The Grammar of My Body: Abhishek Anicca

 Non-Fiction

Verdict: Maybe

I can't remember at present why I picked up this book - I believe it was recommended in the newspaper. Those are always hit or miss for me. 

Abshiek Anicca explores a lot of themes around ability and the sense of self. To be completely honest, I struggled to relate to many of the things he was discussing as I don't have many of the same experiences that he does. I feel this might be a great book for someone who has struggled with ability issues in India. I support his premise, but just couldn't relate to his experiences. If it applies to you, by all means read it and let me know what you think.

~Becky~

The Mountain Shadow - Gregory Roberts

Fiction

Verdict: Read It (4/5)

Overview: 

The Mountain Shadow was a surprise find at Bookworm. It's the second novel from Gregory Roberts, following the infamous Shantaram. I read Shantaram as well, so this would be the second novel. As Shantaram was influential in my decision to relocate to India, I definitely wanted to read the follow up.

Lin Baba makes his return appearance to continue bringing us through the life of crime, love, and friendship in Mumbai. 

What I Enjoyed:

Gregory Roberts is a good writer (or has an excellent editor!) and has interesting experiences to share. I think most of the fascination for me was a follow-up for the first novel and to see if his story resonated with mine. While the plot meandered quite a bit, the pacing was good. The characters are well-developed and entertaining. 

What I Disliked:

While I liked the epic romance story with Karla, it got a bit much at times. I also got the distinct impression that Lin Baba thought himself quite the Bollywood hero at times. Not a turn-off exactly, but it was amusing. This novel also had me questioning if anything new was coming to the table, or if the author was simply capitalizing on previous success. Nothing wrong with that of course if the story is good, but the plots were similar enough to make me wonder.

Summary:

If you enjoyed Shantharam, you'll enjoy this as well. It's not a short read, it took me a good amount of time. I personally liked Shantharam better, though it's been so long now I need to go back and read it again. If you've run to India for some reason you might resonate with this novel. Read it!

 

~Becky~

  

A House for Mr. Misra - Jaishree Misra

NonFiction

Verdict: Read It (5/5)

Overview:

I Picked up this very small book from Bookworm. The cover artwork is very nice. This is the first book I've read by Jaishree Misra.

This novel revolves around an Indian couple that has moved from Britain back to India. The main character, whose name is not disclosed beyond Mr. M's wife, is a Malayali from Kerala. her husband is vaguely from "North India". They purchase some land and proceed to deal with the idiocy that is India anytime anything official or bureaucratic happens. 

What I Enjoyed:

I think anyone who has purchased a home of any type in India can relate to some (or all!) of the struggles that the Misras' went through. I certainly could. Trying to do things both by the book and with a workaround will never go as planned, and will possibly become very difficult. A well-written and edited book. 

What I Disliked:

I wanted this novel to be longer and have more details. While I could appreciate the beauty of a short story about an isolated subject, I really wanted to know more about the Misras and the process of their house. 

Summary:

Another rainy afternoon delight, it's short but entertaining and worth it. If you understand India, bureaucracy, and property, this is a book for you. Read it!

~Becky~