Showing posts with label anthology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anthology. Show all posts

Book Review : Shades of Life - Colors

Book Review : Shades of Life - Colors

Shades of Life - Colors is an anthology edited by Saravana Kumar Murugan and published by Shades Publication. It has total of 38 poems and stories by 38 writers and poets depicting different shades of life. My story 'The Unanswered Letters' (page no.141) is also part of the book but my involvement with the book will not in anyway influence my work as the reviewer of this book.


Cover: Colorful cover suits the title of the book. Presence of butterflies reminds you of life cycle associated with it from larvae to cocoon to butterfly thus implies shades of life. Full marks to the cover, it ignite your interest for the book.

Content: The book contains stories and poems from different writers and poets which are not arranged in any particular manner. Compiler has tried to put as many shades of life as possible through these collections of poems and stories. You can experience many shades of life in the pages of this book from dark shades to light shades to colorful shades which means their is sadness,happiness,calmness,joyous and different kind of other moments to touch the chords of your heart. These stories and poems travels different destinations,emotions and surroundings.

Highs: Most of the stories selected for the anthology are simple and somewhere near to the real life. Poems are also easy to understand and not the kind which passes above your head. Different writers have different narrative style which enhances reader's reading experience. You will surely like to read these mix of poems and stories in a single book.

Lows: I think the book is lengthy, there should be less stories and poems in it. I also found many stories just plain instances without any twists and turns, as the number of such stories increased my interest for the book decreased. I also feel the lack of theme in story selection. Many stories depict similar shades of life.

Verdict: Nice leisurely read but not a kind to relieve you from boredom.

Rating: I would give it 2.5/5

The book is available on amazon.in.

Book Review : The Wedding Trousseau

Book Review : The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories

The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories is a collection of 11 stories written by Ankita Sharma and published by Humming Words Publishers. I have received this author signed copy from the author. All 11 tales are inspired from various shades and areas of life.



Cover : It has a simple and soothing cover design. Images of high rise buildings denotes city where all the stories are based. The rear has an image of a dog which is connected to one of the stories in the book. Overall cover is nice and apt for the book.

Plot : This book contains 11 stories which are all different but similar in the theme. They are all based on human psyche and relationship some of which leave you flabbergasted with the way they are approached. The title story of The Wedding Trousseau deals with the complicated relationship of a husband and a wife. Humor, disgust, dejection, surprise, sympathy, awe, fear and many other emotions unfolds with each story.

Highs : Each story leave you with a question to think about ourselves and our society. The use of conversations in the narrative helps in deeper understanding of the psyche of character which blends well with the narrative. The use of simple language enhances your reading experience. You can't single out a story which is boring. These story make you think and introspect yourselves.

Lows: No story is boring but some lose their pace in between. Few story appears to me as incomplete without any conclusion. 

Verdict: Go get your copy today to discover different angles of the human psyche with a fresh perspective. An unputdownable read.

Rating : I would give it 4/5. 

The author blogs at www.hummingwords.blogspot.in. You can buy this book from Amazon and BuyBook India.