A list of all the books I’ve read in 2023 with two-line reviews. The books (mostly fiction) are listed in reverse chronology. Hopefully, you will find some interesting gems in this list.
1. The Corfu Trilogy — By Gerald Durrell
Two-line review: British humour tinged with racism and a lot of natural history. The childhood island paradise we all dream of.
Great for: Chuckling aloud and having your partner wonder what you’re up to!
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite 8 GB (my favourite Kindle variety!)
2. Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky
बहरा गणतंत्र — इल्या कामिन्स्की, अनुवाद अरुण जी
Two-line review: The absurdity of the war in Ukraine in a lyrical narrative / poetic style. Found the Hindi version a better read than the New Yorker version. (Still in progress, so I will update later).
Great for: Simple but hard-hitting take on the war.
Read on: Paperback (Hindi)
3. A Most Wanted Man — John Le Carré
Two-line review: Not that quick (at 480 pages) airport read about a Russian Chechnyan stranded in Germany and those out to save him and those out to get him. Contemporary issues brought to life.
Great for: Not as fast-paced as I expected, but great characters. You have to love John Le Carré for the intricate backstories he creates for his characters.
Read on: Paperback
4. Women at War: Subhas Chandra Bose & The Rani of Jhansi Regiment by Vera Hildebrand
Two-line review: Re-read. Detailed research into the Rani of Jhansi Regiment and some of its members. Mentions Asha-san and Anand Mohan Sahay too. However, the translations used and implications drawn of certain characters are inaccurate. I will take most character portrayals in this book with a pinch of salt; however, the background research is wonderful.
Great for: Those interested in the INA or Netaji or inspiring women.
Read on: Paperback
5. Ruskin Park: Sylvia, Me and the BBC by Rory Cellan-Jones
Two-line review: Picked this up because I, as a child, used to live near Ruskin Park in London (off Champion Hill). A poignant story of a boy’s fraught relationship with his family, especially his mother.
Great for: Those interested in the BBC.
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite
6. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Two-line review: What can you say in two lines? Feel like I’ve been living in Brahmapur for the last three decades. A not-so-concise history of post-Independence India brought to life by about six dozen characters.
Great for: Everyone. Took me a full month+ to read it, but thoroughly enjoyed it!
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite — Free on Kindle Unlimited at the moment (highly recommended, else you’ll need very strong wrists).
7. Eve out of Her Ruins by Ananda Debi
Two-line review: Life in non-touristy Mauritius told through three very different characters. As lyrical, as beautiful as a book can get.
Great for: Those looking for an intensely powerful and beautiful read.
Read on: Paperback
8. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Two-line review: Complicated relationship between a mother and daughter, brought to life by absolutely stunning prose.
Great for: Those looking for a lyrical read.
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite
9. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Two-line review: Strong female characters weaving their own path in 1950s USA. Has you chuckling along with it. The audiobook is excellent with the narrator (Miranda Raison) creating so many distinct characters with just her voice. Incredible!
Great for: Women and Men of all shapes and sizes
Read on: Audible
More coming soon…
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