I've noticed that when I take time to review books after finishing them, it's difficult to put down my impressions in the same flowing, crisp way that they appeared in right after finishing. On the other hand, I've also noticed that while I do have impressions, and am fairly clear on what to write about … Continue reading Book review – Time of Contempt →

Blood of Elves is many things. In terms of form, it is the first full-fledged novel in the Witcher saga, following the two short story collections which came before it. Chronologically speaking, it is the sequel to Sword of Destiny, its plot picking up right where the last story ended. And in terms of legacy, … Continue reading Book review – Blood of Elves →

I'm facing some difficulty in writing about my experience with Sword of Destiny. To be honest, I am a little surprised, albeit pleasantly, at how the second collection of short stories featuring the witcher, Geralt of Rivia, does not shy away from emotion. Unlike other fantasy stories, where action and grandeur take centre stage, the … Continue reading Book review – Sword of Destiny →

Part of the charm of The Last Wish is how it subverts expectations: how it takes familiar tales, and weaves them into something twisted, dark, and grotesque, so that by the time the events reach their climax, and ultimately unravel, you, as a reader, will have gained an appreciation on how, even in fairy tales, … Continue reading Book review – The Last Wish →

As I was reading this book, the question which kept echoing in my mind was, "How am I supposed to write about this? What should my reaction to this be?" It wasn't an unwarranted question; to be honest, I don't know how one who has read exculsively fiction for most of their life, is supposed … Continue reading Book review – Behold, I Shine – Narratives of Kashmir’s Women and Children →

Note: this is no ordinary review. Instead of sticking to my usual template of talking about the effect that the plot, characters, and style produced, I will be delving deeper into the larger theme that pervades this book. If you do not appreciate the discussion of major plot details, please avoid reading further. I remember … Continue reading Book review – Angels and Demons →

A long time ago, I saw the definition of magical realism superimposed on the opening scene of a TV show. "Magical realism is defined as what happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe." After having finished R. K. Narayan's The English Teacher more than four months ago, … Continue reading Book review – The English Teacher →

The second book in A Malgudi Omnibus is compelling, fast, and charged with emotion. However, I have certain issues with the author's stance on some of the plot elements which, though normal for the time in which the story is set, would definitely be more controversial when viewed in the modern context. The Bachelor of … Continue reading Book review – The Bachelor of Arts →

Even before A Malgudi Omnibus came into my possession, I had read Swami and Friends, in it's abridged, slightly modified edition: Malgudi Schooldays. As something I've read both as a child and as a student of English Literature, I can still feel the idyllic pleasure it inspires, and at the same time read between the … Continue reading Book review – Swami and Friends →

Dear readers, this is just a small notice to tell you that I've recently bought 3 of R.K. Narayan's novels bound in a lovely Vintage volume, titled A Malgudi Omnibus. In the days that follow, you can expect my reviews on all three of the novels: Swami and Friends, The Bachelor of Arts, and The … Continue reading Update – A Malgudi Omnibus →