Tales from Ferosha Bhaag - Rohinton Mistry

Fiction
Verdict: Read it

All the previously discussed good things about Rohinton Mistry writing, but with a community focus rather than a single family. This is a compilation of short stories within a community that obviously features some of the same characters.

The beautiful thing about this book was how seamlessly Mistry leads you from one family to the next, one home to the next.

Definitely worth the read.

Becky

Family Matters - Rohinton Mistry

Fiction
Verdict: Read it

Rohinton Mistry is one of my favorites and he didn't disappoint in this book.

Set in a Parsi family, the plot winds around an aging Grandfather who injures himself and requires intensive care. The family dynamics, property disputes, and ducking of responsibilities are something that everyone can relate to. I really ended up feeling bad for the old man as well as the family that actually loved him because long term care is hard on the body and the wallet. 

Another thing I love about Mistry's writing is how well he blends information about Parsis into his writing. I learned about rites and rituals, family culture, and even language to some degree through reading this story. 

While it's rather lengthy, and to be honest a bit slow at certain points, it's well worth the time and effort.

Read it!
Becky

How I Became a Farmer's Wife - Yashodhara Lal

Non-Fiction
Verdict: Read it

This was another interesting one. I can't remember why I chose to rent it, but I was definitely interested.

The story is about a couple who have kids and a happy life but the husband has dreams of being a farmer. So he quits his job, finds a partner, and does just that. Obviously this isn't an easy task for him, not to mention the family supporting him.

The author is honest about the difficulties they face, sometimes hilariously frustrating as India is prone to be. The incident with the babas taking over the farm had me laughing in delight.

It was a little heavy on the spiritual angle for my taste. I really didn't need to know what she talked about with her yoga instructor, but hey, i guess that was how she coped.

The ending also didn't wrap up neatly. Her husband decided that even with the steep learning curve and some moderate sucess, that the first attempt had failed. But that didn't stop him from deciding to evolve his technique, find cheaper land, and try again.

It was refreshing to see people going after something they were passionate about.

Read it.

Becky

Indian Love Stories - Sudhir Kakar

Non-Fiction
Verdict: Read it

Another anthology about love stories, another book that was vastly different from what I expected.

Love in all it's manifestations, it's not always about roses and smiles, and warm fuzzies. Sometimes it's hard, or gross, or not what was expected. Another glimpse into a culture's version of love.

Not long or difficult. Take the time and read it.

Becky

Adultery - Farrukh Dandey

Non-Fiction
Verdict: Read it

Another book that turned out to be vastly different than I had expected. This is very surprisingly not about smut, or adultery, although there is a fair bit of that. What this book is about is relationships.

A collection of short stories, most of them do not turn out quite as you would have expected. I found this a bit disappointing, but it made reading it much more interesting.

Not a long or difficult read - take the time.

Becky

Afghan Rumor Bazar - Arbabzada

Non-Fiction
Verdict - OK

We've heard  a lot about the negative, violent aspects of Afghani culture, the war, and the taliban. The author of this book attempts to unravel the social quirks of Afghanis without resorting to any of the above. She strives to keep it as normal as any other society. Now mind you, not everything she says is flattering, but she largely avoids the mindless "Afghanistan is evil" idea Americans have been spoon fed. As the title suggests, the author insists that Afghanis like rumors.

It's not a difficult or long read, and if you're a culture junky like me, it's definitely worth the time.

Becky

Blue The Tranqbar - Hussein Ameena

Fiction
Verdict: Read it

This was an interesting one. Definitely not what I was expecting. Erotic Fiction for Sri Lanka. 

This is a collection of short, erotic stories. Surprisingly well written, they will definitely catch your attention. Sexual politics and attitudes will probably surprise you as they did me.

Read it.