The Forbidden One By Zaarra Khader

The Forbidden One … is a collection of well-chosen short stories. Her writing is infused in an essence that spells out – Discipline, Focus and Clarity. Just like the brush strokes of the practiced hand that has mastered finesse in their work, she diffuses her stories with very subtle endings, which is almost soothing.

I discovered a new style of writing a story through her book. Without plunging into much specific details, she manages to beautifully bring out the motto of her story. Every story has just one character as the focal point. Other characters are mostly kept in the shadows yet their presence is made – just as much as needed – to ensure the smooth flow of the story.

“Flawless!!”, that’s the word that comes out when I pause to think critical. Spelling mistakes also go unseen, when the reader is so engrossed into simply ingesting the juicy contents of this book. Curiously enough, the same stories that would be found in the screenwriters trash bin, makes her book  worth exemplifying  the fact that – “ If you  just organize your work and use it efficiently then every piece falls in place making it a masterpiece.” It is an art to create value out of nothing  that takes a person a long way in life. My mother taught me this.  

You have nailed it. Forbidden is great. Forbidden is good. Forbidden is a threat. Forbidden is a loss. All these stories revolve around human beings who actually exist in the society. Due to  the closeness of each story to reality – there’s an instant connect – between the reader and the characters and their stories.

Since I’d attended the Book Launch of this book... I heard Shekhar Suman( Guest of Honor)  say something of which what I derived was, “ Success washes all fibs, muting it out for the better from the otherwise raised voices that pulls one down.” I kept looking for which story narrated that moral. The last story seemed to outline the same, somewhat vaguely. But nowhere was that specifically mentioned in the book. I think, he was referring to the occasion at hand i.e. the launch ,  in order to say what is aptly befitting the current situation then.

Practice and industry footprint is speaking boldly in your writing. Influences that surround you seem liberating, yet are captivating, in a manner where bliss becomes the nature of one’s existence and emotions the jail. You enjoy  splashing tidal waves , which may go as far and deep whence they retract but have to come and hit the shore in the end. What if you were made to believe and consider  that that cycle can be broken ?

Each story has been structured with a different set of words, giving it the identity to stand out from the rest. The flavor and feel is unique. Hats off to you!!

With this I wish the author all the best with her book and future releases. 

BLUE BOY By Rakesh Satyal

My journey towards reviewing debut writers is really becoming an exciting one as this is helping me expose myself to new colors , or rather unexplored or forgotten colors, that sprawl around me and maybe even inside me as I journey through a lane which isn't at all recommended by anyone credible enough; to give me  confidence that its safe or that its going to be worth my time.

That mystery of trying out something - OUT OF THE BOX - or unique is what drives me towards the books that are written in gullible ink which craves for reaching the eye of a reader. How  I connect with those who spill such ink onto paper is  because I myself find the same anxiety within me..(To know more - check Poet's Choice ... my book. )

So today, I'm going to be reviewing another book that's called " BLUE BOY " ....

Blue Boy By Rakesh Satyal 

How I came across this book was also very interesting. It happened when  I attended a book discussion on " The Fountainhead " which was followed by a book exchange session. Obviously, I'm about to compliment the artwork and content showcased on the cover design. It is impressive and I connected with things like " lover of music " , " a boy who doesn't understand his lot " , etc, ... I had a feeling that there's something I will be able to relate myself with in this book. 

Unlike other books which I gulp down my throat in about 3-4days MAX ... I sort of had a invisible barrier repelling me from reading on. For instance, I just read the prologue and virtually left the book for a week coz every night I would tell myself  I'll read it tomorrow.  I remember, I've read the prologue at least three times to get myself on track with the story which was to follow. 

I expected the book to be witty from what the cover page said and what the prologue wafted my senses with. When I finally dipped into the pool of wild words and phrases this author has used. I met with many breaking expectations. Firstly, I did not come across much emphasis anywhere in the book to show Kiran's love for music. Next, the queer side of him glinting homosexuality was too rubbed all throughout the book but what was irritating was that the author left the question dangling in mid air - whether the boy was actually so or not? I dunno as a reader, I expect an acceptance which can sink in on either side .. like a firm YES OR NO... 

Jump plots .. The problems or sub plots that were created were not given a conclusion. That again shows the emotions of the author justifies those plots as concluded (assuming the reader to presume the most obvious conclusions)  not knowing that the readers can only read whats printed on paper, where they are being expected to read the unwritten heartfelt emotions of the author too. That is highly unlikely. 

After sometime, I actually started counting the number of pages each chapter is having. wherein, if I'm truly enjoying the book I don't end up doing that. There were few places where I stopped counting the pages though, but that was a rare case. From page 75-80 I would actually count the number of pages I had to finish. The story was dragging.. it was too descriptive and less interesting 

I did not completely opt out of the book, believe me, if the book has been totally rubbish I've stashed it in my library until dust starts to accumulate over it or if i have returned it back to its owner.  The book has been written with the hands of a person who has worked hard, and that's probably what kept me going. 

It looks like the book is an auto biographical with  excerpts from the authors life which he's shared with the world. I honestly felt dissatisfied with the ending of the book, at least that could've been made fully enjoyable. Even there, the author gave half satisfaction or joy to the reader. It was very abrupt. Is the reader supposed to expect another sequel to this book? Amongst many other questions this one is the most likely one.. there were more questions raised in the readers mind than answers. 

Kiran's parents perspective and life  is left unexplained.... The teachers and school perspective is left open... Did the duo who hooked up n brought embarrassment to  Kiran when he exposed their attractions to their parents shown justice with their true colors getting exposed to their parents later? 

What was the fate of the competition in which he participated taking all risks upon himself .. who won ??  

All in all, if I had to recommend this book to anyone I will tell them that they better be prepared for a slippery bashful ride into a story with many unconnected dots and yet very organically youthful. 

Best of Luck!!!