Book Review-The Wrong Turn in the Time of Netaji

THE WRONG TURN:

Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji

by

Sanjay Chopra & Namita Roy Ghose

Blurb

1944, Kohima — a small, sleepy town in northeast India. Subhash Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army (INA) along with the Japanese, are on the brink of bringing the Empire to its knees and forcing the British out of India. But, inexplicably, the tables turn. The INA’s advance is thwarted and the victory march to Delhi is halted. Seventy years later, the British admit that the Battle of Kohima was the greatest battle they had ever fought. Even more so than the battles of Waterloo and Dunkirk. Was it then that old Indian curse — betrayal? Someone from within Netaji’s own ranks? Were there forces other than the British, waiting in the shadows closer to home, who stood to gain even more from the INA’s defeat? Or was it just love that irrevocably altered the course of India’s destiny? The Wrong Turn: Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji, is a sweeping tale of passion set against the freedom struggle. Debraj, the rakish playboy and scion of a distinguished Calcutta family, and Nishonko, the fiery revolutionary sworn to the cause of the INA, must not only fight their common enemy, but also for the love of Aditi, the rebel with the healing touch. A haunting tale of love, friendship and betrayal of an entire nation, The Wrong Turn veers inexorably towards a poignant redemption.

My Honest Review:

            Jealousy is that green-eyed monster which makes one do unthinkable, unmentionable work, which makes not only that person but also people related also to suffer.

           

Human nature is very strange. It believes what the eyes see and what the ears hear, without verifying the facts. And that’s why it's easy to manipulate people who are hurt, insecure and jealous.

           

The Wrong Turn is love triangle story and how the fear of losing one’s beloved and jealousy made INA lose a winning battle.

The Wrong Turn takes you to an era where India was under the British rule and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with his Indian National Army (INA) and help from Japanese was trying to free India.

           

Like many historical love stories we have read or heard wherein love/hate either starts a war or a battle is won. The Wrong Turn is story of three main protagonists Debu (Debraj Mookerjii), Jhilik (Aditi Sen) and Nishonko and how fate brings them together in unexpected circumstances and how their relationship had an adverse effect on the Kohima war.

           

The plot is well developed but complex, can’t take it as a light read as it's intense but gripping too. All the characters, especially the protagonist and immediate characters are well developed. The book is a good cocktail of all human emotions in one. I especially liked the end of the story which is so different from the usual love triangle stories we usually get to read. Also the detailing of the war events is also worth a mention.

So if you like history and if you want to do some serious and intense read than The Wrong Turn is the one. 

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About the authors

“The Wrong Turn is a story that traverses the cities of Calcutta, Singapore, Rangoon and Kohima caught up in the blaze of the Second World War. It is about the clash of four desperate forces as they come together in Kohima to vie for the brightest jewel in the crown -- India. Victory will come to those who possess not just the coldest steel but even colder hearts.”

SANJAY CHOPRA is an airline pilot and author of two collections of short stories.  Said and Done and Tailspin stories . He believes that his  office forty thousand feet in the sky and his travels provide him with a view that fuels his vivid storytelling that cuts a wide arc through time and space.

His stories have won the Invisible Ink, the Millennium writers and Southport awards in the UK and USA. In the words of his readers, ‘He is a storyteller like those of the old days, yet his stories are as modern as tomorrow.

He lives in Mumbai with his wife Tisca Chopra, an actress and he is currently working on a film script and a web series. 

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“This was a story waiting to be told. So much about Netaji was smoke and mirrors, partial views foisted on us by the British and other vested interests. Here was a man who was a personal hero, who was part of the lore of my childhood. And here was a chance to set the narrative straight - through the lens of a very human yet universal story of love.”

During a school project on ‘The most memorable day of my life’, NAMITA ROY GHOSE wrote about a Russian girl on the day WW2 ended. She got her first rejection slip from the teacher for making things up. Ever since, Namita has established her storytelling skills through her scriptwriting, screenplays poetry, fiction, legendary advertising campaigns, and as a renowned advertising film director. A Creative Director with HTA, she left after 13 years to start her own film company, White Light, one of India’s top ad film outfits. A social activist, she is the founder of Vanashakti, an NGO that works to protect the environment. Namita has done pro bono work on issues like domestic violence, child welfare, sexual harassment and forest preservation. She is an avid traveller, a photographer, foodie and teacher.

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   Praise for the book

Vidya Balan:  "I like historical fiction. This one is just gripping, racing along like a thriller. I am sure people will love it and I wish Namita and Sanjay all the best for the book".

Shekhar Gupta: “Gripping reading. This is one writer duo with story-telling imagination and uncluttered turn of phrase”.

Jug Suraiya: “A sweeping saga of war, love and betrayal, set at a climactic point of India’s fight for freedom”.

Lord Meghnad Desai: “An absorbing and indeed thrilling story of one of the most crucial events in India’s history”.

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Review-Rightfully Wrong Wrongfully Right by Varsha Dixit

RIGHTFULLY WRONG, WRONGFULLY RIGHT

by

Varsha Dixit

Blurb

Love is in the air again…this time it’s steamy, bold and manipulative!

Gayatri and Viraj both are products of childhood trauma. Yet they were able to survive, one because of her shrewdness and the other because of his genius. Rightfully Wrong Wrongfully Right, the final part in the best selling ‘Right and Wrong’ love trilogy is the story of these two damaged souls.

Gayatri Dutta, the poster child for rich spoiled diva is fighting to escape a life of servitude her tyrant father is hell bent on pushing her into. Her past string of failures have her backed against a wall. Lonely and desperate!

Viraj is a con who uses his genius to perpetuate his isolation. His life once of violence and abuse has left him cynical and cold. He shuns the society and its hypocrisies. 

And then Gayatri and Viraj cross paths. She needs him and he despises her.

To Viraj, Gayatri, is the epitome of all that he despises, shallow, manipulative and the kind who uses her beauty as a weapon. Or is she?

Gayatri sees Viraj only as a means to an end. She is sure that Viraj with his nerdy demeanor, owlish glasses and crude behavior will be easy to manipulate and walk over. Only he isn’t!

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Excerpt from #RWWR

‘I can do this, I can do this, I can...’ Gayatri wound her fingers tightly around her cellphone as she made her way to the cubbyhole Viraj called his office. I did not expect a freaking hug, but a polite ‘how are you’ wouldn’t kill that man. She rapped her knuckles on the door.

Viraj swung the door open. ‘What?’ His brows were furrowed and his lips, pursed.

Gayatri remembered what Nikhil had said to her once. Dr Viraj owns and runs this lab. He was the only one you needed to impress! ‘It’s my first day here!’ Gayatri could hear her voice shake. ‘Could you tell me...’

Gayatri scuttled out of Viraj’s way as he leaned out. ‘Find an empty room, do your work there. You are free to leave any time you want. You are free to come or to not come.’ The door shut on her face.

Flabbergasted, Gayatri kept staring at the door. What just happened? She cleared her throat. I should not piss him off anymore. ‘Thank you for this…this job.’ Her voice was as uncertain as the look on her face.

Viraj tugged the door open again. Gayatri flashed a smile at him and opened her mouth to speak but he stopped her short. ‘I don’t like talking. Find a room and stay there.’ He shut the door on her again.

 Asshole! Gayatri fisted her hands and retreated. I can do this! I am doing this! Bigger picture, please! Gayatri paused and peeped inside the first lab that she stumbled upon. The place was quiet except for a low hum of machines. Gayatri pushed the doors open and walked inside the lab. It was empty. ‘Does anyone else work here besides the mad scientist?’ She leaned against one of the steel racks. The door flew open behind her. With a big grin she turned to greet the person coming in. ‘Hi! I—’ she froze. It was the mad scientist with a bunch of papers in his hand.

Viraj noticed Gayatri at the same time. A familiar irritation flashed in his eyes. ‘Not this room. Not my lab! Find another room!’ He spoke with cool authority.

‘I was just looking!’ Gayatri smoothed her ponytail trying to mask her nervousness. He had her in knots.

Giving an indifferent shrug, Viraj walked past her. Gayatri got a whiff of his aftershave; it smelled clean and crisp, like water with a twist of lemon. At least he doesn’t stink like his manners! Gayatri stood there quiet and confused.

A loose paper slipped from Viraj’s hand and landed on the floor.

‘You dropped some paper!’ Gayatri said, her voice friendly.

‘Ignore it. Like you, it is not going anywhere.’ Viraj pulled a portable stool and took a seat in front of an electronic panel fixed to a bigger panel.

Gayatri gritted her teeth and grinned with the ferocity of a wild animal that could pounce any moment.

Unknown to her, Viraj gave a similar smile except his was more like the wild animal that had pounced and won.

‘I’ll go and find a room. Thank you!’ Swiveling on her heel, Gayatri headed for the door.

Something stopped her—her father’s face and the realization that two weeks ago she had physically fought for herself, and now she had to fight again but with her mind instead of hands. I have to win over Mr Madness. Maybe I could wear a beaker over my head and tattoo the periodic table on my arms!

‘If you are trying to open the door telepathically, let me be the first to tell you it is not working!’ 

Gayatri exhaled noisily. Scathing and sarcastic, what more could a woman ask for? Taking a few calming breaths, she slowly pivoted to face Viraj, specifically his back as he sat hunched fiddling with the panel in front of him.

 ‘I’m sorry if I have offended you somehow. I really need this job. And also, I’m qualified for it. I can show you my degrees. I can really make a difference here.’

Hearing Gayatri’s words and her apologetic tone, something melted inside Viraj...again. But to keep up appearances, he turned rude. ‘I’m busy!’ he barked.

 ‘Please Mr Viraj, give me—’ Just then, without warning, someone swung the door open. Gayatri wasn’t prepared for the push. ‘Ouch!’ She toppled. Her desperate hands grabbed the first thing in the vicinity—a steel rack. The rack shuddered violently and some of its contents landed on the floor.

‘What the hell!’ Viraj bellowed jumping to his feet.

Gayatri winced. A large electrical component had crashed into her hand ‘The door just opened, pushing me in,’ she said shaking her arm in pain.

 Viraj glared at the door. He instantly lost the frown and his mouth eased at the ends. ‘Oh it’s you! Come inside!’

Huh, Hyde turns Jekyll! Gayatri spun around.

A timid, bespectacled, five-foot-nothing girl, her long hair in a tight braid, clad in a pastel-coloured salwaar kameez, stood at the door. Her skin was smooth and her hands kept tugging at the dupatta around her neck ‘Sorry to interrupt! Dr Kalra wanted to show you some tests he is about to run in lab 2.’ She then glanced at Gayatri. ‘I’m sorry if I hurt you. It was an accident.’

Gayatri was about to speak but Viraj cut her off. ‘She’s fine. Let’s go!’

Viraj went out with the girl, not even sparing a glance at Gayatri.

Astounded, Gayatri watched them leave.

Urghh…the shit-faced scientist actually smiled and that too at that girl! Gayatri kicked the steel rack. It shuddered again! Shoot! Before anything else would fall on her, Gayatri went after the scientist and the simpleton.

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About the author

Varsha Dixit

Varsha Dixit, the bestselling author of four successful contemporary romance books. Her debut book, Right Fit Wrong Shoe was a national bestseller for the year 2010. Varsha was a part of the Indian Television Industry and worked as an assistant director and online editor. She considers herself a dreamer who thinks deep but writes light. Even though creativity is gender free,Varsha feels blessed and enriched to be a woman. Currently, with her family, Varsha resides in CA, USA.

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My Honest Review :

            What a perfect end to the trilogy…Awesome.

            Readers who have read first two books of Varsha Dixit’s Right-Wrong series, and are looking forward to read third part, let me warn you this is way too different from the previous two.

            No, don’t worry, it is a love story, it’s not boring or a disappointment but it’s different than the other two.

          

  Like others, I too had waited to lay my hand on this book since Varsha had posted first two chapters on her website. But the wait was worth.

First of all, Varsha a befitting end to the series, absolutely loved it. While the previous two books had a whole lot of Bollywood influence; songs, titles, dialogues, this book choose to differ. Even though there are references, dialogues and all but still it’s different.

Readers who have read previous two issues will know what I am saying when I say

·       Who knew Gayatri and Viraj will fall for each other?

·       Who would have guessed why Gayatri is behaving in way she is? What’s her background?

·       That Sneha and Nandini will not have to play cupid in bringing them together.

But all in all, loved the way Varsha has crafted the characters.

Gayatri the Vamp of previous two stories is the protagonist in this one and the whole story revolves around her struggle to find an identity for herself and stand on her feet. As you start reading, you start loving Gayatri, the hate which I had for her vanished. She is a fighter.

Viraj, the geek, who always has a mask on, has many facets to show and to be explored.

Shetani (Nandini) and her friend Sneha, their drool worthy husbands Aditya and Nikhil, though play a very small but very important part in bringing these poles apart lovers together.

But mainly this story is about Gayatri and to some extent about Gayatri and Viraj. Fast paced, full on drama, romance with hint of suspense. I missed Nandini and sneha’s conversation which was not much but I feel their absence is justified.

All the characters are carried over from previous two stories, but the new ones too do justice to the storyline; be it Sana (Viraj’s supposedly love interest) or Viraj’s Mom or any other character. No one is out of place or forced in suddenly while reading. Though I feel Sana’s role could have been little more elaborate, especially her past, as why was she so possessive for Viraj, and her strange weird behavior towards the end could have been described a little more.

But all in all, interesting read, which lightens your mood on a gloomy day (as it did mine). If you have read previous two issues, then this is a must read… but in any case you haven’t read then grab all the three books, settle down with your favorite cuppa and some munchies and go on a read-a-thon. But let me warn you, once you start reading I bet you won’t move till you finish all three.

Varsha, waiting to read more of Aditya and Nandini, Sneha and Nikhil, Gayatri and Viraj kind of love stories. But don’t release in installments. The wait kills (joking). I hope Varsha you are not planning 4^th book with kids of Nandini, Sneha and Gayatri vying for same handsome guy?

All 3 books highlight friendship, love and family, which plays an important role in our life. Be it Sneha and Nandini’s friendship, love between them and their husband’s or brother sister relationship between Nikhil and Gayatri… the balance is perfect. I loved the book cover…red symbol of love. Also the titles are eye catching and hilarious.

Some memorable quotes…

You were strong then and you are strong now. Your past, your pain does not own your genius. Nothing or no one owns your brilliance except you.

“Whoever provides for you, decides for you”; so true yet strong and powerful.

Review - Wrong Means Right End by Varsha Dixit

Wrong Means Right End  

by 

Varsha Dixit 

Blurb 

Readers fell in love with Sneha and Nandini, two best friends who stuck to each other through heartbreak and joy in the bestselling novel, Right Fit Wrong Shoe. Now they are back in a delightful sequel that follows the two women as they begin the next phase of their lives in Mumbai.

After a failed marriage, Sneha, a single working mom, has no time, or inclination, for love. She resists every matchmaking attempt made by the overzealous Nandini, married to industrialist Aditya. But then the past intrudes in the form of the gorgeous and rich, Nikhil, who brings along Gayatri to break-up her ex-fiance, Aditya's marriage. Sneha enlists Nikhil's help to salvage the situation. But how does she even talk to a man who clearly loathes her? As Nikhil and Sneha try to grapple with their egos and combustible chemistry, love blossoms.

Wrong Means Right End, an exuberant story about love and friendship, is filled with surprises and a wicked twist at every turn.

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About The Author 

Varsha Dixit, the best selling author of four successful contemporary romance books. Her debut book, Right Fit Wrong Shoe was a national bestseller for the year 2010. Varsha was a part of the Indian Television Industry and worked as an assistant director and online editor. She considers herself a dreamer who thinks deep but writes light. Even though creativity is gender free, Varsha feels blessed and enriched to be a woman. Currently, with her family, Varsha resides in CA, USA.

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My review 

            Wrong means right end starts from where Right Fit Wrong Shoe had ended. Nandini and Sneha, childhood buddies, who have promised to have each other’s back, go to any extent to see her friend happy. Varsha’s first book was full Bollywood masala; so I had expected more of Bollywood songs, titles & scenes, but was disappointed (sigh!)

            In the first part of the trilogy, Sneha tries to fix up broken relationship of Nandini and Aditya. In this part, Nandini wants Sneha to get hitched after her divorce. It's nice to read how well Varsha has incorporated characters and plots from her first book. You don’t feel any character has just jumped out from nowhere. Loved the way Varsha has portrayed the characters of Sneha and Nandini as independent, level-headed women who wants to make a mark of their own.

            Nandini, inspite of being married to the big Sarin scion Aditya, still wants to make an identity of her and Aditya gives his full support. (Sigh!)

            Nikhil, who appears to be arrogant at first, soon develops a soft corner for Sneha and her cute little bundle of joy, Advey. How Nikhil helps Sneha save Nandini and Aditya’s marriage from Aditya’s ex-fiancée and Nihkil’s family friend Gayatri and in the process falls hopelessly in love with Sneha, who like a furious tigress wants to protect her cubs (in this case her bestie and her marriage). Also we come to know of his past and how he wipes away his slate clean before he makes a new start is commendable.

             Varsha, loved the way you didn’t make the story end as we may have expected. Just when I thought Nik and Sneha are gonna to be together, you introduced a twist which was mind-blowing. But as they say, all that ends well ends well.

            I just can't wait to read the last part of this trilogy.

           In short, Wrong Means Right End is a light hearted, romantic, un-put-down-able book. If you like to read romantic stories, have a good sense of humor and just want to laugh till your stomach aches and you fall off from the chair and get tears in your eyes, go grab this book and enjoy three hour of relaxation.

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