Book Review :: 'Marijuana Diaries' By Paulami Dasgupta

Book Review

Blurb: 

Marijuana Diaries, an anthology on addiction and obsession, has 17 stories by new and established writers. As writers introspect and celebrate addictions of various forms, the pages of this diary fill up.

My Review:

Simply enjoyed and loved Marijuana Diaries anthology for two reasons; one, all the stories are so near and true to the theme of addiction and obsession, kudos to Paulami Dutta Gupta for a great compilation and; second reason is that all of them are distinctive, well narrated with great plot, style and voice. Cherry on the cake is the story by Gulzar!

Going straight to individual stories, starting from the one with the same title as the anthology.

Marijuana diary is a thought provoking story of a person who is broke both financially and in spirit. Addicted on Marijuana, the protagonist goes on an aimless journey and finds something which makes him realize that giving up is not an option and he gets the motivation to barge ahead in life. Superb narration by Paulami DuttaGupta, almost poetic, describing the setting and depressed protagonist.

Wake Me Up By Rubina Ramesh: This one was really spooky and totally consuming… I couldn’t wait to read what happens next? Very rarely one comes across a short story with a full plotline which includes suspense, mystery, romance and a very unnerving end. Flawless narration by Rubina took me to a shadowy journey from Mumbai to Kerala, where dreams merged into reality and ending with a big bang. To know more read the book.

Book Review :: 'Saved In Sri Lanka' by Devika Fernando

Book Review

Some people are destined to meet.

Blurb:

It sure feels that way when Sri Lankan tour guide Sepalika meets Daniel. The mysterious tourist from Ireland steals his way into her heart and makes her question everything her life is built upon. Instant attraction turns to love – but does he feel the same? And what about the secret she’s hiding from him?

Follow the two on their quest for a happy ending amid the beauty and wonders of the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka.

My Review: 

I have read most of the novels by Devika Fernando and this one, by far is the best. The book is a double delight for the readers, as it takes one to an emotional rollercoaster as well as gives a picturesque window to Sri Lanka’s heritage and sights.

Sepalika (love the name) the gorgeous, smart tour guide gives us a glimpse of traditional plus modern Sri Lanka, and Daniel is an absolutely hot Irish hunk, whom I fell for, along with Sepalika J The story takes us to a romantic charming journey through the sandy beaches, temples, forts in Sri Lanka and the conflicting strong attraction of our heroine to Daniel. She tries to resist initially but couldn’t help herself when Daniel also seeks her company. The karaoke scene was the perfect setting to bring them together, making them realize the deep bond of love is the strongest of all. But reality intervenes and fate takes over Sepalika’s life creating a rift between the two protagonists. What happens next? Read Saved In Sri Lanka :-)

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