Book that was recommended by a friend, who was reading The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida A Booker Prize winner book by the author. The author of Chinaman too!
The moment I heard about the title! The Australian bowler Brad Hogg came to my mind a bowler who is known as the chinaman bowler.
The book was indeed the concept of the spin Balling and Bowler but in contemporary fiction writing.
Chinaman is a story about a retired sportsman W.G Karunsena who is dying.
He spends his final months drinking arrack. ( A traditional alcohol from Sri Lanka) upsetting his wife, ignoring his son & tracking down Pradeep Matthew an elusive spin bowler whom he considers the greatest Cricketer in the world.
On his Quest to find this unsung genius, W.G. uncovers a coach with six fingers, a secret bunker below a famous stadium, an LTTE warlord and startling truths about Sri Lanka, Cricket and himself.
The Book is one of the best books on Cricket and Sri Lanka I have come across and read.
Explaining, the whole concept of the game. The rules and the type of delivery bowled by a spinner.
The writer also believes what a perfect team should look like by giving his breakdown.
A perfect team should be:
Two solid openers
Three Aggressive batsman
Two genuine all-rounders
One Agile Wicketkeeper
Two unplayable fast bowlers
One Genius Spinner
The book is thought-provoking for a fan, reader and as a player from the sport. On the value and respect the sport offers.
“But, once in a while, the very best of them will bowl a ball and bring an entire nation to its feet. There isn’t any practical use in that, but there is certainly value “
The book also touches upon The Superstitions in cricket , the Betting & fixing.
The way he describes a single over is like a team going to war.
“An over is six bullets in a gun! I don’t mind firing some into the sky if one hits the target”
The struggles to keep dreams and hope alive for the sport We play because we have talent & passion.
But, talent will leave the game if you earn no money
With the pressure, outsiders have to deal with to prove themselves , Tamils have to be twice as good as Sinhalese to be recognised
A few true incidents in the sport are highlighted too one of them being the use of
Aluminium Bat by Dennis Lillee an Australian cricketer in 1978 Ashes used an aluminium bat.
On racism
On changing rules:
Whites have been writing the rules for centuries. It’s time we added ours.
The writer also in the book compares cricket to other sports like Table tennis: You switch services every 5 points and race to 21.
Badminton: You fight for service. only service grants you points.
Tennis: Four units of 15 constitute a game.
Games accumulate into sets.
Some keywords of the game:
All arounder:
A genuine all-around should be able to make the team on either bowling and batting skill alone. A genuine one is as rare as a punctual Sri Lankan.
Maiden over: A over of six balls when there aren’t any runs scored.
Follow on: When the team can’t score the sufficient runs required for the other side to play.
Carrom Ball: The ball is released by flicking of finger between the thumb and a bent middle finger in order to impart spin.
Chinaman: Is considered to be a leg-spin delivery by a left-arm bowler
The Lissa Ball a type of delivery was invented by Clarrie Grimmet Aussie player in 1930. Snapped his fingers along the ball axis and made it skid off the pitch, keeping low and often connected with the wicket.
Floater: A Traditional chinaman, but bowled with an open chest and shrug of the shoulder causing the ball to linger in the air
Double Bounce Ball: The Mystery of Mystery Balls. A ball that bounces and changes direction twice.
It’s always exciting to start with a new hobby! The moment you begin something, You are hungry to know everything about it. The Rules, The loopholes, the prize, the strength, the weakness, the opportunity that lies and the threats you face in continuing your hobby.
And then there comes a point, in persuading your hobby, where you don’t enjoy it anymore and you start thinking about how time flew by all these years.
Reading was an accidental hobby, I came across right when I turned 18.
It was only after reading a couple of books, that I realised what I enjoy reading and explored more on those genres and topics.
When I was looking to read more newer topics and stories, I came across the prestigious award that have been recognising talent.
While reading about all the books, that had been awarded or had been nominated.
I picked up a book. I genuinely loved the way it was written and narrated.
After that moment, I waited every year for the announcement to read more of these nominated and award-winning books. This I did for about a couple of years, and then moved to some of the other prominent awards and so on…
Then I realised, these book awards were representing a certain style of writing, and storytelling and were very depressive and emotional.
Also either, they wanted to reach a new audience or wanted to market a newer country, when they awarded books to a writer belonging to that region or country.
These book awards were also biased towards authors from certain countries and not equal to the rest who had equally good writing talent.
The book awards, too were very inclined and favouring genres that represent political views, Race, Gender and a cultural movement, which they believe were more important than voicing one’s story.
Similarly same goes for Academy awards… That is considered a landmark of success!
They too seem to have similar criteria, since these awards are reviewed and judged by selective jury members, who believe are the only voice that matters in making decisions.
There have been films and books that have been better than the ones that have been nominated or awarded but are given little importance too.
It was a couple of years ago when I decided to move past these book awards and read books for the stories, they want to tell and to my surprise, there are so many stories in each country in the world, that are worth reading and investing your time into, than to read books that have either been awarded or read by certain nationalities.
Now, looking to read my next book, I either visit the local bookstore in the cities or go through the most-read books in the country and read the synopsis and see what I would like to read next.
The moment had arrived when we were not just thinking about Japan!
But, had actioned our vacation in 2018!
The flights were getting booked! The hotel, Train Tickets and Visa process had begun.
The countdown was inching closer!
Japan was happening!
The first stop of our Journey was Singapore! We travelled by Singapore Airlines which gave us the option of exploring Singapore City while we had a layover at Changi Airport.
The flight landed at Haneda Airport. We Did not choose Narita. As Haneda was closer to the city!
Tokyo! Huge! One of the largest cities in the world! With millions of people staying in MatchBox homes.
We passed by the Tokyo Tower! And soon reached our hotel! The Prince Tower Hotel Tokyo! A centrally located hotel for major tourist attractions and landmarks neighbourhood.
The first night we explored our surroundings the Roppongi a buzzing neighbourhood with nightlife and walked through the Meguro River a prominent river of Tokyo!
Oh! We witnessed the city landscape from the rooftop bar at the hotel before we called it a night.
Next, we explored the city’s sightseeing landmarks Meiji Jingu, Imperial Palace and Senso Ji temples and the Tsukiji market the largest fish market in the world.
They also have a tuna auction daily at 5:30 am. Since it’s limited seating you need to be there as early as 3 am to get in.
We explored the Akasaku neighbourhood which is traditional cultural side of Tokyo.
The neighbourhood had a very interesting hostel Bed & Books Tokyo! That was a cute little place filled with books and bunk beds!
On another day we visited Harjaku & Shinjuku which was filled with restaurants and shopping stores! While going Banana in Tokyo! I visited a Pokemon Store! Had relived those childhood moments. And little did I know I had entered the Animated neighbourhood of Tokyo Akihabara
While exploring ourselves and the city we were sometimes naturally lost! When the locals not just helped us but held us through to our final destination. Ginza! Felt like the futuristic side of Japan with Nissan cars armed with robotic gizmos and Ginza is also known as the Haute couture neighbourhood of Tokyo.
Omestando another neighbourhood about the luxuries of Japan with Architectural buildings and interiors you wouldn’t get enough of.
One of the stores worth visiting is Nicole Bergman’s Floral store in the neighbourhood.
The other side of Tokyo that we witnessed was the industrial side where all hospitality-related goods were available and to spot that there is a life-size chef Cap that you need to watch out for. And so we crossed over to Shibuya the busiest crossing neighbourhood in Tokyo whose sight can be enjoyed from a Starbucks across from the crossing and Hachi statue a dog that waited for his owner to return at the same spot over the years until the Hachi had passed away.
Before we left Tokyo we enjoyed the glimpses of Central Tokyo Station while it started to pour and we got ready for the next few journeys across the country.
The long-awaited Bullet Train shin-shaken to Kyoto had sped away.
Kyoto felt like a mystical small town in Japan that preserved the Japan of the past with temples like the Golden Temple that was surrounded by trees. The day trip to Nara Deer Park was unbelievable getting clicked and witnessing so many Deers under one roof.
The evening we enjoyed at another temple that was surrounded by trees.
Kobe! A destination that’s not on tourist Radar while visiting Japan!
But, the city had one of the oldest traditional cafe Nishimura that’s popular for its setting and Coffee Jelly a dessert that’s made of coffee and is also known for Wayu Steak! A popular beef-style steak from Japan.
Osaka! AKA The Food Capital of Japan!!
We got a taste of the Okonomiyaki traditional Japanese pancakes that are cooked live on your tables.
Amerika- Mura a neighbourhood in Japan that’s very youthful and inspired by American
Dotobori is the Shinjuku neighbourhood of Osaka that has a landmark icon of a runner.
Shinabasi an entertainment hub of Osaka that that would remind you of Times Square.
Tseutanku Tower which is sponsored by Hitachi is a sight that can be enjoyed from a rooftop space & Osaka Castle is the sightseeing to go for.
Also, Osaka the city that has a Japanese Liquor store based allow only one miniature of Yamazaki to be bought and carried by a tourist.
Important things:
Book your JR Pass at least two weeks before you travel.
To travel within Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka buy metro/Subway tickets from the station or airport.
Download the Google Translate app.
Eat in Japan:
Tokyo Banana
Ramen from Ippudo
Coffee Jelly Nishimura Kobe
Tiger Gyoza in Tokyo for Japanese Raw Food
Okonomiyaki in Osaka
Wagyu Beef in Kobe
Senbei Rice Crackers
Seaweed Potato Chips
Mochi
Matcha Tea
Cheese Tart from Secret Tokyo
Japanese Cheesecake.
Shashimi
Experience :
Tokyo Hands departmental store
Conveyor Belt Sushi
Nerman Bergman Store
Shibuya Crossing from Starbucks
Cheese Garden Store
Stay:
Prince Tower Hotel Tokyo
Westin Osaka.
Sightseeing:
Tokyo Tower & SkyTree
Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Osaka Castle
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Kobe Port Tower
Deer Park, Nara
Hachi Statue
Cafes:
Starbucks Reserve Tokyo
Here cafe in Kyoto
%Arabica Kyoto
Nishimura Kobe.
Hoshino Cafe Tokyo
Read:
Haruki Murakami -Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki
Sayaka Murata – The Convenience Store
Meiko Kawakami – All the lovers in the night
Hiro Kawakami – Strange Weather in Tokyo
Toshikazu Kawaguchi – Before the Coffee Gets Cold series.
Tamil in Tamil Nadu.Telugu in Andhra Pradesh. Kannada in Karnataka.Malayalam in Kerala. There are so many languages within a region in India. So you can imagine how many different stories and experiences one can read and learn about or learn from.
In the last six months and over the years since I started enjoying reading I have come across so many stories. sharing some of the ones that I liked reading.
Heat by Poomani
A story about a child committing an act of murder and how the family goes about this Act. A simple story written in a very intriguing way and this is the first time I read a book by a south Indian writer that has been translated From Tamil into English.
A book written nearly 40 years ago in Tamil and fairly recently translated in English.
Is a story that even more relevant today
Vekkai the Tamilian name of the book. That was Published in 1982, Heat is more than just a social document about caste dynamics. The book Is soon going to come into life in a movie by Dhanush.
2.Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag originally written in Kannada
A simple story about a joint family, where one person runs the household and all are dependent on him and how their attitude, lifestyle and things around them change after they have started doing well and are considered Rich!
3.Adventures of Feluda by Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray was one of the authors/ Filmmakers who I had always heard about but, it Did not strike me about how amazing his books were until I watched Ray’s series on the OTT platform that the stories were much ahead of our times and fortunately came across the adventures of Feluda Vol.1 short story that are mostly based in Kolkata and keep you interested right until the end.
4.Devdas by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay originally written in Bengali and then translated
A story that has been adapted a couple of times in the Indian cinema and after reading it felt like it was the Indian Romeo & Juliet story that has been the base for most of the love stories that have been made in the cinema.
Devdas was another story written by a Bengali writer and you sense it’s Bengal that has been one of the states from our country that has been recognised not only for the Art & culture that it has shared with us. But even sports.
5.Rising Heat by Perumal Murugan
A story about Rags to Riches from a point of view of individuals who’s attitude change with money.Is a story originally Written in Tamil In 1991, by Perumal Murugan his first novel, Eru Veyyil.
Nearly 30 years later, the book appeared in English for the first time, in translation by Janani Kannan.
The story also captures the change from Rural environment to urban environment and the people around the neighbourhood they have moved too. A story that captures everyday life in India and the characteristics of the South Indians.
6.Poonachi: Story of a Black Goat by Perumal Murugan.
“Once, in a village, there was a goat. No one knew where she was born. The birth of an ordinary life never leaves a trace, does it?”
Goats are problem-free, harmless and above all energetic. A story needs narrative pace. Therefore, I’ve chosen to write about goats.
A story of a black Goat. A Goat that’s handed over to an old man from a stranger who doesn’t have much time to live.
The story of a goat who was the 7th goat from the litter. And how the goat becomes their life, their happiness & their sadness.
The Goat has more human characteristics than the human beings itself and is compared to a child when it’s growing up.
The regime is only deaf when we speak about our problem.
This a book written by Perumal Murugan after a long hiatus since his previous work had become controversial and did not want to write about humans but rather wrote another story having human characteristics.
Though it’s just 170 pages book. It’s very rich in text and literature.
The book talks about the problem, issues and challenges we face while they go to get the Goat Ears Pierced.
They think before speaking as whenever we talk about the regime, Its ears are quite sharp. But when we talk about our problems they don’t hear.
The book is easy to read and speaks about the relationship and bond between the old woman and Poonachi and how we humans like to control every being.
7.Moustache by S.Hareesh
A recent trip to South India made explore south India literature and here I found moustache to be an interesting title & a story to read translated from Malayalam to English… this book was a little slow to read and tiring on a few occasion.
But, it reminded me of Kafka on the shore style of writing ( Magical realism) when they were chapters of the crocodile.
This book also seemed and reminded me of Ravan with the way the character of moustache has been written & developed.
The unusualness and the stories that are written by South Indian writer are rarely found across India. And since the South Indian writers mostly about the region they are familiar with . This makes it interesting to read.
The author S.Hareesh has also written thr screenplay for Jalikattu a film that came in the limelight for the story and the awards it won internationally.
Moustache is a must read if you want familiarise yourself with the stories from Southern Indian.
8.Jasmine Days by Benyamin The JCB award has been modelled on the Man Booker Prize a prestigious annual award for English language books published in the UK.
A story about immigrants… Benjaymin actually known as Benny Daniel
Started publishing his book under the pen Name Benjayim.
Benyamin started writing when he moved to Bahrain for a corporate job and a lot of his stories are based on the backdrop of Bahrain & the Middle East.
Jasmine Days is a well written book that transports you to being there in the city and living the story as the writer keeps narrating the story. Jasmine Days explores too many characters and describes a revolution as if it’s happening during those moments. The book is bold in so many explores Religion, Politics and Humanity that the writer had to write another book ‘Al Arabian Novel Factory’ that was translated by Shanaz Habib who translated the jasmine days too that is originally written In Malayalam and titled Mullappoo Niramulla Pakalukal
9. Bankster by Ravi Subramaniam: I remember reading the synopsis in an article and wanting to read the book. I was sceptical though since I wasn’t sure the book would try out so good! And a few months later I met Ravi Subramaniam at a literature fest and couldn’t wait for what other books were in store. If you would like to know about Banking and their work this is it! I would like to read God was gamer next by Ravi Subramaniam.
10.Chetan Bhagat 2020 Revolution: The picked up the book from the library and this was the second book after three mistakes I had read from Chetan Bhagat one thing that I like about Chetan Bhagat encourages the youth to read. Simple Stories, are written in easy to read language for first-time readers and the stories are interesting too. If you would like to start reading fiction. Start with a Chetan Bhagat.
11.Jhumpa Lahiri Lowland: The book written by Jhumpa Lahiri is a book the backdrop is West Bengal and this book portrays the distance between leaving home and still having some roots back home when one settles abroad and the relations with the family. The book is written by the same author whose popular book namesake was adapted by Mira Nair.
12. Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh: A book that I did not know I would enjoy reading. A science, A story with myths and in one of its kind a Medical thriller. Written by one of the most prolific writers from India. Post-Calculata chromosomes and otherwise known for writing historical fiction books. Calcutta chromosome is his first foray into science fiction a novel that offers an alternate history of the discovery of a parasite that causes malaria. This is an fast-paced suspense thriller
13.Durbar Tanvleen Singh : (1984 Riots)
A book that I read more than six years ago.. Has been one of the best books on political reporting and Riots that changed India in many since 1984 and what one went through and how politics was the key in the whole issue.
14.Saboteur by R.V Raman
A Writer who I am came across after searching for the thriller writers from India and his two best seller “Fraudster” and “Insider” then are widely spoken about. A writer who has worked with KPMG and most of his stories are around corporate working. But Saboteur was one of the book that interested me the most as it was about an E-Commerce scam thriller. And it’s worth a read if you like reading thriller.
Four Years ago… The First time we visited Kolkata for a Bengali wedding….In the heart of kolkata Park Street. We spent two days doing the most obvious kolkata things… Having the Kolkata Paan, Puchka and visiting the tourist attraction like Victoria museumbesides attending the Punjabi- Bengali wedding… we visited Flurys one of the oldest Cafes in Kolkata almost 100 years old today. To visiting a Chinese restaurant and having Indian Chinese since … Hakka Noodles we’re first discovered here in Kolkata. We also had the Rolls from Kusum .. Kolkata is popularly known for their Rolls! While we had meals! How could we miss out on the desserts… Misthi Doi from Balaram Mullick one of the oldest sweet shop now has multiple outlets across kolkata. To having the Nolen Gur Ice cream & Paan ice cream from Pabrai to enjoying an Bengali-French meal at 6th Ballygunge restaurant. Four years later… We tried most of these things again … But visited places that we had missed Peter Cat & Mocambo known for their Chelo Kebab & Crab meat In Mustard Sauce & Pork Nuggets Both of these places are owned by the same owners, have same interiors but both offer a different menu… Besides the regular meal break we took.. we visited the Roastery House Cafe in Hindustan Park… A cafe done in an old bungalow with mustard colour walls and simple interiors.. Any place we visited Kolkata without booking we had a waiting for about forty minutes… but, Wait! We did not just Eat & Sleep. We also attended grand Bengali ceremony Durga Puja! One day we toured across the city visiting Durga Puja Pandal, that were beautifully designed keeping a theme & idea behind and with such creativity and deadlines…From Library, to the lockdown life to Football & Bollywood were some of the pandal we visited. You keep wondering why isn’t Kolkata visited by Tourist or why don’t people from other states come here!! And why don’t travel magazines promote Kolkata as a destination… why just Rajasthan, Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore? The visit couldn’t be more kolkata, when we met the Superstar of Bengali Cinema Parambrata Chatterjee who is a very popular face in Bengali Cinema and someone who acted in a Bollywood movie Kahaani! The film made me first want to visit Kolkata….
So Yes! I believe I have been lucky to have seen Kolkata like a local both times!!
A K H I L N A N D A 