The Kite runner and Shogun

Shogun happens to be the book I read almost 10 years ago. This is probably the first book which has some incisive observations about the Japanese culture. I do not know what is written is the book is true or more likely, a flight of imagination by the author, James Clavell. But I loved the Japanese as seen in 16th century Japan and I have been a fan of friction based in South East Asia.

So when I came across Sishir with a copy of Shogun, I was plesantly suprised. Further enquires revealed that it is part of series of 5 books. The next book in this series, Tai-pan, runs through a frictional account of the European traders involved in trade with China. James Clavell view about the integration between the west and the east with the political sub-text. Though the book was not as interesting as the Shogun, it was still a good read.

The kite runner is written by Khaled Hosseini, an American afghan. The story actually heart rending tale of a boy, Amir, in Afghanistan in the mid 70’s. Amir wants the approval of his father, who feels that his son spends too much time in his books and does not stand up for himself. Amir sees his opportunity in the kite flying competition to gain the love of his father. The last kite to be cut is seen as a trophy and he asks his childhood friend and ‘servant’ to get it for him. And then begins the tragedy. The story is also covers aspects as to how the Taliban had changed the Afgan society with emphasis on their cruel methods.

The Bartimaeus trilogy

An entertaining fantasy book at last. The last two harry potters were frankly dissapointing. As I said in my last post, the dijinni is really a great character. And fortunately, this book has none of the loose ends that have vexed me in Lord of the Rings. Most charcters have a complete ending though the ending actually is not as interesting as the journey itself. The tongue Bartimaeus has!!!!

Moreover, though the book carries parallels to current political move towards more obtrusive and spooking governments, it is not overwhelmed by it. The book thankfully never launches into a debate or a diatribe. Thats actually a reason why I hate Ayn rand books. You do not want to read 55 pages of some god forsaken speech(trust me, its very boring. In spite of claims by its fans of great philosophical insights, I stongly urge you to never touch a Ayn Rand).

Anyways, the second and thrid part, the Golem's eye and Ptolemy gate were worth the money. The gamble has actually paid off. A depressing day before the birthday might just have rewarded me with a great experience.