Sunday, August 19, 2007
Blasphamy- By Tehmina Durrani
Hi All
After reading Tehmina Durrani's autobiography- The feudal Lord, i always appreciated her style of writing and also the women's frank and open use of words to describe her life. Blasphamy, with an attractive cover of painting(by the author herself), was a tempting offer.
When one reads about Heer, her life and sufferings at the cost of poverty, and her "Pir Sain" husband, i ask her- woman- since when have you become so weak? Agreed, as a woman, you are always made to sacrifice your happiness, your comforts, but not to this extend. How can a woman tolerate all this from a man, even though he would be your husband. What would have happened if she would have broken those chains? She chose to be a slave and also a culprit in joining her husband in his evil practices- just fearing his annoyance, his beatings. Why couldnt you muster the courage to run away? What kind of security does a woman have with such a man? She is weak, i understand, but its also a feeling of mind. When one decides to be strong, there can be no stopping. You have to face the world boldly. But is it really difficult? There are compromises on both sides of the world- with the man and without that man. But when comparing the sacrifices and compromises Heer made with Pir Sain, I am sure she would have been happier had she run away. There are compromises in all relations, in all circumstances, and new ones everyday. We must face life boldly. Only if one respects herself, will the world respect you.
I wish these true writings by women like Tehmina Durrani change the attitude of Women towards themselves. Its very important that she understands the right and wrong, and makes a decision with what is right. As far as compromises ans sacrifices are concerned, lets share the burden of these with men too. IF YOU DECIDE SO, NO ONE CAN STOP YOU FROM LIVING RESPECTFULLY.
Tehmina Durrani in her writings beautifully describes torture against women, as she herself had been subjected to it in her earlier years. Such great women should also work for the upliftment of the women who are suffering and also, ready to leap into fire to give others comforts. We must change their ideology!
Friday, August 17, 2007
French Lover- by Taslima Nasrin
I wonder why majority of the books with Women characters portray sorrow, anguish and anxiety. Its not true that the women are always sad. Rather they can be a source of happiness to men, when around. But after reading a few books with woman as the main character, I conclude that women are great in themselves. They keep their sufferings and problems to themselves. They look for answers within. They do not always share their problems with the other sex, because men are not always sensitive to women’s thoughts and desires. Though, at face she portrays strength, but she does feel sad and lonely in the Man’s World………
In my above lines, I have described the crux of the story- French Lover by Taslima Nasrin(of Lajja fame). Here again is a story of a Bengali poor, scheduled caste, educated damsel who marries a man much older in Paris. Nila after marriage to the middle aged Kishan Lal, cannot accept the fact that she is there to fulfill his needs of the house and bed. There’s another story of a woman wanting more out of life. Leaving his house for greener pastures of life, Nila encounters several problems and situations which show her different facets of life. From developing relationship with a woman, than a French married man, to living on her own, she feels that insecurity all the time. After returning back to India, experiencing death in the family, and then being asked to return back to Paris, the Author has beautifully described the thoughts and emotions of Nila.
And finally, what does Nila decide for herself…..? This is one question which’l be best answered if you read this famous book by the still famous Author.
Like I once told a very famous painter who paints females in different situations, I would also request these authors to try and pen their next story on females with happiness around…. Or is it really an impossible task?
Will some one answer my question, please?
In my above lines, I have described the crux of the story- French Lover by Taslima Nasrin(of Lajja fame). Here again is a story of a Bengali poor, scheduled caste, educated damsel who marries a man much older in Paris. Nila after marriage to the middle aged Kishan Lal, cannot accept the fact that she is there to fulfill his needs of the house and bed. There’s another story of a woman wanting more out of life. Leaving his house for greener pastures of life, Nila encounters several problems and situations which show her different facets of life. From developing relationship with a woman, than a French married man, to living on her own, she feels that insecurity all the time. After returning back to India, experiencing death in the family, and then being asked to return back to Paris, the Author has beautifully described the thoughts and emotions of Nila.
And finally, what does Nila decide for herself…..? This is one question which’l be best answered if you read this famous book by the still famous Author.
Like I once told a very famous painter who paints females in different situations, I would also request these authors to try and pen their next story on females with happiness around…. Or is it really an impossible task?
Will some one answer my question, please?
HOW OPAL MEHTA GOT KISSED, GOT WILD AND GOT A LIFE
Hi all.
If you are looking for a book which makes you smile, sigh and experience anxiety, and later happiness, in small and big issues of daily life, u could find it all in – How opal Mehta got kissed, got wild and got a life.
It’s the story of a girl- Opal, Indian by origin but brought up in USA. A family of Indian doctors, (typical) has worked all through in preparing their only daughter to get into Harvard. The girl was brought up with the feeling that that’s the only ambition of life, and all she does, learns and yearns for is- Harvard.
By the time she has to face her preliminary interview- it being rehearsed again and again, she is all too sure that she would not be rejected. She has an excellent academic and curricular record. Anyone rejecting her would be foolish. But………..as it had to be, the Dean Admissions, instead of asking the usual questions, asks Opal, “what all she does to have fun?” He also asks her about “her friends”. These unexpected- very different from usual questions make Opal baffle and unable to convince the dean. The Dean further suggests Opal to have fun in life, till she comes again for the main interview.
……….The story actually begins now- it has scores of tasks which the family of Mother and father, plan for Opal. There is a beautiful illustrative reporting of all that is planned and put into action- TO HAVE FUN- as suggested by the dean. The family is determined not to let it go that simply. The activities performed by young American girls and guys are put into practice- so as to convince the Dean for admission. Opal faces lots of difficult moments. She feels lonely doing all that of what she is not a part. She is humiliated when her secret is out. She does fall in love too. ………But the complete description of her reformation is very beautifully described.
The best part about this novel by “Kaavya Viswanathan” is that it can be enjoyed by a person of any age. We are reminded of so many people around us who work hard to attain admission in college/ course of their choice. All said and done, I wonder if anybody works as hard as the Mehta’s to put Opal in Harvard.
You must read it to know whether Opal makes it there or not………
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Zahir
Paulo Coehlo- who hasn't heard of him? Well, i got to know him through- The Zahir. Very well written in a lucid language. Simple, yet powerful, as someone describes him, he can take you along on journeys vast and wide. In all his books, one finds a different author, with deep, intense thoughts and feelings. I really wonder how can any human have such a variety of thoughts and styles. This author- not a preacher like Robin Sharma, preaches us- his readers unconsciously. We join hands with him, travel places, experience emotions, and think like him. We really dont get tired, how so ever long the journey is. He reveals a new secret every minute and all simple things are also quoted with expression s which make you wonder. iI really dont think that i have the expression or vocaulary to be writing about this great guru. I bow before him with great respect, and marvel as to how can any author be so innovative and so versatile.
Hats off to you, Paulo!
Hats off to you, Paulo!
The Monk who sold his Ferrari
I asked my friends about good reading books, and was suggested- The monk who sold his Ferrari. When i checked on Orkut, it did sound a very popular book. Within a day, it was on my table. I waited with great excitement to reach home and read it while on my bed.
Finally, i got to read it. It was a familiar situation when a man (lawyer) who has over worked and now is disillusioned with life and work. I have myself heard so many lectures on this, that i was sure that i am going to enjoy journey with this lawyer. He moves on to the mystic country of India to seek MOksh- or knowledge about life. After he comes back, he is looking younger, much energetic and contended. He visits his friend to share his experiences. When he enters his friends house, none of us can feel that the lawyer would talk of all his journey in just one night. Anyways, he quotes examples and instances to preach- one after another, continuously- too heavy a dose, only stopping in between to make his readers revise what he said in the previous few pages.
He goes on and on preaching. During this process of preaching, MR Robin Sharma uses those age old- very many times heard examples. None of the examples or preachings quoted by him made me heave a sigh, or smile, or think deep, or raise my brows- i only quickly turned pages to look for something better.
Robin Sharma's expression was like that of a teacher who goes to teach in a class unprepared, and keeps repeating that same boring chapter on and on and on.
Thank God, it was a book, and not a face to face preaching, otherwise, i dont know what i would have done of that preacher.
I asked all those people who talk great about this book as to what they liked most- as to how they grade him as a preacher- as a story writer- his style of writing etc etc. I really could not get any satisfactory answer.I really dint wish to do injustice to this great author. reading the book again was not possible, i just thought something must be wrong with me for not ahving enjoyed this- very popular book....But... i conclude like.............
Better luch next time, Mr Sharma- I suggest you attend some Refresher courses to improve your style of writing and also learn better preaching styles.
Finally, i got to read it. It was a familiar situation when a man (lawyer) who has over worked and now is disillusioned with life and work. I have myself heard so many lectures on this, that i was sure that i am going to enjoy journey with this lawyer. He moves on to the mystic country of India to seek MOksh- or knowledge about life. After he comes back, he is looking younger, much energetic and contended. He visits his friend to share his experiences. When he enters his friends house, none of us can feel that the lawyer would talk of all his journey in just one night. Anyways, he quotes examples and instances to preach- one after another, continuously- too heavy a dose, only stopping in between to make his readers revise what he said in the previous few pages.
He goes on and on preaching. During this process of preaching, MR Robin Sharma uses those age old- very many times heard examples. None of the examples or preachings quoted by him made me heave a sigh, or smile, or think deep, or raise my brows- i only quickly turned pages to look for something better.
Robin Sharma's expression was like that of a teacher who goes to teach in a class unprepared, and keeps repeating that same boring chapter on and on and on.
Thank God, it was a book, and not a face to face preaching, otherwise, i dont know what i would have done of that preacher.
I asked all those people who talk great about this book as to what they liked most- as to how they grade him as a preacher- as a story writer- his style of writing etc etc. I really could not get any satisfactory answer.I really dint wish to do injustice to this great author. reading the book again was not possible, i just thought something must be wrong with me for not ahving enjoyed this- very popular book....But... i conclude like.............
Better luch next time, Mr Sharma- I suggest you attend some Refresher courses to improve your style of writing and also learn better preaching styles.
The Kite Runner
When I asked a friend about new good books in market these days, I was told about" The Kite Runner" by Khalid Hosenni (Possibly due to someone's deep passion for kites). The name seemed attractive. I quickly settled to read this book with a preview about boys, friendship and some suspense.
Well, the book deals with a story of a wealthy Muslim family- just the father and the son, with their lavish life style, - being looked after and entertained by a faithful servant and his son. The master's son and the servant's son are of the same age and they play together. Although the two young boys have a different life style, but they still like to spend time with each other a lot. While the master's son is a quiet innovative and cultured boy, the servant’s son protects him always with his courageous and daring nature. He endures small and big quarrels saving his master's son's dignity. The master too is very fond of the servant's son. Once after taking the role of a kite runner for his master, the young boy is forced to face deep humiliation by the acts of rowdy rich boys of upper class. The poor boy tolerates it all for the sake of his master's son’s kite. This master's son is aware of this humiliation, and also his mistake as to not to protect his friend, and he feels guilty. But, he is unable to confess and hence forth, creates circumstances for the servant and his son to leave their house and job.
Later, the same story takes a different turn with Kabul (where the story begins) being invaded by the Russians. All rich and poor are compelled to leave in order to protect their lives. The master and his son then take refuge in America- leading a hand to mouth life, forgetting all the lavish lifestyle of Kabul. The boy grows up here, studies to be a writer, falls in love and eventually marries the girl of his caste. The father develops cancer and dies.
The father's friend summons the boy to visit him at Pakistan to correct “what went wrong”. Not knowing what was in store for him, this boy goes to meet his uncle at Pakistan- who narrates him all that happened- pesters him to visit Kabul. Now, in Kabul, there are the Talibaans also.
Not breaking the suspense of the story from the readers, I would like to comment on Khalid's style of prose. He uses simple words and his words are very illustrative. The readers, along with the story, are shown glimpses of Mohammedan culture of rich and poor, the political and social scenario after Kabul was taken over by Soviet Union, the lifestyle in America, especially for other races, the Pakistan scenario today, and the Talibaan ruled Afghanistan. Along with this, Hosseni has done full justice in portraying the feelings of motherless children, the faithfulness of poor towards their masters, the blood relation, the sick and suffering- and most important- the cruel treatment of the Talibaan people towards women and children. Khalid Hosseni has shown some scenes of terrible humiliation to the weaker and poorer sections of their society. It is a terrifying description.
The end of the novel, however, was more like Indian movies-"and they lived happily ever after". It was little too stretched towards the end- perhaps because of even better expectation from the author. He did complete justice almost all along the length of the story. His style of moving the story was very smooth and gradual. We enjoy the journey.
Wise investment- Buy it and read it. Happy reading!
Well, the book deals with a story of a wealthy Muslim family- just the father and the son, with their lavish life style, - being looked after and entertained by a faithful servant and his son. The master's son and the servant's son are of the same age and they play together. Although the two young boys have a different life style, but they still like to spend time with each other a lot. While the master's son is a quiet innovative and cultured boy, the servant’s son protects him always with his courageous and daring nature. He endures small and big quarrels saving his master's son's dignity. The master too is very fond of the servant's son. Once after taking the role of a kite runner for his master, the young boy is forced to face deep humiliation by the acts of rowdy rich boys of upper class. The poor boy tolerates it all for the sake of his master's son’s kite. This master's son is aware of this humiliation, and also his mistake as to not to protect his friend, and he feels guilty. But, he is unable to confess and hence forth, creates circumstances for the servant and his son to leave their house and job.
Later, the same story takes a different turn with Kabul (where the story begins) being invaded by the Russians. All rich and poor are compelled to leave in order to protect their lives. The master and his son then take refuge in America- leading a hand to mouth life, forgetting all the lavish lifestyle of Kabul. The boy grows up here, studies to be a writer, falls in love and eventually marries the girl of his caste. The father develops cancer and dies.
The father's friend summons the boy to visit him at Pakistan to correct “what went wrong”. Not knowing what was in store for him, this boy goes to meet his uncle at Pakistan- who narrates him all that happened- pesters him to visit Kabul. Now, in Kabul, there are the Talibaans also.
Not breaking the suspense of the story from the readers, I would like to comment on Khalid's style of prose. He uses simple words and his words are very illustrative. The readers, along with the story, are shown glimpses of Mohammedan culture of rich and poor, the political and social scenario after Kabul was taken over by Soviet Union, the lifestyle in America, especially for other races, the Pakistan scenario today, and the Talibaan ruled Afghanistan. Along with this, Hosseni has done full justice in portraying the feelings of motherless children, the faithfulness of poor towards their masters, the blood relation, the sick and suffering- and most important- the cruel treatment of the Talibaan people towards women and children. Khalid Hosseni has shown some scenes of terrible humiliation to the weaker and poorer sections of their society. It is a terrifying description.
The end of the novel, however, was more like Indian movies-"and they lived happily ever after". It was little too stretched towards the end- perhaps because of even better expectation from the author. He did complete justice almost all along the length of the story. His style of moving the story was very smooth and gradual. We enjoy the journey.
Wise investment- Buy it and read it. Happy reading!
Eleven Minutes
Hi all....
When it comes to Paulo Coehlo and his books, this name sounds very catchy and one is curious to read it quick to know as to what this genius prose writer has in stock for his readers- during eleven minutes.
The prelude to the book talks about Paulo's apprehension, whether this book will also make his readers "dream". He is lil scared of the people's views. Now, this again arouses the readers interest.
The book is a story of a Brazilian girl, who dreams and has desires in life. Circumstances and opportunities make this young attractive girl land up in Switzerland on a work permit for two years. .........And she finally takes over the profession of prostitution!. Marie meets many people, but there is more reference of the Arab man, the librarian, the painter, the preacher and of course, the nice man- employer of the bar, where she works.
Paulo thinks the girl in story is unfortunate, but in my opinion, Marie was just "over ambitious". She had almost all the comforts with which majority will be happy. Still, she left the hometown, a lover and a job because she wanted more out of life. Is it abnormal to want more than you get? Well, i dont think so. When the nomenclature is changed to" ambitious", its a correct word, which gives one praise, but the same when used as "wanting more" is considered bad by the society. That is the reason for so many misunderstandings, fights, divorcees- wanting more in life- it happens with some- cause they are made like that.......hey,i am drifting from the topic i chose to write about.
Anyways, i would again like to congratulate this great author for another different type of work. the man who takes you to Fifth mountain to feel spirituality, or the one who thinks of Zahir correcting problems of life can so beautifully describe the love between Marie and.............
But, was it love?
Those eleven minutes of sex have passion(low and high), but not always love. Love is in giving and caring. It means giving happiness to the one you love.When involved in passionate sex, one becomes selfish. One does it to attain some feelings and satisfaction for self. And, where is love in sex? Its a need of one self which you work for, not of the one you love.When in love, sex can be scared- but when it comes from the one whom you do not love, its a shame. And no one remains his/ her normal self during the course of sex. Marie too is in thoughts mannier times- finally concluding that 11 minutes of sex is all that one desires for. She hates to have sex with the one she loves cause she knows he doesnt love her. Its a pain for her to be loving someone so much, more so when he is around, and she knows he doesnt love her. Its natural to feel that pain. She did miss love.....we all do, especially when you love someone, and you know he doesnt love you.
The best part of the novel are Marie's daily diary pages which she writes just beautifully. Its fun reading each word, each emotion, and each feeling experienced by her. She is a very mature and sensible woman, who strived hard in a foreign land and made her place, all the time knowing what she wants in life and what she plans to do to get it. Marie was a wonderful character of Paulo.Anyone may fall in love with her.
I did wonder as to what made Paulo write this book on such a theme- but when i read the acknowledgment in the end, i think Paulo is greater than i always thought.
TRY READING THIS ONE TOO!
When it comes to Paulo Coehlo and his books, this name sounds very catchy and one is curious to read it quick to know as to what this genius prose writer has in stock for his readers- during eleven minutes.
The prelude to the book talks about Paulo's apprehension, whether this book will also make his readers "dream". He is lil scared of the people's views. Now, this again arouses the readers interest.
The book is a story of a Brazilian girl, who dreams and has desires in life. Circumstances and opportunities make this young attractive girl land up in Switzerland on a work permit for two years. .........And she finally takes over the profession of prostitution!. Marie meets many people, but there is more reference of the Arab man, the librarian, the painter, the preacher and of course, the nice man- employer of the bar, where she works.
Paulo thinks the girl in story is unfortunate, but in my opinion, Marie was just "over ambitious". She had almost all the comforts with which majority will be happy. Still, she left the hometown, a lover and a job because she wanted more out of life. Is it abnormal to want more than you get? Well, i dont think so. When the nomenclature is changed to" ambitious", its a correct word, which gives one praise, but the same when used as "wanting more" is considered bad by the society. That is the reason for so many misunderstandings, fights, divorcees- wanting more in life- it happens with some- cause they are made like that.......hey,i am drifting from the topic i chose to write about.
Anyways, i would again like to congratulate this great author for another different type of work. the man who takes you to Fifth mountain to feel spirituality, or the one who thinks of Zahir correcting problems of life can so beautifully describe the love between Marie and.............
But, was it love?
Those eleven minutes of sex have passion(low and high), but not always love. Love is in giving and caring. It means giving happiness to the one you love.When involved in passionate sex, one becomes selfish. One does it to attain some feelings and satisfaction for self. And, where is love in sex? Its a need of one self which you work for, not of the one you love.When in love, sex can be scared- but when it comes from the one whom you do not love, its a shame. And no one remains his/ her normal self during the course of sex. Marie too is in thoughts mannier times- finally concluding that 11 minutes of sex is all that one desires for. She hates to have sex with the one she loves cause she knows he doesnt love her. Its a pain for her to be loving someone so much, more so when he is around, and she knows he doesnt love her. Its natural to feel that pain. She did miss love.....we all do, especially when you love someone, and you know he doesnt love you.
The best part of the novel are Marie's daily diary pages which she writes just beautifully. Its fun reading each word, each emotion, and each feeling experienced by her. She is a very mature and sensible woman, who strived hard in a foreign land and made her place, all the time knowing what she wants in life and what she plans to do to get it. Marie was a wonderful character of Paulo.Anyone may fall in love with her.
I did wonder as to what made Paulo write this book on such a theme- but when i read the acknowledgment in the end, i think Paulo is greater than i always thought.
TRY READING THIS ONE TOO!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)