the_book_smugglers

Masao a professor was man ahead of his tkme who has a thought for modern ideals was married to a women who strong believed in tradition. She believed by not having son for her son, she has failed her husband.

They had a daughter, Hiroko and son Yuji. Masao wanted to send both of them for education. He sent Hiroko to Palo Alto where her uncle Takeo stays with his family.
She had joined st.andrew’s College. Her uncle and cousins were completely Americans than japanese. She had cultural shock both with her Uncle’s family and country. She was as traditional as her mother Hidemi.

One fine day, pearl Harbor was bombed by japanese. Within hours after the incident, war is declared. This cause a sudden change Thier lives. Meanwhile she falls in love with Peter who is an American.

As they try to survive through the war, Takeo ,his family and other Japanese and Japanese American were moved to various camps, were questions, their loyalties tested.

Set in the backdrop of war, the story is about a woman who struggles to triumph through the war to get reunited with her love of her life and also how she tries to balance between the culture she has grown up with and the one she fallen in love with

I would rate the book 4/5

Dame Hilary Mary Mantel, born 6 July 1952) is an English writer whose work includes personal memoirs, short stories, and historical fiction.Wolf Hall is a historical novel, published by Fourth Estate and is first part of the triology. Set in the period of 1500- 1535, the story is about the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII.

Thomas Cromwell was in a born working class family to Walter Cromwell. Walter was a blacksmith and brewer. As he grew he became a lawyer and right man of the cardinal Thomas Wolsey. He was witness to fall of the cardinal from his position of grace till his death. The king who is married to Katherine and has a daughter . But he doesn’t have a son to rule his kingdom and is love with Anne Boleyn. The king wants to annul his marriage with his wife and get married to Anne.

Despite the fall of cardinal, he has managed to be in good books with the king and managed to parts his ministry. Cromwell is smart and shrewd person who knows his way and has not only managed to gain trust and become one of the closest aid to the king, but also managed to do so with Anne.

The king Henry VIII is used to having his things done his own way, is trying to get his way out the marriage as there are some christian elements who are very supportive of it. Katherine has put across her case in court for against the annulment. This is one of the turning point in the history of the kingdom which Thomas Cromwell is a witness

Using his wit, keeness and smartness to advantage and got himself promotion ad got closer to the king. He was slowly rising through to position of power. He didn’t get let himself down after the death of his cardinal. At the same time he was becoming closer to Anne and was using her to make put in a good to the king to implement or make changes in ant policies or out in any good word for people. He has been a fatherly figure to many and saviour to others

The king and Anne Boleyn did get married secretly with presence of few people as witness. They have done daughter Elizabeth few months after thier marriage.

Those who love historical fiction, then it is must read and will enjoy reading. The story is about the rise of Thomas Cromwell who rose to power and became a confidante and powerfull resource to the king. This book is the part in the series of triology. I would rate the book 3.5/5

It’s Lord’s Day – The state opening of the parliament in Britain. The queen and all the powerful members will gathered in the house of lords. This is event looked forward for and celebrated with grandeur. The terrorist were preparing for a strike in the House of lords. The members attending the event including the queen will be used as bait to fulfill thier demands. A testing time and tormenting day for people of Britain.

With first few minutes of start of the event, the terrorist attacked the house of lords and made thier demands. They wanted to telecast this seige to be seen for the entire world and the release of thier leader Daud Gul

Harry Jones who has worked for army and politician was entangled in the midst of the attack. He is a person who has strong will power to fight and never bows down for anyone. He studied only the situation and the terrorists holding the hostages. He got a fair idea about them and managed to contact Tibbetts, head of police.

The home secretary Tricia willocks takes over the situation and tries to get to solution without causing any damage. Although an amazing leader, she faces a fair share of problems. She is under the pressure of saving the queen andthe entire cabinet,her career and also from president of US. The son of US president is also one of the hostage.

The US ambassador to Britain , one of the hostages Robert Paine negotiated with Masood, leader of the terrorist group to get him out of house of lords, for him to make sure that their demands are met. He tries to convince Tricia willocks, but failed. He manages to convince his president in the US and manages to release Daud.

Yet Tibbetts, Harry with the approval of the ministers, finally plan for the attack into the house of lords. They do succeed, but cost of death of lives of the hostages. It was good read and would rate the book 3.5/5

The Jester is third book of James Patterson that I have read.

Hugh is an innkeeper in a small village in France. Helived with his wife Sophie under the control of his liege Baldwin. He left the village to fight along with crusade for freedom and wealth. But during the fight , he found the purpose was lost and meaningless. He returned back to his village only to find his wife abducted and child killed

He leaves his village to find his wife and fight for justice. He headed towards tours where Baldwin resided, but only to fight his strength and get almost killed by boar in the forest. He was saved by Emilie a noble from Blois. With the help of Emilie and Norbert (a jester) he was trained to be a jester and was sent across to Tours under the pretext. He killed the person who he thought was responsible for his wife’s and son death only to realise the truth later. He found his wife in a cell in Blois and from traced the truth. Black cross has been in search of the relic. They were under the order of Stephen the Duke of blois. Meanwhile he falls in love with Emilie who help him all the way through his fight

He along with his village people fought against crusaders who visited his village again. They had come to claim the treasure that Hugh(which he himself didn’t know what he possessed) had. Thier victory against reached nearby villages.

They started thier fight by taking over the castle of blois. From there with enormous army they had gathered they went to fight against Blois for justice.

What happens next and how he lives a happily ever after with Emilie completes the story.I found the book little disappointing with the story line. I expected storyline to be more strong and impactful. I would rate the book 3/5

Circus and Village freaks by Aparna Upadhyaya is a collection of 18 tales written in the format of poem.

The Strange tale of Subramanian- the crocodile man – A strange story of couple who came to supreme court to seek advice before considering separation. On outing to local pond in the area, Subramanian jumped into pond for a swim without noticing the crocodile. Despite his struggle he was strong enough to fight the crocodile and save his life. But the real trouble began after thart. What happens to him makes the rest of the tale.

Pablo was born with deformity to Mr and Mrs Kannan, who had given to circus which was in the village. He moved from city to city, town to town, he engaged the audience by taking role of clown and thus he was funny and witty. In the night, there women would just come to his tent just for gentle touch. He was noticed by a TV crew person only to change his future for good and thus rise of a porn star. We never know what fate hold us, but least parents can do is give support and encouragement to your child even if they have deformity and not considered them as devil and isolate them

The Sad tale of Vishnu, the village exterminator. Vishnu was famous in his village for exterminating snakes, scorpio and other that come into houses. But he was homosexual and was attracted to young man who was already married. But his fate was to die for falling in love with another man. So true, “Some truths are too raw to be faced bare” Homosexuals are again not very well accepted even today.

Sita and Gita, known as siamese twins where cojoined who shared the same heart. They were noticed in dump by circus master who took them in. They were part of the circus shows and moved from city to city. But as they grew, they fell in love with other people in circus. Being cojoined was a difficulty and they went for surgery to separate themselves. After the story they not only lost love they had with other people, but the pure love that once resided Thier hearts was replace by bitter demon. With half heart each, long for love still continued even after moving out of the circus.

A girl was born into Iyer family who was poor and destitute and was hoping for a boy child. She, as a devadasi, was the chosen one to wed the local godhead when the time was right. she also shared great love for food. She was destined to marry the godhead and she wasn’t even asked for opinion. The priest was old to match with her energy and desire. As time fled, she learnt cooking and her talents spread beyond the temple quarters. The priest made use of the opportunity to earn money from her cooking which they served to all People irrespective of caste and creed. This is the story of Urvasi, the devadasi.

As we proceed with the book there are twisted stories of various kinds people living lives among twisted people and very twisted world. The stories depicts characters such Jonas who found his peace in India, Siva who was loving and kind to reptiles, to characters who were neglected due to Thier abnormal physique or abnormalities, like Rita who had huge mustach.

The characters and stories represented the mindset of the people and that of society. How caste system, born to high caste still mattered, having boy child over girl was still preferred. Infact they considered having a boy child as lucky sign, babies with abnormalities were not accepted as thier own and how outsiders looked upon and unaccepted even by thier parents. The expectations towards girl children, how they grown up to get them married one day and considered a liability. Sexuality is also another issue touched upon in the book. The book not only talked how hypocrite our society and people are, but also about certain social issues.

Wilbur Addison Smith is a British novelist specializing in historical fiction about the international involvement in Southern Africa across four centuries, seen from the viewpoints of both black and white families.

The story begin when Ben(an archaeologist and head of the archaeologist firm) and Louren(a multi-billionaire businessman and financier ) come across a aerial photograph an stumbles upon a great archaeological discovery of a lifetime.

Ben along with Sally his assistant and his team with help and funding from Louren move to city which is Opet which is translated into “City of the Moon”. Ben and Louren are and have been close friends as they studied in the same school. Ben is in love with Sally and intended to propose to her. Louren who is rich and used to getting all things his way, fell for Sally despite married to his fourth wife. Ben was called The Sunbird by the Xhai a member the tribe attributing to his behavior when he gets excited. He Jumps around like a bird when he makes a discovery or convey his excitement

With apt recruitment of team from time to time over the course of discovery, they found great paintings and cavern which told part of the story about the city and the people. But yet there was something more to this place which kept Ben and team in this place for long time. It took them time and research to identify the place where the written work of the people were found. Most of the work were about the accounting of the wealth that was gathered and amongst this treasure was few writing by Huy in golden sheets and saved in the pottery bottles. He had written great poems in the language that flourished in his time. The research didn’t just end there, with the curiosity and restlessness they found more about the people, story and the culture of the city. They managed to find the place where wealth was kept and burial tomb of the kings. But, the discovery came to abrupt stop as both Louren and Ben were exposed to a virus

The people of Opet have been very secretive and protective about their wealth, which were safeguarded with at most secrecy. The locking system were also very unique, opening of the place was part of the wall in the tunnel. Hence it is difficult to identify the opening and the symbol of sun god was used to open. They were also people who weren’t interested in art an related other activities, but concentrated more on gathering wealth and living a prosperous lives. The people of Opet were strong, warriors, religiously inclined and worshiped the Baal(God of Sun) and Astrate (God of Moon).

The second half of the story takes us back to ancient world of Opet. Huy is the priest, poet, commander in chief and close aide of the king Lannon. The bond between them goes back to their childhood. Huy is also known for his loyalty toward Opet and king, his service towards city and man of principles. He was in love with a priestess Tanith although such a relationship is forbidden and hence kept hidden. on the other end, Under the commanding power of Huy and Lannon, they captured many tribes and turned them to slaves

But amongst there was one who was the king of his tribe vendi, Manatassi who had disfigured leg and yet courageously fought against the king. The the war that Mantassi fought was for revenge rather than the freedom of the tribe. When he was captured, Huy saved him after seeing the deformity as sign from God causing a rift between him and the king. Over the course of time Huy had surrender Manatassi to the king to regain his friend, but Manatassi escaped with his girl. Manatassi not only lost his girl ,but was made to work in mine. On his second attempt to escape along with other 30,000 slaves led to war between him and Huy and lost his hand. Over a course 2-3 years. He gathered an army and fought the final war against Opet, he not only killed people of the city, but also the entire city

The book gives a glimpse of both modern and ancient Africa and the balance of both is perfect in the book. The characterization of people were perfect and were not overdone. The irony of the story is the relationship of Huy and Lannon and that of Louren and Ben are just the same. Thier loyalties towards each other, value for their friendship, their characters and view towards life. I would rate the book 4/5

Patricia Cornwell is a contemporary American crime writer. She is known for writing a best-selling series of novels featuring the heroine Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner

The story begin when Kay Scarpetta house becomes a scene for investigation after she was attacked by Chandonne, the Werewolf. Chandonne is known for killing women in his home town Paris and well as two murders in the US. Susan Pless was killed in new york two years back and latest victim is Diane Bray who worked for the police.

On other hand a special jury is formed to investigate Scarpetta, as she is suspected of killing Diane Bray. Although the interaction between them has been less, she never liked Bray which is one cause for suspicion. Scarpetta has to prove that she was in no way involved in the murder

Being the chief of medical examiner in Virginia, known for her honesty and integrity becomes the object of suspicion, doesn’t know who to trust as her friend Anna is also suspoened by Righter to give evidence against Kay. Berger comes to help her and solve the case

Jaime Berger who usually works based out of New York comes to Richmond to solves the case of both Susan Pless and Diane Bray as Kay did medical examination on the both and were murdered by Chandonne.

Kay recieved a letter from Benton her boyfriend who was murderered. She recieved the letter exactly one year after his death. Her friend Anna was subpoenaed to give witness against Kay. Anna reveals a few secrets of Benton that he was receiving threat mails against him and Kay and was depressed. He came to Anna for consultation and several information was revealed. Kay cames to of the file The Last Precinct that Benton kept to investigate the threats

With this information and reanalysis of the Susan Pless gave further clarification on the case. All the evidence were pointed out to Jay and Diane Bray. Jay was related to Chandonne and in protecting his family, he and Diane potted the murder in such way it points to Kay. For Diane it was revenge that Benton had ended the relationship with her abruptly.

The story line and twist in the story was great. But I felt the story could have been more thrilling. I would rate the book 3.5/5

“I am buoyant and expansive and uncontainable– but I always was so, only I never knew it” Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The palace of illusionThe book Palace of them illusion the story is narrated by Panchaali (Draupadi) from her the perspective. After a long time I have read a book that I didn’t want to put the book down from reading. The character has had a great impact on me and there circumstances in the story that made me pity for Panchaali. Reading the book has left me with mixed bag of emotions about the story and impact of various characters.Panchaali was born from fire along with his brother Dhri as result of yagna conducted by her father to avenge Drona. She was destined to change the history and played a very important role in satisfying his dad goal. Her childhood has been very lonely with her brother as her only companion and support and Krishna who she had friendly relationship. Apart these two people as her backbone she longed for someone to love her for what she is and accept her faults and love him in returnBut story took twist when she has to marry Pandavas and how the story goes from here makes it a great read. In Swayamvara held by her father Arjun comes in disguise of brahmin and wins the competition and get married to her. But the marriage in such a hurry hat she never gets glimpse of him. When they reach home Kunti puts a demand that Panchalli had to marry Pandavas and hence she has five husbands. But Vyas has put across certain rules to make her day to day life easy. In the course of the story she got to experience the role being wife to Pandavas, marriage ,motherhood although she was still deprived of the love she was longing for and her secret love for Karna. She and her husband were treated badly in the hands of Kauravas. When the kingdom was split she managed to build a palace and was name The palace of Illusion. The life went by the way Panchaali had dreamt off, having had one kid each from each husband. But when her husband lost their entire kingdom in the bet game of dice and after Panchalli was sexually embarrassed in the sabha,they had live twelve years in forest and last one year in disguise. When Panchalli was harassed , all she could do to think of Krishna which stopped further humiliation as her husbands didn’t come in support of Panchalli. She declared war and declared the death of Kaurava king. What happens in the war makes it a great readShe also was very strong women who questioned her own destiny, who avenged those humiliated her and took stand for herself which no other women would have in her days.I would rate the book 4/5#books#bookreader#avidreader#booknerdigans#bibliophile#abibliophilesbookblog#livelaughread#mustread#booksbooksbooks#bookbooksandmorebook#bookstagram#bookreader#bookreaderofinstagram#bookphotography#bookcommunity#bookrack#bookshelf#bookshelves#goodreads#epicreads#igreads#bookig#bookstagrammer#booknerdigan #igreaders#allthebooks#bookaddict#lovebooks