Book Review by #LITEROMA PUBLISHING SERVICES :: "Ballad of a Belle" by Rahul Tushar
** Thanks to the author for gifting us a review copy of the book.**
** Thanks to our reviewer S Bando for reviewing the book on behalf of Literoma. **
Just as you think you've got the answer, Rahul adds another twist in this grisly murder mystery replete with drugs, jealousy, sexuality, intrigue, and violence. You must pay attention to every word if you want to keep up with the story because it isn't straightforward in any sense. The descriptions of drug-induced hazes are particularly interesting—you almost feel like you're in one yourself.
Rahul writes so lucidly that you can feel the warmth of desert and the chill of Kashmir as the protagonist is rudely snatched away from her childhood haven. You feel sorry for her as she is unable to comprehend how and why the world is changing so quickly around her. Or is she? From Priya's revelations, it does not seem that Aarti is quite as innocent as she is first made out to be. That's the beauty of this tale—there are so many layers to it and uncovering one does not lead to a straightforward answer. Instead, it reveals a whole bunch of new questions.
Aarti's adjustment with the climate, the language, and the culture of the foreogn lands is described in great detail, as is the rise in her social stature during early adulthood. She struggles to come to terms with her husband as she attempts to make sense of his "urges" as well as his deep attraction to another lady.
Chapter by chapter, Rahul unravels a narrative of her double life—a respectable person married to a corporate. You often wonder how her family never finds out, considering how close-knit Indian families are. You also get a glimpse of the grimy underbelly of the underworld via the encounters of security officers.
Priya is portrayed as the typical modern girl initially, until the murder happens. It is then that her character takes on grey shades and you do not know what to believe anymore. Until the end, which certainly feels like a cliff-hanger, you don't know what's happening.
Rahul also describes the sorrowful life history of Aarti, who has a hard time at the end. Flitting from relationship to relationship, until the relationship with crack is what becomes permanent, she dies like a tramp and just barely manages to hold onto her office chair despite being a talented and resourceful manager. It is through her eyes that the latter half of the narrative plays out with its myriad twists and turns.
I will rate it as 4.8*/5* and strongly recommend for a thoughtful read.
** Thanks to our reviewer S Bando for reviewing the book on behalf of Literoma. **
Just as you think you've got the answer, Rahul adds another twist in this grisly murder mystery replete with drugs, jealousy, sexuality, intrigue, and violence. You must pay attention to every word if you want to keep up with the story because it isn't straightforward in any sense. The descriptions of drug-induced hazes are particularly interesting—you almost feel like you're in one yourself.
Rahul writes so lucidly that you can feel the warmth of desert and the chill of Kashmir as the protagonist is rudely snatched away from her childhood haven. You feel sorry for her as she is unable to comprehend how and why the world is changing so quickly around her. Or is she? From Priya's revelations, it does not seem that Aarti is quite as innocent as she is first made out to be. That's the beauty of this tale—there are so many layers to it and uncovering one does not lead to a straightforward answer. Instead, it reveals a whole bunch of new questions.
Aarti's adjustment with the climate, the language, and the culture of the foreogn lands is described in great detail, as is the rise in her social stature during early adulthood. She struggles to come to terms with her husband as she attempts to make sense of his "urges" as well as his deep attraction to another lady.
Chapter by chapter, Rahul unravels a narrative of her double life—a respectable person married to a corporate. You often wonder how her family never finds out, considering how close-knit Indian families are. You also get a glimpse of the grimy underbelly of the underworld via the encounters of security officers.
Priya is portrayed as the typical modern girl initially, until the murder happens. It is then that her character takes on grey shades and you do not know what to believe anymore. Until the end, which certainly feels like a cliff-hanger, you don't know what's happening.
Rahul also describes the sorrowful life history of Aarti, who has a hard time at the end. Flitting from relationship to relationship, until the relationship with crack is what becomes permanent, she dies like a tramp and just barely manages to hold onto her office chair despite being a talented and resourceful manager. It is through her eyes that the latter half of the narrative plays out with its myriad twists and turns.
I will rate it as 4.8*/5* and strongly recommend for a thoughtful read.
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