Crafting Maira: A Psychological Thriller by Sam Arkot

 Crafting Maira: A Psychological Thriller by Sam Arkot | Book Review

Crafting Maira is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of manipulation, control, and obsession.

The protagonist, Jatin, embarks on a disturbing journey to create his "perfect" partner, weaving a complex narrative around isolation and mental manipulation. He has been deeply hurt by the betrayal of his wife during their divorce. Feeling broken and betrayed, Jatin shuts himself off from women, and even though he longs for a perfect relationship, he’s convinced that the only woman who could meet his standards would worship him completely. This desire for control leads him down a dark path of bitterness and alcoholism.

Things take a shocking turn when Jatin becomes the guardian of a young girl named Maira, who has memory loss. Instead of protecting her, Jatin isolates her from the outside world and convinces her that he is a god-like figure. As Maira grows older, Jatin’s unhealthy attachment to her deepens, and he starts to think of her as the perfect partner. He hides this growing obsession from everyone, including his sister and the police, but soon, his control over her begins to fall apart.

While being an utterly disgusting manipulator, Jatin kept maintaining the girls' education, entertainment, and other knowledgeable equipment, which was reflected in juxtaposition to his character, and it was also very unbelievable how the girl came under his spell after being updated by regularly reading newspapers and watching news and movies. These questions are still haunting me.

The book thoroughly builds Jatin's character. The way he created the girl's mindset, it's quite horrible, and you may find it depressing. The book gave a chilling vibe in my spine whenever Jatin started his manipulation.

The language is simple, making it an easy yet deeply thought-provoking read. You don’t have to struggle with heavy prose—the story flows naturally, pulling you deeper into its psychological maze.

The multicultural backdrop adds depth, and the suspenseful plot keeps readers on edge. However, the themes of gaslighting, grooming, and psychological control may be unsettling for some readers.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking, intense story for those who can handle its heavy, morally ambiguous content.

Purchase Crafting Maira here.

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The Mahatma’s Manifesto: A Critique of Hind Swaraj - History of Indian Nationalism by Rajesh Talwar

 The Mahatma’s Manifesto: A Critique of Hind Swaraj - History of Indian Nationalism by Rajesh Talwar | Book Review

The Mahatma's Manifesto provides a thorough explanation for the reasons why the majority of the ideas in Hind Swaraj are illogical and unworkable. The book highlights the flaws in Gandhi's proposals, including his opposition to mechanisation, his unfair criticism of lawyers and doctors, and his criticism of parliamentary democracy without offering a viable alternative. The book points out not just the impracticality of most of the proposals but also the glaring contradictions in them.

The book shows that, despite the manifesto's regressiveness, little critical analysis has been done on it because of Gandhi's stature. The book breaks down each idea in a systematic, objective way, separating the man from the ideas. The book also includes anecdotes and often quotes from Gandhi's own writings, making it a thoroughly researched book.

Talwar's book delves deeply into its contents, providing a rich analysis of both Gandhi's arguments and the broader implications of his philosophy. Talwar takes a focused approach, limiting his critique to a manageable word count and framing his insights within the context of a comprehensive analysis. Talwar writes with clarity and conviction. His prose is sharp, direct, and unafraid to take a stand. The language is lucid, making the book accessible to readers from all backgrounds. What stands out is the thorough research that underpins every argument.

This sharp piece daringly challenges conventional wisdom and inspires readers to think more deeply. He doesn’t just critique—he provides well-documented references, making it clear that this is no superficial rant but a deeply analytical work. The book is both readable and captivating because of Talwar's thorough research and clear language. 

Because it bravely questions ingrained assumptions within-depth analysis and captivating insights, I suggest The Mahatma's Manifesto to readers looking for a new, critical viewpoint on historical narratives. His ability to weave historical anecdotes into the narrative adds depth, making the book an engaging, if sometimes uncomfortable, read.

Purchase The Mahatma's Manifesto here.

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Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan

 Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan | Book Review

This book presents insightful stories from our epic. I enjoyed reading the ones involving Ravana and the Vanaras, as they are my favorites. Just like the title, these are not mere stories, but a lot of lessons are imparted through Ramayana.

But despite the constraints of time and the need for brevity, Neelakantan has been able to touch upon the important events in the life of Lord Rama and has interspersed the text with the lofty philosophical lessons that we can draw from this divine epic.

He throws light on the enduring life lessons that we can draw from this magnum opus. The nuggets of moral lessons the author highlights truly sparkle all through the narrative. The recurrent theme that forms a common thread all through the narrative is the concept of “Karma” and “Karma Phala” – the unending cycle of action and the results of those actions. In the Hindu concept, even Gods are not spared the negative impact of any undesirable act that has knowingly or unknowingly been committed by them. 

As we know, there are many versions of Ramayanas, and the one in the book is the one that Anand was raised with, from his father, tending towards Valmiki's version. Reading Ramayana from Anand is a different vibe itself. His excellent knack of storytelling elevates the spirit of reading. This is the main reason I recommend young adults to read his books.

Overall, Neelakantan’s Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons is more than just a retelling—it is a scholarly yet accessible exploration of how mythology adapts to time, place, and ideology. With his signature engaging style, the author presents well-researched insights that shed light on lesser-known aspects of the Ramayana, making this book a must-read for history buffs, mythology lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

This entire book was an absolute delight. Reading this helped me brush up my basics and keep up my knowledge. The writing is simple and keeps the readers going.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

Purchase Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons here.

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The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma by Sangeeta Kampani

 The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma by Sangeeta Kampani | Book Review

Sangeeta Kampani’s "The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma" is a beautifully written, multi-layered novel that delves into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation. At its heart, the book is a deeply introspective character study of Mrs. Sharma, a woman whose journey is filled with self-discovery, contradictions, and the subtle rebellion against the roles imposed upon her by society.

This is the story of a woman and her dreams, her desires, her fantasies, her accomplishments, her trials, her grief, her flaws, her failures, and her humiliations. Mrs. Sharma is a homemaker. Steeped in tradition, she prioritises everyone's needs over her own, the quintessential kitchen queen, who is mostly taken for granted.

Mrs. Sharma's life dives deep into her thoughts from her youth, when she was a hopeful bride with dreams of love and companions, to her later years, when she finds herself looking back at decades of domestic responsibilities, social expectations, and acceptance and compromises.

On her 70th birthday, something strange happens that she has not expected in years. Being politically correct most of the time, she is presented with a gift that changes her life.

I was intrigued by the layers of her life and how she manages all. The story meticulously presents the hardships of a new bride and a homemaker. 

Kampani crafts a narrative that unfolds like a series of personal revelations, exposing the layers beneath Mrs. Sharma’s seemingly ordinary existence. The book subtly challenges the idea that homemakers lead unremarkable lives, revealing instead a tapestry of complex emotions, silent battles, and hidden aspirations.

Kampani’s prose is elegant yet deeply affecting. She has a way of making everyday moments feel profound, imbuing even the most mundane household interactions with emotional weight. Her writing is neither overly dramatic nor distant; it strikes a perfect balance—intimate yet powerful. She employs a reflective narrative voice, allowing readers to step into Mrs. Sharma’s world with empathy and understanding.

Mrs. Sharma is more than just a character; she is also a collection of numerous women we have known—mothers, grandmothers, and aunts—who have given up their wants for the sake of family responsibilities. She is complex, flawed, and achingly real. Kampani doesn’t paint her as a martyr; instead, she gives her a voice—one that is strong yet hesitant, hopeful yet burdened by years of conditioning. The book's strength is its nuanced examination of gender roles, family dynamics, and the emotional labour of homemakers, which is frequently overlooked.

Overall, "The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma" is a moving and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the often-invisible emotional labour women endure. Kampani’s nuanced portrayal of Mrs. Sharma’s journey resonates deeply, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the realities of domestic life. While the reflective tone may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot, the novel’s emotional authenticity and compelling character development make it a worthwhile and enriching read.

Purchase The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma here.

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CRY OF THE HORNBILL by Husna

 CRY OF THE HORNBILL by Husna | Book Review

Husna's "Cry of the Hornbill" is a haunting murder mystery set during Nagaland's Hornbill Festival. It is set in India's Northeast and focuses on the lives of the Indigenous people there. 

A young protagonist sets out to learn about the significance of the hornbill, a bird to the indigenous spirituality and culture. Tanya Singh, a journalist, was brutally murdered at the beginning of the story. 

What begins as a search for the truth quickly devolves into a maze of buried family secrets, eerie folklore, and an unsettling presence in the dense forests. 

When experienced but tired inspector John Angami takes over the case, he finds himself caught in a web of secrets that go far beyond a simple murder. He discovers truths that blur the line between the rational and the mystical as Angami digs deeper, leaving her and the reader to question reality itself. 

The novel achieves a truly immersive experience thanks to its masterful suspense and emotional depth balance. It is a concerto of personal vendettas, hidden truths, political intrigue, and orchestrated tension. 

The author skilfully blurs the lines between the natural and the supernatural with each turn, making you question what is true and what is myth. 

When you read "The Cry of the Hornbill," you feel like you are embarking on an exciting journey through the centre of Nagaland. There, ancient customs and modern chaos collide, and every page turned is a step further into the maze of secrets.

Purchase Cry of the Hornbill here.

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