Maus - Art spiegelman

My first graphic novel. Last year in a book fair i asked the attender to suggest me some comics or graphic novel , the guy told me Marvel comics were nice and i told him i did not like superheroes stories, then he told me that i can try Japanese comics. After 6 months I bought my first Japanese Manga book but i have not touched it till now.Something in my mind told me read a graphic novel - just for experience. So i searched in Google and i found hundreds of suggestions, at last i settled for "Maus by Art spiegelman" . I really don't know why i chose this book. But now i think this is one of the best book i ever read.

The illustrations are awesome and symbolic. I'm used to ' words and occasional pictures' type of reading,  but this is different. I need to see the characters expression and read the dialogues, took sometime to do that. But once i used to it, i did not put down the book. This book made me feel  anxious, unhappy, upset and happy. Awesome work.

This is the holocaust survival story of the author's parents -Vladek and Anja .The author beautifully bring the lives of Jews under Nazi and his parents experience in Poland before the second world war and later in Auschwitz  I have read one or two books about Holocaust and Nazis but none of those books are emotional, very detailed and first hand account like this one.(May be i could not find those kind of books yet). There are two different Vladek portrayed - one was very energetic, vibrant and jovial during the holocaust and another was very sensitive and manipulative after the escape specially in latter part his life. The author could not understand this. He tried his best to understand what exactly his parents went through and he came out with these wonderful books.

In this book , the author portrays Germans as cats, the Jews as mice, the Poles as pigs and the Americans as dogs.I can understand why the author chose mice and cats but not sure about pigs and dogs. When asked why he chose mice the author replied this(click here).  I was horrified when the author details the layout of the gas chambers and the mass burial site, unthinkable.

This book comes in two :
Part I : Maus - A Survivor's Tale - My Father Bleeds History
Part II: Maus - A Survivor's Tale - And Here My Troubles Began

I read both one after another and it was wonderful.In my list of classics Maus sits right on top. Now I'm very much interested in reading  graphic novels waiting to start the next one.

Everyone should read Maus atleast once.

An interesting interview with the author

Do not stop the children coming to me - A Prayer by Lithuanian girls confined to a siberian prison(1953)

Saviour, I have cast away

Your passion, love and desires.

I have condemned myself

and become

profoundly unhappy.

With all my being,

I implore you:

cast Your glance at me,

cover up my transgressions,

raise me up that with joy

I may hasten to you

to worship Your mercy

and ineffable love. Amen.

Draw near,

all holy Angels;

draw near,

all saints of heaven,

Immaculate Mother,

Saint Joseph, Saint Therese,

come to praise

the Lord of Mercy,

the God of Love.

Teach me

how to be humble, how to love,

that everywhere and always

I may live in gratitude

and with my entire life

I may proclaim

God's love and goodness.

Jesus, You have come to me.

Remain with me for ever.

Live in me. Teach me,

painful though it be.

Rest in me,

and never forsake me.

With all my being,

to You I cling,

praising and thanking You

for coming,

for Your consolation,

for all the other graces

You have brought

to me and to my home.

O Heart of Jesus,

inflamed with love,

have mercy on those

who fight for freedom,

who have died on the battlefield

or still are suffering

for my country.

Have mercy on all in whose stead

I should pray and praise You.

O God of Mercy,

I thank You for the hearts

who have done me

so much good

and who never forgets me.

I thank You also for those 

who, by their hatred

teach and warn me. Amen.

The above prayer was written by four young Lithuanian girls confined to a Siberian prison in 1953.

The Taliban Cricket Club - Timeri N.Murari

I saw this book two times at Books Kinokuniya, wondered what would be the story. Two months latter i bought this book in a book sale.My first thought after i finished reading was that 'this story sounds cinematic'. Yes, i think the escape and the ending were absolutely cinematic , nevertheless enjoyable. And the author makes the reader to rejoice with the characters, that was the success of this book.

The protagonist of this story is Rukhsana an aspiring journalist in Afghanistan whose life took a abrupt turn after Taliban captured the country. One day Rukhsana along with some other journalists were summoned to the  'Ministry for the Propagation and Prevention of Vice'. Rukhsana was scared to death but unexpectedly the minister Zorak Wahidi talked about organizing  cricket tournament , winning team will be going to Pakistan for further training. On the other hand , through previous experience , minister knew Rukhsana and now want to marry her.
Education:
Rukhsana was sent to Delhi for her higher studies. In Delhi, he learnt cricket properly and played for the team. She loved cricket the moment she started playing. Her love of game was very much visible when she trained her cousin for the tournament. Rukhasana was survived by her mother and younger brother Jahan.

The Team
 Rukhsana and Jahan convinced their cousins to join the team which will give them the chance to go out of the country. But the problem was that none of them ever played the game. Rukhsana was the only one who knew and played it before. So she needed to teach them how to play. But Talibans did not allow women's to go out without covering head to toe and without mahram. Accidently Rukhsana dressed like a man and she remained like that to teach them the game. Rukhsana became Babur .The team was named "The Taliban Cricket Club".

The Love and the Escape :

Love Poem by Dari Rabi'a Balkhi

I am caught in Love;s web so deceitful

None of my endeavours turn fruitful.

I knew not when I rode the high-blooded steed

The harder I pulled its reins the less it would heed.

Love is an ocean with such a vast space

No wise man can swim it in any place.

A true lover should be faithful till the end

And face life's reprobated trend.

When you see things hideous, fancy them neat,

Eat poison, but taste sugar sweet.

Rukhsana thought of the above poem when she woke up thinking about her marriage with Wahidi. I love that poem. They escape was cinematic. Nevertheless, as i was reading i wanted all of them to escape. So i was happy about the end. I expected author will take an adventurous route for escape like van drive along the border.Never mind.Shaheen who was Rukhsana's  'unofficial' fiancee betrayed her. Rukshana for the sake of her family honor agreed to marry him , though she was in love with Veer, an Indian wildlife photographer.

"Conscience controls our impulses to do harm. Our religions are meant to instruct us in what is right and what is wrong, but they can be misinterpreted, words twisted in their meanings, by those who wish to justify their killings in the name of their religion and in the name of God. Conscience does and must exist among us , as otherwise the whole world would go up in flames."

The author beautifully brings the life of women under Taliban rule. So many women characters popup each with her own horror story. Each of them respects their family honor and at the same time they want to have their freedom back. Most of the male characters are dominant and staunch supporters of family traditions which always collides with women's freedom.

"Cricket is drama, it is theater, it is the conflict between one man and eleven others, and that one has to defeat the enemy surrounding him on the field. It is about the two warriors battling it out between themselves"

This is a strange and amazing story with wonderful characters. Read and go for a emotional roller coaster ride.

Author's official site

புனலும் மணலும் (Punalum Manalum) - மாதவன் (Madhavan)

The backdrop of this novel is sand diggers along the famous river which fertilize the whole area. The one aspect i liked about this story was the minute details of description of day to day activities of the characters. The author portrays ordinary man's life and events very beautifully. Most of the characters in this story we can find in our day's work but the author makes a character out of them. The darker side of the human life was evenly told by the author.

This is the story of Angusamy who was like a middleman between contractor and laborers. He was widowed and survived by one step-daughter, Panki. The relationship between Angusamy and Panki was one sided, Panki loved and did everything for him but Angusamy never reciprocated her love. He hated her so much , in fact he never treated her as a human being. Im wondering is Panki , the ugliest female character created in Tamil literature? The author always points to physical beauty first whenever Panki comes into the picture. Yes , the author is correct in pointing like that because we , people, tend to judge others by their appearance.

Another main character is Damodaran, who lives near Angusamy's house. Angusamy was the one who took care of Damodaran when he came in search of job, ever since Damodaran lives with them.That character was very unique, he was the only one who loved and treated Panki nicely. Panki loved him but for Damodaran she was like a 'sister'. No one interested in marry her.But Damodaran tried his best to arrange her marriage. These complex relationships was built beautifully by the author .  Here's how the author describes Angusany's life :

நதி - எந்த  சூன்யத்திலிருந்து துவங்கினால்தான் என்ன ? அது ஒழுகி வளமாக்கும் இடத்தின் சிறப்பிலேயே அதன் பெருமையும் அமைந்து போகிறது . தன் காரியங்கூட அப்படித்தானோ ? எங்கோ என்ற நினைவே அற்றுப்போன தமிழ் மண்ணின் ஒரு மூலையில் பிறந்து , கசடு களைய , நாட்டை விட்டு  வந்து , வளர்ந்து , தொழில் செய்து  ஒழுங்காக வாழ்ந்து , இங்கே  தனக்கு பேரும் பெருமையும்  மதிப்பும் வந்திருக்கிறது ... 

The author's vivid descriptions of Maadan temple festival took me to  the place itself , very nice.  The most of the problems mentioned in the book are relevant even today. The typical Indian family setup and the emotions were told just as its happening today.  The book also tells the decline in natural resources due to human exploitation.

Over all a great book which is relevant even today.

What the Woman May Have Prayed - St.Gregory of Narek

What the Woman May Have Prayed
                                         - St.Gregory of Narek

And now, our only provider and
cause of all good things,
listen with compassion, Lord,
to the supplications I call to you,
with my arms lifted up in prayer,
bolstered from within,
with the sighs of my heart,
with the cries of my tongue and lips.
Expressing thanks through these offerings,
I offer up my gratitude to you,
almighty. awesome, exalted, incomprehensible,
for ever embraced in unending love,
constantly praised with the chant,
Holy Holy, only and always Holy,
blessed for ever.
Out of your great goodness,
grant me yet more help,
for I am completely lost.
Give me hope of sweetness,
though I am not worthy of the least  drop of your light,
so that I might understand through you, good Lord,
the subtle secret of this mystery,
and mix thanks with my prayer,
saying with David,
"We have received your mercy,Lord"
and "your hidden and invisible secrets,
you have revealed through your wisdom."

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library - Chris Grabenstein

I always interested in books about library. That is the reason why i bought this book. This is  the story of Kyle Keeley and his team's escape from Mr.Lemoncello's new library. Alexandriaville had no library for 12 years.

Mr.Lemoncello:
Mr.Lemoncello who used to spent lots of him at the library during his young years. He design and built lots of games and became a millionaire. He decided to built new library on the spot where once there was a Golden Leaf bank. No one knew the full design of the library including himself except Dr.Zinchenko. Mr.Lemoncello announces an essay competition in Kyle Keele's school. Those who get selected will allow to spent overnight before the official opening of the library. Mr. Lemoncello choose 12 students to participate in the game.

Kyle Keeley :
Kyle keele and his family love puzzles and board games .The three Keeley brothers(Mike,Curtis and Kyle) enjoy playing video games and board games. Kyle never spent time at library, in fact did not read any books for sometimes.

Mr.Lemoncello's Library :
The rotunda , the big screens and the talking holographic images and a wonderful collections of book made the participants wonder and interested. I can imagine the library as the author explains the various features. I wonder when i will see libraries like this in real. Awesome.

Some of the books mentioned in the book -1

The game :
The chosen 12 should find a way to come out of the library with the help of clues hidden inside the library. There will be three helpline - Ask an Expert, One Librarian Consultation and One Extreme Challenge.
Kyle, Akimi and Sierra Russel formed a team  so that they can share the work , on the other hand Charles worked alone until Andrew joins with him .

The Hero and The Villain:
Kyle was chosen a team leader, he cares and shares whatever he knew with his team.And the team too support him.Charles Chiltington who always say "We never lose". He is very cunning and utilize others for his benefit.

Some of the books mentioned in the book -2

The clues :
The Library card and books gives clues to find a way out. They have to know all 12 participants library card to find the books written behind it. Each clue gives some pictograms . They use unusual method for researching the clue.

Morale of the story :
Share Knowledge, help others and don't steal

I love this book. I love libraries but unfortunately in my hometown even today we do not have a good library. Singaporeans are blessed with wonderful libraries.Hope one day i will build a library in my hometown.

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared -Jonas Jonasson

Thanks to my friend in Switzerland for recommending me this wonderful book. He told me that the french translation is very good and not sure about English one nevertheless asked me to try it and i did. It was a most enjoyable four days in my reading experience. Just awesome.

Allan Emmanuel Karlsson, on his hundredth birthday jumps out of his window and escapes from Old People's Home at Malmkoping. That is the starting of a roller coaster journey that will bring laughter through out. Allan's had a knack of being at the right place at right time which influences world history.

Allan is a explosive expert with excess likeness for Vodka and never think too much about politics.Even though  he is apolitical, he has dinner with almost all the major leaders of the world - President Truman, Stalin, Kim Jong II, Mao Tse-Tung etc. He helps USA to built atom bomb and also help USSR to built the same.
The Journey : 
From Sweden to Spain/Poland then from Spain to USA, helps US scientist in building atom bombs. From USA to China, helping Soong May-ling but end up helping Mao's wife to escape. From China to Afghanistan to Sweden. Again from Sweden to USSR where he helps them to build atom bombs. He escapes from USSR to North Korea, then to Bali, Indonesia for long vocation. After vocation he journeys to Paris accompanying Indonesian Ambassador, from there to Russia again then to Sweden. Atlast back to Bali, Indonesia with his new friends for vocation.

Escapes :
First , Allan along with Missionary Ferguson escapes from Afghanistan prison by fooling the Internal security chief in helping to kill Winston Churchill. Then he escapes from Russian gulag along with Herbert Einstein, brother of Albert Einstein,this time also causing heavy damage to the place.Lastly from the Old Age House.

The deaths :
Allan's bomb to kill Winston Churchill kills the Iran security officer, of course it was planned murder by Allan.After his escape from the Old Age House , he and his friends unintentionally kill one and intentionally kills another.

Forget the logic, there are some questions regarding various activities by the lead characters but never mind.

From the moment Allan jumps out of the window, the author takes you to the world of laughter. I do not know how many times i laughed out loudly. Even when i was not feeling well , i remember some of the scenes and laughed in bus journey.The hilarious episode of Allan and Herbert Einstein's escape and their subsequent vocation in Bali, was simply awesome. The addition of extra verse(22.And they all lived happily ever after) by the typesetter in the bible, the story of Never Again gang etc will surely make one laugh.

The author beautifully links the historical events with the life of Allan,i think thats why author created a character who is hundred years old. The journey of Allan through these historical events were funny rather than serious as one would expect.Credit to author for bringing the lighter side of all those events.

Is this novel  a classic? definitely no but one can read and laugh in many places.

A charming , sweet, hilarious and funny book which not only brings laughter but also takes us back to history lessons!