Love Marriage - V.V.Ganeshanathan

Why did I pick it up-  on a whim and the title.

Interest Zones - Almost lyrical writing,  beautifully etched out characters, and a very interesting narrative style.

But- There is a powerful emotionally  charged story but it didn't hold me. Not fully , not all the time. Maybe somebody who has read it can tell me why?
Pick it up- if you like the sound and feel of it.

© Maya

A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder- Shamini Flint

Okay, I admit. I am having a run of bad luck. Another damp squib. I picked it up because it’s a murder mystery and I write murders too- so far short stories and flash fiction. So what? Murder is murder. The narrative is clichéd, plot convoluted and the reading – tiresome. I skip- read only to find a tame ending.


Verdict- not even on a loose- end day.

© Maya

Are You There,Vodka? It's me, Chelsea- Chelsea Handler

Why did I pick this up- Come on! How could I pass up a title like this?


Interest Zones- Chelsea Handler, Chelsea Handler, Chelsea Handler. Believe me, you don’t need anything else. Oh and did I mention it? The writing is funny too.


But- Well this one is not going to keep me awake in the nights pondering of life- truths. And be warned- the book gets a bit hairy in places.


Read - If you want a romp, want to chase away the blues, haven’t laughed in a while or want a mood- lift without the calories.

©Maya

The Cambridge Curry Club- Saumya Balsari

Why did I pick it up- Undone by the blurb, alas. And a claim that it was like the 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' Either that Bookseller correspondent or I have to re- read that one.

Interest zones- Other than the blurb? Hmm Noddy the parrot and Roman Tempest.

But- Let's make it buts. Very uninspired writing. character sterotyped, plot- boring. I skip- read. Sorry ,but what could I do?. The story  does have bursts of interesting bits - like Durga's past and Durga and Tempest. But those are few and far in between.

Final Verdict- The curry has neither flavour nor fragrance. Just the odd dash of colour. Pass over if you care about what's on your plate.

©Maya

The Razor's Edge- W. Somerset Maugham

Why did I pick it up- Especially since it's a reread? Well, this is what my reading group is reading this month.

Interests zones- It is Maugham, after all. Great character insights- how gently he damns them with faint praise!, wonderful turn of phrases, tongue-in-cheek humor, wry wit.

I had forgotten about Kosti. No one does this better than Maugham. Paint a character, lull you into a mental picture and then turn the image on its head; only to make you slap your forehead and say- "of course. That is exactly who he /she ought to be. Miner Kosti is one of those. Even after 20 odd years, I find Maugham's one of the best when it comes to peeling off layers to reveal character. Yet he does it so skillfully that everybody, even Sophie and Isabel seems to fulfill their destiny. Even after the sword turns in your chest. You are rubbing away your pain long after you have closed the book.

But- There isn’t any. Even in the re-read. Except that Maugham has done it better in other places. But then, it's still Maugham.



© Maya