Book Review: The Last Bloom by Poulomi Sengupta

The Last Bloom

Author: Poulomi Sengupta

Publisher: Frog Books (Leadstart publishing)

Rating: 3.5/5

The attitude to cross any limit to survive in the ever-changing world is something everyone does not possess. It takes a lot of courage and the will power to accept the change. ‘The Last Bloom’ is a debut novella written by Poulomi Sengupta. The story throws light on the drawbacks of the educations- politics playing a major role in it. The story is set up in a college in Bengal and that adds to the flavor. The book portrays subtle elements of Bengali culture and I liked that a lot.

Priya, the protagonist, is a young, enthusiastic girl who joins the college with high hopes and a desire to graduate with flying colours. But the moment she gets acquainted with the prevailing environment in the college, she is struck dumb. The whole idea of burning the midnight oil and succeeding in life seems like a nine-day wonder to her. Her college reeks of politics and the fancy-free and footloose students bully her way too much. In the process of adjusting to the environment and constantly trying to fit in, she explores the depths of politics and learns how it affects one’s life.

This story depicts the sad truth about the struggle of a girl in this deceitful and fake world. She finds solace in her neighbor, Vivek, who is all ears to her explanations and her ideas. His character comes out alive through the descriptions and that is commendable. However, the frequent philosophical discussions might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The length of the book could have been reduced easily by cutting short some of the descriptions. Also, the cover could have been better. I liked the intriguing title, though. There are editing mistakes and some punctuation errors too.

“There are two types of pain in this world- pain that hurts you and pain that changes you.” This book perfectly describes the latter. The pain of not being able to fit in and be accepted is aptly shown through the story. The students toil day and night, not to study but to change themselves so that they are considered a part of the gang. And this is saddening.  It takes patience and the audacity to stand for what you feel is right. The character of Priya has been crafted beautifully and she comes to life after reading first few chapters only.

The narration is simple with the good vocabulary. The flow of the story is in continuum but the climax is dull.

Overall, the authoress has done a great job.

Best wishes!

Buy this book from:

Amazon

   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

North India (ns) Vs South India (ns)

Different people, in good faith, can look at the same fact and interpret it differently. But that's where an interesting conversation begins.

~Eric Schlosser

The Indian mentality of comparing and constantly trying to put down the other is something everyone is aware of. In the whirlpool of several issues, one clichéd issue that probably becomes a part of every person at some point in their life is the difference between a North Indian and a South Indian. Now that I have lived in Bangalore for 2 years, I can safely list the prominent differences (the logical ones) between the two:

1.   The obdurate cultural beliefs

One things I have realized in these two years is that the South Indians are true to their values and culture. Come what may, they abide by it strictly. Be it the traditional Ellu bella, Puran Poli or the traditional rangoli- Kolam, they do not take it lightly. Unlike them, the North Indians are more like footloose and fancy free.

2.   Fluent-English speaking skills

South Indians speak plenty of languages like Kannada, Tamil or Telugu but their ability to speak English with utmost fluency is commendable. The strictness in all the schools regarding speaking in English is something the North Indian schools cannot compete with.

3.  

The lack of variety in food

The food offered in South India is all about three basic staple items- Dosa, Sambhar and Idli/ Vada. The variety that we get in North India or rather the kind of dishes offered by North India is nowhere comparable. The use of grated coconut in anything and everything might come as a turn-off for the NIs.

4.   Hardworking nature/ smart ways of working

South Indians have always been known for their hardworking nature but the North Indians are known for their smartness. It is not that the latter do not work hard, but they do the required very smartly.

5.   Politics

This might not be a difference in terms of the severity of the issue. Both North Indians and South Indians are hardcore politicians. Where in North India we have fewer opportunities, less money, and more corruption, the scene is similar here is South. Here, too, people fight for rights through riots, they opt for ‘Bandhs’ to pressurize the government to accept their demands.

6.   Open- mindedness

I believe that South Indians are more open-minded but that comes as a contradiction to their stubborn cultural beliefs. Where on one hand they believe in following all the rituals and traditions, on the other hand they do not have a problem with the concept of ‘moving in together’. With time, even North Indians have started to become more acceptable, yet it will take a lot of time for the idea to be accepted completely.

7.   The language

Yes, North Indians are crude in their mannerisms. They are rude, they are selfish and they don’t care how they speak to the person on the other side. South Indians are humble people. They are not only helpful but also kind.

8.   The language barrier

Even though South Indians are polite, they do not like if they come across a person who does not speak the same language. When talking to a South Indian, it is a difficult task to make them understand what one is asking/ explaining.

All said and done, all people are good. The differences should help us eliminate our negativities and incorporate the positive changes (too philosophical, eh?).

That is all for now.

Ciao!

 Picture coutesy: Google

An Open letter from D-I-L to her would be In-laws (Modern Nari)

Dear Strange people,

As euphoric as I may feel right now, I am excited too, for I have so many plans. Getting married has been one of my dreams and now that it is materializing I am experiencing the joys of the spring. There are things that are troubling me like how will your son and I manage our finances, where will we live after marriage, what will happen if one of us gets a transfer and plenty other. But let us not get to that; let us cross the bridge when we come to it. How are the preparations going on at your end?

I have just known your son for a few days and I am apprehensive about his taste, distaste, likes and dislikes. But that is not a reason to worry, for I will have you by my side. And with time, I will get to know him better. There have been people at my workplace, who were once a stranger and are now good friends.  My married friends told me that I would no longer be that young free girl who once had the freedom to meet her friends, catch a movie or so and then head for eating ‘Golgappe’. But trust me, I am not going to walk the blind alleyway. I have my own life and I believe that life for both of us would be better if we ‘be’ ourselves. I understand that my new life would bring many responsibilities along with it and that it will take a lot of patience and understanding to get used to it. On the same lines, I am also hoping that your son does not turn out to be a male chauvinist and that he knows where not to cross the line. I would really appreciate if he acknowledges my presence and respects me the same way as he would like me to respect him.

Won’t it be better if I brief you all about certain things which I do not plan on changing? Number one is my sleep- I love to sleep and I will definitely sleep till late on the weekends. After working five days a week, I deserve two days’ rest. Your son, when we first met, outlined the schedule the DILs follow in the house. It was something I had never done and my mom says that I will start liking it once I get married. But I have a different idea in mind and am obdurate on implementing it. I would rather prefer not getting married than to impress the whole family by waking up early and completing the household chores. Since your son is also earning well, I expect you to get a maid and leave the chores on her.

Clothes should not be a problem as I already spoke about this to your son; I have my own set of dresses for the different occasion and I will not entertain anybody interfering with my dress sense. Also, it would be better if you all employ a cook beforehand, for neither I know how to cook nor am I planning to learn the skill. I will not like it if the relatives will badger me into doing something I don’t like.  

I love to travel; I like binge drinking and I like to party on Fridays. I was not born to pay the bills and impress people around me, right? So why not live the short life to the fullest! I have dated boys before and I expect you all to let the bygones be bygones. Do not force me to quit working ever, because the more you all will get on my nerves, the more audacious I will become.

I do not expect that I and your son share the same interests. In fact, I am more than willing to listen to his corporate narrations and simultaneously expect him to be all ears when I talk about my editing job.

Honestly, there is nothing vexing me more than the long leave for which I have applied. I am confident enough that I will manage things and hopeful too that you all will be my pillars of strength. I am ready to build bridges but if anyone tries to breathe down my neck, I can be a real pain in the *** too. Looking forward to seeing you all on the D-day. 

Till then,

Love,

Your would-be DIL

**Do share in the comments sections how you think the letter would have changed for the traditional bahu and get a chance to win a paperback of 'An Eye for an Eye' by HBB.

Also read An Open Letter from D-I-L to her would be In-laws (adarsh bahu).