A delicious satire set in the tweet-eat-tweet world of publishing that touches upon plagiarism, cancel culture, the mechanics of manufacturing a literA delicious satire set in the tweet-eat-tweet world of publishing that touches upon plagiarism, cancel culture, the mechanics of manufacturing a literary superstar, and the vexed question of who gets to tell whose stories. I finished this in a sitting which hasn't happened in a while. Highly recommended. Would also recommend checking out Members Only by Sameer Pandya while you're at it, which touches upon similar themes in a university campus setting. ...more
A remarkable achievement. I didn't think anyone could pull off a novel in sonnets, but Vikram Seth has done so with distinction, grace, and a felicityA remarkable achievement. I didn't think anyone could pull off a novel in sonnets, but Vikram Seth has done so with distinction, grace, and a felicity with language that is as smooth and supple as it is enviable. By turns funny, contemplative, romantic and tragic, here's a classic example of a work where its self-imposed constraints only serve to enhance its beauty. Highly recommended....more
A magnificent work of historical fiction. Amazing battle scenes, political intrigue, military logistics. Thrilling stuff. Must read for all history buA magnificent work of historical fiction. Amazing battle scenes, political intrigue, military logistics. Thrilling stuff. Must read for all history buffs....more
A marvellous biography that delineates PV Narasimha Rao's rise to power, first as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and later as Prime Minister, as weA marvellous biography that delineates PV Narasimha Rao's rise to power, first as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and later as Prime Minister, as well as his pivotal role in not just the 1991 economic reforms, but also in shaping India's foreign policy, welfare schemes, nuclear programme, and in bringing peace to Assam and Punjab. However, one aspect of his rule I would have liked to read more about was the exact circumstances under which the Panchayati Raj system gained constitutional status after the 73rd and 74th amendments. This minor quibble aside, Half-Lion is easily one of the best biographies I've read. Highly recommended!...more
A fascinating (and fun) journey into the history and science behind the materials that make up much of our world today - steel, plastic, glass, concreA fascinating (and fun) journey into the history and science behind the materials that make up much of our world today - steel, plastic, glass, concrete, chocolate, ceramics - 'stuff' that we usually take for granted. Having read this book, I don't think I will look at the material world in the same way again. Highly recommended!...more
This was my companion read on my recent trip to Goa - superbly researched historical fiction that tells the tragic tale of the forced ChristianizationThis was my companion read on my recent trip to Goa - superbly researched historical fiction that tells the tragic tale of the forced Christianization of Goa that commenced after it was conquered by the Portuguese from the Adil Shahis of Bijapur in 1510. Detailed review to follow....more
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