Twenty-Three:

Collection of short stories

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Notion Press 1^st edition 2017

Language: English

Writer: Bikramjit Sen

This is debut novel of Bikramjit Sen, A 21-year-old lad who has envied the rich values and cultural heritage of the city of joy Kolkata. His narration of stories is simple yet leaves a profound impact on the readers. The book comprises of 23 stories all vivid in nature scope and yet eloquent. They all belong to different genre and vastly covers different phases of character and life in general. Bikram’s storytelling leaves you in awe as some stories are humorous while some will grip you with grief and pain. The stories deal with philosophical mythological religious and few representing different personalities. His style of storytelling is supple and reminds you of folklore being told by grandparents. The language is simple yet eloquent, the anecdote leaves you wondering and pondering. These are small stories yet vastly any one of them could have been a full-blown story with standalone story as the characterization is strong and the storyline being rich. His influence of childhood regional tale and inquisitiveness can be seen oozing out from the stories. The essence of his thoughts can be identified by various dream narratives he has penned down as stories. His stories profoundly acknowledge the power of supreme, supernatural and one’s inner self and he has beautifully managed to craft stories out of such fragile topics.

Unleash, Raghu and his laptop are my favorite from the lot as both the story are some what similar yet there ends are opposite.

Great storytelling

Amazing cover

4/5

https://www.amazon.in/Twenty-Three-Collection-short-stories/dp/1948321254/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538059866&sr=8-1&keywords=twenty+three

ZIDD

Paperback: 162 pages

Publisher: Half Baked Beans (15 August 2018)

Language: English

Writer: Hetansh Desai.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away- William Shakespeare.

     Writer: Zidd means being Stubborn, the title aptly matches the storyline. Adamant to achieve aspire and love. Zidd is Hetansh Desai’s debut novel and boy he has perfectly book depicting love friendship and ambitions. This book is a fun read the story line is different than the regular love stories and the character drafting id eloquent. The traits the character possesses is peculiar and interesting. The subject is well researched and Hetansh education comes handy, if you are observant and keen to learn the book leaves you with some great business concept that can be easily come handy in real time situation. The character of Vihaan and Parth are poles apart yet the writer manages a beautiful friendship brewing amongst then. Hetansh’s storytelling is quirky and supple and he diligently takes care of the plot. There are no loose ends and humor is supple yet prominent. It is commendable how writer shows the importance of alternative studies. Would recommend people to read and will root for Hwtansh’s second book as well.

Story: The story starts on a promising note a train travel and a business discussion and it was here when Vihaan’s stroke with business began. 2 Different stories ply on same time parallel at different places in Guju land and later they tactfully unite as one and moved in union as if they were always meant so. Vihaan and Parth our protagonists are two vastly opposite heroes but their dreams help forges an undying friendship. Vihaan is rebellious talented yet lacked dedication until Raina comes into his life. Parth is a trailblazer hard worker and dedicated and he lacks resources and qualification. Raina is beautiful and enchanting yet she lacks conviction and surety if life. Her persona made Vihaan fell for her while it is here the actual story begins. The change of tides makes Vihaan dedicated and ambitious in making Raina realize what she has lost. The it is the hoarding that takes us on a roller coaster of a ride. The journey is humorous tactful and some great business strategy and ideas.

4 star

https://www.amazon.in/ZIDD-Hetansh-Desai/dp/B07GJLW5LH/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1537358571&sr=8-2

ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM by Suraj Laxminarayanan

Writer: Suraj’s love for crime and mystery thrillers can easily be identified by the quality of work he has put in his debut novel and yes, this book is mammoth. This book is well contrived and convoluted with diligence. Minute details were left by the writer all along the story and at the end beautifully ties all the loose ends. Suraj has been eloquent in story telling and gradually the story edifices to a grandeur prospect. Characters are well contrived and are persuasive, even the characters used for infinitesimal part justifies their role in the story. The background of the characters makes the story more prominent. The array of vivid characters is intricate yet they all fit in exemplary well. Suraj’s storytelling is supple and narration is realistic. I fell in love with the book right from the first chapter where a busy Chennai Street was depicted and Nari carried out his heist with ease. It requires some mantle to write a 598 page describing events on the course of 4 days but primarily focuses on a single day of robbery. The detailing is similar to that of Dan Brown and Suraj needs to be credited. I was intrigued by this book because of detailing plot twists and characterization. This book can easily be made into a movie or serial. Elephants in the room is quintessential work.

Story: A group of naïve teen age boys plan a bank robbery to come out of there woes, every one citing their own problems and their association with the bank some way or the other. These guys are broke famished and ill equipped yet they had a plan that could work. In order to make their plan work they planned small heist and theft to gather resources to complete their job. The day finally arrived and they headed to the bank to complete the job where they were confronted by an adversary gang different in their approach well equipped and seems a better plan but the timing being same. To there surprise the scene got weirder and complicated with introduction of a terrorist group ready to take the entire bank hostage and make illicit demands to the government and strike with a sinister plan in mind. The odds favor different gangs with plot changes and a truce between two gangs make it more interesting. The book takes its reader to and thrilling narration of events, Elephants in the room is an interesting and captivating read.

Kudos to Suraj for good work, 5/5 deserving stars. Only the cover could have been for appealing

BATMAN’S GUIDE TO LIFE

Writer: Chetan Soni

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 2619 KB

Print Length: 91 pages

Publisher: Half Baked Beans (8 August 2018)

Sold by: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited

Language: English

This book is a trove and represents some quintessential work. Narration is what makes a book different and Chetan has managed to put words to difficult darker aspect of human life. His quirkiness leaves you laughing and later you would end up pondering to its deeper meaning. This book is an assortment of quotes and a short story. The quotes seem to be impromptu but they beautifully recounter phases of one’s life. The quotes are realistic and you can easily use them as your Facebook status. The preface of this book is its best part sugar coated with humor and delight. An alluring short love story marks the end of the book. The long short story of Kabir and Sonia leaves you wanting for more.

My favorite quote- A buried man dies at 27, He is just buried at 72.

And Chetan matches the witt of Sheldon Cooper when it comes to sarcasm. Kudos to humorous writing.

“What do you seek? Sarcasm O Lord”