Tag: bookshelf

  • Ladies’ Tailor: The best story from the Partition era

    Ladies’ Tailor: The best story from the Partition era

    My experience with books set during the time of India’s Partition has been, frankly, underwhelming. I’ve read quite a few, but most failed to strike the right balance between portraying the horrors endured by refugees and the eternal hope they carried in their hearts. That’s why Priya Hajela’s Ladies’ Tailor stands out. It’s arguably the most compelling book I’ve read about that turbulent time.

    Best book set in the partition times

    At the centre of the story is Gurudev, a Sikh man from a small village in West Punjab. The novel opens with his family’s harrowing journey to Delhi as refugees. While this treacherous migration is a key element; as it is in many Partition narratives; Ladies’ Tailor is much more than a story of escape and loss. It’s about resilience. It’s about how people, even in the bleakest of times, held on to dreams of rebuilding their lives from scratch, armed with little more than hope and determination.

    Though the novel primarily follows Gurudev’s story, Priya Hajela skillfully weaves in a tapestry of other experiences through vivid story arcs of supporting characters. She doesn’t shy away from portraying the full spectrum of human behaviour. Some people took advantage of the chaos, while others offered selfless help, even risking their own safety for mere acquaintances. Her characters are authentic and layered, reflecting the complex nature of humanity during a crisis.

    I’d be negligent if I ended this post without mentioning the stunning cover. It’s not just beautiful; it’s deeply symbolic. In fact, it’s the most captivating cover I’ve come across in 2025. The design thoughtfully captures the novel’s key themes: tailoring and clothing as a profession, Gurudev’s love for literature, the deep yearning for embroidery artists left behind in Pakistan, and the dual imagery of fire and small green vines—representing both the devastation of Partition and the unyielding hope that persists in the human spirit. All of this is set against a lovely pink background adorned with delicate embroidery motifs. A true work of art, I must say.

    Here’s what blurb says

    This is a story of Gurdev and his cohort, a group of refugees who travel east from Pakistan after Partition. It is a tale of falling apart and coming together as the world burns around them.

    Will Gurdev be successful in his new business of making garments for women? Will he find love after his wife and children leave his side? There may be uncertainty here, but there is also relentless hope.

    Journey back in time and experience the refugee spirit as Ladies’ Tailor captures you with all its romance, adventure and one man’s iron will to not just survive, but to thrive with new beginnings.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: Ladies’ Tailor
    • Author: Priya Hajela
    • Publisher: Harper Collins India
    • Publication date: 17 June 2022
    • Pages: 304
    • ISBN – 10: 9356290571
    • ISBN – 13: 978-9356290570
    • Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 399

    My ratings

    Story: 5/5
    Writing Style: 5/5
    Cover Design: 5/5

    Overall Rating: 5/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    Guys, I found my first 5 star read of 2025, and you still asking me should you read it? You are missing a great book if you don’t read this one.

    For more about my views on books, click here.

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

  • When you are looking for that eluding memory

    When you are looking for that eluding memory

    There are moments when a memory hasn’t completely faded, but it’s no longer vivid either; just some scattered fragments lingering in your mind. Often, these elusive memories are about food. A familiar waft of tadka your dadi once added to a simmering dal, or the faint aftertaste of a unique dish prepared to mark a special celebration. These fragments may be small, but you hold on to them tightly, trying to savor them forever.

    Sometimes, the craving to relive these memories through food becomes so strong, it drives you to great lengths. You might travel miles to revisit the place where you first tasted that dish, or reconnect with a long-lost friend or relative just for a familiar bite. But what if everything has changed? What if the people and places are no longer there?

    This is the very question that Hisashi Kashiwai explores in Kamogawa Food Detectives.

    When you are looking for that eluding memory,

    you should wander down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto, Japan, and seek out Mr. Kamogawa and his daughter. A retired police officer, Mr. Kamogawa now uses his unique skills for a different kind of investigation; tracking down forgotten recipes that match the faint traces of your memory: a smell, a taste, something just out of reach.

    This quest to recover lost flavors becomes a journey, not just through Japanese cuisine, but through the culture and landscapes of the country itself. Together with Mr. Kamogawa, you travel through various prefectures, uncovering stories hidden in local dishes and traditions.

    And when he returns from his travels, it’s in the small, unassuming restaurant he runs with his daughter where the magic happens. There, in that humble space, you don’t just relive old memories, you create new ones.

    From the blurb

    What’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time?
    Down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto exists a very special restaurant. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner treats its customers to wonderfully extravagant meals. But that’s not the main reason to stop by . . .
    The father-daughter duo have started advertising their services as ‘food detectives’. Through ingenious investigations, they are capable of recreating a dish from their customers’ pasts – dishes that may well hold the keys to forgotten memories and future happiness.
    From the widower looking for a specific noodle dish that his wife used to cook, to a first love’s beef stew, the restaurant of lost recipes provides a link to the past – and a way to a more contented future.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: The Kamogawa Food Detectives
    • Author: Hisashi Kashiwai
    • Publisher: Mantle
    • Publication date: 5 October 2023
    • Pages: 209
    • ISBN – 10: 0593717716
    • Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 499

    My ratings

    Stories: 4/5
    Writing Style: 3/5
    Cover Design: 4/5

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    How strong is your craving for that old taste you once enjoyed? Worth a read for that memory, of food, people and places!

    For more about my views on books, click here.

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

    This post is also a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest.

  • Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Sometimes, a book finds you exactly when you need it most. It feels like a beautiful surprise, making you wonder, was this really my choice, or did fate step in? That’s exactly how I felt when I received a copy of Circle with No Centre in the bookmail. A big thank you to Blogchatter and Notion Press for sending me this review copy!

    When I began reading, I didn’t know what to expect. But the story turned out to be incredibly relatable, and I was hooked almost instantly. I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary fiction set in Europe or the U.S., but Indian stories rarely caught my attention; until now. This book has finally ended my search for a compelling Indian urban narrative.

    From the blurb

    Is life a circle with no single center? It was a restless spin for him―from brief romances to a safe but hollow job to a quiet longing for genuine purpose. For her, it meant heartbreak, then fierce independence, and finally, a passion that lit her every step. Each believed they would keep circling alone.

    But when their paths unexpectedly overlap, they discover a new space―an unplanned center neither saw coming. Within that gentle overlap, old fears soften, and dormant dreams spark to life. Yet real closeness challenges everything they thought they knew: how to protect themselves, how to trust.

    Can two people, each rotating in a personal orbit of past mistakes and new ambitions, learn to revolve together without losing who they are?

    Do we really have a common life, or it’s just overlapping part of our circles with no centre

    This is a quintessential Indian urban tale of two individuals trapped behind emotional walls; shielded by the scars of failed relationships, unresolved grief, or the comfort of stable careers that merely pay the bills. While Gen Alpha navigates dating in an entirely new world, millennials in their 30s are facing a different set of challenges. This story strikes a thoughtful balance between the fast pace of modern life and the deep longing for stability and independence. Coming from a technology background, Deepak skillfully blends elements of modern science, technology, and ancient Indian philosophy to draw insightful parallels.

    Just as we often say there’s a song for every emotion, Deepak laces the story with a playlist-worthy selection of songs that perfectly complement its emotional beats. The narrative flows with a compelling emotional rhythm; taking you through the highs and lows of life alongside the two protagonists. What stands out is not just the strength of the lead characters, but also the depth given to the supporting cast. Khurana delivers a solid punch with well-crafted character arcs, meaningful backstories, and a narrative structure that moves the story forward without sidelining anyone.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: Circle with No Centre
    • Author: Deepak Khurana
    • Publisher: Notion Press
    • Publication year: 2025
    • Pages: 310
    • ISBN – 13: 979-8897247820
    • Price: ₹ 359 (Paperback)

    My ratings

    Story: 4/5
    Writing Style: 3.5/5
    Cover Design: 2/5

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5

    Where to Buy

    Should you read it?

    Deepak Khurana masterfully weaves technology, philosophy, and science into this poignant story of second chances. This may not end up being your all time favorite, but will stay with you for sure.

    If you want more book recommendations, click here.

    This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. 

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

  • Truely unexpected begining of Baby Ganesh Agency Investigations

    Truely unexpected begining of Baby Ganesh Agency Investigations

    You probably have guessed from my recent Instagram reel, 2024 seems to be the year of crime fiction for me. The books which I am drawn to are mostly from this particular genre. And yes, I don’t regret it at all! Crime fiction is, by far, my most favourite genre of books to read or listen to.

    This particular one caught my eye while I was browsing on amazon because of its peculiar title and very interesting cover. Particularly that cute grey elephant! This animal has always piqued my interest. “Inspector” in the title sealed the deal and I right away bought my copy of this book.

    But before we dive into more details, let’s first address the elephant in the room, and quite literally…
    Who brings a baby elephant into a murder investigation? Apparently, Vaseem Khan does!

    What more to expect from this!

    You already have a baby elephant in the story, what more do you want? But wait, there is a lot more to the story here. Vaseem has not just created a protagonist Inspector Ashwin Chopra and Ganesh, the baby elephant. He has created a whole universe around Chopra, his family, ex-colleagues, a quintessential khadus “self-declared” leader of housing society, and many more! Every character has a unique story arc which is well-developed as the book progresses.

    Thankfully, the protagonist is not an all-knowing supercop. In fact, he isn’t a cop anymore. A retired cop who has a strong sense of justice and courage to stand for it, with all his limitations, makes it a believable character.

    In a case which seems to be apparent open-and-shut suicide, there’s more than which meets the eye. And Inspector Chopra is hell bent on seeking justice for the young victim! You have to read The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra to know more about it.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra
    • Author: Vaseem Khan
    • Publisher: Mulholland Books
    • Publication date: August 13, 2015
    • Pages: 305
    • ISBN: 9781473612259
    • Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 280

    My ratings

    Stories: 4/5
    Writing Style: 4/5
    Cover Design: 4.5/5

    Overall Rating: 4/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    After reading this whole blog, I am sure you won’t have a doubt that I just loved this book. I am excited to read the next books from this series where Inspector (Retd.) Chopra tackles crime under the banner of Baby Ganesh Agency!

    For more about my views on books, click here.

  • Frank Notes on Life in Khushwant Style

    Frank Notes on Life in Khushwant Style

    I remembered picking up this book from a newly opened crossword. Till that date, I had only heard name and fame of Khushwant Singh, a grand old man of letters. This was the first of his books I picked up. Though cover with a photograph of this old yet confidant man enticed me to buy, the book actually landed in my over-increasing pile of TBRs.

    His work is far from a light read and just for this reason, I had left the book once only after getting in just a few pages. But I picked it up once again after some years. This time, I decided to give it a serious read and man, I was blown away! His writing is so raw and true to his believes that some people will be turned away with it.

    What to expect from this?

    When he wrote this one, he was at the age of 96. He opens the book with this topic, about being old! In the later pages, he opens up about his views on sex, love and marriages. He talks about his relationship with his wife Kaval and the rough patch in their marriage. He also writes about his worries, insecurities and much more.

    Next he moves on to the people he came across in his life, few he liked, he respected and some whom he trashed with his pen. He had trashed the religious fundoos (his word for fundamentalists) from all the religions including his own with harsh strokes of his pen. Khushwant took a strong stand against Bhindranwale for which he was on their hit list for years. He shares his views about politics, terrorism and the riots of 1984.

    Even being agnostic himself, he writes elaborately on various religious scriptures and what he finds good in them. There is a long piece on Sikh community in the book along with one on the city of Delhi. Khushwant shares his love for Urdu language and especially for Urdu poetry, where he tells us how he enjoyed translating works of great poets in English and his favorites amongst those legends.

    From the blurb

    In Absolute Khushwant, India’s grand old man of letters tells us about his life, his loves and his work. He writes on happiness, faith and honesty. And, for the first time, about his successes and failures, his strengths and weaknesses, his highs and lows. He tells us what makes him tick and the secret of his longevity; he confesses his deepest fears and what he holds dear. He writes about sex, marriage, worship and death; the people he’s admired and detested. With personal anecdotes and rare photographs, Absolute Khushwant is uncompromising, moving, and straight from the heart.

    About the book

    • Title: Absolute Khushwant
    • Publisher: India Penguin
    • Published: Feb/2019
    • ISBN: 9780143068716
    • Length : 212 Pages
    • MRP : ₹250.00

    My Rating

    Content: 3.5/5
    Cover Design: 3.5/5
    Ease of reading: 2.5/5

    Overall: 3/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    Does a social commentary catches your attention? If the firm views don’t bother you, you are in for a treat. Just take up the book with open heart and give it a go. Not every one will enjoy this one.

    This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023. For more about my views on books, click here.

  • नदीसाठी नादखुळा असलेल्या एका नदीष्टाची गोष्ट

    नदीसाठी नादखुळा असलेल्या एका नदीष्टाची गोष्ट

    एखादं पुस्तक वाचण्यापुरते कोणाकडून उसने घ्यावे आणि वाचून झाल्यावर हे पुस्तक संग्रही असायलाच हवे असे फार फार दिवसांनी आज मनोज बोरगावकर यांचे नदीष्ट वाचताना झाले. तसे पाहिले तर हे पुस्तक वाचायला तसा ४ वर्ष उशीरच झाला. अगदी प्रकाशनच्या दिवशी विकत घेऊन वाचण्यासारखे हे पुस्तक आहे यात अजिबात शंका नाही. आमच्या नाशकाच्या वरच्या बाजूला उगम पावणारी नदी पुढे जात जात नांदेडच्या बोरगावकरांना इतकी माया लावते, हे वाचताना केवळ गोदेच्या पाण्यावर पोसलेला अजून एक पिंड म्हणून की काय माझे एक वेगळेच नाते या पुस्तकाशी जोडले गेले आहे.

    विनायक पाटील यांनी पुस्तकाला अभिप्राय देताना म्हटल तशीच पुस्तकाची शैली अगदीच वेगळी आहे. पण पुस्तक खाली ठेवावे वाटत नाही इतकी मनाची घट्ट पकड घेणारी आहे. निवडून काढावे आणि मधून मधून वाचत राहावे असे खूप सारे विचारधन या संपूर्ण पुस्तकात पानापानावर विखुरले आहे.

    मलपृष्ठावरून

    विषय चाकोरी बाहेरचा आहे. शैली पहिल्या धारेची आहे. थेट कोंडूरा किंवा बनगरवाडीची आठवण करून देणारे लिखाण आहे. ‘नदीष्ट’ ही मनोज बोरगावकर यांची केवळ कादंबरी नाही, तो आहे त्यांच्या प्रत्यक्षदर्शी आणि अनुभवसिद्ध घटनांचा कसदार ललित गद्य हुंकार. ‘नदीष्ट’ ही मराठी कादंबरीविश्वातील अकरावी दिशा आहे.
    —
    विनायक पाटील, नाशिक

    पुस्तकाविषयी

    नांव: नदीष्ट
    लेखक: मनोज बोरगावकर
    पृष्ठ संख्या: १६८
    प्रकाशक: ग्रंथाली प्रकाशन
    आयएसबीएन-१०: 9357950702
    आयएसबीएन-१३: 978-9357950701

    माझे रेटिंग

    कथा: ५/५
    लेखनशैली: ५/५
    मुखपृष्ठ: ५/५

    एकूण रेटिंग: ५/५

    कुठे मिळेल?

    तुम्ही वाचायला हवे?

    आजवर जर तुम्ही ही कादंबरी वाचली नसेल तर मग पहिल्यांदा जवळच्या दुकानात जा, तुमची प्रत घेऊन या. आणि अगदीच घरबसल्या हवं असेल तर ऑनलाईन मागवा पण हे पुस्तक वाचायला विसरू नका, टाळू नका. वाचून झालं की नक्की सांगाल, अगदी उत्तम आहे म्हणून….

    माझ्या आवडीच्या पुस्तकांबद्दल अजून माहिती हवी असेल तर इथे क्लिक करा.