Do you prefer character-driven stories or slow, atmospheric plots? Why?
I’m drawn more to slow, atmospheric plots—they feel immersive, almost like stepping into a mood rather than just following a story. I love when the setting, silence, and subtle details build tension and emotion gradually, letting everything sink in. It’s less about what happens and more about how it feels, and that lingering vibe stays with me long after I’ve finished reading.
Name of Book: Dollar Bahu
Author: Sudha Murty
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 11 Dec 2007
No. of Pages: 150
Format: Paperback
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
A story of how money corrupts the way people look at one another and how it can almost tear a family apart Vinuta marries Girish, a bank clerk, and starts living with his family in Bangalore. She adjusts to her new family well, looking after her husband, father-in-law and mother-in-law Gouramma, not taking to heart her mother-in-law's constant picking. But when Girish's elder brother Chandru, who is in the US, decides to get married, Vinuta has to listen to the constant comparisons made between her and Chandru's wife, the 'Dollar Bahu', whose husband earns the valuable dollars that has brought the family its recent affluence. Vinuta slowly loses her peace of mind and health. Then Gouramma decides to visit her US-based son and daughter-in-law. Once there, she sees how liberating life can be, away from the strict norms that govern Indian middle-class life. But she also begins to understand that mere dollars cannot buy the love and respect that she gets as her due back in India. Does Gouramma forge a new relationship with Vinuta and can Vinuta forgive and forget the past?
My Opinion
Dollar Bahu by Sudha Murty explores how money reshapes relationships and societal perceptions. The story is strongly character-driven, offering insight into how people are judged based on wealth. While the premise is compelling and relatable, the writing style feels somewhat immature. Certain incidents appear abrupt and lack depth. The latter part introduces too many unnecessary characters, making it cluttered. Additionally, the climax and ending are quite predictable, which slightly reduces the overall impact of an otherwise meaningful story.
Name of Book: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
Author: Sudha Murty
Publisher: Alohi
Publication Date: 1 Jan 2024
No. of Pages: 198
Format: Paperback
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Sudha Murthy's 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' is an inspiring and heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of education and the unbreakable bond between a grandmother and her grandchild. This captivating book narrates the true story of the author's remarkable journey to teach her illiterate grandmother, Krishtakka, to read and write at the age of sixty. With unwavering determination and boundless love, Sudha Murthy embarks on a mission to open the doors of knowledge for her beloved grandmother, defying societal norms and challenging traditional beliefs.
My Opinion
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read by Sudha Murty is an inspiring and heartwarming collection, especially for young readers. It beautifully highlights values like love, compassion, and the importance of learning at any age. The stories are simple yet meaningful, making them easy to connect with. Murty’s straightforward writing style makes this book an ideal choice for beginners. Each story carries a gentle message about kindness, relationships, and personal growth, leaving readers with a sense of warmth and motivation.
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