Book Review: A Temple of No Gods by Manav Kaul, Translated by Sayari Debnath

Book: A Temple of No Gods

(Original Hindi: Shirt Ka Teesra Button)

Author: Manav Kaul

Translator: Sayari Debnath

Page: 277

Publisher: Penguin Books

Price: ₹ 319 (on Amazon)

I was travelling on a train when I started reading the book and it instantly brought a smile to my face because, interestingly, the book opens with an intriguing scene where a boy named Ateet (which means 'the past') is traveling on a train where he meets a girl (whom he refers to as tragedy) who is reading Chitralekha. 

The book tells the story of Rajil, a 12 year boy (studying in the 6th grade), and his two best friends Choti and Radhe, and several other characters in his life. Rajil lives with his single mother and Nani. His life takes a turn when his grandmother dies and his estranged grandfather suddenly appears and starts to live with them. Rajil's mother, Asha, avoids him but Rajil slowly forms a bond with him. 

Frankly, there’s no conventional plot, it reads more like a slow-paced, memoir-style prose, which seems to be the author's style. Multiple stories and secrets enclosed in a beautifully-written account of a bundle of emotions, dilemma and curiosity. I could feel a quiet poignancy and sorrowfulness running through this meandering yet evocative storytelling.

Manav Kaul's writing is very metaphoric. And the translator, Sayari, has captured the essence so well that it doesn't feel like a translated work, so full marks to the translator. 

'I could see the shadow of sadness getting closer ―I kept running yet I could not reach the front door. Just then, the shadow extended its long arms and shook me thoroughly. The inexplicable happiness fell out of my shirt pocket and shattered into pieces.’

I loved Rajil's bonding with his friends Choti (Arman) and Radhe. That's the most engaging and significant part of the book. The terrace of Choti's house, shrouded by a thick foliage, where three friends sit and chat, and secretly observe the passersby, including a girl called Jharna who always looks up and smiles at them. 

Rajil's moments with Radhe's father are so intriguing when he makes two cups of tea to engage Radhe's father so that he could sit with him for a while and answer all his questions. Radhe's father leaves the moment he takes the final sip of the tea. 

His restrained fondness for his estranged grandfather is also very interesting. Their conversations about Nani and various places on the world map, and their silences, uncomfortable for Rajil, as they sit under the majestic banyan tree on the broken steps of the ghat, whose roots reach the river. 

The author's reference to Chitralekha by Bhagwati Charan Verma and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky —especially the imagined letters exchanged between Chitralekha and Raskolnikov to express the emotions is quite unique. However, it feels overdone at times, and could be confusing if you haven't read these books. 

One thing that felt like a rude and uncomfortable break in this smooth and soulful journey was Rajil’s interaction with Ghazal. The content felt far too mature for sixth graders, which seemed unnecessary and out of place in the otherwise tender narrative. It disrupted the emotional tone for me. 

Overall, it was a very good read. Not really a light, fast-paced, entertaining book that you devour in one sitting but one you prefer to savour slowly. 

This is part of the Blogchatter Review Program.

The Classics Swap

 

 Image source: Pinterest (AI modified)

Ananya opened the wooden gate, framed with bougainvillaea, and entered the beautiful garden where poppy, jasmine, dahlia, aparajita and guldaudi fluttered in full bloom. She turned right to a separate cottage-like room where her Dadi Ma lived. 

Dadi Ma sat in her room, engrossed in a book - ‘Saket’ by Maithilisharan Gupta that Ananya had bought for her from a very popular bookshop - Granthalaya - in the main market of the town. She’d brought another bag of books today —Rashmirathi by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Chitralekha by Bhagwati Charan Verma… the kind Dadi Ma devoured like sweets. Two months ago it was 'Vayam Rakshamah' and 'Jaidrath Vadh'. 

As she entered the room, Dadi Ma looked towards her and her beautiful, wrinkled face broke into a bright, affectionate smile. 

‘Anu, you know I recognize your footfalls.’ Dadi Ma often said and Ananya absolutely believed her.

‘Ah, I knew it. Come beta, I have a box full of pedas for you,’ Dadi Ma said, as she bookmarked the book and put it on the bed. 

‘And I have two new books for you! Tantanaan...’ Ananya offered the packet dramatically.

Dadi Ma’s face lit up at the mere mention of the books. ‘The bookkeeper must be thinking that there’s an old spiritual soul trapped in this young, tomboyish girl,' Dadi said and began to open the packet. Ananya laughed as she stuffed a peda into her mouth. ‘Ha! Only if he knew that I have no patience to read such fat novels. How come you are so addicted to reading?’

‘Don’t call it an addiction. And even if it is, it's a beautiful one.’

‘Well, I have no interest.’

‘You have no interest because you haven’t found the right book yet.' Dadi Ma smiled but her smile disappeared as she looked at the new books that emerged from the packet. 'Shukra Grah Par Dhava?' She said.

‘Shukra Grah Par Dhava? What do you mean?' Ananya asked, her eyebrows furrowed. Dadi Ma didn’t say anything, just handed her three slim books. Ananya stared at the cover. 'Samay Ke Swami'? What on earth…?’

‘And Antariksh Ke Hatyare. All written by some Professor Diwakar! I haven't even heard of this author. They seem like science fiction,' Dadi Ma said.

Ananya took out her mobile phone from her jeans pockets and called the bookseller, as she pushed back her spectacles. 

‘What book have you given me?’ She chided as soon as the bookseller picked up the call. 

‘Someone else just called me saying the exact same words. Sorry about the inconvenience but could you please come over with those books? The other person is also coming to the shop and then you guys can exchange?’

After half an hour or so, Ananya entered the shop and found a young man anxiously waiting along with the bookseller. He was tall and handsome with a serious look but kind eyes. His hair was ruffled, and a one-day stubble shadowed his jaw.

‘Thank God!’ he said as he almost snatched the paperbag from her hands.

‘Thank God!’ Ananya mimicked. ‘I got my precious classics back.’

‘Excuse me! These are classics too,’ the man said.

‘Yes, classics that nobody has heard of.’

‘That’s sadly true, but these are really good and expensive and rare. I have paid four thousand for these books.’ He looked at those books with such longing.

‘Are you serious? Four thousand for these three little books?’ Ananya asked, flabbergasted.

‘Yes, you would know if you read them. I wish I could lend them to you but you know –’

‘No, thank you. I am not interested.’ Ananya cut him short.

‘But, I am really thankful that you brought them back. I’d like to buy a book for you as a thank you.’

‘No need because I don't read novels.’

The man looked incredulous. 'Well, that’s because you haven’t found the right book yet.’

‘Hey, that’s exactly what my Dadi Ma said!’

‘How sweet. And these classics are for your Dadi Ma, I guess.’

‘Yes. Anyway, bye and thank you.’ Ananya turned to go when he called, ‘I insist.’

Ananya turned back. ‘Insist?’

He smiled and held out a paperback with a uniquely beautiful cover. ‘I mean I have this book.’ 

‘Love Virtually by Daniel Glattauer.’ Ananya mumbled.

‘Yes. You can borrow. If you don't like it, return, but if you like it, then you will come back for its sequel, ‘Every Seventh Wave’.' He flashed another book. 'And then you will finally find the right book for you,' he said, his eyes glinting with excitement. His love for reading mirrored her Dadi Ma's. 

There was something about the title of the sequel. Every Seventh Wave. 

He was still looking at her, the book hovering like a pause in their conversation, a sweet smile playing on his lips. 'And then, I'll buy you a book. Deal?' Ananya said. 

He chuckled. ‘An offer I can't refuse. So yeah, deal!’

Written for: Bookish League hosted by Ritu.

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Book Review: The Memory Collectors By Dete Meserve

Book: The Memory Collectors 

Author: Dete Meserve 

Genre: Sci-fi/time travel/mystery 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Source: ARC from Netgalley.

The joy of reading an unputdownable book! There's something so intriguing and fascinating and kind of uplifting about time travel stories. 

‘When you know how easily things can be taken away from you, you appreciate them more.’

‘The Memory Collectors’ follows four strangers who are chosen for a rare opportunity — a time travel trip to the past for one hour.

Elizabeth yearns for some precious hour with her son, who died in an accident. She never knew why he, a newly appointed astronomy teacher, was at that place, at that time, with a drug dealer. Andy, a bestselling author is desperate to find his first love, Kate, a beautiful pianist who suddenly vanished after a whirlwind romance — the day after he professed his love for her. Logan craves the experience of walking, mountain climbing, or surfing once again, after a mishap landed him in a wheelchair. Brooke, after serving 900 days in jail, seeks an hour of relief from a haunting guilt of an unforgivable mistake by going back to a time when she wasn't tagged a criminal.

Strangely enough, their one hour time extends, as time travel scientists are seemingly unable to extract them from the past. As they spend more time in the same city, in the same timeline, their paths cross. And as they search for answers, they discover that their lives are interconnected.

‘We all think we know what other people should do. But I see now that each of us is going on roads only we can see.’

This unique story of love, grief, hope, and second chances is beautifully written and intelligently executed.

‘The details take my breath away. We’re at a wooden table in a courtyard. Mounds of red and purple bougainvillea spill over its stone walls. Rose-fingered sunlight drifts through the leaves of a guava tree which fashions a canopy over our table. I draw in a slow, soothing breath of salty air. The ocean is nearby. It feels so damn real.’

The book is full of surprises, secrets, twists, and turns that keep you hooked until the end (well, almost — we’ll talk about that later). The chapters are short and end with cliffhangers, making it difficult to put down.

The characters are well-defined; their emotions, regrets, doubts, and dilemmas are skillfully expressed. My favourite was Elizabeth. Her moments with Sam are so beautiful — full of love, hope, and emotion. Even a brief scene in the past with her husband Mark is lovely. Andy’s past with Kate is intriguing and mysterious. Brooke’s part felt okay but was essential, as she plays a significant role. 

Now about keeping me hooked till the end —it did manage to do that, however in the final chapters, when they all come back to the present, the story starts to lose steam a bit and meanders. 

Logan — I felt his character and backstory were not as compelling. In fact, I personally think the story could have been tighter without him. 

I understand this is an advance review copy, but there were editing errors, which I hope will be fixed by the time of publication.

Overall, a very intriguing, mysterious, and engrossing story. A must-read if you particularly enjoy time travel tales.

The Slow Imprint Books by Neelesh Misra: A Fresh Path to the Art of Storytelling

Listening to Yaadon Ka Idiot Box stories had been a part of my life, but at that time, I never imagined I would one day be writing for the show—mainly because I didn’t write Hindi stories back then.

It’s been exactly two years since I became part of Mandali—the wonderful YKIB writers’ team that has allowed me to grow as a writer. We discuss stories and find every possible way to enhance them. It’s always a joy to attend those meetings.

I’m happy to share that Neelesh Sir finally stepped into the world of publishing, amplifying fresh and powerful voices (which I had always expected)—The Slow Imprint, in association with Eka by Westland Books. 

There was a wonderful book launch event yesterday (18th November). While I couldn’t attend the launch, I’m delighted about this new initiative. Happy to share the details.

The Books are on Pre-Orders.

And look at the lovely covers!

Gaon Se Bees Postcards by Shri Shiv Balak Misra,

the father of Neelesh Misra.

He is a geologist, and it’s a fascinating collection of his essays, experiences, and anecdotes.

Main Aksar Sochta Hoon by Neelesh Misra.

I’m sure you know that, apart from being a storyteller, Neelesh Sir is also a Bollywood lyricist with many popular songs to his credit. This book is a collection of poems written by him.

Junglee Phoolon Si Ladki by Anulata Raj Nair

The creative head and producer of YKIB, Anulata Ji writes lyrical and evocative stories across various genres. It’s a collection of her lovely, lovely stories.

Magic Box: A Collection of Children’s Stories

My son is particularly looking forward to this book. It features stories by Anulata Raj Nair, Deepak Rangnathan, Anita Sethi, and Deeksha Chaudhary.

Kaaljayi: Stories from the Vedas and Puranas

It’s a collection of imaginative spiritual tales by Chhavi Nigam, Anulata Raj Nair, Hrushali Jain, Shikha Dwedi, and Anulata Raj Nair.

So here are a variety of stories, and I’m really looking forward to reading them. I hope you find them interesting!

Also, if you enjoy a tale with an unexpected twist, you can pick my Free short story, The Accident, published by Juggernaut Books. 

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If We Were Having Tea: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

 

I’m not sure where it came from but I suddenly imagine myself in a Bengali household. It’s an old fashioned Bengali home with a large verandah and a small courtyard where a huge neem tree stands tall. This room I stand in has a high ceiling, lined with heavy beams. There are two large windows with green shutters. A big, wooden almirah is tucked at the far corner; its glass doors flaunt nicely stacked books. Old books. I walk towards it and the first book I see is probably Datta, as my very limited knowledge of Bengali tells me. I have read the Hindi translation of this book.

I walk back and sit on a chair by the window from where I can have two views —inside there is a long corridor which leads to a couple of closed doors. Outside, there’s a narrow, quiet alley. The purplish grey sky waits for the dawn to break.

At this eerily early hour, the still sleepy house is breathing a pin drop silence. 

A gust of wind makes the white curtain hanging from the door frame flutter and I glance towards it. Suddenly you appear from nowhere, clad in a crisp white dhoti-kurta, a sombre expression on your face, and my childhood comes rushing towards me. My heart skips several beats as I cannot believe I am actually seeing you. Is it a dream, I wonder. It feels like I have time travelled. And now I feel what if you sit across from me and we have a little chat with a cup of tea? I can almost smell adrak-elaichi waali chai brewing somewhere. 

If we were having tea, I would simply tell you how much I have adored you all these years. 

I don't remember how I got introduced and drawn towards your books. Maybe it was after I found Mannu Bhandari’s ‘Swami’ in the small library of our home. You may not know about it so I’d tell you that it was a modified version of your book Swami. It remains my favourite till date. 

Or maybe it was after I read your poignant short story ‘Ram Ki Sumati’. 

I could see a flicker of a smile on your face and I’d quickly add, with a hint of pride, that we share our native land. I would tell you that I had even crossed  your school in the town where you used to study as a young boy. It was Durga Charan High School, right? This thought fascinates me so much that it's indescribable.

If we were having tea, I would tell you that I read your books in Hindi without even realizing that I was reading translations. I feel so lucky to have access to your books because of beautiful translations. I would gladly inform you that I have become a translator, something I had never thought I would do. But now that I am a translator, it gives me a different kind of feeling thinking of your books. 

If we were having tea, I would tell you that your books have been adapted into many beautiful movies like Khushboo, Swami, Parineeta and many more. I would see a flicker of surprise in your eyes. You shouldn't be surprised though because I have heard that you were on the sets when Devdas was being made. 

I was at my Maa’s friend's place when I found Devdas first. It peeked through the glass doors of an old, dusty bookshelf and I shamelessly borrowed it from her. 

I’d tell you that we have at least fifteen other Devdas movies, and I’m sure it would make you laugh. 

If we were having tea, I’d tell you that I had requested someone to buy your books from Calcutta and she brought me a big fat book — a collection of your novellas — Grihdaah, Chandranath, Parineeta, Srikant, Brahman Ki Beti, Path Ke Davedar, Charitraheen, Biraj Bahu. 

Sometimes I wish I could read Bengali.

 

If we were having tea, we would talk about writing and good storytelling. How could we not? How could I miss this chance? I would tell you how I felt that your stories were way ahead of time. Would you teach me a few (a lot of, actually) things about storytelling and creating memorable characters? Particularly strong female protagonists.

I am sure I would see a content smile playing on your lips. 

If we were having tea, I’d tell you that I dug out your book Panditmashai (Pandit Ji in Hindi) after 17-18 years and am currently reading it.

As we continue to talk, the dawn breaks into a golden, gleeful morning. Streaks of sunshine make a crisscross pattern on the table. A voice comes from somewhere. The sunshine turns bright, so bright that it blurs your presence, as though it's emanating from you. It feels like you are disappearing and my heart sinks. I don’t want this rendezvous to end. I want to talk more. 

‘I have to go. It was lovely talking to you,’ you say with a soft smile and my heart melts. You get up and walk towards the same door you came from. The brightness subsides and I see you fade into the length of the corridor. 

(It is Saratchandra's birthday today)

Written for Bookish League hosted by Ritu Bindra

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Book Review: White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton

Book: White Mulberry 

Author: Rosa Kwon Easton

Publisher: Lake Union 

Source: Netgalley (for an honest review)

Genre: Literary/Historical Fiction

Pages: 331 (to be released on Dec 1, 2024)

I love reading multicultural stories, particularly stories set in Japan fascinate me. This story, however, is more about Korean people and their culture, dominated by Japan army and administration during WWII. The book is inspired by the true life story of the author’s grandmother’s (Halmeoni) life. 

This is Miyoung/Miyoko’s story, who lived with her mother and stepsister in Japan-occupied Korea (during World War II). When she is 12, her sister Bohbeh is forced to leave for Japan to marry an unknown man, in hope of a better life for her. When Miyoung turns 13, she too leaves Korea to live with her sister in Japan (mainly to study and escape an unwanted marriage). 

The story, which spans over 13 years, tells about familial bond, determination (to achieve something substantial in life), love, loss, and survival.  

I enjoyed reading the book from the very beginning when Miyoung is perched on the sole mulberry tree outside her house and watches a stranger stopping outside the gate, eyeing her sister, Bohbeh. 

The writing is mostly good. However, at certain points it slips into the ‘too much telling’ mode and gets repetitive. I could not ignore the repeated usage of ‘Warmed’ (her/her tired body or heart or her body/heart warmed). But overall, the book is nicely written and, most importantly, in a very engaging manner. The descriptions of setting, food, and culture are vivid and create lovely imagery. 

The characters: I really liked Miyoung/Miyoko (her Japanese name). She is smart, intelligent, determined, so focused on her studies and career, and practical. Too practical that sometimes it smacks of selfishness. I don't know if the author has done this purposefully (because there are several other ways to show the practicality as per the situation), but Miyoung’s emotions suddenly brim when she finds some kinds of benefits, even if it's love. 

I loved Teacher Kim, Taeyoung (her stepbrother), and Bohbeh. The last two chapters were full of apprehensions that kept me on the edge of the seat. 

Overall, an interesting, well-written, and culturally rich story that I enjoyed reading. 

 

My Favourite Books with Octogenarian/Elderly Protagonists

 

I have said this so many times, saying it again. For me, the writing style and the characters make a big difference. If I connect with the characters and the writing style of the author, the subject or genre doesn't matter. 

In this post, I am going to talk about three books with an Octogenarian (a person who is between 80 and 89 years old) as the main protagonist. 

So, I’ll start with: The Car Share by Zoe Brisby because this is probably the first book I read and loved where one of the protagonists was an Octogenarian. Also because August is Women in Translation month, and this book is translated from the French by Kelly Lardin.

To be very honest, I wasn't even familiar with the term Octogenarian before. 

Maxine, a 90 yo with Alzheimer's & Alex, a 25 yo with depression share a car for a road trip. This journey lasts for roughly two days and what a terrific journey! Every scene, every situation is so interesting and meaningful.

It hooked me from the very first page. The protagonists — Maxine (she's a rockstar!) & Alex (he's so cute) — are so adorable! Their bonding is so endearing, their conversation so entertaining and witty! 

It's so sweet, funny, entertaining and heartwarming. I never thought I would love a book with such starkly different protagonists.

The ending kind of left me with a sense of loss. But, interestingly, the author Zoe Brisby shared a bonus chapter, which was like an epilogue, and I liked that as well even though I am not a fan of prologues or epilogues.

The Tea Service by Debeshi Gooptu

‘The tea would arrive on the dot at four every evening accompanied by her grandson. There was no sign of the little boy today. Where had he vanished?’

Debeshi is a dear friend, but when I say that she is a very good writer and storyteller, I am not being biased.

It’s not really a book. It's a Kindle short story, told from the point of view of an old lady who is waiting for her grandson. So poignant and beautifully written. One of my favourite stories by Debeshi who has written innumerable stories. 

Free for Kindle Unlimited users.

Locked away life by Drew Davies

‘Life should not be dampened with regret but nourished with hopes and dreams.’

Another Octogenarian (Esther)—Teenager (Bruno, who’s struggling to understand his sexual identity) pairing. Their bonding is so endearing.

Esther has shut away herself in her vine-covered manor house on the top of a hill for as long as she can remember.

And on a sunny spring day, eighteen-year-old Bruno is in the local library when he spots an advert. The old lady on the hill is looking for someone who can teach her about internet.

Heartwarming, thoughtful and refreshingly different. Beautiful, engaging writing style. A very good read!

It's free for Kindle Unlimited users.

Now, before you go, I'd like to tell you about my new translation. It doesn't have an octogenarian protagonist but one of the main characters is an elderly man ―Mohammad Zia Ul Haq, the former President of Pakistan.

My Hindi translation of A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif (Published by Kautilya Books) is out now.

It's a funny, witty political novel, based on the 1988 aircraft crash that killed Zia-Ul-Haq. Published by Penguin Books, the original book was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Have you read the original book?

Written for Bookish League hosted by Ritu Bindra

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Book Review: The Magician Who Bought Dreams by Vikkram Dewan

Book: The Magician Who Bought Dreams

Author: Vikkram Dewan

Genre: Supernatural Mystery

Publisher: Palette Books (English imprint of Sahitya Vimarsh)

Pages: 208

Price: ₹250

Blurb (as on the back cover):

Welcome to the world of the supernatural and crypt ―where nothing is what it seems! 

A magician who buys people's dreams before making them vanish. A mysterious radio that makes you listen to people talking to God. Find out how seductive the shape shifting 'Whore of Babylon’ can be. Or how a cursed wine glass can become a one way portal to other worlds. Listen to the confessions of the first White Tantrik in whose skewed world view Black is White and Magic is Right. 

The concept is intriguing, isn't it? Mysterious. It's a collection of five short stories: The Magician Who Bought Dreams, The God’s Radio, Strange Love with a Succubus Demon, The Cursed Glass and The Confessions of Warlock.

The first two stories are detective, which feature a detective duo: Mishti (a 13-14 year old girl) and Jogawar (a fifty year old man). They are easy going, thorough professionals. I liked this idea. 

However, there are certain things that I found problematic that kind of distracted me from the main storylines.

Writing/storytelling. While I liked the concept, I didn't connect with the writing style. The writing doesn't create a mysterious aura or imagery which was required for these kinds of stories. I guess that's because the stories whiz past where they need to go a bit slow, whereas at many places, they appear to be meandering (unnecessary incidents/conversations).

There's no fixed point of view or synchronisation in the narration. In short stories, a fixed pov and orderly narrative work better, in my opinion, and even if you want to switch, you have to do it seamlessly.

Characters:

As I said, I liked the idea of the unusual Misti-Jogawar jodi, but there's no introduction of the characters and how they came together solving the cases. 

I’m presuming it's the first book featuring the duo. Even if it's not, I wanted to know how they met, what prompted them to investigate these cases together. How did they become so comfortable that they lived together etc? 

Editing: there are several editing errors. And not just grammatical errors, this book requires a round of structural editing as well. I am particularly surprised because this is from a traditional publishing house. 

These things collectively disrupted the flow of reading. For me, the otherwise promising storylines didn't turn out very enjoyable. 

About the author:

Vikkram Dewan is a Delhi based author, editor and researcher on Occult, paranormal, satanist cults and beliefs. He writes historical fiction, thrillers and adventure stories with elements of horror and paranormal. 

His publishing credits include 3 novels in English and 3 novels in Hindi, and several articles and short stories.

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.