Exit Interview by Amrita Mukherjee (Book Review- 4.25*/5) !!!

      Though I have not read many books published by Rupa Publications but I always stay curious for their new work and keep myself updated to it. I had Amrita Mukherjee's debut book "Exit Interview" in my hands since long but had to wait because of my Internship and final examinations. It is the first book that I have read completely after my examination and I must say, what a start to my vacations. :-) Seeing the cover page of the book, I was not quite impressed as I found it quite girlish and therefore thought it might be a boring stuff. But it is rightly said,"Never judge a book by its cover". But kya karein, bikta toh sub packaging se hi hai :-) After completing this book, I am happy that I read it as it's among one of the best debut work by a female author in pulp fiction genre. 

            Amrita Mukherjee's language is very fluid because of which this book serves as a wonderful read and you will be unable to keep it aside once you pick it up. So beware, do not read it while traveling as you might not prefer getting at your stop because it will pause your reading experience. :-) The characterizations of Amrita are powerful which makes them stay in your mind even after the book is over. Rasha is carved so beautifully that you fall in love even before Arun does. Haha! The flashback story in college is also nicely set which makes the book little more better than it is. The thrilling kind of feel given by the author in the second half through the prologue is also a nice turn given to this story. 

             Through this book, Amrita have tried to reveal many facts but made sure that it isn't preachy at all. She discusses about the challenges in journalism field and how bosses enjoy all the success while the real journalist behind the stories slog for a simple appraisal every day. She also tells about exploitation in the field. She discusses Kolkata and Dubai in detail and makes sure she does not insult her country even if comparing it with a developed one. 

            I liked the book since arrival of Ankita in the company in the midst of cold war between Sabrina and Rasha. That whole part is so well-managed by the authoress that "Exit Interview" gets into my favorite list. I just felt that the book could have been little shorter as I felt author over-describing even small scenes which weren't much relevant with the real plot. 270 pages could have been enough. The first trip to Egypt with Arun is stretched like anything which urges you with every sentence to skip few pages. Similarly, the climax is also stretched even though I liked how she have set her plot in a real world situation. Over all, Exit Interview is an amazing read and considering it as a work of a debutante, it is gold. I give it 4.25* out of 5. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!! 

Chanakya in You by Radhakrishnan Pillai (Book Review- 3*/5) !!!

      I have all the three books of Radhakrishnan Pillai in my shelf but never got time to read any of them even when I wanted to read them desperately. Finally, I have started reading from the latest book he have written named "Chanakya in You". The book 's tagline says that it carries adventures of a modern kingmaker. I was very excited for the book as I love reading management and leadership related books but after reading the book, I am quite disappointed as it has turned out to be an average and mediocre stuff. I had assumed it would carry many learning of Chanakya and how it's relevant and applicable in today's world but what author presented is how one can apply it in his life by changing his lifestyle.      

              The writing style of the bestseller author is very easy which can be read by anyone who knows how to read English. It's that simple. The intention of author is very pure and conventional that he wants to spread his knowledge among everyone whoever has access to buying books and reading them. He wants everyone to be proud of being Indian as it's in our country where spirituality can be attained in its purest form. He wants everyone to seek the wisdom of Arthashastra and that's what he keeps reminding in almost every page. Book starts with a wonderful tone and you wish if it carried something like The Monk who sold his Ferrari where the plot waits at a particular location and the knowledge is given in abundant. But the fictional representation of the story made Mr. Pillai move from one plot to another so fast that you are unable to find yourself in the book or Chanakya in you. 

            Yes, there are indeed few learning in the book but that's the problem. A book of almost 250-pages shouldn't have had only few learning but something out of which I could have made notes for my future reference. Author only manages to tell why to study Arthashastra whereas a reader's expectation is to know about how it could have been applied in today's world of corporate and leadership. There is no doubt that author has abundant knowledge about the same but may be he couldn't present it properly. He ended up writing few things about his own life and what he wishes his own life to be. The book is filled only with positivism rather than explaining how to fight when a man gets trapped in trouble. In all, Chanakya in You is a mediocre book to which I'll give 3 stars out of 5. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!! 

WHEN YOU HAVE TO PAY PRICE FOR WRITING A DARING NOVEL

    

Public statement of the author

     “Telling the truth is a revolutionary act which often demands a price.”- George Orwell. We live in a democratic and liberal country but freedom of speech often trampled in the name of protecting religious sensibilities. Public life for artists in India is tied up with so many harass consequences and sometimes it demands a heavy price.Books are the source of enlightenment, guidance, knowledge, entertainment and entering into new lives. But writing a daring and very bold book always has hidden consequences. This is what happened with Satyapal Chandra’s recent novel WHEN HEAVEN FALLS DOWN. 

           Few fundamentalists have protested against him, demand a ban on his book and put a price on his head. And then recently his house was attacked at midnight, and vulgar posters were affixed all threatening him to kill very soon. And for his safety he needed to go around to police for protection.As I finished reading his novel When Heaven Falls Down, I was spellbound by the quality of content which were so powerful, excoriating and exhaustive in nature. I was in love with the unique and innovative narration of the story. It was a deep and rational comment on Indian health care system, medical negligence, Religious conflagrations, prostitution, corruption in education and degrading situation of women and many other aspects. It was an emotional read which taught me about the hidden secrets of society.The protest and attack is so painful to bear. 

   

FIR lodged in the name of author

        The Constitution of India under Article 19(1) (a) gives the fundamental right to Freedom of Speech and Expression that you can openly share what you feel. It is not against the real culprits but the one who flashed light on their deeds. His only fault is he is transparent enough with his words to let us see the reality from his eyes? Who are they to give death threats to someone? Just because he, in harsh but true way, showed what happens in communal riots? Just because he made us realize that naked world of religious leader where many like of Asharam, Nityanad and countless Maulvi repeatedly rape and harass woman in the name of god. Just because he made us guilty of judging the prostitutes without knowing their real mental trauma which usually the go through. Just because he tore the covers of Indian health care system to show us what happens inside? Or just because he showed what true love is, irrespective of caste, creed and religion and how the concocted term like Love-Jihad is getting used for political benefit?

             Neither any movie nor any novel ever want to be anti religious rather they aim to expose the wrong doings. In 21st century we need to broaden our mind and outlook and decide what is right and what is wrong. Its high time if we want change and do some thing good rather than protesting or burning effigy. We should oppose to those people who are the real cause of any misdeed. Not only this but I have a set of questions for you people too! How long will we tolerate tortures on artists like him? Are we so weak to accept the reality?

 Think about it.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!