Tom Clancy - Books and Movies

Tom Clancy, the blockbuster novelist, died a couple of days ago.

I have read quite a few of his books, enjoyed some, but got bored by most. However, when the same book is recreated on the big cinema screen, the results were thoroughly enjoyable.

I have loved every movie that was based on Clancy's book. Patriot Games, The Hunt for Red October, Sum of All Fears.... all of them.

I often thought that Clancy wrote with a focus on cinematic adaptation. There are also several PC games based on his books, I am sure they are a big hit in the world of gaming.

I think what is special about Clancy's books are the immense technical detailing in the plot. Unlike say Forsyth or Le Carre, Clancy gave details about the machines, guns, computer networks, algorithms and everything around that. This possibly was a great script for any movie.

I think we will all miss Clancy either for his books or for the movies or for the games. Rest in Peace.

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.

End of Telegraph Services in India

India today announced a full-stop to telegraph services. I saw this news one TV today morning. There was a sense of deja-vu when I saw it.

7 years ago, Western Union announced closure of their telegraph services. I was in the US back in 2006, I heard this when returning home on NPR in the Marketplace. Kai Ryssdal announced it in his typical style.

Coming to telegraph service, its a technology which correctly needs to be put to rest. Most of the country is having mobile and telephone access. And that effectively has substituted for the need of telegraph.

As with any technology, to discontinue old and unviable service is the correct course of action. Simply speaking it frees up resources for better uses. I am sure Western Union and Indian Posts and Telecom company will use its resources elsewhere where there is actual need.

That said, as probably the last generation who has used telegrams, I will remember the large Central Telegraph Office building in every town and city. It is behind New Shriniketan Colony in Aurangabad.
Telegrams were the fastest mode of communication until the ubiquitous spread of telephones (mobile or landlines) started in late 90s.

If anything taught us the the value of words, it was literally the telegram. Especially in country like ours where people were conservative and had to use the last paisa when sending telegrams.

Our art, be it cinema or  literature, they all had telegrams as an important part till sometime ago.

I recall a particularly humorous description of the sound of telegraph equipment (the Morse Code key) by P. L. Deshpande (पु लं ) in his legendary short story "Maazhe Poushtik Jeevan". As in Pu La's words,we will miss the "Kada-kat Kada-kat" (तार यंत्राचा कड-कट कड-कट असा आवाज ). If you can understand a little Marathi, don't miss out on this story recitation. It has those amazing jokes about how a letter mis-replaced here and there in telegram led to confusion.

At the end, we simply cannot forget the word "telegraph" because it will continue to appear in the very famous names of AT&T and NTT.

So long Telegrams!

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!

1BHKs make a come back!

I don't know how but I again feel I said so!

Read this April 2012 blog post from me:
http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2012/04/strange-case-of-1-bhks-in-mumbai.html


And read this article in ET today.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/news/mumbai-builders-see-an-opportunity-in-small-homes-despite-rising-prices-and-market-uncertainty/articleshow/19643145.cms

I had categorized 1BHK as giffen good. Now good old supply-demand curves have kicked in.