Different Beads Of The Same String by Sujay Malik (Book Review-3*/5) !!!

I am not a great fan of anthologies hence I always feel doubtful about picking any book which has 10-12 short stories. But for a change, I thought of trying something from the new set of releases from an Indian author and thus landed upon Sujay Malik’s “Different Beads Of The Same String” which consists of 10 short stories. The book is published by Notion Press publication and is of only 120 pages which can be completed in a single sitting of 2 to 2.5 hours. 

The best part about the book is that the author has tried to keep the stories versatile where no two stories sound similarly. Sujay Malik has also taken care of the narration very well in the stories where he keeps changing his style as per the demand of the story. His command over the language is also skilful as he manages to create emotions, excitements, wonder etc. on his demand. The choice of stories is nicely edited and selected as it manages to strike the chord with the Indian readers. This book will basically be liked by the young or new readers as author has kept things straight and simple. 

The story also reflects the contemporary societal problems where a girl from North-eastern stretch is a victim of racism and physical violence. Another story talks about how two guys are being taught a small lesson so that they stop smoking. One story discusses about the personal awakening of a person. One story talks about the condition of the law and justice in our nation. All the stories have different parameters and thus, keeps the reader interested in the book. 

Talking about the drawbacks, the first thing I would point out is the number of the stories in the book and the length of each story. I don’t believe a young reader would purchases a novel worth Rs. 200/- for 10 short stories when there are bigger Whatsapp forwarded stories available for free. Secondly, author has kept the language and narration of the stories too simple which might not impress matured and avid readers as they would be expecting a level-up stuff. Otherwise, this book is a light read which is best to read while traveling alone. I give this book 3 stars out of 5. 

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Murderous Greed by Arun K Nair (Book Review-2.5*/5)!!!

Reading crime novels by debut Indian authors is a great feeling considering all of them are inspired by the successful Western authors but yet try to carve their own path with a unique story. Arun K Nair has also entered the world of literature with a book based on crime thriller where a set of policemen are trying to figure out the murderers of the two cases that takes places within few minutes. The book is of about 200-pages which I feel is quite applaudable considering how few stories are written in such a stretched manner that the readers start skipping sentences between paragraphs. Author has kept the story to the point without wasting too much time in description. The cover page and the title are also catchy which interested me in picking this book for reading. 

Arun’s writing style is average and you won’t find anything to learn from it. This book will be more effective for the new readers trying to associate themselves with Indian novels and wish to start with crime genre. It is an easy crime thriller where you won’t have to remember multiple dates, locations, characters etc. Author has kept things simple for the reader to complete the book in one sitting. I completed this book within 2.5 hours and it’s a wonderful book to carry with you while traveling. 

The first half of the book is very interesting when the two unfortunate events take place. The entry of policemen in the story and the way they start attacking each suspect with their questions and interrogations is a nice read. The first half promises a better second half which is where the book couldn’t fully satisfy me. The revelation of the climax is too simple and does not come with a bang shocking the shit out of the reader. The book keeps discussing only one murder scene throughout and totally forgets the other one which makes the story sound half-baked. Author should have tried writing the interrogation for both the cases happening simultaneously. 

Overall, Murderous Greed stays true to its title and the story is written exactly aligned with it. The Author’s note in the end of the book states that there’s a sequel planned which is releasing this year itself. This came as a surprise and I am looking forward to it. Arun K Nair will have to write a better book than this one to impress his already created fan-base. I rate Murderous Greed with 2.5* out of 5 as it will intrigue the new readers but for the lovers of crime thrillers, this book is too simple to stand out amongst all. 

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!