#BookReview: Invisible Threads by Lucy Beresford

Truth can never remain in dark for long; sooner or later it does come under the spotlight it deserves.

A psychotherapist by profession, Sara does peace with the belief that her husband, Mike, a man of great deeds, lost his life in Afghanistan. However, years later, when a baffling disclosure comes knocking her door, she decides to chase the truth, come hell or high water.

Her quest lands her up in India, a country different from her’s in several ways. Here, she gets a glimpse of the Indian culture and is dazzled by its vivacity; starts her practice, gets close to a patient, and grows fond of a driver.

However, there is more to any city and country than meets the eye. No sooner had she prepared to settle that her fascination began going for a toss. Nothing, however, deters Sara in her efforts to unravel the truth about her husband. And finally, her persistence to get through the jigsaw pays off.

Would her persistence to clear the jigsaw pay off? Will she be able to discover the truth?  

Although predictable, ‘Invisible Truth’ offers a beguiling story. The slow and steady narration, along with the powerful storyline, delve readers deeper into the tale. Beresford plays her wildcards right. With her own set of experiences coupled with her knowledge of the issues that plague India, she succeeds in adding the thrill factor to her story.

Overall, ‘Invisible Threads' by Lucy Beresford is a solid tale that revolves around the motives of a woman, Sara, while shedding light on one of the massive issues faced by India.

NOTE: A review copy of the book was sent by the publisher.

Originality with a touch of madness is what the world needs: Rohit Phalke

Interview with Rohit Phalke, a known child actor. Click to read the transcripts

#BookReview: ‘Half Of What I Say’ by Anil Menon

If you are a patient reader, ‘Half Of What I Say’ is a treat for you! 

While away from home, Vyas, a key protagonist, pens a confessional letter to his wife, Tanaz, that accidentally lands up at politician Durga Dhasal’s place. By the time Vyas wakes up to realise and do something about it, the situation takes an ugly turn. Dhasal is found dead the following day and Vyas wants to keep controversies at bay.

Consumed by fear and anxieties, he makes desperate attempts to lay his hands on the letter before anyone else. This maddening rush brings him across people from the elite class, who are too involved in their own lives to think about others. However, eventually, it is this one letter that wins a special place in his life. How? You’ll have to read the book for that. 

Complex stories are not everyone’s cup of tea. While many cannot stand them, for some, the interest dwindles gradually more often than not. This, however, is a one-of-its-kind story. Although a little obscure at times, it’s a treat for readers who patiently pursue it.

Set in the country’s power capital, the story aberrantly touches several topics in its course that many usually do not bat an eyelid for. Its intricate nature will even require one to turn pages quite often to flow with it. I think this is the author’s style to hold readers on to the story. 

The involvement of numerous characters might not be appreciated by some. But worry not, as the plot and narration compensate for that. The book is also rich in vocabulary – you may end up learning one too many words in the course of reading. And even if you are a master of words, just keep a dictionary handy!

NOTE: A review copy of the book was sent by the author.

A God Who Hates Women by Dr Majid Rafizadeh

The acclaimed Iranian-American political scientist Dr Majid Rafizadeh narrates
the story of none other than his mother and the grim treatment she received from the men her parents forcefully married her to, at a young age. In an age, when his mother, a Syrian, wanted to pursue studies, her parents stuck to the so-called societal norms of tying knots to literally “get rid of her”.

At that tender age, when she deserved love and comfort, all she received was slaps, kicks, punches, mocks and abuses from the men she was told to consider her everything and set up a different world with. And even as she and her rights as a woman were violated by these atrocities, the neighborhood remained calm and ignorant, as if nothing hellish happened. >> Read the complete review

#BookReview: Child/God by Ketan Bhagat

Child/God is a cheerful tale and special in itself! 

To put it straight: Child/God is sweet, refreshing, and heartwarming. It's about an arrival straight from God's home that puts a dispirited soul back on track. 

Raghav, the protagonist, is on the verge of giving up. While his rocky professional life is showing no signs of improvement, his marriage is beginning to derail. However, he trusts his ambitions and attempts to thrive on them. And, in the midst of this, he desperately awaits some respite, more than anything else. Just when darkness appears to intensify, someone shows him the light at the end of the tunnel! Someone magically drives in happiness and gives him an opportunity to turn over a new leaf!

Who is this? What is it that puts things back in place? And, what turn does Raghav’s life take thereafter? Well, you’ll have to read the book to put your curiosity to rest!

Child/God is a riveting story about an innocent arrival that strengthens the fading bonds and shows a direction to the directionless.

Honestly, it is neither as jovial as romantic stories, nor as chilly and fierce as thrillers. It is a rather cheerful tale, and special in itself. The cover of the book is appealing and attempts to reflect on the story. Both, the narration and narrative, are captivating. The story begins to get dull towards the end, but pulls the interest back on its own!

From me, Child/God gets 4.5/5! Happy reading folks! 

NOTE: A review copy of the book was sent by the author.