A Mind Needs Books

Interaction with Salil Desai on 30th March '15 - reported by Shama Vijayan

The greatest sensation of achievement is in being the “first” in accomplishing an extraordinary feat. Salil Desai, Pune based author of crime novels in the English language, has achieved this incredible distinction in being the “first” Indian author who has succeeded in putting Pune on the “Crime Fiction Map.” 

So what is Salil Desai’s secret formula?  The participants at the Book Club discussion were highly intrigued and curious to know.  Their enthusiasm grew when Salil Desai appeared in person and there was  a barrage of questions that he had to face.  To a query on why he chose to write crime novels, he replied, “Crime happens all the time and everywhere in the world.  I did extensive research by reading, studying and visiting the workings of the Pune Police.  I discovered the policeman’s method of investigation could be very gory, tedious and exhausting and stifle the “plot”.  I have tried to avoid such pitfalls in my writing and  focus more on the absurd and  blundering  police procedures.”  This, he feels, adds humour to the plot and makes it more readable.  

Desai’s approach to crime is based on observation of everyday crimes. He applies his mind, inspiration and imagination to gather insights into criminal minds.  There is plenty of suspense and red herrings thrown in  to stimulate and distract the minds of the readers so that the criminal remains undetected to the end.

Salil Desi read excerpts from “Cul-De-Sac,”  one of his short stories in “ Lost Libido.” Deepak Morris and Chetan Shetty entertained everyone and amused the author  by narrating 2 of the stories in the collection, namely “Hunch On a Highway”  and “Who Strangled Sharma?”.

Desai’s latest release is the “Murder of Sonia Raikkonnen: an Inspector Saralkar Mystery.”

Reported by: Shama Vijayan

THE BOOK CLUB

will meet on

MONDAY 27th April 2015

at 6.15 pm

at the U S Library, Poona Club

to discuss

Room

by

Emma Donaghue

The story is from the perspective of a 5 year old boy

held captive in a small room along with his mother.

It is a truly memorable novel, one that can be read through myriad lenses:

psychological, sociological, political.

Mehvash Peerbhoy

 will lead the discussion.

Do come & bring other book lovers along.

Review of Atul Gawande's "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End"

Do read this review:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2015/jan/08/better-way-out/

And do come on Monday 2nd March for The Book Club meeting

The Book Club meeting postponed to Monday 2nd March 2015 at 6:15pm

Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Book Club meeting due on 23rd Feb 2015 is postponed to Monday 2nd March 2015 at 6:15pm..

Saaz Agarwal will lead the discussion on 02 March 2015 on

Atul Gawande's Being Mortal - Medicine and What Matters in the End.

Here's a review of this book from "The Guardian". Just click the url below:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/02/being-mortal-review-atul-gawande-death-palliative-care-alzheimers

Do make the change in your diaries. And do come..

Jeffrey Archer to visit Pune in March

Do check Sakal Times Plus 4 for the article. Do click the url below

http://epaper.sakaaltimes.com/c/4459870

Salman Rushdie's new novel "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights"

Author Salman Rushdie's new novel, a wonder tale about the way we live, will be launched in September, an official statement said.
Hamish Hamilton, an imprint of Penguin, has acquired the rights of the novel "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights".
"It is a rich and multi-faceted work that blends history, mythology, and a timeless love story to bring alive a world - our world - that has been plunged into an age of unreason," the statement said.