Book Review: Colorful Notions

Do you ever dream of visiting different places? Do you think of not just visiting the places as a tourist but immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions? Do you think of going on a road trip with your friends?  If yes, then this is the right book for you.

Colorful notions by Mohit Goyal is a story of two guys and a girl on a road trip across the length and breadth of India. They visit a myriad of places. This is not a travelogue but a travel fiction. It is not limited to the description of places where  they went  but the plot is spiced up with love, jealousy, and betrayal. They start from Jim Corbett National Park and go through Rajasthan, Punjab, Ladakh to end their roadtrip in Delhi. From convincing parents to getting cold feet just before the trip to proposing to robbing, the story keeps getting more interesting.

The characters in the novel are very relatable. Abhay is your typical 20 something who wants to quit his job and travel. Shashank is trapped in his family business but wants to do something he is passionate about. Unnati is Shashank’s girlfriend and an RJ. The friendship between Abhay and Shashank is real. It warms your heart to see the things they do for each other. I found the relationship between Shashank and Unnati a bit clichéd. My favourite parts to read were their trip to Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan and their conversation with the Lama.

The novel is written in a lucid manner. The story progresses seamlessly and in no time, you find yourself engaged with the characters. However, the description of places leaves the reader wanting for more.

In a nutshell, pick up this book if you want to read something light.

Leaving you with my favourite quote:

That’s what life is all about. You may hate it one moment, but later on, that very moment may become your most cherished memory.

My rating:

Book Review: The Speaking Ghost of Rajpur

The Speaking Ghost of Rajpur by Priyonkar Dasgupta is a story of a group of boys embarking on an adventure in a town called Rajpur in suburbs of West Bengal. Shoumo, the protagonist, along with his elder brother, Shomik is visiting his cousin Joy. They are joined by Joy’s friends and together spend their time roaming around, chatting, gaming and exploring the neighbourhood. The story line is peppered with little twists and turns here and there.

I picked up this book while travelling. Little did I know, I would have a little adventure of my own. The first thing that attracted me to the book was the cover. The cover of the book is beautiful (I judge the book by its cover ;)) and so are the illustrations.

The narrative style of writing made this book an interesting read. The author has so vividly described the events, it made me feel like I was the part of the setting. I could feel the excitement building up within me. Soon, I was laughing with them and nervous with them. It took me back to my childhood when I used to read Famous Five Series. Reading the book was a trip down the memory lane. It reminded me of the good old time I spent during my vacations meeting cousins, relaxing, sharing stories of ghosts and seeking adventure.

All the characters are very relatable. Shoumo is the younger brother who wants to feel included in his elder’s brother group. You could feel his struggle. Shomik and Joy are typical elder brothers pulling Shoumo’s leg. The parts where all of them wander into the woods are my favourite to read. Though there seem to be some loose ends while reading, the author has culminated them perfectly at the end.

Though the story was gripping and kept me turning pages, I felt that pace was a little slow. While the details certainly helped in creating imagery in the minds of readers, they were an unnecessary distraction sometimes, adding nothing new to the plot.

In a nutshell, pick up this book if you are looking for something light and adventurous.

Leaving you with my favourite quote from this book:

“It was that same, familiar smell of old books, which never fails to stimulate that strange longing in the heart that pulls one towards them each time.”

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.