reethu_ravi's review
4.0
The Essence of Delhi is a collection of stories and essays centered around Delhi. With works of some of India’s celebrated authors like Khushwant Singh, Ahmed Ali and Ruskin Bond, the book is an eye-opener to people unfamiliar with the city.
The book is a part of Aleph Book Company’s latest series–Aleph Olio. Centered around various Indian themes—from the diverse cultures to the great cities–Aleph Olio showcases some of the finest writings from some of India’s best writers. The amount of work that has gone into the compilation of this book is evident in the quality of the stories; hats off to the publisher for this.
The Delhi that I knew was the Delhi that I have heard about from my roommates and whatever I have read about in newspapers and watched in movies. Earlier, when I thought of Delhi, what stood out was the pollution, the politics, Connaught Palace, the upscale restaurants and cafes in South Delhi, the shops of Sarojini Nagar and the extreme climate. This book introduced me to the true essence of Delhi–its cats, its people, its food, its streets–and especially–its cities. One of the best parts about the book is that it does not cater to any one genre. There’s sci-fi, humor, drama, tragedy and what not! It ensured that every reader will be able to find something of their likeness.
The book begins with Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City, which takes the reader to the very beginning of Delhi, way back in the eighth century. While Khushwant Singh’s Delhi gives you a glimpse of the various nuances of the city that awaits him each time he visits, Ruskin Bond’s Bhabiji’s House is humorous in his experiences with a joint family. While picking a favourite out of the 12 is a tough task, Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food has left a lasting impression. As she fondly writes about Delhi’s unique street food–Daulat ki chaat, I could imagine the softness melting in my mouth and had my mouth watering. If nothing else, Daulat ki chaat is one reason I would definitely visit Delhi for.
I highly recommend this book if you:
-love Delhi,
-miss Delhi,
-has never been to Delhi.
This beautiful collection will take you on a trip down memory lane or if, like me, you have never been to Delhi, it will leave you craving for Daulat ki chaat or to traverse the myriad cities of Delhi. This quick read is apt when you are going through a reading slump or is looking for a light read with your evening tea or coffee.
The book is a part of Aleph Book Company’s latest series–Aleph Olio. Centered around various Indian themes—from the diverse cultures to the great cities–Aleph Olio showcases some of the finest writings from some of India’s best writers. The amount of work that has gone into the compilation of this book is evident in the quality of the stories; hats off to the publisher for this.
The Delhi that I knew was the Delhi that I have heard about from my roommates and whatever I have read about in newspapers and watched in movies. Earlier, when I thought of Delhi, what stood out was the pollution, the politics, Connaught Palace, the upscale restaurants and cafes in South Delhi, the shops of Sarojini Nagar and the extreme climate. This book introduced me to the true essence of Delhi–its cats, its people, its food, its streets–and especially–its cities. One of the best parts about the book is that it does not cater to any one genre. There’s sci-fi, humor, drama, tragedy and what not! It ensured that every reader will be able to find something of their likeness.
The book begins with Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City, which takes the reader to the very beginning of Delhi, way back in the eighth century. While Khushwant Singh’s Delhi gives you a glimpse of the various nuances of the city that awaits him each time he visits, Ruskin Bond’s Bhabiji’s House is humorous in his experiences with a joint family. While picking a favourite out of the 12 is a tough task, Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food has left a lasting impression. As she fondly writes about Delhi’s unique street food–Daulat ki chaat, I could imagine the softness melting in my mouth and had my mouth watering. If nothing else, Daulat ki chaat is one reason I would definitely visit Delhi for.
I highly recommend this book if you:
-love Delhi,
-miss Delhi,
-has never been to Delhi.
This beautiful collection will take you on a trip down memory lane or if, like me, you have never been to Delhi, it will leave you craving for Daulat ki chaat or to traverse the myriad cities of Delhi. This quick read is apt when you are going through a reading slump or is looking for a light read with your evening tea or coffee.
surabhichatrapathy's review
4.0
"I asked my soul: What is Delhi? She replied: The World is the body and Delhi is life."- Mirza Ghalib
The Essence of Delhi a book in the Aleph Olio series, which brings together stories and essays that explore, embrace and examine the experience that is Delhi.
Each story calls out to an integral aspect that makes Delhi what it is.
Stretched across decades, the stories encapsulate the historical might of the city along with the horrors it holds within.
Painting a vivid picture of the people and landscape it is hard not to like Delhi at the end of this collection.
I've always had a very love-hate relationship with the city and it seems as though it is everybody's experience according to this book.
The collection includes prominent authors such as William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma, Aatish Taseer etc. All of whom are authors worth exploring independently.
I wish they do this for every city in the country and that would such a lovely series to offer to the world!
The Essence of Delhi a book in the Aleph Olio series, which brings together stories and essays that explore, embrace and examine the experience that is Delhi.
Each story calls out to an integral aspect that makes Delhi what it is.
Stretched across decades, the stories encapsulate the historical might of the city along with the horrors it holds within.
Painting a vivid picture of the people and landscape it is hard not to like Delhi at the end of this collection.
I've always had a very love-hate relationship with the city and it seems as though it is everybody's experience according to this book.
The collection includes prominent authors such as William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma, Aatish Taseer etc. All of whom are authors worth exploring independently.
I wish they do this for every city in the country and that would such a lovely series to offer to the world!
ecstatic_yet_chaotic's review
4.0
The Essence of Delhi brings us 12 stories that talks about Delhi as a Phoenix- rising from its ashes only to be demolished again and again. We also get to see a few typical Delhi households- full of laughter and joy and friendly banters, boys living their best life in the streets of Delhi.
The collection contains stories by 12 notable writers. A glimpse of each story is mentioned below.
Perpetual City by Malvika Singh: A formal introduction of the history of Delhi and the glories this city shared with fellow humans.
Twilight in Delhi by Ahmed Ali: An account of a typical twilight in Delhi and the daily activities that involve feeding the pigeons
A Death in Delhi by Kamaleshwar: A day of Mourning, but not really. Delhites find themselves amidst a funeral and their reaction is the most typical one.
Delhi by Khuswant Singh: Khuswant’s Singh’s version of Delhi, and a very interesting one.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple: An passage from Dalrymple’s book on Delhi.
Signs by Nirmal Verma: A boy’s journey from a book worm to a skater
The Temple-Goers by Aatish Taseer: A strange description of two lost souls trying to understand the city.
A New Arrival by Nilanjana Roy: An intruder into the lives of the street cats residing in Nizammudin and the threat it possesses (A favorite from the collection)
God’s Own Street Food by Pamela Timms: One woman’s quest to know the secret behind the famous ‘Daulat ki chaat’
Bhabiji’s House by Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond’s favorite household in Delhi, full of crazy characters brought together by a good movie and great food.
A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor: A story of losing oneself to the Qawwali in a Mosque.
Death of a Proofreader by Siddharth Chowdhury: A ardent lover of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ we get to meet a Highlander Proofreader and his life of service and friendships.
The collection contains stories by 12 notable writers. A glimpse of each story is mentioned below.
Perpetual City by Malvika Singh: A formal introduction of the history of Delhi and the glories this city shared with fellow humans.
Twilight in Delhi by Ahmed Ali: An account of a typical twilight in Delhi and the daily activities that involve feeding the pigeons
A Death in Delhi by Kamaleshwar: A day of Mourning, but not really. Delhites find themselves amidst a funeral and their reaction is the most typical one.
Delhi by Khuswant Singh: Khuswant’s Singh’s version of Delhi, and a very interesting one.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple: An passage from Dalrymple’s book on Delhi.
Signs by Nirmal Verma: A boy’s journey from a book worm to a skater
The Temple-Goers by Aatish Taseer: A strange description of two lost souls trying to understand the city.
A New Arrival by Nilanjana Roy: An intruder into the lives of the street cats residing in Nizammudin and the threat it possesses (A favorite from the collection)
God’s Own Street Food by Pamela Timms: One woman’s quest to know the secret behind the famous ‘Daulat ki chaat’
Bhabiji’s House by Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond’s favorite household in Delhi, full of crazy characters brought together by a good movie and great food.
A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor: A story of losing oneself to the Qawwali in a Mosque.
Death of a Proofreader by Siddharth Chowdhury: A ardent lover of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ we get to meet a Highlander Proofreader and his life of service and friendships.
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