Kevein Books and Reviews

In the landscape of Indian literature, the voices from the North East have often been relegated to the footnotes of the national narrative. However, Ramu Upadhaya, an author deeply rooted in the soil of Assam, has emerged as a consistent and formidable chronicler of regional anxieties. Through his previous works, Upadhaya has navigated the complex socio-political terrains of Gorkhaland, Dima Hasao, and Haflong, giving breath to the aspirations of those living within India’s territorial peripheries. His latest offering, The Quest of Baojender, is a 54-chapter odyssey that transcends mere storytelling, serving as a powerful vessel for North Eastern voices delivered with a mixture of raw thrust and intellectual gusto. The Spiritual Cartography of Baojender   At the heart of the novel lies the concept of "Baojender." The term finds its roots in the word Baojen, which traditionally signifies a tiny, humble hamlet. Yet, in Upadhaya’s imaginative skeins, the "by-liner" o...

Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali is a sequel to his previous novel Dabi Aas (Diary). The story continues with the same set of characters that were left in the previous part. At the outset of this novel, John is seen being a famous painter. His pain of yesteryears that he endured while bein in love with Ishita transformed him drastically. As John's fame grows as painter, his memories of earlier days of college and job haunts him. Though he knows he cannot go back in the time yet the wounds that he got will remain with him. Against the tide of time, John longs for Ishita's love. But things have changed a lot at Ishita's side. She was married when John became her companion during a job. That love was different and John did not dare to disturb her family life. Thus, both could not reciprocate that. However, feelings were strong at both sides. It was John who retreated. What all happened with their love story had already described in the first part – Dabi Aas Diary. Much part of t...

“Rakht Banddhan” by Dipnanda Bhaduri is an eclectic mix of thriller, horror, and supernatural novel. It is set in beautiful tea estate place Coorg in South India. However, its timeline and the mettle of characters stretcher across boundaries. One of the finest aspects of a horror thriller could be its perfect backdrop that exudes vibes of ghostly activities and eerie ambience. Coorg is that one backdrop and because of that the novel seems rooted in Indianism but also exudes a gothic reverberation. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Bhargavi – a poor displaced young woman. Her personal story of struggle doesn’t take the main course narrative, yet through sweeps and memories we get to know about the gap between her aspirations and current misery. Through a contact of a doctor, she takes up house maid job in a riche estate in Coorg where she confronts with other auxiliary characters of the novel like Kumar and Mamtha and Swami Ji. She has to report to Ashwini Amma, the senior l...

“The Monk in The Mansion” by Rajiv Agarwal offers a refreshing and subversive take on spiritual growth, daring to bridge the gap between deep spirituality and modern hedonism. Unlike traditional texts that advocate for the renunciation of the material world, Agarwal argues that spiritual enlightenment and worldly success are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can—and should—coexist through precision and practice. The core premise of the book is that the root of spirituality lies within the mind rather than in the rejection of tangible possessions. Agarwal challenges the long-standing myth that one must retreat to the Himalayas or live in a forest to achieve "saintly" status. By shifting the focus from external environments to internal landscapes, he demonstrates that a "monk-like" state of being is achievable even while enjoying the privileges of a mansion. The book is far from a dry theoretical treatise. It is a vibrant narrative punctuated by the author’s own...

In the crowded landscape of leadership literature, where "hacks" and "overnight success" stories often dominate the shelves, Prof. Gautam Bandyopadhyay offers a refreshing and grounded departure. Known primarily for his expertise in civil engineering, the Professor has expanded his literary repertoire with a profound new work: Practitioner’s Guide to Sustainable Leadership. This is not merely another book on corporate strategy; it is a masterclass in "human engineering," forged through decades of field experience, site challenges, and the complex dynamics of leading people. Unlike the polished, often abstract advice provided by typical motivational coaches, Bandyopadhyay’s approach is rooted in the humble, messy, and essential reality of the workplace. He moves away from hollow strategies and "show-off" leadership styles, focusing instead on the development of a leader through the lens of actual projects, team interactions, and client relationshi...

“Peaceful Wellness” by Shibu Nair is indeed a genuine guide for the laymen. The book doesn’t cover anything larger-than-life lessons, rather it takes a dig at daily chores and habits and other simple hacks that ultimately but slowly change life by infusing mindfulness approach in our daily life. The author is a renowned motivational speaker and educational consultant, he brings a fresh breath of air in his book by bringing simple intangible ways for everyone. The book reads like as a friend is narrating anecdotes from his life…taking a look back from small villages of South India to modern luxury life in Mumbai…and much more. Keeping it away from complex psychological theories and rigid hacks for productivity and emotional wellness, the book is less of a lecture and more of a warm, afternoon conversation. Nair positions himself as a companion on the path to overall wellness rather than an untouchable authority, sharing a gamut of activities based on experiences that focus on finding ...