Spotlight and Review of Love and Curses by Sunita Saldhana

Love & Curses 
by 
Sunita Saldhana

BLURB

When Amber meets Shardul, her heart starts doing somersaults and it seems as if her body has forgotten how to breathe. She has never been so strongly attracted to anyone before. But beneath the physical attraction, there is something else that she struggles with. Why does he seem so familiar when she is sure she has never met him before? And why has she suddenly started waking up each morning with tears running down her cheeks, haunted by the same dream every night?

Shardul has been waiting for Amber forever. But fate conspired to keep them apart. He could not forget what she could not remember. Now that he had finally found her, would she open her heart to love or would he lose her forever?

My Review:

Love and Curses is a story of two lovers Amber and Shardul where destiny did not favor their union in the first place. 

The author started the story with the background of Amber and her struggles allowing this character to get a warm spot in the reader's heart. 

Then she peeled the layers off the past of the couple in a slow-motion rhythmic fashion showcasing all the emotions of Amber while she is fighting the attraction for Shardul in the present. 


Shardul on the other hand is alluring her in many ways so that she could remember the past that he could not forget. 


It's an interesting take to Hindu mythology of reincarnation. This is my first time reading this author, and 'am delighted for the time well spent in reading her short story. 

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About the author

Sunita Saldhana is a blogger, a poet, an author and a life coach.

She has been writing since the age of 13. She is now a “retired mom” with both her kids having flown from the nest and is now concentrating on her writing. She is happiest when she is writing with her dog curled up at her feet.

She loves reading romance and fantasy and binge watches Crime series like Criminal Minds and Elementary.

She blogs about things she cares for and things that drive her mad. She loves to review books by other authors and share good books with the world.

She has worked as a corporate trainer. She believes that every human being has seeds of greatness within them and she loves to help people find that tipping point in their lives as they discover themselves. This is why she started The Know & Grow Learning Centre where she conducts various courses for kids and adults on communication and life skills.

 She is happiest when she is writing fiction with her dog curled up at her feet.

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Review of Just Me, The Sink & The Pot

JUST ME, THE SINK & THE POT

by

Sudesna Ghosh

 

Blurb

 

Meet Pamela, an overweight girl who’s looking back at her school days. From longing for a Valentine to dealing with a sibling who hates her, Pamela has a lot to deal with. She even has a special bunch of friends at home who she can turn to – but they aren’t the kind of friends you’d expect. Life sucks when you’re fat. Can Pamela ever be happy?

My Review

'JMTSNTP'  is a narration by an over weight school girl. Her incidents ring a bell to what my cousin went through as a student and how she too longed to be thin, wear all the 'in' clothes and be amongst the crowd. 

Pamela is born thin but tends to gain weight as a school going kid. The agonies are plenty, and looking at the structure of our society where outer looks matter a lot, I felt for this girl especially since her mom and her sis were walking perpendicular to the path where she was treading upon. Pamela's emotions were genuine and legit as she was breathing in the 21st century, but thankfully in high school, she got a handle of herself once she got a chance to be published. Her joy knew no bounds as she could think beyond her physical self as she got an opportunity to ponder within and express those feelings via those stories.

The narration is good, but it could have been even better. Although I wished the father intervened more since he knew the structure and the mentality of the other household members. Also, it was disturbing to see how Pamela would count the layers of her stomach whenever she would get a chance. The fact that she had imaginary friends was amusing at first but again turned to something that needed attention. Glad that before things went out of hand, this girl found a hobby or should I say got an opportunity to express herself within to fall back upon an avenue that was not only liberating but also gave her confidence. The starting and ending of this novel were conflicting. She starts off with present tense as an 18-year-old girl that is struggling with issues related to her weight with no respite in sight and goes on with the narration from birth to 18 years of age, but towards the end of the novel, this young lady finds her passion. It is hard to find the junction where the story started. 

Overall it a read that makes one ponder upon. It makes us realize the harsh facts of the society and how cruel we can get to these innocent minds by our own set rules with regards to the physical appearances. 

Read an excerpt of the book here…

 

One day a classmate asked me, “Where is your lunch?” I told her that I had already had it and went back to my fake laughter and smiles. The others chatted and laughed while they ate from their tiffin boxes. Some brought samosas or ice cream from outside the gate. My hunger pangs got worse as I saw all the food and smelt the delicious odors around me.

 

The ice cream cart was run by a sweet old man who knew me since I’d started school. He would ask me some days, “Child, you don’t want your favorite orange stick?” I would say no thank you and smile before running away from him and his cart. One day he seemed to be desperate to make me have an ice cream. “Child! Come here and have an ice cream. You don’t have to pay me,” he called out. I smiled, turned around and went to hide in an empty classroom. Two minutes later, I shrieked; the old man had found me. He was carrying a dripping ice cream for me. I started laughing. Then I started running away from him. The old man started running after me!

My classmates were shocked. The sports teacher was happy to see me run for the first time – I had never run before because fat moves when you run. Everybody would laugh. The lunch break ended with me accepting the mostly melted orange stick from the kind ice cream man. We were too tired to talk about the whole event. But it did make me a bit popular that year, with the school Yearbook including the story and a picture of me running away from a 6 feet tall man holding an ice cream.

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Review: Shadowed Promise by Sunanda Chatterjee

SHADOWED PROMISE
From riots in Bombay to the riches of Beverly hills...

by

Sunanda Chatterjee

Blurb

Moyna’s cousin panted at the doorway, heavy with child. “Who did this to you?” her father shouted. And Moyna knew that somehow she would be blamed for this unspeakable shame on the family. Her aunt blamed her for all the tragedies, from the death of Moyna’s own parents to the riots in Bombay. But, as her cousin lay dying of stab wounds, Moyna promised to protect the baby.

In a panic, eighteen-year-old Moyna made a hasty decision that would return to haunt her years later. 

Bullied as a child, Sameer wants to make the world a safer place.  He has spurned a cushy career in his father’s law firm for public service. Sameer is drawn to the mysterious Moyna when they meet in Los Angeles. The attraction seems mutual, but Moyna remains cautious and secretive about her past, insulating herself from love to protect others from her unlucky curse.

At the cusp of political victory, Sameer faces increasing gun violence and death threats leading to an FBI investigation. But his greatest challenge comes when a shadow from Moyna’s past threatens to destroy their future.

What hope do they have with the media hungering for a scandal?

A story of friendship, redemption, and forgiveness, “Shadowed Promise” is a journey from blind faith to triumphant love.

My Review

Shadowed Promise is another captivating tale by Sunanda Chatterjee. I have read her previous works, and she is not a newbie. Her style with words, characters, emotions have continued to captivate me. Thus, the immediate need to pick up her book when around. 

This is a story about Moyna who lost her parents at an early age and was living with her relatives where the aunt was crude and insulting to her, but they brought her up in their family for the sake of the society. Any tragedy broke out, this girl's fate was blamed thus, making her very cautious and anxious at every step of her life. When her cousin lost her life, the blame was put on her. In spite of the accuse, Moyna gave her cousin's baby her name and protection, but destiny had something else stored for her. She went abroad for further studies on scholarship thus, allowing her to flap her wings and test drive her potential on her own. Life had it's own challenges where she would halt now and then over any tragedy around her blaming herself for it, but she made it to the top as a practicing lawyer. She found her mate in her college friend, Sameer. Life was going at a reasonable pace where she continued to blame any adversity due to her fortune until Sameer came up with a tag line, "Lucy loves me" that would comfort her and help her come out of the shock. 

The story has unfolded beautifully regarding her cousin's child who was left with his grandparents in India, and how he united with her in the States. 

As a reader, I could not digest the fact Moyna settling abroad over the same mind-set of blind faith of she being the reason of all wrecks. Being a 'nobody' in a foreign country to ultimately becoming a thriving lawyer, and being scared, and anxious at every step of the way. Although glad she could kick that mentality aside and embrace her husband's injury over a shooting and unite the four as a family. Better late than never! 

Shadowed Promise is a story of keeping one's word, conviction, and forgiveness. Thus, making it a recommended read! 

Review: Shadow in the Mirror by Deepti Menon

BLURB

It all begins with a death. Nita, a pregnant woman falling from her balcony becomes the string that unravels the plot. Her death casts a shadow over many lives; her heartbroken father, her husband and Vinny, a young journalist, drawn in by the whiff of foul play and murder.

What follows are stories within stories, eras and worlds colliding with each other, leaving behind splintered relationships and mesmerizing slices of lives that appear to be drawn together and driven apart by the whimsical threads of destiny.

As events cast their shadows ahead to link the stories of Vinny, Kavita, Roma, Krish and Nita in an unrelenting knot, a journey starts to uncover the truth. What is the secret that links Nita’s death to the other characters? Will Vinny be able to unravel the mystery of Nita’s death?

From intimate diary entries and letters, to bantering over a meal and sharing memories while spring cleaning, this novel de-familiarizes the ordinary, presenting a kaleidoscope of our own pasts, broken edges and pulsating hearts.

My Review

Shadow in the Mirror by Deepti Menon starts off with a gripping story line making the reader glued for more. The plot constitutes of love, suspense, and some twists and turns that churn the reader as the characters and their backgrounds unfasten in the storyline. 

It starts off with the death of a young pregnant woman, Nita. 

Vinny, a journalist, gets an insight that it is murder, and begins to investigate. Thus, starts the reel where characters are unfolded, lives open up from the year 1958. There are a couple of flashbacks and fast forwards as the story spreads out.

My 2 cents:

 At times the back n forth was confusing the reader in me, but in the end, the climax was noteworthy although I would call it a mystery, not tag it as a thriller. Maybe I as a reader did not get the subtle pointers that the author was trying to objectify! Although, I felt the constant backward and forwards could have been avoided to confuse the reader and could have tightened the plot by preventing the introduction of many characters for example Roma, Vinny's friend. 'Felt it was superfluous to the plot. 

The author has used simple language to describe each character, and every detail has been captured very well thus, making it an interesting read. Not to forget the mention of an attractive book cover where those eyes could captivate anyone! 

Review: His Drunken Wife by Sundari Venkataraman

HIS DRUNKEN WIFE

by

Sundari Venkatraman

Blurb

The badass Shikha is startled when the nerdy Abhimanyu proposes marriage. She loves... herself, and Abhimanyu doesn't figure on her list anywhere. For Abhimanyu, however, it was love at first sight when Shikha walked into RS Software, where the two of them work. 

When Abhimanyu shows her that he just might be rich enough for her, a pleasantly surprised Shikha accepts his marriage proposal and moves into his swanky apartment. 

But it looks like the love is all from only Abhi’s side as Shikha continues to drink herself crazy. Yeah, even at their wedding party. 

And then Abhi sets out on a honeymoon to Thailand with His Drunken Wife... 

*MARRIAGES MADE IN INDIA is a five-novella series that revolves around the characters you have met in The Runaway Bridegroom.

My Review

His Drunken Wife by Sundari Venkatraman is one of the many published books (have stopped counting books from this author, as I have tagged her as a 'writer who pens as she breathes')

This is a story about unconditional love from Abhimanyu who is a partner in a business firm with Ranveer and falls for his secretary, Shikha. Sparks fly, but when lust was kept on a back burner, there would be conflict and exchange of heated conversation over a subject that would be out of control for Shikha. She is an addict towards alcohol and would land up being drunk in most of the occasions when they would try to mingle with other adults.

The story moves forward as a couple thanks to the absolute dedication from the male protagonist, Abhimanyu. His genuine emotions were forthright but sometimes misunderstood as a reader since justice was not given to the scene. Example: when the secretary Shikha was given work by her new boss, Abhimanyu. The challenges were kept superficial thus, not making the reader actually understand the character, Shikha. The second instance when jealousy was portrayed by Shikha when her ex-boss, Ranveer declared his love for Chanda. That raised confusion since she was already in a relationship with Abhimanyu. Thus making me find her very arrogant, and disconnected and not being able to sympathize with her past as it was not evolved well. Being a novella, each scene should have been downright explicit to get the attention of the reader; unfortunately, the author was in a hurry to resolve things and move further. 

Needless to say kudos to the character, Abhimanyu to help his better half (Shikha) come out of the addiction of alcohol and make her drunk with his love! 

Overall a light, breezy read.

Book Review: We will meet again by Tarang Sinha

Blurb

Paridhi Mathur, dusky, beautiful, and single, is doing everything to keep her academic records high and her love life nil, but lady luck keeps frowning at her. When she meets Abhigyan Ambastha, rich - devastatingly handsome, intense and sometimes curt, her resolve wavers. Despite regular warnings from her ever-suspicious heart, she inexplicably gets attracted towards him. But she would not let him trespass her soul. Why? Is she scared of mendacious face of love her past has inflicted on her? Can Paridhi really trust Abhigyan? Will a blissful breeze of love ever kiss her heart? A heart-warming saga of dreams and desires, We Will Meet Again promises to make you smile and cry at the same time. Hold on to your hearts before embarking on this roller coaster ride of emotions!

My Review

It is a sweet story and it made me fall in love with Paridhi and her innocence.
However there were times I found her egoistic, stubborn and not thinking clearly. The author has developed her character well. The marriage ceremonies of Reet reminded me of a typical Punjabi household and those scenes were so much like SRK Bollywood movies directed by Yash Chopra. It was entertaining.
There are some editing errors and also I felt you could have got some twist to the relationship of Abhi and Pari.
No doubt the author showcased quite a few wonderful elements that are a stigma in our society such as: husband's salary is of the couple. The independence of a high society lady. The middle class family and their self respect on being indebted by someone's financial help.
My rating is 3.5

Review of Cabbing all the Way by Jatin Kuberkar

The Blurb

Twelve people agree to an idea of running a shared transport service from a common residential locality to their out-of-civilisation office campus. Twelve different minds with equally diverse personalities gel with each other to fulfill a common need. At first, the members collide on mutual interests, timings, priorities and personal discipline, but in the course of their journey, they become best friends, make long-lasting relationships, mentor and help each other on various mundane matters. The journey goes on fine until one day some members try to dictate terms over the group. The rift widens with each passing day, the tension surmounts and finally all hell breaks loose… Will the journey continue? Fasten your seat belts for the journey is about to begin…


My Review

Cabbing all the way is an interesting book by the author, Jatin Kuberkar. It highlights many aspects that man has within, but the original element is that Man is a social animal thus he continues to express either by his body language or his speech to his brethren around him thus, making all of us try to understand the many problems he is usually surrounded with.

The story starts with a concern of long commute from work to home and how exhausted it can make the body. Thus, a colleague comes up with a solution: a shared cab. Twelve partners join hands for this daily regime. These fellow workers come from various departments, social backgrounds, and are hardly acquainted with each other's personal lives. The goal is the same. Coming to work without taxing the body, thus, join hands.

The author tries to depict many facets via the incidents that happen when these people commute to the office. It was like riding a roller coaster ride with regards to each of their emotions thus, making each of them unique and stand out from the rest. Jatin did an excellent job bringing out their concerns, however; I could not sympathize with their pain or rejoice in their success. Wish the author had given more background information on them for the reader to relate.

The co-workers started off on a bumpy start, refusing to co-operate with regards to being punctual for arrival and departure thus, leading to many sore mouths but, as they overcame that hurdle; it lead to compassion for each other's personal lives thus, embracing their flaws. That made them go on an excursion around the city while bunking office like school kids. They even handpicked an eatery joint that became their favorite, thus making them celebrate their respective successes at that particular restaurant. I felt like a big family going back n forth via these commutes until a few drop out thus, making the scenario in the cab ugly that again reflected upon punctuality, and sensitivity for each other.

Cabbing All the Way does not have a plot, but the various incidents help a reader peel the different characteristics of a human that molds him thus, making him a unique being on this planet. At times, I felt it was going places where it could have been avoided such as the many jokes that they cracked in the cab. I could not connect to them. Maybe if a bit of their history given (repeating again), it would have helped to associate and connect the dots.

I liked one of the characters Sushant. His philosophy was very soothing. One particular dialogue that struck me,"One way is to think that we are all a group of ‘friends’ with a common goal, so, let’s be together. This is our philosophy. But, there is another perspective, and that is to think that we are just ‘co-travellers’ united with a common interest without any emotional attachment. One has to decide which way to go.”

Overall Cabbing All the Way is a recommended read since it makes you ponder over the various emotions that man can withhold and express under different circumstances.

Review of The Brown Sahebs by Anupam Srivastava

THE BROWN SAHEBS 

BY 

ANUPAM SRIVASTAVA

Blurb 

The Raja of Teekra, a dusty and forgotten kingdom near Lucknow, gets lucky when the British Resident visits him but also brings with him a leading revolutionary. The Raja enters India's struggle for freedom and is rewarded with a berth in the cabinet of free India. He is shocked to see the ministers and officers living and operating like their imperial masters but is suitably rewarded for his silence. As he begins to enjoy the good life of Lutyens' Delhi, the British capital which India's freedom fighters abhorred, he faces only one adversary in his plans—his journalist son Pratap. A novel that will blow you away with its depiction of love, passion, intrigue and betrayal.

My Review

The Brown Sahebs is a plot that takes us back to the time when India was being ruled by the Britishers. Daulat Singh, the Raja of Teekra, a kingdom near Lucknow, is expecting a visitor for which the whole town is embellished and about 5000 partridges are bought for the Resident's hunting expedition. The Resident arrives with his wife, a leader of the freedom movement and an Oxford Graduate. This meeting is the beginning of a revolution which changes the lives of the Raja and his son, Pratap. 

Mystery begins!

What enticed me was the relationship between the father and son. It was just like today's times when pride overtakes thy love thus making the blood thicker and it's own enemy. Sad but true facts!

The flow of the story can be a little bothersome as it is slow and not smooth especially in the beginning. It was a struggle to stay hooked on to it. The book is researched well since the details of the time and characters are brought out well. Although, the plot has history, fiction, the struggle of power, love triangle, and a climax to keep the reader engrossed. 
This book could be of interest to those who love history and fiction. 

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About the Author 

Anupam Srivastava was born in Lucknow, India, where his novel, The Brown Saheb's first part is set. However, he never lived there as his father and mother, Ashok and Veena Srivastava, lived in different parts of India. However, Anupam spent some of his childhood and most of his vacations in Lucknow where he flew kites and learnt about the craft of pigeon-flying. He went to a boarding school near Delhi, the Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, where he played cricket but earned his college colours at St Stephen's College, Delhi, in cross-country running. He studied English literature (BA Hons and MA), won the college annual poetry prize while pursuing his MA, and being sure his vocation was writing and journalism, became a journalist with The Times of India in 1993. In 1999, he was awarded the British Chevening scholarship by the British government.

In 1999, he left journalism to work with the United Nations Population Fund in India in communications. Subsequently, Anupam worked with Oxfam India Society, Unicef and other development agencies. The Brown Sahebs is his first novel and tells the story of India not taking off its colonial clothing even as it became a democracy.

Anupam is married to Radhika Srivastava, and they have two children who figure in his children's novel, A Family Secret.

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