Le Carre's Smiley and the other trilogy.

The reading this year comprised mainly of fiction books. Couple of trilogies and a few other novels.

This year I completed the Karla Trilogy from John Le Carre after reading the Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley's People. While Honourable Schoolboy was a good book, I thought Smiley's People was fantastic.
As fantastic as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Indeed the best book I have read in years.

I loved the insanity in the cunning that Smiley and Karla create against each other. I loved the fact that Smiley acknowledges that he and Karla are no more than each other's alter ago. Most of it, I loved the climax. Never expected it to be so stunning. Never was it so predictable either.

John Le Carre sits in an overlap of fiction thriller writer who imagines a lot about the espionage world and a literary master who knows the people about whom he writes. What a treat!

The other trilogy was the very readable Shiva Trilogy. I enjoyed Immortals of Meluha, the first part very much. The other two were alright. What impressed me was the amazing imagination shown by the debutante author Amish.Writing sure is a difficult art, writing with so much imagination on a topic which is so well known to Indians, is much more difficult. Amish stands out. And I hope we get to see movies made from his books. And I hope that the movie has good production values....

Book Review - The Hounourable Schoolboy

Another densely written novel from John Le Carre, another treat to read and another heart wrenching story of a vocation made glamorous by the likes of James Bond, Ethan Hunt and others.

The schoolboy Jerry does go miles to create ruffles and surprise negations of the higher plots and he does takes thick in the jungles of far east. This book is once again a trademark John Le Carre, where the machinations of the powers that are are displayed shamelessly and quite caustically.

Smiley has returned as the head of intelligence. His task cut out to create a bridge with the Cousins or the CIA. His old fashioned investigators Connie and Di Salis find a clue in far east. Smiley decides to lure out a Karla operative out of China.

Much like he got out Haydon, there is a definite similarity here. The only difference is Jerry is far too audacious to toe the line like say a Guillam or a Esterhase for that matter. The story wades through various locations, takes us places with opium traders, rogue pilots and others.

Folks who have read Tinker Tailor, will find this reading equally demanding and worth while. And oh what a brilliant movie this would make.

As someone who loves Forsyth, for I started with his masterpieces early in my teens, the climax is far too often heartbreaking in the case Le Carre. I will still accept his writings and continue to read them for that's what makes the man different from others.

Now on to Smiley's People! Need to finish that before the movie is out.

A review of The Shiva Trilogy

Did I enjoy it? Yes

Did it drag? Yes, at times.
Did the author put enough effort to create a good story? Absolutely!

The Shiva Trilogy is a brilliant effort by the author Amish. He has accomplished what many many potential undiscovered authors have in their hearts.

We are of the generation who saw Ramayan and Mahabharat on TV. We have also seen epics like the Lord of the Rings (also many have read it) as well as Saving Private Ryan on the big screen. We have also been sad that though India has such amazing mythology and religious literature, we don't have something that can appeal to today's generation.

Here we have Amish, taking that additional step and penning down in what is a remarakable mixture of mythology, religion, science fiction and boundless imagination. We need to felicitate Amish as much as we can for these reasons. And for the fact that this will encourage many others to write more creatively.

Coming to the 3 books.

The first book Immortals of Meluha creates the story of Shiva, a Tibetan who comes to India and takes up the mantle of searching for Evil. The second, Secret of Nagas, takes him further in the search and opens his mind on what is Evil and what is not. The third, Oath of Vayuputras, is where the denouement of the events happen.

The first book is excellent in pacing, the right mix of Bollywood masala and character development. The second one drags. The Nagas are a great revelation. But the story keeps beating around the bush. The third part was criticised by many of my friends and relatives, but I enjoyed it. I found it over the top at times, but the climax was a good climax.

Overall I am impressed by how much imagination Amish has applied in creating this story. The description of cities, the war techniques, weapons are all engrossing. He does take extreme creative liberties. And he is inspired by Hollywood epics. the one thing that Amish should look at

It also leaves enough hints on what Amish is planning to write. I await that to happen!

Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything

One of the finest science books I have ever read!

I began this book to take a break from my usual thriller or management books. This was recommended to me by one of my cousins. Never did I think this would be such a pleasure to read!

From the beginning of the book to the end, Bryson keeps us engaged, interested and fascinated in this journey from the birth of Universe to today.

My recommendation, read this and let every child and student, with slightest interest in Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy and even Mathematics, read this book.

http://www.billbryson.co.uk/books_shorthistory.html

What a high class way of generating interest in topics otherwise clogged with formulae that don't get inside your head or postulates about which you keep wondering...how the hell did scientist xyz think of this!

It is a one book wonder!

The Big Short - Book Review

Well, what do I say of this book!

As someone who was in the thick of these things in the spectacular collapse that happened in 2008, it is amazing how a book like The Big Short gives you a view in what happened in retrospect. I was a student while the collapse happened and we were grappling with the possibility of being unemployed despite passing out from one of the top ranked institutes in India.

So what happened?

Michael Lewis tells us the story of collapse through the actions of 3 protagonists - Steve Eisman, Dr. Mike Burry and Cornwall Capital. The protagonists realized the otherwise obvious fact to finance professionals. They also realized how mechanization of certain processes had converted real risk into a meagre assumption. The story then moves into how these protagonists converted their beliefs into bets that made enormous amounts of money for their investors and themselves.

The story also explores the difficult side of this story, especially that of Dr. Mike Burry of Scion Capital. The most interesting story is that of Cornwall Capital who were small time guys but made it big after having foreseen the future of the grand hubris at Wall Street.

The book defines that all 3 realized that the impact of this problem will manifest when the teaser rates give way to real rates and the subprime borrowers are no longer capable of paying EMIs.

Having said that, the book does leave you wanting to know more especially about the collapses of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. It touches it but does not elaborate on it.

Also, the story speaks volumes (though not directly) on how it is necessary for regulators to remain in control. Check this article by Mike Burry on how the powers that are missed the boat.

Finally, the book is fun. You will enjoy it more if you at least know what stuff like derivatives mean (not in detail but at least high level). Recommended reading for those who want to know more on the collapse. But not for those who want to do a deep dive study.

2 States - Book Review

Interested in light entertaining stories? Pick up Chetan Bhagat's "2 States". It is light, nicely humorous and meant to be read fast. Bhagat knows his readers or writes such that that segment of readers enjoys his books the most.

So, the story is about a Punjabi boy Krish and the love of his life - a Tamil Brahmin girl Ananya. They fall in love at IIM Ahmedabad and decide to get married after getting their respective jobs. As is the story of many many love stories in India, Chetan Bhagat explains that the boy's family needs to love girl's family and vice-versa to ensure that the love marriage is really accepted by the parents!

Krish goes to Chennai to woo Ananya's family and then Ananya comes to Delhi for the same. The real challenge is getting the 2 families to like each other. A lot of incidents in Chennai, in Delhi and eventually in Goa keep things rolling. The reading is full of humour. It keeps you interested without break. There are events happening non-stop. At times the story jumps from one event to another.

One thing that kind of does not add up is the character of Krish's father. The character is abrupt and his actions are mostly inexplicable. The last part of the story is somewhat cliched but I am ok with it since it finishes off quickly.

There are some interesting similarities in characters of his previous work "3 mistakes of my life" and "2 states". But the story is completely different. The biggest similarity is in the lead male and female characters of both the books. The characters here seemed to be more complete versions of those from the earlier book, especially Ananya.

There is also a sense of nostalgia that Chetan Bhagat brings in for folks who graduated around 1999/2000. The high cell-phone charges, tech bubble, use of STD booths etc. are so dear to the generation who were there then. Also, at times, some North India - South India marriage stuff reminded me of the 1993 Aamir Khan - Juhi Chawla movie Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke.

All in all, great read. Enjoy!

3 Mistakes of My Life - Book Review

Just finished reading "3 Mistakes of my life" by Chetan Bhagat.

It was a very good book. A change from reading heavy stuff, technical stuff and other such subjects.

The story is about Govind Patel, a young businessman from Ahmedabad. In fact it is a perfect story for a Hindi movie with a engaging mix of friendship, politics, difficulty of situations and yes, a love story.

It gives a lovely insight in the mind of the protagonist and his friends - Ish and Omi. While the book keeps giving hints on how the characters will pan out and mostly there are no surprises, the story is engrossing and makes you wonder what is coming on the next page.

I liked the book for its easy reading style, fast paced and humourous writing. Yet in some places the book is abrupt. Some sections like the Australian part seemed out of place.

But all in all, the book is well written. Do read it when you can.

Kite Runner - Book Review

To be honest, I have not read many sensitive novels - but this one just blew me away.The book was simply amazing.

When I broke my leg and my wife gifted this to me, I started it only because people had given good reviews and it has been made into a movie. But characters, the setting, the vivid description of Kabul in the 70s, the description of man's desperation, how the secrets tumble out and the climax were simply fantastic.

Even if you are an insensitive sort of person, the minimum this book offers are 3-4 big lumps in your throat.

Fantastic, amazing and wonderful work by Khaled Hosseini.

End of Oil - Review

I read this book written by Paul Roberts few days ago. It was so insightful. At least for me as a beginner in the knowledge of oil industry and the environment/climate issues, it seemed to be a perfect starting point.

So many things that it talked about, so many issues related to oil and our dependence on that. More than that the title itself makes you think...what after oil?!!

Sometimes it did stretch and delve into details but I guess it comes with the sort of passion that the author has written it.

For people who never think twice before filling up the gas tank and driving for pleasure or where there is an alternative, read this book.