Hello! I have just finished polishing the Books by Shaily page: Link
Apart from two free short stories compilations, it has Ratings sections for both books and a common Comments section at the bottom for reviews. Request you to leave any ratings and reviews about the books here.
Thank you!
Ever since my “book-rehab” started, I have stuck to one book in a month. This is the one I chose this month–Jane Eyre. Being a classic, it needs no introduction, I believe. However, I can’t stop myself from from sharing.
When I had first read an abridged version of the book (part of school studies) as a teenager, I had found it unremarkable. The plot wasn’t grand and could be summed up in 3-4 lines. The abridged version had truly killed the very soul of the book and my teacher never tried to explain the context of the British society in 19th century. She also did not share the finer points of the book that made it a classic.
I am able to understand them now, a bit at least.
And I loved it this time.
This book is the most comprehensive character study I have come across so far. The best part is that it clarifies character through actions devoid of any emotions on the part of the observer. I specially loved the character study of Miss Ingram.
Living in a society which abhors physical imperfections, both the protagonists are unremarkable to look at. The book discusses their different ways to deal with their imperfections–Jane tries to be invisible, while Mr. Rochester tries to cover himself with power and money.
The book also has a religious theme. The book questions several religious rules and discusses the dilemma about things that are ethical but feel unjust. It also talks about religious people and how everyone interprets it differently based on their interests. While Mr. Broklehurst uses it as a tool to reduce expenses at school but not at home, St. John uses it to move people to serve God, whether or not they want to do it. The book also tries to distinguish a good man from a good husband.
The only thing I did not like was how the book presents India and Indians. The author made the heat sound like going to hell. ☺️ But then, I guess, I would consider moving to Britain as equivalent of moving into a refrigerator, so we are even. 🤣🤣🤣
Overall the book is beautiful because it goes against the social norm of that time which involved writing about beautiful heroine meeting a handsome hero. Also, the protagonists here love to get on eachother’s nerves and their love is more intellectual than sensual. This book is meant to be read at leisure, not to win a read-athon but to actually enjoy what you read and savour it daily.
Have you read Jane Eyre yet? What do you think of it?
If not, you can find it on Project Gutenberg website for free: Link
This book is one of the classics that don’t really need an introduction, but I read recently and I couldn’t help but appreciate it out loud.
A Room With A View by E. M. Forster is a book about a girl who has lived a very shielded life so far. So, when she travels to Italy with a chaperone, in absence of her mother, she begins to notice the world with a different perspective, and questions her hard-held beliefs from all her growing-up years so far. The book gives you an insight into a society where everyone single person is shades of gray.
Beautifully written from an innocent girl’s perspective, the book is worth reading next to a fire with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. I am doing that a second time now. 😊
You can find this book in Project Gutenberg Library. Here is the http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2641
Once again, I hit gold with Project Gutenberg online library. I found “The Enchanted April” by Elizabeth Von Arnim.
Disclaimer: It is not a book you would read in a readathon and enjoy. It is a lazy book to take on a long journey or may be daily commute for a month, or may be, to read by the bedside when you have time to introspect.
Set in 1922, a group of women–strangers to each other, totally different in ages and circumstances–hire a castle on a whim to get away from everything they considered as their lives. Starting with friction that often comes when a bunch of head-strong people are fitted together too close for comfort, it becomes a beautiful journey of finding oneself, and upon finding that, realising that forgiving oneself is the first true step to happiness.
This book is a window into the soul of all who feel unloved.
Enough said, you can find this book here: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16389
Let me know what you think.
As I have said earlier as well, I am no book reviewer but I have read some books that I would love to talk about. The Man-eater of Malgudi by R.K. Narayan needs no mention and is probably one of the most amazing books I have ever read.
When I first saw its title, I thought it was in the same league as Man-eaters of Kumaun by Jim Corbett–a story set in nature and a thriller that was so real-life, it gave you goosebumps. So, when I went through the first three pages, I was confused.
The story was set in a small town. The primary location was a printing press and the main protagonist, Nataraj, was the owner of the press living peacefully in a South-Indian village in the early days of printing. Life was slow and people had time for sitting down to have an actual chat about politics. It was not what I had expected. There was no talk of man-eating lions or tigers. So, I put the book away for the time-being and jumped to other books.
But it was R.K. Narayan’s book and I had seen a TV series based on one of his books as a child, so I decided to look at it again with a fresh perspective. And then, I realised it for the gem it was. It is a book about simple people and their interactions with an violent outsider. The story is humourous in a subtle way and very realistic. I smiled through the most of it because of the way Nataraj went out of his way to avoid a confrontation–it reminded me of myself! :)
I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to look closely into Indian culture and has a liking for realistic stories that take time to build characters.
I am not a book-review person. I read for pleasure–critiquing requires a different mindset, which is for others. But once in a while you come across a book that leaves an impression and you just can’t leave without saying something to someone. And since you are here, you will have to bear with me. 🤣
So, I recently read a book, The Road to Farringale by Charlotte English. Actually, I have read it thrice during the past one year–it is that amazing! It takes a very fresh approach towards “Magick”. It is not a Harry Potter Oh-my-god-there-is-a-troll-in-the dungeons book.
It is a let’s-check-out-the-troll-colony book.
It has a humourous and unapologetic style. The main character is an acclaimed Magick scholar who is very ‘resourceful’. She is also slightly eccentric. And she “can’t find her way out of a bucket.” So, together with a new recruit to help her ‘find her way’, she sets out to save a couple of endangered magical creatures and comes across a much bigger problem.
After reading hundreds of books on magic, witches, werewolves and vampires, I have finally found a book that leaves an impression.
I found the book on Google Play. I believe it is also available on other platforms.
I also recommend the next book in the same Modern Magick series as well: Toil and Trouble. (Did you ever have book fall in love with you?)
Happy Reading!
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 