Book Review: Durjoy Datta's 'Till The Last Breath'

Book Name: Till The Last Breath

Genre: Fiction

Author: Durjoy Datta

Review:

Breaking the Indian-author-stereotype and shifting the focus from engineering-college love stories, Durjoy Datta tells a heart-touching tale of two patients admitted in the same room of a hospital: Rihu - a brilliant 19 year old lively girl obsessed with studying medicine, who discovers that she is suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease(or ALS), invariably incurable and fatal; Dushyant - an unruly 25 year old guy, addicted to all sorts of imaginable drugs, who passes out and wakes up days later only to discover that most of his organs have almost rotted away; their families, the doctors treating them and everyone in between. The story unfolds like a mystery, throwing up surprises with every chapter the reader goes through. The doctors risk everything to save their lives, so do their families, till the end, which is more surprising than it should have been.

The story-line is overall good, but it doesn't progress as smoothly as it ought to. There are constant ups and downs that torment the reader. However, just before the end, the writer loses it all. The story seems to be uselessly (and needlessly) prolonged and the finish is without the charm it should have had. Some sentences are completely out of place and the use of swear words in a much larger proportion than other contemporary Indian authors leaves one in a bad taste (I still disbelieve it's so normal and commonplace).

The editing should have been better. There are a few repetitions that should have been taken care of, and at times, the story lingers on without any fun.

However, read it on a holiday or a long journey by the train. It won't be the best treat to stun you, but it will entertain you, nevertheless.

Stars: 3

Book Review: Singing Soul - A Garland of Captivating Poems (English)

Book Name: Singing Soul - A Garland of Captivating Poems (English)

Author: Shalini Samuel

Genre: Poetry

Review:

Poets have since ages possessed the eye to observe the mischief of nature - the mischievousness of the Creator Himself, of Mother Nature herself, of Being itself. This is what the first poem Child's Play of the anthology Singing Soul by Shalini Samuel re-affirms and re-assures. This poem reflects Shalini's depth of thought and observation while she speaks of something sublime in an innocent but impressive way. The words are simple but their effect is profound.

As I proceed through the verses, the Prayer For Survival makes it clear how simple things in life are the reason behind big smiles. The poem Sixth Sense is beyond explanation by mere words and the lines just take away one’s heart.

Shalini is just one among the few poets of today who have got the vision to see beyond the usual, commonplace themes of the contemporary writings. She has concentrated on the simple beauties of nature, shortcomings of human soul and the intricacies of life. Unheard Sufferings, Lost Dreams and Migrated Human Birds talk about our society, about nostalgia, about loneliness, about each of us has grown into an alienated being, even after being so close to each other. Arrogant Imitation raises an important aspect of human nature – arrogance – just for the sake of it, without any logic or a reason. 

There are poems like Romantic Rain and Self Realisation which are worth a million readings. The only delight for a poet is the readers’ interest and satisfaction, and Shalini scores 5 over 5 for that because of poems like Shadow and Freedom – short – but studded with meaning. 

Simplicity of thought never means lack of philosophical thinking. Read Shalini’s Rock Heart, Triumphant Love, Gossip, Museum and Departure and you can’t help but wonder how philosophical simple thoughts can be. Heroic Citizen is another poem that may steal your heart, so are Tender Rain and Most Awaited Guest ¬– again simple words with profound effect. Then there are poems like Festive Heaven, Rolling Friend, Unending Union, Absurdities, Aliens and Modern Art where Shalini has ended the poems with thought-provoking humour or an unexpected U-turn, that just leaves an unknown aroma lingering in one’s thought process.

Shalini in her poems has explored every damn thing a reader can crave for and cherish – God, Angels, Devil, Nature, Beauty and even Love. The poem First Trust is an unmatched tribute to the beauty of mother – child relationship. These poems are not merely a wordplay but of immense impact. The poems Love, Eternal Love, Mystery Unfolds, Soul Mate, My Lover, Life, Teary Smile and Sestina will keep a reader’s attention from wandering away and absorb you thoroughly, as they paint simple human emotions into divine art. 

Inspirational pieces are another treat which add beauty to the book. You can’t help but attentively attempt to grab all that has been said in Ever High/Deep, Failures, Will Dreams Come True, Ups & Downs and Passed Away Pain. Poems like Companion, An Indian Youngster, Life’s Journey, Who To Blame and Can You Or Me are simply irresistible. Same holds true for Save Peace From Lease, War Never Ends, Let peace Prevail Terror and A Fishy Day At Bay.

Daughter’s Tears is one of the best poems one can come across in the book as it reflects upon a social evil, which even after being a harsh and grave reality is promoted by our lack of vision, will and courage, both directly and indirectly, because of the social stigma attached to it. 

The book is worth reading and worth deep thought and contemplation. The icing on the cake is the poem I’m Not A Noble Bard, but I would politely disagree with this particular view of Shalini to tell her: Yes! You are a noble bard and have created a Master’s Masterpiece.