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Dangle
Stunning, svelte, smart Ipshita is a globetrotter. She treks across the world to gather bytes for the travel chats she designs and hosts for TV channels. Despite being a self assured and sophisticated entrepreneur, Ipshita is haunted by a nameless fear. Social interaction with men unleashes psychotic turmoil inside her, making her wary of male attentions. Yet, the cold and aloof Ips is inexorably drawn to the three men she meets at different points in her journey.
Her arousal to the overtures of these men catches her unawares. Well-built defenses break as her dormant sexuality go into overdrive until she discovers the horrifying truth about them…and herself.
Life puzzles. Secrets tumble out. Will she be able to reclaim her life or let it dangle.
Her arousal to the overtures of these men catches her unawares. Well-built defenses break as her dormant sexuality go into overdrive until she discovers the horrifying truth about them…and herself.
Life puzzles. Secrets tumble out. Will she be able to reclaim her life or let it dangle.
252 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Sutapa Basu
24 books32 followersSutapa Basu is an avid reader and a compulsive bookworm. She is an irrepressible storyteller to children and pens down tales with twists for the adult audience. Her poetry is an evocation of Nature resonating with mystical introspection. A professional career as teacher, editor, and publisher had seen her traipsing across the vast Indian subcontinent with short detours into nearby Nepal and Bhutan and not-so-nearby Dubai and the United States while working with a couple of renowned international publishing houses until she decided to strike out on her own. Today she dabbles in art, training trainers, authoring, and counsels educational and publishing entities.
Resident editor with Readomania.com, Sutapa is an Honours scholar from Tagore’s Visvabharti University, Santiniketan and holds a teaching as well as a masters degree in English Literature.
Resident editor with Readomania.com, Sutapa is an Honours scholar from Tagore’s Visvabharti University, Santiniketan and holds a teaching as well as a masters degree in English Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 30, 2016
The very title ‘Dangle’ is, in itself, a bit of a dangle. The talented Sutapa Basu knows exactly what she is doing when she writes a tale that leaves her readers dangling in curiosity, in bewilderment, in excitement and finally, in realization.
Ipshita , the intriguing and vulnerable heroine, hears voices. She is the confident news anchor, but as the story progresses, it is clear that she is a puppet in limbo. There are deft touches throughout that show her harbouring uncertainties, especially with the chance encounters in her life. But life doesn't happen by chance.
Ipshita slowly begins to come across as a scarred soul who carries much baggage. The first hint comes when she opens up her mind a bit and lets go of the first horrific experience back in the past. Little hints come through, as the can of worms is opened out. There are umpteen hints about Ipshita's mind not being at rest, all well expressed. "Something skittered across her mind..." "Whirlpools swirled". "Snakes in her mind" and the like. However, the whole horror is unleashed only much later, as, right through, the reader is allowed only tiny glimpses to whet her curiosity.
Amar Seth, Akash Nag and Steve D'Silva are all men Ipshita is attracted to, under different circumstances. Her parents are keen to get her married, but certain horrific experiences have coloured her own opinion. Marriage to her is akin to being handcuffed.
The one constant in her life is the adorable Aditya Rao. I love the way his character also develops through the story... from being practical and unromantic to keenly sensitive, a poet and Ipshita's Prince Charming. He is instrumental in making her exorcize her demons, as he knows everything that she has gone through. "I think you have finally decided to exorcise the demon that has been haunting you since you were a child." This provides a light at the end of the tunnel.
She decides to visit her sister and her brother in law, Vikram (Viki-da) in Manipur. Life in the Army has been described in loving detail, “a lifestyle of grace and dignity", with terms like Road opening patrol, Army QRTs, jonga, bashas and references to Leimakhong and the INA Museum at Moirang.
It is there that she senses the beauty and the danger in Manipur. "Ipshita was stunned. This means, in Manipur, people are being squeezed like toothpaste; everyone demanded their pieces of silver; for promises of a land flowing with milk and honey offered by both, insurgents and security forces. And all that they want is what ordinary people anywhere want: safety and freedom to make choices."
The author offers an explanation for the title at various levels… there are dangles in every situation that she describes, and as the novel progresses, the reader feels more and more comfortable with the term.
The language used in the book is fluid, the narration masterly, as Ipshita goes through highs and lows, meeting many interesting characters who influence her thinking. What is the secret that she has hidden away deep within her heart? Why does she shut her mind and refuse to allow light to enter? There are many questions that get answered in the course of the book. The twist at the end leaves the reader wondering,
“Were thoughts so strong that they took over your body and emotions?”
Readomania comes out with yet another winner, a book that will leave you in deep thought even after the last word has been read.
Ipshita , the intriguing and vulnerable heroine, hears voices. She is the confident news anchor, but as the story progresses, it is clear that she is a puppet in limbo. There are deft touches throughout that show her harbouring uncertainties, especially with the chance encounters in her life. But life doesn't happen by chance.
Ipshita slowly begins to come across as a scarred soul who carries much baggage. The first hint comes when she opens up her mind a bit and lets go of the first horrific experience back in the past. Little hints come through, as the can of worms is opened out. There are umpteen hints about Ipshita's mind not being at rest, all well expressed. "Something skittered across her mind..." "Whirlpools swirled". "Snakes in her mind" and the like. However, the whole horror is unleashed only much later, as, right through, the reader is allowed only tiny glimpses to whet her curiosity.
Amar Seth, Akash Nag and Steve D'Silva are all men Ipshita is attracted to, under different circumstances. Her parents are keen to get her married, but certain horrific experiences have coloured her own opinion. Marriage to her is akin to being handcuffed.
The one constant in her life is the adorable Aditya Rao. I love the way his character also develops through the story... from being practical and unromantic to keenly sensitive, a poet and Ipshita's Prince Charming. He is instrumental in making her exorcize her demons, as he knows everything that she has gone through. "I think you have finally decided to exorcise the demon that has been haunting you since you were a child." This provides a light at the end of the tunnel.
She decides to visit her sister and her brother in law, Vikram (Viki-da) in Manipur. Life in the Army has been described in loving detail, “a lifestyle of grace and dignity", with terms like Road opening patrol, Army QRTs, jonga, bashas and references to Leimakhong and the INA Museum at Moirang.
It is there that she senses the beauty and the danger in Manipur. "Ipshita was stunned. This means, in Manipur, people are being squeezed like toothpaste; everyone demanded their pieces of silver; for promises of a land flowing with milk and honey offered by both, insurgents and security forces. And all that they want is what ordinary people anywhere want: safety and freedom to make choices."
The author offers an explanation for the title at various levels… there are dangles in every situation that she describes, and as the novel progresses, the reader feels more and more comfortable with the term.
The language used in the book is fluid, the narration masterly, as Ipshita goes through highs and lows, meeting many interesting characters who influence her thinking. What is the secret that she has hidden away deep within her heart? Why does she shut her mind and refuse to allow light to enter? There are many questions that get answered in the course of the book. The twist at the end leaves the reader wondering,
“Were thoughts so strong that they took over your body and emotions?”
Readomania comes out with yet another winner, a book that will leave you in deep thought even after the last word has been read.
March 13, 2017
The story is fast paced and you feel you are feeling and experiencing the incidents. The story sounds really realistic and the thrill part is exceptional. I just couldn’t stop admiring the author.Furthermore, it cleverly throws light on women emancipation, insurgency in the north-east, domestic violence, sexuality and women, our changing mindset while travelling outside India, the scars from a disturbed childhood that remain within us and much more.
read full review at : https://captivatingmode.wordpress.com...
read full review at : https://captivatingmode.wordpress.com...
August 20, 2016
Dangle by Sutapa Basu leaves you thinking about a lot of things that are right and wrong. The book is very aptly titled DANGLE. It takes you on a journey of the mind, where our deepest fears lurk yet at the same time our hope arises.
The protagonist of the story, gorgeous Ipshita Sen is sketched by Basu in many hues. She herself dangles in between courage and vulnerability, the past and present, her family and relationships. It is through her we see the novel take its course. The narration is perfect, the settings real. It takes you inside the lives of the army families.
It is a thriller, but it doesn’t end with just the thrill unlike most books of that genre. It will linger in your heart even after you have finished the last line. It keeps you dangling, wanting for more. I finished the book in an afternoon, that should tell you how fast paced the entire story is.
Overall, a wonderful book, a must buy for all readers who like a good thriller yet with a depth in it.
The protagonist of the story, gorgeous Ipshita Sen is sketched by Basu in many hues. She herself dangles in between courage and vulnerability, the past and present, her family and relationships. It is through her we see the novel take its course. The narration is perfect, the settings real. It takes you inside the lives of the army families.
It is a thriller, but it doesn’t end with just the thrill unlike most books of that genre. It will linger in your heart even after you have finished the last line. It keeps you dangling, wanting for more. I finished the book in an afternoon, that should tell you how fast paced the entire story is.
Overall, a wonderful book, a must buy for all readers who like a good thriller yet with a depth in it.
February 10, 2016
Between now or never – Review of DANGLE by Sutapa Basu
*
Thrillers, I had written in some earlier post, are not just about guns and grenades, but about the impact of the battles of minds. The mind creates a thriller if it really wants to… and this is what Sutapa Basu has done in Dangle. She has managed to do what Indian writers haven’t attempted so far as these mind battles were written about in the West. And let me add here that she has cleverly woven a travelogue around it all. So the reader gets to travel from one end of the world to the other because Ipshita ‘spent time and effort to research and develop a unique travel chat. It was a new idea. There were hardly any precedents, so Ipshita had to rely on her instinct and meticulous market survey to fine-tune it.’
What I loved as I read the initial pages was the way Sutapa goes on to prove that India is no less than any other place. She laments that Chicago, where ‘city skyscrapers were of all sizes and shapes. Some rose like monuments while others like the John Hannock Center were like peaked pyramids…’ is just as striking as Delhi as it too ‘has equally fascinating architecture. Its significance dates back to the second century BC. Yet, we do not showcase it in this way. Why not? I must dig into it…’ She does and gives us some fascinating descriptions of our own North-East before letting her protagonist hop to other destinations in the Far East.
The book is as much about the way we travel and also the way our mind travels into the unknown. Dangle is the right choice if you believe that life is so much like living within cubicle within cubicle within cubicle of the self and that what imprisons you is your own mind… because Ipshita is just that. Or is she? She navigates the world with a mind that is just as fond of roving. She sees ‘a burst of stars lit up the sky’ and looks up ‘in wonder. Glittering sparks showered down blinding her. They went out, one by one. Darkness returned. She was alone but not lonely.’ And this is precisely what defines the novel. Read this book and you’ll know what I mean when I say that life is a dialogue between what others hear and what is audible only to you. The book is an emotional convergence of the stubborn intent to look for the right partner with a realisation that is obvious to all but Ipshita… all until ‘her emotions did not stop there. There was a storm raging within her. She was struggling to accept that Adi had become more than “just” a friend.’
As I read the book page after page even I realised how everything simply ‘dangles up there between success and failure’ and that ‘falling down is part of life, but getting up is living. And one is alone through it all. Always. Utterly, utterly alone! Nobody to catch if one falls. Nobody, except oneself…’ To get trapped by the whimsical notions of our mind is more difficult than to get out of them. And we, the readers, travel with Ipshita as her mind stumbles on to one relationship after another… but her subliminal trauma is actually offset by all the beauty and wonder that she gets to see of the real world!
‘In the most unexpected places, I discover a touch of lyric that colours people no matter how drab otherwise their lives may be. It carries the gift of special awareness, makes one sensitive to beauty, passionate about life… exactly what appeals to me.’...
*
... please read the complete review on my blog:
http://www.passey.info
*
Or go directly to the review there:
http://passey.info/2016/02/between-no...
*
*
Thrillers, I had written in some earlier post, are not just about guns and grenades, but about the impact of the battles of minds. The mind creates a thriller if it really wants to… and this is what Sutapa Basu has done in Dangle. She has managed to do what Indian writers haven’t attempted so far as these mind battles were written about in the West. And let me add here that she has cleverly woven a travelogue around it all. So the reader gets to travel from one end of the world to the other because Ipshita ‘spent time and effort to research and develop a unique travel chat. It was a new idea. There were hardly any precedents, so Ipshita had to rely on her instinct and meticulous market survey to fine-tune it.’
What I loved as I read the initial pages was the way Sutapa goes on to prove that India is no less than any other place. She laments that Chicago, where ‘city skyscrapers were of all sizes and shapes. Some rose like monuments while others like the John Hannock Center were like peaked pyramids…’ is just as striking as Delhi as it too ‘has equally fascinating architecture. Its significance dates back to the second century BC. Yet, we do not showcase it in this way. Why not? I must dig into it…’ She does and gives us some fascinating descriptions of our own North-East before letting her protagonist hop to other destinations in the Far East.
The book is as much about the way we travel and also the way our mind travels into the unknown. Dangle is the right choice if you believe that life is so much like living within cubicle within cubicle within cubicle of the self and that what imprisons you is your own mind… because Ipshita is just that. Or is she? She navigates the world with a mind that is just as fond of roving. She sees ‘a burst of stars lit up the sky’ and looks up ‘in wonder. Glittering sparks showered down blinding her. They went out, one by one. Darkness returned. She was alone but not lonely.’ And this is precisely what defines the novel. Read this book and you’ll know what I mean when I say that life is a dialogue between what others hear and what is audible only to you. The book is an emotional convergence of the stubborn intent to look for the right partner with a realisation that is obvious to all but Ipshita… all until ‘her emotions did not stop there. There was a storm raging within her. She was struggling to accept that Adi had become more than “just” a friend.’
As I read the book page after page even I realised how everything simply ‘dangles up there between success and failure’ and that ‘falling down is part of life, but getting up is living. And one is alone through it all. Always. Utterly, utterly alone! Nobody to catch if one falls. Nobody, except oneself…’ To get trapped by the whimsical notions of our mind is more difficult than to get out of them. And we, the readers, travel with Ipshita as her mind stumbles on to one relationship after another… but her subliminal trauma is actually offset by all the beauty and wonder that she gets to see of the real world!
‘In the most unexpected places, I discover a touch of lyric that colours people no matter how drab otherwise their lives may be. It carries the gift of special awareness, makes one sensitive to beauty, passionate about life… exactly what appeals to me.’...
*
... please read the complete review on my blog:
http://www.passey.info
*
Or go directly to the review there:
http://passey.info/2016/02/between-no...
*
October 18, 2016
The book is evenly paced, neither too slow nor rushed. The author has used simple language to narrate the story. Her command over the language is reflected in the words chosen. She has included her own poem and translated work of Tagore in the book. The story has elements of suspense, tension, twists and turns. The characters have been beautifully created. All the characters have a significant role to play in the story even the people she meets during the course of her travels.
The descriptions are detailed and easy to picturise. the nature and places where Ipshita travels have been described like a travel magazine right down to the minutest details. The army life has been described in great detail and also the life of people in places where there are insurgency problems.
I wanted a closure, but the end left me ‘dangled’….
Loved the book and am looking forward to more from the author
The descriptions are detailed and easy to picturise. the nature and places where Ipshita travels have been described like a travel magazine right down to the minutest details. The army life has been described in great detail and also the life of people in places where there are insurgency problems.
I wanted a closure, but the end left me ‘dangled’….
Loved the book and am looking forward to more from the author
December 19, 2016
Dangle is the story of Ipshita, a young and vivacious girl who is living life to the fullest, working and yet something is missing from her life. The starting is a scared Ips in her hotel room when she feels she is being attacked and yet it is just a misunderstanding – silly things getting her upset many times. As the book progressed I too felt a bit odd along with her. The subtle incidents and the doubts that sprang up kept me glued to the book as I was eager to know what was the ‘Dangle’ in the book.
The story is revealed in layers, the doting parents, her sister and the brother-in-law and the best friend, Aditya Rao all of them play a crucial role in her life. Who out of them is the reason for her odd behaviour, who is her anchor and who will help her overcome the fear? She is affected by her qualms and insecurities, aptly described as snakes that attack her.
The book is an attempt at highlighting mental illness and how it can affect any individual, even one from a loving family. With excellent support from her loving parents and a job that is close to her heart one would think Ipshita wants for nothing. Sadly, appearances are deceptive. The calm is just a cover for the anguish that mars her life.
Her parents and sister's silence on the trauma she faced and Vikram's attitude put me off and I applauded when Ips confronts him. Wish all of this could have been done sooner, her sister could do something, the parents even Adi could be more vocal but then such is life. A time and place for everything.
Her trip to various places transported me to those beautiful locales as I experienced them in Sutapa’s words. She has done a good job describing the cities and especially Thailand and Manipur in North East India. Her words made me want to visit the beautiful places. A portion of the book is at an army base in Manipur, describing the reality and fleeting life we all take for granted. The scene where the fisherman is shot left me with goose bumps but such is the harsh truth of insurgency – no one is safe.
The book moves at a good pace and I was eager to get to the bottom of the troubles that ail Ipshita. The chase of getting to the reason of it all kept the pages turning and what a journey it was. At times thrilling and suspenseful while lyrical and poetic when required. Sutapa’s writing prowess shines through the book, I look forward to reading her next one. The author does not disappoint and when I read of her childhood trauma and its repercussions I could see why the book is named dangle. It has a thrilling end, almost bittersweet and does full justice to the title.
The story is revealed in layers, the doting parents, her sister and the brother-in-law and the best friend, Aditya Rao all of them play a crucial role in her life. Who out of them is the reason for her odd behaviour, who is her anchor and who will help her overcome the fear? She is affected by her qualms and insecurities, aptly described as snakes that attack her.
The book is an attempt at highlighting mental illness and how it can affect any individual, even one from a loving family. With excellent support from her loving parents and a job that is close to her heart one would think Ipshita wants for nothing. Sadly, appearances are deceptive. The calm is just a cover for the anguish that mars her life.
Her parents and sister's silence on the trauma she faced and Vikram's attitude put me off and I applauded when Ips confronts him. Wish all of this could have been done sooner, her sister could do something, the parents even Adi could be more vocal but then such is life. A time and place for everything.
Her trip to various places transported me to those beautiful locales as I experienced them in Sutapa’s words. She has done a good job describing the cities and especially Thailand and Manipur in North East India. Her words made me want to visit the beautiful places. A portion of the book is at an army base in Manipur, describing the reality and fleeting life we all take for granted. The scene where the fisherman is shot left me with goose bumps but such is the harsh truth of insurgency – no one is safe.
The book moves at a good pace and I was eager to get to the bottom of the troubles that ail Ipshita. The chase of getting to the reason of it all kept the pages turning and what a journey it was. At times thrilling and suspenseful while lyrical and poetic when required. Sutapa’s writing prowess shines through the book, I look forward to reading her next one. The author does not disappoint and when I read of her childhood trauma and its repercussions I could see why the book is named dangle. It has a thrilling end, almost bittersweet and does full justice to the title.
October 22, 2016
Ms. Basu’s Ipshita is a character that will be hard to forget for a long time. Traveling across many time zones, Ipshita makes us a part of a journey as she loses herself between reality and make-believe. It is not that the readers don’t know that she is suffering from schizophrenia but the real challenge is to understand how Ipshita finally realizes that. “Does somebody want to kill me?” Is a statement that is constantly haunting her. Her paranoia is constantly making her doubt whoever is around her or imagine things and people who don’t exist. A bit of news or a childhood memory – anything can bring about a shift in her life.
When she meets Amar I started thinking that this is the true love that she had been waiting for. But then, I was introduced to Adi. Ms. Basu has done a good job in blending the real with the surreal. The third character that enters Ipshita’s life is Akash. He did not leave much of an impression on me. Maybe because he was not there for a long time in the protagonist’s life.
Each of these characters left an impact on Ipshita’s mind. The best part of this novel is the family love and understanding that is portrayed. In a true sense, you can call it the "hearth" of the novel – a place from where Ipshita draws her strength from. Adi’s character is that of a true friend in every meaning and he forms the backbone of her life.
Ipshita comes across as a very strong character. A young girl who had a traumatic past and some deep rooted memories – is bound to undergo what Ipshita was going through.
The only problem I had with this novel was the opening scene. I cannot understand why the airplane was scaring Ipshita so much. Why does she have to relate it to the attack on the Twin tower? For later in the novel nowhere is it mentioned about her having aviophobia.
Another thing I loved about this novel is the lack of dramatics. Every situation was very dramatic but Isphita’s reaction to every situation was very subdued, normal. This will not create a jarring effect in the reader's mind as you will be left pondering as to where Isphita is actually taking you. Did she even have a destination?
The language is superb in this novel and you can hardly find any flaw with the editing, characterization, and the storyline. Highly recommended for all types of readers.
Disclaimer: I got this novel from Kindle Unlimited and the review is my honest opinion.
When she meets Amar I started thinking that this is the true love that she had been waiting for. But then, I was introduced to Adi. Ms. Basu has done a good job in blending the real with the surreal. The third character that enters Ipshita’s life is Akash. He did not leave much of an impression on me. Maybe because he was not there for a long time in the protagonist’s life.
Each of these characters left an impact on Ipshita’s mind. The best part of this novel is the family love and understanding that is portrayed. In a true sense, you can call it the "hearth" of the novel – a place from where Ipshita draws her strength from. Adi’s character is that of a true friend in every meaning and he forms the backbone of her life.
Ipshita comes across as a very strong character. A young girl who had a traumatic past and some deep rooted memories – is bound to undergo what Ipshita was going through.
The only problem I had with this novel was the opening scene. I cannot understand why the airplane was scaring Ipshita so much. Why does she have to relate it to the attack on the Twin tower? For later in the novel nowhere is it mentioned about her having aviophobia.
Another thing I loved about this novel is the lack of dramatics. Every situation was very dramatic but Isphita’s reaction to every situation was very subdued, normal. This will not create a jarring effect in the reader's mind as you will be left pondering as to where Isphita is actually taking you. Did she even have a destination?
The language is superb in this novel and you can hardly find any flaw with the editing, characterization, and the storyline. Highly recommended for all types of readers.
Disclaimer: I got this novel from Kindle Unlimited and the review is my honest opinion.
March 10, 2016
Dangle by Sutapa Basu Book 4/100 #100BooksPact2016
Dangle stands for me for Triumph attained through LOVE.
The best quality of Sutapa Basu’s writing is the vivid and alive description. Through the protagonist Ipshita’s lens, how the reader travels and reaches to the place is commendable. The presence and the beauty in nature shown in the story gets so compelling that I felt like going to the places and feeling that miraculous sunrise and blue lotuses as mentioned in Manipur in the story.
This book is an unputdownable one because I started it yesterday around 7 pm and couldn’t catch sleep till 1 unless finished reading. Another thing I enjoyed witnessing the camaraderie and bonding beyond the ties of blood, and the smooth unconditional exchange with no barriers. Like a love community.
Ipshita is a young and independent girl who had some self created demons. Don’t we all limit ourselves to some extent by our own fears affecting the potential of our lives? And sometimes we nurture our fears so much that they conquer our conscious beings. The intimate scenes are executed so beautifully. I recommend everyone to read this book especially girls and can’t wait to read her work more.
Quoting few lines from Dangle,”Life is always a dangle! Between now or never;between this and that, between being and not being;Life is how you see it, do it, take it.”
I am glad that I participated and was one of the winner of the poetry contest for Readomania cause the poetry recitation pushed to participate in the event, leading me to this book’s easy access and how I enjoyed reading Dangle.
Dangle stands for me for Triumph attained through LOVE.
The best quality of Sutapa Basu’s writing is the vivid and alive description. Through the protagonist Ipshita’s lens, how the reader travels and reaches to the place is commendable. The presence and the beauty in nature shown in the story gets so compelling that I felt like going to the places and feeling that miraculous sunrise and blue lotuses as mentioned in Manipur in the story.
This book is an unputdownable one because I started it yesterday around 7 pm and couldn’t catch sleep till 1 unless finished reading. Another thing I enjoyed witnessing the camaraderie and bonding beyond the ties of blood, and the smooth unconditional exchange with no barriers. Like a love community.
Ipshita is a young and independent girl who had some self created demons. Don’t we all limit ourselves to some extent by our own fears affecting the potential of our lives? And sometimes we nurture our fears so much that they conquer our conscious beings. The intimate scenes are executed so beautifully. I recommend everyone to read this book especially girls and can’t wait to read her work more.
Quoting few lines from Dangle,”Life is always a dangle! Between now or never;between this and that, between being and not being;Life is how you see it, do it, take it.”
I am glad that I participated and was one of the winner of the poetry contest for Readomania cause the poetry recitation pushed to participate in the event, leading me to this book’s easy access and how I enjoyed reading Dangle.
March 10, 2016
The debut book of an author is always interesting to read to see how the author handles complexity and characters. Sutapa has done a fine job of creating intrigue about what ails the protagonist - Ipshita. the voices she hears, the hallucinations she has and the nagging fear that refuses to let go of her. The reader travels with Ipshita as she moves from Chicago, Delhi, Manipur and etc. Vivid descriptions of the place, the natural beauty and the lurking fear in Ipshita's mind holds the reader's attention. It makes you want to finish the book quickly to unravel the reason behind it all. A good, fast paced read for those who like to read about relationships, their complexities with some intrigue thrown in.
March 1, 2016
Sutapa truly is a master with words. Even simple situations are very well crafted, and her narration style is naturally artistic. I particular liked the mid of the book where we get a peep into army lives, the beauty of Manipur and Ipshita close encounter with her past.
I also liked how Aditya was portrayed. A loving friend in all situations. I wish the end was neater, but besides that it made me flip pages with curiosity and held my interest until the last page.
I also liked how Aditya was portrayed. A loving friend in all situations. I wish the end was neater, but besides that it made me flip pages with curiosity and held my interest until the last page.
October 12, 2017
Recently I've begun reading new Indian authors in the English language. I've been pleasantly surprised with the books I have found. This is one such story. It starts out with Ipshita making her living as a freelance globe trotter but brings her inner struggles to the front. You sympathize with Adi as he waits in the side lines, always there for her. Your blood boils when you discover the root of her troubles. You are worried about the seemingly paranormal activity she attracts.
This book spoke to the fauji brat in me when going through the QRTs and insurgency ridden areas. The camaraderie of two regimental officers and their families is something I could identify with easily. It also appealed to me on the level of a thriller where you know something is wrong, but you can't figure out just what it is. The fauji influences, the twist in the tale and the author's overall handling of a complex subject...simply brilliant!
This book spoke to the fauji brat in me when going through the QRTs and insurgency ridden areas. The camaraderie of two regimental officers and their families is something I could identify with easily. It also appealed to me on the level of a thriller where you know something is wrong, but you can't figure out just what it is. The fauji influences, the twist in the tale and the author's overall handling of a complex subject...simply brilliant!
March 11, 2018
It's fast paced and interesting. The characters are well etched and relatable to an extent, with the right mix of distant peculiarity that you expect in a fictional setting. I really liked the brazen outrightness of the story's key backdrop. But the ending is rather lukewarm for my taste. It ends with a whimper, and leaves a sweet aftertaste which didn't suit my palate. This doesn't mean it's not good. It still well written and thought out. This was my second book from this author and I am quite impressed by content, diversity of topics addressed and the freshness.
May 13, 2018
An interesting plot, well written at times and awkward at other times. for an easy read, it was a little bit annoying or grating in flow. some of the passages are beautifully written and take you to breathtaking locations in a fell swoop, at other times the writing feels jerky and maybe that's the dangle? felt it was a little too pat at the end even with the last line. central characters are not that well developed and certain feelings in the way they emerge are not that believable... but the book brings up some important issues all while keeping it fairly light. definitely worth one read.
March 19, 2018
An unusual book with an unusual story line. The story is all about chief protagonist's childhood trauma that afflicts her persona and actions during subsequent years. Clarity emerges only midway through the book.
May 20, 2019
Engaging read. Travelogue and a mystery rolled into one.
September 17, 2016
A Daring ‘Dangle’
Girl meets boy, sparks fly and then they see, or do not see each other? Yes, that’s the ‘Dangle’! To meet or not to meet, to love or not to love, to seek or not to seek- the story leaves you with many such dangling moments, creating an impact that is bound to stay in the crevices of your heart and mind forever.
The 4Ps confluence perfectly
Powerful, picturesque, pragmatic and panache are the key elements that make ‘Dangle’ a must read. Be it the breathtaking skyline of Chicago, the ethereal beauty of the hidden jewel, Manipur, the exquisite majesty of nature in Batam, an Indonesian island or the charming azure seas visible from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the author with her effective description ensures that you transcend the realm of reality and dive deep into the beauty of all these places. It’s powerful to the extent that it takes you off your reading couch and across the world to several destinations where the protagonist, a travel chat show host, explores not just places but people who compel her to look within herself and discover the undiscovered that was lurking somewhere playing games with her psyche.
The best part about the narrative is that the story unfolds level by level, each in a picturesque location. So while on one hand you are enjoying the picturesque locales, unknowingly you would be also be grasping some important revelations about the protagonist. Storytelling comes effortlessly to the author and she has proved that with every chapter. “The window drew her like a charm opening a wondrous sight painted outdoors. In the far distance, hills wore veils of misty clouds shimmering with sparkles. Awestruck she kept gazing at it as the mist shifted. A golden orb rose between delicate shoulders. One by one, the rays beamed their message to the sleeping world, ‘Awake! Arise! Affirm’.”
Her descriptions are so vivid that I actually googled ‘Loktak Lake’, one of the beauties of Manipur that she has described in detail and is a crucial site in the story. “This was Nature’s offering; a vision of a lifetime; no way she could miss even a second of it. She would edit later. After two kilometers, the red carpet gave way to creamy whites with orange hearts. Then a stretch of water hyacinth choked the canal. But Ipshita’s lens remained on alert. She was rewarded by blue and purple cups set in jade...lotuses looking like jewels with the sun’s light glancing off them. Ipshita clicked away, frantically.”
What I liked best about the story was that all the characters were very realistic. You could identify with each of them. They could be you yourself or people next door to you, your friends, your aunts or uncles, each of the characters were identifiable. Each of them very human and very realistic. None of them were too good to be true or too villainous to be true. That’s why I say it’s pragmatic and for panache, well you gave to read it yourself to know why I say that.
The Story
Ipshita, a smart, stunning, svelte travel chat show host globetrots beautiful locations to identify unique places for her show and present them to her audiences. While she does that she meets three different men in three different locations, and each of them arouse in her desires that she cannot fathom. She is perplexed, her mind plays games with her. She wants to talk it out. But with whom? She has doting parents, but they might get worried, she has a best buddy in Adi, but she is concerned about what he might think of her, she has a loving elder sister too but she is out of bounds for reasons best known to her. So how would Ipshita understand the games her mind is playing with her? Would the snakes coiling within her wriggle out? Will they wreak havoc in the process or will they iron out unsettled scores? There are ‘dangles’ at various levels here. An interesting story that will make you sit up and think where is it taking you from here. “He turned his head towards her. ‘You know, Life is always a dangle! Between now or never; between this and that; between being and not being; Life is how you see it, do it, take it.’ And then he was quiet.”
Would I recommend this book?
Of course! If you do not want to miss a good book.
The line that stayed with me
Without giving out much about the story, but these lines are the main reason which makes the essence of the story a ricocheting one, one that cannot leave you.
“Somebody is wrong? But who? The reports or I? Gradually, it sunk in. Her interactions with Akash and Steve had taken place after they had died! Ipshita’s head spun. She couldn’t read anymore.”
Girl meets boy, sparks fly and then they see, or do not see each other? Yes, that’s the ‘Dangle’! To meet or not to meet, to love or not to love, to seek or not to seek- the story leaves you with many such dangling moments, creating an impact that is bound to stay in the crevices of your heart and mind forever.
The 4Ps confluence perfectly
Powerful, picturesque, pragmatic and panache are the key elements that make ‘Dangle’ a must read. Be it the breathtaking skyline of Chicago, the ethereal beauty of the hidden jewel, Manipur, the exquisite majesty of nature in Batam, an Indonesian island or the charming azure seas visible from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the author with her effective description ensures that you transcend the realm of reality and dive deep into the beauty of all these places. It’s powerful to the extent that it takes you off your reading couch and across the world to several destinations where the protagonist, a travel chat show host, explores not just places but people who compel her to look within herself and discover the undiscovered that was lurking somewhere playing games with her psyche.
The best part about the narrative is that the story unfolds level by level, each in a picturesque location. So while on one hand you are enjoying the picturesque locales, unknowingly you would be also be grasping some important revelations about the protagonist. Storytelling comes effortlessly to the author and she has proved that with every chapter. “The window drew her like a charm opening a wondrous sight painted outdoors. In the far distance, hills wore veils of misty clouds shimmering with sparkles. Awestruck she kept gazing at it as the mist shifted. A golden orb rose between delicate shoulders. One by one, the rays beamed their message to the sleeping world, ‘Awake! Arise! Affirm’.”
Her descriptions are so vivid that I actually googled ‘Loktak Lake’, one of the beauties of Manipur that she has described in detail and is a crucial site in the story. “This was Nature’s offering; a vision of a lifetime; no way she could miss even a second of it. She would edit later. After two kilometers, the red carpet gave way to creamy whites with orange hearts. Then a stretch of water hyacinth choked the canal. But Ipshita’s lens remained on alert. She was rewarded by blue and purple cups set in jade...lotuses looking like jewels with the sun’s light glancing off them. Ipshita clicked away, frantically.”
What I liked best about the story was that all the characters were very realistic. You could identify with each of them. They could be you yourself or people next door to you, your friends, your aunts or uncles, each of the characters were identifiable. Each of them very human and very realistic. None of them were too good to be true or too villainous to be true. That’s why I say it’s pragmatic and for panache, well you gave to read it yourself to know why I say that.
The Story
Ipshita, a smart, stunning, svelte travel chat show host globetrots beautiful locations to identify unique places for her show and present them to her audiences. While she does that she meets three different men in three different locations, and each of them arouse in her desires that she cannot fathom. She is perplexed, her mind plays games with her. She wants to talk it out. But with whom? She has doting parents, but they might get worried, she has a best buddy in Adi, but she is concerned about what he might think of her, she has a loving elder sister too but she is out of bounds for reasons best known to her. So how would Ipshita understand the games her mind is playing with her? Would the snakes coiling within her wriggle out? Will they wreak havoc in the process or will they iron out unsettled scores? There are ‘dangles’ at various levels here. An interesting story that will make you sit up and think where is it taking you from here. “He turned his head towards her. ‘You know, Life is always a dangle! Between now or never; between this and that; between being and not being; Life is how you see it, do it, take it.’ And then he was quiet.”
Would I recommend this book?
Of course! If you do not want to miss a good book.
The line that stayed with me
Without giving out much about the story, but these lines are the main reason which makes the essence of the story a ricocheting one, one that cannot leave you.
“Somebody is wrong? But who? The reports or I? Gradually, it sunk in. Her interactions with Akash and Steve had taken place after they had died! Ipshita’s head spun. She couldn’t read anymore.”
November 1, 2016
Dangle is a one of a kind book. With a different storyline and an interesting subject, "dangle" hit my nerves a lot of times during the whole reading venture. I found the story and the characters very powerful and mesmerising. I loved the fact that there were lot of connections made which fulfilled the title in more than one ways which was really provoking. A little more suspense and well distributed revelations could have helped things more according to me. But all in all a nice and different read.
You can read the complete review here-
https://thesubtlebraiding.blogspot.in...
You can read the complete review here-
https://thesubtlebraiding.blogspot.in...
September 10, 2016
Dangle is the story of Ipshita is a globetrotter and gathers inputs for her travel chat shows which she freelances to various TV channels. The story begins at Chicago, where she had gone for featuring an acrobat skywalking on a cable stretched across two skyscrappers. Here, she meets Amar Seth whom she feels attracted to. Ipshita is the younger daughter of Retd. Brig. Ujjal Sen. Her childhood friend Aditya Rao is her pillar of strength. Their fathers were comrades in the Army. Aditya lost his father in a heart attack, but the family remained close to the Sens.
As the story unfolds, we understand that our sauve and confident heroine Ipshita is a scarred soul, often agonized by her inner demons. She hears voices and has panic attacks. Her doting parents and Aditya is always by her side but her past beckons, hinting as if teasing her and often ends up horrifying her. Ipshita decides to pay a visit to her sister Mallika in Manipur. She is twelve years older than her and is married to Vikram, an Army Officer. Her hatred towards her brother in law is strong.
Ipshita is astounded by her reactions to the opposite sex especially when such occurrences had made her panicky in the past. She never believed in the idea of marriage. In Manipur, she meets Aakash Nag and on a trip to Indonesia, she meets Steve D’Silva. Unlike before when she had a cold feet and dodged off from men, Ipshita enjoys the attention from men and is keen to discover her sexual desires. But then why is she drawn to Aditya?
And then the hidden truths come back to her in a dramatic way. Will Ipshita overcome her fears and embrace the beauty of a normal life?
Whoa!
The title justifies the story and it keeps the reader hooked from the word go. I had often found my heart in my mouth at various junctures of the story and needless to say, it was a thrilling ride. I loved all the characters- Ipshita,her sister, her parents and Aditya. And for Vikram- I loathed him from the beginning. From being a lonely, broken girl, the journey of Ipshita was indeed beautiful. The way the character of Aditya evolved- from being a good friend, to her solace and then to a potential soulmate was mesmerizing.
I also liked the author’s way of writing – philosophical, poetic and soulful. She has a strong grasp on language and the places were Ipshita had gone for the tour- Chicago, Manipur and Indonesia have been elegantly captured.
And what really stood out for me was how the life in Army was accurately described. Below is one of my favourite lines depicting the same.
“This is the real Army, not sheltered childhood of helpers, parties and fine living! Eventhough every piece of the intricate machine that the Indian Army is, kept training day in and day out for the eventuality of war, and its principle of kill or be killed, it certainly eroded a man’s soul to see fellow officers and men fall to the bullet everyday.”
Do I Recommend?
Yes- for its beautiful bonds of friendship, sisterhood and family! Also for Ipshita’s quest for love and her tryst to defeat her own deepest fears.
Rating:
4 on 5
As the story unfolds, we understand that our sauve and confident heroine Ipshita is a scarred soul, often agonized by her inner demons. She hears voices and has panic attacks. Her doting parents and Aditya is always by her side but her past beckons, hinting as if teasing her and often ends up horrifying her. Ipshita decides to pay a visit to her sister Mallika in Manipur. She is twelve years older than her and is married to Vikram, an Army Officer. Her hatred towards her brother in law is strong.
Ipshita is astounded by her reactions to the opposite sex especially when such occurrences had made her panicky in the past. She never believed in the idea of marriage. In Manipur, she meets Aakash Nag and on a trip to Indonesia, she meets Steve D’Silva. Unlike before when she had a cold feet and dodged off from men, Ipshita enjoys the attention from men and is keen to discover her sexual desires. But then why is she drawn to Aditya?
And then the hidden truths come back to her in a dramatic way. Will Ipshita overcome her fears and embrace the beauty of a normal life?
Whoa!
The title justifies the story and it keeps the reader hooked from the word go. I had often found my heart in my mouth at various junctures of the story and needless to say, it was a thrilling ride. I loved all the characters- Ipshita,her sister, her parents and Aditya. And for Vikram- I loathed him from the beginning. From being a lonely, broken girl, the journey of Ipshita was indeed beautiful. The way the character of Aditya evolved- from being a good friend, to her solace and then to a potential soulmate was mesmerizing.
I also liked the author’s way of writing – philosophical, poetic and soulful. She has a strong grasp on language and the places were Ipshita had gone for the tour- Chicago, Manipur and Indonesia have been elegantly captured.
And what really stood out for me was how the life in Army was accurately described. Below is one of my favourite lines depicting the same.
“This is the real Army, not sheltered childhood of helpers, parties and fine living! Eventhough every piece of the intricate machine that the Indian Army is, kept training day in and day out for the eventuality of war, and its principle of kill or be killed, it certainly eroded a man’s soul to see fellow officers and men fall to the bullet everyday.”
Do I Recommend?
Yes- for its beautiful bonds of friendship, sisterhood and family! Also for Ipshita’s quest for love and her tryst to defeat her own deepest fears.
Rating:
4 on 5
September 17, 2016
Synopsys: Thrilling, thought-provoking, and poetic – a book that spans the world and yet finds a place in the heart.
Writing the review of Dangle, by the much celebrated Sutapa Basu (Winner - Write India, publisher of over 300 Books, Editor) was a dangle I had decided to not partake of for a while, but not anymore.
With a stunning cover, and an even more stunning Ipshita lurking between the pages, Dangle was a book that oscillated between glitzy and grim with clinical precision. Delightful descriptions, poignant thought processes, and a thorough analysis of human psychology ensured that the book was authentic as well as entertaining at the same time.
What this book thankfully wasn’t was a random travelogue of a successful person, or for that matter a feminist rant of independence. This book rather was about the Indian-ness that never abandons an Indian, no matter where he or she sets sail to, and the fact that memories of yore, even if repressed, will always find a way to slither out like a snake and strike you when you least expect it.
What I loved the best about the book was the medical as well as supernatural explanations to key events presented at the end, and a climax that makes you yearn for a sequel like no other. This one is a book that touches you with its sincerity and makes you think about certain events (the insurgency in Manipur for instance), in ways you might not otherwise. Overall, an engrossing read that satiates your senses with its often lyrical lines and descriptions of places that are extremely rare.
Warning: Not for those who hate open endings, or even those who like only one solution to any problem or situation and believe in being spoon fed everything.
Writing the review of Dangle, by the much celebrated Sutapa Basu (Winner - Write India, publisher of over 300 Books, Editor) was a dangle I had decided to not partake of for a while, but not anymore.
With a stunning cover, and an even more stunning Ipshita lurking between the pages, Dangle was a book that oscillated between glitzy and grim with clinical precision. Delightful descriptions, poignant thought processes, and a thorough analysis of human psychology ensured that the book was authentic as well as entertaining at the same time.
What this book thankfully wasn’t was a random travelogue of a successful person, or for that matter a feminist rant of independence. This book rather was about the Indian-ness that never abandons an Indian, no matter where he or she sets sail to, and the fact that memories of yore, even if repressed, will always find a way to slither out like a snake and strike you when you least expect it.
What I loved the best about the book was the medical as well as supernatural explanations to key events presented at the end, and a climax that makes you yearn for a sequel like no other. This one is a book that touches you with its sincerity and makes you think about certain events (the insurgency in Manipur for instance), in ways you might not otherwise. Overall, an engrossing read that satiates your senses with its often lyrical lines and descriptions of places that are extremely rare.
Warning: Not for those who hate open endings, or even those who like only one solution to any problem or situation and believe in being spoon fed everything.
May 12, 2016
If there was ever a book with a perfect title, then it is this one…
I had a certain inkling about the first ‘hero’ to show up in the story, then thought I had my light-bulb moment, only to be left…dangling. It happened again. And again. Amar. Akash. Adi. All names with A, all standing for something, all appearing when… Woops, I don’t want to give anything away, I’ll just be a clever tease like the author and leave you—yes, dangling.
I fell in love with “Dangle” by Sutapa Basu for two reasons. Reason 1 is the story itself. I loved reading about the heroine Ips (I love that name, I associate it with “if” in a way, which fits) finding her inner strength, fighting the demons of her past, embarking on a quest of she knows not what and ending up with one thing first and foremost: love. For herself, for the broken girl she was, for the determined woman she is, for those around her and those inside her. The setting added to the allure, and let’s not forget the thrill of action and suspense throughout. I swear my heart jumped right out of my chest several times. Oh, and let me mention that the first chapter was one of the best I have ever read. Looking back now, I’m even more impressed and taken in by it than I was when I started reading the book.
Reason 2 is the author’s style. At times lyrical, philosophical and poetical, at other times lucid and lush, modern and emotionally evocative, it fits the story’s themes to a T. Not a word seemed out of place or too much. Some lines stuck with me. I fell for the poetry included among the prose too, feeling faint echoes of old Hindi songs and great poets like Tagore well up to shimmer in the air and weave a net of an almost nostalgic magic around the protagonists despite the decidedly contemporary set-up. Here’s a short excerpt that captures what I’m struggling to put into words:
“The lilt of a flute fills the half shadows. Emerald green silk unfurls to lavender hills. Mist gives way to a golden spectacle. Thickly embroidered into flowing waters are hundreds of lotuses. Sunlight dazzles on ruby, sapphire, turquoise and amethyst that reluctantly open their layers to reveal honeyed hearts. The humming of multitudes of bees reverberates in the room. Intoxicated by the sun-drenched perfume of blossoms, they weave in and out of the pattern. Sheer colours daze the senses. Drumbeats intrude softly, only to rise to a crescendo.
Another shape enters the frame. Hazy at first, the outlines darken gradually. It is an empty square etched in bold strokes holding within it diagonally a metallic piece curved to the bent of an index finger. The picture zooms out. The shape takes definition. It is the trigger of a snub-nosed AK-47. The drums fall silent.”
I had already read some books edited and / or coauthored by Sutapa Basu (and from Readomania), but I have to say this gem of hers is my favourite. Do yourself a favour and read it, you won’t just dangle but fall for its charms hook, line and sinker.
I had a certain inkling about the first ‘hero’ to show up in the story, then thought I had my light-bulb moment, only to be left…dangling. It happened again. And again. Amar. Akash. Adi. All names with A, all standing for something, all appearing when… Woops, I don’t want to give anything away, I’ll just be a clever tease like the author and leave you—yes, dangling.
I fell in love with “Dangle” by Sutapa Basu for two reasons. Reason 1 is the story itself. I loved reading about the heroine Ips (I love that name, I associate it with “if” in a way, which fits) finding her inner strength, fighting the demons of her past, embarking on a quest of she knows not what and ending up with one thing first and foremost: love. For herself, for the broken girl she was, for the determined woman she is, for those around her and those inside her. The setting added to the allure, and let’s not forget the thrill of action and suspense throughout. I swear my heart jumped right out of my chest several times. Oh, and let me mention that the first chapter was one of the best I have ever read. Looking back now, I’m even more impressed and taken in by it than I was when I started reading the book.
Reason 2 is the author’s style. At times lyrical, philosophical and poetical, at other times lucid and lush, modern and emotionally evocative, it fits the story’s themes to a T. Not a word seemed out of place or too much. Some lines stuck with me. I fell for the poetry included among the prose too, feeling faint echoes of old Hindi songs and great poets like Tagore well up to shimmer in the air and weave a net of an almost nostalgic magic around the protagonists despite the decidedly contemporary set-up. Here’s a short excerpt that captures what I’m struggling to put into words:
“The lilt of a flute fills the half shadows. Emerald green silk unfurls to lavender hills. Mist gives way to a golden spectacle. Thickly embroidered into flowing waters are hundreds of lotuses. Sunlight dazzles on ruby, sapphire, turquoise and amethyst that reluctantly open their layers to reveal honeyed hearts. The humming of multitudes of bees reverberates in the room. Intoxicated by the sun-drenched perfume of blossoms, they weave in and out of the pattern. Sheer colours daze the senses. Drumbeats intrude softly, only to rise to a crescendo.
Another shape enters the frame. Hazy at first, the outlines darken gradually. It is an empty square etched in bold strokes holding within it diagonally a metallic piece curved to the bent of an index finger. The picture zooms out. The shape takes definition. It is the trigger of a snub-nosed AK-47. The drums fall silent.”
I had already read some books edited and / or coauthored by Sutapa Basu (and from Readomania), but I have to say this gem of hers is my favourite. Do yourself a favour and read it, you won’t just dangle but fall for its charms hook, line and sinker.
July 1, 2016
An acrobat walking on a cable stretched across two skyscrapers over Chicago river sets the tone for this evocative and intriguing romantic thriller. The protagonist, Ipshita, a young TV chat show host, realizes that she alone can fight the fears in her mind that she suffers from. She does not wish to lose the battle with herself and fall. As she tells herself, “Falling down is part of life, but getting back is living. And one is alone through it all.” Like the skywalker, Ipshita would like to lead her life in full abandon, fraught with risks, with the self-assurance and confidence of the skywalker. But the past torments her as she keeps falling to somehow rise again, falling in and out of love.
The novel then is Ipshita’s voyage into the deep labyrinths of her mind to unravel the mystery of the voices she hears in her head. The novel takes the reader through diverse locales ranging from urban Chicago and Delhi to exotic beach resorts in Bantam in Indonesia and the Andamans and the interiors of Manipur. The reader travels together with Ipshita through each of these episodic experiences in the different locations, sharing her thrills and excitements and traumas. Each new setting is carefully designed to offer an insight into a different aspect of Ipshita’s longings and desires. However, Basu has ingeniously plotted the novel as a mystery thriller, holding back the resolution till its dangling end.
While many of Ipshita’s fears and the voices she hears are imaginary, her character is very real and believable. Urbane, attractive, intelligent, bold and yet insecure, she represents many young Indian modern women trying to unshackle themselves from traditional mind-sets, free themselves from their repressed sexual desires and overcome the pains of growing up in a male-dominated world. The other cast of characters, her family and friends and loves, are equally well etched, providing her the support to discover her true self.
Just as Basu is a keen observer of human behaviour, she is graphic and lyrical when describing places and surroundings. The descriptions of many of the locations she describes are vivid and detailed be it the urban metropolis or picturesque beach in an island. “Soon an emerald island emerged from the blue seas. Tall palms festooned with creepers, waved in the breeze, their feet sunk in a thick assortment of ferns.” She is equally bold and graphic in describing romantic scenes, something many Indian authors often are uneasy about.
This immensely readable novel is in the end about love and choosing to live: “Life is always a dangle. Between now or never, between this and that, between being and not being, see it, do it, take it.”
The novel then is Ipshita’s voyage into the deep labyrinths of her mind to unravel the mystery of the voices she hears in her head. The novel takes the reader through diverse locales ranging from urban Chicago and Delhi to exotic beach resorts in Bantam in Indonesia and the Andamans and the interiors of Manipur. The reader travels together with Ipshita through each of these episodic experiences in the different locations, sharing her thrills and excitements and traumas. Each new setting is carefully designed to offer an insight into a different aspect of Ipshita’s longings and desires. However, Basu has ingeniously plotted the novel as a mystery thriller, holding back the resolution till its dangling end.
While many of Ipshita’s fears and the voices she hears are imaginary, her character is very real and believable. Urbane, attractive, intelligent, bold and yet insecure, she represents many young Indian modern women trying to unshackle themselves from traditional mind-sets, free themselves from their repressed sexual desires and overcome the pains of growing up in a male-dominated world. The other cast of characters, her family and friends and loves, are equally well etched, providing her the support to discover her true self.
Just as Basu is a keen observer of human behaviour, she is graphic and lyrical when describing places and surroundings. The descriptions of many of the locations she describes are vivid and detailed be it the urban metropolis or picturesque beach in an island. “Soon an emerald island emerged from the blue seas. Tall palms festooned with creepers, waved in the breeze, their feet sunk in a thick assortment of ferns.” She is equally bold and graphic in describing romantic scenes, something many Indian authors often are uneasy about.
This immensely readable novel is in the end about love and choosing to live: “Life is always a dangle. Between now or never, between this and that, between being and not being, see it, do it, take it.”
August 29, 2016
Chak Chak chak chak….the sound of the chopper was deafening as it came closer to the glass window of that hotel room on nineteenth floor. She could see the pilot grinning mischievously.
When a plot starts on that note, you can be sure of an interesting storyline ahead. Dangle by renowned author, Sutapa Basu, is an intriguing tale that makes you sit up straight at many junctures and also keeps you glued to the book throughout. Having teased the reader’s adrenaline in the first few pages itself, she makes sure that it is racing all through those 200-odd pages.
Ipshita, is a smart and independent free-lance travel chat show host who journeys across the world to capture exciting content for audience. However, her small world at home consists of her doting parents and a childhood buddy Adi, who switches many roles as Ipshita’s friend, mentor and caretaker as and when required. Superficially Ipshita’s life looks perfect but she has some demons from the past to deal with. And these demons follow her no matter where she goes. An odd turn of events takes her to her sister Mallika and her huband Vikram, Viki-da, in Manipur after a long time. And she happens to witness the gore of conflict and beauty of the state at the same time. The innocence of local people marred by the continuous state of psedo-war between militants and army moves Ipshita and Adi. Her meaningful trip to Manipur is followed by another work trip to Batam, an insignificant little island off Singapore mainland. And this is where a revolting discovery shatters Ipshita. She has to face those demons now before they do any more harm to her.
The story seamlessly moves forward from one event to the other. After just a few pages, Ipshita looks like somebody you might have known for years. Just like any other urban career-oriented confident young lass, she is adventurous yet responsible and wants to carve a space for herself. Adi is somebody you would really like to take home to your parents. I particularly liked how the author has considerately described the tumultuous life in the Manipur. As we go through the breaking news of encounters in the region, we often tend to forget that there are common people like us who want to lead a normal life that we so easily take for granted. We are quick to pass judgments on how the armed forces should deal with the crisis from our plush living rooms but do not realize that decisions in a battlefield are not based on emotions.
The cover page is sleek and neat and has the title dangling. Not much is disclosed by the title and cover page except the fact the life leaves you dangling quite often. Dangle by all means is something to keep you hooked to it through the weekend.
When a plot starts on that note, you can be sure of an interesting storyline ahead. Dangle by renowned author, Sutapa Basu, is an intriguing tale that makes you sit up straight at many junctures and also keeps you glued to the book throughout. Having teased the reader’s adrenaline in the first few pages itself, she makes sure that it is racing all through those 200-odd pages.
Ipshita, is a smart and independent free-lance travel chat show host who journeys across the world to capture exciting content for audience. However, her small world at home consists of her doting parents and a childhood buddy Adi, who switches many roles as Ipshita’s friend, mentor and caretaker as and when required. Superficially Ipshita’s life looks perfect but she has some demons from the past to deal with. And these demons follow her no matter where she goes. An odd turn of events takes her to her sister Mallika and her huband Vikram, Viki-da, in Manipur after a long time. And she happens to witness the gore of conflict and beauty of the state at the same time. The innocence of local people marred by the continuous state of psedo-war between militants and army moves Ipshita and Adi. Her meaningful trip to Manipur is followed by another work trip to Batam, an insignificant little island off Singapore mainland. And this is where a revolting discovery shatters Ipshita. She has to face those demons now before they do any more harm to her.
The story seamlessly moves forward from one event to the other. After just a few pages, Ipshita looks like somebody you might have known for years. Just like any other urban career-oriented confident young lass, she is adventurous yet responsible and wants to carve a space for herself. Adi is somebody you would really like to take home to your parents. I particularly liked how the author has considerately described the tumultuous life in the Manipur. As we go through the breaking news of encounters in the region, we often tend to forget that there are common people like us who want to lead a normal life that we so easily take for granted. We are quick to pass judgments on how the armed forces should deal with the crisis from our plush living rooms but do not realize that decisions in a battlefield are not based on emotions.
The cover page is sleek and neat and has the title dangling. Not much is disclosed by the title and cover page except the fact the life leaves you dangling quite often. Dangle by all means is something to keep you hooked to it through the weekend.
July 20, 2016
Dangle, written by Sutapa Basu, whose stories are often filled with deep emotions, which have often made me admire her writing skills, is a fine debut novel. Here, the protagonist Ipsita, an innovative tour-lover who features the most unseen facets of exotic places, travels the world to find her own identity.
One childhood event which has shaped her psyche till her adulthood, affected her decision making process, her judgement of good and bad, haunts her when she visits Manipur. The exotic scenes (from Chicago to Delhi to Manipur to Indonesia), the secrets of army life and the insurgency in North-Eastern India are a few of the added attractions of this book.
The author’s abilities with words are apparent in graphic prose style throughout the book. The translated poems/songs of Tagore that can be seen at a few places along with the author’s own poem in the book show the lyrical quality of her writing.
Apparently, Ipsita is an example of an independent, self-motivated individual who doesn’t believe in the barriers of a patriarchal society. She makes all the decisions of her work, she takes on Vikram to fight against the injustice done to her and she decides who will be her life-partner. The supernatural events that happen repeatedly with her resonate with her inner demons.
She meets a new person every time she visits a new place. From Amar in Chicago to Akash in Manipur, she feels an intriguing connection with each one of them. Ultimately, her attempt to understand these relations will help her to find her true love.
Probably the only minus points would be the excessive use of the exclamation mark, and a somewhat forced narrative during the emotional scenes. Other than that, this is a good novel that stays true to its title, i.e. how life is a dangle, which is also evident in the open-ended conclusion of the book.
Overall, Dangle is a book about a girl’s tryst to defeat her own deepest fears, illuminate her darkest corners, and after finding and then accepting her true self, her moving forward in life and enjoying it to its full beauty.
One childhood event which has shaped her psyche till her adulthood, affected her decision making process, her judgement of good and bad, haunts her when she visits Manipur. The exotic scenes (from Chicago to Delhi to Manipur to Indonesia), the secrets of army life and the insurgency in North-Eastern India are a few of the added attractions of this book.
The author’s abilities with words are apparent in graphic prose style throughout the book. The translated poems/songs of Tagore that can be seen at a few places along with the author’s own poem in the book show the lyrical quality of her writing.
Apparently, Ipsita is an example of an independent, self-motivated individual who doesn’t believe in the barriers of a patriarchal society. She makes all the decisions of her work, she takes on Vikram to fight against the injustice done to her and she decides who will be her life-partner. The supernatural events that happen repeatedly with her resonate with her inner demons.
She meets a new person every time she visits a new place. From Amar in Chicago to Akash in Manipur, she feels an intriguing connection with each one of them. Ultimately, her attempt to understand these relations will help her to find her true love.
Probably the only minus points would be the excessive use of the exclamation mark, and a somewhat forced narrative during the emotional scenes. Other than that, this is a good novel that stays true to its title, i.e. how life is a dangle, which is also evident in the open-ended conclusion of the book.
Overall, Dangle is a book about a girl’s tryst to defeat her own deepest fears, illuminate her darkest corners, and after finding and then accepting her true self, her moving forward in life and enjoying it to its full beauty.
September 17, 2016
Sutapa Basu creates an intriguing tale and writes with a sensitivity that's endearing. Ipsita's character in the face of adversity shines through as she confronts her inner demons...I was particularly impressed with 2 things - a) the core story premise itself, with a certain twist (I don't want to reveal the specifics here, for obvious reasons) that was seriously good and b) Sutapa's felicity when it comes to settings - the world building across three or four very different settings in the novel was detailed and authentic. All in all, a fine read - one I would readily recommend.
August 30, 2016
‘Dangle’, as the name indicates, draws our attention towards the delicate balances in life. The scale can tilt to any side, at any time, based on circumstances and one’s choices. The author ‘Sutapa Basu’ has woven the story around suave, modern-day woman Ipshita, who is on the verge of an emotional revelation, which takes her on a journey of identifying her strengths and weaknesses, and how to deal with the truth called life.
The intriguing storyline reveals various aspects of Ipshita’s life which play a part in making her what she is. Doting parents, and her childhood friend Aditya Rao who give her much required strength in trying times. Sister, Mallika and her husband Vikram give us a glimpse of how frailty and viciousness can strike a precarious balance to survive.
The story seamlessly takes us through her assignments, around the globe, and her relationships ending into a shocking discovery which shatters the core of Ipshita’s existence. As she fights and conquers her internal demons, she is surprised with her reactions to opposite sex. Instead of freezing off men she begins to enjoy the attention and discovers her own desires and sexual needs.
Life’s philosophy narrated with a hint of suspense, a bit of vicious crime, and sprinkling of romance, Dangle takes one to an engrossing rollercoaster ride from high-flying Chicago city to Delhi to picturesque Imphal and beaches of Indonesia, not to mention army life and insurgency in North-Eastern states of India.
The author’s strong grasp on language, and research on various locales, culture is evident throughout the book. Her own poem and the translated poems/songs of Ravindranath Tagore make the story all the more rich and vibrant.
Overall, Dangle is a story about a woman’s struggle in accepting and overcoming her darkest fears, and embracing the realities of life.
The intriguing storyline reveals various aspects of Ipshita’s life which play a part in making her what she is. Doting parents, and her childhood friend Aditya Rao who give her much required strength in trying times. Sister, Mallika and her husband Vikram give us a glimpse of how frailty and viciousness can strike a precarious balance to survive.
The story seamlessly takes us through her assignments, around the globe, and her relationships ending into a shocking discovery which shatters the core of Ipshita’s existence. As she fights and conquers her internal demons, she is surprised with her reactions to opposite sex. Instead of freezing off men she begins to enjoy the attention and discovers her own desires and sexual needs.
Life’s philosophy narrated with a hint of suspense, a bit of vicious crime, and sprinkling of romance, Dangle takes one to an engrossing rollercoaster ride from high-flying Chicago city to Delhi to picturesque Imphal and beaches of Indonesia, not to mention army life and insurgency in North-Eastern states of India.
The author’s strong grasp on language, and research on various locales, culture is evident throughout the book. Her own poem and the translated poems/songs of Ravindranath Tagore make the story all the more rich and vibrant.
Overall, Dangle is a story about a woman’s struggle in accepting and overcoming her darkest fears, and embracing the realities of life.
September 18, 2016
Dangle – An unusual name for an unusual book. Ipshita our protagonist is the quintessential gob smacking kind of woman who runs her own travel show. In spite of being successful, she has her own set of insecurities and fair share of traumas. Men are attracted to her like fireflies to light. However, any interaction with the opposite gender leaves her in turmoil. The only man in her life who doesn’t impact her that way is her childhood friend and neighbor, Aditya Rao. Marred by a teenage trauma, Ipshita struggles hard to find her identity and fall in love.
The writing was one mixed bag. It was lyrical, philosophical, intensely emotional, breezy light and dramatic – all in the right proportion. The setting of the story was sketched out perfectly. The writer described her settings – Thailand, USA & North East India vividly. That part of the story set in North East made me want to pack up and go on a vacation. The story as such was well panned out. What started as a romance ended up being a psychological fiction! The pacing was perfect with twists and turns which kept me hooked. Interestingly, the latter part of the story was eerily similar to the Tamil movie Anniyan. However, the similarity ended with just the very concept both the stories were based on. The characterization was frankly surprising. It was like savoring a cake; one has to go layer by layer. One peeve point I have is the title. I felt the writer put in great effort to justify it instead of going with the flow of the story. The cover certainly could have been better. For a story of such caliber and writing of such depth, the title and the cover pales out in comparison.
MY SAY: Perfect read for a rainy day.
RATING: 4/5
The writing was one mixed bag. It was lyrical, philosophical, intensely emotional, breezy light and dramatic – all in the right proportion. The setting of the story was sketched out perfectly. The writer described her settings – Thailand, USA & North East India vividly. That part of the story set in North East made me want to pack up and go on a vacation. The story as such was well panned out. What started as a romance ended up being a psychological fiction! The pacing was perfect with twists and turns which kept me hooked. Interestingly, the latter part of the story was eerily similar to the Tamil movie Anniyan. However, the similarity ended with just the very concept both the stories were based on. The characterization was frankly surprising. It was like savoring a cake; one has to go layer by layer. One peeve point I have is the title. I felt the writer put in great effort to justify it instead of going with the flow of the story. The cover certainly could have been better. For a story of such caliber and writing of such depth, the title and the cover pales out in comparison.
MY SAY: Perfect read for a rainy day.
RATING: 4/5
February 9, 2017
Sutapa's writing is not a quick fix tequila shot; rather it's like finely aged wine that must be savoured in all principals-the bouquet, the crispness, the complexity, in fact its entire enology. The rich texture and language of her writing takes us on an ineluctable journey along with Ipshita from Chicago, to Delhi, to Manipur to Singapore and to Indonesia where the reader dangles between the vivid and minutae details of the events unfolding in these places and the secrets of her past which consumes her.Like the petals of a rose, the reader is allowed to peel back the many layers of Sutapa's debut novel that establishes her prowess as a compulsive story teller and her dexterity in maintaining the sub-context of a travelogue. The writer also leaves the reader dangling in the end with a vexatious question,'Is love, no matter how pure and unconditional allowed to explore and heal our darkest and most private pain?'
What I would have liked better is a little more pace in this psychological thriller but then it would rob me the headiness of the slow intoxication of wine wouldn't it?
What I would have liked better is a little more pace in this psychological thriller but then it would rob me the headiness of the slow intoxication of wine wouldn't it?
September 7, 2016
Dangle by Sutapa Basu is a novel that could be described in just two words...TT, i.e., Travelogue and a Thriller. The author's protagonist Ipshita travels across the globe with an aim to capture nature for her chat show that she freelances to various TV channels. Amidst the clicks of raw nature, the author takes the reader on a picturesque journey that ranges from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the hustle bustle daily grind of New Delhi and then a peeks into the army life and the quaint and offbeat Imphal, Manipur followed by the scenic and colorful beaches of Indonesia. Ipshita's mental being is also challenged as she fights each temptation that surfaces around her. Unknowingly she gets lured by men named Amar, Akash, Steve. However, leaves herself in a suspension mode with regards to the above individuals.
More @ http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/...
More @ http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2016/...
October 9, 2016
A book that is true to its name will leave you dangling over what is right or wrong! you will connect at a very deep level with this book.
Stunning, svelte, smart Ipshita is a globetrotter. She treks across the world to gather bytes for the travel chats she designs and hosts for TV channels. Despite being a self assured and sophisticated entrepreneur, Ipshita is haunted by a nameless fear. Social interaction with men unleashes psychotic turmoil inside her, making her wary of male attentions. Yet, the cold and aloof Ips is inexorably drawn to the three men she meets at different points in her journey. Her arousal to the overtures of these men catches her unawares. Well-built defenses break as her dormant sexuality go into overdrive until she discovers the horrifying truth about them…and herself. Life puzzles. Secrets tumble out. Will she be able to reclaim her life or let it dangle?
For full review check the link
http://literamuse.in/dangle-review/
Stunning, svelte, smart Ipshita is a globetrotter. She treks across the world to gather bytes for the travel chats she designs and hosts for TV channels. Despite being a self assured and sophisticated entrepreneur, Ipshita is haunted by a nameless fear. Social interaction with men unleashes psychotic turmoil inside her, making her wary of male attentions. Yet, the cold and aloof Ips is inexorably drawn to the three men she meets at different points in her journey. Her arousal to the overtures of these men catches her unawares. Well-built defenses break as her dormant sexuality go into overdrive until she discovers the horrifying truth about them…and herself. Life puzzles. Secrets tumble out. Will she be able to reclaim her life or let it dangle?
For full review check the link
http://literamuse.in/dangle-review/
September 17, 2016
The story is about Ipshita Sen, a stunning and strong woman, who lives her life on her own terms. Or at least she thinks so. Dangle is a story that tells you that the concept of living life on one’s own terms is as abstract as it is real, that life has its own way of happening. What’s constant though is the fact that you’ve got to hold on, face the demons, and do everything you can to conquer them. Which includes leaning on a shoulder and asking for support when you can’t figure things out for yourself. Love’s magic can be subtle, but it’s healing is pretty strong. I thought Sutapa has brought out this thought really well!
A well-written book, with good language and a smooth flow.
A well-written book, with good language and a smooth flow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews