The Boookish Voyager

After reading "The Train to Pakistan", I always wondered why the Partition happened in the first place. Why couldn't everyone live together as they did before? These thoughts haunted me for days. I was fascinated by the beautiful cover and title of another book 'The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra', and after seeing many Instagram posts praising it, I finally decided to get my hands on it. The book was a wholesome experience. The author takes you on a journey to pre-Partition Lahore, a time when Hindus and Muslims lived together in harmony. The narrative also transports you to the perfume city of France, spanning four generations of a family. To give you a peek inside, the book revolves around Sameer and Firdaus, but it also delves into the life of Vivek and his love. Sameer Vij, a young boy with a gifted nose, inherited the skill of perfumery from his uncle Vivek. Vivek had set up the perfumery when he returned to India afte...

"It's not her story, or Creusa's story. It's their story. At least it will be, if he stops complaining and starts composing"  Have you heard about the legendary Trojan War that took place around the 12th or 13th century BCE? Are you fascinated by Greek mythology? If so, then this book is for you! Set during the infamous war that lasted a decade, "A Thousand Ships" by Natalie Haynes delves into the profound toll it took on both the losing and winning sides. The Trojan War was waged by the Achaeans (Greeks) against the city of Troy after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus, king of Sparta. This war, one of the most important events in Greek mythology, has been narrated through many works of Greek literature, most notably Homer's "Iliad". However, this book is not about Menelaus, Helen, or the legendary warriors who participated in the war. "A Thousand Ships" focuses on the women of ...

Imagine a magical bookshop that chooses its visitors, handpicking those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of its enchanting interior. Picture the thrill of laying your hands on rare book editions and manuscripts, as if stumbling upon treasures hidden within its shelves. Now, add to that image a tree sprouting from the depths of a basement, with books mysteriously materializing on its branches. Intriguing, isn't it? Well, if the mere thought of such a place excites and captivates you, then prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey into the realm of rare books, manuscripts, and a magical bookshop. Let me introduce you to a remarkable book that I stumbled upon in a quaint bookstore nestled in Connaught Place. Drawn in by its captivating cover and intriguing title, I couldn't resist picking it up, even though I was unsure if I would ever delve into its pages. However, from the moment I began reading, I found myself utterly engrossed, unable to tear mys...

Prepare to be swept away into the mesmerizing realm of 'The Divine Sword,' where every page brims with the intoxicating blend of love's embrace and ambition's fiery grip. Winner of the esteemed Sahitya Akademi Award 2028, this English rendition unveils a sprawling tapestry of passion, betrayal, and the unyielding dance of destiny. As kingdoms clash and rivals scheme, follow the gripping journey of characters navigating treacherous landscapes of power and prophecy. Delve into the heart of Assamese history, where secrets buried deep and bloodlines entwined shape the fate of nations. Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the annals of time, where every revelation illuminates the eternal struggle between desire and consequences. The book was originally published in Assamese under the title ''Deo Langkhui," meaning 'The Divine Sword'. Special thanks to Pan Macmillan for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to...

Have you heard of the Tenth Avatar of Mahavishnu - 'Kalki' who will come to destroy in Kaliyug according to Hindu Scriptures? Are you familiar with the mysterious submerged city of Dwarka? If these topics have always fascinated you, then I have the perfect book for you to read. "Forgotten Kalki by Thupalle Nagendra Prasad" is a captivating blend of fiction, mythology, science, and fantasy, this book is packed with suspense and thrill that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Firstly, let's talk about why I picked this book. From its beautiful cover to its intriguing title, every aspect draws you in. But the real magic happens when you dive deep into its pages. The story revolves around Anvesh, who, after losing his parents, is haunted by strange and unsettling dreams. Determined to unravel the mystery of his parents' death, he leans on his best friend Abhi and Abhi's father Arjun for support. Abhi, a technical geni...

Ahalya: A Fresh Perspective on an Ancient Tale Many of us are familiar with the classic story of Ahalya, the woman cursed by her husband for unknowingly committing adultery with Indra. This narrative, often portrayed in Ramayana-based TV shows and movies, depicts Ahalya as a victim of her own innocence, punished unjustly for a sin she did not knowingly commit. However, recent interpretations of this tale suggest there may be more to Ahalya's story than meets the eye. I recently came across a different version of Ahalya's story through a podcast, which challenged the traditional narrative found in popular adaptations. According to this podcast, Valmiki's original Ramayana presents a more nuanced perspective on Ahalya's character and her actions. Intrigued by this alternative interpretation, I was eager to delve deeper into Ahalya's story. My curiosity led me to discover a captivating book by Koral Das Gupta, published by Panmacmillian Publishers. Titled ...