THIS ONE IS A GIFT. I JUST HAVE TO KEEP WALKING UNTIL I GET THERE.”
I didn’t expect the ending and was completely perplexed by it too. This book is unlike any mystery I have ever read!
This book was chosen by the amazing members of our book club and I enjoyed reading it.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An enemies-to-lovers trope, Unhoneymooners is the story of Olive and Ethan, who just are thrown together because of a series of events. They cleared up their misunderstandings and they lived happily ever after.
Sometimes when people around you label you as unlucky, it plays on your mind. I don’t believe in the luck factor, but when people believe in it fanatically, it affects people around them.
This book was chosen by the members of my book club. It’s an easy read, reads like a movie, and could imagine a few actors for the roles too.