Shoes of the Dead by Kota Neelima

"None of us can match the powers we challenge. It is an unequal fight, but we have the dead on our side."

We have often heard about crop failures, how it affects the farmers and how so many of them, think it better to end their life rather than live a life burdened by debt. Such news had made the head lines some time back, when the suicide toll of farmers in the Vidharva region of Maharashtra had reached alarmingly high numbers. To write a novel on such a sensitive topic is a tremendous task, because the subject is not just social, it is political as well. The author, Kota Neelima who works as Political Editor with a prominent newspaper has done full justice to the topic in her latest book- Shoes of the Dead.

Crushed by successive crop failures and the burden of debt, Sudhakar Bhadra kills himself. The powerful district committee of Mityala routinely dismisses the suicide and refuses compensation to his widow. Gangiri, his brother, makes it his life’s mission to bring justice to the dead by influencing the committee to validate similar farmer suicides.

Keyur Kashinath of the Democratic Party—first-time member of Parliament from Mityala, and son of Vaishnav Kashinath, the party’s general secretary—is the heir to his father’s power in Delhi politics. He faces his first crisis; every suicide in his constituency certified by the committee as debt-related is a blot on the party’s image, and his competence.

The brilliant farmer battles his inheritance of despair, the arrogant politician fights for the power he has received as legacy. Their two worlds collide in a conflict that pushes both to the limits of morality from where there is no turning back. At stake is the truth about ‘inherited’ democratic power. And at the end, there can only be one winner.

Passionate and startlingly insightful, Shoes of the Dead is a chilling parable of modern-day India.

Very often when one read a political novel based on real incidents and when the subject is as heavy as this one, the readers often feel bogged down. But, that is not the case with this book. As Gangiri fights for a cause, the readers heart goes out for him. There is a ray of hope. We hope against hope, that maybe things will change for the better at some point.

"There were many such farmers, different names, same fate. As Gangiri heard the stories, he once again found himself wanting something that was denied to him, something he could not have. Justice."

If you have a keen interest in the politics you can even deduce who is who for some characters in the novel. The book is unsettling at times, at times you might feel you are having quite an easy life and that can fill you with guilt. It takes a great deal to write a book on such a sensitive issue with such aplomb. The writing style is crisp and lucid. The characters are real and they will stay with you for a long time. The book will keep you interested till the very end.

Read this book to understand how politics plays with the life of the farmers when they are alive and even after they are dead.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program. for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books! Thank you Blog adda for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!

The Forest of Stories by Ashok K. Banker

I had received a review copy of 'The Seeds of War' by Ashok Banker - the second book of the much awaited Mahabharata series from blogadda. Ever since, I had read it, I had been meaning to read the first book of the series, The Forest of Stories and finally I bought myself a copy.

Here is the blurb from the book:

The Forest of Stories, Book One in Ashok Banker's long-awaited 'MBA' Series, takes us deep into the haunted jungle of Naimishavan. Here, at the ashram of Kulapati Shaunaka, a dusty traveler arrives with sad tidings: Maharishi Krishna Dweipayana Vyasa has passed on. Yet the great collator of the Vedas has left behind a fabulous legacy, the epic narrative poem called Mahabharata. At the urging of the ashramites, the traveler Suta begins to recite the great composition, starting with the incredible creation myths and tales of god and giants, snake-mothers and gargantuan eagles. And as the night wears on and the tale grows darker, he senses the presence of countless ghostly beings in the shadows beyond the flickering oil-lamps, the restless souls of the many millions butchered in the climactic war that ended the great tale itself, gathering now to hear the epic saga that led eventually to their destruction and the decimation of the Kuru Bharata race.

The author has tried to stick to the original ancient version of Mahabharata. How ever, as the blurb says, it is just the beginning of the narrative. Of all the mythology books I have read, I found this one a bit slow and heavy. Not that it was boring, but because as the narrator was decimating so much information in all the tales that build towards the great epic, after a while it was becoming a bit difficult to keep all the names and event in mind. It is written in the typical Banker style but, I wish the narration was a bit more coherent as my mind would often wander off and I had to re-read some parts of the book to establish the connection. How ever, it does not mean, you should not pick this book. It all depends on your level of interest in the great epic. Having read the second book of the series, I can say it only gets better.

I would give it a 3/5 star.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers

Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino

It has been a while since, I read a crime fiction novel. In fact a long while since I can't even remember what was the last one I read. That's why when I saw 'Salvation of a Saint' by Keigo Higashino up for review at blogadda, I didn't even apply to review it at first. But, later when I came across great reviews from fellow bloggers, I was lured to read the book.

And I am glad I read it.

It is a first class crime fiction novel. If you are put off by blood and violence in crime fiction books, then you need not worry, as this book is not so much about crimes but about solving the mystery of crime committed. The author's style of unfolding the facts is unique. In fact, after reading the first couple of chapters, you will know who is the victim and who the possible suspect is. Yet, the book will keep you glued till the very end. There is not a single moment. It is indeed a great achievement for the author to keep the readers riveted even after revealing some fundamental facts about the mystery.

The plot revolves around a murder. The victim has died of poisoning while his wife Ayane is away. All circumstances and clues points towards the wife. But, there is a problem in establishing it. How could she have committed the murder when she was hundred of miles away.

As the Tokyo police detective Kusanagi delves into the past of the deceased, he picks up on an seemingly unrelated sequence of events. In the process, he also develops a soft corner for the prime suspect - Ayane. With his judgement clouded, will he be able to work on the case objectively and solve it. Is it reasonable for her assistant to seek the help of an old friend to solve the crime? Or is it possible that a perfect crime has been committed?

It will take a genius to unravel the complicated web of deceit and it takes a genius to write such an amazing and riveting book. It will definitely keep you hooked and reading through the night. Highly recommended.

I have heard that the first book by the author, Devotion of Suspect X is even better. Can't wait to lay my hand on it.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program. for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books! Thank you Blog adda for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!

Chanakya's Chant by Ashwin Sanghi

Chanakya's Chant by Ashwin Sanghi

The blurb says:

The year is 340 BC. A hunted, haunted Brahmin youth vows revenge for the gruesome murder of his beloved father. Cold, calculating, cruel and armed with a complete absence of accepted morals, he becomes the most powerful political strategist in Bharat and succeeds in uniting a ragged country against the invasion of the army of that demigod, Alexander the Great. Pitting the weak edges of both forces against each other, he pulls off a wicked and astonishing victory and succeeds in installing Chandragupta on the throne of the mighty Mauryan empire.

History knows him as the brilliant strategist Chanakya.

Satisfied—and a little bored—by his success as a kingmaker, through the simple summoning of his gifted mind, he recedes into the shadows to write his Arthashastra, the ‘science of wealth’. But history, which exults in repeating itself, revives Chanakya two and a half millennia later, in the avatar of Gangasagar Mishra, a Brahmin teacher in small town India who becomes puppeteer to a host of ambitious individuals—including a certain slum child who grows up into a beautiful and powerful woman.

Modern India happens to be just as riven as ancient Bharat by class hatred, corruption and divisive politics and this landscape is Gangasagar’s feasting ground. Can this wily pandit—who preys on greed, venality and sexual deviance—bring about another miracle of a united India? Will Chanakya’s chant work again?

I had read this book quite some time back and a review of the same has been long due. I had great expectations from this book but, somehow I feel that it didn't really live up to my expectations. And that is not without reasons. The blurb is alluring, the plot is good but the narration falters. The Chanakya part is reasonably fine, but I couldn't relate even a bit to the character of Gangasagar. Many incidents and events in the book are exaggerated. I didn't get the motivation behind Gangasagar's actions. To top that, just like in a hero in Bollywood movie he does whatever he likes and gets away with it every time. I also didn't like the way Chandni's character is portrayed.

The book could have been better edited and could be reduced by some 100 odd pages. The author has tried to draw parallels between today's politics and that of ancient times and has succeeded to some extent. This book is fine if you are looking for a casual read. The story is quite predictable so, you won't have to strain your brain much. But, if you are looking for a classic political thriller, there are better options. Decide for yourself.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers

Can Love Happen Twice by Ravinder Singh

Anyone who has read 'I Too Had A Love Story' by Ravinder Singh and was touched by it, would definitely pick up the author's second book - Can Love Happen Twice. We all have some expectations from an author whose work we appreciated. But, many a times all those hopes fall flat when the author's work doesn't meet our expectations. Let me tell you why I say so.

Here, I can't help but draw a comparison between the two books of the author.The first book was based on a true story, the author's own love story. Not that the writing style of the book was great, but the story touched the heart of many, for its simplicity and honesty. For all the author had been through in his life, the readers felt empathy for him. In the second book - Can love happen twice, which is a work of the author's imagination, he has tried to sell the old-stale-love-story in a new packaging.

Plot is simple. Boy is lonely and trying to live with his past. He goes abroad for work. Sees an Indian girl. Falls for her. Love happens. Boy is back to India. Trouble starts. Suddenly, career is more important for the girl and she breaks up with him. Boy is broken and gets mental. He runs to the street and meets an accident and hence, ends up in a rehabilitation home.

And guess who is telling us this story? His three friends reads his unfinished book on a radio show!

*Silence*

The problems doesn't end with the plot, the characters are also very poorly sketched. The character of Simar is irritating, melodramatic and irrational. She is nothing like the character of Khushi of 'I Too Had A Love Story'. The love portrayed between Ravin and Simar is more of an infatuation which fades with time. To top all this, the author keeps bragging about being a best selling author through out the book. Looks like the success of his debut novel has got into his head. If he thinks that he can sell any crap for a love story, then he is wrong. This book doesn't work for me.

If you have read the author's first book and liked it then, please don't pick up this one. It will ruin your empathy for the author. I don't think I am going to read any more of his work. That is, if he decides to write another book.

You can surely give this one a miss.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Let The Trees Grow, Get A Better Environment

Linking it to Wordless Wednesday

Thought of the Day ~ The Earth Laughs in Flowers

`

Wordless Wednesday - Beauty Of The Clouds

Linking it to Wordless Wednesday

Let’s Talk Money by Akhil Khanna

After a long while I am going to review a non-fiction book here. But wait, it talks about money!

There I have your attention now. I must apologize to the author Mr. Akhil Khanna for coming up with this review so late. I would just say that sometimes life catches up with you so unexpectedly that all your best laid plan go haywire. But, as the saying goes, better late than never, I have finally writing about this informative book.

The first thing that catches your attention is the title itself – Let’s Talk Money – Road to Riches Made Easy. Now who doesn't want money? The blurb is even more enticing. The author says that Warren Buffet has two rules. Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No.1. The author adds a rule No. 3: Know how to apply rule No. 1. It is true that neither our upbringing nor our education gives money any significant place. Money is associated with greed and it is the least discussed topic in family. It is only in later life the importance of money is hammered into our brains. The author has written this book keeping in mind the people from non-financial backgrounds (like me) who are intimidated by the financial jargon and to whom all financial things seem far more complex than they actually are.

In the 176 pages and 10 chapters of this book, the author has very concisely and in very easy language gives you a crash course on financial matters. I think, it is not a book to be rushed upon, rather one that should be read slowly (of course, that applies to people from non-financial background only). You will slowly absorb the basic concept of demand, supply, inflation, deflation and how it is related to people’s income. You will come to know of various investing options depending on your income and all the pros and cons related to it. The author has also tried to give us the big picture by dedicating a whole chapter to the recent global financial crises and how so many countries in the world were affected by it. Also, how it will impact our future. All in all, it is a very informative book which if read properly will definitely make you financially literate. The author has also used various examples from real life and some concocted to explain the various theories. That makes the whole concepts easy to understand.

Yet, I realized that after reading this book for a while, I felt a bit over whelmed. There was just too much information in those concise chapters. I needed some time to reflect on what I have read to digest all the information. That is why; I feel that if you really want to benefit from this book, read it slow. My favorite parts in this book were the last two chapters – Invest in Happiness and World Financial Crises 2008. If possible, I would really want to hear the author talk about it, live. An interactive session would be the best! Far-fetched idea! Is it?

The author says, “Remember, it is not important what one earns, true wealth is what one manages to keep.” 

Words of wisdom, I say. If you are interested to know more about the book and the author visit http://www.letstalkmoney2012.in/

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

R.I.P by Mukul Deva

I am a day late in posting the review. I had received a free review copy from blogadda and was supposed to post the review within 7 days. Well, I had planned to post is yesterday but, sometimes life has something else in store for you. Well, as the saying goes better late than ever. RIP by Mukul Deva is a fast paced political thriller with elements of love and parenthood in it. As you read it, you realize that the author had drawn inspiration from India's present political, social and economic scenario. Here is the blurb from the book cover.

R.I.P. The Resurgent Indian Patriots. Self- appointed guardians of a nation seething with anger at the endless scams and scandals rocking its very foundation. Vigilantes who vow to stop corrupt politicians and colluding civil servants. Even if it means killing them. Colonel Krishna Athawale and his team of Special Forces officers rally to protect the country from the enemy within. They call themselves the K-Team. And no one is safe from their deadly intent. Hellbent on stopping them is Raghav Bhagat, rogue para commando, gun for hire and Krishna's bete noir. Caught in the crossfire is Vinod Bedi, Special Director CBI. Reena Bhagat, a glamorous news anchor, embittered by her husband's betrayal. And two young boys, Sachin and Azaan, torn apart by the loss of a parent. It doesn't get bigger.

K team has taken it in their hands to resolve the issues facing the nation. For that they carry out meticulously planned assassination of prominent people in power who are corrupt and are splurging common's man money on themselves. This is done to warn the government that unless they change their attitude, things are going to get real dirty.

The narration is fast and crisp and keeps you engaged pretty well. Explanation or various methods and techniques for assassination are provided where deemed necessary. As I read the novel it reminded me of Rang De Basanti and A Wednesday. These two acclaimed movies shows how common man fed up with corrupt politicians take it in their own hands to clean the system. While the movie had strong characters that were etched into your mind, RIP lacks that. I felt the author could have worked a bit more on the characters to make them more relatable. The passion to save the country which the characters felt didn't reflect in the writing.

 RIP has the elements of a masala Bollywood thriller. I would not be surprised if it adapted into one in times to come. Having said that, I should also mention that towards the end of the novel I could predict what is going to happen. Guess, I have seen too many Bollywood movies. Political thriller is not really a genre I read much. So, it was a welcome change for me. If you are looking for a quick read, surly give it a try. I will give it a generous 3/5.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program. for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books! Thank you Blog adda for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!

Khaman Dhokla ~ Savoury Steamed Spongy Chickpea Flour Cake

I absolutely love Khaman Dhokla. Most of the time I make it with ready to use Dhokla mix. They are really a great time saver. But there are times when I run out of these instant packs. It was one of those occasions when I decided to make it from scratch. I have tried a lot of different recipes and I have finally zeroed on this one. It is really a simple and quick recipe.

Khaman Dhokla is a Gujarati snack but it popular through out India. The best thing about it is steamed and hence, is healthy and low calorie. So, even if your new year resolution says to stay away from fast food, you can relish this quick snack.

Recipe Source: Shveta's Cooking Blog

Khaman Dhokla ~ Savoury Steamed Spongy Chickpea Flour Cake

1 cup chick pea flour
2 tbsp sun flower oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
11/2 tbsp sugar
About 1/2 cup water
1 tsp Eno fruit salt

For tempering

1 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
4-5 curry leaves
1-2 green chillies slit
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
2-3 tbsp water
2 tbsp sugar

For garnishing
Chopped coriander

Process:

1. In a large bowl add the chickpea flour, salt, sugar, oil and lemon juice. Stir and add water little by little to make a smooth thin batter (a little thinner than cake batter).
2. Place a large pan on heat. Add about a cup of water and a ring on which to place the pan for steaming Dhokla.
3. Grease a 8" sandwich cake tin with oil. Keep aside. Add Eno fruit salt to the batter and whisk lightly. The batter will increase in volume. Pour the batter in the prepared tin and place it in the pan of boiling water. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes on medium heat. When done, a skewer inserted in the Dhokla will come out clean. Take it off heat and let it cool down.
4. Heat the oil for tempering. When hot, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves. When it splutters add the green chili and red chili powder. Take it off gas. Set aside.
5. Mix water, sugar and lemon juice. Add it to the tempering mixture. Spoon it over the cooled Dhokla  Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves. Serve with green chutney, sweet dates and tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup! Enjoy!

Note: You can also add some sesame seeds to the tempering and fresh shredded coconut for garnishing. I skipped it as I didn't have it at hand.

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday - Setting Sun!

Linking it to Wordless Wednesday

Custard Powder Bundt Cake ~ Egg less Yellow Cake With Chocolate Ganache

A very happy new year to all my fellow bloggers and my blog readers. May the new year bring you lots of happiness, prosperity and good health!

I have been away from this space for over a month now. Actually, I have shifted places and am now settling down slowly in a new city. There was a lot happening on the home front that blogging took a back seat. I will try to blog more frequently from now on. Today, I have something sweet to share from my drafts. I had made this cake quite some time back for our girls get together.

So lets start the new year on a sweet note!

 Recipe Source: Divine Taste 
 
Custard Powder Bundt Cake ~ Egg less Yellow Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups plain flour

1/2 cup vanilla custard powder

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup butter

Process:

1.      Grease a bundt tin or a 8” round tin and lightly dust it with plain flour. Tap to remove excess flour from the surface of the pan. Preheat the oven at 160 C.

2.      In a large bowl shift all the dry ingredients except sugar.

3.      In a separate bowl whisk butter and sugar till soft and fluffy. Add in room temperature milk and whisk till well incorporated.

4.      Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well with a whisk until there are no lumps.

5.      Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake at 160 C for 45 minutes to 55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

For the ganache:

50 ml cream
50 gm chocolate chunks

1. Add both the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and heat for a minute. Stir till you get a smooth silk ganache.

Pour it over the cake once the cake is fully cooled. I had poured it while the cake was still a bit warm( was in a hurry). So, the ganache melted and dripped down ;(

Note: The cake taste best when eaten on the same day. Later it tends to get dry.

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

Paneer Butter Masala/ Paneer Makhani

Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most popular paneer curries in India. Paneer chunks in a rich, silky, smooth tomato gravy, it sells like hot cakes in Indian restaurants. I tried this version recently from a Sanjeev Kapoor book I have and it turned out great. Lets hop over to the recipe.

Recipe Source: Mastering the art of Indian Cooking by Sanjeev Kapoor

Paneer Butter Masala/Paneer Makhani

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oil
3 green cardamom crushed
1" piece of cinnamon
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp red chili powder or more to taste
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 cups tomato puree
Salt to taste
2-3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp kasoori methi
1tsp sugar
1/4 cup cream
200 gm paneer cut into small cubes


Process:

1. Heat a pan and add oil. When heated add crushed cardamom and sauté for a few seconds till they are fragrant. Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

2. Now add the tomato puree, salt, turmeric powder and red chili powder and cook on medium high heat for 10-15 minutes. When the oil begins to leave side turn off the heat.

3. To make sure it is smooth, pass the gravy through a strainer. Discard any residue.

4. Put the gravy back into the pan. Add butter, kasoori methi and sugar. Add water to get the desired consistency. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the garam masala. Stir and then add the cream. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Add the paneer and stir gently. Serve hot with chapati, nan or rice.

Notes: If you want to have a richer gravy you may increase the butter and cream.

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

Gaajar ka Halwa ~ Carrot Halwa

There are certain sweets that you can associate with some particular season. Carrot Halwa or Gaajar ka Halwa is one such Indian sweet that I associate with Winters. I remember how my mom used to painstakingly shred kilos of carrot to prepare this dish. It must have been a tedious job for her to keep up with the demands of 4 kids. Every time it was prepared in our house, it was a special treat. It is amazing how a dish can bring so many fond memories.

In India, red carrots are preferred for making this dish. Since, we don't get it here, I have used the regular carrots. Red carrots do add a special note to this dish but regular works just fine. Lets see how I make it.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded carrots.
1 tbsp ghee
1 cup milk.
¼ cup sugar or less.
A few strands of saffron.
2 cardamom pods crushed.
Almond flakes and chopped pistachios to garnish.

Process:

1. Heat a pan and add ghee. Add the shredded carrot and give it a good stir. In a tbsp of milk soak a few saffron strands.
2. After 2-3 minutes add the milk and heat the mixture on medium high heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. The milk will reduce and thicken. Add the sugar and mix it properly. Heat for another 5 minutes. 
4. Add crushed cardamom pods,saffron milk  Keep heating and stirring till the mixture gets the required consistency.
5. It may take another 5-10 minutes.Remove from heat when done. Transfer in a serving bowl. Garnish it with chopped almonds and pistachios. Serve hot.

Note:
1. Always use freshly grated carrot for this dish otherwise the color of carrots will turn brown.
2. You can add a little condensed milk if you have it at hand.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great weekend. Cheers!