Book Rack (Jan 21)

Memories of Fire

Ashok Chopra

Penguin, 2018, Rs 599, pp 416

Five childhood friends, four of whom are meeting after a gap of 54 years, embark on a journey into the past, laden with nostalgia and humour, and encompassing all the ugly and wonderful things life has to offer. This is inspired by true events and interspersed with the dark history of the Partition.

Gleanings of the road

Rabindranath Tagore, translated by Somdatta Mandal

Niyogi Books, 2018, Rs 295, pp 220

What was Rabindranath Tagore's perception of the different facets of Western life, diverse and philosophical issues that crossed his mind as he journeyed from one continent to another? This travelogue holds some answers.

Parineeta

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, translated by Subhransu Maitra

Niyogi, 2018, Rs 195, pp 95

The duo of Shekharnath and Lalita, also neighbours, shares a bantering relationship. As time passes, they understand each other's feelings. Meanwhile, there are tensions among the families with regard to an old loan. The differences between the lovers increase
with the arrival of Girin.

Early Anti British Revolts in Andhra

KSS Seshan

Gyan Books, 2018, Rs 699,  pp 209

This is a study of the numerous struggles carried out in Andhra region against the British, much before the outbreak of the 1857 Revolt. As appropriation of surplus and monopoly of trade were the dominant factors during this phase, the opposing elements in these revolts were the revenue-collecting chiefs.

Shivaji

Ranjit Desai, translated by Vikrant Pande

Harper Collins, 2018, Rs 799, pp 574

Young Shivaji reaches Pune, a dying fort city, with his mother Jijabai, and lights the first lamp within its ruins. While his father Shahaji Bhosale is away on deputation by the Adil Shahi sultanate, Shivaji learns how an empire is built from the ground and begins the life of the Great Maratha.

Imperfect

Sanjay Manjrekar

Harper Collins, 2018, Rs 699, pp 209

The author uses his famous analytical powers to look back on his own career as a cricketer. His photographic memory takes the reader along his journey from the dusty maidans of Mumbai to the world stage as the combative batsman faces up the fearsome attacks.

The Wife Between Us

Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

St Martin's Press, 2018,   Rs 1,100,  pp 352

You will assume you know the motives, history and anatomy of relationships. Assume nothing.   This novel by the dynamic duo explores the complexities of marriage  and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.  

Limca Book of Records, 2018

Hachette, 2018, Rs 550, pp 424

This is a record that introduces you to the country's best in human endeavour, education, defence, government, adventure, cinema, literature and the arts, along with additional chapters on science,   economy and natural structures. It's also reader-friendly with infographics, charts and tables.