Category / Book Review

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The Metamorphosis | Franz Kafka | Book Review

Written by Siddhartha Krishnan | 5 Min Read

Book – The Metamorphosis
Author – Franz Kafka (Translated from German by David Wyllie)
Originally published in 1915
Genre – Absurdist Fiction
Franz Kafka’s seminal work of fiction “The Metamorphosis” has been on my “TBR” list for well over a year. I was hesitant to read it because I was sure that it would be too dark for my liking. However, I took the plunge a fortnight ago, and the book was all that it had promised to be. Despite being just 80 pages long, this novella is a difficult read because within all its surrealism is something very real and scary.
The story is about a travelling salesman, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find that he has turned into an insect. What follows thereafter is an allegorical narrative steeped in dark humour and surrealism. There are four aspects to the story; the transformation (dehumanization) of Gregor into an insect, the reaction of other central characters (father, mother, sister who are dependent on him) to this transformation, the gradual alienation of Gregor by his loved ones, finally Gregor’s lonely death and how things quickly get back to normal for his folks. What is fascinating, is that, despite the physical transformation there is very little transformation in Gregor’s character. He patiently accepts the hardships and surrenders to authority.
Now, the last thing that I want to do is to explain the allegories (and there are many) hidden in the narrative — for e.g what did the picture that Gregor was hiding from his mother signify or why did Gregor’s father hurl “apples” at him, one of which, gets stuck on his back and decays? I think enough is available on the internet on this, explained by experts who have studied Kafka’s work more than I. Moreover, all these allegories are open to multiple interpretations and beyond a certain point everything seems allegorical in the narrative. Instead, I would like to explore why someone like Kafka, would write something as bizarre as this? That is far more interesting to me as a reader and writer.
So, I began to wonder –
Do such authors think a lot before writing such pieces?
Just because these works are considered ground-breaking, does that automatically mean that it is a result of years of deep thinking?
My gut tells me, “No”.
Kafka is believed to have asked his friend Max Brod to burn all his unpublished manuscripts because he saw no value in it. But here we are, 100 years later, discussing one of the seminal works of literature of the 20th century. To quote George Steiner, “What Dante and Shakespeare were for their ages, Kafka is for ours”. Thankfully, Mr Brod saw value in those discarded pieces of paper, a century ago, else we would have lost a treasure trove of literature forever!
The overpowering emotion that I felt while reading the story was anguish, but the narrative comes with no filters—no flowery language, no melodrama, and even the longish sentences have clear purpose, often leading to something conclusive. I did not ever feel that Kafka was writing this story to please anybody. Perhaps he was just writing what he was feeling—stifled by authority he was feeling like an insect. And that is exactly what he wrote.
If you do a bit of research, you will find out that most of what Kafka wrote did not take him much time. Sometimes a single sitting was enough. He was just writing what he wanted to say, as he wanted to say it. This may also explain why Kafka never saw value in his writings. He may have thought that conventional wisdom will not agree with what he wrote. But today all of it is literature and he is as original as original can be!
My takeaway therefore is, that there is no single ordained way to the truth, there are multiple ways to it. For me, this diversity is what makes reading fiction so fascinating. When an author brings his/her unique voice or should we say language to his/her stories it makes for great reading, and that is what I liked the most about “The Metamorphosis”.

About the author –

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com

 

by whatsonsidsmind

Prisoners of Secrets | Lata Gwalani | Book Review

Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

“Confessing is a weakness. Living with secrets and bearing the punishment of silence is strength.” “Prisoners of Secrets” by Lata Gwalani begins with this opening line, and in it lies the premise of this unusual love story. At 170 pages, this book may seem like a quick read, but it is not. And that is because the storytelling is vivid, the characters are well-sketched, and the attention to detail is immaculate. So, you must spend some time with it to fully savour what it has to offer.
Once you get past the attractive cover and intriguing title of the book, and you plunge into the story, the first thing that grabs your attention is the languid flow of the prose. Nothing seems too laboured in this sprawling narrative. To add to that, Gibran, Fitzgerald, Rumi, Atwood, Longfellow and their likes, find a place in the story, as the author sprinkles their quotes into the narrative at key moments. Her love for literature is clearly evident.
However, it was the stellar use of visual imagery that stood out for me, and through it the author weaves several beautiful moments in the story which is bound to linger in your mind. So, whether it is Parthasarathy Lane in Pollachi, the crowded fishing village of Vizhinjam or the jackfruit tree under which two lovers meet, the author expertly transports you to these places with vivid descriptions of colour, texture, smell, sight and touch. All of it becomes magically tangible!
As I moved further into the story, around the half-way mark something unexpected happened—a change in perspective from 3rd person to 1st person. It made the storytelling even more immersive than it was because the shift comes at a crucial juncture in the story. The surprise value is also considerably enhanced by the author’s choice of character for this shift in perspective. This was quite clever.
But techniques can only work if the story itself is compelling. And “Prisoners of Secrets” delivers with a well thought out storyline. It is the story of three very different people—Meera, Manuel and Shankar who are guarding secrets that can destroy their lives and their relationships. Through several impactful moments, the author endeavours to capture the complexities of the human mind and its motivations. She does that by expertly crafting the character arc of its lead characters and you are invested in their journeys, even if you don’t agree with them.
The only criticism I could think of was an overdose of quotes which at places felt unnecessary because the narrative itself was doing a fine job of driving the story forward. And perhaps certain instances where I felt that the author could have left things to the reader’s imagination. But different readers will perceive these aspects differently. Also, in a sprawling narrative, as this one, a few excesses are bound to happen.
Under the contemporary fiction genre books like the “Prisoners of Secrets” are rare. It is also difficult to cut through the clutter and find these books. If it weren’t for reading groups like this one and for like-minded friends, I wouldn’t have discovered this book. I will recommend it to anyone who loves literature, is an eternal romantic and wants to read a story which portrays human frailties and motivations vividly. It deserves to be read.
“Prisoners of Secrets” is available on Amazon (link below) in Paperback and Kindle formats:

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com

by whatsonsidsmind

A River on the Wall | Stormy Hazarika | Book Review

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

Imagine that you are at your favorite hill station. A place, you think you know all too well. But on that day, you are approached by a tourist guide, who tells you about a breath-taking view, you may have missed. You are apprehensive, but decide to give in to his persuasive nature. Elated, he grabs your hand, but walks you through those same roads you’ve been before! The shops, restaurants, and marketplaces you pass by are all familiar. “What is the catch?”, you wonder, and just as you begin to protest, he pulls you into a dark alley. You feel jittery and decide to bring the cheeky little guy to a halt. “What are you up to?” you ask. He stops, grins and vehemently kicks open a door. What you see, thereafter, leaves you breathless!

One-third into “A River on the Wall”, that is exactly how I felt. It was, as if, a forgotten bulb in the room had suddenly got switched on, after which everything became clearer. It was then that I realized, that here is an author, who is both brave and crafty, and that the title she has chosen is perfect for the book.

I was introduced to this book by an author friend who had written a detailed review of it in a reader’s group on Facebook. I was intrigued and had included it into my “TBR list” immediately. But I must admit, that I began reading it with some pre-conceived notions. I had thought of it to be a “lingering melancholy” with realistic, empathetic characters. It’s a genre that I do read but this book wasn’t just that, despite the underlying pathos, which was unmistakable. It is an epic tale of love, loss, betrayal, despair, guilt and guarded secrets. But there is more to this book than what meets the eye.

The author is a Professor of English, so my expectation with language and grammar were high. But what caught my eye was her choice of words—poetic and appropriate. Authenticity wasn’t sacrificed at the altar of demonstration, thankfully! The other commendable aspect of the writing was the use of allegories, metaphors and idioms which lent symmetry to the writing, thereby helping the reader visualize the scenes better. In fact, there were many instances where I felt that this book has the potential to be converted into a screenplay. Here are a few noteworthy quotes from the book:

“Sometimes, life is like an autumn wood, golden leaves and amber paths, dappled with sunshine.”

“Human emotion is such a complex thing. At times it is right there for the world to see. At others, no matter how deep one dives, an endless void meets the eye, an abyss of nothingness”

“And though Ryeed was relatively young, he felt old and tired, like Lear on the heath, alone in the storm.”

However, more than language, it is the intelligence with which the story has been crafted that deserves praise. The author weaves several impactful moments by treading through what may seem like the mundane. Hence, when these moments arrive, they do pack a punch. The generous use of soliloquies and one-to-one conversations is also interesting and they manage to take you into the mind of the characters.

The most impressive aspect of the storytelling though was the use of wit. Subtle humor to be precise. When you make bold decisions with your plot you can easily tilt to extremes with your storytelling and make it overdramatic or outlandish. But this is where the author shines. She uses humor and pathos intelligently, and by doing so keeps the story and its characters real and believable. In other words, she takes a big risk by being deceptively outlandish but comes out keeping all the traits of good literature intact, and that’s the newness that Stormy Hazarika brings to the table.

This is not to say that the book is without any flaws. The story covers several years in the life of its lead character (Ryeed), often jumping timelines, and there were moments where I felt that the author could have invested a little more to let the emotions linger. Also, I felt that the protagonist’s (Ryeed) character could have had a few more layers. However, different readers will perceive these aspects differently. Personally, if a book keeps me emotionally engaged from start to finish, it has served its purpose. And “A River on the Wall” does that without a shadow of doubt!

Hence, I strongly recommend this book to all who like reading good contemporary fiction. It deserves to be read because it is witty, clever, brave and skillfully crafted. I will give Stormy Hazarika’s “A River on the Wall” – 4.5/5. She is a remarkable storyteller, and I am looking forward to her next.

The book is available in both paperback and kindle formats. You can grab a copy of it from the Amazon link below:

https://amzn.to/3l2WXWV

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com

 

by whatsonsidsmind

Two and a Half Rainbows | Book Review – By Author Pankaj Giri

Please note: The following review was originally posted by Pankaj Giri (author of the ‘Amazon Best Reads’ – The Fragile Thread of Hope) on his FB Page and on the ‘Two and a Half Rainbows‘ FB page. It is being shared on this website with his due approval. 

A Thought Provoking, Masterful Collection of Short Stories!

I met Siddhartha on Facebook, where he introduced his book to me. The blurb was well-written and intriguing, so I decided to give it a go.
I am constantly on the lookout for good contemporary fiction by Indian writers. However, most of the time, I am left disappointed. Either the language is laden with grammatical errors or the narration leaves a lot to be desired. Only rarely do I come across a literary gem with polished language and good narration that gives an overly satisfying experience. I’m glad to inform you that ‘Two and a Half Rainbows’ by Siddhartha easily falls into the latter category.
The book is a collection of short stories exploring the themes of familial relationships, life’s bittersweet memories, mystery, love, friendship, and even horror. Some stories also give life lessons in a subtle, non-preachy way. I also loved how some of the longer stories have been divided into parts. It’s a unique technique, and I think it is certainly effective in this book.
After reading the first few pages itself I knew that I had not made a mistake by choosing this book. The language is lucid and descriptive and free from grammatical and punctuation errors. Even the punctuation in dialogues—where young writers invariably falter—is flawless.
The book is sprinkled with unique metaphors and similes here and there, enriching the already brilliant writing. The paragraphs are short and there is a perfect mixture of long and short sentences, which makes for a wonderful reading experience.
The descriptions are vivid and the reader can imagine everything as if they are right there in the scene. There is an artistry in the narration as well, keeping the mystery alive right till the very end. I was awed by the endings of almost all stories. The characters are also well-sketched and I could relate to most of them.
The best part about the writing in this book is its intelligence. The narration is layered, and the conclusions of the stories are not spoon-fed to the reader. It makes them think, which is the hallmark of clever writing.
This is a one-of-a-kind book that deserves to be read by readers and non-readers alike. It is entertaining, clever, and extremely well-written. It is rare to find a flawless book like this, especially among the self-published ones. In fact, this book deserves to be traditionally published and reach bookstores across the country. I asked the author about it, and he said he didn’t even try to approach publishers, which is unfortunate.
Nevertheless, I urge anyone who is reading this review to try this book out. Brilliant writers like Siddhartha Krishnan need to be encouraged.
4.7 out of 5 stars to this masterpiece.
You can get a copy of Two and a Half Rainbows (available in Paperback and Kindle) at the below links:
India
International customers:
Also available @ Flipkart (Paperback), ebooks @ Kobo.com ,Google books, iBooks and Booktopia.
You can get a copy of Pankaj Giri’s The Fragile Thread of Hope (available in Paperback and Kindle) at the below links:

India:

Amazon.in

International customers:

Amazon.com

by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review – The Fragile Thread of Hope | Pankaj Giri | An Ode to Melancholia

Book Cover – The Fragile Thread of Hope

By Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read

There goes a saying, “Our pleasures are shallow, our sorrows are deep”. The undeniable attribute of melancholia, is that, it is slow and lingering. Unlike happiness it is never in a hurry to leave. Pankaj Giri’s novel, therefore, is a slow burn and deliberately so, which makes it feel like an ode to melancholia. It’s the story of Fiona and Soham and their traumatic past that is unwilling to give in to their resilient present, which hangs by “The Fragile Thread of Hope”. It’s a tale of love, loss, loneliness, regret and the power of hope. Loss is imminent but the baggage that it ensues often leads to regret and ruthless melancholy. The story moves at its own pace but cleverly leads to gut-wrenching moments of loss, which leaves the reader in a daze.

The first thing that strikes you about the book is the investment into its characters and that each chapter is dedicated to a specific character testifies the effort that has gone in. The characters are well-sketched, especially the leads, Fiona and Soham, and the author jumps timelines to unravel their arc. Another unique aspect of the storytelling is the use of delusions and dreams in vivid prose with the atmospherics playing an important role in them. Like this other-worldly experience that Soham goes through in a hospital in Bangalore after a ghastly accident, “A cool breeze caresses his cheeks, Soham finds himself on a chair in front of a wooden study table. Bright light streams in through the transparent panes of the window in front of him, blurring his vision. Observing the balustrade of the balcony beyond the window, he recognizes the place—it is his room in Gangtok”.

The writing has a rich poetic vein about it, which shows in the author’s choice of words and formation of sentences. There is a languid flow to it all. The other commendable aspect of the writing is its symmetry displayed through some clever use of analogies. As a writer I can vouch that this is not an easy task but they are critical to help the reader visualize a scene in their mind. Only skilled writers can pull this off with aplomb. The following is a good example—“She walked past a streetlight, a swarm of moths hovering around it like a gang of flirts”.

In May, 1886, Anton Chekhov once famously wrote to his brother Alexander, who was harbouring literary ambitions, “In descriptions of nature one must seize on small details, grouping them so that when the reader closes his eyes, he gets a picture. This is where the author excels the most as he expertly transports you to places. The following description of a bike ride in Gangtok is a good example, “The farther away the mountains were, the more their colour seemed to drop from green to blue and then lighter shades of blue. Dark clouds looming above the hilly horizon were on the verge of swallowing the setting sun”. 

Melancholy, undoubtedly has its own charm. It is strangely seducing and entertaining in its own way and this book is proof of that. After reading it, I was reminded of lines from a favourite Hindi song,

“Jashn ye raas na aaye,

Maza tho bas gam mein aaya hai.

Maine dil se kahan, dhoond lana khushi,

Na samajh laya gam, tho gam hi sahi!”

(Celebrations are deceiving,

Pain is more honest.

I asked my heart to go find happiness,

But the fool brought back sorrow)

I will recommend the book to all dreamers, brooders, wanderers and eternal romantics. For its well-sketched characters, poetic prose and attention to detail, I think the book is a must read. I will give Pankaj Giri’s masterfully written “The Fragile Thread of Hope” a 4.5/5.

Note – “The Fragile Thread of Hope” has been selected among “Amazon Best Reads” and the author is a finalist of the Amazon Pen to Publish contest (2017). The book has also received accolades from award-winning bestselling authors like Chitra Divakaruni (The Palace of illusions) and Renita D’Silva (The Forgotten Daughter).

The book has been published by Fingerprint publishing and is available at the below places:

India:

Amazon.in

International customers:

Amazon.com

 

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories“. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

 

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