Saanvri: The story of a concubine

Author: Vinod Pande; Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi
(Pp 264, ISBN 978-93-85285-45-5, Rs 250)

The cover itself is a testimony to the fact that the book would be provocative, racy and bold. The story revolves around Saanvri, who learns to use the wanton carnality in men as a means of gratification as well as a weapon for rising high. Soon, she learns that she is merely used and abused by this patriarchal society. Though Saanvri becomes emotionally involved with the men in her lives, she soon realises that they are merely looking for the physical gratification she provided. The story is not new, such things do happen all around and there are so many instances of women being used by men in power. Even today, women are objectified and used by them for mere pleasure. Yet, the story is captivating, compelling reader to know what happens next. But, the only thing that disturbs is the use of cuss words in Hindi, which could have been avoided.

Godaan, Nirmala and other stories

Author: Munshi Premchand, Screenplay: Gulzar

Publisher: The Lotus Collection, Roli Books, New Delhi; (ISBN 978-93-5194-105-7, Rs 795) 

When we talk of Indian literature, we cannot fail to remember the writings of Munshi Premchand. Packaged beautifully, this two-book set is a treasure for all literature enthusiasts. The stories are realistic, focusing on the problems of the poor and urban middle class. Gulzar also needs no introduction. His screenplay has added charm to the whole script. 

Written beautifully, these evergreen stories have come to life again. Set in a village in Uttar Pradesh, Godaan is the story of misfortunes of a poor farmer, who has his heart set on buying a cow but his life gets entangled in the web of debts and circumstances that never lets him come out of the throes of caste segregation and exploitation in an unequal society. Written more than eighty years ago, this classic adaptation by Gulzar is still relevant and brings to fore the fact that for the farmer or a labour in rural India, things are still the same.

The second book in the twin pack is a screenplay of Nirmala & Other Stories. Nirmala is about a young girl, who marries a widower. But, problem arises when the man sees his bride very friendly with his son, who is of the same age as her. All the stories are heart-warming and leave a lasting impression on the readers.

Divided Minds War of the Worlds Within

0 COMMENTS

Author: Sanjay Koppikar
Publisher: Sapna Ink
(Pp 282, ISBN 9789386116376, Rs 245)

The book Divided Minds is a tribute to scientists who are trying to make our lives better through nano technologies. As the name goes, characters in the book have divided minds – they are in a dilemma whether to go in one direction or the other.

Three parallel stories run together; but are entwined together. There is a brilliant scientist whose breakthrough in nano technology can change the world; a girl who has to choose between two men – one who stood by her in thick and thin and another who evokes deep feelings; and an army general who has to choose between his job and saving the nation.

The plot is interesting and reminds us how we battled the war within ourselves, making life’s toughest decisions.

The Path of Yoga

Author: Osho; Publisher: Diamond Books
(Pp 256, ISBN 9789352612055 Rs 250)

Yoga is an integral part of our health-conscious cultural landscape practised by millions for health and fitness reasons. Yoga is not just a body exercise programme; it has a philosophical and spiritual dimension to it.

Diamond Books has brought a 10-part series of talks titled Yoga: The Path of Soul in which Osho talks about Yoga. This is the first book in the series and introduces us to Patanjali, the founder of ancient Yoga in India. It takes us step by step into a deeper understanding of the essence and origin of Yoga.

If you wish to meditate but find your mind drift away too soon, this is a book for you as Osho breaks down Yoga sutras in easy to digest chunks. He believes that there are no rigid rules to accomplish it, just ideas which can be digested and incorporated in our consciousness. The book teaches us exactly that.

Sharbari Datta: The Design Diva

Author: Baisali Chatterjee Dutt
Publisher: Niyogi Books
(Pp 188, ISBN 9789383098880, Rs 1,995)

Fashion and colourful outfits is not just for women… Sharbari Datta has proved that. She has been instrumental in bringing men's ethnic wear in India to the limelight. She has given kantha traditional handicraft of rural Bengal a facelift making it cool, trendy and fashionable. Not just this, she reintroduced old dhoti-punjabi outfit to younger generation… making it look as cool as denim.

This is the first book that captures Sharbari Datta's life and work. Her multifaceted personality and creativity are explored through the rich collection of photographs featured in the book. The book is divided into seven chapters: Introducing Sharbari Datta; The Design Diva; The Business Side of Things; The Men, the Memories, the Milestones; And They Say; Everything Else You Wanted to Know; and Future Perfect.

Beautifully printed and aesthetically designed, the book is appealing to the eyes. Vivid pictures are breathtaking… making Indian ethnic wear look so cool and comfortable for men. Get to know more about this design diva, in a tete-atete with the lady herself.

The book will be an inspiration for many and a collector’s item for all!

Corpokshetra

Corpokshetra: Mahabharata in the MBA Yug

Author: Deepak Kaul
Publisher: Westland Ltd & Bloody Good Book
(Pp 124, ISBN 9789385724930, Rs 200)

The story of Mahabharata has never failed to amaze us. It is still so relevant in today’s time, though the situations are different. That’s the essence and the inspiration for the book Corpokshetra. The cover is interesting– Krishna dons a cap with his iconic peacock feather while Kauravas and Pandavas are fighting on the desk. Yes the book is a modern corporate Mahabharata.

There’s a twist to the characters, Hastinapur is a business empire, Bheeshma the man behind it, Duryodhan runs it while Dhritrashtra owns it. Pandavas have come out of exile (working for NGOs) and now want their share. Krishna is the consultant who is good at negotiations and corporate deals. What follows is a corporate boardroom – Kurukshetra – which sees 18 days of war of the words and some cricket and golf in the last two days.

The book has a humorous angle to it – wanting the reader to know what happens in the end, though everyone knows the climax of Mahabharata.

Keep Eating Keep Losing

Author: Claudia Ciesla
Publisher: Om Books International, New Delhi
(Pp 218, ISBN 9789385273933 Rs 195)

One can’t help but picking up the book – Keep Eating Keep Losing as the title of the book is so tempting. Who doesn’t want to eat and yet maintain the perfect figure and weight? Written by model and actress Claudia Ciesla, the book teaches us how to make healthy living an integral part of our life without taking the fun out of it.

Claudia takes readers on her on own journey wherein her busy schedules and unhealthy eating habits landed her in hospital. It was then that she realised the value of healthy eating. With dietary changes and regular exercise regimen, she succeeded in getting the right weight.

The book presents a holistic strategy drawn to reorganise our life by making good health an important goal. It shows us how the right blend of healthy eating, exercise and rest can help us stay in shape. With easy-to-follow tips, the book also provides healthy recipes to pamper your taste buds. Written in an n easy-to-follow manner, the book will be helpful to all those who are trying to lose weight or struggling to maintain it.