Monday, June 15, 2009

The Backseat


I never do book reviews, merely because I never read book reviews. I hate it when people segment books by genre. Or typecast books by sad, mad, bad or ugly. For that matter, I don’t like flashy covers either. They make me want to keep the book down and switch it. I like stories not described before, or a book without it’s back page filled by words “thrilling”, “enticing”, “extra-ordinaire”,”masterpiece” et cetera, for really do they really think my choice is in-sync with the columnist of The Suntimes? I like books with aged yellow pages and that lost smell of handmade papers. So lovely.

Anyhoodle, this isn’t about me this is about Aditya and his book. The Backseat. It’s the perfect book for the Mumbai Monsoon. You know those books which keep you engrossed on those rainy days ... curled up in a blanket. Nikita’s story is, well, really for her to tell. But as for Aditya, you can tell by reading it’s a film-maker writing the story. There are ups and downs and quick recoveries, it’s not those typical books (read: all books) when the tragedy goes so excruciatingly slow you almost suffocate in the pain, and if you’re like me, skillfully skip pages. This can be cast into a movie, or made a sequel of (off the point: Aditya, you did think of a sequel right?) (devilish smile).

What I loved about this book is Aditya’s way of storytelling. His little stories, which seem disjointed, come together in the end, tactfully. Moreover, his writing has a visual sense to it which I have rarely come across. It’s been sometime since I’ve read the book and I can still so vividly remember the portrayal of the little girl, the Ganpati Visarjan and her father at the beach. Although, to me it seemed at the end, there were a few strings un-sewn and some emotions undealt with, but then again, he shows what he wants to show, it’s his story and it’s only fair that he leaves us asking for more.

It’s a simple read and a no-frills book. Anyone who likes chick-lit, inter-cultural portrayal, Mumbai, drama, storytelling, storyreading, bonding, hope and Aditya would love it. I enjoyed it. Give it a shot!

PS: Thank you for the nice note on the book, Aditya. And Manish, Thankyou for bringing it to me.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

wow that book sounds like one I would absolutely love. thanks for the recommendation!

Sonia said...

The book seems interesting! Just wondering, do you know the author personally too?

Sona Garnaik said...

I have mentioned this earlier perhaps, but darling your blogs are always like some pages from my personal diary.. of course apart frm ur OZ boy part :)Glad to find so many new posts and kudo's to your fearless writing. U r still d same fearless girl,but a bit more conscious i guess. it will mk u a better writer with time coz limitations bring out d best in us.. enof nw..my comment is becoming more lyk a blog. check ur mail box 4 all long replies dat i delayed!!! luv u...n keep blogging!!!!

manish said...

:)
glad you loved it.. knew you would..

P.s u have made me a courier boy.. bringing it to you hahaha.. Dude I gifted it to You.. remember??

mylittlebecky said...

i could not for the life of me figure out what was on the cover... a banana? and then i said, "ooooh, i'm dumb." anywho, nice review, i enjoyed it. :)

Jamie Lovely said...

I've been looking for some new books. I think think I'm going to add this to my list!

Unknown said...

@ "Olivia, mylittlebecky, Jamie"

Glad you guys enjoyed the review :) This book was limited edition and by an Indian author, so I dont know how easily available it'll be where you live. Although, if you are really interested, I'd be happy to ship it to you guys :) Lemme know!

@Sonia

More like an acquaintance :)

@Manish

Ofcourse I remember, you know what I meant! :)

@Sona

YAY! Finally you wrote. I guess, I just need reassurance once in a while.. and thanks for beig here for that. Love! :)