A collection of stories set in and around the fictional town of Malgudi, R.K. Narayan explores the mundane lives of people, depicting how fate always catches up to them no matter their efforts.
Read if you like: short stories, straightforward writing, portrait of Indian society & culture
This is probably one of the oldest books on my bookshelves. I had put off reading it for several years. If nothing else, I’m glad that I was able to get the book off my TBR.
When you are as used to reading books that are intricately plotted and fast-paced as I am, you’ll find that R.K. Narayan’s stories contain a world of difference. There’s a simplicity to them that can be refreshing.
At the same time, it took me 2-3 stories to get used to his way of writing and the style of storytelling itself. Since there’s no “plot” or distinct beginning, middle, and end, these stories read more like anecdotes your neighbour tells you about someone they know.
From stories about ambitious workers to misunderstood parents, you can expect something new in each story.
The common thread that ties them all together is the pursuit of a better life – for some, that means finding acceptance in their relationship, while for others, it means improving their financial status.
Although I had only heard high praise for Malgudi Days, I didn’t love reading this book as much as I had thought I would. The stories being too short, the glimpse of these characters is but fleeting.
By the end of it, most of the stories kind of blur into each other, and I find that not a lot of it is memorable per se.
Some themes that are covered throughout the book are family bonds, work life, fate, worldview, and social standing.
All in all, I don’t think this book was meant for me. So, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If you are looking for books that depict ordinary life and how the common man is stuck in a wheel of fate, I’d suggest you pick A Flutter in the Colony by Sandeep Ray.
Kore demanded the world but was made the goddess of flowers & beauty. When her parents (Zeus & Demeter) and the Olympian gods begin planning her wedding, she takes the only way out of this – a one-way trip to Hell.
Under the protection of xenia, Kore finds a place for herself in Hades’ palace. But how long until her actions threaten the fragile peace between the Big Three?
Read if you like: mythological retellings, women-centric stories, themes of marriage, identity &
I read the first few pages and thought I had found one of the best books of 2023. The exposition, Kore’s mindset, and the elements of Greek mythology were all so exciting to read!
…And then she heads to Hell.
She becomes exactly what she hates about the Olympians – selfish, arrogant, taking whatever they want without a thought for the consequences, intervening in others’ lives. I couldn’t stand the hypocrisy and began disliking the protagonist.
From demanding hospitality to undermining Hades’ authority, Kore’s rage and desperation transform her into a completely different persona.
It was disheartening to realise that Girl, Goddess, Queen was not going to be the 5-star read I had thought it would be.
Once I had accepted that I most probably wouldn’t grow to love Kore’s character, I was able to appreciate other aspects of the novel. From Hades’ characterisation to the fun banter between him and Kore, there’s a lot that you can enjoy reading.
If you are only used to YA novels being all fluff, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Bea Fitzgerald has made this book meaningful in the way she not only creates a main character who is dismantling patriarchy but also nurturing characteristic traits that challenge the very idea of who Hades is or what it means to exist in a society that is all about labels.
Through Demeter, the book also addresses what it means to be a parent and how often there’s a gap that both children & parents must navigate to build a better, healthier relationship.
The author’s writing style is peppered with dramatics and has a quick rhythm to it. So much so that you can’t set the book down, and before you know it, you’ve read more than halfway through.
I liked the straightforward tone of the writing. What’s more, is that the descriptions are so vivid, you can’t help but visualise the scenes as they unfold on the page.
Although the plot in itself isn’t layered or complex, what justified the nearly 500 pages for me is the interactions between the characters (love Styx!) and the way the story flows. There wasn’t a single dull moment, in my opinion.
One other thing that I would’ve been super happy to see is chapters from Hades’ POV. His character is definitely one of the highlights of the book, and so if we could’ve followed the story through his perspective too, it would’ve been so much more enjoyable.
The theme of found family is present in the story. I’m glad that Persephone had people in her corner, after spending most of her life feeling like no one really understood her. The scenes with Styx were such fun to read!
I have to admit that the transformation from Kore to Persephone packs a punch. She is everything society is scared of – a woman who bows to no one, a fighter who does not lap up the lies force-fed to everyone.
I honestly wasn’t concerned with whether or not the author would create a redeeming arc for Persephone. Partly because, once both she and Hades are grappling with their changing feelings for each other, her sharp edges are softened a tad bit.
Don’t go into this book looking for tons of conflict-laden subplots or a fast-paced adventure. If you are keen to read a YA romance about two of the most speculated Greek mythology figures, I think you might like Girl, Goddess, Queen.
I can totally see the author writing more books set in this world with either Hades or Styx at the helm (and I would absolutely dive right into them!).
On the whole, despite some things that I didn’t like about the book, Girl, Goddess, Queen is an enjoyable and quick read.
Note – I received a copy of this book from Penguin India in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy is relieved when her mum inherits a mansion. But she quickly realises that their new home isn’t the escape she had been hoping for.
Ten years later, Brittany is leading the 3rd season of her documentary series, Haunted. When she and her team attempt to solve the mystery of all the murders that took place in Daisy & Grace’s house, they unravel the tragedies that befell those who lived in the mansion.
Read if you like: YA paranormal fiction, books with POC, haunted house stories, parallel storylines, books about dysfunctional and toxic families, themes of race, healing from trauma & being a medium
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Delicious Monsters, but I had high hopes.
For one, it has great reviews and ratings on Goodreads. Secondly, it is listed as a horror novel reminiscent of The Haunting of Hill House. That is one of my all-time favourite novels! I love what Shirley Jackson has created with Hill House, so I was immediately drawn to this one.
I quickly realised that going into this book with expectations of finding a spine-chilling horror would just get in the way of me being able to enjoy Liselle Sambury’s storytelling.
She writes with clarity about her characters and what motivates them. There’s a gradually building tempo to her writing style that makes you more and more invested in the story as the plot progresses.
I liked Brittany’s character voice and Daisy’s storyline the best. There’s a barely suppressed anger in Brittany’s thoughts and speech. Her childhood trauma lurks in her mind, tainting the lens through which she views the world.
Daisy’s storyline is the one where you’ll find the eerie scenes. She too doesn’t have the best bond with her parents. Her ability to see ghosts is pivotal and moves the plot forward.
I wasn’t scared out of my wits while reading this, but I can see how the mere presence (and significance) of the mansion adds to the dark and spooky ambience of the book.
The author ties these two women’s fates together as they come to terms with the challenges of building a life they want.
The chapters alternate between the two storylines, weaving the plot points into each and keeping your curiosity piqued.
I liked that the Miracle Mansion has this reputation of being a haunted house. What transpires inside it is horrifying indeed. So the irony of the name is not lost on the reader.
With Daisy being forbidden from going inside it and her still entering the house repeatedly with Ivy, the book nods to the quintessential trope in children’s horror stories (of kids daring each other to go inside a supposedly haunted house).
“It’s subconscious. It’s natural for people to forget or ignore Black girls. Effortless. And when they do pay attention, they don’t often have nice things to say.”
While I was sceptical as to whether I’d enjoy reading this novel or not, I became so immersed in Daisy & Brittany’s stories that the ending moved me to tears.
What they both have gone through and how far they have come is something that tugs at your heartstrings.
Some of you may need trigger warnings so check out the author’s own review on Goodreads before you pick up this novel.
I am more than satisfied with the way the ending is wrapped up and how both storylines merge into one.
Delicious Monsters, although a YA fantasy with themes of horror, reminds us that often the scariest beings in the world are humans.
On the whole, I recommend Delicious Monsters to everyone who enjoys fantasy novels. Don’t go into it with any expectations. Let Liselle Sambury’s writing take over and carry you through the story.
Montserrat is tired of being pushed around by her boss. As a sound editor at Antares, she knows she has the potential to work on better projects.
Her friend, Tristán has a chance encounter with a horror movie director, whose last film was shut down mid-production amidst rumours of death and devastation.
Soon, the two find themselves working with him to complete producing the unfinished movie, and their lives become entangled in the evils that had tainted the project decades ago.
Read if you like: historical mystery novels, Mexican cinema, film production, complicated friendships, cult horror
If, like me, you have read and been impressed by Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing in Mexican Gothic, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll love Silver Nitrate.
The novel starts off on the right foot for sure. Montserrat’s character voice is strong, and you know she is a no-nonsense kind of woman. Her desire to do great work and confidence is something that pulls you into the story.
But the light at the end of the tunnel stretches further and further away. Before the plot is even completely established, you are then subjected to pages and pages worth of information about Mexican cinema, audio-video production, etc.
I understand that it’s important to frame Montserrat as a die-hard horror movie fanatic who is knowledgeable about the history of Mexican cinema. However, the amount of detail that is included in the exposition seemed unnecessary.
I nearly DNF-ed the book thrice, because by the time the plot execution began in full swing, I had lost interest in the story.
Those who enjoy Mexican cinema or even discussing the evolution of movies, in general, would definitely appreciate this book far more than I did.
I like Montserrat’s character but wasn’t particularly invested in her equation with Tristan. While they have a long history of friendship since their childhood days, her unreciprocated feelings for him and his disregard for her get in the way, causing cracks in their bond.
After more than half of the book when plot developments are being introduced, you get a glimpse of the author’s true prowess for writing. The atmosphere is charged with suspense. There’s a hint of the supernatural that grows in intensity as the story hurtles towards the climax.
I admire Silvia Moreno Garcia’s way with words. Her writing style is substantial and carries an impact. It’s the plot execution in Silver Nitrate that dampened the reading experience for me.
The most rivetted I have been while reading this novel is towards the end when all the pieces of the puzzle come together, and Montserrat and Tristan have a faceoff with the antagonist.
All in all, I wouldn’t recommend Silver Nitrate. If you are looking for a similar mystery novel that has to do with film production, perhaps check out The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco.
It’s been 10 years since they last saw Poppy, and they didn’t exactly part ways on good terms. But now, Poppy is getting married and has invited the four of them – Annabel, Chloe, Tanya, and Esther – for a bachelorette.
Sure, it’s a bit odd. But when an all-expenses-paid trip with first-class flight tickets to a private island is on the offer, the girls find no reason to pass up the opportunity. Little do they know of the horrors that await them on this vacation.
Read if you like: mystery novels, revenge stories, non-linear storytelling, books set on an island, female friendships (fake or real), epistolary elements
Sian Gilbert’s rendition of the mean girl trope cranks up the cruelty a few notches higher, leaving you astounded at the sight of teenagers’ capacity for brutality.
This is a multi-POV novel with chapters narrated by all the characters in turn. Not only does that make you privy to their superiority complex but also the delusions that guide their thinking.
”The problem with you, Annabel, is you’ve always felt like the past doesn’t matter because it’s over. You don’t think about how actions always have consequences. You’re too focused on yourself…”
The sheer indifference of these women, even as twenty-somethings, who think back to their high school days and how they had bullied Poppy is mind-boggling.
The two main reasons why I liked having read She Started It is because it is a revenge story and it tackles the theme of school bullying. As long as these two elements are central to the novel and executed decently, I don’t think I would mind anything else not being up to the mark.
I see potential in Sian Gilbert’s writing. It’s descriptive enough to make the setting and visuals unfurl in your imagination. At the same time, it doesn’t take away from the pace or plot developments.
Poppy has all these “games” and activities planned for the 4-day bachelorette. Considering we read the story from the perspective of 4-5 characters, some of you may feel that the pace is slower than what you’re used to. But I couldn’t set the book down simply because I was horrified at their audacity and shamelessness.
The secrets, jealousy, backbiting, and power dynamics stain their so-called friendship. I completely agree with some of the other reviews in that, the character voices of the four women aren’t distinct.
They all sound vicious, entitled, apathetic, and irresponsible so much so that I’d have to flip to the first page of the chapter to remind myself who is narrating the story.
Even though you get the gist that between Annabel, Chloe, Tanya & Esther, the friendship is about to fall like a house of cards, their self-preservation leads to them banding together once again.
It’s heartrending to read Poppy’s diary entries from school – the harassment she experienced and the lack of intervention from any adult in her life – you can’t help but wonder how incidents of such magnitude go unnoticed.
I wouldn’t call this a thriller exactly because it doesn’t evoke that tension or apprehension. But the novel makes good on its promise to serve retribution.
All in all, I appreciated reading She Started It a lot more than I’d thought I would. I definitely recommend it to fans of the Korean drama, The Glory.
If you intend to pick it up, please check about trigger warnings (although that may spoil the book for you).
The Life Stories 