Another bunch of books I read recently

The Help – Kathyrn Stockett

I had heard a lot about this book and it did not let me down. I loved how the book flowed and the characters were strong and the determination they showed was admirable. The book left me thinking and I think that is what a good book should do. Do pick it up – you will not be disappointed

The Space between us – Thrity Umrigar

After loving my first Thrity book, I picked it up. I love her writing – it is descriptive and almost like a song. Her song is not one of joy but one with shades of grey. It has sorrow and pain seeping between the words. There are a lot of similarities between this book and the other one are there – Parsi families, abusive mother-in-law, broken marriages. But this book tells us a totally different story – the connection between Sera – the mistress and Bima – the maid. It is almost friendship – they know the other’s secrets and confidences but the age old rule still applies – the space between the maid and the mistress remains. Beautifully written

The Forbidden Daughter – Shobhan Bantwal

I picked this book based on a recommendation and did not read the black flap in the library. I got home, read the back flap and wondered why on earth I picked up the book. The book lay untouched for a week before I forced myself to read it. It was an easy read – nothing spectacular about it. Selective gender abortions practiced in India, the corruption and bribery that go with it being the crux of the story. It is a story often heard in India and would make a great movie. With a budding romance, murder and kidnappings still sending a message.

Kiss Kiss – Roald Dahl

A scary book of short stories – I have read a few of these stories before and everytime I read it – it chills me. It is sinster without darkened spaces, men carrying dangerous weapons, blood and gore. It shows the sinster side of human nature. It leaves you numb. A great collection

Life of Pi – Yann Martel

Boring narration – interesting storyline is all I can tell about this book. How I wish the author had made the narration much more fun. This book reminds me of the Berlin Forest Boy story recently in the news