SAMSARA BY SAKSHAM GARG

 Print length: 298 pages

ISBN-10: 0143458280

Buy at Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Samsara-Valley-Indias-answer-Potter/dp/0143458280

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

"Samsara" by Saksham Garg is not just a book; it’s an enchanting journey that transports you to a world where mythology and fantasy intertwine in the most magical way. From the very first page, the author's masterful storytelling draws you into a realm where the boundaries between the earthly and the divine blur, creating a narrative that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.

The story follows Aman Chandra and ten other Souls of Samsara, who are suddenly uprooted from the familiarity of modern-day India and whisked away to a hidden valley deep in the Himalayas. Here, in a world teeming with ancient gods, immortal yogis, and mythical beasts, they embark on a quest that challenges not only their physical endurance but also their very understanding of reality. The mission is clear: to learn the ancient and powerful art of yogic sorcery. Yet, the purpose behind their journey remains veiled in mystery. What drives this quest? How do the gods fit into the grand scheme of things? These questions haunt the Souls of Samsara as they navigate through a series of trials, uncovering along the way a much larger, more complex plan at play—one that could alter the fate of a nation.

What makes "Samsara" truly special is how the author seamlessly blends elements of Hindu mythology with a contemporary narrative, creating a story that is rich in both culture and imagination. The world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, painting vivid pictures of a mystical valley where the ancient and the modern coexist. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own unique backstory and motivations, adding depth to the story and making their journey all the more compelling.

The pacing of the book is expertly handled, with each chapter leaving you eager to find out what happens next. The author's prose is both lyrical and accessible, making the complex world of gods and sorcery feel real and relatable. The division of the story into three parts allows the plot to unfold in a way that is both measured and intense, keeping the reader engaged and invested from start to finish.

"Samsara" is a book that will appeal to anyone with a love for mythology, fantasy, or simply a great story. It’s a tale that invites you to lose yourself in its magic, to explore a world where anything is possible, and to contemplate the deeper questions about life, destiny, and the divine. Whether you're a seasoned reader of fantasy or new to the genre, "Samsara" offers something truly unique and captivating.

I highly recommend "Samsara" to everyone looking for a book that not only entertains but also inspires. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of myth and magic. Don't miss the chance to experience this magical journey—you won’t be disappointed.

THE BOOK OF EVERLASTING THINGS

 

Print length: 472 pages

ISBN-10: 9356294003

Buy at Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Book-Everlasting-Things-Novel/dp/9356294003

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

"The Book of Everlasting Things" by Aanchal Malhotra is an extraordinary work of literature that has left a lasting impression on me, earning its place as one of my all-time favorite reads. Set against the rich and vibrant backdrop of Lahore in 1938, the novel masterfully intertwines the lives of Samir Vij and Firdaus Khan in a way that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

Their journey begins with a moment of pure serendipity, as Samir, a talented perfumer, first catches sight of Firdaus through the rows of perfume bottles in his family’s ittar shop in Anarkali Bazaar. The air is thick with the heady scent of ittar, making their initial encounter as intoxicating as the fragrances that surround them. Firdaus, a gifted illuminator of manuscripts, becomes the muse to Samir’s artistry, and their connection deepens with each passing day. Their love story unfolds with the precision and beauty of a manuscript, every detail meticulously inked with both the brightness of new love and the darkness of impending sorrow.

However, the winds of change are on the horizon. As the Partition of India in 1947 looms, their world is torn apart. Samir, a Hindu, finds himself an Indian citizen, while Firdaus, a Muslim, becomes Pakistani. The novel captures their heartrending struggle as they navigate the chasm that has opened between them—pulled by their deep-seated love for each other but pushed apart by the harsh realities of their divided homelands. Bound by family obligations and the inescapable currents of history, their love becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Yet, this novel is far more than a love story. Aanchal Malhotra delves into the intricacies of perfumery, the delicate art of manuscript illumination, and the often-overlooked experiences of Indian soldiers in the British Indian Army during World War I. Her historical descriptions are so vividly rendered that they transport you not only to the bustling streets of pre-Partition Lahore but also to the romantic avenues of Paris, where the characters’ lives take them. You feel as though you are walking alongside Samir and Firdaus, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of their world.

This book is a profound exploration of culture, history, and the indelible impact of the Partition on countless lives. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Indian historical fiction, as it beautifully captures a tragic yet compelling love story while offering a vivid glimpse into the Indo-Pak culture and history of the era. Malhotra’s narrative is a testament to the enduring power of love and memory, set against one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the Indian subcontinent.

INDEPENDENCE BY CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI

Print length: 350 pages

ISBN-10: 9356294585

Buy on Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Independence-Chitra-Banerjee-Divakaruni/dp/9356294585.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

Here is a river...

Here is a village...

Here is a grand old mansion...

Here is the country that contains them all...

India. August, 1946. Everything is about to change.

'Independence' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a beautifully woven tale set against the turbulent backdrop of the Partition of India, centering on three sisters—Deepa, Jamini, and Priya—daughters of a well-respected doctor in a rural Bengal village. Each sister embodies a distinct personality, harboring dreams that reflect their individual desires and aspirations.

Deepa, the stunning beauty of the family, is determined to secure a marriage that will bring joy and elevate her family's status. Jamini, a devout and sharp-eyed quiltmaker, conceals her deeper passions beneath her calm exterior. Priya, intelligent and idealistic, is resolute in her ambition to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor, a dream she fiercely pursues with the support of Zamindar Somnath Chowdhury, her father's best friend, despite societal expectations.

Their home, once a sanctuary of love and safety, is shattered when their father is tragically killed during a riot, bringing the violence of Partition into their very lives. As the nation is torn apart, so too are the sisters' lives. Priya remains unwavering in her pursuit of a medical career, while Deepa's deep love for Raza, a youth leader in the Muslim League, causes a painful rift within the family. Jamini, ever the loyal sister, strives to keep the family together, even as she secretly yearns for her sister's fiancé.

With the official announcement of India's Partition, a drastic and dangerous change sweeps the land. India is now for Hindus, Pakistan for Muslims, and the sisters find themselves separated, each on a different path, grappling with the fear of what lies ahead for themselves and for each other. It is in these moments of profound uncertainty that they come to understand the true meaning of independence and the heavy price it demands.

This novel is a magnificent tale of women who possess the strength and resilience to hold themselves together even as everything around them falls apart. Amid the unraveling of dreams and the loss of loved ones, their enduring strength and unbreakable family bond prevail. 'Independence' is a poignant story of loyalty and love, nationhood and sisterhood, offering a deeply moving exploration of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

TRAIN TO PAKISTAN BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

 

Print Length: 192 pages

ISBN-10: 0143065882

Buy on Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Train-Pakistan-Khushwant-Singh/dp/0143065882

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

'The fact is, both sides killed. Both shot and stabbed and speared and clubbed. Both tortured. Both raped.'

"Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh is a compelling novel that vividly portrays the brutal reality of the 1947 Partition of India. The story unfolds in the fictional village of Mano Majra, where Sikhs and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, as the chaos of Partition sweeps through the region, the village is engulfed in violence, reflecting the larger turmoil of the time.

The narrative is presented from three perspectives: Hukum Chand, a magistrate tasked with restoring peace to the village; Juggut Singh, a notorious village gangster; and Iqbal, a political activist who arrives to incite a revolution.

The title of the novel, "Train to Pakistan," refers to the trains transporting refugees between the newly formed India and Pakistan. These trains often arrived at their destinations carrying the bodies of those slain during the journey. The arrival of one such train in Mano Majra serves as a pivotal moment in the novel, a chilling reminder of the cruelty of the Partition.

Singh does not shy away from portraying violence, while also delving into the complexities of human behavior, illustrating how ordinary people can commit acts of both kindness and cruelty.

What makes "Train to Pakistan" especially powerful is its continued relevance today. The themes of communal violence, religious intolerance, and the fragility of human relationships resonate with contemporary audiences. Singh's portrayal of how easily harmony can be disrupted by political and religious ideologies serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of divisive rhetoric. This book is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the human toll of the Partition and the enduring scars it has left behind.

THAT NIGHT BY NIDHI UPADHAYAY

Print length: 288 pages

ISBN-10: 0143451871

Buy on Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/That-Night-Friends-Haunting-Secret/dp/0143451871.

My review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

Four friends, twenty years, and one haunting secret. 'That Night' is the debut novel by author Nidhi Upadhaya. The story revolves around four best friends Nathasha, Anjali, Katherine, and Riya who commit a terrible mistake involving a bottle of whisky and a game of Ouija, which ends with the death of Sania, their unlikeable hostel mate. The friends made a pact to never talk about that fateful night, and this pact has kept their friendship and guilt dormant for the last twenty years. 

They move on with their life however, someone has now started to meddle with them, threatening to reveal the truth that only Sania knew. Is it a hacker playing on their guilt, or has Sania's ghost returned to avenge her death?

The story is narrated from five different POVs. The author's description of the characters, their hostel days, and their current life gives us a clear visualization. The plot is spanned across different countries from London, New York, Singapore, and Mumbai. The haunted places in Singapore mentioned by the author and their backstory transports us there.

The novel is very well written and has a rapid pace that makes you pause and wonder at every chapter. Many subplots will keep you on edge. I love how the author has written multiple POVs with such ease. I've finished reading this book in a day and the thrills, chills, plot twists, and climax left me speechless. 

This is a tale of friendship, love, betrayal, and revenge. The book is a thrilling page-turner with a pinch of paranormal. From this book, we can learn that no matter how small and silly mistakes we make they will change everything and sometimes have bigger consequences to face.

What exactly happened that night that made inseparable friends drift apart from each other? What are they hiding? Who is after them? To know these dive into the book!