The Last Queen

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 384

Date Started: 9 March 2023

Date Finished: 13 March 2023

"The Last Queen" was an unexpected addition to my reading list, and it certainly took me out of my comfort zone. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel weaves a captivating tale based on true-life events, offering readers a glimpse into the remarkable life of Jindan, who rose from humble beginnings to become the last reigning queen of India's Sikh Empire.

The narrative is undeniably engaging, and I found myself engrossed in the story throughout. Divakaruni's depiction of Jindan's transformation from the daughter of a royal kennel keeper to a powerful monarch is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Jindan's character is sharp-eyed, stubborn, and passionate, and her journey from obscurity to royalty is a testament to her inner strength. One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the powerful bond between Jindan and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which evolves into an exquisite love story. This emotional connection adds depth to the narrative and draws readers into the heart of their relationship. The narrative, however, is not without its quirks. At times, I felt that the story meandered, circling around the same incidents before suddenly taking unexpected twists and turns. This unpredictability can be likened to driving on a straight road and suddenly swerving to avoid a collision with a wrong-way driver. While it kept me on my toes, it occasionally left me craving a more balanced pacing. Despite this, "The Last Queen" remains a good read. It offers a unique glimpse into a lesser-known historical figure and a time of significant upheaval in India's history. Jindan's transition from a pampered wife to a warrior ruler, and her determination to protect her people and her son's birthright from the encroaching British Empire, is both inspiring and cautionary. In conclusion, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel is a valuable addition to historical fiction, shedding light on the life of a fearless woman from the nineteenth century whose story cries out to be told. It serves as a reminder of the indestructible bond between mother and child and offers a cautionary tale about loyalty and betrayal. "The Last Queen" may have its moments of circling, but it ultimately stands as a tale worth exploring, even for readers like me, who are not typically drawn to this genre.

Favorite lines from the book:

• But I can't stop thinking of all the Sikhs who died on that distant battlefield to satisfy a royal whim, their faces turned homeward as their eyes darkened.

• How quickly we learn habits of luxury.

• Adoration is a powerful intoxicant.

• When one has to leave behind almost everything, it hardly matters what one takes.

• Fame: it’s a drug more potent than opium.

The Housemaid

Author: Freida McFadden

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 5 out of 5

Pages: 336

Date Started: 6 March 2023

Date Finished: 8 March 2023

I stumbled upon this book in the coveted Best Mystery & Thriller list for 2022 on Goodreads, and the combination of an enticing cover and intriguing storyline proved irresistible.

I'm sparing with my 5-star ratings, but this book unequivocally earned one. In fact, it stands as the best mystery I've ever had the pleasure of reading, hands down. The narrative is a relentless, gripping mystery, and the concluding revelation left me with my jaw on the floor. McFadden's writing style is nothing short of impressive. The story's intricate build-up in Part I laid the foundation for the riveting developments in Parts II and III. Initially, I had no inkling of where the story was headed, and that uncertainty refused to let me put the book down. The central character, Millie, navigating life post-prison in the house of her adored boss, Andrew, and alongside his enigmatic wife, Nina, and their spoiled daughter, Cece, added layers of intrigue to the tale. The character development was masterful, yet the story remained fast-paced, ensuring the reader's engagement throughout. The ending exceeded all expectations and the twist was genuinely jaw-dropping. This book marries strong character-building with a thrilling, quick-paced narrative, making it an absolute must-read for enthusiasts of the mystery-thriller genre.

Favorite lines from the book:

• The number on the advertisement is more than acceptable. If I were a cartoon character, dollar signs would have appeared in each of my eyeballs when I read the advertisement.

• Don’t want to go back to jail. I don’t. I can’t. I’d rather kill myself.

• We are two adults, and we are completely in control of our own actions. This will be fine.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Pages: 360

Date Started: 1 March 2023

Date Finished: 5 March 2023

This book came highly recommended, and its allure was further fueled by the promise of an octopus in the story—a unique and intriguing premise. The narrative begins with Tova Sullivan, who, after her husband's death, finds solace in working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her coping mechanism for life's tragedies has been to stay busy, a trait she honed after her son Erik's mysterious disappearance over thirty years ago on a boat in Puget Sound. The introduction of the curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus at the aquarium, sets the stage for an unexpected and extraordinary friendship. Marcellus, a remarkable and intuitive character, proves to be the story's linchpin, using his unique perspective to uncover the truth about Erik's disappearance. The story had a strong start, with a gripping premise that immediately drew me in. However, as it progressed, I felt the narrative's grip loosening. The characters of Tova and Marcellus were exceptionally well-crafted and brought depth to the story. Unfortunately, the same depth wasn't consistently achieved with the other characters, and Cameron, in particular, came across as somewhat immature. While his behavior could be attributed to the trauma of growing up without a father and his mother leaving him at a young age, it did detract from the overall reading experience. In sum, this book is undoubtedly a good read, offering a unique and captivating premise. It falls a bit short of the high expectations set at the beginning, but it remains an enjoyable story overall.

Favorite lines from the book:

• I was brought here as a juvenile. I shall die here, in this tank. At the very most, one hundred and sixty days remain until my sentence is complete.

• That wasn't Will's norm, But then, nothing is normal when you lose a child.

• Conscience does make cowards of us all.

• Entering someone's home is always an intimate act.

• You don't recover. Not all the way. But you do move on. You have to.

• I would trust Tova with my life. I did trust her with my life, more than once. Just as I trusted her with my death.

• Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.