Light Denied by Mangala (Book Review-3.25*/5)!!!

        Mangala Nagarajan is one authoress whom I adored since the release of her debut book "Amidst The Tides Lies a Beautiful Island". I was so impressed with the book that I had to rate it 4.25*. She has again got herself self-published but this time with Gargi Publishers. The curiosity to read her 2nd venture "Light Denied" has been on high since its announcement and finally, I can breath sigh of relief. Mangala has a very simple and sober way of conveying her story to readers which reflects innocence in each and every word scribbled. Right from the 1st page to last, you understand the intention of the author and the message she wants to deliver.   

            Light Denied is a trial of Mangala to make the common people understand the plight of people with disabilities. Here, she discusses about a girl "Mukhi" who's blind and can't see since her birth. Her parents offend her every now and then and treats her as a servant. It is her grandparents who understand that Mukhi needs love and she is capable of doing many things but depression has made her under-confident. Her friends help her to grow and show her real talent to the world. To know what Mukhi does in the end and in the process, get the book. :-)

            I liked one thing about the author that she didn't over-exaggerate anything to uselessly generate emotions. She didn't mention a single scene where someone had teased the girl for being blind or disabled(except parents). She has focused just on how a blind girl too has the same emotions as us and how love and support can give a better life to such people. The role of grandma is perfect and that's a memorable character that shall stay with me for a long time. 

            Summarizing, author's narration is very friendly. Book is just 186-pages and hence you can complete it in one sitting. The message that author wanted to deliver has been told well. There are few editing mistakes. But that's always an issue with new and small-scale publishers. Also, I still find author's first book far better than this. It had some really mind-boggling sub-plots whereas this book is very simple in comparison to that. Light Denied is also predictable at most of the times. Cover page of the book is very beautiful and it's something you would like to keep above all your books in the desk. I give this attempt 3.25*/5.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Beyond Forever..in love by Kiran Joshi (Book Review-2.5*/5)!!!

       Out of my busy schedule due to the last semester of college, I am getting quite less time to read this month and this shall continue for all the months to come in 2014. Somehow, I am done reading Kiran Joshi's debut 184-pages novel "Beyond Forever ...in love" published by Pustak Mahal/Cedar Books. It is another attempt by an Indian author to write a love story and touch hearts of the audience who believe in simple and heart-touching stories. As a debutant, Kiran Joshi has given a fine attempt which can be kept in consideration that the writing will improve with books to come. Anyone who attempts chick-lit or love stories in India aren't expected to be great writers with their first book and hence I won't be very harsh on Kiran Joshi. Considering her age and experience, it was wonderful to find that the plot of the book had something into it which can keep me excited to read the book till the end of it. 

 

            Kiran Joshi's writing style is very Indian and simple. You will not run for dictionary even once. If you love teenage love stories then Kiran Joshi might be one of your favorite authors in future. But if you have already progressed and have started exploring other and bigger genres then Kiran Joshi will remain unattended. The story that she has narrated focuses on how Kamna, who is about to turn into a physiotherapist, has already faced harsh truth in love with her ex-boyfriend, Pratik. The experiences she had with him makes her believe that love would be the last thing she would be looking for. However, she meets Varun and finds herself attracted towards him. Later on she comes to know that he is son of one of the richest businessmen of India. What happens next is why this book has to be purchased by you. :-)

           With Kamna and Varun, even other friends are discussed and their character is treated extremely well. If this is how authoress has treated characters in her first book itself, with refinement and exploration, she can develop better characters in her future ventures. I found few drawbacks too: Starting with, I didn't like story to be as simplistic as this. Everything was very predictable from the word GO. Also, there are few grammatical and spelling mistake for which I would like to thrash the publication house. What were their editors doing? But overall, I appreciate that Kiran Joshi didn't drag and stretch the simple story and made it boring. I give this attempt of her- 2.5 out of 5 stars. Specially written for the audience between 15-23 age group.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!