Tea for two and a piece of cake by Preeti Shenoy [Book review]

I picked up this book only to make myself eligible for free-shipping. I resist myself from books written by women (Indian) mainly to avoid soap operas. The last fiction that I read from a lady author was “Dollar Bahu” which reinstated my belief. So, this book lied in my library for a couple of months. After reading the book, I did curse myself for being judgmental, but my premonition was almost right.

Tea for two and a cup of cake is a breezy practical story. It explores the life of a plump middle aged woman and the people who influence her life. Nisha is lovable character whose characteristics make you love her instantly. You cannot stop yourself from loving her and being on her side during adversities. She is just one of us, who goes through the emotions in life and decides instantly. Her life has a big void because of her childhood and those thoughts come again and again to taunt her. Her first date is so vividly explained that you find yourself in the Magellan party along with her and Samir. The international trip and intense romance elevates the story and takes it to the much awaited wedding. The way in which Nisha collects herself after the break-up and carries herself in the society is laudable. Nisha’s characterization is neat, bold and refreshing. It gives a sneak-peak into the upper-middle class society. The high-end parties, the get-togethers and the food are explained elaborately.

However, I found Nisha very vulnerable and wanting. I assume that her bad childhood serves as a catalyst that makes her fall on every possible occasion. The author has tried to portray Nisha as someone who does not want to depend on others, but her proximity to Akash and her expectations from Chetana clearly rebukes her claim. Also, the way in which Chetana’s character ended, left a bad taste. The author tries to reemphasize that Nisha was right and drags the other characters.

The 2 characters that I loved the most are Mrs.B and Samir Sharma. Mrs. B had a very brief role but was likable from the start. Her cakes added flavor to the story. Mrs. B is the kind of neighbor, which everyone would love to have. Samir Sharma, Nisha’s husband was high-society personified. Right from the beginning [the phone call] his character travels in a single plane. He is a go-getter who does not wish to sacrifice his needs for others. He can be lenient with his preferences but only to a certain extent. He runs behind success and gets it. He is the typical business man who wins in business but fails in life. His email is one of the best chapters in the book. He explains his thoughts in an uncomplicated, uncluttered way. He blames Nisha for everything but makes sure that he does his part. His character, though it is shown in grey (or black) is certainly adorable.

The picturesque locations of Pondicherry and ECR add more fun towards the end. The new characters were just add-ons who come just to give a happy-ending. The story ends in an all is well position, where the author makes Nisha and the readers happy.

As a book, this is wonderful. The writing is precise and picturesque. The vocabulary used is rich but not daunting. It is breezy and easy-going unlike many other novels which leave a lump in the throat. It is a story to be read in an hour or two, if you have to kill time. You don’t get anything interesting out of this book but for some predictable twists and interesting choice of words.

Just another feel-good novel

Revolution 2020

Chetan is by far the biggest selling Indian author. His stories have always struck a chord with the young crowd and have made him a household name amidst young students and professionals. His latest book, “Revolution 2020” is akin to his previous works.

The novel is pretty much similar to his previous works because of the simple vocabulary and the simple characters in the novel. He has tried to send out a social message through his new book which is a very good sign.

The story is set in Varanasi and revolves around 3 childhood friends. The story is woven around the poor Gopal Mishra and his childhood friends, the rich girl Aarthi and an Engineer’s son Raghav and their dreams. It talks about IIT –JEE, AIEEE and the preparation institutes in Kota in detail. It also talks about bringing out a change in the society. There is a very practical love story amidst all the commotion. The strongest point in the story is that you can identify yourself with the characters, be it the grey character or the straight forward one. Nobody is born evil; it is only the society which turns the good ones into evil. Similarly, all you need to get back to your good old ways is a small spark which reminds you of the past. It also advocates you to follow your passion.

Every character in the novel come with their own philosophies and still you could relate to them. All of them are right in their own rights. There will be one Prateek in every class and the MLA Shukla’s is probably Chetan’s way of reiterating his “Mera Neta Chor jai” movement. Though, it has come to an end, the characterization of Shukla has certainly evolved from the campaign.

Chetan takes a dig at the municipal authorities, the education department, HODs, the AICTE and a bunch of other people who are part of the corrupt society. He has taken the private engineering colleges as the base and explored all the possible avenues. It extends up to the shady underground business of the goons and the ugly land-grabbing cases as well.

The story starts with a simple wit in the 5^th standard classroom and ends with a lot of hope. The 15 years travel between the beginning and the end of the story moves like a lazy breeze across your face. There are some major twists on the way but mostly it is a seamless masala story, the one that we expect from Chetan Bhagat.

The slight humor which is a usually trait in CB’s novel is slightly missing here. This story has more sexual content compared to his previous novels which would make the younger audience feel slightly uncomfortable. The story reads like a screenplay which is already written with a movie in mind. The contents towards the end are too filmy. Though the filmy contents are needed to provide hope to the audience, it doesn’t fit well in a story which was pretty much practical till then.

Bottom line: Revolution 2020 certainly doesn’t surpass CB’s best work (Five Point someone) but can certainly be read once to get the CB social consciousness feeling.