Small Things Like These- Book Review

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Publication Date: 26th October 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Irish Literature, Magdalene Laundries

4.5 Stars

 
True to the title, Small Things Like These is a small book that shows how small things matter the most. We aren’t talking about the small pleasures of life here. The book deals with the history of Magdalene Laundries (or the asylums). The story is fictional, but it could very well be true. In fact, I wonder how many were lucky enough to have their life turned the way it happens in the book.

If you are wondering what I’m talking about, you will first need to read about Magdalene Asylums set up in different parts of Europe and Australia. Understanding the subtle nuances of the book is not possible without knowing the dark history of the topic.

When a friend asked me to read about Magdalene Laundries, I looked up on Google and remembered that I came across this topic before. There was an episode of Miss Prynne Fisher Mysteries (in the Australian setting) that showed how the lives of the girls in these asylums were no less than a nightmare.

Coming back to the book, Small Things Like These is set in 1895 Ireland during Christmas. It shows Bill Furlong’s life in the then present-day as a successful coal merchant. The story takes us back to his childhood, artfully contrasting the miseries of the unfortunate girls forced to stay at the Magdalene laundries with no chance at the future.

The story is atmospheric, emotional, and wonderful. Not because it shows the truth of how the Catholic Church ensures silence from the crowd. But because it underplays the power to perfection. Bill’s emotions and thoughts dominate the book. His life is proof of how things could have been better.

In three scenes (two short and one medium-sized), the author brings out the mirror and places it right in the brutal asylum with huge walls and padlocked doors. There is no escape except death. And death came in abundance, but not when the girls wanted it.

To see the correct image in the mirror, you need to know what the asylum stood for. There is a note at the end of the book, but I recommend reading the history before picking up this book.

Don’t ignore this book, though. The language is beautiful, and the author’s control over her narrative is evident. She could have made this into an extended drama. But she chose not to. For me, that’s the biggest plus of the book. Though I’m a fan of happy (and proper) endings, I know this book ended at the right place. It leaves us wondering how things would go next, though we know what is likely to happen.

Overall, I would say, go read the book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Press. 

P.S: I can’t wait to see the cover they’d design for this book.

#SmallThingsLikeThese #NetGalley

The Tuscan House- Book Review

The Tuscan House by Angela Petch

Publication Date: 7th April 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, WW II

4 Stars 

The cover and the blurb of the book got my attention, and despite the page count (400 pages), I requested an ARC. The Tuscan House is a story set during WW II in Italy. We have Richard, a Quaker pacifist, an Inglese (from England), Fosca, and her young son, Giampiero, and many other characters who play different roles in the book. 

The story, as such, starts with Richard trying to overcome PTSD (he worked with Friends Ambulance Service treating and helping the wounded on all sides) after the war has subsided. We see him deciding to move to the same place, a small town in Tuscany, which was the reason for his trauma. 

Then enter Fosca and her son. Almost immediately after a dead body is found in the tobacco house (rather ruins), Richard buys to make it his home. When she reveals that the body belongs to Simonetta, a series of questions arise. 

Fosca starts to reveal her story to Richard, trying to understand who had killed her dear friend, an active member of the resistance team. 

What I like about the story is the narration that goes at a consistent pace. It did feel a little slow at times, but there is a lot of backstories to cover. I probably could have finished this book earlier, if not for countless delays that slowed my reading. Still, I could pick up the book where I left it more than a couple of days ago. And there was no confusion. That, for me, is a plus. The author has good control and command over her story, and it shows. 

When it comes to historical fiction, research is important. But knowing what to include in the book and when to stop dumping information is even more crucial. The author scores here as well. It’s not surprising since her previous works are all historical fiction. I do intend to read them someday soon. 

The setting is perfect; the descriptions are neither sparse nor excess. Some characters have less prominence than others, but that’s expected. 

What I wanted to be better was that the blurb sounds a lot like a semi-thriller. But this book hardly has any of it. Yes, there are questions and a bit of action towards the end. However, the storyline is set by then. It doesn’t create that sense of urgency in the reader. 

The best way to read the book is to consider it detailed historical fiction and not focus too much on the mystery and suspense part. Even the action scenes from the past don’t make your heart race. The narrative style doesn’t allow for it. 

Overall, this is bittersweet as most WW II historical fictions are and will make a good choice for those who like stories set in the countryside with enough importance given to human emotions. Oh, yes, it’s got food and wine too (after all, we are in Tuscany). 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture. 

#TheTuscanHouse #NetGalley

Temple Trail- a Quest for Cultural Identity- A-Z Theme Reveal

Temple Trail- a Quest for Cultural Identity 

It’s time for the A-Z Challenge again- a month full of crazy fun and learning. 

I’ve down poems the last two years, and this year is going to be no different. Yet, the theme for this year is something that has become close to me in recent times. 

Ancient architecture has always fascinated me, though my inclination was towards European structures for a long, long time. Coming across the marvelous temple architecture from my land, India has been an eye-opener. Imagine using a chisel and hammer centuries ago to carve breathtaking sculptures. 

I found life in temple architecture, pulsing with divine energy and serenity, even if the broken pillars lay abandoned in ruins. From being someone who declared there wasn’t a need to go to a temple, I became a person who craves to visit all the ancient and not-so-ancient Hindu temples in the country and the world. Guess it was good that the pandemic brought restrictions with it and saved my already weak bank account. 

Following social media accounts such as Lost Temples, Vertigo Warrior, Desi Thug, Kashmiri Pandit, Reclaim Temples, and others, opened doors to a world I was more than ready to embrace.

Yes, I love my temples. 

Yes, I want them freed from greedy clutches.

Yes, I am PROUD of my heritage. I no longer believe in degrading and insulting my culture to earn brownie points. I can bake my own brownies, thank you very much. 

My temple trail for April is an attempt to travel across the country in search of some ancient, monumental, ignored, destroyed, rebuilt, and even relatively new temples. Every place has its history, its Purana. 

Some make us smile, some make us cry, and some instill hope. My collection is just a drop in the vast ocean. I haven’t even touched 2% of the temples on my land. But I did try to pick at least one for every alphabet. 

If you’re wondering how poetry fits into the picture, it’s simple. 

Each poem would talk about the temples and their heritage associated with the alphabets. I’ll be mentioning the sources for my data at the end of each post. 

I hope my series helps you know more about the land that was here long before any of us were born and decided we were worthy of her. She may be the ground beneath our feet, but she is the one that lets us stand tall and look at the sky. The least she deserves is respect for enduring the ravage unleashed upon her for centuries. 

Join me in my Temple Trail- a Quest for Cultural Identity 

P.S: A gentle yet firm request to atheists and intellectuals who wake up when it’s convenient- my posts are NOT for you. If you have nothing good to say, stay away. In a secular country, I have the right to practice my religion without others telling me what to do. 

The Choice I Made- Book Review

The Choice I Made by Cynthia Ellingsen

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary
4.2 Stars

The Choice I Made is the story of Julie, who has to make more than one decision in a relatively short time. The book also deals with the choices another person was forced to make and how that changed the current events.

Told from Julie’s perspective, the book highlights the importance of family, support, and having a loving partner. Most of the characters are well-etched though the two crucial ones didn’t get enough space.

It is easy to invest in the characters and feel for them. The author has us hooked from the first page, and we keep rooting for the ones we love. Julie is confused, frustrated, and even terrified at times. But she doesn’t ramble or act like a nitwit. Not once did she come across as stupid. In fact, no character is a caricature, even the unlikable Tristan, Julie’s husband. He has many faults, but he is not a villain or a disgusting two-dimensional man.

I found myself wanting to read faster and know what happens next. The writing holds the readers’ interest, and that, for me is a huge plus.

Overall, this is a bittersweet book with a happy ending about life, choices, and love.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Girl in a Million- Book Review

Girl in a Million by Anitha Padanattil

Genre: General Fiction, Indian Author

Girl in a Million is a book of childhood, friendships, bonds that break, bonds that stay, loss of innocence, loss of lives, and much more. It is a bittersweet story where the narration moves between the past and present to give readers a glimpse into the life of Sagarika and her gang of friends from school. 

What connects them? What binds them despite the differences? What makes them lean on each other even after drifting apart for years? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more.

As the title highlights, the book primarily deals with the life of Sagarika and why she was christened girl in a million.

The narrative shifts and alters between different POVs, with Sagarika’s being the primary voice. We see things from her perspective, in bits and pieces, as we continue to piece together the past and present.

The narrative is mellow and takes time to establish itself. Once you get into the flow, the book becomes easier to read. The author’s vocab seems to be the highlight of the book, though readers like me don’t have to get annoyed by the extensive use of Tharoorish language. The author balances it well, making the narration appear seamless.

As you would have guessed from the blurb, there is darkness surrounding our leading lady. What is it, and will she be able to come out from it? You’ll have to read the book to know.

The Vault of Vishnu- Book Review

The Vault of Vishnu by Ashwin Sanghi 

Genre: Historical & Political Thriller, Indian Literature
3.3 Stars 

The Vault of Vishnu is a combination of history, myth, politics, crime, and some science. The blurb shows that the story would progress in dual timelines, if not more. Everything about it sounded fantastic. 

This is my first book by the author. While I enjoyed the first-person narrative of the Buddhist monk, I failed to connect with the young rookie, Pam. Instead, I liked the secondary characters (Mr. Rao and Anu) more than the leading lady. 

The division of chapters and scenes was done well. Keeping track of the events was no issue. But the information dump about every character was annoying. Right, I know I need to know about them. But I sure don’t need their bio when they are introduced. Space it out throughout the book. The initial background dump slowed down my reading pace. 

Despite the whole list of places the monk traveled, I enjoyed his voice the most. It was probably the only one that felt steady throughout the book. Mark showed promise, but his character wasn’t developed enough. 

Coming to the ‘thriller’ part, it fell flat. The details about the secret services and hubs were enjoyable, no doubt. But the pacing was wrong. First, it’s too slow with information overload. Then, there’s a small section where some sort of scheming and confusion occurs. And voila! The story starts to unravel, and everything is tied up with a shiny bow. Effortless, almost. 

When we really look at it, Pam did very little. She was more of a catalyst while others took the scene into their hands. If that was the author’s intention, then no complaints. 

What I do love was the research that went into the book. Still, maybe a bit of toning down on the data and emphasizing the plot itself would have worked better for readers like me who love tight narratives and good thrillers. 

The blurb and the title felt like they fit the story in a roundabout manner. They didn’t make show much significance until towards the end. Even then, the link wasn’t strong.  

Overall, the book is okayish. It's a one-time read for me. 

This review is posted as a part of the Thousand Reviewers Club. Thank you, Indic Academy and Indic Book Club, for a review copy of the book.