Hello, readers! Hope you’re all keeping safe at home. Thanks to #BookChatter, I’m doing a book review after quite a while although I’ve consumed many a books of late. Ringa Ringa Roses by Neil D’Silva is my first venture in the horror genre and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you.
About the book
Ringa Ringa Roses is a collection of three horror stories. Anyone who knows the tragic backstory behind this supposedly innocent nursery rhyme would appreciate this consummate selection of title. For the ones who don’t, the author has shared his take as well. It subtly manages to get your hopes up in anticipation for what’s in store.
All the three stories have a child as the main protagonist, which rings true with its theme. Nithya, Nikhil and Nihar seem like regular kids until they’re faced with an extraordinary situation. The vulnerability of a child due to neglect, disillusionment when faced with a personal loss and the display of courage to avenge someone close, are expressed in a stark but real way.
My thoughts
Some authors have an inherent grasp on a particular genre and Neil seems completely at home spooking people out. He gently introduces one element after another in a story while keeping his readers guessing. He has sketched his protagonists’ characters with great care and every one of them is unique. You sometimes find yourselves empathizing with them while on few occasions they’re plain creepy.
I read this book through the day since I’m prone to nightmares. That said, while the first two stories did send a chill down my spine, the third story seemed more of a thriller. His detailed screenplay-like writing made visualizing them quite easy for me. I also liked his intelligent choice of words.
The stories in this book could very well be converted into short films that are much a rage nowadays. They hit you unawares like those Ram Gopal Verma brand movies where the situation spells horror. I’m getting goosebumps just imagining how Nikhil’s story will pan out and would love to watch it!
Ringa Ringa Roses is brilliant in parts and overall a good one-time read. You’ll enjoy it even if you aren’t suitably spooked.
My rating: **** 3.5/5 stars
About the author
Neil D’Silva has several books to his credit, three of which have been selected for screen adaptation as well. He is a member of the International Horror Writers Association. UK’s DESIblitz magazine has named him of the Top 7 Indian Horror Writers to be read.
Book details:
Language: English
Genre: Fiction
Available in: Kindle Edition
Sounds like a good book.
I read a lot of horror stories, years ago, but now I can’t remmeber how long it is since I read one. Mhm… I may give this a go.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Wooooh.. what a plot. I agree writing a horror story is not easy. The author should use a crisp language yet spooky langauge to create the scene. I don’t know why but the title looked very familiar to me. Not because of the rhyme but it reminded me of a horror movie or a TV show in which this rhyme was played occasionally…
Three horror in one book sounds great as I love reading horror stories this is amazing definitely will check out this thank you for the review as it looks interesting…
The cover and the plot looks interesting. I am not too much fond of horror genre but once a while I do read such books. Will go by your review and pick this one up.
Horror stories is one genre that I just cannot like to read. Although the story line of a child protagonist sounds interesting I will give it a miss.
Love the title! Suitably eerie! The book seems like a fast paced read. What is interesting is that each of the three stories has a child protagonist each. Love the review!
I’m not too keen on horror genre in general, but it’s always nice to support indie writers. Maybe I’ll pick it up as a one-time read on your recommendation.
You got me hooked though this is not at all my favorite genre but I am gonna surely pick this one up.
At last somone is talking about a book about my favourite genre. The dark backstories of nursery rhymes and tales have been a topuc of my interest from sometime and I am sure this book will hook me up.
Congratulations for your book. The book name itself so interesting . I used to like to read horror stories but these days i am afraid of reading . But your review looks quite interesting . will read this .
Ok, I am already spooked out just reading the review. I have to admit that even though I love watching or hearing horror stories, I can’t read them since the words stay longer with me and just like you I get nightmares too. But, yes the plot and choosing children as protagonists is a brilliant choice.
I love watching and reading horror stories. Love to vouch for Ringa Ringa Roses with child protagonist as per your review intrigued me.
I am not a horror story fan, but my husband would surely like to read it. Would share with him
Did i read they are like ram gopal verma movies or shot stories? Well I am sure this would become my fav book then. Would get hands on this super soon.