It feels surreal to realize that I am blogging after nearly a month. I was diligently reading a book that simultaneously enticed and instigated me. Enticed with the sheer brilliance of perception, consummate writing, and coherent thoughts. Instigated due to the veiled attempt of seemingly deliberate political propagandizing. Am I using words that are hard to get your tongue around? Well, can’t blame me as I was sitting, eating, and sleeping (metaphorically) with the maestro of majestic words Shashi Tharoor and his Pride, Prejudice, and Punditry. I was reading it word by word, biting each part into pieces, talking to myself as if I am debating with his ideologies, sometimes concurring and sometimes disagreeing with his tenets.
The brilliant wordsmith:
As with any of his books and social media handles, the book is also a pandora’s box when it comes to literary panache. But contrary to my expectations, he did not wave his Sesqipedalian flag in the book. The words were used in the right meter, where it is inevitable. The language is crisp and sharp, woven into a tightly knit package. The book is systematically categorized into several parts that if you want to skip a part, for instance, I would have preferred to skip the politics, you could do so without missing out on what you want to devour.
The idol minus politics
The next statement that I am about to make would be surprising for those who know me but I could see a glimpse of Late Abdul Kalam in his writing. The man is an ocean of knowledge, extremely talented, and kind. I was in school when I started adoring the fair man, who raised the pride of Indians by contesting for the UN Secretary-General position, the tech-savvy politician who brought the tweet culture to Indians. That said, I have always been on the other side when it comes to political ideologies. So what is my politics? My politics is working for the betterment of the nation without being bound by the party rules or whatsoever as I believe that NO political party in India is selflessly working for the citizens. Hence his predisposition towards a party and attempt to cite examples to prove that one is better than the other was tough to digest for me. But yes! I must agree that the examples that he cited and the explanations he put through are extremely convincing and hence once again gained brownie points for the same. This reflects the qualities of A.P.J Abdul Kalam and reminded me of his books, minus the political propaganda.
Hinduism defined by authenticity
If you have been following me for a while you might have noticed my unhindered and explicit hatred towards the despicably misconstrued ideology of Hinduism. It is a welcome fact that the author has delved deep into the crux of the matter and defines religion which according to me is a way of life and not something that should be pulled down to the level of religious fanaticism that we see around. The author tells in no uncertain terms about his disappointment in how religion and its dogma are imposed on the masses without any explanations and how the ‘believers’ follow them without any real knowledge.
I am not into politics so I will have to convince myself to pick up this book. But going my your review about the vocabulary used, I think I will give it a try. I can understand your feelings when you read about the women from Kerala. 🙂
I know he has a fantastic vocabulary, but I haven't read any of his books. Your review makes me buy this book, so I can get an introduction to his writing. Women in Kerala are truly spirited in all ways.
Sounds like a remarkable book and your review tickles my curiosity.Thank you for sharing the review of Pride Prejudice and Panditry.
Coming from Shashi Tharoor, I am sure this would be a literary finesse. your review is inciting enough to pick the book.
Loved your review Rakhi. it shows your passion and determination regarding reading and reviewing. I can understand your pride feeling when he has mentioned about kerala women who read. indeed, Kerela is number one state of India when it comes to literacy rate for women. the plot of book sounds great. thanks for sharing all insight.
I have not read any of Shashi Tharoor work but your review is compelling me to read especially when the comparison is drawn to APJ Sir.
I enjoyed your review; it clearly demonstrates your enthusiasm for reading and reviewing. Thank you for providing all of this information. I've never read anything by Shashi Tharoor. Plat seems to be interesting.
I am not a big fan of non-fiction neither I have read any of Shashi Tharoor's work. But I loved the way you have reviewed this book, shows how passionate you are when it comes to reading and reviewing.
I consider you as one of the best reviewers I know in my life. So I will not say much .. it's a brilliant review and showcased how good the book is. You are growing so beautifully as a reviewer
The book seems to be contemporary and verbose. The book is bound to be so, considering who the author is. I have not read any of his book, only his tweets.
Indeed a great review. I have never read any of his books. But this one sounds really interesting. I think I will start with this one. Loved the review. Thanks for recommending this one.
The genre doesn't interest me. But him as an author definitely does cause of his word play. Will definitely check this out sooner
Interesting story despite not liking the type of genre in the first place. I think its the way you write your review that makes the difference and makes it more interesting. Kudos!
Sounds like an interesting book. I love how beautifully you have reviewed this book. I will definitely check out.
Wow this book seems to be an interesting read for me. I like such non-fiction books that gives one a food for thought plus written by Shashi Tharoor will surely be a language extravaganza.
We all know that Shahi Tharoo is famous for his wits and words and when that's put in a book, it's going to be an interesting read for sure. Loved the review will pick up this book soon.
Iwasabout to pick this book on my last visit to the bookstore but somehow I couldn't thinking his vocabulary will go above my head but reading your review I think I will definitely pick my copy.
Indeed a great review. I have never read any of his books. But this one sounds really interesting. Thanks for recommending this one.