26 July, 2020

The Crown - Ponni's Beloved Volume 4: An English Translation by Sumeetha Manikandan - [Book Review]

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Read Book Reviews of Part 1Part 2, and Part 3

Book Details:


Title : The Crown - Ponni's Beloved Volume 4: An English Translation by Sumeetha Manikandan
Author: English Translation by Sumeetha Manikandan, Tamil original version by Kaliki Krishnamurthy
Genre : Historical Fiction
Print Length : 314 pages



Blurb:


Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Ponniyin Selvan is a masterpiece that has enthralled generations of Tamil readers. Many authors have written phenomenal books in Tamil literature after Kalki Krishnamurthy, but Ponniyin Selvan remains the most popular, widely-read novel. It has just the right mixture of all things that makes an epic – political intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, huge dollops of romance, infidelity, seduction, passion, alluring women, unrequited love, sacrifice, and pure love.

Purchase Link:


All Volumes : Amazon

My Review:

Part 4 of Ponni's beloved is fast-paced. More story is covered in this part and readers get to know the inner intentions of characters. Characterization is always a plus in all the parts of the story. 

I like that we get to see more of the deaf and mute woman and learn details about her past. It's good to read more about Crown Prince Aditya and the enchantress Nandini. The story has enough twists and interesting turns. I liked part 1 and Part 4 than other parts. I am eagerly waiting to read the next part and the climax. 

In a few places, I can find some typos. Editing might have taken care of those. 

My Rating: 4.5/5


About the Author:


Sumeetha Manikandan, a freelance content writer is an English literature graduate with a journalism and mass communication diploma. She lives in Chennai with her husband and daughter. After a decade long career in dotcom industry, she started working as a freelance writer from home. She wrote her debut novel, 'The Perfect Groom' as a script for a serial, which she converted into a novella for Indireads.




15 July, 2020

Gratitude List for Jun 2020 #GratitudeCircle

While I am writing this post, the USA hits 35 lakhs cases of COVID -19 with 60k cases per day. India is also racing with 7 lakhs cases in 4th place. 

Now, this is certain that it takes more time than expected for the pandemic to reduce its' impact. We all should be planning about staying home for some more time, wearing masks, washing our hands often, reducing grocery and outside trips until unless necessary. 

Instead of worrying about the Corona Virus or the economy and jobs, we can feel grateful for the roof on our heads and good health. I think we all need HOPE that things can get better. Let's hang on with Hope, everything will be fine soon.


My Gratitude List for June 2020:


Birthday :


It's my birthday month. I celebrate the birthday with cakes, and candles even after crossing 30 years, thanks to my family :-) But, that was a busy day with office calls in the middle of cake cutting (fun due to Working from home :p).

Birthday



Travel :


This month, again the COVID cases are on the rise, but June was the month where we saw some fewer cases. Fortunately, We could visit some beautiful places around which were less crowded.

One such drive is 'Skyline Drive' in Canon city. Check this video, By the way, I started my new Youtube channel to post travel videos. Do subscribe if you like.

Youtube Channel - Colorado Family Vacation






We also visited 'Lookout Mountain', another scenic drive near Denver.

Work:


I am grateful to have a job in these uncertain times. I am thankful as I could also learn and improve myself in technical skills.  

I changed the timings of office calls, carved out some time for Yoga in between calls, and also could cook healthy breakfast in between office work. So, I am adjusting to the new normal and using it to my benefit.

Health :


I am grateful to God for my health. June has been very good health-wise. I tried some different healthy recipes and slept nicely for more than 8.5 hrs a day. 

I could start Yoga again and make it regular in my routine life. I have to see how long I can continue my Yoga in the mornings.

I thought it's difficult to write a gratitude list during social distancing when there isn't not much to enjoy life outdoors, but shouldn't we be grateful for simple things in life like food, job, health, and availability of essentials?

Be thankful, Be Kind, and more than ever, have hope.

Pin it for later!

Gratitude List


Until next time,
 




Linking this post to #GratitudeCircle hosted by Vidya Sury.



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