Book Review: What Kitty Did (5*s)

Oh Dear Kitty. What have you done?

As you read through this roller coast of a book, you will end up asking this question way too many times.

 

It's rare to read a book where you get so emotionally connected to the protagonist that you wish you could get into their life and help them sort their heads. Sure we root for hero's, we cheer their success and many times even cry their sorrows for them but have you ever felt exasperated, annoyed and yet appreciated a protagonist. Kitty is someone who is not a hero, doesn't get things right (perfection is not even in the dictionary), and can be generally perceived as irresponsible, unprofessional and as her family suspects a raging alcoholic.

Often, I had to remind myself that the book and the lead character are not one and the same. Trisha Bora has done a fantastic job on merging the two.

I simply loved the book. It's fast paced, edgy, with a healthy dose of a "murder" mystery mixed with life and lifestyles in the modern era. It's as contemporary as its the year 2017. 

There's a grim reality to the situation that is depicted which resonates with the reader.

 

Extremely well written and referenced, where every character plays an important role that may seem inconsequential initially but impacts the story line eventually. An intricately woven plot with virtually no loose ends that gathers steam and before one realizes heads to an exciting climax. 

Trisha Bora has truly redefined my idea of what a good book should be about. I wouldn't be surprised if this was a true story and not a work of fiction.

We often read about fantasy worlds and imaginary situations. Writers use their creativity to varying degrees to paint a picture. But personally I believe it's a lot tougher to present a reality of today that's virtually impossible to disagree with.

Whether it's the human psyche, the relationships that's highlighted or the entire plot that twists and weaves like an auto rickshaw through the narrow lanes of India, this is one book that is a kaleidoscope of Indian reality.

For this I salute Trisha Bora and am now a fan of her writing. I especially loved the vast references she uses to establish her analogies. It speaks volumes of her own interests and exposure to the wide world of art that's out there and to achieve an amalgamation of it all into her story is tremendous effort.

The story revolves around Kitty and her muddled approach to life. Her ineptness in handling her life and its problems is a stark reminder to us all about how we need to re-visit our approach to things.
Her professional life is no way any better and that's evident in her approach to writing that piece about the death of Roxy Merchant. But credit to her for spirit of never giving up.

She reminds us that we ma never have all the talent in this world but if we stay honest and persistent and with a bit of luck we all may just have a fairy tale ending to life.

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Book review: The Demon Hunter of Chottanikkara

A layered story (akin to a multi layered dessert dish) which has a series of sub plots that all come together with some divine intervention in this fast paced and well written book by SV Sujatha.

The Demon Hunter of Chottanikkara was my first Supernatural Thriller and at the out set I can tell you that hitherto I had not been a fan of this genre of stories.
But their is an intrigue behind each of these stories as was evident in this book. Of Dreams shattered and opportunities snatched away.
Below is an except from the book that I have included to portray that:

Devi smiled sadly. “I suppose we will never be rid of them because they were once like us...men and women who had hopes and dreams. But when they died prematurely and violently, they could not go peacefully into the next cycle of their lives, but had to return to this one as abominations filled with evil. We know they can’t stay away because they lust for what we have, and they also want to exact revenge for the injustices done to them when they were still among the living. They desire not only our flesh and blood but are driven by forces beyond their comprehension, which will allow them no rest, no peace, until they are dispatched once and for all. And their nature being what they are, they will kill and maim, they cannot help themselves.”

As is evident in this 1 paragraph, the story is beautifully narrated and evocative. The book is vivid in its illustration and yet uses an extremely simple style of writing which can resonant with its readers. Each of the characters have been fleshed out wonderfully well and helps the readers connect with their trials and tribulations.

The plot of the story itself is relatively simple, however what makes this worth reading is the portrayal and nuances of each of the characters. Sujatha has marvelously captured a kaleidoscope of human traits in this thriller that showcases to whats ends people can go to achieve what they want, in both positive and negative forms. The story deals with Love, Sacrifice, Valor, Cruelty, Greed and above all sacrifice for the greater good.

The book will question your belief in the greater good, The Ultimate Sacrifice and will ask you - What would be your choice if you were faced with the same situation as Devi?

If you have read the book, comment on what would be your choice...