Ajitabh Pandey's Soul & Syntax

Exploring systems, souls, and stories – one post at a time

Category: Book Reviews

  • The Treasure of Kafur

    The Treasure of Kafur Book Cover The treasure of Kafur is the second published book of the author. However it was the first one written (as per the notes at the end of the book). This is an historical fiction book based on the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Malik Kafur looted treasures during his raids to the Southern India, while he was in the army of Alauddin Khilji. The plot in this book is based on the riches looted during Kafur’s raid and which was hidden somewhere.

    The story revolves around a young man Datta who along with his grandmother Ambu is aware of the location of Kafur’s hidden treasure. His grandmother was abducted by a warlord of the South who wanted to conquer the Mughal empire. Datta successfully made alliance with Akbar and together they fought the battle.

    The is a simple, yet gripping story. The language is very simple. The starting of the book was quite good. It slows down for couple of chapters after the initial one and then picks up the pace. There are no unnecessary details given anywhere, yet the reader does not feel (s)he is missing anything.

    I enjoyed this book and finished it late last night. Looking forward to the next book from the author.

    Disclaimer – I received a review copy from the author and my review is not biased by that fact.

  • Einstein’s Universe

    Einstein's Universe Book CoverAn excellent book written for ordinary people who want to understand about Einstein’s ideas on universe. Written in a very simple language and no mathematics. The author has successfully explained the complex concept of Special Theory of Relativity and General Theory of Relativity.

    However, the book only covers Einstein’s view on the Universe and as it is clearly known that Universe can be better explained together with Relativity and Quantum Theory, the universe can not be explained. Einstein never accepted the quantum theory and hence this book does not mention much about quantum theory.

    In close to four decades since this book was published first time (first published in 1979), a lot has transpired in the field of quantum theory including the very recent discovery at CERN of God particles (Bosons traveling faster than light) (experiments are still going on).

    Nevertheless this book is still worth a read for every Relativity fan.

  • As The Crow Flies

    As The Crow Flies Book CoverCharlie Trumper, a young boy from East End of London, inherits his grandfather’s barrow and then there is no stopping for him. He ended up setting a retail empire and served as a second Chairman and Life President of the Trumper empire. The story takes the reader through Charlie’s childhood memories, the two world wars and the emergence of vibrant and colorful 60’s and 70’s. All this and the enmity with the Trentham family almost caused Charlie his empire.

    I enjoyed this book thoroughly and lived the entire 75 years with Charlie, such is the writing of Jeffrey Archer. This book also gave a glimpse of life in britain during this 75 year period starting from 1900, especially the increasing prices. This will be quite evident when the reader reads what Charlie and his grandfather used to shout while selling fruits and vegetables and what Charlie was shouting at the age of 75. What? Shouting to sell fruits and vegetables …… and Lord Sir Charlie Trumper of Whitechappel ……… Read on this book dear reader to find out this and a lot of other suspense revealing themselves.

  • Last Man Standing

    Last Man Standing Book CoverWeb London is the only survivor of the Charlie group of FBIs Hostage Rescue Team which was all wiped out in a drug raid. The story revolves around what happens in Web’s life after that incident. Determined to find the culprit, Web was struggling with personal psychological problems and also suspicions from his own FBI, he decided to take professional help from a psychiatrist. In the process lot of interesting events unfolded including Web’s previous visits to another psychiatrist and his undergoing hypnosis.

    The climax was somewhat unexpected and the actual culprit came as a surprise to me. However, I feel that it may have been presented in a better way to gain some interest from the user. Lots of different scenarios keep on switching very fast and often the traction from the main plot was lost sometime. Some of the characters perhaps were not necessary as I was not able to understand the role they played and significant number of pages were wasted on them.

  • Bankerupt

    Bankerupt Book CoverThis book the author has focused on gun crimes in the USA along with the usual banking theme. Two plots simultaneously runs and then they merge with each other towards the end. The author has also mentioned the problem of stashing black money in swiss banks by Indians and the role Indian investment bankers played in that.

    Overall a good read, but not the very best by the author.