Burial st sea - Kushwant Singh

'Burial at sea' features pre-independent India in technicolor !! Of course the novel tells the lives of the elite of the elites without much reference to the freedom fight. Most of the characters are caricatures of famous figures esp that of Nehru family and Mathai. Mercifully, Mahatma had been given as humane touch as possible.The novel ends abruptly with the royal murder of the hero-death by bullets.


The sardarji effect is very feeble in this work. I expected a lot more tips on 'tantric exercises' and 'yoga postures'.

Lajwanti and other stories - Mulk Raj Anand

Real , comprehensive and subtle , these 12 short stories explore the little known and not-so familiar corners of the Indian soul . They take us back to 1960s and cover a wide range of topics like love , family life , plight of women , politics , social issues etc . The first story-Lajwanti- is quite tragic and touching. 

The Sandgame - Uri Orlev

Uri Orlev

Many a stories been written about the Holocaust , but none so antic and affecting like this book.The autobiographical narrative is full of fun and adventure.It is the true story of young Uri , a Jew , who lived through the Holocaust , survived it and became a well-known writer.Written for kids , from the viewpoint of a child , it's  meant for adults also because it's impossible to understand Uri's life without grasping the horror of the Holocaust.


Are the Jews safe now?

The wanderer - Khalil Gibran

50 short stories !!And all of them offbeat and unique and very short with  twisted tails . Each end leaves you with a chuckle and a chewy thought. They won't bore or beat you down like parables or fables but most of the time you nod and wonder at some amusing universal truths. Published posthumously in 1932, this last work of Gibran is presented as the tales told by a wanderer.
Savor slowly....

Manual Of The Warrior Of Light - Paulo Coelho

We are all warriors , no doubt. Still, how I wish I could believe these lines from this manual in this brand new year :-


''Warriors of light often ask themselves what they are doing here. Often they find their lives meaningless. That is why they are warriors of light. Because they fail. Because they ask questions. Because they keep looking for a meaning. And, in the end, they will find it.''