Karma Bhoomi by Munshi Premchand

The great essayist Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” And the one you see in the picture above definitely belongs to the third category.

Karma Bhoomi: A world of complex relationships

We see a number of people who say that they can’t contribute to society just because they don’t have power. But the thing that Munshi Premchand conveys us is that when you have the right intentions, you don’t need power and money. They will follow you wherever you go.

Evident from its name, ‘Karma Bhoomi’ is a story that tells the importance of your deeds for the society. No matter how small they are, your actions can impact the whole society.

The most interesting as well as a unique thing about this book is that it does not revolve around a single person. Though we have the main character, even the most minor characters play a very important role in the development of the plot and teaching us the meaning of life.
‘Karm Bhoomi’ is set in pre-independent India and shows the whole spectrum of patriotism, nationalism, and other independence movements.

Another thing which is worth noting is that it not only shows the picture of India in a generalized form but even gives a very clear picture of what was the situation inside the dwelling of common people.

One more very prominent facet that Premchand describes beautifully and that keeps us glued to the book, is its array of complex relationships. The relationship between parents-children, husband-wife, sister-brother, and so forth. Almost all the relationships in the book are complex and there is a lot to learn from each.

Read this book if you want to know about the tumultuous background of pre-independent India. For me, this is my favorite book by Munshi Premchand. Reading this has been a learning journey.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than other.”
George Orwell, Animal Far,

The first thing I want to say about this Orwellian satire is that this is why we read fiction at all.

Since the time I read about the Russian Revolution of 1917 during the last year of my graduation and I really wanted to read this piece of work as it was highly recommended by my professor as well as my father. So finally, I read it today.

The novella is an allegorical representation of Russia and it’s ideology if Communism which is stated as ‘Animalism’ in the book since the story is set in an animal farm.

The story revolves around the ‘Manor Farm’ which is again an allegorical representation of Russia. The story starts when the animals of this farm are pumped up with the principles of ANIMALISM by a boar called Old Major. Here it is important to tell that Old Major represents the great theorist Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin who were the progenitors of Communism.

After Old Major’s death, one day tired of the continual hard work and no benefits, the animal’s rebel against their master who I think is a representation of the capitalist class. Victorious in driving out their master, the animals start living with full freedom.

As they enjoy living freely, it becomes important to work also as they had to feed themselves. They start working after making a commandment decree consisting of 7 major principles based on the equality of all the animals. But gradually, some animals such as pigs, who are given more importance because of their cleverness and education start taking over the farm. One of the cleverest pig named Napoleon self declares openly that he is the leader and slowly and steadily all the principles on which the Animal Farm used to work collapses.

The principles of ANIMALISM are dashed down to dust and the principles of totalitarianism are established. ‘Animal farm’ is declared Republic and Napoleon as the president.

My review
In just 142 pages George Orwell gives us a warning about the injustice we are committing everyday and even today. The inequality that lives in our society is what Orwell wants to point out. We may say that we are Democrats or Republicans but the reality is that we are living in a society where everyone is selfish and want to get his own pockets filled in.

What is Orwellian Satire?

What really surprises me the simplicity in which the story is told. If you don’t know anything about the Russian Revolution you might feel what the hell is this? But once you put two and two together you’ll be awestruck at the brilliance of Orwell. I have to say Orwell was way ahead of his time.

You should definitely read this book if you want to read something unique as well as meaningful.

Simon vs the homo sapiens agenda by Becky Albertalli

“Why is straight the default? Everyone should have to declare one way or another, and it shouldn’t be this big awkward thing whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or whatever. I’m just saying.”
Simon vs the homo sapiens agenda

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So today is the last day of #pridemonth , but honestly I think love and respect is somethinh which should be celebrated everyday bot just a month. Well that’s my opinion.

So in the excitement of #pridemonth I picked up this book . As I’m not that much into #romantic genre I was not sure if I should read it or not. But as this book was recommended many of my favourite bookstagrammers, I finally decided to give it a go and honestly I liked it very much. FYI this is my first full fledged gay centric love story, and yes I found it cute, sweet and even adorable for that matter.

The story revolves around Simon (who btw loves Oreos and a Potterhead). The problem is that he’s not out yet and one of his classmates named Martin finds out about it and blackmails him. The thing is Simon kind of have an online boyfriend Blue (who is one of his classmates). He communicates with him through e-mail and they fall in love as the story evolves.
Read this beautiful love story as Simon comes out because he’s done with keeping his story straight.
Happy reading!

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Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag

Truest me after reading this one,you will not be able to look at ants normally! Here is review of an Indian psychological thriller Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag.

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“Words, after all, are nothing by themselves. They burst into meaning only in the minds they’ve entered.“
Ghachar Ghochar

Narrated through an unnamed narrator, the story of this novella revolves around a joint family who go from rags to riches after starting a spice-business. The success of the business leads to a lot of changes in their lives, both good and bad. While they gain financial prosperity they loose much more than that.

“It’s true what they say- it’s not we who control money, it’s the money that controls us. When there’s only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us. “

As I think about this it seems like isn’t it what happens with most of the people? Money is important but not everything. Or is it?

The novel is not just psychological thriller, it even includes glimpses of feminist ideology as well.

“On that day I became convinced that it is the words of women that deeply wound other women.“

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In the course of just 7 chapters (119 pages) Vivek Shanbhag manages to give us an enthralling novellla. One more thing which is worth mentioning here is the author’s precision of words. It does not feel that he wants to drag the story unnecessarily to make a big book. He just gives us a short, crisp and thought provoking story. And this is why I love this type of novelllas.

I hope you’ll also try reading this one. Happy reading!!

P. S. For all those thinking what Ghachar Ghochar means it means something which is so messed up that is beyond repair.

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