Reading is the best escape and has managed to keep me sane and grounded in the past few months. I’ve read and reread quite a few of my favourites and have ventured into Hindi books too. Thanks to #BookChatter, I’m getting introduced to many new brilliant authors and have thoroughly enjoyed every experience. Today I’m reviewing Kintsugi by Anukrti Upadhyay.
About the book
Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese art of mending broken objects with gold. The title is quite thoughtfully chosen since jewellery-making and craftsmanship form an important part of this narrative, literally and figuratively. Set in Japan and Jaipur, this book chronicles the lives of four feisty women, each very different yet quite similar. It reiterates the fact that boundaries created by man cannot divide human feelings of attachment and desire.
Women have often found themselves face enormous resistance when it comes to opposing patriarchy or traditional dogmas. Is that enough to stop them from aiming for the skies though? The four women protagonists dare to dream and pour every bit of their resolve into achieving them. What more, they’re bold enough to leave behind the men who don’t fit into their scheme of things. How often do we get to see or read such stories?
My thoughts
If jewellery-making is an art, writing about how it is done is an art the author is brilliant at. Right from creating a drawing of an ornament and collecting its elements to firing it and giving it its final touches is elucidated in a wonderful hypnotic rhythm. The author deftly takes us through the narrow lanes of a typical jewellery bazaar in Jaipur on one hand while introducing us to quaint Japanese scenic mountain towns on the other.
Her beautiful writing just as easily weaves the stories around her protagonists, each of whom has her own battles to fight. All of them exist in shades of grey which makes them real and relatable. The moods and temperaments of her characters blend seamlessly with their setting. If India is about gender inequality, Japan offers confusion and insecurity. However, they see it all through on their own terms.
There are a couple of things that didn’t sit right with me though. While there’s a lot to speak about the women, the men are sadly under-utilised. Apart from being the object of desire they contribute precious little to the plot. A little characterisation could’ve added something more interesting to the story.
Written by a woman, Kintsugi outlines different facets that every woman will relate with. It has intelligent writing, a refreshing approach and the subtle sweetness of rebellion. A dictionary would be handy to have nearby. And oh, I just loved the monitor! Read the book to know about it.
My rating: *** 3/5 stars
About the author
Anukrti has written fiction and poetry in English and Hindi. She has published two English novellas and a Hindi collection of short stories. She has contributed in various literary journals too. She’s a law graduate and has done post-graduation in Management and literature. She’s currently working with a conservation think tank, Wildlife Conservation Trust and divides her time in Mumbai and Singapore.
Book details
Language : English
Genre : Fiction
Available in : Paperback and Kindle Edition
It has been a long time when I got a chance to read a book properly without any disturbance. The titel and story plot of this book sounds interesting. Will check out it for sure.
The story seems to be brilliant. Would love to read something which motivates you to get what you desire and deserve. Will definitely read this. Thanks for such an honest review.
Long time since I read a full novel. I have many lying on my bedside waiting to be finished. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on this one too.
I have also read this book , and I just loved how the author described the dusty bylanes of Jaipur and the beautiful Tokyo with eqaul finesse and beauty !
I am quite intrigued with the title and the concept of the book, shall add in my reading list. And reading a woman point of views in these situations would be delight.
Kintsugi – indeed a very interesting concept. It’ll be interesting to read how the author has integrated this Japanese art concept in the plot. Goes to my TBR.
Kintsugi looks like a one time read. Reading fiction gives more wings to readers imagination too.
Your review is to the point.
Co-relating Kintsugi as a concept and the story of these women trapped in vivid situations of life is exceptional. i would love to read this fictional story for sure.
I am not so fond of fiction but this plot and story line looks so intresting and I am sure my sister will love this and I will recommend her for sure!!
I have been of reading books lately and reading book reviews is a nice alternative and it is like reading a book with both sides of the story being shared
Thanks for sharing this with me, this book looks really interesting one would surely check out t
I like to read fiction books but unfortunately I am not getting proper time to read a book these days . Your review seems great about this book.
I would be happy to read this book that takes is through the ancient jewellery making and the best jewellery lanes which are connected to historic times.
That seems like an interesting plot with a lovely title. I foe once, want to read a book just for the sheer pleasure of reading it. Kind of fed up reading medical journals magazine books only to recall, memorize and learn stuff that comes to use one day for a doctor.