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Showing posts with label Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suspense. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

'Silk Route' by Sachin Kundalkar Refuses to Stay Still: Queer Longings and Lifetimes in Motion

            

'Silk Route' by Sachin Kundalkar Refuses to Stay Still: Queer Longings and Lifetimes in Motion

Silk Route (Monochrome, #1) by Sachin Kundalkar

Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi



Silk Route (Monochrome, #1) by Sachin Kundalkar | Translated by Aakash Karkare | Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi | Top Indian Book Blogger | Indian Queer Literary Fiction
Silk Route (Monochrome, #1) by Sachin Kundalkar



Author: Sachin Kundalkar

Translator: Aakash Karkare

ISBN978-0143477808

Genre: Queer Literary Fiction

Length: 120 Pages

Publication Date: 25th July 2025

Publisher: Penguin Books

Cover Photo: Anuraag Banerjee and Cover Design: Amit Malhotra

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/3HP1zQp



About the Author:

Sachin Kundalkar is National Award-winning film maker with twelve Indian feature films to his credit, a screen writer whose work has been adapted into multiple Indian languages including Hindi and Malayalam. He is the author of the celebrated novel ‘Cobalt Blue’ which he wrote in Marathi when he was twenty-three years old. The novel by now has been translated into English, Hindi, Kannada, and Sinhala and has been adapted into a visually stunning feature film.


Silk Route (Monochrome, #1) by Sachin Kundalkar | Translated by Aakash Karkare | Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi | Top Indian Book Blogger | Indian Queer Literary Fiction
Sachin Kundalkar | Photo Credit: KUMAR SS


Instagram: @sachincobaltblue



About the Translator:

Aakash Karkare is a writer and translator based in Mumbai. He has worked across film, photography, and journalism, with experience in documentary filmmaking and as a former film critic with Scroll. His debut memoir is forthcoming from Rupa.


Silk Route (Monochrome, #1) by Sachin Kundalkar | Translated by Aakash Karkare | Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi | Top Indian Book Blogger | Indian Queer Literary Fiction
Aakash Karkare | Photo Credit: The Bombay Literary Magazine


Instagram: @aakashbagheera



DisclaimerThis review is only intended for initiating discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author. 



REVIEW

When was the last time a book felt like a train you didn’t plan to board, but once you did, you couldn’t step off? Silk Route by Sachin Kundalkar feels exactly like that. An unending chain of stories, each an epilogue that quietly opens into another. You think you’ve reached the last station, and suddenly, you’re already moving again with another story, another train, the journey of which is slowly becoming into a destination. If the author’s name rings a bell, that’s because he’s the same mind behind Cobalt Blue, yes, the one that became a Netflix film.

Originally written in Marathi as Reshim Marg and translated into English by Aakash Karkare, this first part of the Silk Route is a crisp 110-page read, yet it feels like an entire world in itself. The first thought after finishing this book? I can’t wait for the second part to come out. Sure, there’s a tiny glimpse of what’s next at the end, but that’s not why I’m eager. It's the sheer audacity and tenderness with which Kundalkar writes.

The story follows Nishikant, a queer man navigating love, loss, and desire; his story is tangled with that of Srinivas, his lover. But to reduce this book to a simple love story would be an injustice. Sachin Kundalkar's writing sprawls across lifetimes, histories, and continents, yet somehow makes it feel intimate, like he’s whispering secrets only you’re meant to hear. One moment, you’re inside the invasion of Poland during World War II. The next, you’re in post-war France, watching how the state showered scholarships and cultural privileges create an image of intellectual glory, papering over colonial sins with art and philosophy, pretending to be the moral torchbearer for decades. Then you’re in Delhi, in salons of hollow intellectualism where people congratulated themselves for engaging with each other’s work, even when nothing real came out of it.

And between all this, you’re back to Nishikant. Back to Srinivas. Back to those tender, dangerous edges of love. The book is peppered with motifs that feel like old friends if you’ve read or watched Cobalt Blue. The blue window, for instance, an allegory that appears here too, a silent witness to longing. Yellow flower trees as well, signifying the stirring of puberty, the bloom of desire, all those unspeakable urges taking form in petals and pollen.

Then there’s Nikhil. The same man both Nishikant and his sister love. She’s in a relationship with him. Nishikant carries his crush like a secret flame. And his sister dies because of this affair. The blurb tells you that upfront. It’s how the novel begins with a jolt that pushes you headfirst into the current. And from there, the story never pauses.

This book holds entire lifetimes inside its pages. Deaths, too, many of them are mentioned almost in passing. They don’t all serve the plot, and that’s the beauty of it. They give the story weight and texture, a sense of a world that moves forward even when you’re not looking. And then it hit me. This novel feels like an endless chain of epilogues. Reading it feels like standing on a platform and watching trains pull away and you jump on to reach the remaining last station and complete the journey. You ride along, thinking you’ve reached the end, and suddenly you’re in another story's epilogue and the train is already pulling out. And again. And again.

Yet somehow, it’s not about the pace. It’s about how the author picks up and writes just the right and smallest details of someone's life, tracing their history or that of any country or object, that it feels like it's a complete story and you just let it pass after absorbing it. So the stories keep coming. A boy who refuses to commute by vehicle, walking everywhere, memorising shop names in perfect sequence like a human map. A German man who saves his Polish lover and their child, leaving her actual husband and other children to fend for themselves in a war-torn land. A student making duplicate keys to their crush’s home; not to violate, but to love them the way they wish to be loved, with a language of tenderness and restraint. The details are so sharp, so unassuming, that they pierce you without warning.

And through it all runs a queer world that is mysterious, magical, painfully real, unapologetic, and alive with love, passion, and pure, unfiltered desire. It’s never performative. It simply exists; raw, tender, and gloriously unashamed.

The narrative doesn’t wait for you; it sweeps you along, like a silk thread slipping through your fingers. By the time you finish, you’re not even sure what you’ve read. A novella, a mosaic, an atlas of lives? All I know is that I’m still on that train. And I don’t want it to stop.



Happy Reading!


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Dhiraj's Bookshelf

Lovelorn : A compilation of heartache and heartbreaksThe WallHomeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in IndiaWhy Am I Like This?: A Journey into Psychological AstrologyTales of Hazaribagh: An Intimate Exploration of Chhotanagpur PlateauThe Cat Who Saved Books
In the Company of StrangersRippling waters of SolitudeGet Out: The Gay Man's Guide to Coming and Going Out!Of Marriages and MadnessDopehriThe Cat and the Cow
The Train to TanjoreRohzinThe Blue Book: A Writer's JournalMurder in the Bylanes: Life and Death in a Divided CityDear Mom: Finding Hope, Happiness and HerThe Ascendance of Evil
A Little Lifesemicolon: a novel


Dhiraj Sindhi's favorite books »




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Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Book Review: Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman by Mehool Parekh | Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Book Review

Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman by Mehool Parekh


Book Review: Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman by Mehool Parekh | Crime, Thriller & Suspense | Dhiraj Sindhi | Indian Book Blogger
Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman by Mehool Parekh

Author: Mehool Parekh

ISBN: 978-9352019830

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Length: 317 Pages

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. (15 January 2020)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/39QiCeD

About the author: 
A finance professional, Mehool has, over time, worked as a management consultant, equity research head and a fund manager. He ran a successful venture capital fund and is currently a private equity investor in growth companies. In between these, he has dabbled in film finance and production and owns a well-known media company. He lives in Mumbai with his family.

Book Review: Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman by Mehool Parekh | Crime, Thriller & Suspense | Dhiraj Sindhi | Indian Book Blogger
Mehool Parekh

Instagram: @mehoolparekh
REVIEW

Summary of the Book

Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman, particularly a whodunit story, is surely an absorbing and finely written novel revolving around a striking main character’s complex life that boldly confronts the corporal and lucrative desires of human beings.

Narration

The book is written in third person POV that produces accurate information at the right time for readers. The narration is perfect in a way; profound details and flawless writing style altogether makes it a fruitful read for any type of reader. It is precisely a well-structured novel comprising a narration rocking back and forth on the timeline, maintaining balance with suspense at every step.

Location, Setting & Theme

The story is set in Mumbai ─ India’s largest city and Pune ─ “Oxford and Cambridge of India” as our former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru referred to it. The narration covers two decades of time starting from the year 1996. Apart from Pune where the murder has been reported, mostly the story represents western suburbs of Mumbai such as Vasai, Kandivali, Lokhandwala, etc. Locations depicted in the book are very well researched by the author it seems. The book deals with many subjects along with the investigation of a murder that took place in an apartment where initially the house help is the prime suspect. The book also explores dark sides of some industries including film and financial industries.

Characters

The author has certainly developed alluring characters that readers would not want to leave them, not even after the end. What really adds to these characters is the dialogues, which are thoroughly carried out corresponding to each character’s personalities. Dialogues make them animated and put life into them.

Rupali, a beautiful lady in her early thirties who has been found dead, lying in a pool of blood on her bed. Rupali’s character is dramatically captivating with the most dynamic character arc; her life’s journey had been quite intimidating. Ravi Lokhande is the Senior Inspector at Deccan Gymkhana Police Station where the murder has been reported. Lokhandeji is one and only comical character in this novel, who has got almost all the laughter and funny moments to his account. Major Bartaman Bhowmick or ‘Batty’, Southern Command of the Indian Army, whose passion is crime detection. His critical thinking and examining skills attribute to his investigative talent, unlike Lokhandeji who depends on personal prejudices and opinions. Robin Chowdhury, a crime beat reporter at Pune City Times with her keen intellect helps Batty solve this case.

Plot

It is difficult to disclose anything regarding the plot without giving away spoilers. No doubt, this book is unputdownable and really fast-paced. The interesting thing about this book is how Mehool Parekh has included such pressing subjects into the plot. It makes you aware of the reality which is unbelievable. Meanwhile, there is a lot that you got to consume from this book.

Subjects

Bhoot Bhavish Bartaman significantly addresses a sensational topic, a culture that normalizes the use of women’s assets for whatever reason, which was and is being abused willingly or unwillingly by both men and women. It shows, how this culture is conveniently accommodated in several business models. The author Mehool Parekh has made a unique remark, putting in a different perspective. Still, it is the harsh reality of human desires that turns you completely blind and you’re left wanting more and more.

My views

It is amusing how the author has depicted this complex and critical puzzle very easily and much creatively. The duo of Batty and Robin has emerged as an intelligent detective squad. The character of Rupali outshines every other character because the book is tremendously seemed to be focused on her only or maybe I’m just too fascinated by her character. There are a few essay-like expositions which are mind-numbing and requires more energy to comprehend. Lastly, the author criticizes people with self-limiting attitude, who don’t further inspect what they consider unnecessary work or too much than required. It is hard to believe that it is a debut work and I will definitely wish to read more from the author. I would highly recommend this book to everyone because it is full of surprises and information.

Happy Reading!

========================

Follow me on InstagramFacebookTwitter and Pinterest. Don't forget to subscribe. Don't forget to subscribe for more content. Thank you so much for reading!


Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Book Review: Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #2)

Book Review

Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta

(The Teddy Bear Chronicles Book #2)


Book Review: Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #2) | Dhiraj Sindhi
Chloe's Crusade!


Author: Donnalyn Vojta

ISBN: 978-0999241059

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Length: 394 Pages

Publisher: New Traditions Publishing (20th June 2018)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2XCOLPQ (Kindle)
Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2YCD90B (Paperback)

About the author:


"I have a B.A. (cum laude) from North Central College in Naperville, IL with a major in Humanities (Philosophy emphasis) and a minor in Literature. I also have a Juris Doctorate degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. I practiced law as a litigation and real estate transactions attorney for over 13 years, but then quit that career to do something that makes me happy.

Thus, here I am writing novels. I love it! As far as my accomplishments in the publishing arena, I have a traditional publisher, and both of the first volumes of my unique thriller series have launched. Volumes I and II have been met with wonderful ratings and reviews which, I must say, warms my heart. Volume I is entitled HOPE IN PARIS!, and Volume II is entitled CHLOE'S CRUSADE! When I am not writing, I am working as a private academic tutor to students ages 4 and up."

Book Review: Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #2) | Dhiraj Sindhi
Donnalyn Vojta

Follow her on Instagram: @suspense_author
Check out her Website: https://www.donnalynvojta.com/
Twitter Handle: @DonnalynVojta

REVIEW

Narration

Chloe’s Crusade! is second in the series, The Teddy Bear Chronicles. As the first book Hope in Paris! was extraordinary, I expected so much from this sequel and guess what! Author has done astounding job writing such an epic suspense thriller. The narration in Chloe’s Crusade! was so much enhanced than in the previous book. This book introduced two new Teddy Bears, Rocco Bear and Tiny Bear. There is more humor, more suspense, more action and more fun! The writing style is as it was in previous one but seems improved with different languages and narration style of Rocco Bear.

Location and Setting

This time the story set in Paris and Venezuela, where New York plays a little part. Most of the suspense and thrill occurs in Venezuela. The Fair Bear stays at Sidney and Kelly’s home on Paris countryside while the Love Bear stays with Tori at Richard and Tori’s House in Paris. Tiny Bear hangs from Chloe’s belt loop as her key chain. Chloe’s in Caracas, Venezuela on her new FBI mission─ drug trafficking operation as a Special Agent. Sleepy Time Bear is at orphanage as before with Ms. Keller. Rocco Bear is with Alessos in New York, who are suspected to be involved in drug trafficking.


As always (I mean previous installment) Donnalyn Vojta has created a great setting. Chloe’s Crusade! is all about the investigation and that thrill of dealing with mafias. The locations included the hangar bays, makeshift FBI office, Tori’s and Kelly’s home, théâtre du châtelet and Alesso’s home in New York as well as Venezuela. And these all added their values of suspense in the book.

Theme

Chloe’s Crusade! is literally a fine piece of Crime, Thriller & Suspense. Tori and Richard has got married with two kids they adopted from orphanage, Bea and C. These kids also play a significant part in the book and again the author, Donnalyn Vojta made these characters even more adorable. Tori and Kelly’s mom realized her mistakes and they’re begin to develop a good relationship with the help of professional counselor. Kelly marries to detective Sidney. Chloe contacts Richard and Sidney asking help for her drug trafficking operation and the plot just blows mind now and then with enrapturing writing style.

Plot

The plot drives through internal and external conflicts of almost every character. Each character is struggling through something, be it mental, physical or emotional struggle. They are conflicted by some external tragedies like this FBI operation, stalker and love triangle. The plot is really fabulous and I am amused that it holds you till the very last word of the book! Such honorable work by Donnalyn Vojta.

My Views

First things first, the narration and writing style is just phenomenal with different and distinct voices, like of Rocco Bear and Charlie. The characters are powerful with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Opening and ending are as entertaining and thrilling as the whole book is.

Now I think that this is one of those underrated books which has to be recognized and deserves all the attention in the world.

Happy Reading!

========================

Follow me on InstagramFacebookTwitter and Pinterest. Don't forget to subscribe. Don't forget to subscribe for more content. Thank you so much for reading!


Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

Friday, June 28, 2019

Book Review: Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #1)

Book Review

Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta

(The Teddy Bear Chronicles Book #1)


Book Review: Hope in Paris by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #1) | Dhiraj Sindhi
Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta

Author: Donnalyn Vojta

ISBN: 978-0999241028

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Length: 292 Pages

Publisher: New Traditions Publishing (1st June 2018)

My Ratings: 4.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2FBRGCl

About the author:


"I have a B.A. (cum laude) from North Central College in Naperville, IL with a major in Humanities (Philosophy emphasis) and a minor in Literature. I also have a Juris Doctorate degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. I practiced law as a litigation and real estate transactions attorney for over 13 years, but then quit that career to do something that makes me happy.

Thus, here I am writing novels. I love it! As far as my accomplishments in the publishing arena, I have a traditional publisher, and both of the first volumes of my unique thriller series have launched. Volumes I and II have been met with wonderful ratings and reviews which, I must say, warms my heart. Volume I is entitled HOPE IN PARIS!, and Volume II is entitled CHLOE'S CRUSADE! When I am not writing, I am working as a private academic tutor to students ages 4 and up."

Book Review: Hope in Paris by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #1) | Dhiraj Sindhi
Donnalyn Vojta

Follow her on Instagram: @suspense_author
Check out her Website: https://www.donnalynvojta.com/
Twitter Handle: @DonnalynVojta

REVIEW

Narration

Hope in Paris! is a suspense thriller book amazingly narrated by three teddy bears. And it is not a story for KIDS. Yes. Talking about narration, it is the best-est part of Hope in Paris! There are three Teddy Bears at different locations who narrates the story, like they can read and listen and have minds that can store the memories. But like any other non-living objects, they can’t move by themselves or smell or eat. Donnalyn Vojta is so intelligent that she took care of this very well, the Teddy Bear learns as they watch and observe. At sometimes they are funny also. They got their names. Fair Bear, Sleepy Time Bear and Love Bear. First few chapters are the introduction to their surroundings, with whom they live and their past. The story remains steady until the suspense struck hard and it speeds up.

Location and Setting

Fair Bear is in Chicago, Love Bear at Madison and Sleepy Time Bear is in Paris. Fair Bear lives (if that can be a thing) with a couple, Kelly and Mark. Kelly is about to become an RN (Registered Nurse). Mark is her boyfriend who provides her with finances. Kelly and her sister have had a very horrid past with their parents so they happen to leave their parents. Love Bear stays with Richard who is searching for ‘the one’ but never succeeds further than the third date. Sleepy Time Bear rather works at an orphanage at Paris with Ms. V (Rachel Verona), singing and drama instructor. As the story moves, Fair Bear and Love Bear travel to Paris. And most of the story revolves there. The author has described the beauty of Paris so very well that one would not stop cherishing it. The hotels, cafés and the orphanage itself.

Theme

Hope in Paris! is Crime, Thriller & Suspense. After three or so years after, the body of the victim is IDed and news spread across the US and Paris. There is one psychopath who is involved in that murder. I hope it is not a spoiler to say that they all are interconnected that all end up in Paris for some reason. Kelly reunites with her elder sister in Paris after so many years. Richard (Pharmaceutical Engineer) is there for completing his romance novel and to find ‘the one’.

Plot

I cannot explain much because of spoilers and the suspense. Well, the story is all about these two sisters, Kelly and Victoria Donovan. They’ve suffered enough and now their lives are in danger because they have pieces of evidence against the murderer! Will they survive? Opening and ending are at their best. There is one side-character named Chloe, friend to Kelly, plays a strong character and will be continuing the story for the sequel (That’s what I think). The characters are well developed that one can get attached to them emotionally and care about them. Character arcs are also well maintained. There is mention of Schizophrenia (chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves) which develops a kind of awareness for mental disorders. It also depicts how bully parents erode kids’ self-esteem and create long-lasting damage.

My Views

First things first, the narration got me by surprise. The humor that Teddy Bears added was very entertaining in this suspense thriller. The characters and their backstory that the reader can directly connect to. At first, the story was slow paced but gradually paced faster. The wonderful description of Paris. I googled one hotel mentioned in Hope in Paris! and surprise, the exact hotel I saw in the pictures the one I imagined while reading. So, to enhance your experience you can read watching the pictures of these extremely beautiful locations for that Paris vibes. There are a few flaws in the storyline and the writing, for which I will give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The romance factor was really interesting and was moving along the plot very well. It is really charming how the Donnalyn Vojta has carried out good two relationships considering the fact of their being in Paris.


Last but not the least the mental disorders factor. And the bully parents issues.

I would recommend it to everyone out there above age 14. Not just because of suspense or thriller but surprisingly amazing narration.

Happy Reading!

========================

Follow me on InstagramFacebookTwitter and Pinterest. Don't forget to subscribe. Don't forget to subscribe for more content. Thank you so much for reading!


Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

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