Meghna Sodha

“I AM MADE OF MEMORIES.” I feel so blessed and privileged that I have come across this beautiful book. Many thanks to the one who has gifted me this book. The Author Madeline Miller spent ten years writing The Song of Achilles. This book is an adaptation of Homer’s epic; The Iliad and is narrated from Patroclus’ perspective. This story is about a great Greek warrior of his generation Achilles, son of the sea nymph (goddess); Thetis, and the king of Phthia; Peleus. Achilles was a very handsome skillful golden-haired man gifted with many Godly qualities. Patroclus was a prince and son of Menoetius. He was exiled for being charged with homicide and got shelter under Peleus. Patroclus was kind, shy, and an average-looking man. Gradually Achilles and Patroclus became friends and forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods’ wrath. They both went to learn war skills and medicines with their master Chiron, a centaur, for two years. There they flourished. After that, they both were called for a military campaign against Troy. As the prince of Troy, Paris abducted Helen, queen of Sparta; the most beautiful woman in the world. All Greek warriors were obliged by a blood oath to protect her. This war of Greek against the Trojans lasted for more than 10 years. Achilles was the hero of the war but his bonding with Patroclus was the essence of the war. As per the prophecy Achilles would die in Troy after killing Trojan prince Hector. This story of Achilles and Patroclus is truly fascinating. The writing of the book is not so fancy yet very gripping and effective. It has the power to bring tears. The way Patroclus sees Achilles, is phenomenally mentioned. Their tale fills our hearts with fragrant air. At times I felt breathless and shut the book as I felt overwhelmed by the emotions mentioned. But I couldn’t keep it shut for long. It took me two days to finish it. I have finished this heart-achingly lyrical and beautifully descriptive story with my heart beating. I highly recommend this book of Greek myth to every single being. It is indeed a startling and exciting version of ‘The Iliad’. "We were like Gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other." – (Patroclus for Achilles) - Madeline Miller "There are no bargains between lion and men. I will kill you and eat you raw." - (Achilles to Hector) - Madeline Miller

"Mariam was five year old the first time she heard the word Harami." The book catches the readers to peep into by this initial assertive phrase. The title of the book comes from a poem composed by Saeb-e-Tabrizi a persian poet. The plot of the novel is set in the time of Soviet invasion and Taliban tyranny in Afghanistan from early 1960 to the early 2000s. Mariam lives in a small hut outside the city of Herat with her mother, Nana. She is an illegitimate daughter of one of the most successful businessman, Jalil of Herat city. Jalil is legally wedded with his 3 wives and having 9 legitimate children. Nana was a maid in his house, who was sent to the outskirts of the city to live in as being lower casted wasn't acceptable in Jalil's family. Jalil comes to meet Mariam once a week carrying gifts and stories. Once Mariam goes to Jalil's house having desire to be with him but being unwelcomed she is sent back to her hut. On the way to return she finds her mother Nana dangling at the end of the dropping rope from a tree. After Nana's death Mariam(15 years) is being forced to marry Rasheed (40 years) a shoemaker living in Kabul. Laila, the second protagonist of the novel is the youngest daughter of Hakim and Fariba living in Kabul having a strong desire to improve the world with her intelligence and education. Both of her elder brothers have gone to war and their absence makes Laila witty and mature. She falls in love with Tariq his childhood friend at the age of 15. Due to war, their lives become insecure in Kabul which forces Tariq and his family to move to Pakistan. After few days her parents become victim of an attack carried out through a rocket while injuring Laila badly too. She is saved by Rasheed and Mariam. When she realized that she is carrying Tariq's child, she decided upon marrying Rasheed. At this time Mariam is at the age of 25 and Rasheed is to be of 60. Both the women get bonded and stand by eachother against the brutality of Rasheed. Climax occurs in a two different manners. Unexpectex, pitiful with the feel of missing out something. This story of Mariam and Laila won't let you make efforts to shed tears. Hosseini has elaborated this story in an effortless and flawless manner that brings you to the journey of emotions. An amazing, splendid skill of storytelling by a bunch of elegant, subtle yet simple words. Few incidences are narrated in a certain way which shakes hearts. A father and a daughter scene on the bus stop where Mariam and Jalil are being parted after her wedding is heart wrenching. It is absolutely very beautifully crafted disturbing story that is must to be read. An excellent piece of literature.

This book is considered to be a part of modernist literature and one of the greatest works by an author. That might be the reason to crave reading it for most of the literature lovers. Mrs. Dalloway is a complex compelling novel and not easy to crack even after paying wholesome attention of one's mind. For a person not familiar with Woolf's style, Mrs. Dalloway is supposed to be demanding from the beginning. Mrs. Dalloway is a story of one day, morning to night in Clarissa Dalloway's life, a perfect society woman and a housewife of Richard Dalloway who is preparing for an evening party which is hosted by her. Clarissa does simple things; walking in park, buying flowers and throwing the party. Peter Walsh: On her return from the flower shop, Mrs. Dalloway is visited by her old friend Peter Walsh who was once in love with her. She introduces her daughter to Peter by saying "here is my Elizabeth" which annoys Peter and makes him dash off. The way Woolf has described this moment why Peter felt so shows her expertise to understand people's mind and thinking process. Sally Saton: Clarissa had a memory with her female friend Sally Saton with whom she was in love, kissing her is still the most passionate part of her life. Sally comes to her party now married as Lady Rosseter with five sons. Septimus Smith: Septimus Smith, is suffering from post traumatic syndrome after experiencing the World War 1. He was in love with his fellow soldier, Evans: whose ghost keeps haunting him through out the plot. Finally getting tired of people who believe him to be unreal and untruthful, he commits suicide. Woolf hence mentions homosexuality in a subtle manner through her characters. Modernist literature can take liberty with perspective, time and order, and point of view. This novel describes Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway's life showcasing the people she is surrounded by presently and known to her from the past. With this plot, the author uses the stream of consciousness to get into the minds of her characters and portray individual and cultural changes after World War 1. "It is a thousand pities never to say what one feels". "To love makes one solitary ". - Virginia Woolf

Book Review - Spoiler free Story goes around Quinn's family. Rusty Quinn is a defense attorney in Pikeville, Georgia. He is having a very smart and intelligent wife Gamma and two daughters, Samantha and Charlotte. Their happy small town family life was torn apart by a terrifying attack. It left his wife dead and Rusty's two girls were forced into the woods at gunpoint by two offenders. One girl can make it happen to run for her life and the other is left behind in woods. 28 years later, again one more tragic violent mishap occurs in Pikeville. Charlotte who is a lawyer now witnessed it and all her terrible memories were being unleashed. The childhood tragedy is not revealed at the time but the story unfolds it gradually after another violent crime. At some point of course story touches the hearts. It reflects a feel of sorrow, pain, helplessness as well as a feel of family bonding, love and togetherness. Karin Slaughter is renowned as a mystery novelist. Slaughter has narrated crime and investigation scene brilliantly and has timely added noticeable twists to the story. Some scenes give a feel of listening to an audio while some of unnecessary length. An outstanding narration of flashback gives a feel of present. Slaughter's work is absolutely to be understood to know that how an author can be succeeded to bound a reader with a book. "It is a father's job to love his daughter in the way that she needs to be loved." "Nothing ever truly faded. Time only dulled the edges." - Karin Slaughter

According to Pattanaik, myth means an idea that disturbs most people while Mythya is a relative truth seen through a frame of reference. Through this little book, the author has narrated few tales about Hindu mythology from the vedas, the upanishads, the epics as well as some puranas to decode and explore the rational and irrational ideas and truth related to them. The book is short, simply written and is a summarized version of Hindu mythology. The book is divided into three parts, Brahma - Saraswati, Vishnu - Lakshmi and Shiva - Shakti. It consist of logical interesting tales such as why raw milk is to be offered to Shiva, why to hang Lemon - chilly on doorways, why marigold flower is auspicious for puja, why Brahma had five heads, what is Yama's book of account and so many....some tales are queer and simply fascinating. The author has tried extremely well to decode the terms, ideology, logic and philosophy of Hindu mythology. Story of Revti, (daughter of Dwarka's king) has amazed me. Mythology is the centre of Pattanaik's book. His books consist of simple drawings, tables and symbols. He adds colours into book through his writing to make it interesting for readers. He has tried to include all possible tales going around supreme trinity but there isn't any mention to relate the traditional myths with modern times' comprehension. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Indeed an admirable work to bring in the conceptual understanding of a vast mythology.

It is one of the best books written and must be read in a life time. It was published in the year 1960 and the author has included all the possible emotions of curiosity, fear, hatred, struggle prevailing during that time. There are definite important issues in the novel are being valued and dealt with. Plot goes around the siblings; Scout and Jem staying with their widower father Atticus Finch and a black caretaker Calpurnia, facing some unexpected twists, turns and tragedy in their lives. At the beginning story doesn't seem interesting to starting with as the narraration shows depth at some point and all of a sudden changes its course. Gradually it brings a realization that it feels so as it is narrated as per Scout's (6 year) perspective. Scout Finch lives with her father, Atticus Finch a lawyer and an elder brother Jem Finch in Maycomb, Albama. Boo Radely leads the story who lives in Finch's neighborhood. The Finch siblings and Dill (their friend) try to bring Boo out of his house since he prefers to be in house only. Boo is an intellectual child, emotionally abused or damaged by his cruel father and he is one of the mockingbirds, harmed by the mankind. Atticus Finch is Tom Robinson's (another mockingbird of the novel) lawyer who is accused of raping a girl named Mayella. People get furious when Atticus tries hard to prove Tom; a black man, innocent and is being threatened by Bob Ewell (Mayell's father). Revenge is demanded. Death occurs. Jem and Scout are being attacked and saved by an unexpected angel. Atticus Finch rises as the strongest pillar of the novel. As a father he has implanted sense of justice and morality in his kids. He treats all classes and races in a same manner. Lessons given to kids by Atticus are extremely amusing. "Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." "You rarely win, but sometimes you do." - Atticus Finch Simply the literary icon, leaves its impact on hearts and minds.

May contain spoiler This is a story of Elizabeth and Ivan. Elizabeth Egan is a 34 year old interior designer living in a small town of Ireland with her younger sister Saoirse and 6 years old nephew Luke. A career oriented successful woman living among own silence. Her sister is an alcoholic and prefers to wander different places, and having lack of accountability for own son. While playing outside Luke meets a new friend Ivan an invisible, about 30 year old guy. Actually Ivan approaches Luke as it is a job of his invisible community to find and help the kids in need. Only Luke can see him. Luke introduces him to Elizabeth, being unable to see him she thinks that he must be Luke's imaginary friend. By encircling and sensing her kind needy heart Ivan starts adoring her. One night while sobbing due to some past memory suddenly Elizabeth sees him and thinks he is Luke's friend's father. Ivan meets her everyday. Make her feel live and joyful. Prove to be a devoted friend. They dont express but both have started developing feel for each other. For Elizabeth he is a normal human. One day Ivan realizes that he won't grow older but Elizabeth will have birthdays. Time will come when he has to go to help another needy kid and Elizabeth won't be able to see him anymore though being around her. This is a soulful breezy easy reading romantic novel of Cecelia Ahern. Ivan's wish to be with Elizabeth, helplessness to leave her will make your eyes teary. Love can exist in any form. Love is warmth and pain. Love is fantasy and actuality. Love itself is a magical imaginary power can be felt by heart only. It is definitely a pleasure reading book. Go with the flow and cherish. "Life is made up of meetings and partings. People come into your life everyday. Some stay for few minutes, some for few months, some a year others a whole lifetime. No matter who it is, you meet and then you part. I am so glad I met you Elizabeth. I'll thank my lucky stars for that. I think I wished for you all of my life, but now it's time for us to part." - (Ivan) - Cecelia Ahern

This crime fiction novel belongs to an American author Sidney Sheldon whose work is constantly considered as one of the top ten best selling fiction stories of all time. It is indeed an irresistible supreme piece for readers. The ways he has portrayed the power of femininity, makes one wonder that even today's female authors are lacking to showcase it. This is the story of Tracy Whitney a spectacular, smart, intelligent, computer genius in her mid twenties working with a bank. By the twist of fate she is being framed by a group of people to imprisonment of 15 years for the crime she has not committed. Because of her upper class etiquettes and her favoring fortune she manages to come through her punishment quite early. She comes out with the motive to avenge those people who have destroyed her life. On the way to revenge and her need of well being, she gets involved into deadly con games and becomes unbeatable by the police and detectives. Jeff Steven is a handsome persuasive man matching Tracy's theatrics and a super con who can only stop her. Daniel Cooper is an insurance investigator, a detective; an evil genius who is desperate to get Tracy red handed and led her to destruction. The book constantly keeps one on their toes. Each incidence and theft is going in rhythm and gives a sense of mindfulness. It is written in 1985 and is way ahead of its time. It is an excellent masterpiece that takes one's mind through an exhilarating journey. "God will never throw anything at you that you can't handle. Just take it one step at a time." - Sidney Sheldon

Unaccustomed Earth is a collection of eight stories. Among them first five are distinct and last three are linked. These are the stories of Bengali immigrants of India living in America and how they are dealing with their mixed cultural rituals and environment. The title of the book belongs to the first story. In which Ruma's father visits her to spend few days with her and her son Akash. Ruma's mother died which led her father to explore different places of the world. He starts seeing another woman but can't work upon himself to tell Ruma about it. Ruma feels that her father isn't missing her mom that much. The story goes around three generations. Their emotional need and how in a certain way they are concerned for eachother. The tale is followed by such other seven stories which are easy going and straightforward, one can easily relate to. The stories of Bengali families include substance and not extravaganza. Lahiri's narration is subtle in regards to express emotions. Feel of insecurity, awkwardness, loneliness, unfaithfulness are mentioned with delicacy. The stories in themselves are not so fancy and may give a feel of slow or stretchy plot. Common factors of all the stories include all the prime characters are Bengali immigrants, literate, portrayed rich and dealing with dramas and tragedies of lives, trying to make up with love, relations and rituals. They are people trying to fit themselves within the Unaccustomed Earth to flourish and survive.

This book was published in the year 1970 on Valentine's day and is considered as the best seller of that time. It is an easy simple quick romantic book with no more fancy words that can be read within day or two. Oliver Barrett is the successor of a wealthy American family, studying in Harvard for pursuing a degree in law. One fine day he sees Jennifer Cavilleri; a working class catholic girl studying in Radcliffe, learning classical music. They fall in love in spite of their cultural and economical differences. Despite being refused by Barrett family they get married and stand by each other against all the perplexities. Jenny works hard to run household and Olli focuses to achieve his degree in law. He achieves, earns money but fate decides to be cruel to these love birds. They are friends, they fight, they love and the way they communicate with each other is the sweetest essence of the story. Go with the flow and read by heart. It is certainly a cute story of love that brings smile, laughter and tears too. Love means never having to say you're sorry. - Erich Segal There was a brief silence. I think I heard snow falling. - Erich Segal