The Lowland By Jhumpa Lahiri - Review

The Lowland is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It’s about the bond shared by two brothers who are born fifteen months apart, Subhash and Udayan and about a woman who is reminded of her past by her conscience.

The book starts with a description of the area surrounding the lowland in Tollygunge in Calcutta. To the east of Tolly Club there’s a small mosque along the enclave of a narrow lane leading towards the marshy lowland in which the hyacinth survives. The skies were blue like water, the humid air leaving a pungent smell which is unsettling to the senses. The details are so intricate to be explainable.

This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, gripping suspense and a narrative which keeps you craving for more. It exposes the underlying human nature which gives the reader a hard knock on the head to come to terms with the reality, leaving a wry smile with a tear on certain occasions.

The brothers climb the high wall to get into the Tolly Club which is reserved for the aristocrats. Although India attained freedom, the wall hanging of Queen Elizabeth II inside the club instead of Prime Minister Nehru tells a different story. The indifference towards Indians still prevailed.

Udayan and Subhash were walking cautiously to avoid being caught. They were mesmerised by the Clubs green carpet which was soft, dewy and fresh on their bare feet. They wouldn’t be cautious if they didn’t dared to trespass. Udayan being the youngest sibling was always aloof while Subhash was an active one, yet he didn’t wander and adhered to his limits. They were best friends, companion and partners in crime.

They were fascinated by golf, although they hadn’t played the sport they decided to collect the neglected or lost or battered golf balls inside the Tolly Club. They even found a putting rod. They would stuff their pockets with golf balls on their way home. With smiles on their faces.

        Its 1960’s, both the siblings are now in college but not together. Subhash was in Jadavpur College pursuing chemical engineering and Udayan in Presidency College for physics. They had been best friends, companion and partners in crime but now they had sensed that they would slowly drift apart from each other. That turned out to be true.

The next year in 1967 there was a political uprising in Calcutta by ordinary people who were forced to rebel against the injustice in the country meted out towards the peasants, who called themselves as Naxals. They wanted to bring a revolution to change the course of history, to bring justice, to change the government. They were inspired by Mao Tse-tung speeches which brought a revolution in China.

        Udayan was deeply moved by the uprising while Subhash the dutiful son he was stayed away from the politics and also advised his brother the same. The Naxal movement gave Udayan an impetus to pave way for shaping his life, and at the same time paving his way out of Subhash’s life. Udayan started attending and eventually conducted meetings and morchas of the Naxals. At times Subhash would accompany Udayan in those meetings to hear Kanu Sanyal speak about their next agenda. Subhash was not flustered by the speeches but he was baffled by Udayans strong allegiance towards the movement.

Only Subhash knew about Udayans participation in the uprising, the family spared of this knowledge.

            No, this isn’t a book about Naxalite but about how it changed the brothers in an irrevocable way. Udayan was a mischievous lad, Subhash a dutiful son who didn’t dare to go against or do anything which his family wouldn’t agree with. Down the lane both of them turned into completely different persons. As if they were reborn.

While Udayan completely devoted himself to the revolt, Subhash completely devoted himself towards his studies and his parents. He decided to go to the US for further studies, Udayan was the first one to know yet he was apprehensive. The bond began to grew wider as if there were a crack.

           A few weeks later, Subhash found himself in Rhode Island. It was different from Tollygunge yet it had a distinct resemblance to it. Who knew Rhode Island would become his home. Richard his roommate became his new companion and Subhash found traces of Udayans characteristics in Richard. At that time America had intervened in Vietnam, due to some miscommunication or neglect, which was at large ignored. Richard and  some of his friends protested outside the quadrangle of the campus. It was nothing like a protest in Calcutta, violent chaotic yet of a mature nature of human resistance. The resilience of Richard towards injustice reminded Subhash of Udayan in some way or another.

           Back in Calcutta, Udayan found a girl for himself. A life long companion as it was meant to be, yet Gauri wasn’t. Udayan had managed to portray a double life although it was tiresome. One being a teacher and one being enduced by his political endeavours of being a Naxal. He knew he was in trouble. Only an incident had to occur to shatter his reel life. And inevitably shattering his real life and of others who loved him.

Subhash was unaware of his brothers recent doings. They used to exchange letters but Udayan stopped mentioning the political aspect and his role in it, so he thought it might have come to an end.

Yes, it came to an end.

Udayan was killed.

            Subhash had to return to Calcutta. Nothing was new in the house except his parents monotonous emotionless face. They were consumed by shock. They didn’t reveal the incidents of that day. He tried to persuade them but they were adamant. So was Subhash.

         He hadn’t met the new member of the family, Gauri, who was a widow now. She was nothing like what he had seen her in the photograph. She seemed to have lost her jovial charm. She barely read anything nowadays because she was supposed to mourn her husbands death. She clearly wasn’t respected in the family after Udayan died. He would have not have tolerated this towards his wife. He rarely cared for traditions which reflected in his love marriage.

         She was pregnant. If it hadn’t been for Udayans child she wouldn’t be in the Mitra house. Subhash decided to take her with him to Rhode Island. He was opposed by his parents, saying that it would be against the ‘society norms’.

Although Udayan had passed away, his memories weren’t. Subhash was always the obedient one yet he wasn’t loved much as Udayan. Here he was trying to save the life of Udayans child, confronted by his own parents. He felt being neglected.

As for Gauri, leaving would be a painful relieve. She didn’t want to live in that house but still some part of her wished the opposite. The child would have a better future without the father. She agreed with Subhash.

      Now one is married for the first time and and another divorced for the first time and married for the second time. Subhash and Gauri married each other, without a bond of love, hoping it would develop later. But it didn’t.

They lived a married life of pretence.

It was raining profusely, her labour pains had begun. The drive to the hospital is one which both wouldn’t forget. The child was delivered. It was a girl.

They had already decided to name her Bela, after a flower. For the first time Subhash was holding a child, Udayans daughter.

A mother was born but the father was already dead. 

So Subhash became one. 

A selfless father.

      Gauri didn’t seemed to be elated as a mother would be. With the pain, a part of Udayan left her. Now she was bittersweet about Udayan. Though in Rhode Island she kept herself occupied by enrolling herself at the university, visiting the library, began exploring the new neighbourhood. Slowly and gradually she was adapting to it. That’s what humans do, adapt. Her attire changed, a westernized look now.

She lost her true self in the process. She got more involved in writing her thesis that she neglected the family. Bela was self reliant from an early age. Subhash cared for Bela more than Gauri, her own mother. She wasn’t selfless but growing into a selfish person. 

All because of that one person who entered her life and left the world so recklessly she couldn’t comprehend it herself.

      Bela was a quiet child yet she craved her mothers attention. At times she reminded Gauri of Udayan. 

Bela turned out to be a rebellious child. She began living life on her own terms which made her a strong person to face a tumultuous turn in her life.

         After Subhash and Bela returned from Calcutta, Gauri had left them. It was the perfect opportunity but not the perfect time.

Bela was now motherless. Subhash was furious. He didn’t expect Gauri to leave them too soon. There wasn’t a concrete reason for her departure but she was tired by her role of being a mother. Bela was raised by Subhash. The abrupt departure of her mother had deeply affected her. 

What hurts the most is, not taking a moment to say goodbye.

         When Bela was old enough, mature enough only then Subhash told her the truth. She was taken aback, even furious but she understood him when the truth settled on in her mind. Both her real parents had left her, abandoned her. Her respect for Subhash grew more. He had done what most people wouldn’t do. 

She continued to call him father.

        Subhash and Gauri both grew old, apart from each other. Gauri was a respected professor and Subhash a respected father. Bela was soon to be a mother, she wasn’t married. Subhash found himself a companion. But Gauri was alone. She tried to find them in the big vast world of internet. She couldn’t, but Subhash had. He had sent a letter revealing a bit about his life and of Bela after she had left them.

She regretted her hasty decision when she was in early twenties.

        The conversations and characters are so intricate that it feels that you are experiencing it in first person, and it baffles the reader. The transition from Calcutta to Rhode Island are so seamless yet interconnected. The memories of old times pops up in the new era, the pain endured had been subdued but not completely gone. The fragments made up for the bigger picture in their lives. Different perceptions but the reality clear.

So many conversations yet so many stories untold. Its not easy to break down the minute incidents, emotions though magnanimous to those who have gone through it.

One really needs to read the book to understand the different perceptions. 

How Udayan was killed. His perspective. Gauris and the familys perspective.

How it affected the family. 

How Bela was affected by Gauris departure.

How Subhash coped after losing his loved ones.

In the end its all about the perspective.

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” -  Jhumpa Lahiri

Not to sound cliché but after reading the book I felt as if i have been to Calcutta, Rhode Island, knew the brothers, Gauri and Bela. Saw them grow old as if I was among them. Calcutta transitioned into Kolkata. Memories faded yet not completely forgotten in the new era.

It’s all about the power in the words which brings out the emotions. In the end its all about the perspective.The human emotions are so strong at times that we shun the rationality of thinking. Three lives, altered completely by one person.

Three lives and many more.

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Rich Dad, Poor Dad By Robert T. Kiyosaki - Review

If you don't handle money, it will handle you. That's a pretty vague outline of this book. Hailed as one of most sought book on financial literacy, it is a hard knock on the reality of many people who play it safe their entire life.


The book starts off with the author's childhood. The journey to 'make money' started in his early years along with his best friend, Mike. They first made money by smelting toothpaste tube which were in those days were made of lead. They both got excited in the process just to know later they can not make money like this, as it was illegal. But the point is they tried and made lead nickels in their backyard. Many people don't even take a chance.

Then they worked at Mike's father's office for little pay. They had to make couple of sacrifices. Robert wanted a pay rise but instead he ended up working for free.

Robert's father was a well educated person, staunch believer in the government system, with a safe job and he wanted his son to follow the same path. On the other hand, Mike's father was a dropout, running a successful business, didn't believe much in the system.
Both made pretty good money but what differed them was their way if thinking and their way of managing monies. One had idealistic approach to life and other didn't. One struggled financially while other one didn't. Mike's father became 'Rich Dad' for the author. Opinions and outlook of both of them shaped author's life in a different way. He had guidance of two fathers and it was upto him to make a proper choice for himself. He had an advantage unlike others who had one voice to guide them. He made a pretty good use of it.


The book gives a perspective on how poor, middle and rich class make and manage their monies. Most of us live a safe life on a safe job, earn money, spend it and so on the rat race continues. We fail to 'make' money. Rather than earn it we should be able to make money even when you're not working for it. This is the message that the author tries to convey to readers. To make money work for us. Most of the people spend their lives working for money in their monotonous life without exploring, without risking, playing it safe all along just to realize they are losing out on living life. People are afraid of change, people are afraid to get out of their comfort zone. We all have done that, been there. It's a hard hitting truth. I read somewhere that 'THE TROUBLE IS IF YOU DON'T RISK ANYTHING, YOU RISK MORE'. This statement is true in retrospective.

In this day and time the need for financial literacy is very much required. It forms the basis for converting money into investments and investments into returns. The book helps to differentiate between assets and liabilities, greediness and the need to be rich. It emphasis on 'minding your own business', in a good way, to deal with taxes, how to invent money, so on and so forth.
It isn't all about money but also about perspectives and ideologies. Financial freedom and wealth won't expand exponentially if you don't expand your mind and ideas. What I have learned from the book is that to not to get into the rat race, and get stuck their because when money controls our mind then it's difficult for us to control out life. We all want to have lots of money, who doesn't?! But when we let that money take over our brain then problems are created. It's about getting rid of those problems. Many a times its fear which creates the problems or laziness or cynicism or habits. It's about overcoming those obstacles and lead a good life. There are various real life examples in the book as a proof to be financially successful. Until one is willing to learn something new and invest time in it wont do any good to you.
Its how not to become a 'Chicken Little' and fear the falling of the sky. We all are afraid, but we overcome it at some time. Overcoming financial independence is simply a process just like any other else but one needs to try it in order to achieve it.


Question yourself - 'How can I afford that'? And your mind thinks of different ways to make money, or please yourself by telling yourself  'I cant afford that' and your mind shuts down its thinking. We human are capable of achieving anything we choose to focus our minds on. It all comes down to the execution of it.



'Rich Dad, Poor Dad'  is a pretty insightful book on how to lead a debt free and financially independent life. It's about doing what you love and not be afraid of change which most us don't, for money.What we don't do is invest in ourselves and expect returns on investments which aren't financially fruitful. Educating and constantly teaching ourselves about financial literacy wouldn't hurt anyone to be rich. The book is relatable to almost everyone and its what makes it a hit among millions across the world. Read the book to know more about the financial intricacies to be successful.
For me it would be a lifelong guide and reference onto my path to financial success.


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God Is A Gamer By Ravi Subramanian - Review

Revenge is a psychological outburst. Some are catastrophic and some are not.

This is the first book i have read of the author and I am immensely satisfied. This book gives a vague outline of the human nature, emotions and it's outcomes.

The book starts with a Prologue which highlights the invention of Bitcoins, WikiLeaks incident and so on. 

The story revolves around friends Aditya, founder of eTIOS and Indiscape, and Sundeep who works with him. Swami and Malvika both work at NYIB. They both do not share cordial relations. Although all of them know each other since their college days. 

In USA Gillian Tan, a top government official is killed in an accident. The accident was investigated thoroughly. It was a sensitive case because Tan was President's confidante.  After some days an ATM heist takes place and millions of dollars are stolen. 

Aditya fiercely guards his personal life. But he meets his past. His son Varun. He was in trouble and Aditya got him out of it. Father and son duo got close. During the meantime Malvika became the CEO of NYIB and she threw a party. She had a daughter, Tanya. Unfortunately Malvika died in her own party. Everyone was shocked. It was a high profile case. And all types of rumours were spread. The case was solved but not entirely. 

There are many minute events which can't be revealed in a review. That's what makes a book extra special. 

This and other series of incidents which take place in Mumbai and USA are linked together in a certain way. The storyline is so gripping that it leaves you to crave for more. The detailed description makes you feel like you are witnessing it in person. 

The book journeys through different parts of the world such as Mumbai, Delhi, USA, Goa etc. I couldn't put it down until I finished it in a day which is a rarity. 

CIA and others get involved in tracking down the ATM heist. They come to know that the stolen money is converted into Bitcoin. They try to track down the admin of CottonTrail which is a site where illegal drugs and other commodities are sold and purchased only via Bitcoins. They get close but not by a good margin. The currency Bitcoin, is not known to everybody. And those who do know are manipulative people. As the currency is non traceable to an extent, the transactions are also not easily traceable. 

The investigating officers from USA come to Mumbai. Aditya, Sundeep, Varun and Tanya were thoroughly investigated. Adrian and Tony came to a conclusion. The whole scenario was narrated to put things into a perspective. Everyone was shocked when the culprit was revealed. 

There's more to the verdict. 
Did the officers get hold of the right culprit? What was the motive? 
Did the modus operandi work?
Was it foolproof? 

There are many questions. Answers are jaw dropping. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I just couldn't keep the book down until I finished reading it. Every incident poses a new question in the mind of the reader. A highly recommended book for those who enjoy thriller, mystery and suspense. 

I tried my best to do justice to the book while reviewing it. Hope you like it!

Half Girlfriend By Chetan Bhagat - Review

Love is not bound by distance.

Life is unpredictable. And love is a frail human emotion. But who knew that a Bihari boy and a Delhi girl would have a strong connection when they first met on basketball ground.

The prologue of the book keeps you wanting for more. Madhav is almost devastated after he has lost his 'half girlfriend'.

The person he loved the most. He wanted to be loved too. The conversation with the author helps him in his quest to find his 'half girlfriend', Riya.

Madhav Jha and Riya Somani lived different lives. Both were poles apart. Riya hails from a rich family and Madhav from princely state of Dumraon which is not princely anymore. It is a touching love story. Yet there is something different about it. While Madhav wanted more from his friendship, Riya didn't. That's how she became his 'half girlfriend'. Being physical is not all love is about. Its about being cared and love selflessly.

Riya was a bit introvert who liked to listen than being questioned. Maybe girls don't like being questioned.
Madhav had his clan of Bihari boys with whom he would talk his heart out. He was a bit possessive about her. He didn't understand girls just like other boys.

The book is nicely covered in three Acts. First starting from Delhi and then moving on to Bihar then on to New York.

Delhi highlights beginning of their relationship. Ups and Downs. They had been more than casual friends and yet not more than friends. Things changed quickly. Misunderstandings crept in. They broke up. Madhav sulked. Riya moved on.

Being a prince of Dumraon, Madhav returned to Bihar. He wanted to help his mother who ran a school there. It was nothing like ordinary schools. As fate would have it Madhav and Riya met each other in Patna. They again became friends. Both were happy.

Meeting Riya again had given Madhav new hopes. But she vanished again. Madhav sulked even more. He lacked her presence. Her love. He searched for her for years. Nowhere to be found. He was sure she had followed her dreams. It was a hunch, but it had to be New York.

To know what happens in New York do read the book. Does Madhav find Riya? Has he lost hopes of meeting her ever again?

It is a nice mix of friendship, love, emotions, separations. And most importantly loving one when there is no hope.

Being a romantic at heart I loved this book. Although its a bit different in terms of writing from his previous books, Chetan Bhagat has done it again. In my opinion its one of his best books. Some might like it, some might not. 

Hope you liked this review.

How To Become A Billionaire By Selling Nothing By Aditya Magal - Review

Satire is not an easy genre to be replicated in writing but the debutante Aditya Magal has surely done a sweet job.

The novel revolves about a billionaire stock investor called Jhunjhunwala who prides himself in being the awesomesauce guy with awesomitis(at least that's what he thinks of appendicitis), the GOD of stock market and at the same time he is lucky enough to have a family who cares for him and his friend Ramesh who can shout at him without being interrupted.
Jhunjhunwala is approached by a small entrepreneur to invest in his company which apparently sells "Nothing". Jhunjhunwala is baffled and advises him to seek a psychiatrist and gives him 1 lakh for his treatment.
Instead Ramakant uses that to manufacture "Nothing" and assigns Jhunjhunwala a stake in his company. What ensues later is a comedy of errors.

The storyline is not all that great to boast about but the writing is surely is. I don't think that I had a straight face for even a single page. I laughed. I laughed heartily. Some may not find the excessive use of the word awesome pleasing enough but its depends on individuals.

After being conned by Ramakant, Jhunjhunwala comes to know that the "Nothing" thing is plagiarised and he is in a legal battle. He is baffled even more.
Read the book to satisfy your lungs and find out the eccentric end to this eccentric tale.

The book makes the reader laugh from the first page itself and there are certain nuances which give the book a character. The book is filled with sarcasm, sarcasm, sarcasm and yes also entertainment.
Although being 380 pages long which I thought is quite long for humour, nonetheless it manages to get your lungs out of your mouth and roll them on the ground.
I resurrected almost 33 times while reading the book and I am pretty sure the author also went through the same ordeal. Its a laugh riot!

The author, Aditya Magal is a blogger and a writer from India. He has his famous blog 'The Secret Journal Of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala' based on the stock investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. It is a parody blog. He debuts with his masterpiece book, which is all very nice. It is a must have for those who love light hearted novels.
Hope you like the review!

The Moving Finger By Agatha Christie - Review

Agatha Christie doesn't need any introduction and her novels are liked by masses. As for me I was inclined towards mystery from an early age. And Agatha Christie's writing intrigued me.

The plot revolves in and around Lymstock, a small town in England. A series of hate letters go about the town but nobody takes them seriously until Mrs. Symmington dies. Is it a suicide or a murder?

Mr. Jerry Burton, who is from London is new to the town. He is accompanied by his sister Joanna. They too get a letter. Although they knew that its not true, Jerry is agitated to find the culprit behind these hate letters. The town is filled with suspicion.
There are many suspects but no one is fit for being a criminal. Almost everyone in the town holds a social repute among the people. Who is to be held responsible for the hate letters?
Emily Barton, the owner of Little Furze or the socialite Mr Pye or perhaps maybe Aimee Griffith or even Miss Elsie Holland.

Richard Symminton is shaken about this whole affair. So are his children. And so is Megan. Mr Burton along with the police try to solve the case. Yet they have not hit the right notes.
So Mrs Dane Calthrop decides to bring a person who is aware of human tendencies and nature. That's when Miss Marple comes into the scene. She talks with the people to know their opinion of who might be the criminal. She is inclined to every talk in the town. She attaches the string of clues to catch the criminal. Although being a thriller it has a touch of happy ending.
Read the book to find out the mystery.

There are ample of characters in the book. I like how their character sketch is done. The book may get monotonous for some. But first time crime thriller readers will definitely enjoy it. Queen of Crime will blow your mind with her intricacies while you try to find what is 'in front of you'.
Hope you liked it!

Looking For Alaska By John Green - Review

Looking For Alaska marks the debut of John Green as an author. It is about friendship, love and most importantly teenage life. The book caters to young adults in fiction genre and it is very well written.

It revolves around Miles Halter, who has a nonchalant life back in Florida. He didn't have friends in Florida. He very much loves his parents and wouldn't let them down. His decision of going to boarding, Culver Creek in Alabama is supported by his parents. For Miles he is looking for "Great Perhaps".

"Everything that comes together falls apart"

His life changes when he goes to Culver Creek. He makes friends. Best friends. And how Alaska Young plays an important role in his life. The most beautiful girl in Culver Creek.
And the most screwed up person in Culver Creek. She is moody, friendly, and does all the vices you could imagine. Alaska holds a special place in Miles heart.
Along with her, Miles is friends with Chip Martin who likes to be called The Colonel and is his roommate. He is also a good friend of Takumi Hikohito. Miles never imagined he would have a girlfriend but he had a short time fling with Lara Butowsky.

The book is split into two parts, "Before" and "After".
Events which take place in both the parts drastically affect Miles and changes him as a person.

With this young adult novel John Green delves into the mind of a teenager and very well portrays the teenage life.
Overall this is an enigmatic story filled with laughter and giggles throughout the book along with a twist in tale. It is an easy read and won't take long to finish it.

The storyline wouldn't attract all readers but it is definitely a worthy read considering it being a debut. I would recommend it to be read. It was a nice reading experience. Nice work John Green.
Hope you liked it!