Tag: Novel

The God of Small Things

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The god of small things

By Arundhati Roy

I have always had this book on my TBR list and was excited to read it when I got the paperback. I have heard so much about the book before reading it. I thought I already knew the spoilers, but it turns out Arundhati Roy wrote it that way.

Before reading the book, I must say I have watched many interviews of the author – about the book and about her activism. I have liked her, I have grown fond of her, the way she articulates her thoughts, how she unapologetically and confidently expresses her opinions. I did go through her Wikipedia page previously to know more about her. When I started reading the book, I was confused to find her story in the starting chapters. It turns out, The God of Small Things is a semi-autobiographical novel.

I have now read this book at a time when her memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me has been launched and received a warm welcome. (I might pick up the new memoir someday.)

What’s the story about?

The God of Small Things won the Booker Prize, making Arundhati Roy the first to receive it for a debut novel. The story narrates the childhood and adulthood of twins (two-egg twins, as she stresses enough), and how their lives change entirely within a few days. I have a hard time condensing the plot without giving spoilers. The most important thread of it all is the life of the twins’ mother – her decisions, her childhood, and the love she had chosen – and how all of it was overpowered by the God of Big Things.

Things I must say

I loved the rich narration of Arundhati Roy; her writing was truly transformative. It is sad that the book still stays relevant today, given that casteism plays a major role – the Big Thing in the lives of the characters.

The brilliance of embedding comedy and a child’s perspective into such a serious and nerve-breaking theme is what made me understand the reason behind the wide acclaim for this work. I must say I wasn’t planning to write a glorious review of this book. But when I start finding words to express what I feel, these are the words that find their way.

The Writing – (Spoilers)

Small things are human nature – the longing for love, belonging, and happiness. Big things are the pillars and structures that humans have built for no clear reason but to maintain authority, including casteism and racism.

The author shows clearly how the God of Small Things is crushed when the Big Things take the stage – and it is always the Big Things that get the center stage.

That’s what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.

Not something a child would want to listen from her mother, and wonder if her mother loves her less. If her mother and her uncle, would always love the cousin of her more, a white girl more. Will she have to always wonder at things and be not careless in her childhood. Would she have to run away from people who constantly remind her, that she and her mother have no place in the house they live.

Estha Alone is a phrase often written by Arundhati, depicting how the child, in every sense, was left to figure out his own path. Be it the abuse he had to endure, the return he had to walk through – leaving his family, his world – with no guide but himself. Not a single word was uttered by him throughout the adult phase of his life. When he is returned, he simply admires his sister, finds the beauty of his mother in her, and holds the pain both women had to endure. No glimpse is offered into his inner world, yet his seems the shakiest of all, the most tumultuous.

The notion that a woman stops belonging to the family she was born into once she is married is one of the most depriving ideas a society can hold on to. Again, the Big Thing wins, and Ammu is left with no support or right to belong anywhere – only to suffer.

Life would be much easier if the Big Things could take a step back, and if we stopped giving them the space they least deserve. For all the time humans have known, we have fought – and for what? We die after all of it, leaving behind only memories in the minds of others who are also bound to die.

This book is great – thought-provoking, touching, and something that instills fear and anger at the same time.

I found a book that will stay close to my heart – All My Mothers

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All My Mothers

All My Mothers by Joanna Glen

When Eva finds no photos of herself before the age of three, she begins to suspect that she may have been born to a different mother. As she connects the dots—the absence of early photographs, the emotional distance between her and the woman she calls “mother,” and the flimsy reasons given for those missing years—her doubts deepen.

What Eva truly longs for is a sense of motherly love—the kind she sees Bridget, her friend, receive so freely. In a charming touch, she begins comparing the women in her life to those in a children’s book she reads at school, The Rainbow Rained Us, where different kinds of mothers are described using colors. In this world, her mother is a “pink mother,” while Bridget’s is clearly a “blue mother.”

This book unfolds as a poignant coming-of-age story. Eva’s father is often absent, and when she stumbles upon a childhood photo taken in a Spanish patio—featuring a woman whose head is cut off from the image—a mysterious fondness for Spain begins to take root. Life leads her to places she has yearned for, and to others she never chose.

I have never related to a fictional story the way I related to All My Mothers. The ache of searching for motherly love while having a mother is a quiet, difficult feeling to explain—let alone admit to anyone. You start looking for love, approval, or warmth from other adult women in your life. And as time passes, you may find yourself drawn more deeply into friendships, searching for the kind of companionship your heart longs for. Eva’s story isn’t very different.

Throughout her journey, she categorizes every woman she meets into a type of mother from The Rainbow Rained Us. Along the way, she encounters various forms of love and learns to find beauty in fleeting moments. Joanna Glen does a brilliant job subtly expressing the idea that love is everywhere—you only need to start looking for the essence of it.

The descriptions of architecture, especially in Cordoba, are vivid and transportive. Glen’s writing creates a virtual tour of Spain, igniting curiosity in the reader. Her lyrical style brings places to life and makes them feel within reach.

What I especially loved was how the story progressed through Eva’s evolving friendships, her romantic experiences, and the many beautiful relationships she forges. Glen captures the quiet presence of regret that comes with losing a loved one. The way she conveys the grief—tinged with confusion—is one of the most accurate and tender portrayals I’ve read.

If you enjoy coming-of-age stories with elegant narration and rich, atmospheric detail, I highly recommend this book. It gave me chills in the best way, especially during some of Eva’s most profound experiences.

Life is a journey filled with lessons, questions, doubts, and beautiful answers—each shaped by perspective. This book is a gentle, powerful reminder of that.

Rating: 4.5/5

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang: A Satirical Punch to the Publishing Industry

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Who owns a story?

This is the thought lingering in my mind after reading Yellowface. R.F. Kuang, after her widely acclaimed dark academia novel Babel, ventures into satirical literary fiction, focusing on the publishing industry.

The book features a small cast of characters—June Hayward, an aspiring writer, and her friend Athena Liu, a successful author. Athena dies in an accident, and June discovers her unpublished manuscript. Believing it to be Athena’s final work, June takes it upon herself to get it published. However, beneath this decision lies a deeper truth—June has long harbored mixed feelings about Athena’s success. More often than not, she sees Athena as privileged from the start.

June goes on to publish Athena’s work under her own name, justifying her actions by convincing herself that she put in the effort necessary to complete it. She struggles with guilt but eventually frames herself as the victim, feeling as though the world is against her and that no one could possibly understand her reasoning. She argues that the publishing industry favors “diverse” writers and stories like Athena’s, while white American authors like herself are increasingly sidelined.

After a while, the book becomes unsettling. For me, it blurred the lines between reality and fiction. The internet is flooded with book reviews and critiques, and in many ways, it is a democratic space—anyone with access can share their thoughts and opinions. Personally, I hesitate to call myself a reviewer, as I mostly write about my personal takeaways after finishing a book. I understand that reviewing literature is nuanced and requires a careful approach. That’s why I found Kuang’s portrayal of online reviews as a major metric for literary success somewhat shortsighted.

In my opinion, Yellowface is not truly satirical. Rather, it feels like a culmination of Kuang’s own thoughts and perceptions of the publishing industry. It’s blunt—perhaps even biased—especially considering that Kuang herself has had a relatively successful publishing journey compared to her peers. As I continued reading, I found myself less focused on the book’s themes of racism and cultural appropriation and more preoccupied with the limited, one-dimensional perspective of the industry. At times, it was difficult to read because Kuang struggled to fully establish her characters as either right or wrong.

That being said, don’t get me wrong—I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It’s gripping, and I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages. Kuang’s vivid narration and rich details are irresistible. Through Yellowface, I gained insight into the hidden workings of the publishing world and how stories make their way to readers.

Rating: 4/5

Reflections on Time and Loss: A Review of Mrs. Dalloway

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Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway is a poignant exploration of time, memory, and the intricate web of human emotions. The novel, set on a single day, follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party she is hosting that evening.

Since it is not a linear narration, it took me a lot of time to grasp what Woolf was trying to convey. But it is because of this stream-of-consciousness narrative, it was easier to put the inner lives of the characters, their deepest fears, regrets, and desires on the table.

Peter Walsh and the love

The character of Peter Walsh stands out as particularly compelling and relatable, especially during times of personal sadness and introspection. Peter, who returns to England after years in India, is haunted by his unrequited love for Clarissa. His emotions are raw and palpable, and his continued love for Clarissa, despite their separation, is both heartbreaking and deeply human. His loneliness and the sense of being adrift in his own life resonate powerfully, especially when one is navigating similar feelings of loss and longing.

Clarissa herself is a complex character, embodying the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. On the surface, she appears to be the perfect hostess, concerned with the minutiae of her party. However, beneath this façade lies a woman who constantly questions her choices and grapples with the paths not taken. Her reflections on her past, particularly her youthful romance with Sally Seton, reveal her inner conflicts and the sacrifices she has made for the sake of convention.

The marriage of Rezia, Septimus and trauma

Woolf masterfully intertwines the lives of her characters, using the passing hours of the day to reveal their interconnectedness. Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, serves as a stark counterpoint to Clarissa’s world of privilege and social engagements. His descent into madness and eventual suicide highlight the devastating effects of war and the inadequacy of society’s response to mental illness. Septimus’ plight underscores the fragility of the human mind and the tragic consequences of a world that fails to understand or care for its wounded souls.

The novel’s structure, shifting seamlessly between past and present, inner thoughts and external actions, creates a rich tapestry of human experience. Woolf’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the fleeting nature of time and the way our lives are shaped by memories and moments of connection. Her portrayal of London is vivid and immersive, bringing the city to life as a character in its own right, teeming with life and history.

Mrs. Dalloway is a deeply sad novel, reflecting the inherent melancholy of existence. Yet, it also offers moments of profound beauty and insight. The characters’ struggles with their pasts, their fears for the future, and their search for meaning in the present are universal themes that resonate across time and place.

Peter Walsh’s enduring love for Clarissa, despite its futility, speaks to the enduring power of love and the pain of unfulfilled dreams.

In conclusion, Mrs. Dalloway is a masterful exploration of the human condition, capturing the complexity of our emotions and the passage of time. Virginia Woolf’s ability to delve into the inner lives of her characters with such sensitivity and depth makes this novel a timeless classic. For anyone who has experienced loss, love, and the search for meaning, Mrs. Dalloway offers a profound and moving reflection on the beauty and sadness of life.

Rating: 4/5

Image credits : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10062799137721033/

Green Dot

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By Madeleine Gray

Hera is a 24 year old woman, who holds 3 degrees, probably because she doesn’t want to work. Maybe this is not the best way to describe Hera. Let me start again.

Hera is a 24 year old woman, who is trying hard to figure out what she wants out of life, her life. She has no interest in working, unlike her friends. And ends up pursuing more degrees to evade from it. She is a smart girl, who is self-aware. But she doesn’t get along the ways how the world works.

A Short Summary

She then decides, she still can’t pose studying and applies for a job. It is a content moderator job, in a newspaper firm. And she gets it. Her boss Alison, has been working for so long in the same job, that she has kind of become mechanical on how stuffs should work in the office. There is a clear divide in the office between the journalists and the content moderators. Hera doesn’t like any inch of this place or the job, but finds Mei Ling’s company in internal IM rather helpful in crossing each day.

She shares a close relationship with her dad. Her dad is one of the most pleasant characters the book has to offer. The three of them, along with Jude, their dog, have a warm home. Hera’s social circle works for hang outs, but she is most close to Soph and Sarah, among the women nothing stays a secret.

Hera meets Arthur in her office, who is a journalist and starts talking to him. Things develop between the two interestingly. Hera quickly becomes the other woman and the tone is set for the rest of the book.

It’s about….

Green Dot goes further along the lines of Hera’s love, adultery, confusion and self introspection.

Hera is left with a constant chaotic spiral. Throughout all this, she still has her friends and her dad caring for her and supporting her, irrespective of the bad decisions she ends up taking. How she tackles incessant disappointments and guilt, takes decisions – the role of her feelings in them and the consequent events lay down the trajectory of the story.

Green Dot is a very interesting read, if you like reading about the affairs, desolation and dry humor.

Personally, this is my first book of such a theme, and it left me wondering often. It gave me new perspectives of things I have never given a thought before. The coming of age story seems pretty normal in the first few chapters and goes on to become a heart-wrenching one.

Madeleine Gray has done a great job in creating an introspecting novel, with her attempt to nail down every sentence to perfection.

Rating: 4/5

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

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By Coco Mellors

This is a debut novel by the author.

I started of thinking if this is a romance novel. The story starts with the meet-cute and that is highly unlikely for a romantic novel. And hence this book is. Cleopatra and Frankenstein is more than romance, it is more than a relationship, but it dwells deeper into the aspects of life and the people it is embedded with.

Cleo is an art student from London, who lives in US and she might have to leave the country sooner and that’s when she meets Frank and they talk, flirt and like each other. Six months in, they get married. There is a constant doubt in the air whether they married for love or out of desperation. Frank is 40-something ad exec, while Cleo is trying to figure out an identity for herself.

The dynamics of their individual lives is already a lot, let alone the life they try to work out together. Cleo’s friendship with Quentin doesn’t make things easier. She had the longest friend in him. But, the perception of his life makes Quentin even more hard to work with. He tries to establish a status around Cleo, on how his friendship with Cleo will never be matched by any relationship of hers, be it her marriage.

It starts from a point where Quentin tries desperately to suppress his feelings to being immature about them. His hold on drugs and sabotaging relationships makes things go even more harder to restore to normalcy and adds on to Cleo’s plate. The uncertainty grappling both of them, makes their friendship go more incomprehensible.

Zoe, Frank’s sister tries to find her place in Frank’s life after his marriage to Cleo. She is studying and is monetarily dependent on Frank. Cleo wants to have a friendly relation with Zoe, for she feels Zoe can understand her more than any of the people in Frank’s circle because of their age as well as she knows how important is Zoe to Frank. Zoe and Cleo share a bond, but which the author fails to take it any further.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein’s side characters had a vivid life with too many details, but it misses when they just disappear as side characters. The author was trying to show how everyone in this world made sense but actually couldn’t make it to a point. Eleanor and a possible affair, completely drives the plot to a whole another path. I liked how Eleanor’s life was written in first person, it is hard to not like Eleanor. She is a simple 30-something woman who is still figuring out her life with her own set of obstacles.

Sometimes, it felt like Coco really liked the side characters and she went on talking about them and suddenly gets reminded of whom the book is about and returns back to them. But it is hard to not fall in love with them, so who am I to blame !

The plot was too short, too chaotic to give them a space to fill. It encompasses on relationship, marriage, friendships sometimes complicated, trauma and separation. But it was a whole less soup with many ingredients. They were flavorful, yes, but could have had much more as well.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein is an interesting read, you can take up your cup of coffee and enjoy the drama it has to unfold. Would have loved it more, if for less sway.

Rating: 4/5

A Humorous Journey Through ‘Breakfast of Champions’ by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. – Analysis and Review

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I have known about Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s famous book Slaughter House Five, and it is still in my tbr list. But a friend of mine suggested this book, with the pretext that this is kind of dark humor book. This is my first humor read. There are so many interesting things about this book. Let me share them one by one.

A Feast of Humor

As I already mentioned this is my first humor read, I was piqued and enjoyed the author’s satire. He adds these drawings, often to elaborate the context, helps in interpreting and gives a companionship oddly. Let me explain; So you read this book alone right, sitting somewhere at your home or a public place, you continue reading the book. The marriage of words that induce a quick chuck under your breath, arises with the doubt, wait is that what he meant?! These drawings, somehow reinforce the absurdity at times, and gives you company of the author in the chaos. At the very least, those drawings meant that way to me.

I am the Creator

Let me quickly summarize the plot before I go any further. Dwayne Hoover is a well-established used Pontiac car dealer in Midland City and he owns various other businesses as well. His wife died by suicide recently and he is lived by a son. Kilgore Trout is a science fiction writer. He has written many novels and short stories, but he is not aware if his works are published, because he sends them to random publications without any follow-up. Sometimes, he finds his work in porn magazines. He has three ex-wives and a son.

Kurt reveals that these two characters meet and that meeting is not going to be a pleasant one, as Dwayne is losing his sanity gradually. The whole book then focusses on things that are most often irrelevant, ( let me come to this later ), while also expanding on the journey of the two characters, circumstances they dwell in and the thoughts of the individuals, with overpowering narration.

Kurt Vonnegut Jr., often confronts the characters and takes ownership of their being. As of now, I haven’t read a book where the author interferes with the characters this way. This also indicates that the author can actually take the plot to any length and not follow the rules we expect, that the story must follow. It jolts the reader to pay attention as well as wonder why the author takes over control at times. It does not fail to give the idea that, the perspective is what matters and there is no one who has control over things. This idea will be carried forward by one of the Kilgore Trout’s works and Dwayne Hoover interpretation leads to the course of that one meeting, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. described at the start of the book.

Post Modernism

I didn’t have any idea about this book being an attempt of post-modernist work, while reading the book. A quick internet search revealed this to me and after that, the book made sense to me.

So Kurt Vonnegut Jr. put forward this work of his, Breakfast of champions as his 50th birthday gift to himself. The interference with his characters and the absurd stuffs that he disguises in the form of Kilgore Trout’s sci-fi stories, creates a chaos where search for order is kindled.

Postmodernism embraces ambiguity, complexity, and the idea that meaning is subjective and context-dependent. It often incorporates elements of past styles and rejects the notion of a linear progression in art, literature, philosophy, and other disciplines. Postmodernism encourages a playful and self-aware approach to storytelling, art, and thought, acknowledging the influence of diverse perspectives and the impact of mass media on shaping contemporary culture.

So, there was no purpose of certain narrations of the author. There need not be a purpose is the idea. The notion of finding a purpose in the life, following and there by growing is an illusion. There is no need for us to contemplate, understand and live by the higher order. Sometimes and some things are devoid of order and its complexity puts forward the essence of perspectives and subjectivity. To establish a non-linear storytelling style with his own signature of humor elements elevates the book to being an interesting read to an introspective read as well.

Conclusion

Breakfast of Champions also puts forward the idea of how we judge someone by the wrong things, often things that don’t matter. The title itself is a ploy by the author. I enjoyed reading this book and more that that, reflecting on it. If you need a fun, humorous and easy read, this book is a go-to. Fingers crossed to read his other works !

Rating: 4/5

Monstrously Brilliant: Exploring the Depths of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a timeless masterpiece, captivates readers with its haunting narrative and profound exploration of human nature. In this review, let’s delve into the intricacies of Shelley’s magnum opus, examining its thematic richness, compelling characters, and enduring relevance.

Unraveling the Narrative Tapestry

Shelley weaves a tapestry of suspense and horror, skillfully blending Gothic elements with philosophical depth. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who defies the laws of nature by creating a sentient being. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, adding layers of complexity that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In the dark recesses of Shelley’s prose, the reader is enveloped in an atmosphere of chilling suspense. From Victor’s feverish pursuit of knowledge to the creature’s poignant self-discovery, every twist in the narrative is a masterstroke of literary prowess.

Characters that Transcend Time

Frankenstein introduces characters that resonate across centuries. The novel doesn’t seem like a work of 1818. Victor Frankenstein’s tragic ambition and the creature’s existential quest for identity offer a profound commentary on the human condition. The depth of characterization elevates the novel beyond a mere horror story, making it a timeless exploration of morality and empathy. It can be rightly termed as gothic fiction.

Shelley’s characters are not mere specters in a Gothic tale; they are vessels of universal truths. Victor’s ambition mirrors our relentless pursuit of progress, while the creature’s isolation reflects the consequences of societal rejection. The yearning of the monster to have at least one life beside him to truly understand his nature and who he has become, resonates the human mind that longs for sense of belonging to a community, often bound by love.

Shelley tackles ethical dilemmas, the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, and the societal rejection of the ‘other.’ The novel’s relevance persists, echoing warnings about the ethical implications of modern scientific advancements.

The book was written in a period when curiosity of mankind was proving to bear fruits. Industrial Revolution was transforming all walks of life. As society grapples with ethical questions surrounding technology and artificial intelligence, Frankenstein’s cautionary tale gains renewed significance. Shelley’s exploration of scientific responsibility remains a pertinent guidepost in the face of our own technological advancements.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein stands as a literary colossus, weaving a narrative that transcends time and speaks to the deepest recesses of the human psyche. Its enduring themes, unforgettable characters, and philosophical depth ensure its place as a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers across generations. Dive into the world of Frankenstein, where horror meets profound introspection, and discover a timeless tale that remains as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.

Rating: 3.5

Adelaide

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By Genevieve Wheeler

Before delving into the review of this book, I would like to take a moment to applaud myself for reading a romance novel, well something close to the genre after being slapped by a book I didn’t like of the same genre.

I am just feeling good about myself that, even though I decided maybe romance books are not my cup of tea, and I would only end up enjoying non fiction or maybe thriller books, I still was open to books that are not in my comfort zone. And sometimes, as they say when you step out of your comfort zone is when you realize the true beauty the world has to offer.

Adelaide was one such beauty the literary world has to offer. It is primarily about Adelaide Williams’ relationship with Rory Hughes, but also makes sure the readers are told enough about the characters, to understand the decisions and the reactions when something occurs. It is a no surprise book, as for me, it doesn’t make us feel dumb, it won’t let us wonder, what is going on!

The narrative is not exactly linear, but in glimpses we get to understand the past of the protagonist. Adelaide, true to its name, concentrates on Adelaide, her understanding of the relationship, while also providing an overhead narration of Rory’s behavior, so the reader can take a chill backseat and witness the drama that unfolds.

But, the book does a very good job in having the readers’ hand at the edge of the page to immediately turn without wasting a millisecond to know what happens next.

You have to love fiercely, and unselfishly, and with intention. It’s the only way.

Mental Health

The book begins with the chapter that stresses on mental health, the events of Adelaide’s life and how she handles it, how hard she strives to establish an ounce of stability is very thought provoking.

Life is not a pond. It doesn’t come with cute little water birds and lilies, but it’s an ocean that comprises of huge whales, sharks and deep sea currents. But it sure does house cute jellyfish or oysters.

Adelaide has her ups and downs, she feels each of them very strongly. At twenty-six, she moves to another continent from her home and pursues her masters. Life has a lot for her in shelves. When she gets to unravel them, she is sure surprised and shocked; delighted and depressed; surfs through and gets stuck, sometimes, of course.

Closing Thoughts

I don’t want to give a label to this book, giving a clear picture of what to expect. I don’t believe in labeling stuffs when it makes me feel something and makes me question even further. I often feel labeling might make it look like it is tangible. But, when we are unable to make up our mind about what is that I feel, we get to feel even deeper.

Adelaide made me feel deeper. In a very easy to read narrative, Genevieve did a great job in writing a heart-felt novel.

LOVE ONLY COMES IN WHOLE

Sometimes it’s the very less combination of simple words that provokes something within us to empathize with the world.

Rating: 4.5

Image credits: https://genevieveewheeler.files.wordpress.com/

Twists of Imagination: Reflecting on ‘Kafka on the Shore’ and ‘Bunny’

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I read Kafka on the shore a while back and Bunny recently. Both the books are totally different in genre and the world they delve into, but the one commonality I could find was, both of them left me confused at the end. To make it very clear, I am not comparing these two books, but just reflecting on how I felt after both the reads and trying to analyze how they might impact the readers.

Kafka on the shore
Bunny

A quick intro to both the books

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami is a contemporary fiction/fantasy set in Japan. It involves around two characters Kafka Tamura, a 15 year-old boy and Nakata, an elderly man who can speak to cats but has lost his memory after an incident in his childhood. The book begins with narrating both their stories alternately. It proceeds to unfold its magical realism when both of these characters meet.

Bunny by Mona Awad is a dark academia and satirical fiction book set in American college campus. Samantha, who is a young fiction writer, mostly writes on dark themes, gets admitted to a prestigious MFA program. But things get difficult and weird as other members of the cohort are privileged and Samantha has quite strong and mixed feelings on the four women whom she finds, calling each other Bunny.

Enigmatic style and other similarities

Both of the books were good in blurring the boundaries of reality and imagination. By introducing elements of magical realism, it often results in ambiguity and frankly difficulty in categorizing them as truth and dream.

Kafka runs away from his home, displaying a coming of age scenario. But Murakami underplayed that style of narration to let the character to have his freedom to be adult and explore his self. When his actions quite often relate that of an young adult, rather than a teenage boy. On the other hand, Samantha is doing her masters, so we can assume that she is in her twenties. But most of the reactions that Samantha displays often becomes close to how a typical teenager behaves, hence I had quite a time to scoff at the book, but this is for a later time. Moving on…

Both the protagonists isolate, alienate themselves to an extent from their peers. When Kafka goes to the library, the conversations he has with the librarian and Saeki, clearly conveys that he is mature for his age and he is perfectly capable of holding interesting conversations with adults and also bring insights to the table. He also refuses explicit help and tries to take care of his own self. Similar scenario goes on with Samantha, she tries to persuade her instructor to pursue her semester individually and not with the group that she was assigned to. Samantha takes care of herself and she gets threatened by the four other privileged women of her cohort and develops a sense of hatred to overcome her jealousy and how threatened she feels by them.

A wonderful self-exploration by the characters in both the novels makes the reading even more intriguing. When elements apart from reality enters the plot, it takes its place very comfortably, in other words, I could let them ease me into the transition and it is not off-putting. Since the boundaries are very ambiguous, surrealism finds its sweet spot.

They are different

Though there are some commonalities, both are completely two different books with their own wonderful plots, narrations and genre.

Starting with Kafka on the shore, the character Nakata was completely different from any other character I have come across. After the incident, Nakata navigating his life with little memory he has and the ability to talk to cats is perplexing but that is exactly the randomness that is required to be curious on what is supposed to happen now. I am not going to say I completely understood the book. Yes, it left me quite confused, I sought out internet and read thoughts of so many other people on the book. It really made understanding pleasurable. All aside, Murakami with his minimalistic writing style and simple words, still kindled questions on reality. It was intended for the readers to form their own sense of the book.

Bunny, was the What did I just read now book. It never stops to create a jolt. Just when I thought, ohhh ok now I get it, it slaps the next second with another what now. The writing was vague in some places and it becomes hard to relate to the characters after a point. When you want to get hooked on to a book, Bunny will be the perfect read.

Happy reading and let me know your thoughts when you read or have read the book(s).

Featured Image credits: Rene Magritte, The False Mirror, 1928. Oil on canvas. Image courtesy of © 2017 C. Herscovici, Brussels / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Other Images credit: Goodreads, Amazon