Love in the Time of Cholera July 2, 2008
Posted by Barkha in Books.Tags: Caribbean, Fiction, love, romance
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Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
First Published: 1988 (English edition)
This is the first book from this author read by me, the language is so vivid and eloquent. My favourite aspect is the prose, whether to describe locations, settings, objects or characters that practically jump off the page.
The love story itself is stodgy except towards the end of the novel after Dr. Urbino dies, and the eighty year old Fermina Daza is pursued again by the obsessed Florentino Ariza. The second act of the love story really is beautiful, tender and poignant, everything one would imagine true love to be.
Having said that the beginning of the novel though hardly romantic, Florentino resembles a stalker rather than a dashing hero, it is thoroughly engaging. Feel sympathetic towards Florentino not because of his unrequited feelings for Fermina, but rather because of how he deceives and denies himself the truth, moving on from one physical relationship to the next never allowing himself to acknowledge emotional attachment.
Dr. Urbino frankly found to be irritating, Fermina however was very likeable, the relationship quirks between the two quite funny for example the long running quarrel over sleeping habits, and the poisonous eggplant. The accident with the parrot funny and fatally sad at the same time. So many other wonderful, very much larger than life characters such as Lorenzo Daza, cousin Hildebrande, Transito Arizo, Uncle Leo, the Captain, and the long list of unique mistresses.
This is a really enjoyable 348 page novel, to be read atleast once and then many times again.
The Hindi Bindi Club May 21, 2008
Posted by Barkha in Books.Tags: Family, Fiction, relationships, romance
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Author: Monica Pradhan
First Published: 2007
Don’t think this book was intended to be a self-help relationship guide for mothers and daughters, but that is the value I gained from reading this. A light-hearted, fun and easy to read novel with many poignant moments.
Could identify so many characters in the novel with family members and other people in our lives. Started to see the relationship with my mother in a new light, with a new appreciation for her and her experiences. Contains many entertaining situations, strong heroines and other likeable colourful characters not just stereotypes.
The unlikely partner of the arranged marriage for divorced Kiran, their meeting, falling in love and the ending… Also intrigued by the exploration of past lives for Rani.
On another note this novel has recipes included, got so involved with the characters actually trialed some recipes! “Zarkha’s Gosht Ki Biryani” (Lamb & Rice Pilaf Casserole) page 423 was particularly tasty and got great response.
Cannot wait for the next book by this author, hopefully something out soon. This would also make a great movie, perhaps something along the lines of Bend It Like Beckham.
The Conjuror’s Bird April 22, 2008
Posted by Barkha in Books.Tags: Fiction, history, mystery, romance
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Author: Martin Davies
First Published: 2005
Enjoyed this book thoroughly, started to read it during a weekend break at the Hunter Valley whilst waiting for the spa treatment to finish at Endota.
An upbeat, engaging novel, a story within a story. the historical figure Joseph Banks and the unknown woman in his life. This is intertwined with the present day lives of estranged couple Gabby and Fitz. Fitz is a university professor faced with an interesting proposition to find the remains of the extinct bird Uleita for a substantial fee backed by Gabby and her new partner an anthropology enthusiast and ”a man famous for being rich” Ted Staest.
On the hunt for the lost bird, Fitz assisted by Katia (his student and new tennant) stumble across the existence of Mary Burnett. Mary proves to be an unknown link and her identity as elusive as the lost bird. A two-fold mystery and romance unfolds switching back and forth between the 18th and 21st centuries all crammed within 309 pages.
This is a fictional account but must read the historical note at the end of the book, which makes the existence of Mary more plausible.
This cover reminds you of a well thumbed, often read book, and found it to be just that, one that can be read several times.
