Book Review: The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy

Book: The Heart of Everything 

Author: Marc Levy 

Translator: Maren Baudet-Lackner

Pages: 205

Publisher: Amazon Crossing 

Price: ₹129 (free for Kindle Unlimited users)

Book Source: Netgalley Review Copy

'Even stories that seem impossible can become real if just two people believe in them.’

One day, I happened to watch a film called ‘Just Like Heaven’, or maybe someone has recommended it on Twitter, I don't remember. I loved the film. And later re-watched it. When I googled it, I found out that it was based on a French novel, ‘If Only It Were True’ by Marc Levy. And with that search came another, very familiar book cover: ‘The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury’, which I had already read but, sadly, couldn't remember the author’s name. The author was Marc Levy, and I remembered that I had loved that book too.

And ‘The Heart of Everything' is no exception either. I loved it. There's a fascinating common factor of all three books I mentioned —they all have an element of fantasy or magical realism,
which makes the story even more intriguing and fascinating

‘The Heart of Everything’ tells a heartwarming story of Thomas, a pianist, and his dead father, who suddenly appears in front of him five years after his death, with a very strange request and a shocking secret that dates back to thirty years ago. And hence, they both, yes both, travel from Paris to San Francisco.

The book is all about this journey and the beautiful bond of a father-son duo. I won't tell you more, but it was such an entertaining read.

The writing is lovely, the conversations so endearing. The dialogues were so interesting and witty, from which pops out effortless humour. You might feel that humour is inappropriate for the setting (I sometimes felt bad laughing out loud) but it comes so naturally.

Every character, including the secondary ones, are so well defined. Thomas, as his father says, is such a nice man! Raymond rocks.

The ending, though, is poignant, a kind that fills you with a sense of loss.

‘There’s nothing funny to me about leaving you. But I’ve always found humor to be the most elegant strategy for dealing with adversity.’

I will definitely read more of Marc Levy books, as he is becoming one of my favourite authors. Pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you, Netgalley for the review copy.

Movie Characters with Books

 

This post is inspired by Madhulika Liddle’s post ‘People with Books in Hindi Cinema’ (A two part post). Of course, her post is more detailed and brilliantly researched. I really enjoyed that post (click the link to read it), so here I’m trying my version. :))

Love Story by Erich Segal: Mujhse Dosti Karoge. 

This is not a very successful film, but I like it. And in this film Rani Mukherjee is seen reading this book. In another scene, Uday Chopra wants to buy a book for her. Love Story. And she says, ‘Mere paas already ek love story hai.’ 

I am not sure about the text in the image because I haven't read this book. It's a hugely popular and well loved book. I bought it many years ago but I couldn't read it. I think I was too quick to give up, so maybe I can try again.

Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes: Me Before You

Me Before You is one of my favourite books. And the film adaptation is also good, particularly Sam Claflin as Will Traynor (my favourite fictional male character) is bang on!

So, Emilia Clarke is reading this book when she is looking after Will. 

I haven't read this book though. I have a novel titled Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes, which I bought in 2012, but I haven't read it. 

Raseedi Ticket Amrita Pritam: Soni

Soni is a lesser known but nice crime movie (on Netflix). It's about Soni, a policewoman who is very courageous, fearless and honest, but cannot control her anger and beats the shit out of someone who does something bad/crosses the limit, which often causes trouble. Her senior tries to defend her, and there's a scene (in the end) where she gives 'Raseedi Ticket' to her and asks her to read. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't find an image. Raseedi Ticket is Amrita Pritam's extremely popular autobiography. I haven't read it though.

Norwegian Woods by Haruki Murakami: Wake Up Sid

Again, one of my favourite movies! I have seen this movie multiple times. There's a scene where Konkona Sen comes home to find Sid (Ranbir Kapoor) reading a book. Honestly, I wasn't sure if he was reading the very same book but I did some research and found out about the book. In fact, there are other instances where characters from this movie are seen with books. 

Norwegian Woods is an immensely popular, well loved book, a love story, but I haven't read it.

Unnamed Book: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. 

It's my favourite movie! I can watch this movie over and over again. So they are in Spain, staying in a hotel, when they talk about Abhay Deol's fiance (Kalki) and whether he is happy about this relationship. Farhan Akhtar, to avoid this conversation, starts reading a novel. I tried but I couldn't find out the title of that book.

Emilia Galotti by G E Lessing:

The Reader

I have watched this movie (based on a book with the same name, set in the period of post WW2) but it's not really my favourite. The movie is based on a book 'The Reader' by Bernhard Schlink.

So, obviously (as the name of the movie suggests), the protagonists are often seen reading books (actually the guy reads to the much older woman he loves, as she is illiterate). But there's a particular scene where the title of the book is visible. Well, kind of. I tried hard to get the name.

Set in Italy, the book is a play, basically a political commentary based on 'the myth of Verginia'. Published in 1772.

The Jury (Or it could be The Judge because it's not visible after ‘The’) by Steve Martini: Dil Chahta Hai

Again, a favourite and fantastic movie. During the popular song ‘Jaane Kyun Log Pyar Karte hain…’ Preity Zinta is seen reading this book on the train. I haven't read this book but it seems like a popular legal novel. In fact, Steve Martini is known for writing legal novels.

So, have you read any of these books? Or watched any of these movies? Which one is your favourite?

Written for Bookish League hosted by Ritu

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Movies That I've Recently Enjoyed.

I don't usually sit down to watch TV, watch whatever I catch while having my meals or anything. But, recently, I have been watching films regularly. I'm leaving those that I didn't like. Sharing  that come to mind as I type. Interestingly, they were never on my to-watch list.

Labor Day (2013): Directed by Jason Reitman. Based on a book 'Labor Day' by Joyce Maynard. 

A single mother, almost a recluse, Adele (Kate Winslet) and her 13-14 years old son Henry (Gattlin Griffith) are returning from a departmental store when a dangerous looking, wounded man (Josh Brolin) forces them take him to their home just for a day. Later, she learns that the man, Frank, is a fugitive, charged for a murder. Left with no choice, Adele keeps Frank at home and nurses him. Turns out Frank is not as frightening as he looks. 

This movie was sitting there, as I scrolled past several times, but I never wanted to watch, until I clicked as I didn't know what to watch. And I'm glad. It's a gripping film, beautifully told from the child's point of view ―his confusion, his dilemma, his fears; heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Now, I really want to read the book!

Merry Christmas (2024): Directed by Sriram Raghavan. Based on a novel 'Bird in a Cage’ by Frederic Dard, translated by David Bellos.

Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) is back in the city (Mumbai, when it was Bombay), still mourning the loss of his mother because for some reason he couldn't attend the funeral. It's Christmas Eve and everybody is celebrating out there. So, he goes to a restaurant and there he meets Maria (Katrina Kaif) and her daughter Annie. And thus begins a crazy, mysterious night. 

Very good filmmaking, I would say. A very well executed, gripping and mysterious movie. My first Vijay Sethupathi film, and he is a natural. Katrina Kaif is at her best, I think (after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara, but that was a small role, this one meatier). Won't say her performance is brilliant (I don't think she is a great actor, her emotional scenes look sketchy), but she is perfectly suited for this character ―a woman so beautiful, delicate, mysterious. I liked their chemistry.

I loved how objects used as props play significant roles, for example the paper swans, the cage toy etc. Again, I really want to read the book even though now I know everything.

Is Love Enough, Sir? (2018): Directed by Rohena Gera.

Okay I think everybody has watched this movie, a uninamously loved one. 

It's a love story Ashwin (Vivek Gomber) who just called off his wedding for some reason, and his househelp Ratna (Tilottama Shome), a widow who wants to be a fashion designer. 

There's not much to say about the plot. It's fairly simple. Loved the slowly burgeoning bonding of the protagonist. Very natural performance. Their conversations, the silences in between, the decency…everything was so lovely. One of those movies that I'd like to watch again. 

The Noel's Diary (2022): Directed by Charles Shyer. Based on a book 'The Noel Diary’ by Richard Paul Evans. 

Jake (Justin Hartley) is a best-selling author who returns to his estranged mother's house after her death to sort things out. He gets acquainted with a sweet and caring elderly next door neighbour Ellie (Bonnie Bedelia). Suddenly, a woman named Rachael (Barrett Doss) visits him, who is looking for her biological mother Noel who used to be Jake's nanny many many years ago. Thus begins a journey to find Noel, and reconnect with his estranged father. 

It's a lovely Christmas time romance movie, which I really enjoyed watching.

Mimi (2021): Directed by Laxman Utekar. 

Mimi (Kriti Sanon) is an aspiring actress who wants to go to Mumbai to make it big in the film industry. She accepts an offer to become a surrogate mother to earn a hefty amount. And then, her life turns upside down. Pankaj Tripathi as Bhanu Pratap and Mimi's friend, Sham ((Sai Tamhankar) play a significant role. 

An engaging watch; heartbreaking and heartwarming at same time.

Gehraaiyan (2022): Directed by Shakun Batra.

Alisha (Deepika Padukone) is a yoga instructor. She seems to be in a strained relationship with Karan (Dhairya Karwa) when she meets Zain (Siddhanth Chaturvedi), fiance of Tia (Ananya Pandey) who is Alisha's cousin. Battling with anxiety because of a childhood trauma, she finds comfort in the company of Zain. They fall in love and then begins a crazy ride of business and relationships. 

I never wanted to watch this film, mainly because of negative reviews on Twitter. I presumed it to be an ultra-modern, erotic kind of meaningless movie. But it turned out to be an interesting movie; good filmmaking, beautiful cinematography. A good story, smartly executed. It's modern but not meaningless. 

12th Fail (2023): Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on a non fiction book '12th Fail' written by Anurag Pathak.

So, it captures the strenuous journey of a 12th fail boy, Manoj Kumar (wonderfully played by Vikrant Massey), who comes from an unprivileged background and is determined to become an IAS officer. It's also a love story ―a very decent one that doesn't affect the main subject of the film. I particularly liked the moment where Shraddha (Medha Shankar) tells Manoj that she loves him. His friend, Pritam (Anant Joshi) plays an important role. 

The Weekend Away (2022): Directed by Kim Farrant. Based on a novel of the same title, written by Sarah Alderson (also the script writer of the movie). 

A woman, a new mother, Beth (Leighton Meester) travels to Croatia for a weekend getaway with her best friend Kate (Christina Wolfe), who is a bit erratic by nature. On the very first day, Kate goes missing. They were drunk so Beth's memory of last night is fuzzy, but she can't leave the city without finding her, so seeks help from the local police and a Syrian, mysterious taxi driver Zain (Ziad Bakri) to unveil the truth. 

It was an engaging thriller. I liked the setting, and the subtle bonding between Beth and Zain.

Have you watched any of these? What's the most interesting films you've watched recently?

Best Movies I Watched in 2016

Best Movies I Watched in 2017

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The Book and its Movie Adaptation

 

'Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.'

― Shira Tamir

Frankly, I haven't really planned my posts for this blog marathon. I was thinking what to write when I remembered this quote that I shared on Twitter. 

It's such a lovely quote. And it creates such lovely imagery. 

No, I'm going to discuss the gist of this quote.

When I read the quote, I visualized leaves flying in slow motion. So many leaves, colourful ones: yellow, orange, burnt sienna. And then my imagination focused on just one leaf, the pale green one, floating artistically. And it reminded me of the last scene of Me Before You, the movie. The last letter.

I avoid watching movie adaptations, especially if it's my favourite book. But I watched Me Before You, after reading the book, and I really liked it. Of course, the book is deeper and more beautiful but Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke were bang on! Especially, Sam Claflin as Will Traynor, my favourite fictional male character.

Then I reread the book and loved it even more (and I'm not fond of rereading books).

And then, one day I caught The Kite Runner on TV. I loved the movie. So I decided to read the book. Again, the book was much deeper and more beautiful and poignant but reading the book after watching the movie was a different experience. I have decided that if I happen to watch a nice movie adaptation (I seldom watch TV though), I am going to read the book.

Do you like to watch movie adaptations? Do you read the book first or watch the movie before reading the book? Or have you ever reread a book after watching the movie?

‘This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’

Best Movies I Watched in 2017

Whenever I watch television, I prefer to watch movies. I seldom get peaceful, uninterrupted time to watch television (I like watching movies alone. What about you?) so, I prefer English (or foreign language) movies channel. Not because I don't like Hindi movies or all Hollywood movies are great, but because English movies are quick and you just don't have to sit for 4 hours (including ads) to watch the complete movie.

Last year, I did this Best Movies I Watched in 2016 post. So, I thought to do it again. So here it goes.

Me Before You – the book was a poignant and disturbing read for me, I loved this book for it had evoked my deepest emotions, then. Me Before You –  the movie stirred the emotions yet again.  

The movie is a very simplified version of the book. Obviously, it's difficult to capture the depth and emotions of 300-400 pages in two hours. But, what makes this movie lovable is its spot on characters. Mostly, the actors playing the book characters terribly disappoint and that's why I avoid watching film adaptations. But both Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke playing Will Traynor and Louisa Clark are just bang on! Especially Sam Claflin. Will Traynor is a character who is very close to my heart and I love Sam Claflin for playing the character so beautifully –  just like I had imagined while reading the book. It breaks my heart when Sam Claflin says, 'So, this is it.' 

It doesn't happen with me often that a fictional character makes so much impact. Is there any fictional character that has affected you so much? 

The Book Thief – another film adaptation. But, I haven’t read this book, but I really liked this movie and the characters, especially Liesel and Max. And, I think I’d like to read the book just to experience the joy of beautiful writing (as the fabulous reviews say) as I have realized that if you like a film and the actors playing the book characters (so that they don't spoil your imagination), you should read (if they’re not suspense/mystery) the book as books are always better, deeper and richer (see how perspective changes).

The Boy In Striped Pyjamas – a film adaptation yet again and I haven't read the book, and oh, it broke my heart. 

If I don't pay much attention, this film doesn't have my favourite elements. It's a children story, set in World War (historical) and doesn't star any of my favourite actors. I just found it on TV, and once I started, I couldn't stop watching. It tells about the friendship of two children who are not supposed to be friends. Both the child artists are adorable. It's horrifying and heartbreaking.  

Tomorrowland – I have stopped reading science fiction long ago but while watching this film, I realized that it’s still an interesting genre for me. Plus it stars George Clooney. The actress Britt Robertson looks like Alia Bhatt - her expressions, dialogue delivery, behaviour everything. Have you seen her movies? Do you feel so?

A Separation – it’s an Iranian drama film that has won  Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012. It’s an intriguing film about a couple who separate and things turn weird when the husband hires a female caregiver to look after his father who suffers from  Alzheimer's disease. The film is intriguing, however the end left me a little confused. But, I liked it.

Have you watched any of these? Share your favourites.

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Best Movies I Watched In 2016

There was a time when I was a big television buff. I could just watch TV all day. Not anymore, thankfully. I have realized that it's additive, robs your time and makes you lazy. But I do watch selected movies (And current season of Indian Idol. I really like this team of Judges. Wonderful singers - Khuda Baksh is my favourite. Feels like old times).

As a writer, I believe that good movies are fruitful. The dialogue delivery, expressions, the way characters react. They stir your imagination and generate new ideas. When it comes to movies, Star Movies Select is my favourite.

I watched some really good movies last year. So, here it goes -


The Descendants

It's a touching family drama. This movie tells the poignant story of Matt King (George Clooney), who suddenly finds himself in a very difficult situation. It depicts his struggle as a father, his dilemma as a husband. George Clooney has played the character of an emotionally drained husband and father brilliantly. He looks so natural. Shailene Woodley who plays his spoilt daughter performed well, looks good.

The end of this movie is very satisfying, and I loved the last scene. Fulfilling.


The Hundred-Foot Journey

It's a romantic/family drama that involves cuisines of two different countries and cultures, and a sweet love story. This movie features Om Puri, Juhi Chawla and several other Indian artists. It's a nice story of an Indian chef and his journey (and struggle) while he and his family try to settle in France, and decides to open an Indian restaurant across the street from a very popular French restaurant.

It's a must watch for those who enjoy books/movies that involve food/travel. And, the younger female lead, Charlotte Le Bon, is so beautiful!

Lucy

Scarlett Johansson is now one of my favourite actresses. Her performance, as the title character, in this science fiction/action movie is brilliant! She plays a woman who gains psychokinetic abilities (and starts to behave strangely) after a rare drug is absorbed into her blood. The end of this movie is particularly exciting and thrilling.


Orphan

This movie was kind of googly. A bizarre story-line with some unexpected twists.
An innocent little girl who is an orphan has been adopted by a loving family. I thought it would be a touching family drama but whoa! What an intriguing/gripping psychological thriller it was!


A Walk in the Clouds

It's a delightful love story/family drama. Ten minutes, and I realized that Govinda-Urmila starrer Kunwaara was an idiotic version of this lovely film. I really liked the way the title 'A Walk in the Clouds' has been used in a dialogue. The locations are beautiful.

Amendment:

Adam

This is the story of Adam who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome and his unique relationship with Beth, his neighbour who is a storyteller.

I don't know what to say more. I just liked this movie a lot.

Date Night

I forgot about this one but I really enjoyed watching this movie that I caught running accidentally. Date Night is a comedy/action movie, starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey. I find Steve Carell very funny.
To break the monotony of their married life, Phil (Steve Carell) decides to take his wife (Tina Fey) to a trendy restaurant for a date, and they get caught up in a criminal case due to mistaken identity.

This one-night-story was a fun watch!

Have you watched any of these? What was your favourite movies that you watched last year? Do share.


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Comedy: Sense and Ability

 

Dostana, Bol Bachhan, and Happy New Year. Do you find something common between these bollywood movies? Yes, Abhishek Bachchan. Let’s try again, and find another common feature. Yes, they all are hit films. Okay one more time. Yes, they are comedy films.

After watching these films, I wondered why Abhishek Bachchan, still struggling to shape a successful career, doesn’t switch to comedy films. The only thing he could do nicely, I think.

And it’s not unusual. Many actors have chosen this genre and became successful.

Utpal Dutt: His sense of comedy was tingling but do you know he played villain earlier.

Govinda:  Unanimously, one of the most popular comedians of Indian cinema But, comedy was not his first catch. It feels odd watching him fighting and delivering hefty dialogues with flaring nose. But that’s not him. It seems that he is born to make people laugh.

Arshad Varsi: One fine day, I accidently watch a movie called “Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao”. This film went unnoticed but Arshad Warsi’s performance made me think “Why doesn’t he try comedy?”

Paresh Rawal: He had won National awards for his performance in movies Sir and Wo Chhokri. Few not-so-memorable negative characters, and then switched to comic roles. Who can forget babu bhai in Hera Pheri?

Ritesh Deshmukh: I remember that I was furious when I heard Ritesh Deshmukh winning the award of best comedian for movie Masti. But don’t you think he is really funny?  

Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan, might have called ‘Happy New Year’ a nonsensical film (And, of course it is) but this film added a much needed feather in Abhishek Bachchan’s career. He did succeed while doing some interesting character like Lalan in Yuva. This character also had certain amount of humour and quirk.

I was hoping that Abhishek Bachchan will be seen in Dostana part 2, but he doesn’t seem to reprise his role in this movie while John Abraham is still there.

Abhishek Bachchan is the least successful actor in his family. Now it’s high time he should try and take his career a little higher. In my opinion, he can do this with comedy films. It’s his forte. Do you remember his cameo in a successful film like Salaam Namaste? He even won awards for best comedian for films Dostana and Bol Bachchan. And, most importantly, what he has to lose, anyway? It’s all about sense and ability!

And, just wondering why Abhishek Bachchan is looking like an guest artist in his upcoming movie "All Is Well? As if not enjoying his work.

Movie Review: Khoobsurat (2014)

Comparing new Khoobsurat with the old one is unfair. Although, the basic concept is similar, they are totally different, and the main difference is that Rekha’s Khoobsurat was a family drama and this one is a love story. One of the easiest love stories without any conflict.

Lively and spirited physiotherapist Dr. Mili Chakravarthy (Sonam kapoor) works with IPL, She comes to a palace to treat Raja Shekhar Singh Rathore (Aamir Raza Hussain). Ranisa (Ratna Pathak Shah) is a strict disciplinarian. Mili notices that no one laughs and speaks to each other in the palace, and this palatial khoobsurti lacks the beauty of life. Later, she comes to know about the actual reason of this silent sadness stretched in the palace and tries to change it.

Well, this film looks royal and beautiful but the script (Writing) is very weak and has some glitches. It lacks interesting content and the humour seems forced. I think, while sketching the character of Mili, the writer forgot the big difference between “Being lively” and “Being uncultured”.

The film deserves an equally strong male protagonist but it suffers from “I-am-the-producer-and-my-daughter/sister-won’t-let-anyone-perform.” syndrome.  Sonam Kapoor looks nice but her effort is quite evident and her dialogue delivery seems fabricated.  

Fawad Khan, who plays Prince Vikram Singh Rathore, is very good looking and stylish, and a wonderful actor. His expressions are natural and endearing. His voice is attractive and his dialogue delivery is excellent! Although, his character is not as strong as it deserves to be, he has done a decent job.  

Kirron Kher as Mili’s mother is funny but loud. AamirRaza Hussain is a nice actor and Ratna Pathak Shah’s acting is very balanced.

In the final scene, Fawad Khan’s or basically a royal Prince’s sudden transformation into an outspoken Punjabi is very absurd (though he is brilliant in that scene).

So, overall, it was an average watch. I somehow liked it for fawad Khan and Ratna Pathak (She reminded me of Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai) and I think team Khoobsurat owes a big thank you to Fawad Khan and timely telecast of Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Behadd.