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Lean Days
Fed up with his tedious desk job, a young man decides to quit on an impulse. He wants to write a novel, but doesn't think he has a story to tell. So the would-be writer, who was raised in a kotha, sets out to travel, hoping to arrive somewhere: at a destination, at a story.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2018
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June 29, 2018
“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city”
----Roman Payne
Manish Gaekwad, an Indian journalist turned writer, has penned a heart touching travel-fiction book called, Lean Days which is a very personal journey of an artist/writer across the country through multiple cities and myriad of souls, food, culture, customs and religions to find love, all the while reminiscing about his past, along with that city's significance in his life. A journey that will not only touch millions of souls but will also inspire the souls to express their individuality and sexuality without any fear and also to wander to find oneself.
Synopsis:
Fed up with his tedious desk job, a young man decides to quit on an impulse. He wants to write a novel, but doesn't think he has a story to tell. So the would-be writer, who was raised in a kotha, sets out to travel, hoping to arrive somewhere: at a destination, at a story.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
A writer travels across multiple Indian cities in order to look for inspiration to pen his story and for love. Being gay in India, is not an easy thing and that is portrayed very strongly as the author, while hopping one from one city to another, he also moved on from one love to another, sometimes, leaving behind a heartbreak or sometimes just a blissful feeling. As he travels from one place to another, he also collects some souvenirs like a comb in Hampi, a book in Srinagar, and so on. His journey begins from Bangalore, while reminiscing his days spent in the old Indian Coffee House, now shifted to a more modern setting. Next, his journey takes us to Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, then Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and finally, to where the writer actually belongs to, i.e., Bombay.
A poignant journey that is not only highly enriching and enlightening but also very, very interesting and intriguing enough to keep the readers anticipating after every single chapter. As he journeys from one city to another, and through the haze of memories associated with that particular place, he not only gets closer to his inner desires but he also discovers his inner self. This is not just a personal journey to express one's sexuality and individuality fearlessly but a journey that is inspiring to the ones reading and observing it from their own perspectives.
Also each city is penned in a vivid manner, I felt like travelling through so many cities from the eyes of the author. Not only that, it felt like the author has brought those alive from his writing style. From the streets to the alleys to the food to the culture to the rituals to the festivals to its people to every single detail is written with so much details that it feels like the city is breathing right before my eyes. Also the author has enlightened his readers about the hidden gems of the city, from dingy alleys to the forgotten restaurants serving authentic cuisines to the unique experience one can have in that city. Yes, it felt like I was holding the hand of a city guide, a.k.a, the author himself, and walking beside him, absorbing silently the sights and sounds as we hopped from one place to another.
The author's writing style is really articulate and is laced with strong emotions that is bound to move the readers deeply. The narrative is engaging as well as kept close to realism, hence readers will find it easy to comprehend with the dialogues. Also the dialogues are often ;aced with myriad of emotions from hilarious to heart breaking, they are going to hot the readers in a very striking manner. The pace is really fast, as there the protagonists travels from one city to another sometimes in a haste, or with a hope, or sometimes with a heavy heart.
The characters are well etched out through flaws and honesty in order to make them look believable in the eyes of the readers. The nameless protagonists is interesting, has so many shades in his personality, but as a whole, he is relatable in the eyes of the readers. Every scene in this book has been penned so thoughtfully and evocatively, from the love-making scenes to the heart breaking ones.
In a nutshell, this travelogue is one hell of a compelling ride through myriad of cities and its culture, customs, definitions, history and religions and its many souls, some clueless, some infidel, some confident and some wise through the eyes of a gay wannabe-writer.
Verdict: An enlightening journey of a gay writer across the country.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----Roman Payne
Manish Gaekwad, an Indian journalist turned writer, has penned a heart touching travel-fiction book called, Lean Days which is a very personal journey of an artist/writer across the country through multiple cities and myriad of souls, food, culture, customs and religions to find love, all the while reminiscing about his past, along with that city's significance in his life. A journey that will not only touch millions of souls but will also inspire the souls to express their individuality and sexuality without any fear and also to wander to find oneself.
Synopsis:
Fed up with his tedious desk job, a young man decides to quit on an impulse. He wants to write a novel, but doesn't think he has a story to tell. So the would-be writer, who was raised in a kotha, sets out to travel, hoping to arrive somewhere: at a destination, at a story.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
A writer travels across multiple Indian cities in order to look for inspiration to pen his story and for love. Being gay in India, is not an easy thing and that is portrayed very strongly as the author, while hopping one from one city to another, he also moved on from one love to another, sometimes, leaving behind a heartbreak or sometimes just a blissful feeling. As he travels from one place to another, he also collects some souvenirs like a comb in Hampi, a book in Srinagar, and so on. His journey begins from Bangalore, while reminiscing his days spent in the old Indian Coffee House, now shifted to a more modern setting. Next, his journey takes us to Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, then Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and finally, to where the writer actually belongs to, i.e., Bombay.
A poignant journey that is not only highly enriching and enlightening but also very, very interesting and intriguing enough to keep the readers anticipating after every single chapter. As he journeys from one city to another, and through the haze of memories associated with that particular place, he not only gets closer to his inner desires but he also discovers his inner self. This is not just a personal journey to express one's sexuality and individuality fearlessly but a journey that is inspiring to the ones reading and observing it from their own perspectives.
Also each city is penned in a vivid manner, I felt like travelling through so many cities from the eyes of the author. Not only that, it felt like the author has brought those alive from his writing style. From the streets to the alleys to the food to the culture to the rituals to the festivals to its people to every single detail is written with so much details that it feels like the city is breathing right before my eyes. Also the author has enlightened his readers about the hidden gems of the city, from dingy alleys to the forgotten restaurants serving authentic cuisines to the unique experience one can have in that city. Yes, it felt like I was holding the hand of a city guide, a.k.a, the author himself, and walking beside him, absorbing silently the sights and sounds as we hopped from one place to another.
The author's writing style is really articulate and is laced with strong emotions that is bound to move the readers deeply. The narrative is engaging as well as kept close to realism, hence readers will find it easy to comprehend with the dialogues. Also the dialogues are often ;aced with myriad of emotions from hilarious to heart breaking, they are going to hot the readers in a very striking manner. The pace is really fast, as there the protagonists travels from one city to another sometimes in a haste, or with a hope, or sometimes with a heavy heart.
The characters are well etched out through flaws and honesty in order to make them look believable in the eyes of the readers. The nameless protagonists is interesting, has so many shades in his personality, but as a whole, he is relatable in the eyes of the readers. Every scene in this book has been penned so thoughtfully and evocatively, from the love-making scenes to the heart breaking ones.
In a nutshell, this travelogue is one hell of a compelling ride through myriad of cities and its culture, customs, definitions, history and religions and its many souls, some clueless, some infidel, some confident and some wise through the eyes of a gay wannabe-writer.
Verdict: An enlightening journey of a gay writer across the country.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
May 8, 2018
An eccentric story of solo travel across the corners of the subcontinent. A story full of unusual encounters, lustful episodes, a story of longing, wandering & pondering. Brilliant work by the debut author, it's high time I started taking Indian authors more seriously.
June 24, 2018
It was my first travel dairy cum novel that I read. It went flat at some point but I love to read about places, so I kept going. The Kashmir Days and Banaras Days were my favourite chapters. All in all, it was a good read.
January 19, 2022
Originally posted on my blog.
To View and Be Viewed: Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad
The protagonist of Manish Gaekwad's novel Lean Days announces his desire in the early pages, "In search of love, I want to travel across the country." Lean Days is a stitched, dairy-like archive of these travels.
To View and Be Viewed
Though the novel is told in first-person, the author experiments with ways of seeing. While in Hyderabad, for instance, the protagonist remarks that when one visits another city, one often hopes for a view of the city's prime location from one's hotel-room window. However, sometimes what one gets is "an oblique view of things." This is followed by the question: "What about those who cannot afford an expensive view?"
Here, 'view' does not simply mean "a gabled temple, a monument, a glade of disquieting beauty" but also perspective. While in Madras, the protagonist observes,
"The boy-meets-girl scenario in Madras takes place under the smug smile of a benevolent Amma or another unsightly politician watching their every move through giant cut-outs, posters, and hoardings put up around the city."
From a boy-meets-girl scenario, which is clearly a public encounter, the narrative moves into private spaces, such as a party "where the city's small network of gay men will gather to try their luck" or parks "where sex is freely available." It also moves into online spaces of alternate desire, including gay dating apps and instant messengers.
Those who can't afford the public view and being viewed in public, then, occupy these private spaces. Thinking about the Versova Beach in Mumbai, where "heterosexual couples cling to each other for love, sex or as a general safety method to avoid drowning," the protagonist says,
"Why don't we have something like that for us, that feeling of openness more than a place? […] I want us to hold hands with another man and walk the shore like the couples in Versova."
A Sum of Disjointed Parts
This is Gaekwad’s debut novel and it does read like one. "I spent years staring out of that window, planning to be able to write this today," says the protagonist. Despite the planning, the narrative focus often deviates and the novel lacks a sustained narrative voice.
It has its moments of genius—such as when the protagonist envisions a meeting between Kafka and Ghalib—but these are simply moments.
A reviewer on Goodreads said that the book satisfies one's wanderlust. Perhaps that's true, but I expected it to do much more with the themes of the city and desire that it is clearly invested in. Perhaps an editorial intervention into the scattered diary-like entries would have made this novel a whole, rather than a sum of disjointed parts.
___________________
Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad, published by HarperCollins Publishers India, 2018.
* This book was sent to me for review by the author. The views expressed, however, are entirely my own.
To View and Be Viewed: Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad
The protagonist of Manish Gaekwad's novel Lean Days announces his desire in the early pages, "In search of love, I want to travel across the country." Lean Days is a stitched, dairy-like archive of these travels.
To View and Be Viewed
Though the novel is told in first-person, the author experiments with ways of seeing. While in Hyderabad, for instance, the protagonist remarks that when one visits another city, one often hopes for a view of the city's prime location from one's hotel-room window. However, sometimes what one gets is "an oblique view of things." This is followed by the question: "What about those who cannot afford an expensive view?"
Here, 'view' does not simply mean "a gabled temple, a monument, a glade of disquieting beauty" but also perspective. While in Madras, the protagonist observes,
"The boy-meets-girl scenario in Madras takes place under the smug smile of a benevolent Amma or another unsightly politician watching their every move through giant cut-outs, posters, and hoardings put up around the city."
From a boy-meets-girl scenario, which is clearly a public encounter, the narrative moves into private spaces, such as a party "where the city's small network of gay men will gather to try their luck" or parks "where sex is freely available." It also moves into online spaces of alternate desire, including gay dating apps and instant messengers.
Those who can't afford the public view and being viewed in public, then, occupy these private spaces. Thinking about the Versova Beach in Mumbai, where "heterosexual couples cling to each other for love, sex or as a general safety method to avoid drowning," the protagonist says,
"Why don't we have something like that for us, that feeling of openness more than a place? […] I want us to hold hands with another man and walk the shore like the couples in Versova."
A Sum of Disjointed Parts
This is Gaekwad’s debut novel and it does read like one. "I spent years staring out of that window, planning to be able to write this today," says the protagonist. Despite the planning, the narrative focus often deviates and the novel lacks a sustained narrative voice.
It has its moments of genius—such as when the protagonist envisions a meeting between Kafka and Ghalib—but these are simply moments.
A reviewer on Goodreads said that the book satisfies one's wanderlust. Perhaps that's true, but I expected it to do much more with the themes of the city and desire that it is clearly invested in. Perhaps an editorial intervention into the scattered diary-like entries would have made this novel a whole, rather than a sum of disjointed parts.
___________________
Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad, published by HarperCollins Publishers India, 2018.
* This book was sent to me for review by the author. The views expressed, however, are entirely my own.
June 24, 2018
"I am okay sleeping with someone who does not read books as long as they are not defiant about it."
- Manish Gaekwad, Lean Days
Publishers: HaperCollins Publishers
Synopsis:
Fed up with his tedious desk job, a young man decides to quit on an impulse. He wants to write a novel, but doesn't think he has a story to tell. So the would-be writer, who was raised in a kotha, sets out to travel, hoping to arrive somewhere: at a destination, at a story.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
The plot
The story is about a gay man travelling across India with the aim to find inspiration for his novel. Can be classified as an autobiography, epistolary novel as well as a novel of manners. It’s a journey through multiple cities along with a myriad of cultures, customs, foods and religions of the people. It is an exceptional journey mostly as the character explores facets of his own individuality including his sexuality, of the fear of rejection, openness, trust etc.
Throughout this journey from one city to another, and through the haze of memories associated with that particular place, he not only gets closer to his inner desires but he also discovers his inner self.
It is a really inflective book in the sense that it forces us to introspect about our own views and expectations of love, sexuality etc. Being gay in India is not easy especially in the times the author portrayed. As the protagonist travels from one place to another, he also collects some souvenirs like a comb in Hampi, a book in Srinagar, and so on. His journey begins from Bangalore, where he relives his days spent in the old Indian Coffee House, now shifted to a more modern setting, and continues with Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, then Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and finally, to where the writer actually belongs to, i.e., Bombay. The themes of sexuality, self-discovery, love, lust and also the whole concept of self was worth reading about and shed quite the light on matters that need to be discussed more.
The writing style
I am really impressed with the writing style of the author- Lean Days is truly an ongoing autobiography done right. He has beautifully captured the thoughts and fears of a regular Indian man who has to be defiantly secretive of his feelings in a mostly homophobic India. This is the sort of book that needs to be read more in the community and moreover, to be written about and I’m happy to see this ongoing change in the current generation- the willingness to be respecting of all people despite their varying sexualities and behaviours. The overall writing style is quite simple, albeit very realistic and to the point. The pace that the author has adopted for the book is also very great as the protagonist travels from one city to another- sometimes happily, sometimes not, and sometimes in between.
The characters
I could really relate to the nameless protagonist throughout the book. The other characters are well created with a believable as well as relatability. They are all flawed and display varying shades of grey- thus making them more human and real in a fictionalized story.
Cover
The cover was kept minimalistic and I admit I was truly very attracted to the cover in the beginning. The background to the neon pink “Lean Days” truly gave the kotha vibes.
Verdict
I rate this book a 4/5 stars keeping in mind the characters, the plotline as well as the themes covered. It was an exciting journey.
- Manish Gaekwad, Lean Days
Publishers: HaperCollins Publishers
Synopsis:
Fed up with his tedious desk job, a young man decides to quit on an impulse. He wants to write a novel, but doesn't think he has a story to tell. So the would-be writer, who was raised in a kotha, sets out to travel, hoping to arrive somewhere: at a destination, at a story.
But it's not just about arriving. What about the journey? The joy and pain of trudging through the country without a plan, or a map? If his aim is to write, who will document his search for inspiration, and for love?
Lean Days is the story of an artist's voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places whose stories he can tell along with his own. It is a book of journeys without an end in sight, about the yearning for romance and succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.
The plot
The story is about a gay man travelling across India with the aim to find inspiration for his novel. Can be classified as an autobiography, epistolary novel as well as a novel of manners. It’s a journey through multiple cities along with a myriad of cultures, customs, foods and religions of the people. It is an exceptional journey mostly as the character explores facets of his own individuality including his sexuality, of the fear of rejection, openness, trust etc.
Throughout this journey from one city to another, and through the haze of memories associated with that particular place, he not only gets closer to his inner desires but he also discovers his inner self.
It is a really inflective book in the sense that it forces us to introspect about our own views and expectations of love, sexuality etc. Being gay in India is not easy especially in the times the author portrayed. As the protagonist travels from one place to another, he also collects some souvenirs like a comb in Hampi, a book in Srinagar, and so on. His journey begins from Bangalore, where he relives his days spent in the old Indian Coffee House, now shifted to a more modern setting, and continues with Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, then Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and finally, to where the writer actually belongs to, i.e., Bombay. The themes of sexuality, self-discovery, love, lust and also the whole concept of self was worth reading about and shed quite the light on matters that need to be discussed more.
The writing style
I am really impressed with the writing style of the author- Lean Days is truly an ongoing autobiography done right. He has beautifully captured the thoughts and fears of a regular Indian man who has to be defiantly secretive of his feelings in a mostly homophobic India. This is the sort of book that needs to be read more in the community and moreover, to be written about and I’m happy to see this ongoing change in the current generation- the willingness to be respecting of all people despite their varying sexualities and behaviours. The overall writing style is quite simple, albeit very realistic and to the point. The pace that the author has adopted for the book is also very great as the protagonist travels from one city to another- sometimes happily, sometimes not, and sometimes in between.
The characters
I could really relate to the nameless protagonist throughout the book. The other characters are well created with a believable as well as relatability. They are all flawed and display varying shades of grey- thus making them more human and real in a fictionalized story.
Cover
The cover was kept minimalistic and I admit I was truly very attracted to the cover in the beginning. The background to the neon pink “Lean Days” truly gave the kotha vibes.
Verdict
I rate this book a 4/5 stars keeping in mind the characters, the plotline as well as the themes covered. It was an exciting journey.
July 12, 2018
Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad
Published by: HarperCollins India
Page Length: 208
Format: Paperback
About the book: Lean days is a travelogue written by Manish Gaekwad. The book is about the travelling experiences and the sheer quest of his lost identity. It’s a journey without any itinerary and Google maps, making wise suitable decisions. The protagonist of the book is himself a writer who is writing his book while travelling to different cities of India and parts of Nepal. The protagonist who is a nameless narrated about his journey, past experiences, street foods, history of India, culture and customs of different communities residing in India. The book is also about the struggle of homosexual people faced while living in a homophobic society.
My Reviews: I bow down to the writer who decided to write on the Taboo topic and enlighten the reads about the emotions, sentiments, the struggle of the homosexual people. While reading the book I stumbled on the paragraph which has a description about the simple wishes of the homosexual couple of walking hand in hand, putting an arm around the shoulder of their beloved or leaning on the shoulder to rest at any public place in India is not acceptable by our Indian society.
The protagonist travels through the country, to find his motivation to write his book about which he has no idea. The protagonist doesn’t have a story, characters and theme decided in his mind, but he was clear about writing his book. His Journey begins from Banglore while he spends his days there reviving his old times in the old Indian coffee house, and how things changed over the years. On his journey, the protagonist visited various places Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and Bombay. The writer has penned down in well authentic and presented the book in a subtle way which is enchanting to the reader’s mind and soul. The book is also about the sour- unpleasant relationship between a mother and a son which grew t0xic over the years when the protagonist left his home, in Calcutta. The book is a protagonist’s journey to find his inner self, love, through heartbreaks, emotional setbacks.
While travelling to the different places and cities, the narrator narrated about his past memories associated, different untold tales and unforgettable experiences of wisdom, adventure and bring readers closer to India and its culture. Each and every fine detail about the food, street, local culture and customs, local residents are beautifully explained.
Well, the book is highly recommendable and worth spending time and energy. Also, if you are bored your tedious books with the story of heartbreak, broken trust, etc. Do give a read and cherish the tales of Indian cities.
Published by: HarperCollins India
Page Length: 208
Format: Paperback
About the book: Lean days is a travelogue written by Manish Gaekwad. The book is about the travelling experiences and the sheer quest of his lost identity. It’s a journey without any itinerary and Google maps, making wise suitable decisions. The protagonist of the book is himself a writer who is writing his book while travelling to different cities of India and parts of Nepal. The protagonist who is a nameless narrated about his journey, past experiences, street foods, history of India, culture and customs of different communities residing in India. The book is also about the struggle of homosexual people faced while living in a homophobic society.
My Reviews: I bow down to the writer who decided to write on the Taboo topic and enlighten the reads about the emotions, sentiments, the struggle of the homosexual people. While reading the book I stumbled on the paragraph which has a description about the simple wishes of the homosexual couple of walking hand in hand, putting an arm around the shoulder of their beloved or leaning on the shoulder to rest at any public place in India is not acceptable by our Indian society.
The protagonist travels through the country, to find his motivation to write his book about which he has no idea. The protagonist doesn’t have a story, characters and theme decided in his mind, but he was clear about writing his book. His Journey begins from Banglore while he spends his days there reviving his old times in the old Indian coffee house, and how things changed over the years. On his journey, the protagonist visited various places Hyderabad, Delhi, Ajmer, Srinagar, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Lucknow, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Banaras, Calcutta and Bombay. The writer has penned down in well authentic and presented the book in a subtle way which is enchanting to the reader’s mind and soul. The book is also about the sour- unpleasant relationship between a mother and a son which grew t0xic over the years when the protagonist left his home, in Calcutta. The book is a protagonist’s journey to find his inner self, love, through heartbreaks, emotional setbacks.
While travelling to the different places and cities, the narrator narrated about his past memories associated, different untold tales and unforgettable experiences of wisdom, adventure and bring readers closer to India and its culture. Each and every fine detail about the food, street, local culture and customs, local residents are beautifully explained.
Well, the book is highly recommendable and worth spending time and energy. Also, if you are bored your tedious books with the story of heartbreak, broken trust, etc. Do give a read and cherish the tales of Indian cities.
January 2, 2019
"I am okay sleeping with someone who does not read books as long as they are not defiant about it."
I had been hearing quite a lot about this book. And for starters, I wasn't quite sure how the book will be, for its new & it has a very simple name, though unique I must admit. But it is as they say, never judge a book by it's cover. Similarly, it's not advisable to judge a book by it's name either. The blurb was catchy & it grabbed my attention.
So I started reading it, analysing every aspect & extrapolating all the details, keeping it mind that the book touches a very important/sensitive topic which is much required these days. And I must say I wasn't disappointed in the least. The book rather surprised me & left me dumbfounded! Another interesting aspect of the book is it talks about various novels & writers, which I found to my liking, as I can learn much more for being a reader. And that's something quite fascinating.
Plot revolves around the story of a journalist turned writer. The protagonist goes across India in search of true love, often pondering upon new things to write about, exploring new places, meeting new people, meanwhile discovering new friends. He realises in his earlier life that he's not straight in terms of sexuality. The book uses a lot of sexuality, talks about sex a very too often. So in away, I might not be recommending this to all age groups, as young ones may find it a bit too offensive or bold. However, that's what makes this novel worth reading & the contemporary appearance of the theme while keeping a broad-minded thinking keeps things lively & interactive. It also tackles the traditional mindset which involves stereotypes & prejudice which is biased only to a certain section of people & how the atrocities often neglect some people out of the society altogether, in the name of the so-called rules of society.
The central character shares his experiences as he travels across each state of India, also talks about his sexuality, stories driven by lust and desires.
Language is splendid. The expertise in the writing style is commendable.
Narration is catchy, it's unique & easy to grasp.
Overall, a remarkable piece of work. A must read novel!
I had been hearing quite a lot about this book. And for starters, I wasn't quite sure how the book will be, for its new & it has a very simple name, though unique I must admit. But it is as they say, never judge a book by it's cover. Similarly, it's not advisable to judge a book by it's name either. The blurb was catchy & it grabbed my attention.
So I started reading it, analysing every aspect & extrapolating all the details, keeping it mind that the book touches a very important/sensitive topic which is much required these days. And I must say I wasn't disappointed in the least. The book rather surprised me & left me dumbfounded! Another interesting aspect of the book is it talks about various novels & writers, which I found to my liking, as I can learn much more for being a reader. And that's something quite fascinating.
Plot revolves around the story of a journalist turned writer. The protagonist goes across India in search of true love, often pondering upon new things to write about, exploring new places, meeting new people, meanwhile discovering new friends. He realises in his earlier life that he's not straight in terms of sexuality. The book uses a lot of sexuality, talks about sex a very too often. So in away, I might not be recommending this to all age groups, as young ones may find it a bit too offensive or bold. However, that's what makes this novel worth reading & the contemporary appearance of the theme while keeping a broad-minded thinking keeps things lively & interactive. It also tackles the traditional mindset which involves stereotypes & prejudice which is biased only to a certain section of people & how the atrocities often neglect some people out of the society altogether, in the name of the so-called rules of society.
The central character shares his experiences as he travels across each state of India, also talks about his sexuality, stories driven by lust and desires.
Language is splendid. The expertise in the writing style is commendable.
Narration is catchy, it's unique & easy to grasp.
Overall, a remarkable piece of work. A must read novel!
September 6, 2018
LEAN DAYS- MAKES UP FOR A FALSTAFFIAN JOLLY GOOD READ ❤️📔 What makes up for a lean deal here? 😌
Well, for starters, I was intrigued by the title, which manages to capture your conscience in this compelling read by Mr Gaekwad.
The author has penned down a seemingly interesting index made up of some perennial cities, LGBT themed, swift writing which consumes your mind with witty one liners, converging in paragraphs which don't seem lean at all.
A non monotonous attempt to bring out his thoughts, which has been edited beautifully by @harpercollinsin
_______________________________
My favorite line was- “It is in a place such as this where one begins to respond to one’s own descent into madness.” The descent of the book, chapter by chapter is non bullshitting and hard hitting. Sit with a three course meal and you'll be done sooner than you wished for, that is if you can read at my speed, and if you have the urge I had while reading this book, to flow as the author would have flowed with his pen while writing this little piece of lean meat.
Maybe not a book for everybody but then the writer is not wasting any ink nor is he trying too hard, unlike the LGBT activists. But today, on the historical verdict given by Supreme Court, as an advocate of human rights and an optimist, I rate this book a good four ✴️✴️✴️✴️. Could have been a better story but then with all the could have's, I hope Lean days sees some fat attention for it's style of writing, thoughts which are right here, right now and some moments which make you smile.
Head over to Amazon to read this for yourself and decide what's the point of this book. Would love to know your thoughts if you have read or are going to. Does this seem interesting in the wake of some herculean changes in the draconic laws of India? 🙏
Well, for starters, I was intrigued by the title, which manages to capture your conscience in this compelling read by Mr Gaekwad.
The author has penned down a seemingly interesting index made up of some perennial cities, LGBT themed, swift writing which consumes your mind with witty one liners, converging in paragraphs which don't seem lean at all.
A non monotonous attempt to bring out his thoughts, which has been edited beautifully by @harpercollinsin
_______________________________
My favorite line was- “It is in a place such as this where one begins to respond to one’s own descent into madness.” The descent of the book, chapter by chapter is non bullshitting and hard hitting. Sit with a three course meal and you'll be done sooner than you wished for, that is if you can read at my speed, and if you have the urge I had while reading this book, to flow as the author would have flowed with his pen while writing this little piece of lean meat.
Maybe not a book for everybody but then the writer is not wasting any ink nor is he trying too hard, unlike the LGBT activists. But today, on the historical verdict given by Supreme Court, as an advocate of human rights and an optimist, I rate this book a good four ✴️✴️✴️✴️. Could have been a better story but then with all the could have's, I hope Lean days sees some fat attention for it's style of writing, thoughts which are right here, right now and some moments which make you smile.
Head over to Amazon to read this for yourself and decide what's the point of this book. Would love to know your thoughts if you have read or are going to. Does this seem interesting in the wake of some herculean changes in the draconic laws of India? 🙏
March 4, 2021
"I am okay sleeping with someone who does not read books as long as they are not defiant about it."
- Manish Gaekwad, Lean Days
When I picked up this book, I did not know what to expect. Lean Days seemed such a nice and casual name, as if what I would get while reading this book would be nothing but relaxing and entertaining. To be true, it was that. But it was also so much more than that.
When I think of the kind of impact this book held on me, I don't see a very enlightening one. Yet, it took me on a journey of self-introspection and self-discovery. It was a simple read, an autobiography done right. There are very books that have this impact on the readers.
A beauty in itself, Lean Days revolves around the story of a journalist turned writer. In this book, our protagonist goes on around India, finding things to write about, meeting people he wouldn't have met, discovering things about himself a person normally doesn't. The book openly speaks of sexuality, so in that way, it might be a little bold. But that also shows how it is like an open journal, to be read by anyone who wishes to know more about life.
In a way then, it's also unique because there are stories revolving around one's sexuality, stories driven by lust and desires.
The thing that attracted me to it in the first place though, was the blurb. An unnamed blurb, it is. No names, nothing. In fact, throughout the length of the book, I don't think I ever recollect the protagonist mentioning his name anywhere. You can easily take it to be your journey then.
Perhaps then, it is okay to take it as a journey of self-introspection, of rejection, of fear, of travel, of openness, of trust and what not.
In a nutshell thus, I believe I landed upon a true marvel when I read this book.
- Manish Gaekwad, Lean Days
When I picked up this book, I did not know what to expect. Lean Days seemed such a nice and casual name, as if what I would get while reading this book would be nothing but relaxing and entertaining. To be true, it was that. But it was also so much more than that.
When I think of the kind of impact this book held on me, I don't see a very enlightening one. Yet, it took me on a journey of self-introspection and self-discovery. It was a simple read, an autobiography done right. There are very books that have this impact on the readers.
A beauty in itself, Lean Days revolves around the story of a journalist turned writer. In this book, our protagonist goes on around India, finding things to write about, meeting people he wouldn't have met, discovering things about himself a person normally doesn't. The book openly speaks of sexuality, so in that way, it might be a little bold. But that also shows how it is like an open journal, to be read by anyone who wishes to know more about life.
In a way then, it's also unique because there are stories revolving around one's sexuality, stories driven by lust and desires.
The thing that attracted me to it in the first place though, was the blurb. An unnamed blurb, it is. No names, nothing. In fact, throughout the length of the book, I don't think I ever recollect the protagonist mentioning his name anywhere. You can easily take it to be your journey then.
Perhaps then, it is okay to take it as a journey of self-introspection, of rejection, of fear, of travel, of openness, of trust and what not.
In a nutshell thus, I believe I landed upon a true marvel when I read this book.
June 20, 2018
Before describing anything about this book, I will go on to say this is very different from what I have already read. Indeed, the writing style, chapter naming and even the characters felt pretty unique to me as a reader.
The book takes us out of our comfort zones to explore some of the most interesting cities of India narrated wonderfully by our main protagonist whose journeys through the Indian streets is of love, heartbreaks and a fear from the homophobic society.
The gay writer moves from city to city collecting various memories with experiences of self-discovery and more. As expected, you’ll get the glimpses of the city mixed with an artist’s preception who is seeking comfort in these socially threating lands.
I will go on saying how the author’s efforts and vision is clearly visible through his character and the description. The book is also brave from the point of self-discovery since we hardly have books that go on to express stories around one’s sexuality and that too in the protective Indian society. With movies being banned, these books are really hopeful ways for people as a society to grow.
Interestingly the book with giving you several elements to relate to and even inspire yourself from as a fellow traveller in this journey of life. The writing style is well paced and simple, elaborating everything in the needed amount.
I’ll happily recommend this to everyone who’s willing to get something new from their lives as well as the books they are reading. Also, if you go on reading it, do let me know the main character’s name.
https://singhwithbooks.wordpress.com/...
The book takes us out of our comfort zones to explore some of the most interesting cities of India narrated wonderfully by our main protagonist whose journeys through the Indian streets is of love, heartbreaks and a fear from the homophobic society.
The gay writer moves from city to city collecting various memories with experiences of self-discovery and more. As expected, you’ll get the glimpses of the city mixed with an artist’s preception who is seeking comfort in these socially threating lands.
I will go on saying how the author’s efforts and vision is clearly visible through his character and the description. The book is also brave from the point of self-discovery since we hardly have books that go on to express stories around one’s sexuality and that too in the protective Indian society. With movies being banned, these books are really hopeful ways for people as a society to grow.
Interestingly the book with giving you several elements to relate to and even inspire yourself from as a fellow traveller in this journey of life. The writing style is well paced and simple, elaborating everything in the needed amount.
I’ll happily recommend this to everyone who’s willing to get something new from their lives as well as the books they are reading. Also, if you go on reading it, do let me know the main character’s name.
https://singhwithbooks.wordpress.com/...
December 25, 2018
Lean Days
Manish Gaekwad
HarperCollins India
2018. Pp – 208.
Do you find inspiration on the road too? Do you feel like packing up your bags and picking up your life? Do you, too, think that the journey is more important than the destination itself, and that the real essence lies in the process and not the outcome?
If yes, I introduce to Lean Days. It is a story if an artist’s voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places and stories to tell along with his own.
Lean Days, if you ask me in brief, is a quick read. Simple, light, enjoyable and honest.
The cover page and styling is catchy, and the content page makes you want to read about all the adventures that are about to happen. The narration is not at all boring, and you won’t mind flipping page over page till you reach the last.
A 3.5 on 5.
Recommending this to anybody and everybody. It’d be an interesting experience reading this one.
Until next time, happy reading!
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature
43 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
Manish Gaekwad
HarperCollins India
2018. Pp – 208.
Do you find inspiration on the road too? Do you feel like packing up your bags and picking up your life? Do you, too, think that the journey is more important than the destination itself, and that the real essence lies in the process and not the outcome?
If yes, I introduce to Lean Days. It is a story if an artist’s voyage through the country, mixing history with imagination, and finding people and places and stories to tell along with his own.
Lean Days, if you ask me in brief, is a quick read. Simple, light, enjoyable and honest.
The cover page and styling is catchy, and the content page makes you want to read about all the adventures that are about to happen. The narration is not at all boring, and you won’t mind flipping page over page till you reach the last.
A 3.5 on 5.
Recommending this to anybody and everybody. It’d be an interesting experience reading this one.
Until next time, happy reading!
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature
43 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
July 2, 2018
Lean days is the story of a man who travels to find out things to do in life and in the journey the author describes people,places,sexuality and a lot of more that we deserve to know. By the end of the book it makes me realise that this is a kind of work that I want more people to read and it is the kind of work that I want to read more and I want to see more books in and the same line of thought.
The book Lean days a collection of unvarnished and unpolished emotions and perspectives on paper.The book is a pioneer in itself .It gives us insights on the lesser known lives .The book definitely speaks about lives someone like me would have never visited or even contemplated for that matter unless and through this book. The book has a very different and unique texture in everything; the characters,their thoughts and even the way of expression of emotions. The thoughts, the fears ,the journey; they are all so well written.Let me take a moment appreciate the author for writing such an amazing debut book .If this can move us so much we expect a lot more from you!!
The book does have a very interesting cover and title that gets sidelined because of the narration,thoughts and story the book offers.
The book Lean days a collection of unvarnished and unpolished emotions and perspectives on paper.The book is a pioneer in itself .It gives us insights on the lesser known lives .The book definitely speaks about lives someone like me would have never visited or even contemplated for that matter unless and through this book. The book has a very different and unique texture in everything; the characters,their thoughts and even the way of expression of emotions. The thoughts, the fears ,the journey; they are all so well written.Let me take a moment appreciate the author for writing such an amazing debut book .If this can move us so much we expect a lot more from you!!
The book does have a very interesting cover and title that gets sidelined because of the narration,thoughts and story the book offers.
August 16, 2018
Lean days is about an aspiring writer who leaves his job in an impulse in order to write but does not really have a story. So, he travels the whole country of India in order to find his story and this book is more like his travel journal. Every small to big detail that the author experiences is noted down in this book.
The title completely goes with the book.
The language is unusual with a different tense when compared to other books. A few complex words can be seen if you are not an avid reader but it's not tough if you are one.
This book is one of the most different books I have come across since a very long time. I love travelling and so I could relate to the intensity of this book. It has an abrupt beginning because of which I did not understand anything first but it just gets better chapter by chapter. It's a very deep book that also raises the issues faced by the LGBT community in our country. I do wonder how the author got ideas with such minute details.
One thing I must mention is that because it does not exactly have a set of events going on, you don't get a hang to be interested in the book until and unless you are a traveller, writer or and avid reader.
I recommend this book to all the aspiring travellers, writers or avid readers.
The title completely goes with the book.
The language is unusual with a different tense when compared to other books. A few complex words can be seen if you are not an avid reader but it's not tough if you are one.
This book is one of the most different books I have come across since a very long time. I love travelling and so I could relate to the intensity of this book. It has an abrupt beginning because of which I did not understand anything first but it just gets better chapter by chapter. It's a very deep book that also raises the issues faced by the LGBT community in our country. I do wonder how the author got ideas with such minute details.
One thing I must mention is that because it does not exactly have a set of events going on, you don't get a hang to be interested in the book until and unless you are a traveller, writer or and avid reader.
I recommend this book to all the aspiring travellers, writers or avid readers.
August 19, 2018
To write a review of Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad is not an easy ask. Though I was probably one of the first people who bought the book in early April, I still haven’t put down my thoughts. This is because I’ve read Manish’s writing on and off since early 2013 and have always been mesmerised. He is a magician with words and Lean Days is the first (of many, I hope) example of his magic. Dealing with complicated themes of sexuality and desire (whether LGBT or straight), Manish weaves his travel across India into the story so effortlessly. There’s a sensitivity to the characters in Lean Days that translates into strength - one wants to know more about where their lives have taken them. The one line that stayed with me is - “It is in a place such as this where one begins to respond to one’s own descent into madness.” Wise indeed is a writer who is willing to accept, recognise and articulate with such honesty the possibility of places or people where one can respond to said descents into madness. Kudos to Manish for bringing to light the nuances of desire - something we do not debate often enough in India. I am looking forward to his next book!
August 19, 2018
Lean days... A beautifully written travel diary of the narrator who is a writer from Mumbai who travel different cities if India and back to Mumbai again with the story which have emotion. Love... lust.. sex.
The emotion of finding love.. experiencing it... losing it... and experiencing different things on the tour
They way this book is written.. reader will get lost in it. The description of different cities which capture minute details of everything which encourage me to visit these places to experience it
Amazong book Manish
Waiting fr tour next book release
The emotion of finding love.. experiencing it... losing it... and experiencing different things on the tour
They way this book is written.. reader will get lost in it. The description of different cities which capture minute details of everything which encourage me to visit these places to experience it
Amazong book Manish
Waiting fr tour next book release
September 18, 2018
Great Read!!! This book is like those 360-degree VR devices which takes you on a roller coaster ride from the comfort of your couch.
Book is about a writer who left his job to travel, hoping to find that elusive one (in this case, story for his first novel, too)! So kind of a roller coaster ride with well written ups and downs.
Personally I could relate to so many things that the protagonist was experiencing.
Especially, " Ishq se zyada mushq ne jee jalaya hai mera..."
If you enjoy reading travelogs, this is very much a book for you, hands down! (sometimes literally :D)
Book is about a writer who left his job to travel, hoping to find that elusive one (in this case, story for his first novel, too)! So kind of a roller coaster ride with well written ups and downs.
Personally I could relate to so many things that the protagonist was experiencing.
Especially, " Ishq se zyada mushq ne jee jalaya hai mera..."
If you enjoy reading travelogs, this is very much a book for you, hands down! (sometimes literally :D)
June 6, 2019
"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."
---Martin Buber
The story is about a gay writer, who’s sharing his experiences of love and heartbreak narrating on the background of his journeys through the streets and states of India. And being gay in India is not that easy, as you all know the society’s homophobia.
This novel is an escapade to all the beautiful cities of India through the eyes of a writer. Within the comforts of your home you get to travel to Chennai, Delhi, Srinagar, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Kathmandu, Varanasi, Calcutta and finally Mumbai (Bombay).
As the writer in Lean Days moves forward crossing borders of all those cities he goes through his memories like opening a personal journal and flips through it reminiscing, you too as a reader go on a journey of introspection and self-discovery along with him.
It’s quite unique as we usually don’t get to read books and stories revolving around the experiences about expression of one’s sexuality, with stories of lust driven by desire and longing. But we do need such books and I’m glad to see this change happening.
Also, It is very accurate in description. I genuinely felt like I was watching the author from a distance or maybe riding along in the same berth of his train with him. There’s a lot of focus on the cultural experiences, talks of food, rituals which are very important in India. So the book feeds you and leaves you hungry for more such gastronomical experiences. The writing is quite realistic, simple and to the point. I really liked it. You know its good when you can relate to the author’s sentiments as a reader.
---Martin Buber
The story is about a gay writer, who’s sharing his experiences of love and heartbreak narrating on the background of his journeys through the streets and states of India. And being gay in India is not that easy, as you all know the society’s homophobia.
This novel is an escapade to all the beautiful cities of India through the eyes of a writer. Within the comforts of your home you get to travel to Chennai, Delhi, Srinagar, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Manali, Kathmandu, Varanasi, Calcutta and finally Mumbai (Bombay).
As the writer in Lean Days moves forward crossing borders of all those cities he goes through his memories like opening a personal journal and flips through it reminiscing, you too as a reader go on a journey of introspection and self-discovery along with him.
It’s quite unique as we usually don’t get to read books and stories revolving around the experiences about expression of one’s sexuality, with stories of lust driven by desire and longing. But we do need such books and I’m glad to see this change happening.
Also, It is very accurate in description. I genuinely felt like I was watching the author from a distance or maybe riding along in the same berth of his train with him. There’s a lot of focus on the cultural experiences, talks of food, rituals which are very important in India. So the book feeds you and leaves you hungry for more such gastronomical experiences. The writing is quite realistic, simple and to the point. I really liked it. You know its good when you can relate to the author’s sentiments as a reader.
June 2, 2024
Lean Days is one of those books, which when you finish reading, makes you feel a sense of accomplishment. You feel like you have been on a journey with this book and you are not yet ready enough to get out of the exploration well, it has landed you into. Lean Days is a story of a man’s voyage through the streets and states of our country in search of his true identity. The author very beautifully narrates his journey through heartbreaks and love and openly talks about his sexuality. Lean Days is a travelogue where the author, wandering the streets of India, very deftly tells stories of various people, he meets on his way and the various diverse customs and cultures he dives into. The book discusses about the true soulful meaning of life and offers a different perception of viewing things with its correct doses of philosophy and reality.
The cover of the book was the one which piqued my interest in the first place and the title being completely appropriate makes you feel comforted. The writing style of the author is simple, amazing and easily understandable. For being a debut novel, this book by Manish Gaekwad is extremely remarkable and keeps it readers on the tenterhooks with its exceptional narration and the intriguing nature of the plot. The plot is filled with many incidents which ignite one's curiosity levels and thus make the book a strongly recommended page turner.
Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 stars
The cover of the book was the one which piqued my interest in the first place and the title being completely appropriate makes you feel comforted. The writing style of the author is simple, amazing and easily understandable. For being a debut novel, this book by Manish Gaekwad is extremely remarkable and keeps it readers on the tenterhooks with its exceptional narration and the intriguing nature of the plot. The plot is filled with many incidents which ignite one's curiosity levels and thus make the book a strongly recommended page turner.
Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews