Memories of Fire - 4.5*s

Overwhelmed. Intoxicated. In Awe. Giddy with insights. Inspired.  YET Angry. Disturbed. Upset. Overall an extremely heady and satisfying feeling.

These are but a few of the emotions I experienced reading this brilliant brilliant book.

Memories of Fire by Ashok Chopra is one of the most insightful books you will ever read.
Its almost like an encyclopedia more than a book. With numerous references, detailed background information and insightful anecdotes, this is a  treasure trove of a read.

IF one were to judge an author by the book he writes, then surely one would sing praises of the man. His vast knowledge, in-dept research and citations makes this a read beyond just a book.
It's almost like researching about the best poems and literature that one could read in a lifetime.


One of the reasons why I wanted to read the Memories of Fire is the fact that it is set around the partition and early years of India's Independence as well as the formative years of Pakistan.

I have always wanted to know what causes the animosity between the people of the two countries (certainly beyond the obvious).
While I had my own beliefs, they were merely based on the little snippets I have read from here and there. This book describes quite extensively the situation prevalent in both countries around the time of partition and while the focus is around the then state of Punjab it does showcase the mood and sentiment of the people that is even prevalent today.

The story revolves around the life of 5 friends, which in ways represents the unity in diversity that we experience in India and beyond. Coming from different backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs, yet being the closest of friends, there for each other for life (literally) and is a fulcrum around which revolves this epic book.
Their backgrounds and differences showcases how as individuals we humans may differ but left to our own devices we can find a commonality that bridges any gap provided we don't cave in to external influences.

A brief synopsis of the 5 friends and their life without revealing the actual story:

Shyam Singh : The most gut wrenching life experience of the four in my opinion. If what transpired was true, I wonder why it dint lead to more well defined laws around Euthanasia in India. Would you have the courage to do that we did in his situation?

Vijay Thakur: The larger part of the book involves him. He is like that omnipresent personality who is there for everyone, everywhere almost all the time. Will naturally be amongst everyone's favorite.

Reza Khan: Is a bit of an enigma. There is not a lot written about his personal life but his love for literature will make any ones pale in comparison. He seems to have the most comfortable life amongst the group.

Balbir: Perhaps the highest pain is reserved for Balbir. His entire belief system, upbringing and culture come into serious dilemma. He has to some tough choices in life and how he copes is part of this journey. His choices define his life and while some work out perfectly, does he get a fairy tale ending?

Deepak Kumar: Plays a supporting role in this story. His letters exchanged with Reza Khan are fascinating reads.

Is Balbir's choice tougher or does Shyam have to make the greater sacrifice. Which one would you be able to make if you were confronted with them?

Read the book and let me know. And be rest assured you will feel mentally fulfilled after this.

Book Review: The Nine-Chambered Heart - 4*s

Janice Pariat has set out to do what not too many people could have attempted.

Of deciphering a woman.

Of  enlightening us so that we may truly understand what makes her who she is.

However, like melting mist on a warm winter morning, while the rays of the sun permeate amongst us, our understanding flitters from one facet to another.

The nine chambered heart is written in a very unique style. 

There are No names, no cities mentioned, no direct references to anything that may influence your thoughts or cloud your understanding.

Instead it focuses purely on the subject at hand and takes us through a journey of unraveling the experiences and behavior of the main protagonist. 

Janice Pariat's The Nine Chambered Heart is written purely from the "other person's perspective" and refers to their thoughts, impressions and expressions of what they perceive the protagonist will feel under different situations. The message is open to our interpretation, which is molded by our own experiences in life. The stories can be extremely relatable and helps us connect with the characters in our own unique way which makes reading even more enjoyable. It's a rare perspective to have, of the other side when most stories always focus on the protagonists point of view.  

Written in a simple and evocative style, The Nine Chambered heart is a kind of novel that keeps you guessing and interested to the very end.

You literally would not want to put the down book until you know what happens at the end.

I have always believed that people can experience love in multiple ways with more than one person in life, a concept most people tend to disagree with. Generally people are conditioned to believe that love is largely singular and ought to be eternal.

But in this book we discover how one can find love in different situations, under different circumstances and that love is an emotion that does not have to really last a lifetime.

As it says in the book, one can experience love for as little as 5 days or even an eternity.Some people might dismiss it as infatuation, attraction and what not, but who is to draw a line between emotions.

Love is an emotion that one lives through and may for reasons beyond our control not last forever.Love also comes in different forms.
Some are physical love, some mental, some purely (Platonic) emotional and then there's love that combines every aspect and blossoms into a garden in our hearts.

The nine chambered heart is a book one must read because it also highlights a very important aspect.

That of the uncertainty of life.

Nobody knows whats going to happen next and situations beyond ones control lead to outcomes that may not be what you desire.

But how you accept that and move on with life is perhaps the most important lesson in this story in my opinion.

Read it to infuse new hope in you. A new found sense of wanting to live life to the fullest.