It has been a long time since I have posted something on a book that I have read. Well, the last time I did something like that was in October and the book was Tolkien's eternal favourite The Lord of the Rings. So here I am with a review or rather an observation (many observations) about a recent book I happened to read and also enjoy.
I have always imagined as to how the world would be without women and those thoughts never found any strong base. The imaginations would fizzle off for I could not bring myself to imagine a world without women. But the writer Manjula Padmanabhan has done a brilliant work of creating a fictious world in her novel, Escape, where she describes a place where there are no women, save one. The story belongs to the realm of science-fiction and Padmanabhan has intricately woven her way through gadgets, technology and futuristic weapons.
The thought that was born in my imagination about a time when there will be no women was given shape by the writer. In fact, I found a kindred spirit in her thought of basing a story in a land of no women. The only girl in the novel is a young child (later girl) named Meiji who is carefully hidden by three brothers who are called Eldest, Middle and Youngest. The greatest fear of the brothers is that the General, who is like a ruler of the country, would find out about the existence of the girl. The entire story revolves around how the brothers take care of the only surviving girl child and safe-guard her from the General.
I have never read many woman authors who have ventured into science-fiction and hence the discovery of Padmanabhan came as a pleasant surprise. In fact, this is the first sci-fi I am reading that is written by a woman.
Well, the title of the post also mentioned 'Good music' and ever since I have laid my hands on this wonderful music by a Japanese new age instrumental group called S.E.N.S., which stands for Sound, Earth, Nature and Spirit, I return to them whenever I need to escape the reality of the everyday humdrum of life. The piece Be As You Were When We Met always makes me nostalgic for something I have never experienced. I yearn for something and some place to where I have never ever been except in my thoughts. So here is the video:
Well, I hope the good music transported you and Padmabhan's novel intrigued you. I also welcome you to share your favourite music that moves you to tears whenever you hear the same.
Image 1: Internet
Image 2: Internet
I have always imagined as to how the world would be without women and those thoughts never found any strong base. The imaginations would fizzle off for I could not bring myself to imagine a world without women. But the writer Manjula Padmanabhan has done a brilliant work of creating a fictious world in her novel, Escape, where she describes a place where there are no women, save one. The story belongs to the realm of science-fiction and Padmanabhan has intricately woven her way through gadgets, technology and futuristic weapons.
I have never read many woman authors who have ventured into science-fiction and hence the discovery of Padmanabhan came as a pleasant surprise. In fact, this is the first sci-fi I am reading that is written by a woman.
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| Manjula Padmanabhan |
Well, the title of the post also mentioned 'Good music' and ever since I have laid my hands on this wonderful music by a Japanese new age instrumental group called S.E.N.S., which stands for Sound, Earth, Nature and Spirit, I return to them whenever I need to escape the reality of the everyday humdrum of life. The piece Be As You Were When We Met always makes me nostalgic for something I have never experienced. I yearn for something and some place to where I have never ever been except in my thoughts. So here is the video:
The music is dedicated to all my readers who I cherish and savour.
Image 1: Internet
Image 2: Internet
I am not into science fiction but the music well that is just right up my alley. I love it...
ReplyDeleteBut I think you will enjoy this book, Sav. It's not like the usual sci-fi.
DeleteAs I was posting the music, I was thinking that you would definitely enjoy it.
Hope you are doing well and joyous.
The book sounds fascinating for anyone who likes science fiction. And, you are so right - there are so few women authors in that realm.
ReplyDeleteThe music is perfect! If I can play something in the morning as I'm sipping my coffee and trying to wake up, it's a definite winner!
Blessings to you!
Quite a simple read, Martha. You will complete the book in about two days or so.
DeleteAnd the music is wonderful.
I am not much of a reader, but this book sounds intriguing :) The music is beautiful, btw.
ReplyDeleteRead it, Mary. I am sure that the book will kindle your interest. Thanks for the appreciation of the music.
DeleteLoved the music, haven't managed to read science-fiction ever, give up mid-way :(
ReplyDeletehttp://sulekharawat.com/2012/04/03/creative-people/
Do read this one, it is unlikely that you will put it down - Very tender and smooth on the mind.
DeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteMy wife loves Lord Of The Rings & has watched the trilogy numerous times. I'm not so much into sci-fi, but LOVED this music! Thanks Susan.
Day 3: Cosmopolitan Flower
I knew that Andy would love this kind of music :)
DeleteThanks for introducing us to both.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome my dearest Janu.
DeleteThe music is soothing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for the great review about the book. I've added reading this book to my to-do list :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by Gayathri. As for the book, I was bowled over by the treatment of the subject by Padmanabhan. I don't much read women writers but this one somehow was forced on to me as I was quite idle and boy! I was just hooked. I completed the book in a day. You will also complete it in a day or three, perhaps.
DeleteHave a great day ahead, Gayathri :)
Super...I have placed an order for this book, hopefully, will be able to read it during the weekend. You have a great day too :-)
DeleteDid you get to read the book, Gayathri?
DeleteBeautiful Music and now I must train my brain into trying to enjoy scifi. Lovely post - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThis sci-fi is too tender to be seen with the other sci-fi fiction. Try it out!
ah well the good old days when i had so much time at hand to read books seems to have evaporated. havenot read a book for ages now , becoming a workalcoholic it seems ,,,
ReplyDeleteBut music is something that I love, it has to be on all the time.. thanks for the music
Bikram's
Ah, Bikram just prioritise. Maybe you can still squeeze some time here and there.
DeleteI have never read science fiction books Susan but have seen movies in this genre as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed them!!As I read this post I am reminded of some of these... Men in Black, Mars attacks, ET, Koi mil gaya and so many more! they bring back such nice memories. Me and my younger brother used to be so well behaved (with each other LOL!)and finished our homework at almost the speed of a bullet train to be allowed to watch them on TV (on the day they were to be showcased :P)
ReplyDeleteIn fact I find the theme for the book you have reviewed very interesting. Would sure want to read it.
And for the music - mwaah!THANK YOU! for sharing! It is absolutely melodious and beautiful. Like most of us, I LOVE music...it is a trusted companion through all shades of emotions and seasons.A wonderful gift that we humans could create and joyously share. There are a number of artists I love to listen to and am sharing one particular track by a South Korean artist named Yiruma, here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-4wUfZD6oc&feature=related)
My kiddo cousin( she is a die-hard twilight fan (me too , though just a fan!) *sheepish grin* had sent this as a part of the soundtrack of the movie). It was not used in the movie however.
I listen to it whenever I am in a pensive mood, or missing home...it really soothes me and makes me smile...Hope you like and enjoy it too :)
P.S. And now am a die-hard Yiruma fan :D
Loads of love to you and sweet wishes for a beautiful week ahead
Take care.
Thanks Ruchi for a long comment. I think back to the days when every post would receive a passionate long comment from you. You made me smile. There is something about the music from places like Japan, Korea, China. I heard the song you mentioned and I must admit that the music made me cry. It was wonderful. thanks for introducing another piece of lovely music from the East, Ruchi.
DeleteAwwww! Thank you my dear Susan :)
DeleteI will try the book. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletePlease do and come back to tell me what you think.
Deletewhat an imagination! I can't imagine what she can make of a one of its kind specimen and to write a book about it requires a really good imagination which I am deprived of.
ReplyDeleteMyriam, I hope you get to read that book.
DeleteA suggestion of a book on sci-fi
ReplyDeleteA music that would want to make you cry
Now I know pretty much why
in the long list of my
favourite blogs,yours is high.
The smiles don't stop
Deletewhen reading comments as yours
Be sure to come by
So that I can read more verse comments by and by.
(A horrible attempt)*
Enjoyed the music.
ReplyDeleteI suppose women authors, especially in sci-fiction are very few in India.
Quite an apt observation. I usually don't read books by Indian women writers but have now started.
DeleteI wonder what this world could be without women. Without the feminine touch, there would surely be something missing from it, something terribly missing.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, it would be a terrible place, indeed. No wonder all the men in the novel are homosexuals!!!
Delete