“Chhatrapati Shivaji was indeed a great man. (His son) Sambhaji was also a lion cub.”

So states the dustjacket of “छावा” (Chhava = “lion cub”) by Shivaji Sawant, a historical novel on life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

And indeed, the life of this second emperor of Maratha Empire is full of tragedy, betrayal and bravery, and triumph of will over impossible odds.

Born on 14th May 1657 on Purandar, Sambhaji’s mother Saibai continued to suffer from pregnancy-related illness, and died when Sambhaji was two years old. His father was at the time busy building the empire, and the death of Saibai coincided with the attack of Afzalkhan on emergent Marathi kingdom, the resultant expansion of maratha kingdom and later the siege of Panhalgad (a period of almost an year when Shivaji was away from Rajgad).

Growing up, Sambhaji had to stay with Mirzaraje Jai Singh as political hostage while the treaty between Shivaji and Mughal Empire was fulfilled. He also visited Agra with Shivaji, where they were placed in house arrest by Aurangzeb. After escaping from Agra, Sambhaji was left in Mathura with trusted followers (to escape attention), while Shivaji went ahead and declared the death of Sambhaji while travelling.

Growing up, Sambhaji’s quick temper and straightforward nature clashed with some of the political advisors of Shivaji before and after coronation. This caused in Sambhaji being kept away from the capital Raigad while Shivaji was on the conquest in south India, and resulted in Sambhaji joining Mughal general Dilerkhan.

Watching the atrocities committed by Dilerkhan made Sambhaji realize his mistake, and he came back to his father, and was staying on Panhalgad when his father died. Although a full-fledged civil war between Sambhaji (as the eldest son and heir) and the advisors of Shivaji who were against placing Sambhaji on throne (and wanted to his brother Rajaram instead) was avoided by quick action of the Maratha Commander-in-Chief, Hambirrao Mohite.

But even after coronation, Sambhaji had to fight on many fronts to maintain his empire, Europeans in Mumbai, and Goa, Siddi fighting from the marine fortress of Janjira, and a resurgent Adilshahi were the old enemies. But Aurangzeb decided to take advantage of Shivaji’s death and to capture south India, and attacked the south with a huge army and entire strength of Mughal Empire.

While fighting against these odds, Sambhaji also had to contend with the treachery of old advisors of his father (whom he had pardoned and re-appointed after his coronation), and his step-mother Soyarabai. Yet Sambhaji continued to battle till he was captured by Mughal armies and tortured and killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to muslim religion (11th March, 1689).

“Chhava” as a historical novel captures the personality of this “warlike prince” perfectly. It is a novel which tries to place this man in his rightful place in the Maratha history.

Like most of the sons of great men, Sambhaji had his share of shortcomings and costly mistakes. From his clashes with old and trusted advisors of Shivaji, to his estrangement from his father and joining the enemy forces, his nature led him into many pitfalls. Which is why perhaps he is described by many as an alcoholic and despotic ruler (he killed the conspirators who were plotting against him by crushing them under elephant’s feet).

Yet, unlike many sons of great men, Sambhaji was worthy contender to the throne of his father. This can be evidenced not only in his brave sacrifice, or his campaigns (he tried to dam the bay near Janjira to make it easy for his army to attack, and his admirals had gone close enough to put ladders on the fort’s walls), but also in his other achievements. He was an accomplished Sanskrut scholar, who wrote “Budhbhushanam”, a compilation of teachings on politics and other things.

Maratha history has often overlooked this second Chhatrapati, but his story shows you that Sambhaji was the True Heir to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy.

Quote of The Day:
Our heroes are people and people are flawed. Don’t let that taint the thing you love.
- Randy K. Milholland, Midnight Macabre, 09-27-07

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Deveels and dragons. Pervects and Trolls (trollops too). Mafia and molls. Not to forget, demons and magicians…If you don’t know what I am talking about, you have missed one of the most hilarious sci-fi (or is it fantasy) series ever.

There are some series which make you laugh. There are some which keep you turning the pages. And then, there are some which keep you rolling on the floor from the first page, till you have finished the book, and even later. Myth- series by Robert Asprin falls in the third category.

RIP Robert Lynn Asprin (June 28, 1946 – May 22, 2008). We will M.Y.T.H. you.

Quote of The Day:
“When things are blackest, I just tell myself ‘cheer up, things could be worse!’ And sure enough, they get worse!”
- Skeeve (from Hit or Myth)

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“Prince Caspian” is the second installment in “The Chronicles of Narnia”, one of the “Big Three” of fantasy world (others being LoTR and Harry Potter).

Plotline: The four Pevensies kids, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, ruled Narnia for a long time before returning to England. It has been one year since they returned, and now they are just getting settled, when something pulls them back to Narnia. But this Narnia, hundreds of years later, is far different than they remember.

Conquered and ruled by Telmarines for 9 generations, this is Narnia where talking animals, dryads and nymphs exist only in stories (if at all) for common Telmarine inhabitants. And even for these “old Narnians”, Aslan and the days of Kings and Queens of Narnia are a story, even a myth. When the Lord Protector (and King-aspirant) Miraz has a son, Prince Caspian the Tenth has to run away to save his life. He stumbles across the “old Narnians”, and stands with them to gain his throne, as well as to get his new allies their rightful place in Narnia. He calls for Help by blowing the magic horn given to Queen Susan by Aslan, which brings the Pevensies back to Narnia.

Now they must unite with Caspian and call Aslan back. They must defeat the scheming Miraz, before his armies crush and finally annihilate the Narnians. But there is still a lot of treachery and dark magic in Narnia along with courage and honour.

Character-wise, like in the book, Peter and Lucy remain the same (authoritative and sweet, respectively) as their old selfs from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, and Susan grows more practical, it is Edmund who has “grown” the most, having learnt quite a bit from his mistakes when he was last in Narnia. Prince Caspian seemed to me much more in command, and more mature than his book-self.

While the “informative bits” in writing make for some great jokes, book-fans will find some changes in storyline. Mainly, the meeting between Aslan and the kids is shifted in timeline, and the “final” battle is changed somewhat. But this does provide the movie with a “climax” (I have always felt that the plot of the book moved on quite level ground from start to end). Of course, the battle does conflict a bit with Aslan’s quote that “nothing happens the same way twice”, but I am sure nobody is complaining. Not to mention, the religious overtones of Narnia series (and in particular, the question of “faith” in Aslan) is handled pretty deftly.

Much more importantly, the movie is much darker, and slightly more “adult” than the book series. There are two important points which show this. (Plot points/Spoilers ahead) One, the battle of castle, which does not feature in the book, shows the cost of mistakes of war much more clearly. Secondly, being a children’s book, Peter tells Caspian that he has come “to help Caspian, and not take his place” when they first meet. But in the movie, (personally, much more realistic,) the two teenage boys of roughly the same age compete for the position of authority.

Of course, the overall handling of the movie is darker and hence more adult than the book. But this does not mean that the kids will not enjoy the commando attack by “paragliders”, or they won’t laugh at the antiques of the Pevensies, or of Master Mouse Reepicheep. I am not scaring the parents, just that you should know that we are talking more “Order of the Phoenix” than “Philosopher’s Stone”.

P.S. The movie opens with Capsian’s aunt giving birth to a son. Best luck explaining that to your kids.

Quote of The Day:
Prince Caspian: You’re not exactly what I expected.
Edmund Pevensie: Neither are you.

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While the war started by Hitler was knocking on his doors, the three most powerful men in the world met at Yalta from 4th February to 11th February 1945, to discuss the future of the post-war Europe, and the world. The third novel in the Churchill’s War series by Michael Dobbs, Churchill’s Triumph: A Novel of Betrayal is the story of those 8 days which plotted the course of many years to come.

While American and British forces are being held in check at the banks of Rhine, the Russian forces are “liberating” the eastern European countries. The Yalta Conference (codenamed Argonaut Conference), considered by many to be the meeting of the Trinity, reminds Churchill more of the Second Triumvirate after the death of Julius Caesar. In reality, The Big Three are not so different from the famed monkeys of the fable.

Stalin has come to the conference knowing what he wants (and indeed has scored the first victory by getting the ailing American President and the British Premier to Yalta instead of Mediterranean), and refuses to hear anything which is not in his agenda. Roosevelt wants his dream of United Nations to become reality (along with Russia’s support against the Japanese), and doesn’t want to see anything which does not fit his idealistic world. And the third old man, Churchill cannot open his mouth without “offending” Stalin and revealing the big holes in the crumbling façade of the alliance.

But Churchill is facing the possible end of the glorious British Empire and British influence in Middle East as well as Asia. At the same time, his stubborn demands of free democratic governments in east European countries (particularly Poland) is getting nowhere. So he realises that the only his words might shield Poland from complete subjugation at the hands of Russians.

Meanwhile, he meets a young Polish plumber, who is actually an officer who ran away from Katyń, and is now living under false identity. The plumber wants Churchill to take him away from Russian influence before his adopted identity is revealed, and in return gives some important information regarding Stalin’s plansand the meetings and deals between Stalin and Roosevelt behind Churchill’s back. But history is waiting to place the blame of the inevitable failure of Yalta Conference, and Churchill is determined to show where the blame truly lies, even if it means that he has to go back on his personal word of honour.

Churchill, at this time, is a man tired and tempered by the war. Unlike the man he was at the start of the War, he is far more ready to be silent and listen to others before flying off the handle. Yet he is the same stubborn old man at the core, with his belief in his words (no matter how others twist them) and inability to start a sentence without turning it into an oratory. Again we see the man behind the invincible name, a man who is tormented by his decision to betray a gentleman, and by the knowledge that his two allies (including his friend Roosevelt) do not need him or the British help going forward. But even handicapped like this, he cajoles, tricks and bullies the conference into granting him the promise of free elections in Poland, the inclusion of which in the official communique is bound to show Stalin as the liar he is later on.

Right from the starting travel, when the road is filled with ruins, the story takes a personal turn. The novel is filled with interesting touches like Stalin (on the first day) “sweeping” his hand across the map of Russian territories, and continuing west towards Germany (while remarking on the markedly different successes by Russian and British armies) in Churchill’s War Room. This picture shows far better Stalin’s mentality, than when he brags later that Russian soldiers take what they can by force. At the same time, the story of Marian Nowak, the plumber and his “family” in Poland gives a far more realistic picture of the ground conditions than any description of statistics or any discussion in the conference would have done.

All in all, this story of three old men (both Churchill and Roosevelt travelled with their daughters, “just in case”), who didn’t quite know how to finish what they started, is a worthy successor to “Never Surrender“, in all respects.

Of course, being an Indian gives you one more perspective into the happenings. While Churchill is adamant about the democracy in European countries, and is ready to go to any lengths to gain that, he is equally adamant about the continuation of British Empire (it is mentioned by Stalin and Roosevelt many times). That is a bit hypocritical, as history remarks.

Because we all know, the track record of the “most civilising empire in the history of the world” is not exactly perfect. But in all fairness, will the young people in Poland, removed by two generations from the freedom struggle, talk about Russia in the same tones, as we do about present-day England? Or, for that matter, would the Tibetans about China, if they ever get freedom?

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In memory of Sir Arthur C. Clarke, I would like to introduce you to one of the first sci-fi novels I have ever read, “Preshit” (Preshit: Marathi - A man sent, by someone or from something) by Dr. Jayant Narlikar.

A young couple finds a baby abandoned in a field, and adopt him. Growing up, the boy starts to display signs of extraordinary intelligence. When he derives a theoretical solution for “travelling salesman problem”, as an assignment, his teacher and doctor tell him to try for an international school for gifted children. Reaching the school, he continues to shine, while finding close friends, and love.

He develops a liking for astronomy and has no problem in getting a “summer internship” at Project Cyclops. He finds out about two scientists who, years ago, probably had made contact with some alien planet. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and his best friend at school find out his nightmares may be the result of some repressed memories, and his “interest” may have some deeper secret.

Although the start of the storyline reminds you of Superman, the similarities start and end there. This “Kal-el” does not develop any superpowers, except maybe showing super-intelligence. But the book is more about science fiction, questions about alien contact than about anything else. Which is why the characters are more human than found in Superman. The actual time is in recent future, with trips to the moon, and on-screen classrooms etc. Then again, the kids may go to a special school for geniuses, but the new kids are still ragged. Of course, the ragging assignments are not what you expect to see in any other school (I seriously spent some months of my life visualizing how you can pass through a A4-sized paper).

This is one of those books where every event is one more step “towards zero”. That is, the last few pages contain almost the entire essence (at least, the most important point) of the book. In this case, the point is one of the main questions asked whenever the quest for alien intelligence is mentioned. Of course, the characters in the book finally come down on one side of the argument, but still, it does leave a lingering thought in reader’s mind.

By his own admission, Dr. Jayant Narlikar writes for spreading awareness about scientific subjects in common readers. This makes his books (including the non-fictional ones) a great point for introducing scientific concepts in simple language, especially to kids (look at his biography and you will see why). Of course, the books fall mostly under kids (or YA) category, but still, even adults will enjoy the humour and the storytelling.

P.S. If you read this properly, you will notice some major things missing from this review. That is because I have written this entirely from my memories of the book. So, any reader is welcome, indeed requested to correct me when my memory seems to go AWOL.

Quote of The Day:

Science may set limits to knowledge, but should not set limits to imagination.
- Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)

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The defeat of Spanish Armada is one of the major turning points in the history of Europe, indeed the world. But what would have happened if the Armada would have reached the shores of Britain?

In “Ruled Britannia” by Harry Turtledove, King Philip II has placed his daughter Isabella and her consort on the British throne, and they have been ruling the isles for 10 years with the dreaded Inquisition and the help of the Irish. But now, Philip is on the verge of death, and the old (surviving) advisers of the imprisoned Queen Elizabeth feel that the time is coming to get their freedom back.

Central to their plan is William Shakespeare, whose famous plays have made him the darling of the crowds. He is charged by Lord Burghley to write a play which will rouse the common Briton to take up arms against their conquerors. At the same time, the Spanish want a fitting tribute to their Great King, and there is none better than William Shakespeare who can write a play about the greatness of His Most Catholic Majesty.

So now, the fate of two queens and two kingdoms rests on the words penned by a man who can’t decide which play he wants to perform. And the success of the plot, if it materializes, depends on the actors and men who are vain or simple, timid or courageous, oblivious to the danger, or relishing it; in short, the men as common as the audience who applaud and cheer them from the foot of the stage.

Although he is the central character in the novel, William Shakespeare is still a common man. Like most people he does not want to risk his life by going against the conquerors, and conforms to their customs and rites just to be safe from the Inquisition. And although he would not spy on his neighbours, the only time he attacks somebody with something except words is when his life is in danger. In short, the only difference between him and the man on street is his prodigious talent. So it is quite ironic that the same talent thrusts him in the centre of conspiracy, spy games and possibly, “treason”.

If you are looking for a hero in traditional medieval mould, Senior Lieutenant Lope Félix de Vega Carpio would be the one you should read about. A soldier who came to Britain abroad San Juan with the Armada, he is a brave man, fond of English plays and English women, perhaps not in that order (told you he was the typical medieval hero). As an English speaker and a fan of Shakespeare (and Marlow and others), he has full “backstage” access. Not to mention, he is a play-writer himself, his Spanish plays being praised by the Queen herself. He is looking forward to play a part in “King Philip“, and plays a reluctant spy looking for any conspiracy amongst the actors.

Imaginary characters like Cicely Sellis (a “cunning woman”) stand shoulder to shoulder with characters like Kit Marlow, Lord Burghley, Robert Cecil, acting as the “supporting” cast. Indeed, many times they show more courage than the reluctant hero. The nobles, like Lord Burghley work in the shadows at the back, while Good Queen Bess does not appear till almost the end, placing the two playwrights against each other, though only one is fully aware of it.

It is only in last few days that I have heard the name of Harry Turtledove, and the place he holds amongst historical fiction writers. Given my current condition, I am a bit loathe to start any of his series, but I must say that “Ruled Britannia” lived up to all that hype, and then some more.

If you like the historical fiction genre, or want to start in it, this is one book I will definitely recommend.

Quote of The Day:

No epilogue here, unless you make it;
If you want your freedom, go and take it.
- William Shakespeare (Boudicca)

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Being a Science-Fiction author is not an easy thing (and I know that because I have tried). Being counted as one of the greats in Sci-Fi genre, indeed any genre is definitely not a matter everyone can achieve (incidentally, does anyone remember Jules Verne now?). Sir Arthur C. Clarke (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008 ) deservedly was such an author.

At the cost of sounding comic, even facetious, I must say I am not the greatest fan of Arthur C. Clarke (those who have read will remember my comments in “My Top 5 Sci-Fi series“). My introduction to non-Indian sci-fi was Jules Verne translations. At the age I started reading English literature, and specifically, English Sci-Fi, I thought the novels by Clarke, like 2001, too “contemporary”. I was more hooked by the futuristic visions of Asimov (and I continue to be an Asimov fan till date).

I liked “Rama” not for the sci-fi content, but for the end, the deeper meaning I now realize would be the main point in the story. I liked his short stories more than Rama, or Odessy series.

Everybody sci-fi fan has read (or at least heard about) “The Sentinel“. But even his other short stories like “Jupiter Five” (and how a technical point thwarts the plans of a greedy person), “The Possessed“, “Time’s Arrow” etc. continue to be among my favourites. Although Clarke did not get his heart’s desire of knowing about sentient alien life, I am sure that stories like “Trouble with Natives“, “Rescue Party” will still live with us for a long time. Which is why, authors like Arthur C. Clarke will continue to live on.

Because other authors show us dreams and fantasies, while great science fiction sets us goals.

–Fleiger

Quote of The Day:

The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.
- Arthur C. Clarke, “Technology and the Future” (Clarke’s second law)

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Based on the book series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is one more fantasy movie on the premise that the world around us is not exactly what it looks to be.

Jared Grace, his twin brother Simon and elder sister Mallory have shifted with their mother to their great-aunt’s house. Young Jared is unhappy about his parents’ divorce and his anger gets him in trouble.

In the dilapidated house, Jared discovers a hidden library belonging to their great-grandfather Arthur Spiderwick. There are many strange things in the library, the strangest being a book with warning not to open the book. Of course, as any 9-year-old would do, Jared opens and starts reading “Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to The Fantastical World around You“. But the warning on the book may just be literally correct, and somebody tying Mallory’s hair to the headboard at night may be the least of their worries.

Now Jared and his reluctant siblings may have to get help from and fight the creatures in and around the house. They have to meet their (great-)aunt Lucinda (who is in an “institution”) and uncover a secret. They have only until full moon before something terrible tries to kill them to get the book.

Although the three Grace children are the focus of the story in the books, the movie puts Jared right in the middle. Jared loves his father, and is unhappy about moving away from him. He thinks their father will be coming to get them (at least him). But it is his pranks and outbursts which get him mostly in trouble (the only reason he is not expelled from his old school is that they are going to move anyway). At the same time, he is resourceful, inquisitive and adventurous, and really cares about his family.

By contrast, his twin Simon is a pet-lover (don’t mind the size or ferocity of the animal). By his own admission, he doesn’t “do conflict”, but often gets in the middle of things because of Jared. Mallory is a typical teenager, just one who is a very good fencer. She is often found with a foil in her hand, and bossing around her younger siblings if possible.

The Grace children are helped and hindered by their household helpful brownie Thimbletack, who turns into a malevolent boggart at the drop of a hat (or mention of the book). On the other hand is Hogsqueal the “hob”goblin (remember, he is not a goblin), whose perhaps only loyalty is to himself, and only wish is to get good birds for dinner.

Having a flying fantasy creature in movie is an established way to get some great aerial shots, not to mention some brilliant acrobatics in the movie. If Harry Potter franchise has Buckbeak the hippogriff (and a dragon in future, maybe), the Grace children find the ride on Byron the griffin. With these allies, they have to defeat the fierce and cunning ogre, Mulgarath, who will do anything and take any shape to get the book.

With 5 small-sized books (each around 100 pages in length), I had thought that there wouldn’t be any major differences. I mean, I didn’t really expect the Spiderwick estate to be as dilapidated as the books made it to be. But I wasn’t ready for some changes, like in Byron’s story. Even Thimbletack is much more prosaic than his rhyming self in the books, while some creatures are completely missing. This is perhaps because the movie has a span of a day or two against several weeks it takes for the story to unfold in the books. Also, many important changes seem to be made to make the movie more kid-friendly, though Mulgarath is more than enough to scare them good.

All in all, it is a fairly good, kid-friendly fantasy movie, with a feel-good ending. If you are a fantasy fan, I would recommend it.

Quote of The Day:

You don’t see us, now you do, but only if we want you to.
- Thimbletack, the house brownie

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Statutory notice: This post is not a book review. Neither is it directly related to books.

I know that first week of 2008 is already over, and I seem to have missed my bus for “2007 roundup” season. But then, did you expect anything else which proudly puts “Lazy” in the title?

So, 2007 was a good year for me, from blogging perspective, at least. In sad news, Talons… proved short-lived, even after getting 131 posts in just 1 year. But then, in good news, I decided to take my book reviews seriously, and started this blog. I moved all the reviews from Adlergedanke to this blog, and decided to be a bit structured in my hobby (I know that doesn’t make much sense).

In last 4 short months, I have learnt a lot from this move from casual blogger to serious reviewer. But the top 7 things I have learnt in this short period (and some questions I am asking myself and you, the readers, as a result) are, in no particular order:

1. Maybe I have made a mistake in putting “lazy” in title, as it seems to have encouraged the readers to be lazy in contributing on this blog. I seriously hope that is the only reason why the ratio of legitimate comments to spam on this blog is now pushing 1:2.5.
   So guys, be a bit more active. As I said, the point of this blog is not a soliloquy, but a dialogue. A place to discuss anything and everything about books.
2. It is easy to write reviews because you want to write about a book. It is hard to read book because you have to write a review. For one thing, I found that I start compiling the review in my head right from the first page. Not that it takes away anything from the book, at least it does not feel that way.
   This will probably be the topmost reason which I will have to consider if I think of making this into a profession.
3. Everybody tells me that it is better to be consistent, which makes it easier for the readers to identify your content. But, lately I think I have become a bit too structured in writing reviews. Every time I sit to write any review, I seem to be falling in a particular flow of content.
   Again, this is for you. Tell me if the posts are getting too repetitive and too ordered. I may be experimenting with the content this year, so please tell me if I am getting too obscure, or too weird. And don’t be miserly to tell me if you like anything.
4. It is hard to take sides in reviews vs discussions debate. If I write for people who haven’t read the books, I need to summarize the story. If I go for discussion of the book, then I can go in much better detail of the book, because I can presume people know what I am talking about.
   This is something I will toy around with in this year now. Got any particular side you like?
5. Statistically speaking, I have yet to cross the 3-figures mark consistently. The best day yet was 102, and the best month crossed 1000. I need to be more active in promotion and networking this year. That would be my main aim this year, which I hope will help point 1.
6. That said, I seem to have touched something with my reviews of marathi books (Vyakti ani Valli, Mrityunjaya, Asa Mi Asami). There is a consistent traffic coming there from search terms. This is something I need to look into. The marathi book review series will continue, if just because I would like more people to know about these great books and authors. Shame that most of the books I will write about haven’t been translated into any other language, and so only marathi readers will be able to enjoy the books.
   While we are on search terms, is it only my blog, or are people searching for “Goblet of Fire” more than any other Harry Potter book?
7. This is not strictly 2007, but I must add this: It seems people need to read many other books, including Aristotle, before they are deemed worthy enough to read even the name of a particular book series. I unfortunately cannot elaborate on the same topic because I haven’t.
   Oh, and being pre-emptive, I have added a comment policy in F.A.Q. page, while re-designing the page.

So, what did you learn on my blog this year? And don’t forget to answer the questions I raised above. As always, any suggestions for improving the blg are always welcome.

I am taking a short sabbatical from posting any reviews on this blog for this month. Next week, I will probably round up the best of and worst of books I read in 2007. So be patient, and stick around for a bit even if there nothing book-related this month.

That said, you never know…

I picked up “Everything’s Eventual” by Stephen King to read the story “1408“, as part of “Book to Movie challenge”. Then I realised that I have reviewed almost no story collections, and this is my second “King”. So, I put this down for “2nds Challenge“.

The collection starts with the story of a man who “wakes up” to find himself in an autopsy room, while the examiners are getting ready to perform autopsy on him. Then onwards, we meet a boy who talked to The Bad One, while in other story, a travelling salesman with an unusual hobby (collecting the graffiti in public restrooms on freeways) contemplates taking his life. We read about the last few days of Johnnie Dillinger’s life, and a reporter is being tortured for supporting a “revolutionary” in a South American dictator state. The fans of “Dark Tower” series will find the story of Gunslinger meeting the Little Sisters of Eluria interesting. The story, short novel actually takes place before the starting of Dark Tower series (that series is sitting on my TBR list for a long time now).

The title story is about a young man with unusual talents, and his unusual job. The young man is offered job with interesting perks (after all, any job is about perks, as his employer says), where all he has to do is practise his talents, while living in a house where everything he wants is provided. We all have experienced spooky pictures whose eyes follow us, but the picture in here may go a step beyond that. There’s a tale of a dream which may or may not come true, and a story of how staring death in the eyes brings out the worst in you. Heaven and hell may not be what you think it was, while you may want to sanity check the concierge of the cafe you visit next time. “1408″ is the story of a writer who writes about his “experiences” in haunted places. He visits the haunted room in a New York hotel, despite the warnings of the manager. The room is a place where suicide rate is a bit more than statistical average, and where even the staff are afraid to go.

From what I have read (The Shining and Creep show), seen and heard, King’s horror has more supernatural sources than just spooky ones. This collection is also a combination of some “natural” stories combined with supernatural tales. I found “1408″ true to the “haunted hotel” genre, while most of the others are quite interesting. I didn’t really get into the story of the horned-and-goat-footed one, but that was probably more of my fault than the story. I mean, try starting to read the story from same page, rather same line, ten times, and that does take away something from the thrill. Also, I didn’t really get the connection between the pets and murder in the story, which I am designating as “modern art” or “poetry” story (the people who have been reading the blog for some time will know what I mean by this).

As I said, this is my only the second “King” I have read so far, but from what I have heard, this would count as a classic King. And if the stories do not interest you, then the commentary about the stories, the writing process and the background which accompanies each story is definitely worth reading.

Quote of The Day:

You cannot condemn a man for what may only be a figment of your own imagination.
- Stephen King (1947 - )

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