The House On Sun Street by Mojgan Ghazirad - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd Oct 2024

Genre: Historical Autofiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Informative but with a few misses 

A six-year-old Moji loves spending time with her family in their house in Tehran. What’s better than listening to her grandfather narrating bedtime stories from One Thousand and One Nights? 

However, the Iranian Revolution disrupts their lives. The new regime brings Islamic laws, restricting women to their homes. Moji has to live through the changes, adjust to a new life in the US, and see her father detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Army, all the while growing up into an adolescent with new awareness, questions, and desires. 

The story comes in Moji’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

It’s my second book of the month dealing with a tough topic. However, the presentation is the opposite of Tali Girls. Those who want something less traumatic and triggering will find this easier to read. 

Iran didn’t go from monarchy to supposed democracy. It went from being a Persian culture to an Islamic one with the colors replaced by black chadors (or burqas) and multiple restrictions on women. A quick internet search about 'Iran then and now' will give you a clear picture of the changes.

More links: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy42vxd99po

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/irans-women-going-without-hijabs-as-2nd-anniversary-of-mahsa-aminis-death-approaches/article68641437.ece

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/armita-geravand-iran-hijab-death-mahsa-amini-101698475937481.html

In this book, the changes are recorded by a six-year-old Moji. We see the developments from her eyes. The first part is very strong despite the lack of detail. It presents the uncertainties, the shift from a carefree life to one filled with fear and anxiety, and how easy it is to get carried away by extreme ideas. We also see the racism and hatred little Moji faces during her short stay in the US. 

Family is the central theme throughout, it certainly stands out more in the first part. We also learn about the Parsi/ Iranian culture, the language, the region, etc. Moji’s grandfather is easily my favorite character in the book. 

The second part has Moji back in Iran but as a twelve-year-old. Things have changed already which soon becomes a background with her fascination for a teacher taking most of the space. I admit I lost interest as this became a bit too much. It is very common for young students to look up to their favorite teachers and develop a crush irrespective of gender. It’s a special feeling when a teacher you like spends more time with you (we’ve been there). But things here get a bit more uncomfortable at one point. No idea if it is a part of the autobiography part or if it is a fictional exaggeration. The age and power dynamics don’t show things in a good light even if I understand the reason for it. 

Moreover, I’m not sure if the afterword is by the author or if it should be read like an epilogue. There’s possibly a two-decade jump, where a lot of changes took place in Iran. We get almost no information about this. 

To summarize, The House On Sun Street is a worthy read dealing with some important topics. It is slow-paced with fewer triggers. However, I wish the second part was stronger. 

It may not even register for others, but the mention of infidels is a trigger for me. In the name of infidels and kafirs, countless murders (mass genocides) have been justified for centuries and continue to be even today. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Blair, for eARC. 

The Examiner by Janice Hallett - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th Sep 2024 

Genre: Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: It was a fun ride! 

Gale Nathaniel is the head of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course. She finds six people from diverse backgrounds to join the master’s program. This course has to be a hit or the university would take it off the list. 

Enter, a young Jem (an overachiever and clay sculptor), Jonathan (who runs his family art gallery and has limited knowledge), Patrick (a 50-something business owner who sells art supplies), Ludya (a single mother and small-time professional graphic designer), Alyson (an overqualified artist), and Cameron (a marketing executive who needs a hobby for stress-relief). 

The Examiner, the man hired to grade their final assignments finds something he shouldn’t. If his guess is right, someone on the course had died or could be in danger. 

The story comes in a collection of emails, text messages, essays, and notes. 

My Thoughts: 

So, this is my first book by the author though I have her works in my TBR. I was postponing it because of the page count (460+ pages) and since I was worried the pacing would be slow. 

Guess what? I was wrong. Considering the length, the pace is very good; much, much better than I expected. The use of chat, emails, and notes keeps the story moving. There are no chapters as much but headings we may or may not track. It doesn’t matter if you don’t track the heads as long as you figure things out. 

The characters are so distinct and easy to remember despite not knowing anything about them. We get only the basic information and yet, we can imagine them easily. Of course, whether or not our imagination aligns with the actual depends on the reveals. ;) 

My favorite is Jem (not because she’s an Indian… okay! A little because she is). She is a gem in many ways (remember that a gem has many definitions). She is the youngest in the team and her outspoken nature made the whole thing so much more interesting.

Naturally, important details are not revealed immediately. However, it is easy to see how the tensions and the hidden agendas (even if we don’t know what these are) affect the characters. The part about teamwork and credit is spot on! It is one reason I don’t prefer to work in teams (in college, I ended up doing everything and herding others to be there when they should. Ugh!). 

Things are not straightforward. Neither is the timeline. That shouldn’t matter if you follow the plot and can fill the gaps with your ideas. Mystery lovers will find it easier, I guess. The brain is wired for it, lol. 

The climax and reveal are OTT bordering on absurd. However, there’s a sense of crazy fun in it that makes the whole thing work somehow (for the reader). TBH, I’m not sure I’d have liked it as much if the format was different. Yeah, it is convoluted but entertaining nevertheless. 

Don’t ignore the author’s note and don’t read it first. Read it at the end. She makes some really great points. Also, makes me glad I opted for distance mode education for my MA in English Literature! 

To summarize, The Examiner is best enjoyed if you go with the flow, but also track a few plot elements that grab your attention. There’s a lot of drama, lies, secrets, etc., that can make the whole thing confusing but manages to deliver as a package. I won't postpone reading her next book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheExaminer

Shameless in Stilettos by Ell P. - Book Review

Publication Date: 29th Oct 2024 

Genre: Dark Thriller 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Fast, raw, and dark 

2018, Bangalore 

The suicide of a business tycoon’s son is declared murder when evidence is found. Inspector Meenakshi Rao is ordered to solve the case ASAP. While she has three women suspects, the case is far from easy. As if the pressure isn’t enough, Meenakshi Rao has to deal with her messy personal life too. Can she find the killer in time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV in a dual timeline (past in past tense and present in present tense). 

My Thoughts: 

Well, this was a great ride. Knowing the author’s style, I can say this book displays her writing talent in full. It starts with an author’s note, establishing what to expect from the story. This helps since there’s quite a bit of content that would make some readers uncomfortable. A fair amount of cussing too! 

Right from the beginning, we know there will be nothing fluffy or lighthearted here. The primacy characters are damaged in some way or another. It’s hard to like most of them but we aren't expected to. Yet, we might empathize with a couple of them. 

The FMC is gritty, foul-mouthed, bitter, angry, and toxic. She lashes out at anyone and everyone but there’s a part of her that bleeds for others. She’ll annoy you like crazy. Yet you grudgingly feel sad for her at times. It’s like watching a train wreck. You know it’ll hurt. Still, you cannot help but be fascinated by it. And the way she carries the plot on her shoulders is marvelous. 

The chapters alter between the past and present. It might take a little while, but you’ll get used to the change in tenses. In fact, I stopped noticing the shift. After all, the timeline is clear in the tense. 

The other main characters have varying levels of character development. It suits their importance in the plot. However, I wish the FMC’s hubby also got some development. It’s very sketchy, though for some that’s all they need to know. I need more before I decide. I confirmed from the author that she plans to make it a series (the book works perfectly well as a standalone), so the hubby might have something when it happens. 

As expected from a book high on feminist rage, the men are evil in varying degrees or jerks/ idiots in some cases. So far, there’s just one guy who seems decent, soft, and compassionate (and the poor guy gets abused for it). I would have liked it if just one guy was nice and assertive. Maybe in the next book? 

So, there’s a bit of graphic content about kink along with some open-door scenes. These have just the required amount of detail and are used to provide a picture of the characters. A few other scenes are just mentioned, which works out to balance the effect. I gained some knowledge too (hey, it's all a part of a writer’s life).  

There are a bunch of triggers too (check TW at the end). Most of it is presented in a matter-of-fact tone which helps. The grief over a child’s death hits really hard, though. It is raw and so potent that the feeling lingers for a while. 

The pacing is steady from start to finish. I finished 60% in one go and had to stop for dinner. This means, the book doesn’t linger on descriptions but keeps the plot moving through actions and dialogues. Those who want a feel of the setting won’t really find it. Should be okay for Indian readers since the cities tend to have common aspects but it may not work for everyone. 

The same can be said about the lack of a glossary, though there are only a few words that need to be translated. Adding one for the international readers would have helped. 

The mystery as such can be figured out after the halfway point. There isn’t any attempt to surprise the reader with unwanted twists, so the progress feels organic. 

To summarize, Shameless in Stilettos is a fast-paced gritty thriller with unlikeable but well-crafted characters. The book is not for everyone. However, if you are into dark subjects and like messed-up characters it might be your thing! 

The author is a friend (we’ve worked together on the editorial board of The Hive) and a fellow writer. That does not affect my review.

***

TW: BDSM, kink, abuse, assault, mentions of rape and murder, mentions of pedophilia, death of child, grief, homophobia, mentions of domestic abuse 

The House of Echoes by Rachel Crowther - Book Review

Publication Date: 09th Dec 2024

Genre: Contemporary Family Drama 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

After the death of Mab and Nessa’s mother, their father relocated to New Zealand and married his third wife, dusting off his young daughters’ responsibilities. The kids had to deal with a lot more than the loss of parental support. 

Twenty years later, the sisters receive the news of their father’s death. They are forced to handle the grief that weighed them down for years and confront the secrets from the past that changed their lives forever. 

They return to the Lowlands where they live for a while with Con, their father’s first wife. Can Mab and Nessa find the answers this time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Mab, Con, and Nessa in a dual timeline. 

My Thoughts: 

Rating this is hard coz I like it but also didn’t like it much. 

The book is essentially a family drama with secrets and messy emotions. The story shifts between present and past, clearly distinguished by the years mentioned under the chapter title. 

Mab has a major share of the narration, which works and doesn’t work. At times, she sounds like an adult. But most of the time, she sounds pretty much like the eight-year-old version in the past. Moreover, her POV is not entirely reliable since she continues to think like a kid even twenty years later. The way her thoughts spiral into a tangled mess is exhausting to read. 

 Nessa, the older sister, has a better arc. She was parentified as a young teen and grew up taking care of her younger sister (Mab). This affected her in many ways, though her POV is reliable and easier to read. 

Con is an intriguing character. She is rather sweet and lovely, which is a welcome change from a bad stepmom (though she is not really a stepmother). However, she too is flawed and makes some mistakes, which have long-lasting effects. 

The core premise relies on assumptions, keeping secrets, and lack of communication. While it works to an extent, the story goes in circles in the first and second parts to keep the reader in suspense. However, there are clues to guess (which I did) that make it hard to enjoy the narration. 

While the descriptions are lovely, there’s too much internal thought. Some of it aids in character development but it mostly reduces the pace and tires the reader. There were many instances when I had to skim a bit when the characters went on and on without a break (Mab specializes in this). 

The third part is stronger since we finally address the issue. Such a relief! The ending is hopeful and positive. It may seem like an easy way out but I don’t mind. 

Not sure why but the last chapter (the one before the epilogue) is in omnipresent third-person POV breaking the fourth wall and has a philosophical touch. I don’t think this is necessary. Much of it could have been included in the epilogue. 

To summarize, The House of Echoes is a slow-moving story about a dysfunctional and broken family caused by a selfish man who couldn’t take responsibility for his actions or for his people. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bloodhound Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHouseOfEchoes

***

TW: Parental death (cancer and heart stroke), abandonment, death of teen, infidelity. 

 

Sixty Is The New Assassin by Shesh - Book Review

Series: Corporate Assassin #1

Publication Date: 17th Nov 2024 

Genre: Humorous Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good debut book 

Ishmael Dollah is a sixty-year-old retired CEO living in Singapore with his wife, Nysa. They have a son Shahed and daughter-in-law Marianna, who also enjoy busy lives with successful careers. 

Everything is good, or so Ishmael thinks until he finds out that his daughter-in-law is having an affair. Being the kind to get things done, he applies his years of experience to create a checklist to handle the matter. Soon, he realizes that his new life gives him much satisfaction and enjoyment! 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Ishmael Dollah with a few interludes (also in the first-person) from Nysa, Shahed, Marianna, and another character. 

My Thoughts: 

Sixty-something sleuths and assassins are a thing right now. There are quite a few books in the subgenre though I read only two or three. The premise here felt fresh despite using the same old family drama trope. 

For a debut book, I’d say the writing style is pretty easy to read. It doesn’t try to pack a lot of themes, either— just the ones associated with the plotline. 

The first-person narrative allows readers to know the MC. Whether you like him or not depends on your taste but he sure manages to entertain the readers. I like how the snippets from his past are woven into the narrative. Aligning his current plan with management lessons works well for me. I’m a list girl myself, so anyone who is systematic, planned, and careful in their approach will get my approval. 

There’s some repetition throughout. Some of it cannot be avoided but others could have been replaced with new detail (this could also have added more depth to the characters). 

Nysa won me over as the story progressed. I began to enjoy her interludes the most. The others were there just to provide info (these could have been in limited third-person. We don’t need all POVs to be in the first person). 

The setting (Singapore) is well utilized and an integral part of the plot. There aren’t any excessive descriptions but just enough for us to get an idea of the place. I wouldn’t have minded a rough map, though. 

There are many mentions of food. Yummm! That’s a foodie family, and man, they made me hungry! That said, I found out dosa is spelled thosai in Singapore. Oh well! 

The mystery, as such, is easy to put together. There are enough twists but I guessed them all. It may not offer anything special to mystery lovers. However, the main character carries the plot well on his shoulders. 

There is some humor. Some cheeky stuff that might bring out a few half smiles. Despite the slow beginning, the narration picks up pace quickly. I finished 75% of the book in one sitting. 

To summarize, Sixty Is The New Assassin is a solid debut with a Singaporean 60-something lead character who has an affinity for lists and planning. This could very well become a series, though it works well as a standalone. If there’s a book two, I’ll be sure to read it. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book. 

The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri - Book Review

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024 

Genre: Literary Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Sad but beautiful; a bit meandering 

Greece 

Irini, a musician, lives with her painter husband, Tasso, and their sweet ten-year-old daughter Chara. They live in a beautiful home deep in an ancient forest bordering a seaside village. One day, a raging forest fire devours the village and many of its people. Chara is injured. Tasso’s hands are burnt and he lost his sense of purpose. 

Irini does her best to survive the aftermath and return to a new routine with her family like everyone else in the region. However, one day she stumbles upon the man responsible for the fire; the man whose greed led to utter destruction. Irini makes a split-second decision that stays with her forever. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Irini and snippets from The Book of Fire in the third-person. 

My Thoughts: 

We need to be in a certain mood for some books. This is one such example. I pushed this down my 2024 list because I wasn’t in the right mindset for it back then.

As someone who loves forests (shamelessly plugging my book Forests and Faeries), I 1000% enjoyed the descriptions of the region. So mesmerizing, vivid, and surreal! It felt as if I was in the forest, walking barefoot and breathing in the special scent. Bliss! (On that note, some readers may find this excessive)

Irini’s narration takes some time to get used to. She likes to go around in circles. I’d call this borderline stream of consciousness. Once you get into the flow, it’ll become easier to follow where her thoughts take her. Also, she is not someone who likes to face disturbing things, so her avoidance makes the narration go around in circles. Interestingly, this shapes her daughter’s personality (and I did feel sad for the kid a few times). 

Half the details are provided through chapters titled The Book of Fire. These have a sort of distant tone, which makes sense and works well to balance Irini’s first-person POV in the other chapters. We also get some history lessons without a load of info dump. 

NGL, I expected the book to be slow. But it is not! Wouldn’t call it fast-paced but it is steady and has a good tempo. Or maybe it is because I like to lose myself in the forest. 

There’s a bit of repetition and some discrepancies in details. Also, the dialogues sound a bit off. However, these are minor complaints. 

The ending is hopeful, a necessity since the book has heavy melancholy, pain, and tragedy. While not everything is fixed, there is enough happiness to find peace and accept reality. 

The author’s note is informative and thought-provoking. It is also probably the only lyrical author’s note I read so far. This makes the note feel more like an extension of the book than a separate entity added at the end. 

To summarize, The Book of Fire is a heartbreakingly beautiful, lyrical, and poignant story of people, nature, family, and life. It is a heavy read so pick it up when you are in the mood for something like this. 

And oh, thank you for mentioning how to pronounce Chara (C is silent) right when the character was introduced. I wasn’t sure if it was ‘Ch’ara or ‘K’ara. Neither, apparently! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBookOfFire