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Have you ever felt a surge of satisfaction after losing a competition? It might feel odd,  however it occurs when you feel happiness obtained from pushing your limits, without any considerations for failure. When you read this book you might also feel the same, where despite the protagonist suffering throughout the entire story, you can’t help yourself questioning why you are unable to feel the sadness the author in the surface level tried to portray.

Spring Snow is a novel by Yukio Mishima (1925-1970), which is the first piece in the Sea of Fertility tetralogy. The story follows a young man, Kiyoyaki Matsugae who is firstly deeply disturbed by the flow of rebellion Satako Aayakura brings into his life  while slowly falling in love with her.

The story develops  when Kiyoyaki, through his stubbornness or as I like to put it instinctive approach sends a deeply violating letter to Satoko aiming to end all the relationship he had built with her. However, after the letter was sent on its way, Kiyoaki suddenly realized her love for her, leading to desperate attempts from him trying to stop it from reaching Satoko’s hands. The chapters in this novel continues by escalation of tension as their relationship continues amidst Satoko’s betrothed  with a higher ranking prince.Which is  followed by her pregnancy just days before the marriage.

The interpretation of fulfillment starts with the comparison between Kiyoyaki and Honda, his best friend. These two characters are represented as quite the polar opposite, while Honda’s hyper-rational personality leads him to avoid any journeys for emotional development, , Kiyo is a spoiled and instinctive teenager who acts according to his wishes, not leaving any room for emptiness or revision of actions.

Immanuel Kant once quoted on obtaining happiness where, ‘nature would have been better off just giving us instinct instead of reason’, which perfectly describes kiyo. Despite him suffering through questioning his own feelings validity, Satoko’s convictions towards him and his inability to meet her as it grows more difficult. His persistence is what’s directly connected with the satisfaction achieved from losing a competition as mentioned above. Kiyoyaki’s effort despite not succeeding removes any room for regret and remuneration about one’s action, which when realized upon creates satisfaction.

During his final days, he never gave up trying to meet Satako who had converted into a monk during the process of a secret abortion conducted by her family. Which obliged her to never meet kiyoaki ever again. Which made kiyoaki face denial every day despite constant pleas, until he lost his life both due to grief and sickness. There is a specific moment which shows how Kiyoaki felt where even Honda was confused for wether kiyoaki displayed a burst of happiness close to his death, though it was mentioned to be a dream, we cannot rule out emotion of satisfaction, where he did not display any concerns for meeting Satako after his illness finally took over, as he was certain he tried his best.

The novel is successful in inciting complex emotions among the readers leaving room for different kinds of interpretation and perspective, which is further fueled by the lack of context given by Yukio Mishima himself. Beyond the thematic reading, the story takes place during the Meiji period, which introduced westernized culture among the aristocrats of Japan. As Yukio was a radical nationalist, he uses the period to display the change of Japanese culture, however shockingly lacking any concrete criticisms about it,which goes unnoticed while reading the novel. 

Yukio’s technique of writing is also phenomenal due to his ability to portray ambitious landscapes and beauty, just within a couple of words, creating vivid images through our imagination.  Making the book a great experience on its whole, though it can get regressive or lengthy in some chapters, the book is completely worth it for viewers who are interested in expiring a range of emotions and interpretation as you follow the desirate Kiyoaki trying to obtain his wants.

Stephan King is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror and thriller writers of all time, with famous novels such as The Shining, IT, and Pet Sematary. However, 11/22/63 proves that his storytelling isn’t limited to just horror classics. Rather than focusing on horror, it is a gripping modern day time travel novel filled with fascinating subplots and a world that is difficult to leave behind. As my introduction to Stephan King’s work, 11/22/63 left a lasting impression and demonstrated why he is one of the most celebrated authors.

The story is set in 2011, where Jake Epping, a high school English teacher, is given a mission to prevent the assasination of President John F Kennedy on 22 Nov 1963 (11/22/63).

This becomes possible when his friend Al Templeton shows him a way to time travel through a mysterious portal present in the pantry of his diner. Al initially intended to complete the mission himself and had spent years gathering information. But after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he entrusted this mission to Jake.

The novel’s approach to time travel is particularly interesting. The portal always sends its users back to 9 Sept 1958, regardless of when they enter it. This meant that Jake must spend more than five years living in the past before he could prevent Kennedy’s assassination. Yet, no matter how long he remains in the past, only two minutes pass in the present.

What stood out most to me about this book was its setting, character development, and numerous side stories. However, Stephen King’s greatest strength in this book was his world building. As you read, you can vividly imagine the daily lives and lifestyles of people in late 1950s America. From hairstyles and clothing to popular music and everyday conversations, everything feels incredibly genuine. It is obvious that King did a lot of research into recreating the era. Even the slang and expressions used by the characters felt authentic and added that extra layer of immersion.

King also succeeds in making the characters believable and memorable. While the main plot is stopping Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating Kennedy, this novel goes far beyond that. It is filled with subplots that enrich the world and strengthen the main narrative. Oswald is portrayed with depth, making him feel more like a complex human being than a historical figure. Jake’s relationship with Sadie Dunhill provides one of the book’s most engaging subplots and adds emotional weight to the story. King’s ability to weave together multiple storylines without making them feel unnecessary is one of the novel's greatest achievements.

Beyond its time travel premise, 11/22/63 explores the consequences of trying to alter history. Throughout the novel, Jake repeatedly discovers that the past does not want to be changed. This idea added tension to even the smallest decisions he made. The book questions whether one person should have the power to rewrite history. The possibility of creating a worse future by changing a tragic event kept the readers on their toes. These types of questions and themes span throughout the novel, making it more than just a conventional time travel story.

The book’s only major weakness is its pacing. Certain sections during the initial setup, as well as the middle expansion, felt a bit slower in comparison. However, I do understand why it is essential to the plot. It contributed towards a more detailed world building, allowing readers to become invested in the characters and ultimately making the payoff at the end much more impactful and stronger.

The ending was another highlight for me. It felt spot on, emotional, and perfect for this type of story. It was particularly interesting to learn that the published ending was revised after suggestions from Stephen King’s son, author Joe Hill. 

Overall, 11/22/63 has made me eager to explore more of Stephen King’s catalogue. It’s an exceptional world, with interesting characters, and storytelling left a lasting impression on me. While it may feel slow at times, you will certainly feel every chapter’s importance later on when it pays off making the journey worthwhile. If you like historical fiction, science fiction, or character driven novels, then you will certainly enjoy 11/22/63.

Among the emerging voices of contemporary Nepali literature, Sushant Kumar BK stands out as a sensitive, thoughtful, and socially conscious poet. Writing in both Nepali and English, BK has consistently explored themes of humanity, social injustice, love, identity, and existential struggle through his literary works. His poetry collection The Caste of Flowers, consisting of sixty-two poems, is not merely a compilation of verses; it is a profound literary journey through pain, resistance, love, social realities, and the inner complexities of human existence.

The title itself, ‘The Caste of Flowers’, is deeply symbolic and philosophically rich. Flowers, as creations of nature, possess no caste, class, religion, or social hierarchy. Yet human society continues to divide people through discrimination, prejudice, and inherited structures of inequality. Through this striking metaphor, the poet questions the absurdity of caste-based discrimination and exposes the contradictions embedded within society. The title poem becomes a poetic protest against social division and an appeal for human equality and dignity.

One of the strongest dimensions of this collection is its powerful expression of Dalit consciousness and marginalized voices. Poems such as “Dalits’ Dreams Deferring,” “Dalit and Nature,” and “An Ignited Black Man in Pain” vividly portray the historical suffering, exclusion, humiliation, and silent struggles endured by oppressed communities. These poems are not written merely to evoke sympathy; rather, they demand recognition, justice, and equality. The poet transforms pain into poetic resistance, giving voice to those who have long remained unheard.

BK’s treatment of social inequality is both emotional and intellectual. He writes with deep compassion, yet his poetry also carries a rebellious energy against injustice and social hypocrisy. His verses reveal a poet who is not detached from society but deeply engaged with its realities. In this sense, ‘The Caste of Flowers’ becomes not only a literary work but also a social and ethical statement.

Another remarkable aspect of the collection is its exploration of love. However, love in these poems is not confined to romantic attraction alone. For the poet, love is an emotional, spiritual, and existential force that sustains human life. Poems such as “Colors of Love,” “Before You Go,” “Love is Still Breathing,” “Between You and Me,” and “Do You Love Me?” express intimacy, longing, separation, vulnerability, and emotional depth with remarkable tenderness.

In poems like “Love is Ephemeral” and “Love is a Beautiful Abstraction,” the poet explores the philosophical nature of love. Love appears fragile and temporary, yet within its brief existence lies the deepest beauty of life itself. The poet portrays love not merely as an emotion but as a profound human experience that shapes memory, identity, and consciousness.

The collection also powerfully reflects the psychological conflicts and existential crises of modern human beings. Poems such as “Self-Paradox,” “I Lost My ‘I’,” “Drop Your Mind,” and “A Self-Concentration Camp” reveal the fragmentation of the self, emotional exhaustion, loneliness, and the internal struggles of contemporary life. In an age dominated by materialism, artificial relationships, and emotional isolation, the poet examines how individuals gradually lose touch with their authentic selves.

One of the most compelling qualities of BK’s poetry is its introspective nature. Many poems read like intimate conversations between the poet and his own soul. This self-reflective style gives the collection a philosophical depth and emotional honesty that deeply resonates with readers.

Political and social consciousness also occupy a significant place in the collection. Poems such as “O Government,” “War or Peace?” “Freedom,” and “Condition Everywhere” critically examine power structures, violence, war, inequality, and the failures of modern society. The poet does not consider poetry merely an aesthetic exercise; for him, poetry is also a moral voice that questions injustice and awakens social awareness.

Particularly in “War or Peace?”, the poet raises serious concerns about the violent tendencies of the modern world. Despite scientific and technological advancement, humanity appears to be losing compassion and moral sensitivity. Similarly, “Freedom” questions the true meaning of liberty in contemporary society. Are human beings genuinely free, or are they merely trapped within invisible forms of oppression and illusion? Such questions give the collection intellectual depth and contemporary relevance.

The presence of feminine consciousness in the collection is equally significant. Poems like “I am a Durga,” “Soul of a Single Mother,” and “Mother Looks Exhausted” portray women’s struggles, resilience, motherhood, and inner strength with dignity and respect. The poet does not reduce women to symbols of suffering alone; instead, he presents them as embodiments of courage, endurance, sacrifice, and emotional power.

Nature also plays an important symbolic role throughout the collection. In poems such as “The Sun and Me,” “I Love Rainy Day,” and “The Sky is Pale and Grass is Grey,” nature is not merely decorative scenery but a reflection of human emotions and states of mind. Images of flowers, rain, sunlight, sky, shadow, and grass become poetic symbols through which the poet expresses loneliness, hope, despair, beauty, and emotional transformation.

Linguistically, the poems are simple, fluid, and accessible. BK avoids unnecessary complexity and instead focuses on emotional clarity and sincerity. His language remains direct yet deeply expressive, allowing readers from different backgrounds to connect with the poems easily. Beneath this simplicity lies philosophical depth and emotional intensity, which make the collection both intellectually engaging and emotionally moving.

What makes The Caste of Flowers especially remarkable is its multidimensional nature. The collection moves gracefully between rebellion and compassion, despair and hope, intimacy and social criticism, personal reflection and collective consciousness. The poet successfully merges personal experience with universal human concerns, making the poems culturally rooted yet globally relatable.

Overall, The Caste of Flowers is a thoughtful, emotionally rich, and socially relevant poetry collection that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. It does not merely invite readers to enjoy poetry aesthetically; it compels them to reflect deeply upon society, discrimination, love, freedom, identity, and human existence itself.

BK’s collection stands as a powerful literary contribution to contemporary poetry, particularly in the context of Dalit consciousness, human dignity, social justice, and existential reflection. With its emotional sincerity, philosophical insight, and social commitment, The Caste of Flowers deserves recognition as a meaningful and memorable work in contemporary South Asian English poetry.

Yagya Bahadur Hamal’s ‘Nepal’s Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations’ is a timely contribution to the study of Nepal’s diplomacy, international engagement, and strategic evolution. The book comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are high and Nepal is grappling to maintain a balanced relationship among the major powers. The book provides some guidelines for the political parties, practitioners and policymakers on navigating the complex geopolitical environment.

A former ambassador who spent more than three decades in Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hamal reflects both scholarly commitment and practical experience in his book. At a time when Nepal’s geopolitical position has become increasingly sensitive amid changing regional and global dynamics, Hamal’s work offers readers an extensive historical and analytical overview of Nepal’s foreign policy from ancient times to the contemporary republican era.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is the author’s effort to produce an objective and balanced account of Nepal’s external relations. In Nepal, very few retired diplomats devote themselves to rigorous academic writing after leaving public office. Hamal therefore deserves appreciation not only for documenting Nepal’s diplomatic history but also for contributing to the intellectual discourse on foreign policy. His inclination toward research and writing was visible during his public service career, and this volume demonstrates his long-standing engagement with diplomacy and international affairs. Over the past few years, Nepal’s foreign policy debate has swayed those who depend on the foreign fund who have published reports and books. To overcome such tendencies, we need more books written by Nepali diplomats who put Nepali perspective at the center.

The book is divided into six parts and nineteen chapters, covering a broad range of themes including the evolution of Nepal’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, non-alignment, neutrality, national security, economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and Nepal’s responses to international issues. The scope is remarkably wide, making the book valuable for students, scholars, diplomats, journalists, and general readers interested in understanding Nepal’s place in the world.

Hamal begins by tracing Nepal’s foreign relations from ancient times to 879 CE. He argues that Nepal’s early foreign policy was naturally limited because of the small number of neighboring political entities and the low degree of international interaction. Nevertheless, these early exchanges laid the foundation for Nepal’s later diplomatic traditions. By discussing the formative period of foreign relations, the author successfully situates Nepal’s diplomacy within a long historical continuum rather than treating it as merely a modern phenomenon.

The discussion becomes particularly engaging when the book moves into the modern era and the unification campaign led by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Hamal correctly identifies national unification as a watershed moment in Nepal’s foreign policy history. According to the author, it was during this period that Nepal began to formulate a more robust and strategic approach toward external relations. The emphasis on protecting sovereignty, preventing external interference, and maintaining balance between powerful neighbors remains highly relevant even today. Hamal effectively demonstrates how many of Nepal’s contemporary diplomatic principles have historical roots in this period.

The sections dealing with the Rana era provide another important contribution. Hamal argues that Nepal’s foreign policy assumed a largely unidimensional character after the Rana rulers consolidated power and aligned themselves closely with British India. The author critically analyzes the isolationist tendencies of the Rana regime while also acknowledging certain diplomatic achievements such as territorial gains and the international recognition of Nepal’s sovereign status. Particularly interesting is his discussion of how foreign influence contributed to domestic political change. By connecting internal political developments with external relations, the book highlights the inseparable relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy.

The chapters on the democratic era and the Panchayat system are equally insightful. Hamal explains how Nepal gradually expanded its outreach to the wider world after the fall of the Rana regime. During this period, Nepal sought to assert an independent identity in international affairs while balancing relations with India, China, and other global powers. The Panchayat era receives detailed treatment, especially regarding Nepal’s non-aligned stance and the proposal of Nepal as a “Zone of Peace.” The author presents these initiatives as attempts to preserve Nepal’s sovereignty and distinct international identity in a challenging geopolitical environment.

One of the strongest features of the book is its treatment of non-alignment and neutrality. Nepal’s foreign policy has long been guided by the principle of non-alignment, and Hamal provides a detailed explanation of its historical evolution and practical implications. The discussion extends beyond theoretical interpretation and examines Nepal’s actual participation in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The author also explores the contradictions and challenges involved in maintaining neutrality while dealing with regional and global pressures. This section is particularly useful for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Nepal’s diplomatic balancing strategy.

The book also devotes significant attention to economic diplomacy and national security. Hamal discusses issues such as foreign trade, tourism, foreign aid, transit rights, foreign investment, and Nepal’s engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO). These chapters are important because they demonstrate that foreign policy is not confined to political and strategic issues alone; economic interests increasingly shape Nepal’s international relations. The analysis of transit infrastructure and trade challenges is especially relevant for a landlocked country like Nepal.

Similarly, the author’s discussion of multilateral relations broadens the scope of the book. Nepal’s involvement in the United Nations, SAARC, BIMSTEC, the Group of 77, and South-South cooperation is presented in a systematic manner. Hamal highlights Nepal’s active role in international forums and explains how multilateral diplomacy has provided smaller states like Nepal with opportunities to amplify their voices in global affairs. His examination of SAARC and BIMSTEC is particularly relevant in the context of shifting regional cooperation in South Asia and the Bay of Bengal region.

Another strength of the book is its accessibility. Despite dealing with complex diplomatic and historical issues, the writing remains clear and understandable. Hamal avoids excessive theoretical jargon and instead focuses on practical explanations supported by historical examples. This makes the book approachable for a wider readership beyond academia. Readers unfamiliar with foreign policy studies can still follow the arguments and gain substantial knowledge about Nepal’s diplomatic evolution.

However, the book is not without limitations. At times, the narrative becomes repetitive, particularly when discussing recurring themes such as sovereignty, non-alignment, and external interference. Some arguments presented in earlier chapters reappear later without significant new interpretation. Additionally, there are occasional date inaccuracies and minor factual inconsistencies that could have been corrected through more careful editing. While these errors do not seriously undermine the book’s overall contribution, they somewhat affect its scholarly precision.

Another limitation is that some contemporary issues could have been explored in greater depth. Nepal’s growing engagement with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, evolving Indo-Pacific debates, and the impact of emerging global power competition on Nepal’s diplomacy deserve more detailed treatment. Given the rapidly changing international environment, readers may expect a deeper analysis of how Nepal can navigate future geopolitical challenges.

Despite these shortcomings, Nepal’s Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations remains an important and valuable work. It successfully combines historical narrative, diplomatic analysis, and policy discussion into a single comprehensive volume. Hamal’s long experience in the foreign service lends credibility and depth to his observations, while his academic approach ensures that the book goes beyond mere memoir or personal reflection.

Ultimately, this book serves as a significant reference for anyone interested in Nepal’s foreign policy, diplomatic history, and international relations. It provides readers with a broad understanding of how Nepal has interacted with the outside world across different political periods and changing global contexts. More importantly, it encourages reflection on the future direction of Nepal’s diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world. Though there are some repetitions and minor factual errors, the overall contribution of the book is substantial. Yagya Bahadur Hamal deserves recognition for producing a comprehensive and insightful account of Nepal’s foreign relations that will likely remain a useful resource for years to come.