Tiger Hills – Sarita Mandanna (Penguin India, Rs.2 599)

An epic saga that revolves round three characters, Mandanna's debut novel has generated quite a lot of interest for its sheer volume and the theme.

A sweeping multigenerational story set in a coffee plantation in 19th Century Coorg, the story starts with  the birth of Devi, a special child, who befriends Devanna, a young orphan.

Over the years, Devi and Devanna become inseparable… till Devi meets tiger killer Machu. It's love at first sight and she vows to marry him only. But fate intervenes and she is forced to marry Devanna, who is in love with her.

In Coorg Country

Devi's obsession with Machu, however, drives a wedge between her and Devanna. The consequences are far-reaching for generations to come.

There are many poignant moments in the book when you are drawn into the lives of Devi, Machu and Devanna. But there are times in the second half when the pace slackens.

But Mandanna's Coorg, with its stunning vistas, unique cultural ethos and rituals, is itself, perhaps, the strongest character. Much like the heath in Lawrence's Sons and Lovers.

Following Fish: Travels Around The Indian Coast – Samanth Subramanian (Penguin India, Rs. 250)

What makes this book spe-cial for readers of Madras Musings is that it is a travelogue by a Chennai boy! Samanth, a journalist by profession, takes a bow as an author with this at times funny, at times pensive collection, and he does it with style.

Travelling with fish

Samanth begins his journey from Kolkata where we encounter the legendary ilish maach, or the hilsa, that every resident of West Bengal, past and present, believes is part of his heritage! That tale sets the tone for the rest of the journey where Kerala meen curry co-exists with Konkani fish fry and Mumbai's sol kadhi, yet each one maintains its distinct flavour. Just like its people! And, yes, Samanth does write in minute detail about the famous fish swallowing therapy of Hyderabad that's believed to cure asthma.

Well hidden in Samanth's nine fish tales is a document of the diverse aspects that makes India unique… societal idiosyncrasies, rituals, traditions and, of course, cuisine. An easy and elegant style makes for an interesting read.

The Crimson Throne –Sudhir Kakar (Penguin India, Rs. 450)

Indian history, especially of the Mughals, never seems to go out of fashion. Every now and then comes a book that helps us revisit those glorious days when grandeur went alongside gore, when creativity was as much part of the collective consciousness as was cruelty.

Through European eyes

Kakar's latest novel is yet another compelling historical saga, this time set in 1657, when Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was sitting weakly on The Peacock Throne. The ailing regent had much in his mind… who would succeed him? Dara Shukoh, the heir apparent, who had an artistic and spiritual bent of mind, or the crafty and austere Aurangzeb, who swore by the Quran?

Well, Kakar's story is told through the eyes and ears of two European travellers who found their way to the Mughal court and documented the events of the time. Italian Niccoli Manucci and Frenchman Francois Bernier arrived at the Mughal court as visitors and soon gained the trust of the Emperor himself. Their observations paint a rich and colourful picture of a king whose debauchery and exotic lifestyle were legendary. It is also a document on Indian customs, religion, politics,
the workings of the Mughal court and even the sexual predilections of its people at the time.

History is often coloured by our backgrounds and the times we live in. This book reiterates that. Gripping, with vivid detailing and funny insights, Kakar's tale makes for an absorbing read.