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Anon.
About the Book
Welcome to Calcutta of the sixties and the seventies.
Meet Debottam, the genius vagabond son of a wealthy zamindar.
Meet Urbish, the ambitious dreamer whose father is a fisherman.
Walk with them through the red earth of Shantiniketan.
Visit the jazz clubs of Park Street.
Experience friendship redefined by two people who have only one thing in common writing.
But one is willing to kill to write and the other is willing to die.
Anon. Short for Anonymous.
After all what’s in a name?
About the Author
Bhavani Iyer is a screenwriter who has written several Hindi films and television shows. She lives in Mumbai with her boyfriend, three dogs and a cat. Anon. is her first novel.
Welcome to Calcutta of the sixties and the seventies.
Meet Debottam, the genius vagabond son of a wealthy zamindar.
Meet Urbish, the ambitious dreamer whose father is a fisherman.
Walk with them through the red earth of Shantiniketan.
Visit the jazz clubs of Park Street.
Experience friendship redefined by two people who have only one thing in common writing.
But one is willing to kill to write and the other is willing to die.
Anon. Short for Anonymous.
After all what’s in a name?
About the Author
Bhavani Iyer is a screenwriter who has written several Hindi films and television shows. She lives in Mumbai with her boyfriend, three dogs and a cat. Anon. is her first novel.
- GenresFiction
312 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2018
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 5, 2019
Bhavani Iyer's debut novel 'Anon.' is set in Kolkata of 1960s and 1970s. A time where jazz clubs in the city of joy were still alive and the city was flourishing with literature as ever. In this city of joy and of ever flourishing literature two young men are quite headstrong to mark their names in the world if literature. Debottam Bhattacharya, son of a zamindar and and Urbish Sardar, son of a fisherman of Sunderbans. Two men, from totally different background, different thinking and even different ways to express themselves had one thing in common- their love for writing. But even though having the same love of writing these two characters seem very contradictory the main reason behind this is that Bhavani Iyer has built these two characters in a manner that there was not a single moment in the book they seemed alike. For Urbish writing is something he acquired and for Debottam writing is kind of nature's gift. The book follows the journey of these two men from their early writing days to the stage of "anonymity".
The highlight of the book I would say was the way Bhavani Iyer has developed these characters. While reading the book I felt like she had planted seeds and like an fine and experienced gardner she nurtured both of them with utmost care and love that when these two seeds eventually become trees they become in grand and magnificent ones. Each and every mannerism, every personal trait and most importantly the initmate thoughts and thinking of both Deb and Urbish are perfectly developed and portrayed. The supporting characters though not have a larger parts to play but when they are bought into the scenario they are very aptly used. The other thing I liked was the relationship between Deb and Urbish, basically the relationship between them is that of friendship but I think that this relationship had a certain amount of ambiguity. The relationship gives ample amount of space and incidences and even a character talking about the ambiguity of their relationship.
Being a novel based on writers Bhavani Iyer has done enough justice in creating an atmosphere which completely matches the theme of the book and she successfully manages to take that setting and atmosphere just before the end. The last two chapters disappointed me and the ending too. The closing chapters were needlessly stratched. Because of the setting and a brilliant atmosphere building I was expecting a very different ending but the ending turned out to be something else, something which I felt was very far-fetched.
4 Stars.
The highlight of the book I would say was the way Bhavani Iyer has developed these characters. While reading the book I felt like she had planted seeds and like an fine and experienced gardner she nurtured both of them with utmost care and love that when these two seeds eventually become trees they become in grand and magnificent ones. Each and every mannerism, every personal trait and most importantly the initmate thoughts and thinking of both Deb and Urbish are perfectly developed and portrayed. The supporting characters though not have a larger parts to play but when they are bought into the scenario they are very aptly used. The other thing I liked was the relationship between Deb and Urbish, basically the relationship between them is that of friendship but I think that this relationship had a certain amount of ambiguity. The relationship gives ample amount of space and incidences and even a character talking about the ambiguity of their relationship.
Being a novel based on writers Bhavani Iyer has done enough justice in creating an atmosphere which completely matches the theme of the book and she successfully manages to take that setting and atmosphere just before the end. The last two chapters disappointed me and the ending too. The closing chapters were needlessly stratched. Because of the setting and a brilliant atmosphere building I was expecting a very different ending but the ending turned out to be something else, something which I felt was very far-fetched.
4 Stars.
July 19, 2018
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookgeeks.in/anon-bhavani...
March 19, 2019
This review was originally posted on my blog
(https://thescribblingssite.wordpress.com).
*NOTE: I am extremely grateful to the publisher- Fingerprint! for sending me this book. However, this does not at all hinder my honest opinions regarding this book. This is a spoiler-free review. All opinions are solely mine.
I don’t usually cry while reading even when the emotions hit me hard. But, oh my God, this book made me lose control of my emotions and I just got flooded with the worded feelings. Well, this is what has made this book take a proud position on my ‘Favourite Books’ list. Read on!
Bhavani Iyer has done such an amazing and applaudable job with her book ‘Anon.’. I didn’t expect to love it so much but, here I am, unable to control my thoughts regarding this wonderful book, while writing this review!
The book is set in the 1950s and further sets in the 1970s. The focal place is Calcutta, West Bengal (India). This book talks about the lives of two (fictional) aspiring writers. Debottam Bhattacharya and Urbish Sardar have both went through their share of struggles. One is way on the top when it comes to riches and one is way below the shallowest yet both have this inexplicable love towards literature. One writes for his own self while the other loves to receive validation and approval. They both have a past they want to forget and they both have passion which consumes the largest part of their lives.
Deb, as Debottam is often called, has a very unforced charming personality. Deb makes no effort at all to appear pleasing but, he always ends being the most charming person in the room.
Urbish, is much more subtle. He gives importance to his values and never at all loses sight of perfection and achievement. He has always been the best at whatever he does.
Quoting a line by a character from the book, “You are a rock, Urbish. Strong, moral, reliable. Deb, he’s a livewire, just waiting to explode in your face!”
But, what happens when the two genius minds cross each others’ paths, if they ever do? Do they become the worst of enemies or the best of friends? Or do they prefer remaining unaffected by whatever the other does? To know all of it, you need to read the book!
Apart from the two main characters, I also love other characters like Moyna, Moitra,Khoku-di, and Ava-di!
The writing in this book is flawless and absolutely astounding. Every feeling is expressed with the best of words. The situations have been woven in a very engaging manner and it is very difficult to drop the book until you finish it.
This book revolves not only around literature and writing as an art but, also around how two geniuses can be so different in their approaches. There is a lot that happens in this book!
I remember marvelling at how much in-depth knowledge does the author herself has. Absolutely wonderful.
From the first page till the last one, I was completely immersed into the story. There are so many astounding twists and turns that take place in this book. Oh, the story keeps on taking huge leaps that kept me wide-eyed through it all. This book had major twists and turns till the very last page. I cannot express how grateful I am to have read this book! Yes, this book is a wonderful yet, bumpy ride!
I strongly recommend this book to everyone and if you are somebody who loves reading about literature and loves the genre contemporary fiction then you NEED to read this book!
(https://thescribblingssite.wordpress.com).
*NOTE: I am extremely grateful to the publisher- Fingerprint! for sending me this book. However, this does not at all hinder my honest opinions regarding this book. This is a spoiler-free review. All opinions are solely mine.
I don’t usually cry while reading even when the emotions hit me hard. But, oh my God, this book made me lose control of my emotions and I just got flooded with the worded feelings. Well, this is what has made this book take a proud position on my ‘Favourite Books’ list. Read on!
Bhavani Iyer has done such an amazing and applaudable job with her book ‘Anon.’. I didn’t expect to love it so much but, here I am, unable to control my thoughts regarding this wonderful book, while writing this review!
The book is set in the 1950s and further sets in the 1970s. The focal place is Calcutta, West Bengal (India). This book talks about the lives of two (fictional) aspiring writers. Debottam Bhattacharya and Urbish Sardar have both went through their share of struggles. One is way on the top when it comes to riches and one is way below the shallowest yet both have this inexplicable love towards literature. One writes for his own self while the other loves to receive validation and approval. They both have a past they want to forget and they both have passion which consumes the largest part of their lives.
Deb, as Debottam is often called, has a very unforced charming personality. Deb makes no effort at all to appear pleasing but, he always ends being the most charming person in the room.
Urbish, is much more subtle. He gives importance to his values and never at all loses sight of perfection and achievement. He has always been the best at whatever he does.
Quoting a line by a character from the book, “You are a rock, Urbish. Strong, moral, reliable. Deb, he’s a livewire, just waiting to explode in your face!”
But, what happens when the two genius minds cross each others’ paths, if they ever do? Do they become the worst of enemies or the best of friends? Or do they prefer remaining unaffected by whatever the other does? To know all of it, you need to read the book!
Apart from the two main characters, I also love other characters like Moyna, Moitra,Khoku-di, and Ava-di!
The writing in this book is flawless and absolutely astounding. Every feeling is expressed with the best of words. The situations have been woven in a very engaging manner and it is very difficult to drop the book until you finish it.
This book revolves not only around literature and writing as an art but, also around how two geniuses can be so different in their approaches. There is a lot that happens in this book!
I remember marvelling at how much in-depth knowledge does the author herself has. Absolutely wonderful.
From the first page till the last one, I was completely immersed into the story. There are so many astounding twists and turns that take place in this book. Oh, the story keeps on taking huge leaps that kept me wide-eyed through it all. This book had major twists and turns till the very last page. I cannot express how grateful I am to have read this book! Yes, this book is a wonderful yet, bumpy ride!
I strongly recommend this book to everyone and if you are somebody who loves reading about literature and loves the genre contemporary fiction then you NEED to read this book!
July 21, 2018
The book starts with the foundation and the introduction of two young kids who have totally different lifestyles, Debottam bhattacharya, a genius kid who is the son of an aristocratic wealthy zamindaar has every type of luxury he wants. Urbish sardar, who is a son of a fisherman, has to fight through the struggles of the life, yet brilliant in writing. The paths of both the boys gets crossed by a single interest…..’writing’.
Read more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
The book brilliantly visualizes the early Calcutta and gives us the glimpse of the city of art and literature. It almost gives us the nostalgic feeling of early 60s and 70s and beautifully captures the emotions and sets the stage beautifully for a reader to sit back and crave for more.
The book describes the growing years of both the boys and you can totally feel it by the precise use of words by the author. The characters cross their path in the heaven of Indian literature our very own ‘shantiniketan’. The characters are quite relatable, they are brilliant, honest, and show their humane quality at times. Deb, rebellious from nature, is struck by an awful tragedy at a very age. Urbish sardar, a fisherman’s blood is calm, composed and has strong wit. Both become irreplaceable parts of each other’s life and makes us dive into emotions, beautiful friendship and gives us a tinge of nostalgic feeling, and the choice of words almost literally teleports you to that time.
Beautiful, witty, full of emotions this book is an absolute treat for fiction lovers, it literally takes you and forces you to imagine your childhood friend who is now in some distant corner of your heart and has a hazy image of him/her. Wonderfully crafted yet so simple this book is just like a river which takes you to steep curves high tides, just like skydiving which you cannot do but you still won’t stop until it finally happens, until u finally get to experience the thrill of it. This book keeps you craving for more.
Witty and relation defining, this book is a treat for readers. one will definitely enjoy the exotic emotions and blissful nostalgia of the the city as well as the story plot.
Writing style:
The writing style is moderate, with some glossy words, foreign references are used too which makes you feel the plot – a real life story.
My Perception:
Personally I feel fully satisfied by reading this book, the accurate wit, the powerful emotions, the strong bonding and relations of characters keeps you always at bay, begging for more. It’s an all-round treat for readers who seek to feed their hunger of a fictional novel. In reality I didn’t even felt that this was a fictional story it felt like a real life incident, that’s how convincing the plot is. Emotional yet not deluded it’s a perfect novel for reading and satisfying the hungry reader inside you. Bhavani Iyer has put forth a brilliant first novel, all rounded from its book cover to the plot, from its emotions to the bonding, from the beginning to the climax you will certainly be on the edge of your seat yet calm always. Loved it thoroughly!
Read more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
The book brilliantly visualizes the early Calcutta and gives us the glimpse of the city of art and literature. It almost gives us the nostalgic feeling of early 60s and 70s and beautifully captures the emotions and sets the stage beautifully for a reader to sit back and crave for more.
The book describes the growing years of both the boys and you can totally feel it by the precise use of words by the author. The characters cross their path in the heaven of Indian literature our very own ‘shantiniketan’. The characters are quite relatable, they are brilliant, honest, and show their humane quality at times. Deb, rebellious from nature, is struck by an awful tragedy at a very age. Urbish sardar, a fisherman’s blood is calm, composed and has strong wit. Both become irreplaceable parts of each other’s life and makes us dive into emotions, beautiful friendship and gives us a tinge of nostalgic feeling, and the choice of words almost literally teleports you to that time.
Beautiful, witty, full of emotions this book is an absolute treat for fiction lovers, it literally takes you and forces you to imagine your childhood friend who is now in some distant corner of your heart and has a hazy image of him/her. Wonderfully crafted yet so simple this book is just like a river which takes you to steep curves high tides, just like skydiving which you cannot do but you still won’t stop until it finally happens, until u finally get to experience the thrill of it. This book keeps you craving for more.
Witty and relation defining, this book is a treat for readers. one will definitely enjoy the exotic emotions and blissful nostalgia of the the city as well as the story plot.
Writing style:
The writing style is moderate, with some glossy words, foreign references are used too which makes you feel the plot – a real life story.
My Perception:
Personally I feel fully satisfied by reading this book, the accurate wit, the powerful emotions, the strong bonding and relations of characters keeps you always at bay, begging for more. It’s an all-round treat for readers who seek to feed their hunger of a fictional novel. In reality I didn’t even felt that this was a fictional story it felt like a real life incident, that’s how convincing the plot is. Emotional yet not deluded it’s a perfect novel for reading and satisfying the hungry reader inside you. Bhavani Iyer has put forth a brilliant first novel, all rounded from its book cover to the plot, from its emotions to the bonding, from the beginning to the climax you will certainly be on the edge of your seat yet calm always. Loved it thoroughly!
August 7, 2018
It's not everyday that this kind of book gets in my hand.
This book is a masterpiece and to say it is author's debut one is an understatement.
As the blurb says the book us about two souls who are totally different from each other in status as well as in every other aspects. But what bring them together is their passion to write and gets into a healthy but very inspiring competition.
Just after reading the first two chps I was mesmerized. The way author described things and the way they intellect. You know what makes a book beautiful? It's not the story actually (at least for me), it's the way it is interpreted. The way the words flows flawlessly, totally on the mercy of the the writer. And that's what happened here. The words created their own magic and brought back those feels, those magical moments for 70s-80s that are nowhere.
There are many beautiful moments in this book.
One of my fav moments would the the description of Deb's mother or a glimpse of her character at the start where he found her admiring a bird. That moment really touched my heart. Actually Deb's mother's character is a judgemental one, like those you can't decide if they're are like this or that. But well, here also I applaud the author as she wrote all of her characters at the total mercy of the reader.
The pace of the book is slow and steady. I like that. I really like to feel the flow and not to jump on things. Though I wouldn't say things might get a little, tiny bit of boring at some point but they're totally worth it.
I am a cover page lover and I was attracted to this book's cover at one sight but, after reading this book, I think it could've been more. A more profound one.
It's been a while since I read this kind of book which brought me back to the time where I used to read many regional books. I can totally imagine this book as a serial on DD1. Actually, as author is already a screenwriter why not try to put it on screen too. (Just a fangirl's imagination:p)
Now the main question, why would I recommend this book?
Seriously, you need more to make up your mind?
Well, then this book is witty, hilarious, filled with lots and lots of individuality, little love, more fight(healthy one), beautiful scenarios, passion.
You'll also get a glimpse of Kolkata in 70s-80s and will also get inspired too.
A great one with lots and lots of humor, old time feels and entertainment.
This book is a masterpiece and to say it is author's debut one is an understatement.
As the blurb says the book us about two souls who are totally different from each other in status as well as in every other aspects. But what bring them together is their passion to write and gets into a healthy but very inspiring competition.
Just after reading the first two chps I was mesmerized. The way author described things and the way they intellect. You know what makes a book beautiful? It's not the story actually (at least for me), it's the way it is interpreted. The way the words flows flawlessly, totally on the mercy of the the writer. And that's what happened here. The words created their own magic and brought back those feels, those magical moments for 70s-80s that are nowhere.
There are many beautiful moments in this book.
One of my fav moments would the the description of Deb's mother or a glimpse of her character at the start where he found her admiring a bird. That moment really touched my heart. Actually Deb's mother's character is a judgemental one, like those you can't decide if they're are like this or that. But well, here also I applaud the author as she wrote all of her characters at the total mercy of the reader.
The pace of the book is slow and steady. I like that. I really like to feel the flow and not to jump on things. Though I wouldn't say things might get a little, tiny bit of boring at some point but they're totally worth it.
I am a cover page lover and I was attracted to this book's cover at one sight but, after reading this book, I think it could've been more. A more profound one.
It's been a while since I read this kind of book which brought me back to the time where I used to read many regional books. I can totally imagine this book as a serial on DD1. Actually, as author is already a screenwriter why not try to put it on screen too. (Just a fangirl's imagination:p)
Now the main question, why would I recommend this book?
Seriously, you need more to make up your mind?
Well, then this book is witty, hilarious, filled with lots and lots of individuality, little love, more fight(healthy one), beautiful scenarios, passion.
You'll also get a glimpse of Kolkata in 70s-80s and will also get inspired too.
A great one with lots and lots of humor, old time feels and entertainment.
December 4, 2018
Book Title: Anon
Author: Bhavani Iyer
Genre: Fiction/Drama
Book Title:
The book title ' Anon' looks very unique and different. At some point, it looks like a short form of the word Anonymous which makes the read interesting.
Book Cover:
The book cover is an abstract art of two feathers and Bengali Text on the back ground that supports the blurb of the story which says the book is set up in Kolkata, the then Calcutta!
Plot:
The book starts with an introduction of two young lads who come from different lifestyles, economical and cultural backgrounds. The plot is set up in the beautiful city of Joy and the epitome of heritage, Calcutta during the years between 1960 - 70. The author has captured perfectly the soul of the city during those rustic years of paradigm shift both in economy and culture of the native Bengalis.
The journey of the two young boys from their childhood to the later years is narrated in a very interesting manner. They both come across each other in the heavenly destination, 'Shantiniketan'. Since the time they meet with each other, the story takes a great U-turn and the author must be given all due credits for a wonderful plot .
The book mainly emphasizes on human emotions, forgotten memories of childhood and left out little feelings towards the people we love unconditionally.
What I like:
1.The narrative style
2. The plot and the depiction of emotions
What I didn't like:
There is nothing to be mentioned as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the story.
Narration:
The narration is very interesting with ample amounts of wit, emotion and good story telling abilities.
Characters:
The characters of the two protagonists, Deb and Sardar are very established and are written with an engaging personalities that doesn't take the readers interest away from turning the next page.
Language & Grammar:
A matured style of writing with some rich vocabulary is observed. As the author is an experienced screen writer, the language is atop.
My Verdict: A satisfying and an engaging read.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Narration: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating : 4/5
Author: Bhavani Iyer
Genre: Fiction/Drama
Book Title:
The book title ' Anon' looks very unique and different. At some point, it looks like a short form of the word Anonymous which makes the read interesting.
Book Cover:
The book cover is an abstract art of two feathers and Bengali Text on the back ground that supports the blurb of the story which says the book is set up in Kolkata, the then Calcutta!
Plot:
The book starts with an introduction of two young lads who come from different lifestyles, economical and cultural backgrounds. The plot is set up in the beautiful city of Joy and the epitome of heritage, Calcutta during the years between 1960 - 70. The author has captured perfectly the soul of the city during those rustic years of paradigm shift both in economy and culture of the native Bengalis.
The journey of the two young boys from their childhood to the later years is narrated in a very interesting manner. They both come across each other in the heavenly destination, 'Shantiniketan'. Since the time they meet with each other, the story takes a great U-turn and the author must be given all due credits for a wonderful plot .
The book mainly emphasizes on human emotions, forgotten memories of childhood and left out little feelings towards the people we love unconditionally.
What I like:
1.The narrative style
2. The plot and the depiction of emotions
What I didn't like:
There is nothing to be mentioned as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the story.
Narration:
The narration is very interesting with ample amounts of wit, emotion and good story telling abilities.
Characters:
The characters of the two protagonists, Deb and Sardar are very established and are written with an engaging personalities that doesn't take the readers interest away from turning the next page.
Language & Grammar:
A matured style of writing with some rich vocabulary is observed. As the author is an experienced screen writer, the language is atop.
My Verdict: A satisfying and an engaging read.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Narration: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating : 4/5
July 3, 2022
Bhavani Iyer is a screenwriter for many Hindi films and television shows, so when I received this book, I knew I would not be disappointed. Anon is her debut work published earlier this year. The storyline is based in Calcutta of 1960s-70s where Jazz clubs are still lively.
The storyline revolves around two personalities, who are different by a vast amount of surroundings between them yet, they found each other become friends. One is a son of a wealthy landowner and another is born into a fisherman's family. One is a genius vagabond, another is an ambitious dreamer. However, both of them share a common passion. They both are aspiring writers and have their own share of struggles.
Their friendship is however not only based on the common passion they share. It is actually the different personalities, like two opposing forces attracting each other. It is their story, where one gets the chance to live and other to die.
The narrative style third person and is used very well. The charm of this book is in its characterization. Apart from the two main protagonists of our novel, the characters are lively and cope well with their own roles or the amount of time they are given to appear. The development of the two protagonists can be observed throughout the novel. The writing style is excellent and engrossing. It is because of the manner it is written that as a reader I could observe the emotions that change with time inside a human mind. Crushing memories from past, nostalgic ones from the childhood, this book is full of them.
4 out of 5!
August 1, 2018
Bhavani Iyer is a screenwriter for many Hindi films and television shows, so when I received this book, I knew I would not be disappointed. Anon is her debut work published earlier this year. The storyline is based in Calcutta of 1960s-70s where Jazz clubs are still lively.
The storyline revolves around two personalities, who are different by a vast amount of surroundings between them yet, they found each other become friends. One is a son of a wealthy landowner and another is born into a fisherman's family. One is a genius vagabond, another is an ambitious dreamer. However, both of them share a common passion. They both are aspiring writers and have their own share of struggles.
Their friendship is however not only based on the common passion they share. It is actually the different personalities, like two opposing forces attracting each other. It is their story, where one gets the chance to live and other to die.
The narrative style third person and is used very well. The charm of this book is in its characterization. Apart from the two main protagonists of our novel, the characters are lively and cope well with their own roles or the amount of time they are given to appear. The development of the two protagonists can be observed throughout the novel. The writing style is excellent and engrossing. It is because of the manner it is written that as a reader I could observe the emotions that change with time inside a human mind. Crushing memories from past, nostalgic ones from the childhood, this book is full of them.
4 out of 5!
November 1, 2018
I have read many , many writers and my favourite ones are those who will use a thousand words to conclude the expression, always aiming away from the bulls eye and only hinting at it. I hunt for writers who could make me go deeper, challenge me to understand meaning of their words, their hanging sub-plots and unpredictable endings. Often I find a lot of what I seek in writers like Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Anita Desai, and yet I crave for a writer who would go further to incorporate and even exploit multiple elements in their writing. I rarely get the use of so many elements in one book as I have found in Anon.
A serious contrast in characters, yet there is beauty in their friendship. A hint of jealousy, yet respect for the other. The life one wants, practically lived by the other and yet on these foundations a beautiful friendship blossoms. Then comes the central negative character "life" testing all of this, built over the years, making one think what next. Every prediction I made of how it would end, fell flat, the ending is brilliant and very real. This story by a seasoned screenwriter but first attempt to a novel, is definitely a matured wine, which will surprise the reader at many levels, as long as one is receptive to elements and layers within writing. The book also has very crisp editing, which makes it perfect.
A great read for a beginner and a delight for the seasoned one. Highly recommended.
Read Detailed review here: my link text
A serious contrast in characters, yet there is beauty in their friendship. A hint of jealousy, yet respect for the other. The life one wants, practically lived by the other and yet on these foundations a beautiful friendship blossoms. Then comes the central negative character "life" testing all of this, built over the years, making one think what next. Every prediction I made of how it would end, fell flat, the ending is brilliant and very real. This story by a seasoned screenwriter but first attempt to a novel, is definitely a matured wine, which will surprise the reader at many levels, as long as one is receptive to elements and layers within writing. The book also has very crisp editing, which makes it perfect.
A great read for a beginner and a delight for the seasoned one. Highly recommended.
Read Detailed review here: my link text
September 12, 2024
There are few books which are driven on the excellent writing, this is one those books. Even if the characters are taken out of the context or replaced, it is the writing that can hold the reader's attention.
It starts off with two protagonists; a prodigy and an idealist belonging to a completely different background and upbringing are brought together by fate and become best of friends. Their friendship is redefined by an incident forcing one of them to take extreme measures.
The context of the novel is fascinating, it feels as if all the characters belong to the narrative and have a strong base to their personalities. I appreciate the approach of the writer taken to define the friendship between the two main protagonists. There's no forced effort to prove one side of the story right but a genuine effort to showcase the individuality.
I wish this book reaches to more people as it deserves so.
However, I was let down by the rushed ending. I was ready to read more, plunge deep but then it just ended. I wish she had taken the same approach towards the ending as with the narration.
It starts off with two protagonists; a prodigy and an idealist belonging to a completely different background and upbringing are brought together by fate and become best of friends. Their friendship is redefined by an incident forcing one of them to take extreme measures.
The context of the novel is fascinating, it feels as if all the characters belong to the narrative and have a strong base to their personalities. I appreciate the approach of the writer taken to define the friendship between the two main protagonists. There's no forced effort to prove one side of the story right but a genuine effort to showcase the individuality.
I wish this book reaches to more people as it deserves so.
However, I was let down by the rushed ending. I was ready to read more, plunge deep but then it just ended. I wish she had taken the same approach towards the ending as with the narration.
July 24, 2018
Right from the name Anon is different and thoughtful. Anon, the short form of Anonymous (Off course author herself has given a tag line After all what’s in a name?). Anon is one of the finest example of literature at its best.
The characterization is the top-notch. One can relate at least one situation or character to their life. Bhavani Iyer has sketched both the protagonists with at most care. The emotional bond a reader gets while reading the story is exceptional. The words that capture the emotions stand out.
The author has brought the visuals of the 60s and 70s Calcutta through words, one can understand the art and culture of it. Anon is a fine example of art with fiction.
Detailed review: http://www.etale.in/anon-by-bhavani-i...
The characterization is the top-notch. One can relate at least one situation or character to their life. Bhavani Iyer has sketched both the protagonists with at most care. The emotional bond a reader gets while reading the story is exceptional. The words that capture the emotions stand out.
The author has brought the visuals of the 60s and 70s Calcutta through words, one can understand the art and culture of it. Anon is a fine example of art with fiction.
Detailed review: http://www.etale.in/anon-by-bhavani-i...
February 24, 2021
An interesting yarn. However, the protagonists are rather implausible, seemingly inspired by Ayn Rand – not in the epic mould of Howard Roark or John Galt but equally idealistic and unreal. The females try to be mystical but end up quite vapid.
August 19, 2025
A very well written book with a very interesting insight into what happens when you achieve all of your dreams. however, I found it took a while to get to the plot - it felt like we were following the lives of 2 individuals but with little sense of why. I loved the ending - unexpected!
June 28, 2019
The first part i liked the most , Shantinikethan, Calcutta and the depth in which literature is discussed all make this book a special one
July 28, 2024
This underrated gem will leave you staring at the wall for hours after finishing it. Definitely deserves more recognition. The cover of the book is in poor taste tho.
September 24, 2018
Going into Anon. by BhavaniIyer I had no idea about what to expect. With two acclaimed movies (Black &Raazi) under her belt as the screen writer, I guess all I was expecting was entertainment. Other than that, I kept an open mind about the book.
Anon. sets up the story of two friends in the backdrop of 60’s in Calcutta&Shantiniketan. Urbish and Debottam had nothing in common if their background was to be compared. One came from an impoverished family while the other was the son of a Zamindaar. Their friendship is held together in place because of their love for words and interest in writing. Even then they are only willing to go to two very different extremes to fulfill their dream. Will their friendship stand the test of time? Will either of them be able to fulfill their dreams?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
Anon. sets up the story of two friends in the backdrop of 60’s in Calcutta&Shantiniketan. Urbish and Debottam had nothing in common if their background was to be compared. One came from an impoverished family while the other was the son of a Zamindaar. Their friendship is held together in place because of their love for words and interest in writing. Even then they are only willing to go to two very different extremes to fulfill their dream. Will their friendship stand the test of time? Will either of them be able to fulfill their dreams?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
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