“The Menon Investigation: A Crime Novel That Demands to Be Remembered, Debated, and Felt

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Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari’s The Menon Investigation is not your typical whodunit. On the surface, it follows Inspector General Vijay Menon reopening an eight-year-old cold case,the murder of Sub-Inspector Kannan Moses, a Dalit Christian. But very quickly, the book reveals itself to be less about the crime itself and more about the social and moral crimes lurking beneath the surface of Indian society like casteism, colour prejudice, institutional corruption, and the hypocrisies that power structures feed upon.

This is not an easy book. Not because the book is impenetrable,it is, in fact, highly readable, but because it forces the reader to look squarely at the rot we would rather leave hidden. The author doesn’t allow the comfort of a clean resolution or the thrill of a purely procedural investigation. Instead, he makes the investigation a mirror of the State, of the institutions that hold it up, and of the protagonist himself.

At its heart, this book is an excavation of identity. Vijay Menon, a high-ranking officer with a dark complexion, carries within him a constant dissonance, a Menon by caste marker, but betrayed by his skin, a symbol of the very biases he benefits from and despises. This contradiction defines him and makes him both insufferable and deeply compelling.

The book also probes the idea of institutional violence, how caste hierarchies and systemic prejudices are perpetuated not by extraordinary villains, but by everyday complicities. In one sense, Menon’s pursuit of justice is really a pursuit of self-understanding. The “trial” is not just of culprits but of Menon’s own illusions. The result is a narrative that destabilises the familiar rules of the police procedural and morphs into something closer to social tragedy.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸Vijay Menon is one of those rare characters who linger in your head long after you’ve closed the book. He is not designed to be likeable; he is designed to be human. His humour, insecurities, contradictions, and half-baked ideals make him a paradox in motion. That alone elevates the book beyond genre fiction.

🔸The book takes the scaffolding of a police procedural and turns it into a meditation on privilege, prejudice, and the mechanics of power. The author shows that murder investigations don’t exist in vacuums,they are shaped by history, caste, and communal fault lines.

🔸The writing is atmospheric without being indulgent. Dialogues cut sharp, and the narrative voice carries both weight and wit. Author’s sentences linger with rhythm and punch, proving again why he is considered one of India’s most exciting literary voices.

🔸A surprising strength is the humour. It sneaks in at unexpected moments, disarming the reader. Rather than making light of suffering, it sharpens our perception of injustice by showing how absurd it all is.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️While the book subverts the genre, it still occasionally leans too heavily on familiar tropes of “corrupt system” and “dark-skinned man facing prejudice.” These are important, yes, but at moments they feel over-explained instead of allowed to breathe in the narrative.

▪️The momentum occasionally sags in the middle, where the narrative lingers more on Menon’s internal monologues than the case. While this deepens characterisation, some readers may feel the investigation itself is sidelined.

▪️The ending, devastating as it is, may frustrate readers who expect tighter closure in crime fiction. The author deliberately resists tying all knots, but the choice might alienate those coming to the book looking for a “mystery solved.”

In conclusion, it is less a police procedural and more a social reckoning wearing the clothes of a crime book. It demands from its readers not just attention, but introspection. Yes, it has flaws like occasional indulgence, uneven pacing but its thematic depth, its dry humour, and its refusal to play by the rules make it a powerful and unforgettable work. Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari proves here that literature’s true role is not merely to entertain but to unsettle, to provoke, and to remind us of the invisible violence that shapes our lives. If his debut showed promise, this second book confirms mastery.

The Tiger That Crashed My Wedding

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Some books arrive in your hands disguised as simple entertainment and end up asking questions that gnaw at the very fabric of your being. “The Tiger That Crashed My Wedding” is one such book. What begins as a seemingly quirky rom-com about a runaway bride and a tiger disrupting a shaadi turns into an oddly moving exploration of freedom, obsession, and the fragile ways we attempt to reclaim our lives from forces that cage us.

At its heart, the book is about three runaways, Avni, escaping her father’s suffocating patriarchy; Amit, a man who has quietly hidden his discontent behind the facade of a modest teacher; and Mastaan Singh, the tiger who breaks free from his zoo enclosure. All three crave liberation, but the forms their freedom takes are messy, unpredictable, and not always comfortable.

This is where the author’s book shines, it’s not just about romance or absurd comedy, but about the nature of captivity and release. The tiger is not simply an animal intruding on human lives. Mastaan Singh is a living metaphor, sometimes an embodiment of instinct, sometimes of rebellion, sometimes of fate itself. His presence forces Amit and Avni to confront truths about themselves they would rather ignore.

The book asks difficult questions without handing out easy answers.

🪄 What does it mean to be free?

✨ Avni escapes her father but finds herself caught in Amit’s growing obsession. Amit abandons social expectations but chains himself to his fixation with Mastaan. Even Mastaan, the so-called free animal, carries the invisible scars of his captivity.

🪄 How do we confront patriarchy and control?

✨ Ram Prasad, Avni’s father, is written as more than a caricature of a villain. His abuse, though repetitive at times, serves as a reminder of how ordinary tyranny seeps into daily life and robs women of choice.
🪄 What defines love?

✨Avni and Amit’s relationship teeters between tenderness and entrapment, raising the unsettling possibility that love too can become another kind of cage.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸A tiger crashing a wedding is absurd, hilarious, and refreshing. It’s the kind of premise that immediately stands out in a sea of formulaic romances.
🔸Avni’s struggle is raw, especially in the way her pain, longing, and resilience are portrayed. Readers genuinely feel her desperation to carve a life of her own.
🔸Mastaan Singh is one of the most compelling characters, not because he speaks, but because he doesn’t need to. His silence and sheer presence inject a strange spirituality into the book.
🔸Like Rajkumar Hirani in cinema, the author manages to smuggle commentary on patriarchy, class, corruption, and even wildlife conservation into a narrative that still reads lightly on the surface.
🔸The book balances ridiculous humor (a tiger in a wedding buffet line is unforgettable) with genuinely existential reflections. This blend gives the book its unique texture.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️Avni’s father’s tirades feel overused. The constant barrage of abusive language becomes numbing rather than impactful. A tighter approach would have preserved their sting.
▪️While his descent into obsession is fascinating, it is not always convincingly fleshed out. His shift from savior to near-antagonist happens quickly and could have benefited from more psychological nuance.
▪️The middle portions drag, with long stretches of inner monologue and magical realism that may alienate readers looking for narrative clarity. At times, the story loses momentum under the weight of its own ambition.

In conclusion, it is not a perfect book, but it is an unforgettable one. It is bold, imaginative, and unafraid of absurdity. Beneath the surface humor lies a deeply humane exploration of what it means to live freely, to love truthfully, and to reclaim dignity in a world that constantly tries to strip it away.
The author may test your patience at times with his excesses, but he will also reward you with insights, laughter, and moments of unexpected poignancy. This is not just a rom-com with a tiger; it is a raw meditation on captivity, whether in cages, households, or hearts.

Dynasties of Devotion

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Temples are not just walls of carved stone; they are echoes of centuries, repositories of art, living archives of belief systems, and arenas where humanity has sought the divine through dance, music, architecture, and ritual. In “Dynasties of Devotion”, Deepa Mandlik does something few authors attempt,she blends spiritual awe with academic inquiry and travelogue with cultural critique. What emerges is a book that doesn’t just document temples, it listens to them, almost like one would to an old sage, weathered yet wise.

Her work stands as a rare literary intersection of spirituality, art, and lived experience. Rather than offering a dry academic dissection of architectural marvels, she invites us into her personal journey, wide-eyed, reverent, questioning, sometimes overwhelmed. The original Marathi version, “Parakrami Hindu Rajanchi Adwitiya Mandire”, was already a celebrated piece of work. What makes this book deeply engaging is not just what she observes, but how she observes it.

She doesn’t reduce temples to mere religious centres. She portrays them as pulsating hearts of civilization, where the arts flourished, where people gathered, where dynasties marked their power, and where culture, politics, and faith were all entangled. The Brihadeeswara Temple, for instance, isn’t just presented as a Chola-era marvel, but as a stage where Bharatanatyam, music, and temple rituals came together to create an immersive sensory and spiritual world.

The Kailasa Temple’s depiction of Lakshmi is not an incidental detail. It becomes a metaphor for abundance, grace, and regenerative power. In this way, Mandlik taps into deeper themes of “Shakti”, the feminine creative energy, that often gets sidelined in architectural documentation.

Her exploration into the political contexts in which these temples were built is critical. These weren’t just religious acts; they were assertions of power, legitimacy, and legacy. Kings etched their identities in stone, and Mandlik does justice to both the grandeur and the strategic undercurrents that shaped these structures.

✍️ Why This Book Deserves Your Shelf :

🔸What sets this book apart is the author’s tone, neither pedantic nor pedestrian. She writes like a humble pilgrim, but one who has done her research. This balance between emotional engagement and intellectual rigour makes the book a bridge between the lay reader and the scholar.

🔸Even though the book isn’t a picture book, her descriptions are so evocative that you almost smell the incense and hear the distant clang of bells. Her husband’s photography, which accompanied her journeys, is mentioned but not overly leaned upon, a testament to the strength of her prose.

🔸Many temple studies have been written by male scholars with an overly structural focus. Her female perspective brings a refreshing sensitivity and intuition, particularly in how she relates to the figures of goddesses, devadasis, and dancers carved in stone.

✒️ The Cracks Behind the Charm :

▪️While the six South Indian temples are vividly contextualised, the Cambodian one feels somewhat underexplored in comparison. Given its geographical and cultural departure, a deeper dive into how Indian temple architecture and Hinduism migrated and transformed in Southeast Asia would have enriched the narrative.

▪️While the author’s voice is powerful, the inclusion of interviews with temple priests, historians, dancers, or artisans could have added more multi-vocality to the book. Hearing from those who live these spaces every day would make the text even more layered.

▪️There are subtle hints at how temples have historically been spaces of exclusion as well as inclusion, but this is not deeply unpacked. A critical lens on caste, gender access, and modern-day politics of temple spaces could have added more bite to an otherwise glowing tribute.

In conclusion, it doesn’t just write about temples, she walks through them, prays inside them, listens to their silence, and invites you to do the same. This isn’t just a book; it’s an invocation, a meditation, a tribute to the grandeur and complexity of Indian spiritual heritage. This book is not meant to be skimmed. It is meant to be absorbed. To be read like one reads a sacred text, slowly, with reverence, and with open eyes. Because in the end, what are temples, if not mirrors of the civilizations that built them and mirrors of ourselves?

The review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program.

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Amongst The Believers by Kochery C. Shibu

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Kochery C. Shibu, the best-selling author of “Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar” and “Faith and the Beloved”, returns with another high-stakes thriller, “Amongst the Believers”. Set against the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan and Ukraine, this book blends espionage, global politics, and human resilience into a gripping narrative. With intelligence agencies like RAW, ISI, Mossad, and the CIA all vying for control over a game-changing video, the book masterfully captures the blurred lines between loyalty, survival, and betrayal. 

The story follows three key characters—Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha—each caught in a dangerous web of espionage, war, and personal turmoil: 
– Nanda is falsely accused of murder, is forced to join RAW for a covert mission in Pakistan, where he must build and destroy a family to complete his assignment. 
– Khusru is a terrorist who has fallen out with the ISI, is on the run and tasked with escorting a warlord’s daughter, Miriam, across treacherous territories, from Iran to Russia. 
– Rekha is a woman who trapped in her past, was once enslaved by terrorists and remains obsessed with Khusru, despite having a husband and children. Her abduction leads her into a brutal cycle of sexual slavery in Afghanistan. 

Amidst all this, a mysterious video of an army officer directing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks threatens to reshape global politics, with intelligence agencies ruthlessly chasing it down. 

The book immerses readers in the dark world of intelligence operations, showing how espionage works behind the scenes of global conflicts. The author’s meticulous research is evident in his portrayal of RAW, ISI, and Mossad’s strategies. 

While not a traditional love story, the book explores how relationships are shaped by war and espionage. Nanda’s forced family, Rekha’s tragic obsession, and Khusru’s moral conflicts all add emotional depth to the plot. 
 
There are no clear heroes or villains in this book. Every character operates in a morally gray space, making choices driven by survival rather than righteousness. The novel forces readers to question traditional notions of good and evil. 

Rekha’s story sheds light on the brutal realities faced by women in war-torn regions. Her tragic journey from captivity to obsession is haunting and deeply impactful. 

The author’s writing is immersive, detailed, and cinematic. His descriptions of war-ravaged cities, intelligence networks, and emotional turmoil make the book feel strikingly real. The book shifts between multiple perspectives, keeping readers engaged while maintaining suspense. 

The dialogues are sharp and realistic, revealing each character’s motivations without unnecessary exposition. The pacing is fast, with intense action sequences interwoven with psychological depth. 

❌ The shifting perspectives and intricate subplots might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with espionage thrillers. 
❌ Some chapters move too quickly between locations, making it occasionally difficult to keep track of the plot. 
❌ Certain arcs, especially Rekha’s, could have been explored further for a more satisfying emotional closure. 

In conclusion, it is a masterfully crafted espionage thriller that goes beyond typical spy fiction, delving into the psychological and emotional costs of war and betrayal. The author’s intricate storytelling and realistic depiction of global intelligence operations make this a must-read for fans of high-stakes thrillers. 

Final Verdict – A gripping, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense novel that will leave readers both exhilarated and haunted.

Money for Couples

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Ramit Sethi, the bestselling personal finance author’s new book “Money for Couples” has returned with a deeply insightful and pragmatic book on one of the most contentious yet crucial aspects of modern relationships with money. This book is more than just a guide to splitting bills or budgeting; it delves into the psychology of financial decision-making and how couples can align their money habits to create a shared vision of a fulfilling life together. 

One of the standout features of this book is his structured approach to understanding and managing finances in relationships. The foundation of his method lies in identifying one’s “Money Pattern”—whether it’s partnership, safety, growth, impulsivity, or avoidance. This framework allows readers to self-reflect on their ingrained financial behaviors before engaging in conversations with their partners. Rather than treating money as a transactional element, the book encourages couples to design a “Rich Life vision”, a concept that focuses on aligning financial choices with personal values and aspirations. 

The book walks readers through a step-by-step process, from identifying money patterns to setting up a financial health check, developing a joint plan, and eventually incorporating regular “money meetings” into their routine. These meetings are not just about crunching numbers but about fostering financial intimacy—ensuring money becomes a topic of shared growth rather than stress and conflict. His philosophy is clear “money should not be a source of friction but a tool that strengthens a couple’s relationship by bringing them closer to their ideal life.” 

Unlike many financial self-help books that focus solely on individual wealth accumulation, this book is unique in its approach to couples’ finances. It acknowledges that partners often have different upbringings, financial mindsets, and earning capacities. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all formula, the author provides scripts and conversation frameworks to help couples navigate difficult discussions—whether about income disparities, spending habits, or financial goals. 

The book also includes real-world case studies from couples who have transformed their financial dynamics through Sethi’s principles. These stories provide relatable and practical examples of how partners can shift from financial discord to harmony. Readers will appreciate the inclusion of detailed money-planning templates that simplify the process of implementing these strategies in their own lives. 

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend financial strategy with emotional intelligence. He doesn’t just provide financial advice that he addresses the underlying psychological and emotional barriers that often make money a taboo subject in relationships. The inclusion of guided scripts and actionable exercises adds a hands-on element that many financial books lack. 

Another remarkable aspect is the book’s adaptability. Whether a couple is in the early stages of their relationship or has been together for decades, the principles apply universally. The book empowers readers to not only fix current financial issues but also proactively build a financially sound future together.   

In conclusion, this book is a game-changer for couples who want to break the cycle of financial stress and turn money into a tool for deeper connection. His practical yet emotionally intelligent approach makes this book not only a financial guide but also a relationship-strengthening resource.

The IC 814 Captain’s story

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Captain Devi Sharan’s “The IC 814 Captain’s Story” is not merely a recounting of the horrific hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814; it is a chilling testament to human endurance, an incisive dissection of crisis management, and an emotionally charged narrative of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the captain of the doomed flight, he delivers an immersive first-hand account of the eight-day ordeal that unfolded between Kathmandu and Kandahar a journey that transformed a routine flight into a nightmarish battle for survival. 

The author’s prose is taut, deliberate, and devoid of hyperbole, lending an unnerving realism to the gravity of the events. He meticulously reconstructs the sequence of terror from the initial shock of the hijacking to the excruciatingly prolonged negotiations with the Taliban without succumbing to sensationalism. Instead, he offers a measured, introspective perspective that amplifies the tension, forcing the reader into a claustrophobic space where life and death teeter on a knife’s edge. 

His portrayal of the psychological torment inflicted upon the 188 passengers and crew is particularly unsettling. The perpetual oscillation between hope and despair, the erosion of human will under duress, and the primal instinct for survival are explored with raw intensity. The hijackers’ erratic behavior, the gruesome murder of Rupin Katyal, and the ever-present specter of an impending massacre create an atmosphere of suffocating dread. 

What sets the book apart from a conventional hostage memoir is its exploration of leadership in extremis. He is not just a passive observer but a commander burdened with an impossible responsibility ensuring the survival of his passengers while maintaining composure under ceaseless intimidation. His internal conflict balancing compliance with defiance, assessing risk with instinct, and projecting authority without provocation serves as an insightful study into the psyche of a leader grappling with unprecedented crisis. 

His reflections on the tactical missteps of Indian authorities particularly the inexplicable delay in Amritsar that allowed the aircraft to escape Indian airspace offer a scathing critique of bureaucratic inertia and geopolitical paralysis. Through his lens, the reader experiences not just the horror of captivity but also the frustration of systemic failure, adding a layer of political commentary to an already charged narrative. 

In conclusion, it is an unflinching, deeply introspective chronicle of one of India’s most infamous hijackings. It is a narrative of resilience, fear, and the indomitable will to survive, offering an unvarnished glimpse into the horrors of captivity and the burdens of leadership under siege. Though it may leave some readers desiring a more expansive view of the incident’s geopolitical ramifications, its raw authenticity and incisive detailing make it an essential read for those interested in aviation disasters, crisis management, and human psychology under extreme duress. 

The Art of Selling by Lefteris Papageorgiou

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In the competitive landscape of start-ups, where every pitch, negotiation, and client interaction can determine the fate of a business, “The Art of Selling” emerges as an indispensable guide for every entrepreneur. 
The book addresses one of the most critical aspects of running a start-up i.e sales. From delivering compelling pitches to fostering enduring customer relationships, it tackles every aspect with clarity and practicality. The author’s intent to empower entrepreneurs is evident in the actionable strategies and real-world examples interwoven throughout the narrative. 

Unlike generic sales books, this focuses on the unique challenges start-ups face. The book acknowledges the resource constraints, intense competition, and the need for agility in decision-making, making it highly relevant for new business owners. 

The step-by-step strategies for pitching, negotiating, and closing deals are easy to follow and implement. The emphasis on adaptability and continuous improvement aligns well with the fast-paced start-up ecosystem. 

The inclusion of case studies and anecdotes from successful entrepreneurs adds credibility and relatability. These stories not only inspire but also serve as practical demonstrations of the techniques discussed. 

The book goes beyond transactional sales by emphasizing the importance of building strong, long-term client relationships. This approach resonates with modern business practices, where customer loyalty is as critical as acquisition. 

The book encourages readers to anticipate challenges, remain flexible, and embrace a growth mindset. Such foresight is vital for navigating the unpredictable start-up environment. 

In conclusion, it is a must-read for budding entrepreneurs seeking to master the art of sales in a competitive environment. Its practical strategies, coupled with a strong emphasis on adaptability and relationship-building, make it a valuable resource for start-ups at any stage. 

Recommended for: Start-up founders, small business owners, and anyone looking to refine their sales skills with a focus on growth and resilience.

The Rising of Dhanush: A Modern Retelling of Mythical Heroism

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Dhawalraj Parmar’s The Rising of Dhanush masterfully blends mythological resonance with modern-day action, delivering a story that is both riveting and evocative. Set in the bustling and dangerous Sun City, this novel reimagines the legendary Karna of the Mahabharata as Karan Keshav, a modern-day hero navigating a labyrinth of crime, betrayal, and technology. Dhawalraj’s narrative offers readers a thrilling saga of vengeance, heroism, and redemption, creating a tale that resonates deeply while being wholly original.

The story begins with Karan Keshav, an extraordinary archer known as Dhanush, whose life parallels that of the mythical Karna. Raised in Sun City, Karan is forced to flee to the wilds of Timira after a tragic incident claims his father’s life. In the decade that follows, he hones his skills, transforming into a formidable warrior before returning to Sun City, determined to unearth the truth about his father’s killers.

Karan’s journey is not just one of vengeance but also self-discovery. His mythological ties to Karna serve as both a source of strength and a poignant reminder of his destiny, grounding the character in a rich narrative tradition while allowing him to shine as a distinct and modern hero.

Sun City, a sprawling urban landscape, is more than a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. The city’s vibrant yet perilous environment mirrors Karan’s internal struggles and the challenges he faces. Dominated by an alliance of ruthless criminals—the M brothers, a Chinese drug lord, and the enigmatic Lala—Sun City becomes a battleground for Karan’s quest for justice.

One of the novel’s standout features is its seamless integration of mythological themes with contemporary elements. The narrative skillfully intertwines the heroic ethos of the Mahabharata with the grit and urgency of modern crime-fighting.

Karan’s transformation into Dhanush, his encounters with superhuman adversaries, and his eventual conflict with advanced technology—most notably the exoskeleton created by the brilliant yet morally ambiguous Sibu Roy—highlight the collision of ancient heroism and modern innovation. The story’s exploration of these themes elevates it beyond a simple action narrative, offering thought-provoking reflections on the evolution of heroism and the human spirit.

The supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story. From Sam, the archaeology enthusiast who aids Karan in both his personal and professional endeavors, to Kali, a fierce fighter with her own vendetta, the characters bring richness to the narrative.

Karan’s relationship with Vrisha, his love interest and a skilled archer in her own right, adds an emotional layer to the story. Their shared mission and chemistry make for compelling reading, highlighting the personal stakes amidst the grand conflict.

The action sequences in The Rising of Dhanush are intense and meticulously crafted. From close-quarters combat to high-tech confrontations, Dhawalraj keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The climactic battle against Sibu Roy’s exoskeleton, involving Karan’s team and the police, is particularly thrilling, showcasing the protagonist’s ingenuity and determination.

The author also excels in weaving mystery and intrigue into the narrative. The enigmatic presence of a mysterious killer, the hidden truths within Roy Corp, and the ultimate revelations about Karan’s father’s murder keep the plot dynamic and unpredictable.

At its core, The Rising of Dhanush is a story about justice—both personal and societal. Karan’s relentless pursuit of his father’s killers and his determination to dismantle the city’s crime syndicates reflect a deep commitment to righting wrongs. The narrative also explores redemption, not only for Karan but for others who join him on his journey.

Whether you are a fan of mythology, crime thrillers, or tales of epic heroism, The Rising of Dhanush offers something for everyone. It invites readers to reflect on the timeless nature of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice, while delivering an unforgettable adventure. For anyone seeking a story that bridges the ancient and the modern with electrifying flair, this book is not to be missed.

The book is available in paperback format. The Kindle version will be released soon.

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Six of Cups

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This poem collection, “Six of Cups” authored by Neha Bansal is a compelling socio-historical anthology of well-thought choice of poems that serves as a literary time machine, transporting readers into a world of nostalgia. The title derived from the tarot card that stands for memories, things left behind and feelings towards them also feels just right for this evocative anthology. Through vivid imagery, she captures everyday moments, making readers not only reminisce but also appreciate the simplicity of bygone times.

The collection taps into both personal and collective nostalgia, evoking experiences such as sibling fights, childhood games, and memorable family gatherings. Some poems, like “Good Old Doordarshan” and “Supernatural,” are light-hearted and whimsical, stirring smiles. Others, like “My Grandpa’s Stories,” delve deeper, exploring familial bonds and cultural rituals with a touch of melancholy. She skillfully blends personal memories with universal themes, making each piece both intimate and relatable.
In her writing, there is simplicity yet impactful. Her choice of free verse, combined with simple diction, makes the poems accessible without compromising their emotional weight.

The poems also carry a record of cultural calendar, ‘Mahashivratri’, ‘Lohri’, and ‘Ramlila of My Childhood’. In these creations she celebrates Indian festivals and rituals which help build individual as well as collective persona. On the same note, feelings that stem from consideration of poetry works include childhood memories, desire of early relationships, and the consequences of time entail feelings that are social across any society. 

The book is well-edited, with each chapter accompanied by footnotes, enriching readers’ understanding of cultural references. Such a consideration helps increase readability, particularly for non-consscinated audiences in any given tradition. This is important in enhancing the rhythm of the poems because the poems are also well harmonized into making a book with a series of curves to help readers take them throughout a memorable nostalgic journey. 

Her Story

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Neha Bansal’s “Her story” is a compelling collection of 39 story poems that presents a
striking critique of the historical, cultural, and personal oppression faced by women. This collection wonderfully combines elements of mythology, societal experiences, and individual reflections, creating a mosaic that spans both ancient and modern contexts.

The biggest asset of the book is the layers in which the issues like sexual violence, body shaming and expectation are portrayed. Her reimagining of mythological figures like Draupadi, Ahalya, and Surpanakha gives these characters new voices, casting a feminist lens on their ancient struggles. Poems such as “The Fall of Draupadi” challenge the glorification of endurance, asking pointed questions about the cost of resilience. This thematic interplay between myth and modern-day struggles is powerful, offering readers a bridge between the past and present.

One of the anthology’s standout aspects is its use of vivid imagery and symbolism. Her poems are at their best when they evoke emotional introspection without becoming too didactic. Nevertheless, there are occasional pieces of the writing which appear overly pedantic in their endeavor to provide a clear social critique. Issues such as arranged marriages, or honor killings as depicted in some of the poems are discussed in what can benefit from additional depth. Some of the works are either too short or limited in scope to allow for the proper development of the critical issues, which are thus presented in a more ‘snapshot’ approach.

The inclusion of Dhruv Nath Singh’s illustrations is a commendable touch, adding depth and visual resonance to the poems. These images complement the poems, enhancing the reading experience by offering additional layers of interpretation.

In conclusion, it is a bold and thought-provoking collection which aptly brings the oppressed women into the limelight while combining the myths with modern problems. While the anthology is not without its shortcomings—occasionally oversimplifying complex narratives—it remains an important contribution to feminist literature.