Twisted Minds by Anisha Dutta (Book Review: 3.5*/5) !!!

  

14^th Book of 2026

 

There are books that entertain, books that educate, and then there are books that test your emotional endurance. Twisted Minds by Anisha Dutta comfortably falls into the last category. It is not a book you "enjoy" reading. It is a book you survive.

 

The book opens with two of history's most infamous serial killers—Ed Kemper and Ted Bundy—and honestly, I struggled to continue after the very first chapter. Kemper's crimes, especially those involving his own mother, are narrated with such chilling detail that I genuinely felt nauseated. If the author's intention was to prepare readers for the darkness that follows, she certainly succeeds. Ironically, beginning with the most horrifying accounts makes the remaining chapters comparatively easier to digest.

 

Spread across twenty chapters, Twisted Minds takes readers across continents—from America and India to Colombia, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Brazil and beyond—introducing some of the world's most notorious serial killers. Each chapter attempts to reconstruct their lives, crimes, psychological patterns and the circumstances that may have shaped them. The result is a deeply researched compilation that raises an uncomfortable question throughout: Are monsters born, or are they created?

 

One recurring pattern becomes impossible to ignore. Whether it is emotional neglect, abusive parenting, traumatic childhoods, dysfunctional family environments or severe psychological disorders, many of these killers seem to have emerged from deeply fractured lives. While this certainly does not justify their actions, the book repeatedly suggests that the environment in which a child grows up often leaves scars that may manifest in unimaginable ways. Reading one account after another, I was left wondering how ordinary children gradually transformed into individuals who found satisfaction in killing not one or ten people, but in some cases hundreds.

 

Among all the chapters, Pedro Alonso López's story stood out as the finest piece of writing in the book. Instead of simply listing facts, Anisha Dutta adopts an almost fictional narrative style, recreating his background and psychological evolution in a way that keeps readers invested. It reads less like a case file and more like a tragic descent into darkness. Considering López confessed to murdering more than 300 young girls across multiple countries, the chapter carries an emotional weight that stays with you long after it ends.

 

Equally fascinating is the chapter on Ed Gein. Unlike many others in the book, Gein's notoriety wasn't solely built on murder but on his disturbing obsession with exhuming corpses and transforming human remains into household artefacts. The author's attempt to connect this behaviour with his unhealthy attachment to his deceased mother makes this one of the most psychologically intriguing cases in the collection.

 

Another memorable account is that of Pedro Rodrigues Filho, better known as "Killer Petey." What makes his story unusual is that he believed many of his murders were acts of justice against people he considered evil. Even more astonishing is his later transformation into a YouTube personality who educated people about crime and self-defence. It is one of those rare chapters that demonstrates how contradictory and layered a criminal mind can sometimes appear.

 

Javed Iqbal's story is perhaps among the most shocking. The sheer calculation behind maintaining a diary documenting his murders—and then handing it over to the police after his arrest—is disturbing enough. What makes it even more horrifying is learning how meticulously he ensured that even the physical remains of his victims would disappear. Some realities are stranger—and darker—than fiction.

 

Indian readers will also appreciate the inclusion of criminals closer to home. Raman Raghav, whose crimes even inspired a Bollywood film, Charles Sobhraj—the infamous "Bikini Killer" who operated across Asia—and Kampatimar Shankariya remind us that such stories are not confined to the West. The geographical diversity makes the book far more engaging than focusing solely on American serial killers.

 

However, the book is not without its shortcomings. While the early chapters are detailed and immersive, the final few feel noticeably shorter. Some killers receive only brief summaries, making it evident that either limited historical information was available or the narrative simply couldn't explore them in similar depth. After the richness of the earlier chapters, this inconsistency is difficult to overlook.

 

My larger concern, however, lies elsewhere. By the time I finished the book, I found myself asking a question I hadn't expected: What did I really gain from reading it? Unlike books on psychology, criminology or forensic science that leave readers with broader insights, Twisted Minds often circles back to similar explanations—broken childhoods, abusive parents, neglected emotional development and mental disorders. I had hoped every killer would represent a distinctly different psychological case study, offering new perspectives into criminal behaviour. Instead, many chapters eventually converge on familiar conclusions, making the psychological exploration feel somewhat repetitive.

 

More importantly, this is not a book everyone should pick up casually. Some incidents described here are deeply disturbing and can stay with readers for days. There were moments when turning each page itself felt like a challenge. It became one of the most emotionally exhausting books I have ever read.

 

That said, credit must be given where it is due. Anisha Dutta has clearly invested significant effort in researching these notorious figures and presenting their stories in an accessible narrative. The book succeeds in making readers think about the fragile intersection between psychology, upbringing and criminality, even if it occasionally stops short of providing deeper analytical interpretations.

 

If you are fascinated by true crime, criminal psychology and real-life investigations, Twisted Minds offers an informative journey through twenty of history's most infamous predators. Just be prepared—it is not a comfortable read, nor is it meant to be. My rating for this book would be 3.5* out of 5.

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Her Story, Her Glory: The Making of Women’s Cricket in India by Aditya Bhushan (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

13^th Book of 2026

As a cricket-loving nation, we have spent decades celebrating the achievements of our men's team. We can effortlessly recall iconic World Cup victories, memorable centuries, and legendary spells. Yet, if someone asked us how Indian women's cricket reached where it stands today, most of us would probably struggle to answer. Her Story, Her Glory by Aditya Bhushan fills exactly that gap, and it does so in an engaging, well-researched, and immensely readable manner.

 

I still vividly remember following the Women's ODI World Cup last year. So convinced was I about India's chances that I purchased the final's ticket immediately after India won its quarter-final, even before the semi-final had been played. Looking back, it turned out to be one of my best sporting decisions. Watching the Indian women's team lift its first-ever ODI World Cup was a surreal experience, one that I will cherish for years.

 

Perhaps that is why, the moment I came across Her Story, Her Glory in the pre-release section, I knew I had to order it. Interestingly, I completed reading the book on the very day the Indian Women's Team scripted yet another historic chapter by becoming the first-ever women's side to win a Test match at Lord's, defeating England in England by a massive margin of 270 runs. Sometimes, the timing of finishing a book feels almost poetic.

 

The book begins by taking readers back to the origins of women's cricket in India. It is astonishing to learn about the hardships faced by the pioneers of the game. There were times when players had to arrange money from their own pockets just to travel overseas and represent India. In an era where international tours are professionally managed, imagining those sacrifices is difficult. Their determination to play for the country despite minimal support makes their achievements even more remarkable.

 

Another pleasant surprise for me was discovering how competitive India's women's Test team had been even during those early decades. We often assume that women's cricket started flourishing only in recent years, but this book proves that the foundations had been laid much earlier by players whose contributions rarely receive the recognition they deserve.

 

Among the many personalities discussed, Madhavrao Scindia deserves immense appreciation for ensuring that women's cricket survived during one of its most uncertain phases. Equally significant has been the contribution of the Indian Railways, which not only offered employment to several cricketers but also became one of the strongest pillars supporting women's cricket in the country. Without such institutional backing, the game's journey could have been very different.

 

One of the biggest strengths of the book is the number of fascinating incidents it uncovers. Many of these stories were completely new to me. Reading about an Indian captain being slapped by a coach, the national team struggling to travel to a World Cup because of financial difficulties, and a captain being removed in the middle of a series shortly after losing her husband was both shocking and heartbreaking. These incidents reveal how challenging the journey has been for generations of women cricketers.

 

The book is equally rich in sporting anecdotes. I was fascinated to learn that Neetu David's remarkable Test bowling record from the early 1990s still remains unbroken. The story of how she replaced the legendary Diana Edulji and carved out her own legacy was particularly inspiring. Equally memorable was reading how Jhulan Goswami eventually surpassed the achievements of the very Australian fast bowler who had inspired her to take up pace bowling in the first place. Stories like these beautifully capture how one generation inspires the next.

 

Aditya Bhushan also discusses the disappointments and controversies that have shaped Indian women's cricket. Mithali Raj's frustration over being excluded from the playing eleven without proper communication reflects the administrative challenges that have existed even in recent times. The book also highlights how infrequently women's Test cricket is played and how India's impressive record of drawing more than three-fourths of its Tests often reflects a strategy of survival rather than aggressive pursuit of victories. These observations provide important context behind the statistics.

 

What I appreciated most was the author's balanced approach. He neither gets lost in administrative details nor turns into an overenthusiastic fan praising every player or innings. The narrative remains objective, well-paced, and consistently engaging. It is evident that extensive research has gone into the book, but that research never overwhelms the storytelling.

 

The final section serves as a fitting tribute to the icons of Indian women's cricket. Dedicated chapters on legends like Diana Edulji, Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and several others celebrate their individual journeys while also placing them within the larger story of Indian women's cricket. The inclusion of detailed statistics further enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to appreciate both the emotional and numerical dimensions of the team's evolution.

 

Overall, Her Story, Her Glory is much more than a history of Indian women's cricket. It is a story of perseverance, courage, forgotten heroes, institutional struggles, and dreams that refused to die despite countless obstacles. Whether you are a lifelong cricket enthusiast or someone who has recently started following the women's game, this book offers valuable insights into the incredible journey that brought Indian women's cricket to where it stands today.

 

It reminds us that before every trophy, every standing ovation, and every headline, there were generations of women who played not for fame or fortune, but simply because they loved the game. I would rate this book 4.5* out of 5 and I believe every Indian must read it.

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Giorgia's Vision: Giorgia Meloni in Conversation with Alessandro Sallusti (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  12^th Book of 2026

Political books often intimidate readers who aren't deeply invested in geopolitics. They can become heavy with statistics, ideological jargon, or endless policy discussions. Giorgia's Vision, however, pleasantly surprised me. Written as a series of conversations between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and journalist Alessandro Sallusti, the book reads less like a political manifesto and more like an extended interview where readers are invited into the Prime Minister's office to understand not just her policies, but also the person behind them.

 

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its conversational structure. Alessandro Sallusti does much more than ask questions. He paints the setting before every discussion—where they are seated, what is happening around them, and the political climate at that particular moment. These seemingly small details add context to every conversation, making readers feel like silent spectators inside Palazzo Chigi rather than outsiders reading another political autobiography.

 

I wouldn't call myself someone who closely follows international politics, yet I never felt lost while reading this book. The language is accessible, the conversations flow naturally, and the topics are explained in a way that even readers with limited knowledge of European politics can appreciate. Instead of overwhelming readers with technicalities, Meloni explains her thoughts with clarity, making the book suitable even for those who simply wish to understand contemporary global affairs.

 

Throughout the book, Giorgia Meloni remains remarkably candid about her political ideology and her vision for Italy. She openly discusses issues such as national identity, migration, taxation, unemployment, economic sovereignty, pollution, and the challenges facing modern Europe. Whether one agrees with her positions or not, there is little doubt that she expresses them with conviction. She also does not hesitate to name political opponents from the Left while responding to criticisms or explaining why she disagrees with their viewpoints. That directness gives the conversations an authenticity often missing from carefully curated political memoirs.

 

The chapters dealing with international relations were among the most insightful. Meloni explains Italy's support for Ukraine and shares her reasoning behind standing with a smaller nation against a much stronger military power. Her reflections on meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and her broader thoughts on Russia provide readers with an understanding of how today's global conflicts influence national leadership. Beyond Ukraine, she also offers glimpses into her relationships with several world leaders and explains the principles guiding Italy's international alliances.

 

The book is equally interesting when it shifts away from politics and explores the personal cost of leadership. Meloni writes with visible pride about becoming Italy's first female Prime Minister, yet she never portrays it merely as a personal achievement. Instead, she repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility that accompanies such a historic milestone. She reflects on Italy's political instability—having witnessed multiple governments in a relatively short span—and explains why she believes long-term governance requires patience instead of short-term popularity.

 

Some of the most relatable sections revolve around her family. She candidly shares how public office has taken away many ordinary pleasures of life—travelling freely, spending uninterrupted time with loved ones, or simply living without constant security. Her affection for her daughter is evident throughout the book, and it is heartening to see that even while discussing matters of state, she acknowledges the importance of her daughter's perspective in shaping her own thinking. These moments humanize a leader who is often seen only through political headlines.

 

Towards the end, the book includes Meloni's first parliamentary speech as Prime Minister. It is undoubtedly lengthy, but it also serves as the perfect culmination of everything discussed earlier. The speech encapsulates the very vision promised in the book's title, bringing together her ideas on identity, governance, meritocracy, family values, and Italy's future.

 

That said, the book isn't without its shortcomings. Since the conversations are centered entirely around Meloni's perspective, readers receive only one side of many political debates. While she confidently highlights her achievements and explains her decisions, the narrative rarely explores moments where she may have miscalculated or failed. There are no significant instances where she reflects on decisions she regrets or apologizes for.

 

Similarly, apart from her criticism of Russia's actions, she largely avoids controversies involving other global powers. As a result, readers looking for a balanced, 360-degree political analysis may feel that the book occasionally resembles a well-articulated defense of her own leadership rather than an objective political memoir.

 

Nevertheless, I believe that isn't necessarily the book's objective. Giorgia's Vision sets out to explain how Giorgia Meloni sees Italy, Europe, leadership, and the future of the West—and on that front, it succeeds remarkably well. Whether you agree with her politics or strongly disagree with them, the book offers an opportunity to understand the thought process behind one of Europe's most discussed political figures.

 

Overall, Giorgia's Vision is an engaging and accessible political memoir that combines autobiography, ideology, and contemporary global affairs in a format that is easy to follow. For readers interested in world politics, leadership, or simply understanding how modern heads of government think, it is certainly worth picking up.

 

My Rating: 4/5

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Lucknow, After the Lamps Go Out by Parveen Talha (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  

11^th Book of 2026

 

Whenever we hear the words ghost stories, we usually expect haunted mansions, eerie forests, or terrifying supernatural encounters. However, Lucknow, After the Lamps Go Out: Tales of Ghosts and Jinns by Parveen Talha offers something far more fascinating. It is less about frightening the reader and more about introducing them to the rich folklore, forgotten legends, and cultural beliefs that have quietly survived through generations in the City of Nawabs. The book is published by Rupa Publications in around 135 pages only which makes a perfect companion for you on a weekend or travel.

 

This is not a conventional horror novel. Instead, it is a beautifully woven collection of tales where history, mythology, superstition, faith, and human emotions coexist. As someone who enjoys stories rooted in local culture, I found this approach refreshing. The author doesn't merely narrate ghost stories; she preserves an entire oral tradition that might otherwise disappear with time.

 

What makes the book particularly engaging is its atmosphere. Lucknow itself becomes a character. Its old lanes, magnificent havelis, forgotten graveyards, ancient mosques, and silent corners provide the perfect backdrop for stories involving mysterious apparitions and elusive jinns. Even if you have never visited the city, the vivid descriptions transport you there, making you feel as though you are listening to these tales from an elderly storyteller on a quiet evening.

 

One aspect I appreciated throughout the book was the author's balanced narrative. She neither forces the reader to believe in the supernatural nor dismisses these stories as mere fiction. Instead, she presents them with respect, allowing readers to decide for themselves where folklore ends and reality begins. That neutrality adds authenticity to the storytelling.

 

The stories themselves vary in tone. Some are genuinely eerie, while others are melancholic, mysterious, or even philosophical. There are moments when you expect a shocking revelation, only to find yourself contemplating human fears, loneliness, faith, or destiny instead. This emotional depth prevents the collection from becoming repetitive and keeps the reader invested until the very end.

 

Parveen Talha's writing deserves special appreciation for its simplicity. Despite dealing with subjects that could easily become overly dramatic, her language remains elegant, measured, and accessible. She doesn't rely on exaggerated horror elements or unnecessary jump scares. Instead, she allows the setting, the characters, and the quiet mystery surrounding each incident to create a lingering sense of unease. That subtlety makes the stories far more effective than loud horror ever could.

 

The book also offers glimpses into Lucknow's cultural heritage, traditions, and social fabric. Readers unfamiliar with the city's history will appreciate how naturally these details are woven into the narratives without interrupting their flow. In many ways, this book serves as both a collection of supernatural tales and a tribute to the city's timeless charm.

 

What I particularly enjoyed was that the stories stay with you even after you finish reading. They don't necessarily make you afraid to switch off the lights, but they do make you wonder how many unexplained stories every old city quietly hides within its walls. The author successfully captures that thin line where imagination meets inherited belief.

 

Having said that, readers expecting fast-paced horror or edge-of-the-seat thrills may find the pace relatively gentle. This is a book best enjoyed slowly, almost like listening to bedtime stories narrated by someone who genuinely believes every word they are saying. The charm lies in its storytelling rather than its scares.

 

Overall, Lucknow, After the Lamps Go Out is an absorbing blend of folklore, history, mystery, and culture. It reminds us that every city has stories that never make it into history books but continue to live in whispers, legends, and memories passed from one generation to another. Parveen Talha has done a commendable job of preserving those whispers in written form.

 

If you appreciate regional folklore, atmospheric storytelling, and books that celebrate India's cultural heritage through unusual narratives, this collection deserves your attention. It is a gentle reminder that sometimes the most memorable ghost stories are not the ones that terrify us, but the ones that make us look at familiar places with completely new eyes. I really liked how few stories tells about these super natural elements providing justice to the human beings who didn’t get it otherwise. Overall, this was definitely a unique read. I would give this book 4 stars out of 5.

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The Great Indian Medico Masala by Dr Kumar Nirbhay (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  10^th Book of 2026!

 

There are books that make you laugh. There are books that make you emotional. And then there are books that manage to do both within the span of just a few pages. The Great Indian Medico Masala by Dr. Kumar Nirbhay belongs to the third category. It is a delightful collection of stories inspired by the everyday life of a doctor, but calling it merely a "medical humour" book would be unfair. Beneath its wit lies an honest commentary on human nature, relationships, society, and the realities of life inside and outside hospitals. The book is published by Rupa Publications in around 210 pages.

 

One of the biggest strengths of the book is that it finds humour in situations that almost every Indian can relate to. The chapter on the "Chakkarometre" is a perfect example. It hilariously captures our national obsession with saying, "Doctor saab, chakkar aa raha hai," as if dizziness itself is a universal diagnosis. The exaggerated yet believable situations make you laugh because you've either witnessed them yourself or know someone who fits the description perfectly.

 

Another chapter that left me chuckling was the one where a patient justifies how a simple cat scratch could be more dangerous than a tiger attack. The confidence with which people create their own medical theories is something every doctor must have encountered countless times, and the author transforms such everyday absurdities into wonderfully entertaining stories.

 

Being someone who has travelled to my hometown by train throughout my life, the description of Bhusaval railway station brought an instant smile to my face. It is fascinating how a place we often pass without giving it much thought can become so memorable when described with warmth, wit, and nostalgia. Such moments make the book feel personal even when the stories themselves aren't yours.

 

However, the book isn't content with making readers laugh alone. Every now and then, Dr. Kumar Nirbhay shifts gears and reminds us that life inside hospitals often exposes the best and worst sides of humanity. One particularly impactful chapter narrates the story of a father who suffers a stroke. Initially, his son and daughter-in-law are devastated. But once the father's illness eventually secures a government job for the son, their grief quietly fades because their objective has been achieved. It is an uncomfortable story, not because it is unrealistic, but because it feels painfully plausible. Without becoming preachy, the author subtly questions changing family values and the transactional nature of some relationships.

 

Among the memorable characters in the book, Janu Bai deserves a special mention. She is entertaining, spirited, and deeply inspiring. Through her journey, the author beautifully highlights the resilience of women in rural India who overcome immense hardships to build independent lives. Her determination makes one realize that courage often has little to do with physical strength and everything to do with mental resolve. It is difficult not to admire her by the time her story concludes.

 

The emotional depth of the book reaches another level in chapters where the author reflects on loneliness, ageing, and children drifting away from their parents. These are moments where the laughter quietly gives way to silence. You may even find yourself with a lump in your throat as the emotional weight of these stories settles in. It is this seamless transition between comedy and compassion that makes the book far more than a collection of funny medical anecdotes.

 

Dr. Kumar Nirbhay's writing is simple, conversational, and refreshingly free from unnecessary complexity. His medical background undoubtedly lends authenticity to every story, but he never allows medical jargon to dominate the narrative. Instead, he writes for everyone. Whether you are a doctor, a medical student, or someone who has only visited hospitals as a patient, there is enough familiarity in these stories to keep you engaged. Many incidents are inspired by real-life experiences, making them feel genuine rather than manufactured for effect.

 

Overall, The Great Indian Medico Masala is an enjoyable blend of humour, satire, nostalgia, and emotion. It reminds us that hospitals are not merely places of illness; they are theatres where countless human stories unfold every single day. Some make us laugh, some leave us uncomfortable, and some stay with us long after the final page.

 

If you enjoy books that combine observational humour with meaningful life lessons, this one deserves a place on your bookshelf. It entertains generously but also leaves you reflecting on people, relationships, and the wonderfully chaotic nature of Indian society. That balance is what makes The Great Indian Medico Masala a satisfying and memorable read. My Rating for the book is 4.5* out of 5. Highly recommended!

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7 Breaths to Slimming by Namita Jain (Book Review: 3*/5) !!!

  

9th Book of 2026

 

There are phases in life when we make a certain thing our top priority. For the last 2–3 months, I have been trying my best to reduce my weight and eat as little junk food as possible. This effort resulted in a significant weight loss of 7 kgs within two months, which is actually very difficult to achieve considering the amount of easily accessible food we keep consuming without moderation. This phase of my life made me pick up Dr. Namita Jain’s latest book, published by Rupa Publications, titled “7 Breaths to Slimming.”

 

This 232-page book is written in a manner where you do not need to sit with notes in your hand, constantly noting what to eat or avoid, which exercises to perform, or how many times they should be done in a day or week. Instead, it presents a simple methodology based on the concept of breathing before eating. The idea is to disconnect from your current emotions and state of mind, enter a more mindful space, and understand how much you truly need to consume versus how much your anxiety and the fast-paced world are pushing you to eat.

 

The book is divided into five sections: Laying the Foundation, How the 7 Breaths to Slimming Works, The Result-Oriented Path for the Journey to Slimming Success, Sustaining the Transformation, and The Path Forward in the Journey of Slimming. These sections are further broken down into smaller chapters where the author repeatedly discusses the power of the seven-breath technique, which helps connect the mind with food and encourages mindful eating. She also regularly shares testimonials from some of her clients and acquaintances regarding the results and mindset shifts they experienced after following this method.

 

Namita’s intention is very clear from the structure and narration of the book. She does not want to overwhelm readers with countless parameters and complicated methods for weight loss. Instead, she chooses to focus entirely on the transformative impact that a breathing cycle can have in regulating food consumption. Readers are introduced to the ritual of “Pause, Breathe, and Align” every time they sit down for a meal. To ensure people do not feel awkward practising this in public, she also suggests alternative three-breath cycles and explains how they can be done discreetly without drawing attention.

 

The book remains strongly focused on this one methodology. However, having read several books on dieting, health, and body management, I personally felt that the content delivered was relatively limited considering the number of pages used to explain a single concept. The same volume of writing could have included multiple additional techniques and approaches that might have benefited readers even more. At times, I felt that the core idea of the book could have been comfortably covered within a detailed Medium article or a couple of blog posts instead of a full-length book.

 

There are also several scientific aspects related to breathing exercises and the physiological changes they bring about in the body that could have been explained in greater detail. Including these would have made the concept feel more holistic and convincing from both a practical and scientific perspective. Unfortunately, that aspect has largely been left unexplored in the book.

 

Overall, I believe the book addresses a very important topic and introduces a mindful approach towards eating, but it offers comparatively less content for a book priced at an MRP of INR 395. I give this book 3 stars out of 5.

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Madira by Parag A. Shastry (Book Review: 4.75*/5) !!!

  

8^th Book of 2026

 

Parag A. Shastry’s MADIRA is not merely a book about cocktails, spirits, or mixology. It is an experience steeped in memory, geography, culture, and forgotten traditions. Published by Rupa Publications, this fascinating 344-page work stands at the crossroads of culinary history and modern experimentation, attempting to reclaim India’s indigenous drinking culture from the shadows of colonial hangovers and imported glamour.

 

At first glance, the book appears to be a sophisticated cocktail companion filled with recipes and artistic inspirations. But as one progresses through its pages, it becomes evident that Madira is trying to achieve something far more ambitious. It seeks to restore dignity and storytelling to Indian spirits that have long remained underappreciated. The author doesn’t merely teach readers how to mix drinks; he invites them to understand the soul behind every ingredient, aroma, ritual, and regional influence.

 

One of the strongest aspects of the book lies in its narrative approach. Before the recipes begin, Parag A. Shastry carefully lays a philosophical and cultural foundation for the reader. The opening chapters explore how India once possessed a rich and deeply localized drinking tradition—one that existed long before whisky and imported liquors dominated urban aspirations. The author revisits forgotten beverages, indigenous brewing practices, and region-specific drinking customs with remarkable affection and detail.

 

The chapters titled The Indian Cocktail Renaissance and The Art of Sustainable Mixology are particularly insightful. Instead of blindly glorifying Western bar culture, the author passionately argues for a distinctly Indian identity in modern mixology. He explains how ingredients like kokum, tamarind, jaggery, Gondhoraj lime, mahua, curry leaves, saffron, sandalwood, raw mango, and even spice blends can shape cocktails that are deeply rooted in Indian memory and tradition.

 

What makes this approach refreshing is the emotional intelligence behind it. In Madira, cocktails are not presented as symbols of elite indulgence. Rather, they are portrayed as extensions of festivals, seasons, nostalgia, family gatherings, regional landscapes, and collective celebrations. The author repeatedly emphasizes that Indian drinking traditions historically revolved around community and storytelling rather than solitary sophistication. That cultural sensitivity gives the book a warmth that many glossy cocktail books often lack.

 

Once the book transitions into its celebrated collection of 101 recipes, readers are introduced to a dazzling universe of creativity. The names themselves evoke curiosity and atmosphere—Mahua Martini, Kashmiri Kahwa Whiskey, Mumbai Masala Highball, Pineapple and Curry Leaf Smash, Holi Rang Martini, Jalebi Whiskey Flip, The Maharaja’s Cipher, The Banaras Mule, and finally The Madira Masterpiece. Each cocktail carries a thematic identity, categorized through moods such as “Rooted and Ritualistic,” “Bright and Festive,” “Bold and Rebellious,” or “Warm and Soulful.”

 

This categorization is perhaps one of the book’s most original ideas. It transforms the act of drinking into an emotional and cultural experience rather than a mechanical recipe-following exercise. One does not merely choose a cocktail based on alcohol preference; one chooses based on feeling, season, memory, and atmosphere. That subtle literary touch elevates Madira far beyond conventional bartending manuals.

 

Parag A. Shastry’s writing style deserves appreciation as well. His prose is immersive, poetic, and cinematic without becoming overly decorative. Whether he is describing tribal mahua brews from forest clearings, toddy tapped at sunrise on coastal shores, or spice-infused drinks inspired by royal kitchens, the narration consistently maintains sensory richness. Readers can almost smell the roasted fennel, citrus peels, herbs, and jaggery vapours rising from the pages.

 

Another commendable element is the author’s emphasis on sustainability and mindful consumption. The book repeatedly encourages the use of local ingredients, seasonal produce, leftover peels, homemade syrups, and environmentally conscious practices. In an era where sustainability often becomes a fashionable buzzword, Madira integrates it naturally into India’s traditional kitchen wisdom.

 

Visually too, the book appears elegant and thoughtfully structured. The index itself reflects tremendous effort, with appendices dedicated to bartending techniques, India’s spirit landscape, indigenous ingredients, and a cultural glossary of Madira. These additions make the book accessible not just to experienced mixologists but also to curious readers who may know little about cocktail culture.

 

However, readers expecting a straightforward instructional cocktail guide may initially find the philosophical and historical portions slightly elaborate. The book prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling as much as recipes, and that literary immersion may not appeal equally to everyone. Yet, for those willing to engage with its deeper cultural intent, this richness becomes its greatest strength.

 

In many ways, Madira feels like a cultural reclamation project disguised as a cocktail book. It reminds readers that India’s relationship with spirits did not begin with imported whisky labels or modern urban lounges. There existed an older, more intimate tradition—rooted in land, ritual, herbs, seasons, and shared experiences. Through this book, Parag A. Shastry attempts to resurrect that forgotten voice with both reverence and innovation.

 

Overall, MADIRA is a beautifully crafted work that combines anthropology, gastronomy, history, sustainability, and mixology into one engaging narrative. It is a rare book that can comfortably sit on the shelves of cocktail enthusiasts, cultural historians, food writers, and lovers of Indian traditions alike. More than teaching readers how to prepare drinks, Madira teaches them how to rediscover flavour, memory, and identity—one glass at a time. I will definitely give this book 4.75* out of 5 as author’s research work is evident in each and every word written in around 350 pages. Recommended for drinks/cocktail/mocktail lovers.

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