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udey

udey

I see myself as one of the young, lonely and aimless persons in a Haruki Murakami novel.

"People are crazy and times are strange
I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range
I used to care, but things have changed
Lot of water under the bridge, Lot of other stuff too
Don't get up gentlemen, I'm only passing through"
- Bob... more »
  • Bomb-aye
  • member since September 16 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 14 reviews
  • The Wind in the Willows
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Nature and the Natural

    Wind in the Willows (Wordsworth Classics) (Wordsworth Collection)

    In neat small 12 chapters comprising a 192 page book "The Wind in the Willows" speaks more than voluminous epics. The characters are animals as if in a fable. The introduction includes the letter from President Roosevelt on how he didn't find appeal in what seems like a children's fiction. Then as the President's family found truth in the novel so did he and wrote off a letter of appreciation to the author, Kenneth Grahame, knowing what he could have missed.

    The book may seem apt for kids but has fascinating events true to all in society. The resourceful Rat, pleasant Mole, wise Badger and primarily the cocky, arrogant, conceited Toad of Toad Hall bring lessons of Life to us all. The chapters neatly alternate soon into the peaceful acts of rat and mole to the adventures of disaster-prone toad. There are moments each one of us can relate to. The mole discovering a new world by the river-side, a loyal friendship with the experienced water rat, the advice and guardianship with badger and foolishness & misadventures of toad.

    The rat is my hero. Knowing what to do when he mentors and grooms the mole. The badger ever welcoming his friends in need while also preferring his solitude and reclusiveness. The other small animals whom they deal with also come out to colour a world we could recognise as our own. The toad is rich heir and a spoilt one with his fads bringing him infamy and disrepute to his well-wishing friends. But rat, mole and badger who was a friend of toad's father never give-up on assisting the hapless, cunning toad learn to live with dignity that he prides himself upon. The toad's new fixation of the motor-car and his eminent jail-term does little to reform his stupid character. It also reflects on how change of times bring new things in our life we never needed but crave for anyway.

    There is also the mysterious angel of the forest whom the water rat and mole encounter in the woods, sort of how we think gratefully of a watchful all-saving entity who would tend to lost souls in our concrete jungle. The chapter `The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' describes, nay, illustrates this event of divine intervention beautifully. Through many seasons the animals persist in being jolly and industrious. The chapters where some leave the winter for seeking the South also talks of how we deal with change. The rat has his moment of weakness too when he wants to heed the call to adventure away from his beloved river-bed but his wonderful friend mole helps him as he was helped by rat on more than one occasion. The strong, determined badger too yearns at one point for his footloose son but his friends stand with him.

    This saga of friendship and relationships continues to the grand climax where the carefree toad has to regain his Toad Hall from squatters. The battle is glorious and not without bearing fruit in the form of a reformed toad. A happy ending but a good beginning to taking life head-on with purpose and love for without company of good friends our days would pass without knowledge of how blessed we really are.”

    udey wrote this review Tuesday, January 1 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Long Goodbye (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “THE Private Eye "Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid? The detective must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor. He talks as the man of his age talks, that is, with rude wit, a lively sense of the grotesque, a disgust for sham, and a contempt for pettiness." — Raymond Chandler from ‘The Simple Art of Murder’ (an essay) Philip Marlowe is cult pulp fiction at its best. His characters are intertwined and Marlowe deals with all of ‘em with his cool temperament and a style that can be created only by Raymond Chandler. Raymond’s stories may not be as complex and extraordinary as those of established genius detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Poirot. But his tales have emotions and noir elements that are instantly attractive and captivating. The friend who is dead, the rich woman’s known escapades, the drunk author, the rich reclusive father-in-law to the dead friend, the various characters that hit Marlowe and us in a well-crafted detective fiction is beautiful and worthy or re-reading just to relive the moments described so wonderfully. This was the first Chandler fiction I read and have now collected a few others as well. These are a prized collection from an author who has class, style and worldly wit. ”

    udey wrote this review Monday, September 17 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • FiestaFiestaErnest Hemingway

    Fiesta

    by Ernest Hemingway
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Beauty in words Ernest Hemmingway in his unique style delivers a masterpiece in adult fiction. His prose is concise and words beauty known only to the reader. He creates a wonderful atmosphere of the locations and his character’s travel through the landscape and through emotions is captured exceptionally well. This is a timeless classic. There is nothing I can say to convince anyone to read it. The characters are well-developed. There is love and passion and pain and beauty. The world that Hemmingway recreates belongs with these characters. The book launched a successful career and in me it set in motion the desire to read everything ever written by this brilliant writer. ”

    udey wrote this review Monday, September 17 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Lexicon of Comicana

    The Lexicon of Comicana

    by Mort Walker
    • Rated 2 stars

    “Beginners Only It is quite an OK book for beginners. I was disappointed with it because the tools he uses can be seen in Daily comic strips. So I don't think Mort Walker researched Worldwide comics. The examples are Limited not vast as you would expect in a "Lexicon". Also it doesnot go into details about Technique and only gives you bare essentials. Will Eisner's Comics & Sequential Art is a better book for beginners and professionals alike. You could finish reading Lexicon in a day and start drawing your own strip immediately. Recommended as a Quick Fix.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Skulduggery Pleasant
    • Rated 4 stars

    “And this is the first book I have read little or no children's fiction. But the fabulous art work on the cover of this book caught my eye. The catchline "And he is the good guy" had me hooked. It looked like an interesting read - a young girl paired with a detective, thrown into harm's way and a magical adventure in Ireland. The plot develops well throughout. Plenty of twists, betrayals, deductions and action. At the very initial outset (first few chapters), Stepahnie is threatened with death when she tries to pass a solitary night at dead uncle Gordon's home which she inherited. The mysterious stranger in a hat and suit reappears to rescue her. Then on magical elements unfold along with real ones. For a children's detective novel, it is well written and not too complicated. I have never truly read Harry Potter but from what I see this is better writing and fictional work than the Rowling mania. The magic does not overwhelm the plot and events. Its there but plenty of legwork also needs to be done. The characters are interesting and generate a lot of curiosity into this hidden world. The concept of 3 names, the Scepter of the Ancients, the elements (elemental magic), magical twin in the mirror, Mages and professions of the characters; all are quite refreshing and appealing for a first time reader of this type of fiction. It can easily become a crossover book that can be read by both children and adults. Stephanie's resolute and brave front, Skullduggery's quips, persona of Tanith, China, Ghastly, vile Nefarian, his Hollow Men are all very well created. By the last few chapters things fall into place and clues you left behind in earlier chapters come together to create a memorable story. Concise and descriptive the language is easy and attractive. A very good first novel by Derek Landy.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: A Novel
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Discovering well, women and wonder An epic novel, a feat in itself for any fantastical fiction writer, this is a must-read for every Murakami fan. Starting off with the disappearance of a pet cat named after the protagonist Toru Okada’s brother-in-law – Mr Wataya (who will play a mjor role later on), this story is a journey through tales and lives and minds of many captivating characters. From the mysterious Malta Kano and her sister Creta to the teenage weirdness of May Kasahara or even Mr. Okada’s wife Kumiko (who is seemingly too upset over the lost cat); the women in Okada’s life seem to get him into excellent and troubling adventures. Just the two chapters on the letters of Lieutenant Mamiya would be worth the retail price of the book. The description of the Japanese warfare in Mongolia and China is graphic. Later on the details as described by the protagonist himself is also a page-turner. As you keep going through this grand book, you learn more and more as how every one of these characters have been intertwined into the life of Toru Okada. A mysterious lady on the phone, a generous old lady calling herself Nutmeg, a really intriguing hotel room, letters from the weird May Kasahara about duck people (and many other things); this saga is as wild a fantasy as anybody could ask for. I loved the anecdote on the monkeys on sh*tty island. Murakami comes up with great background for all these characters and an entire history of a neighbourhood house that has attracted Okada’s attention. Okada goes through mysterious journeys, meets strange and stranger people, hears horrific tales of war and Soviet/Mongolian torture, he battles through his strange life and as the year passes, the climax of the novel delivers an unmatched end. For those who can’t digest such fantasy and metaphysical elements, a good start would be “The Elephant Vanishes” a collection of Murakami’s short stories. If you love those (as I did) then reading this grand novel would not be intimidating. ”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Flashman: A Novel (Flashman)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Flash of Genius It was great fun and embarrassing to read this first book in what I am sure is an impressive series. Why embarrassing, you may ask; well I am an Indian. Fraser certainly knows how to write a great satirical historical fiction. I have no idea about the Afghan war and for all its worth I would believe Flashman's papers as the truth. Fraser writes it that well. Flashman confesses to being a coward and a scoundrel and impressively is hailed as heroic, brave and loyal. This itself seems to bring truth to his story. It is so fantastical and detailed that one may believe his words by the end of half the novel. I being from the lot of India's black n***** savages am quite impressed by the perspective of the Englishman - a soldier and a gentleman. His description of that era is accurate in its disgust. The action, in bed and battle, is a very telling account of a foreigner in a hellish land (hell for the Englishman, home for some others). It starts off with Flashman's disgrace and elimination from school. He has a flash of an idea to take it easy in a cozy regiment. Depending on his dad's fortune he gets the colours and can't help continue being a scoundrel. He is then further disgraced by getting orders to go to India to assist the East India Company. Here the story keeps getting funnier, interesting and irresistible. His adventures in India seem to bring him glory whether he keeps going worse or not. Hailed for learning the native tongue he is rewarded by an assignment to Afghanistan. Poor fellow is a victim of his own success. Soon the Afghan chapters turn rapidly as you breeze through his adventures with the Gilzais and Ghazis and Kabulis. He turns every misadventure into glory without lifting a finger. It's as if an angel of scoundrels watches over him. Every mistake he makes turns him to be more appreciated by the Afghans and the British alike. The description of the battle, the siege at Kabul, the retreat, the escape from Gul Shah, the Jallalabad fort fiasco and his constant good luck in cowardice is captivating. He keeps getting laurels for what any idiot would get flogged and hanged for. His ease with the natives and British Generals get him into cozy deals where he keeps getting patted and congratulated. If anything, forget the outrageous humour, you should read the book as if it is a dated James Bond novel. Okay so Bond is brave, but Flashman - he doesn't have to be. Fraser writes out the fiction with great accuracy to dates and events and people involved. It is a fascinating read and insight into the feringhee's vision of Asia. Other than that the characterisation is beautiful and plot smooth as silk. Elphy Bey, Hudson, Sale and Lady Sale, Akbar Khan, Gul Shah, and so many more great characters with their description as young Flashman speaks it is incredibly delightful. The book seemed to tell too much in too few words cause for all that happens, it takes only 294 pages to tell. I intend to read and collect every book in this series. The ending I thought was rightly tame, with the vile Flashman doubting his own wife after coming back to London 2 years later. It further establishes his character and how he lacks a backbone or honour. An Indian I am and proud of it, but Flashman is funny as hell and I won't deny it. Fraser is a brilliant writer and could probably lecture history at the best Universities, but here he let's us enjoy an unparalleled satire of the British soldier in India. Also, Indian canteens today would not really sicken a pig, but a European may well stay away from it. Cheers to our health and to that of Flashman.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Devil's Due (Bombshell)
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Future Prospects - bright Future Prospects - bright, July 9, 2007 Firstly, let me say, I - an adult male, am greatly embarrassed to admit that I have purchased and happily read a Mills & Boons novel. Ahem! Yes, indeed, it was pleasurable. Well, to start off, at the bookstore chain they were giving away M&B for Rs.99 each, which is like USD 2. So I saw through those tempting names and fixed my gaze on `Intrigue Series'. This was about a detective, a female one of course. So I said to myself, why not, I like crime (not in a criminal way). Plus the cover was indeed intriguing with the `Red Letter Days' series stamped on the back. So Devil's Due, I realized is a second book in a series and even though I never read the first one, this was very much unabridged and easy to follow. Told from the perspective of Lucia Garza, a strong, fashionable, desirable, cold femme fatale; who manages to get her way most of the time; she is loaded and rich by her past experience and now working as a private eye due to a benevolent gift of finance from a secret agency - the Cross Society. Now all is normal till half of the book is over. Then you realize about timelines and leads and how events in the future are being manipulated. Lucia and her partner Jazz have to give priority to any red letter order they receive from the Cross Society. This does some good and some bad. They are joined by relevant male love interests. Ben McCarthy joins their operation and falls for Lucia like moth on flame. There is good chemistry described in these pages. All the characters are well developed. The plot also moves swiftly and there is plenty to worry and wonder about. Eidolon the rival time-future manipulator is planning a big hit. Our heroes are losing faith in Cross Society. A nerd with a vault like residence and Hummer for commute is also present. It is all very well-done mix with plenty of thrills in intermittent spaces. The last four chapters are exhilarating to say the least. These had me on edge. It was unfolding events and info like an ocean with an upset stomach. I was very much engaged during the last few chapters and was happy with the way everything took place. It's a Mills and Boons so no one reads it for tragedy-news. Things were kept real and yet pleasant. The concept of changing or altering future is very interesting background and how the characters affect or force changes is very entertaining. As my first Mills & Boons novel - it was very enjoyable popular fiction. Not what I usually read but would check out similar things from Mills and Boons again.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Lord of the Flies
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Savages and tiny savages After reading Catcher in the Rye, I was on the lookout for similar kid adventures with more meaning than say, Harry Potter. This tale about a band of lost boys marooned on a remote island while the adults wage war across the human civilisation is very entertaining and a swift read. A small novel, it starts off with how a bunch of disorganized kids install a council for the safety and sufficiency in their island refuge and the unanimous leader Ralph is envied but accepted by a better behaving marching troop's leader - Jack. The conch is the symbol of power and authority vested in Ralph. The conch is passed to whoever wishes to speak and everyone listens. With such a good start you would expect them to get better. But these are human children with their innate savage instinct. And now with an island to explore and rule on they get initiated into barbarism with the hunt for a pig, supported by a hunting song, killer's dance and more. There is lot more to it than children's games here. There might be a monster on the island. Ralph and Jack will of course compete in this new hunt to prove bravado. Deaths of kids are mentioned with good subtlety in this novel and mystery is created with simple scenes/words. With the eventual break up of the council and savagery rampant in the island it is up to Ralph to restore normalcy and his rightful place as the leader. The mindsets of different kids is shown through their actions. A great parable for human wars and human nature, this book may leave you depressed even though the ending is safer than the kids' island adventure.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Elephant Vanishes - Imagination Expands Murakami proves the saying that all great artists can paint smaller masterpieces just as they can create grand works. This collection of short stories are brilliant little gems that shine with different characters and are very engaging. My favourite would have to be 'The Silence' because its simply close to heart and something you could have experienced, its the most realistic tale in the book. There is a wide range of subjects discussed and the imagination of the author has no limitations. The other story which I believe has morals as well as imagination is 'The Dancing Dwarf'. These stories tell the tale of ordinary people in unique situations. I was impressed by the originality of all the tales and how it makes the reader stop and ponder and look deep into their own lives. If you think you would get the answer to all the lives miseries or those especially for lonely young people then you would probably search for it in every Murakami book as I do. Other stories that haunted me were 'Sleep' and 'On seeing the 100% perfect girl one beautiful April morning'. Also worth re-reading were 'The Last Lawn of the afternoon' and 'The Elephant Vanishes' Just how crazy it is to get into these tales, you ask ? Well for instance, in 'The Dancing Dwarf', the protagonist works at a factory that makes five elephants from one elephant, they "reconstitute them(elephants)" and in 'The Elephant Vanishes' an elephant chained and locked up vanishes with his old keeper as if they had dissolved out of the enclosure into thin air. Each of the stories are so impressive in its creativity and style that I am waiting for another short story collection of his.”

    udey wrote this review Sunday, September 16 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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