the_book_smugglers

1984 -George Orwell -Review

1984 is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell. This is my second read of the same author after Animal Farm. The book talks set at a time where the entire population under the totalitarian regime and war was a constant part of their lives.

The whole population was under a surveillance even at home. Two-way telescreen was installed at homes to have control over their lives. The protagonist Winston is a party member who worked in editing THE TIMES. He enters into a relationship with Julia despite the risks involved. He also edits the past records based the requirement. He doesn’t like the way party work and wanted to rebel them.

The party ideology was to deprive the people of their personal life and individuality. The main objective of this was out of selfishness to remain in power and avoid opposition rule. This was perfectly kept alive by killing people who were against them, brainwashing and various other ways.

The kept track of activities of Winston for almost 7 years, to finally arrest him. They arrested him to only remove of his intellectual thought and feelings and thus succeeding in brainwashing him. In fact, they had succeeded in removing even the emotion of love with Julia

The book has had a very profound effect on me. The higher ups wanted to maintain the power at the cost of the people. Most of the population was we’re of labor class who were unaware of things and was easy to influence and this was taken advantage of. There is always a hierarchy in a society based on the caste or richness i.e higher, middle and lower.

Secondly, individuality and uniqueness of the people is lost and this no development among them. The population of a country is not allowed to interact with any other. They deprived of knowledge, emotions toward family and friends. They have turned people against each other. Children were against their own parents. They were taught to be loyal and show any kind of emotion to their party. All this for the love of power. So sad isn’t ??

I would rate the book 4.5/5

Animal Farm-George Orwell-Review

About the Author:

Eric Arthur Blair^{(25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950),}^{better known by his pen name}George Orwell^{^{, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic whose work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism and outspoken support of democratic socialism.}}

He is best known for the novel Animal Farm and the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty Four. His non-fiction works, including The Road to Wigan Pier and Homage to Catalonia, are widely acclaimed, as are his essays on politics, literature, language, and culture.

Story and opinion:

The quote “All Animals are equal But some animals are more equal than others” from the book best describes what the story is trying to convey. A group of animals in Manor Farm are being treated badly in the hands of their Master Mr. Jones. They are treated as a slave and get nothing back even proper food. The animals are motivated by Old Major white boar talks to them and motivated to fight for their freedom against the humans.

After his death, the intelligent animals among the group plan for a rebellion against the humans. With due luck, Jones has put himself in circumstances making the fight for rebellion struggle easier. But the end of one lead to freedom and new and different circumstances within them. Hierarchy and dictatorship prevailed even among the animals. The pigs and dogs take power over the rest of the animals and they endure what they had when under humans.

Power can addictive and consuming. It is what took those who were leading the pack of animals on the farm. They were ready to do anything to have power. In this addiction for power, the pigs who were ruling over and holding the leadership have become similar to what humans where. The problem that animals suffered under the maters of two humans never changed when they were taken care of by four legs animals

The seven commandments that the animals had were

Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
No animal shall wear clothes.
No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
All animals are equal.

The book also talks about the concept of animalism and principle that comprises. The commandments play a very important role in the farm and in the concept of animalism. Few rules were changed by the pigs for their benefit over a period of time. The animals who set these commandments with the aim of not being like humans and leading a life with fairness and equality. But when the reality sunk in they turned to be similar to humans.

I would rate this book 4/5

The girl who kicked the hornet’s nest by Stieg Larsson-Review

“The girl who kicked the hornet’s nest” by Stieg Larsson is the third in the Millennium series by the author.

This is starts from where it ended in the second part of the series. It behind with rescuing Lisbeth Salander and Zalanckho her father and bringing her into the hospital. Both of them are involved in conspiracy apart from the government. Anything revealed by them would bring various stakeholders down and affect the reputation of Sweden. Lisbeth is accused of things that she hasn’t committed at all. And people from government agencies like S.I.S and Sapo are trying to cover up the truth revolving around it by suppressing and accusing her. She is not given the basic civil right that she needs to enjoy as a citizen of Sweden.

Finally, she gets a chance with help of Blomkvist and his lawyer sister to fight for justice. His sister fights for her in court. Blomkvist work with the police team to investigate the truth in the case and protect both the victim and the nation

Whether Lisbeth gets the justice that she deserves? Will she be denied her basic freedom and civil rights? Will the culprit punished for their deed? The curiosity to know get answers for this question make this book an amazing read

Opinion and rating

“She wondered why she, who had such difficulty talking about herself with people of flesh and blood, could blithely reveal her most intimate secrets to a bunch of completely unknown freaks in the internet” is amazing quote from the book itself which totally reveals the exact nature of Lisbeth and I love her attitude towards people who are corrupt. She is known to fight for justice in every situation she is put in.

Corruption is the main cause for ruining the reputation of any country and this story just highlight’s precisely.

Journalist and journalism can also place a very important role in being out cases affecting the country and bring about justice. Blomkvist is one such character who has played in bring forth only just justice but also has brought truth to the public.

Women should also be treated as equal and never ever be misinterpreted. They play extremely important to growth of nation as well. Female characters in the book have been protrayed as very strong, equal to their counterparts and achieved whatever they wanted to. Lisbeth Salander, Gianni, and Berger are three character from book which is inspirion for every woman

I would rate the 4/5

Kushwant Singh Train to Pakistan

Kushwant Singh is an Indian politician, author, journalist, lawyer and diplomat. Train to Pakistan is book he was inspired to write based in his experience during the partition.

Mano Majra is a village on the border of India and Pakistan. A small village where both the Sikh and Muslims community live in peace and harmony. It was the year of partition of India and Pakistan and tension I across the border was arising. The Muslims were killing the Hindus moving across the border to India and vice versa. The trains from Lahore to Punjab and vice versa pass through this village. The entries village was shocked with the murder of the money lender Ram Lal who was an Hindi was murdered by dacoit’s. The sudden shock of this incident doesn’t stop here

The train that passed by for the next few days had people who were murdered and burnt . The entire village nearby Mano Majra was also were murdered and pushed into the river which reached the banks of Mano Majra. All this brought in the reality to the village. The Muslim in the village starter to worry for this lives and the entire village was come to terms that the Muslim have to move out for their safety. The consequences of these events on the people of the village and unfolding the story make the read going

Opinion

The first half of the book was boring and dragging. He got to the story after 80 pages or so. Since the story is set in the backdrop of the post Independence and partition it gives the reader the glimpse of the what people went through. It not only involved loss, separation of people and was the main cause for commnunal riots and religious differences. The book also gave us life lessons the change is the only constant and we need to adapt to change

Calling Sehmat-Harinder S. Sikka

42804974_300148444044123_6650107258488720800_n — CALLING SEHMAT

Calling Sehmat is real life event based Spy thriller written by Harinder S. Sikka. This book is author’s first novel and the second edition is published Penguin Random House India. I came to know about the book through the movie Raazi which was based on it and I totally loved it.

Sehmat born to Muslim father Hidayat Khan and Hindu mother in Kashmir. Hidayat Khan was a true patriot for his home country India and would do anything for his country. But life takes its own unexpected twist and turns and takes it’s own course. He was detected with cancer and was unable to take of his own business as well tasks given to him by Indian Intelligence. He now relies on his daughter Shemat to carry out the tasks he had started out. As a result, she had to give up her college and love of her life and marry the son of the Pakistan general.

She is also a patriot just like her father who puts her life into Jaws of death by venturing into Pakistan. Her training and her intuition that helps her to gather vital information that is necessary and manages to communicate back to India. Despite the risks involved, she did her job with great ease. She also found information regarding Pakistan plans to attack INS Vikrant. In short, Pakistan was planning to fight underwater and have been targeting Indian Naval. This puts INS into Spot and it is time for them prove their mettle and fight for their country. What happens after this discovery and how it unfolds makes the story a great read

Opinions and Rating:

This is the first book that I have read on spy thriller genre and it was a good and an easy read as well. A story of inspiring, strong women who put herself between jaws of death for India. And she did achieve what she set out to do in Pakistan and saved India from a great tragedy but also added to pride and valor of the country as well

I would rate the 4 on 5

The Subtle Art of Not giving f*ck

the_subtle_art_of_not_giving_a_fck — The Subtle Art of Not Giving Of A F*ck

Mark Manson is an US-based self-help author, blogger and an entrepreneur. His first book as an author is The Subtle Art of Not giving f*ck. To start the book start with talking about the how giving too much importance about various issues can affect or rather affecting our lives. It is important for categorizing and compartmentalize what matters to us, where we are going to live and also the things that do not matter to us. They just make our lives easier and gives us a better understanding and prioritize the issues that we need really care about

The book also covers the values that we need to compartmentalize internally and improvise them. It is important to give our energies and fuck about those which actually matter and not for others. They make our much easier and life is ever learning the process. When we want to achieve success it is important to go through the process that comes along. That we must be ready to face rejection and come over and still strive for what we want.

To lead a very good life and have a standard relationship it is important to have standard values and set boundaries where we can grow and develop a strong support system. Trust, strong set boundaries, moral values are few which play a very important role and are a backbone of any strong marital relationship. Questioning yourself in various situations that our life has to offer and before coming to the conclusion. Assessing our selves from time to time help us grow. Also, it is important to open to others views as well. He also talks about coming to terms with death and that it is inevitable and it is the one thing that is bound to happen with certainty

My Opinions and rating:

The Subtle Art of Not giving f**k by Mark Manson has been the most recommended book in the #bookstagram community in Instagram and also from my avid reading friends. I got this book out of a pure recommendation and amazing reviews. Although I brought this 2 months back I finally read the book. There are points that he has conveyed rightly that are very much necessary for life , but over the course of reading they have become more repetitive

I would rate the book 3.5/5

To Let- John Galsworthy

John Galsworthy a novelist and a playwright known for The Forsyte Saga and its series. To Let is the third part in Forsyte Saga and the first book of John Galsworthy books that I am reading. This book was recommended to read by my dad and I picked it up at the Book Chor’s exhibition in the month of July. This a classic and hence I need to have a dictionary side by side when I read the book though.

The story revolves around the fourth generation of the Forsyte generation, Fleur and Jon. Fluer who is the daughter of Soames and Irene’s son Jon who fall in love and the tragic consequences make a one-line blurb of the story. There exist a family feud within Forsyte family which the Fluer and Jon aren’t aware and the family takes an effort to hide from them as well. Both Fleur and Jon first meet at a bakery and later they again meet in their cousin’s place where they planning to stay for a while. They fell for the first time they met and are inseparable. Meanwhile, their first meeting has created a certain tension in minds of parents and curious question from the kids to know more of the feud

Fluer who is known for her smartness and inquisitiveness did finally find out part of the truth that Jon’s mother and Soames her father were married and divorced. This was devastating and shocking for her an unexpected twist. Jon who is completely devoted to his mother doesn’t even suspect his mother had divorce prior

Fluer is in a confused state and finally deals with it and speaks with Jon. Asking Jon that they should get married as she felt that the past should be buried. She also talks about to her dad about the truth that has been hidden and also the fact that she loves Jon. Meanwhile, Jon also talks about it to his dad regarding this as well. The truth about the feud revealed to Jon through a letter, which not only shocks him and has had a huge impact on his decision. The death of his father also further complicates the issue.

Opinion and Rating:

What happens after makes the rest of the story. A long forgotten and hidden family feud comes to the limelight and it continues to affect the fourth generation. The title “To let” speaks for itself and speaks of the irony of the situation itself. A two relative of the same family who is refusing to let off their past have a great impact in every one life. To learn and venture into a new and bright future it is important to let of what we were holding. Else it does not pave to new thing and we are stuck to where we are and find it difficult and adjust and have a happy life. I would rate the book 3.5/5

Violets are blue by James patterson

More the read James Patterson books, they are much better than the Women murder club series. The last two books are much better read. They are not as predictable and certainly has the right elements that I look forward to in any thriller novels.

Story:

The investigation mysterious death of two joggers and similar such death that happened different part of the US, bring to notice a certain vampire cult. Alex is part of this mysterious investigation. Micheal and his brother has been the culprit behind these series of murders and have managep to get with it. They have been following the instructions of the sire who heads the vampire cult. Not only have the victims been killed, but the murderer fed on their blood. While the case was getting into skin and unsolvable, Alex is tormented by a mysterious psychopath THE MASTERMIND who has killed almost everyone the former has worked and thus jeopardizing his family’s safety. Who is the sire? What is the reason behind the murders? Who is the MASTERMIND? Why torment Alex? Why kill all those people close to Alex?

I would rate the 4/5

Zoya-Danielle Steel

Zoya was written by the author Danielle Steel who is an American author who is known best for her romantic novels. This is one of few books written by a female author that I have read and I really loved the female protagonist. The story revolves around countess Zoya who had to endure a lot of struggles in her life. Born to a royal family and cousin of the king ruling Russia. Her family fell prey for revolution, killing her entire family leaving her and grandmother alive. A sudden shock to a happy to go 18-year-old girl born and grown in the great comfort of her palace in St Petersburg. She then moves to Paris with her grandmother and in order to survive she joined her dream ballerina troop and her only skill then was her ballet dancing skills. During the course of her life in paris, she fell in love with an American army soldier double her age. A life of poverty, heartbreak and further loves of loved ones in her family awaited her and made her life even more devasted and miserable. Finally, she married the love of her life Clayton Andrews and moved to New York

Well her drama doesn’t end here. She had entire drama unfolding her 19-year-old girl. What happens to her life? What surprises await her in the city of New York? What struggle does she have to still endure to finally reach where she wants to reach and achieve her dream? All this makes us more exciting read

Opinions and Rating:

I fell in love with the central character Zoya who is strong-headed and full of life. Despite what she had to go through her life and the motivation and her drive to achieve made not help her go up from rags to riches financially and but she was a gem of her person in real life. Her character and poise had an aura that attracted men to her in their life and other counterparts of the same gender. The way that she carried with her and never give up and her attitude towards life is I think women need to learn. She has been an extremely independent woman who loved to achieve and take difficulties in her stride and move on with life

One of my favorite and inspiring quote from the book :

“…But sometimes life made you give up what you loved most. Sometimes there were no compromises or bargains.”

I would rate the book 4/5

Don’t blink – James Patterson

Don’t Blink is the second book of James Patterson that I have read and this definitely didn’t disappoint like the first one 17th suspect a women’s murder club series

The story starts with a murder of high profile lawyer Vincent Marcozza who represents the mob Eddie just when Nick was interviewing the infamous football player just a few tables away from the scene. Luckily he had recorded not only the commotion after the murder, before that as well which was great evidence to solve the murder. But there more to the more making Nick realize he was just set up and was part of a plan. One thing led to another and it led him to another rival mob leader. He also approached the lawyer who deals with organized crime for further help. But the lawyer was also murdered, Nick was lucky enough to drive that has the evidence which everyone was after for. Meanwhile everytime Nick got closer, people involved were ready to do anything to prevent him from knowing the truth. He was being followed and his activities were kept track off

This ultimate evidence lead to unexpected to end to the story. The curiosity to know who killed the victim makes the book an ever gripping read. The culprit was from an unexpected side – David Sorren and Lagrange who were a respected lawyer and head of organized crime department

The curiosity as to where the story is leading made my story more enjoyable and gripping read. I loved and totally enjoyed reading this book. I would rate the 4/5