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‘Counterfeit’ by Kirstin Chen could very well be made into a movie. It reads like one. Maybe it’s already being adapted for the screen as the book was Reese Witherspoon’s book club pick in June last year. It’s basically about complicated friendships and fake handbags and it’s really fun. Counterfeit will remind you of ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ both of which are highly enjoyable books and movies. 

The story is narrated in the first person by Ava. She meets an old friend, Winnie, who used to be her roommate during her freshman year of college. Winnie had disappeared under mysterious circumstances—pulled out of college after roughly six months. Now, she’s back and she runs a successful business. The catch is it’s not entirely legal. High-end luxury handbags are bought and then ‘superfakes’ (top-quality fakes) are returned in their place. The originals are then sold at slightly cheaper prices than their retail values. The scam is highly profitable but Winnie needs help with it. 

Ava is reluctant to help out at first but then she’s bored of being a stay-at-home mother. Despite having been a highly-paid lawyer, she enjoyed going on extended maternity leave because she secretly hates her job. Now, she wants some change in life. After an incident where she finds herself broke and alone in Hong Kong (her husband cuts her access to their joint bank account), she is forced to join Winnie. We find out about Winnie’s business as Ava tells the story to a detective. Winne has vanished and Ava claims to be the victim. We also hear Winnie’s side of the story in the second half of the book. Who is telling the truth? And what is really going on? These are the questions that compel you to keep turning the pages. 

Counterfeit is original and fresh. I hadn’t read anything like it before. It’s a fairly quick and easy read given the captivating plot. If you ask me, reading it is a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Four stars

Counterfeit

Kirstin Chen

Published: 2022

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 274, Paperback

If you plan to read one book this summer, please let it be ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus. It’s such a delight. You will laugh. You will cry. You will jump with joy. You will vow to live life on your own terms and be you, unabashedly so. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. A couple of times, I even hugged it while going to bed. It just made me feel so good and positive about life.

Studded with a dazzling cast, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ is set in the early 1960s when women scientists were unheard of. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist but she’s not your ‘average woman’. In fact, Elizabeth believes there is no such thing as an average woman.

But the place she works at—the Hastings Research Institute—doesn’t believe in equality. Her boss makes life extremely difficult for her. However, hope comes in the form of the brilliant Nobel-Prize-nominated scientist Calvin Evans who, like her, doesn’t think gender has anything to do with how smart you are. The two fall in love and their relationship isn’t your ‘average’ relationship. It’s a coming together of two great minds.

But life is unpredictable and Elizabeth ends up as a single mother and a reluctant star of a cooking show, Supper at Six. She doesn’t just tell you to put salt and vinegar. It’s sodium chloride and acetic acid, much to the chagrin of the producers who tell her she must be more ladylike. Her viewers think otherwise. They love the show and feel empowered by the way Elizabeth tells them to take charge of their lives while teaching them to cook delicious dishes. This infuriates men and even certain women who believe women have a dutiful place in society and shouldn’t challenge the norms.

‘Lessons in Chemistry’, which is about an exceptional woman struggling to make her place in a man’s world, is basically an exploration of gender discrimination. But it’s also about the essence of love and how your passion—towards work and life—can save you from the depths of despair.

Fiction

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57684325-lessons-in-chemistry 

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

Published: 2022

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Pages: 390, Paperback

A couple of years ago, I read ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ by Iain Reid despite having watched its movie adaptation and not liking it very much. A story about an unnamed woman dating a dullish man called Jake for about six weeks when the two decide to go visit Jake’s parents, it was dark and creepy. I had bought the book because I had fallen in love with the cover but I actually ended up enjoying it quite a bit. 

So, I was excited to stumble upon another book by the author. ‘We Spread’ is a recent release—it came out last year. I’m Thinking of Ending Things was dialogue driven, ‘We Spread’  a lot less so. But despite the different writing styles, Reid knows how to captivate his readers. 

‘We Spread’  is a story of a widow who finds herself at a strange care home where time seems to pass quickly. At the beginning of the story, Penny lives alone in an apartment that she shared with her husband for many years. But she falls and injures herself when trying to change a lightbulb and finds herself being taken to a private care facility, Six Cedars, when she regains consciousness. Apparently, her husband had made the arrangements for her years ago. Her memory is failing her, so she can’t remember agreeing to it. 

Initially, she’s skeptical and wants to move back into her apartment. She thinks she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. But she slowly starts to adjust to life at the facility—she has people her own age to talk to and isn’t lonely anymore. The facility’s manager, Shelly, claims she has a background in science that makes it possible for her to provide top-notch care for older people. She seems to really care about Six Cedar’s six residents. But something feels off to Penny and she starts wondering if Shelly’s motives are actually driven by something sinister. 

‘We Spread’  is a quick read. The chapters are short, some just a page long. But its message about identity and aging makes you want to slow down and take your time. I have to admit it’s not an easy book. There were times when I had to pause and ponder over what I had just read or go back a couple of pages to make sense of things. The book is dedicated to Reid’s grandmother, who died in a care facility when she was 101, after having lived there for two years. Despite its horror backdrop, ‘We Spread’  is an important story that looks at how society marginalizes older people, and how aging is viewed with disdain and distrust.

Three-and-a-half stars

Fiction

We Spread

Iain Reid

Published: 2022

Publisher: Scribner

Pages: 287, Paperback

Recently released on Netflix, ‘Afwaah’  (translation: Rumour) is a thought-provoking Hindi-language mystery thriller directed by Sudhir Mishra. The film delves into the perils and repercussions of rumors, particularly in the age of social media. With an engaging narrative and a talented ensemble cast, ‘Afwaah’  explores the dark side of society, media, and the consequences of unfounded speculations.

In ‘Afwaah’ , we meet Rahab Ahmed (played by the incredible Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a renowned advertising professional, and Nivedita Singh (portrayed by the talented Bhumi Pednekar), a political heiress. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they find themselves entangled in a treacherous web of rumors created by the ever-present social media platforms. Sudhir Mishra skillfully illustrates how these whispers can morph into dangerous weapons, wreaking havoc on individuals and their relationships.

One of the standout qualities of ‘Afwaah’  lies in its intense storytelling. The film keeps its narrative firmly rooted in reality, shedding light on the sinister aspects of society and media. It fearlessly tackles the hazards of social media and even provides a glimpse into the religious conflicts happening in our neighboring country, drawing inspiration from real-life events of the past. The result is a thought-provoking piece of cinema that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Now, let’s talk about performances. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a masterful portrayal as Rahab Ahmed, infusing his character with depth and nuance. It’s a shame, though, that his potential for even greater intensity is underutilized. On the other hand, Bhumi Pednekar shines as Nivedita Singh, showcasing her versatility and capturing the essence of her character with sheer conviction.

Bhumi Pednekar truly steals the show in ‘Afwaah’ . She brings to life a social rebel who exudes a delightful mix of confidence and respect for personal boundaries. As an heiress, her character holds the power to wield influence, but in a patriarchal world, she becomes a victim of misogyny, even within her own family. Despite the challenges she faces, Pednekar’s portrayal of Nivedita radiates strength and boldness, leaving a lasting impact.

The supporting cast, featuring talents like Sharib Hashmi, Sumit Kaul, Sumeet Vyas, and Appurv Gupta, adds depth and effectiveness to the film's overall impact. Together, they create a compelling ensemble that enhances the viewing experience.

While ‘Afwaah’  maintains a gripping pace for the most part, there are instances where it might feel a tad slow and lethargic. The climax, in particular, ventures into the realm of Bollywoodish fiction but unfortunately falls short in execution, lacking the impact it initially promised. Nonetheless, these minor shortcomings don't overshadow the film’s strengths.

In a nutshell, ‘Afwaah’  is a compelling drama thriller that offers valuable insights into the power of rumors and their far-reaching consequences. The performances are commendable, the writing is solid, and Sudhir Mishra's direction keeps you engaged throughout the film. Though it may not skyrocket to superhit status, it remains a captivating watch for audiences craving a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Who should watch it? 

If you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers, this one’s right up your alley. It may take its time to unfold, but it grips you with its intensity. The storytelling feels genuine and relatable, making it a worthwhile investment of your time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0drCO1XmlNU 

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Rating: 3.5 stars

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar 

Director: Sudhir Mishra

Run time: 2hrs 6mins