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Book Review: Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali

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Book Review – From Darkness to Light by Sanchari Ghosh

Sanchari Ghosh’s debut novel, From Darkness to Light, is a profound work of philosophical fiction that courageously pulls back the curtain on the underbelly of Mumbai, using a bustling brothel as the unexpected crucible for spiritual enlightenment. At its heart is Naina, a central character who embodies a striking paradox: a sex worker residing in a marginalized world, yet radiating a compelling, transcendent wisdom. Naina stands in stark contrast to her environment. While her peers might be characterized by vociferous activity, greed, and the frantic reality of their profession - she remains calm, composed, and redolent of a deep, inner power. She does not engage in typical transactions; instead, she transforms her interactions into impromptu spiritual sessions. Seated with clients of mixed age and background, Naina dispenses powerful ethical and moral concepts drawn directly from the ancient wellsprings of Hindu scriptures—the Vedas and Puranas. This juxtaposition of the sacred and t...

Book Review – The Silent Cage by Arti Mishra

In the vast, sprawling landscapes of India’s villages and semi-urban towns, millions of women live lives brimming with untold courage and quiet dreams. Their stories, however, are often shrouded in silence, their realities confined by invisible barriers. Arti Mishra’s powerful work, The Silent Cage, steps directly into this silence, bringing these narratives to the forefront of our national conversation. The book illuminates the often-unseen struggles and an indomitable spirit, posing a simple yet profound question that echoes long after the final page is turned: Can India truly progress if half its population is left behind? The Silent Cage is a story that compels its audience to pause, reflect, and ultimately, to act. It transcends the easy categorization of genre, presenting itself as a fabulous and innovative "fiction-oriented documentary." This unique approach allows Mishra to delve deep into the circumstances of women and young girls in rural and semi-urban India with t...

Book Review: Minutes of Healing by Sandeep Kaur

In the often-overwhelming world of self-help literature, Sandeep Kaur’s Minutes of Healing emerges as a breath of fresh air. It is a thoughtfully constructed guide for anyone navigating the difficult terrain of life after a setback. Rather than presenting a dense, theoretical framework, Kaur offers a gentle, accessible toolkit designed to help readers thoughtfully reshape and redefine their own narratives. The book's primary strength lies in its unique structure. Comprised of short, digestible chapters, it respects the reader's time and emotional energy. Each section is focused on a specific element of life, complete with concise summaries and relatable anecdotes. This format makes the process of self-reflection feel less like a monumental task and more like a series of small, manageable steps. It’s an ideal approach for those who may feel too depleted to engage with more demanding texts, transforming the act of healing into a daily, minute-by-minute practice. At its core, ...

Book Review: Ring Twice for Mrs. Naren by Vijay Medtia

In the sultry, deceptive world of Delhi's elite, a struggling lawyer and a trapped wife ignite a forbidden passion that spirals into a meticulously crafted murder plot. Ring Twice for Mrs. Naren is a seductive and chilling tale where the stakes are not just wealth, but life itself. The story centers on Anand Sinha, a lawyer desperate for a big break, and Mrs. Leela Naren, a woman suffocating in an abusive, loveless marriage. Their lives entangle when Anand reveals a critical piece of information: Leela’s husband plans to change his will, threatening to strip her of the luxurious life she knows. This revelation sparks an illicit, passionate affair, and together, they hatch a calculated and chilling plan to commit the perfect murder. This novel masterfully blends the suspense of a crime thriller with the dark intimacy of romantic noir. It's a sultry, psychological tale that explores the intoxicating dance of seduction, greed, and ultimate betrayal. The interplay of desire and...

Book Review: Crimson Mirage by Babujee

‘Crimson Mirage’ by Babujee is a searing and deeply psychological journey into the heart of a political revolutionary. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1960s Calcutta, the novel plunges us into the life of Manush, a gifted young man whose ambition for a new life takes a dark and ultimately tragic turn. The city itself feels like a living character, its intellectual ferment and revolutionary fervor serving as both an intoxicating promise and a fatal lure. This is not a heroic tale, but a chilling examination of how political ideals can erode a person's soul, leaving behind a haunted echo of who they once were. The novel’s first act expertly charts Manush’s descent. His love for an elusive classmate, Mita, becomes the initial spark, drawing him into an underground extremist group where passion quickly solidifies into a dangerous purpose. The author masterfully portrays the psychological unraveling that follows, as Manush is consumed by a world of political violence, paranoia, an...

Book Review: The Book of Gems by Vidya Math

Amazing magical mystical fantasy novel by Vidya Math, on the lines of Book of Stamps. This novel is profound, and as an author Vidya has superbly crossed her own narrative brilliance as reflective in the story. This novel is a breathtaking dive into a world brimming with magic, vulnerability, and ancient lands with secrets. From the very first page, the narrative of naïve characters pull you into the verdant, sprawling kingdom of Zohor through both the stories of past and present. The lead character is Othelia. She has grown up, but before that she lost her mother before moving to a new place. However, her quest to get again with Harry, a boy who appeared from wilderness when she was a child have had drastic influence on her memories. As the book also takes a look at the aloof childhood of Othelia. Her father being a Chancellor was a busy man, and mother a simple home woman. She has had no one to play around. As she explores the faraway land of Zohor and their allied folklores with Har...