The Blue Umbrella (Book Review)

The Blue Umbrella is a simple, pleasing children's story that conveys the beauty and innocence of childhood in a charming and compelling way.

 

The Blue Umbrella

 

Ruskin Bond's novel The Blue Umbrella is a fictional short story. This is the second book in a row that I have read by Ruskin. Why did I read it? After all, it is a children's book. Well, there are occasions when reading stories is as beneficial as meditating. I wish I could have read the book to my little Aaruni, but life is rough.

 

 

Anyway, let's get back to the book review.

 

 

Story - The Blue Umbrella

The plot revolves around Biniya, who lives in a tiny village in the Himalayan foothills with her brother Vijay and mother. Despite their financial constraints, Biniya's family had enough land to grow the food they needed to go through the year.

In addition to attending school, Biniya is also responsible for grazing cows in the local woodlands in the hills. On one such day, she stumbled across a bunch of visitors vacationing in the hills. Biniya, wearing her lucky charm (Leopard nail pendant), watched well-off visitors sing and have a good time from a distance. 

 

 

But why did Biniya get stuck there? A beautiful blue silk umbrella of a tourist charmed Biniya. Fascinated, Biniya soon traded her lucky charm for the umbrella. 

The most valued item of Biniya became a source of desire and jealousy for the whole town. Ram Bharosa, the owner of the local tea shop where Biniya and Vijay go for toffees or sweets when they have extra cash, is so fascinated by her valued gift that he will go to any length to obtain it.

 

 

The tale soon turned ugly when Ram Bharosa devised a wicked plan to get the umbrella. I wish to tell more but then you may lose interest in reading so leaving it here )).

The characters were simple, and the story was perfectly created, displaying an excellent level of wordsmithing skill. The story was crafted meticulously, speaking highly of Ruskin Bond's ability to charm us. 

Verdict

 

What and how the tale unfolds makes it a must-read for your kids. The storyline is easy, and the characters are innocent. Ruskin does his best to play with the characters and describe the beauty of Dehra. Moreover, the book subtly teaches children about the consequences of jealousy and the value of simplicity. So, what's holding you back?

 

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

The Room on the Roof (Book Review)

A great tale of salvation centered on a young orphan named Rusty. How he experienced self-reliance for the first time and lived life to the fullest while skillfully handling its complexities with a smile.

The Room on the Roof

I'm not a lover of fiction books, but Ruskin Bond is my first love. Hardy Boys and Ruskin were the first novels that inspired me to move away from comic books. As a teenager, I couldn't grasp some of Ruskin's novels (ideas or stories). 

Perhaps it was my lack of experience or inability to comprehend life's circumstances (as an 18-19-year youngster) that Ruskin so brilliantly depicts. However, the honesty or purity of the Master Wordsmith's tales, woven so simply yet artfully, has always struck a chord with me. Despite not completely comprehending his narrative, I was captivated by his works and, years later, discovered one of his books, "The Room on the Roof."

We know the writer's narration style works well for readers. Some start with a boom, while others open softly and discreetly to enchant their audience. Ruskin Bond is no exception. He can keep the momentum going, as you can see by reading him. Ruskin, in my opinion, is a master artisan of two things: narration and fighting boredom (since he can retain and describe every minute detail while bored).

Thus begins the trip (a pictorial representation of the stages of life)

Here I am writing my review for" The Room on the Roof".

Summary:)

Meet rusty, a 17-year-old orphaned boy (Anglo-Indian), who is on the cusp of adulthood. His journey is a relatable one, a quest to break free from the beautiful yet artificial environment provided by his English guardian, Mr. Harrison, in Dehra Dun, and escape the clamour and bustle of Indians. His rebellious spirit, the will to fight and strive for himself, is a mirror to the teenager in all of us. From being drawn to the vibrant world where he met people and made friends, to experiencing the pangs of first love, especially with a married woman, and then the heartbreak of losing her, Rusty's emotions are ones we've all felt.

This is a wonderful novel, especially considering that Ruskin wrote it when he was 17. Despite my admiration for Ruskin, Sir, this story needs improvement in several areas.

My View 

While the plot of 'The Room on the Roof' may seem a bit shallow and some aspects of the narrative may not align with reality, it's important to remember that this is a work of fiction. The characters, though intriguing, could have been more developed, leaving the reader wanting more. However, these flaws do not overshadow the book's unique charm.

However, what stands out in this novel is Ruskin's remarkable ability to capture life's nuances and translate them onto paper. His words are not just a story, but a window into a thinker's mind. Despite his young age, Ruskin's mental process was remarkably advanced, and this story, flawed as it may be, will still manage to captivate you. 

You may write back at garv560@gmail.com

Miracle of Love - Ram Dass (Book Review)

Have you ever lived with God? Do you ever desire a sense of one with Krishna or Ram ji while seeing the leilas that unfold in front of you?

Miracle Of Love - Ram Dass

The book is the work of Ram Dass, an American spiritual teacher and writer. He was one of many Western learners who sought the grace of an Indian monk with infinite abilities (or so we believe). This book takes you on a memorable journey with an outstanding man known affectionately as " Mahaguru or Maharaj Ji". The author has taken the pain/pleasure of collating accounts (real experiences) that many followers of Neem Karoli Baba recounted after his "Mahasamadhi" with his "Gurubhai"

While reading the stories based on actual experiences witnessed by followers, you may sense an enormous spirit that wandered throughout time and lived among us. 

The Book

Technically, this book is a collection of leilas performed by Maharaj Ji and their implications for his followers. The encounters were not always pleasant; some devotees had to deal with realistic results since nothing can alter Karma (according to MaharajJi). However, one thing is sure: Maharaj Ji loved everyone, regardless of their earthly imperfections, and saw God in everyone. He urges his followers to rise and grasp cosmic happenings, disseminate love and harmony, and, most importantly, feed the impoverished.

He never interfered with nature, even though he changed the course of events on several occasions, but this is the inconsistency I experienced about him. He was pure, compassionate, kind, happy, and clever, with supernatural abilities, yet he never wanted his followers to consider him as a God, only as a mere human being.

My Experience

As you can read the author's true accounts, I am writing this review based on my personal experience.

I will discuss something from my life book about Neem Karoli Baba. To begin with, I knew nothing about Baba Ji until a few years ago. It wasn't until I moved to my current city, Faridabad, that I saw strange flashes of an older man looking at me.

Initially, I was unconcerned, but as these flashes continued over the day and night (and in my dreams), I became alarmed. All I could see was a tall, old bald man with a light beard and a white (occasionally coloured) blanket staring at me. I was in the hospital once and sensed his presence among the crowd, which astonished and worried me. That day, I attempted unsuccessfully to find him among the hospital's patients, but no one matched the portrayal I had in mind.

For a few days, I felt odd but felt better when I saw an exact picture on television while my mother was watching a devotional channel. The picture was of Neemkaroli Baba. That day, the flashes ceased, and I felt a connection to him. I'm unsure if old Karma or something else pulled me to him, but I now regard him as a fantastic mentor who helps me when I need him.

I hope Maharaj Ji's blessings remain with all his followers and the tribe receives his protection whenever necessary. May Maharaji continue to lead us on the correct road. Jai Bajrang Bali.

Photo and Video Courtesy: Google

Movie Review: Danger Close - The Battle of Long Tan

 

Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

After a long time, Saturday night was reserved for movie. "The Battle of Long Tan" was an Australian war film that was on the table. I admit that I have stopped watching war films since the most of them appear to be propaganda with little content and historical authenticity. This is when the film really shines out.

The shocking aspect is the Australian government's appreciation of troops' gallantry after 42 years long years. Yup, you read it right, red tape exists everywhere. Anyways lets get back to movie.

So, how does this sound? This film makes a real attempt to depict the battle scene without gimmicks or false bravado. The Australian soldiers were outnumbered, inexperienced, and with an average age of 20 years facing their worst nightmare - The Vietnamese Army.

This historical war picture will have you on the edge of your seat as we discuss its film summary, historical accuracy, similarities to other war films, and, of course, the all-important overall rating and recommendation. So grab some popcorn and let's get started! 

Film Synopsis and Background

Set during the Vietnam War, "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" is a gripping tour through one of the most ferocious fights in Australian military history.

Starting at base camp Nui Dat, Major Smith (Fimmel), an ex-Special Forces soldier, is fed up with babysitting green conscripts, the most of whom are under the age of 21.

Soon, the story took a critical turn when Smith quickly divided the force into roaming platoons. As one advanced party was nearly overrun by the enemy, Smith, who was heading the second party along with the third section of the 11th platoon, was forced to dash to save the surviving advanced party men. Racing against time and well-entrenched Viet Cong fighters, the true spirit of combat emerges. As bullets fly and explosions rock the screen, we see the troops' genuine grit and tenacity as they battle for their lives and one another.

The film captures the harsh realities of war with stunning visual effects and attention to historical accuracy. The audience is transported back in time to the humid jungles of Vietnam. The cinematography beautifully depicts the tension and chaos of the battlefield, immersing viewers in the heart-pounding experience of combat. 

The film pays tribute to the sacrifices and heroism of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of Australian military history.

Historical Accuracy and Context

The film is meticulously researched and expertly crafted to transport viewers back to the intense and harrowing Vietnam War era. From the authentic costumes to the realistic battle sequences, every detail feels genuine and true to history. You'll feel like you're right there in the muddy trenches!

The honesty with which the film was made allow viewers to to truly immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a more personal level.

Comparisons to Other War Films

Now, let's talk about how "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" stacks up against other war films. 

When delving deeper into the realm of war films, it's fascinating to draw parallels between "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" and iconic movies like "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down." While each film has its own unique narrative and style, they all share a common thread of showcasing the harrowing realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

I am happy to include this film on the legendary list of films because of its basic storytelling style and realistic representation of military tactics. This keeps the viewers engaged until the final frame.

My Take

The emotional depth of the characters and the exploration of themes such as solidarity, leadership, and resilience elevate "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" beyond a mere action flick. It serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and camaraderie that can emerge in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.

So, what's the final verdict on "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan"? Drumroll, please! With its powerful storytelling, jaw-dropping action sequences, and balanced mix of drama and humor, this film earns a solid 9 out of 10. It's a must-watch for any war film enthusiast or anyone looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.

You may write back at garv560@gmail.com