Long Pending (mini) Reviews - II

Arthur Golden - Memoirs of a Geisha

This is a book I had wanted to read for a long long time. But I wasn't sure I wanted to buy my own copy, so the library membership proved to be a good answer. I had always assumed that it is autobiographical, and was also led to believe so by the cover and the preface, but later on learnt that it was perhaps more of historic fiction.

It is quite a big book, but very engrossing and captivating, with a beautiful, fluid prose. It gives a wonderful insight into the geisha culture and life, their trials behind the sophistication they present. I found it captivating, but I couldn't be as ecstatic as many of the reviews of the book and the movie I had come across.

Anita Nair - Goodnight And God Bless

I had read two of her novels earlier, and loved them, and was therefore encouraged to read this collection of musings. It was very well written indeed, with a lovely collection of memories and thoughts, giving an aura of calm and peace. I find her writing poetically beautiful, she seems to paint an interesting picture into the mundane. I savored it slowly, but at last I had to return the book (and also was looking to read something fast paced). I finally bought a copy of my own a few days back, it has been on my bedside, and I love reading a few pages before going to sleep.

           

R K Narayan - The Painter of Signs

Unfortunately, another of Narayan's book I didn't like. The writing itself was wonderful, with engaging descriptions of people and places, but the story didn't work for me. I couldn't sympathize with either of the two main characters. Raman, the painter, is rather self-centered, weak character. Daisy, the fiercely independent woman and family-planning evangelist, is humorless and inexplicable. The treatment they give each other is deplorable, and Raman's behavior being truly abominable.

Ruskin Bond - Book of Humor

Ruskin Bond's writing always has a charm and humor. He is a natural storyteller, and his simple yet elegant language and vivid descriptions are heart-warming. But this collection of humor stories, narrated in his inimitable style, is absolutely delightful. One can't help but love the adventures (and misadventures) of young Rusty, and feel just a little twinge of sympathy for his loneliness. When I finished it, I felt that I must have a copy in my collection, and I hope that Sid can enjoy it in near future.

Long pending (mini) reviews - I

R K Narayan - Gods, Demons and Others

With an author of such stature as Narayan, and my interest in stories from Hindu mythology, my expectations were very high. Sadly, it fell short, way too short. I was already familiar with most of the stories, so not much new there. But my major source of disappointment was the way the stories were told - it was kind of bland, and I found it lacking in the author's insights or interpretations. More like a text book or documentary.

In fact, the edition I was reading, included "Indian Epics Retold" (Ramayana and Mahabharata), but I was too disappointed by the stories to even try reading these. In contrast, the several interpretations of Mahabharata that I have read, were very well told (disregarding the fact that I had issues with their perspective) that I enjoyed reading them despite knowing the story quite well.

Sudha Murthy - Wise And Otherwise

I had wanted to read this book for a long time, when a blogger friend had recommended it. Because of a momentary memory lapse, once bought another book while I wanted this one. Finally got a chance to read it, when I found it in the library.

The anecdotes presented in this collection depict different facets of human nature, and made an interesting read. Quite a few of them touch the heart. It is an easy read, but calls you to ponder .

I had slight misgiving though. She might be a great person, but I didn't find her a wonderful writer; for me, the worth of this book lied in its content. I also had this uncharitable doubt that she expected the people she helped, to owe her a debt of gratitude. But even if it is so, that's also one aspect of human nature.

Satyajit Ray - The Adventures of Feulda - II 

This was one of the better Sherlock Holmes spin-offs, complete with a Dr Watson, but I found it too late. I would have definitely enjoyed it back in my school days. But being wiser with age, several readings of original Sherlock Holmes, and exposure to more sophisticated suspense thrillers, I couldn't find a fascination in it. I had picked it because of some friends' enthusiastic recommendation and it's reputation as one of Ray's masterpieces, but I had to almost force myself to finish it.

Preeti Shenoy - Tea For Two And a Piece of Cake  

I still wonder why did I ever read this one? The question is rhetoric, I can remember the reason - I was looking for some reading that wasn't very serious, but which was not frivolous either; and a friend recommended this as an enriching but light story. But despite it's lovely title and the quaint cover, it's not even remotely enriching. At best, what is called a beach book - read on an idle vacation, and leave it there when you come back. Too predictable, the kind of storyline that has been rehashed in typical romances. I guess the only way its better than a M&B is that you get two for the price of one.