Dhiraj Khatri

Red-Rum muR-deR by Sourish Roy, primarily, a murder mystery and thriller can also be put into the subcategory – detective fiction; set in the college campus premises located at the outskirts of Jalpaiguri, a suburban town in West Bengal, where a detective-aide duo of college professors embark on the journey of unearthing the innermost secrets and deciphering the conundrum in order to unravel the murder mystery that hides behind it the grim downside of dissipation and debauchery; this is a perfect conglomeration of whodunit and howcatchem bringing about a unique sensation to mystery element; while the book imitates modern-day classic literature through the author’s flowery language, it also opens a discussion on the elephant in the room, a subject that is mostly avoided; this cleverly plotted mystery novella empowered with the enticing writing style, shrewd detective, sensuality, and a compelling riddle will keep you pondering even after it ends. All in all, this extremely short book, which you can finish reading in the span of a couple of hours has in store for you a completely unique and classic experience emerging through exuberant writing style and the unification of mystery with sensuality.

The Wall by Gautam Bhatia is a speculative fiction novel set in the city of Sumer, where the day begins with Wallrise and ends in the same manner, the Wall dissolving into the night sky. This work of fiction seems to reflect the author's extensive knowledge of constitutional philosophy as well as his sound understanding of socio-economic and political issues relating to India. This is a skillfully narrated allegory that digs deeper to the core of democracy through the conflicts of ideologies, spellbinding characters - progressive and reactionary, and extracts the true meaning of freedom. Besides, the book is a limitless treasure of fascinating new world elements, a world so colorful despite the Wall, yet on the brink of another revolution. The Wall, like any other novel, has its own set of flaws, but that doesn't come anywhere near to what this book offers you. The Wall in my opinion sets a new high for Indian fantasy and spec-fic novels. This phenomenal debut of Gautam Bhatia reflects the many ideologies that exist in this world and has the potential to revive the soul of any democracy if need be.

Hiranyakashyap by Kevin Missal is the second book in The Narasimha Trilogy (previously called, The Mahaavatar Trilogy) – the reimagining of the legend Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu; depicts the constant conflicts between the father-son duo where Hiranyakashyap – now an invincible Asura king, is all set to win over anything and everything by the means of violence, war, aggression, and destruction using his military forces and the Brahmastra, while Prahlad with his completely opposite ideology has decided to rid his land of scum and evil using the least violence possible; the book addresses several issues that are very relatable in the modern times such as abusive relationships, resistance, bully parents, types of terrorism, etc and also states the importance of having faith in God; while developing and enhancing the well-established characters, the author introduces new characters also; with these legendary figures and a riveting plot, this adventurous book sets out to create an everlasting impression on readers that of unforgettable outlooks.

Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman, particularly a whodunit story, is surely an absorbing and finely written novel revolving around a striking main character’s complex life that boldly confronts the corporal and lucrative desires of human beings. The narration is perfect in a way; profound details and flawless writing style altogether makes it a fruitful read for any type of reader. It is amusing how the author has depicted this complex and critical puzzle very easily and much creatively. The duo of Batty and Robin has emerged as an intelligent detective squad. The character of Rupali outshines every other character because the book is tremendously seemed to be focused on her only or maybe I’m just too fascinated by her character. There are a few essay-like expositions which are mind-numbing and requires more energy to comprehend. It is hard to believe that it is a debut work and I will definitely wish to read more from the author. I would highly recommend this book to everyone because it is full of surprises and information.

Afsaane is a collection of short stories narrated in a very unique way, represents the intricacy of human relationships combined with a bunch of other subjects that challenge millennials’ anxieties in current dating culture. The author has succeeded in creating reliable settings for each story with well-written expositions. There are a good amount of pivotal and critical scenes, executed not perfectly but effective enough; scenes that remain vivid for a lifetime in your memories. The author has covered all the aspects and perspectives that matter in each story. There is adoption of a child, one attending marriage of his ex, getting over the death of your loved one and moving on, a tale of infidelity that sows the seed for newfound love and reunion of a long lost pair. A few of these stories are incredible and stand out from the others. I think this review is not enough for what all the book contains. If you will try to look for a meaning, you’ll surely find a few which will fascinate you.

You Beneath Your Skin is a crime-thriller novel that will keep you to the edge of your seat from first page till the end. The book is the conglomeration of profound characters and enthralling plot. The story is narrated in third person omniscient point of view. The writing style is just perfect for this tremendously progressive plot, literally it won’t leave you once you start reading this book till end. There is not a single moment that had not made a progress, also expositions are perspicuous yet intense. Like an exceptional work, You Beneath Your Skin has a lot going on at the same time. There are so many characters, all are deep-rooted and powerful, and on top of that, they all have terrifically transformative arcs throughout the book. It isn’t like a common crime thriller where you will find a murder or two or a scam, this book is filled with a lot more. For example, author Damyanti Biswas has addressed autism, acid attacks and its impact, privileged and underprivileged communities especially children, politics and how police are being crushed between politicians and their duty towards citizens. The novel sets in Delhi and the author has extracted every bit of it and has added into the book, the police department, clinical or medical institutions and all other organizations written are well-researched. I highly highly recommend this book to everyone out there reading this. Not just because of the topics addressed in this book, but also because this is an incredible work of writing.

Shhh! Don’t Talk About Mental Health is an initiative by author Arjun Gupta for not just spreading Mental Health awareness but with the context of current situation of Mental Health/Mental Illness/Psychology subject in India. Author also used Yashasvi’s case as an example to make explanation easy to understand. If you do not belong to psychological background then this book would help you with introduction to Mental Health and all the related aspects of it through stories, researches, facts and statistics. The book will answer all your doubts and questions about depression, mental illnesses and collectively about mental health. The structure of the book is divided into six sections to make reader understand from history of psychology to the modern day need of forming a community to stand with those who are suffering from mental illnesses and make the world a better place. When I picked this book, I knew it will help me to certain extent to understand Mental Health. And now after finishing this, I am thankful to the author for I really needed this. As the author said we can make this world a better place that is sensitive to those battling their own minds. Where there is no shame in asking for help.

Ivory Gleam is accurately a deluge of poetry and prose. Talking about the basic structure of the book, it is divided into three chapters of learning, longing and loving. The first is ‘Colloquial delicacy of learning’. In this, the author talks about life and death, and everything in between. Trust me, there is almost every state or feeling, we humans are dealing with. The second one is ‘Soliloquy of longing’, where Dr. Priya depicts different stages of relationships between two souls, longing for love. The last chapter is ‘Chivalry of loving’. This section is all about love. The myriad hues of love and the things we do for love. The best thing about Ivory Gleam is its raw and pure form. The very essence of poetry as it should be, is the words. The writing style is so organic that you dive into it quickly and you never wish poetry to end. As I mentioned, its rich set of words, gives you opportunity to learn and savour the art of literature. (See. I used that word.) Also its raw form, it seems like the author mused and directly inscribed on the paper, thus organic and pure. Moving to the content. Ivory Gleam is about different states and feelings from life to death, loss and love, I can’t even count number of topics addressed. Poetries are not easy to comprehend, just like dreams. It is as complex as the feelings it talks about. You will need to recite it again and again until you are able to sink in the truth being told. Once you get deep into it for realizing the meaning, you’ll start devouring it. The analogies used are at their best. Have you ever felt that breathing was a sin for the life you lived? You inhaled elixirs of borrowed air from vendors who respired ‘payback demands’ for a truth, as essential as your existence. This is just a glimpse. There is one poetry under the title ‘grandmother’ which I became emotionally attached to. You’ll find several of relatable poetries in this collection, because it is about us, humans. I loved many and are my favorites. Not all of them are complex, there is balance in it. I would never stop reading them, would keep it handy and relish whenever I want. At last I would like to thank the author, Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang for creating such a paradise of words that, creatively took over my mind and I found nothing but peace of mind. At the end you will learn.