No presents please:Mumbai stories - Book reviewed

No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories by Jayant Kaikini
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wonderful insights in to the common man's life in Mumbai. In these stories he goes behind the masks of anonymity of the people who throng the city to realise their dreams. It helps the reader to understand the travails the common man has to undergo, the ignominy that he has to suffer, often at the hands of the high and mighty, in order to maintain his self esteem.

Kaikini also shows how Mumbai helps all those who are sincere in their efforts to succeed in life.

Would have loved it much more if the translation and editing was better. The translation is like Google translation and hence the subtle nuances of the original are lost. This book of short stories seems written essentially for the Kannada speaking people, to give them an insight into the lives of migrants to the big bad city of Mumbai. Am sure the original must have been a pleasure to read but unfortunately I do not read Kannada though am aware of the sensibilities of the Kannada speaking people.

It does bring on a smile and evokes sympathy at times for the characters specially if you are a Mumbaikar like me. 😊

A good read nevertheless.


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The Writer on the hill

The Writer on the Hill: The Very Best of Ruskin Bond by Ruskin Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A book that is so positive in all aspects. There are no negatives at all! A book to read if you wish to revel in the beauty of Uttarakhand and its people.
A compilation of short stories that deals with life in the hills.
The book is conveniently divided into 'Selected Fiction' and 'Selected Non-Fiction'
Selected Fiction comprises of stories from the 1950's Dehra Doon, the 1960s and 1970s Maplewood Lodge in Mussoorie and the 1980s and onwards in Ivy Cottage, Mussoorie.
Selected Non Fiction comprises of stories from 1960s and 1970s Maplewood Lodge, 1980s and onwards Ivy Cottage.
Every story is eminently readable and enjoyable. These take you on a trip to the hills and gets you to love them!
To quote Mr.Bond 'As a writer, I have difficulty in doing justice to momentous events, the wars of nations, the politics of power; I am more at ease with the dew of the morning, the sensuous delights of the day, the silent blessings of the night, the joys and sorrows of children, the strivings of ordinary folk and, of course, the ridiculous situations in which we sometimes find ourselves.' Unquote.
It is a book to uplift ones spirits at all times.
A raconteur par excellence.
A must read!

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Book review - The Green of Bengal

The Green of Bengal and Other Stories by Gautam Benegal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘The Green of Bengal’ authored by Gautam Benegal is a value for money set of eleven short stories based on his growing years in Calcutta of the 1990s.
This is a book that is a must read for everyone to get a glimpse into the lives, loves, hates and desires of the common man as he (she in two stories) makes the best of life on offer. There is a streak of humour that keeps you smiling as you read and food for thought when you are through reading. All stories are morsel sized and perfect for that train or bus commute to keep you entertained.
Gautam Benegal is a writer, National Award winning animation film maker, cartoonist and artist who grew up in Calcutta. His previous book of short stories ‘1/7 Bondel Road’ that received critical acclaim is also eminently readable.
A steal at Rs.150/- for the Kindle version on Amazon and Rs.176/- for the paperback. Go for it guys! Guaranteed to make your day/weekend!


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