| Title | : | Ramona |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1947949071 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781947949072 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 110 |
| Publication | : | Published September 18, 2017 |
Ramona Reviews
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http://pebbleinthestillwaters.com/ram...
Ramona by Manoj V Jain is Short and Crisp Like Balraj
Ramona by Manoj V Jain is short and crisp like Balraj. No extra content just to extrapolate to 250-300 pages novel. Rather, I would call it a novella or novelette. The cover image goes well with the theme of the fictional story. You actually need to push the curtains aside to face the light. For that something has to strike within to prompt for the action. Else keep living in the dark. Like the title character. Until someday some words stir your soul and you start questioning yourself. That self-probing or intriguing, in fact, is very important in life. As a matter of fact, both the books, Balraj, and now this one leaves readers with a bundle of questions. While it is true that writing a story is a handshake between the key character and author but then each reader has its own role to play.
That's the beauty of the author characterizing the story so well that instead of asking author you start probing or questioning the characters of the story. At that moment you forget that these characters are fictional. But the moment you find a connection between the characters of a story and people in real life, that gap starts shrinking. And at times it gradually vanishes. That's how you find yourself as a reader standing face to face with those characters and interacting or arguing with them. This book is just 101 pages. But it relates well to the modern day life. In fact, both the books, Balraj and Ramona, are two parallel sequences happening simultaneously in the life of the two at two separate locations. The story, in fact, begins after Inder, her husband leaves the house.
Inder and Ramona are, in fact, quite successful in their respective careers. But all of a sudden Inder starts a new journey of life, leaving Ramona at home. While it shocks Ramona she initially believes that Inder will come back within a few days. Shaurya, their only son who works in an MNC in Bangaluru and Ameeta, Inder's sister living in Pune are the only two persons in the family whom Ramona shares this incident. The author questions the society through this book why a woman has to prove herself in every walk of her life as a wife, sister, mother, and daughter. Why is it the man who decides benchmarks for a woman to qualify for these roles? When Inder leaves Ramona, he mentions clearly in the letter he would come back for sure some day in the life.
But if Ramona finds someone else in her life during that period, he wouldn't mind. Then why Shourya tries to show Ramona the right path? And by the way who decides this right path? Moreover, why a man always decides a right path for a woman. -
Not sure how to start the review. May be I don't find myself eligible enough to post a review for this beautiful peace. But I would not stop myself from sharing my thoughts about the book.First thing first, Don't read Ramona with out reading Balraj. Even though it's an independent book and you will enjoy while reading, but it would be as good as watching Bahubali part2 with out watching Bahubali first part. These two books, Balraj and Ramona are must read for any common man.
The writer has profoundly understood the reader's heart. While reading Balraj, many a times I thought about his family and was thinking how come the writer had not even put a single trace about his family after he left them in uncertainty. But, to my surprise, it's more of like a prayer getting accepted. There is in-fact a entire book to tell you about his family's whereabouts in his absence. What an extraordinary way of story-telling!!!!
Your core feelings can't be left untouched while reading Ramona. It tells about the bonding of a family and how the bond grows stronger in the toughest of times. Developing hatred, realizing that you have developed hatred, revisiting the cause of hatred, and finally abolishing the hatred is the main theme of Ramona. You would any how be able to relate yourself to at least one character in the book , even though the characters are very limited unlike other books. Forcefully I will have to stop here from writing further, else it will come out as a spoiler alert for the book.
Again Thank you Manoj V Jain for this excellent piece. -
Manoj Jain released his fourth book few weeks back. After his success of his third novel Balraj which made an honest effort to explore deeper psychological and spiritual self, somewhat a territory that not many contemporary Indian writers try to explore. His latest book Ramona, a novella, which originally is a sequel to Balraj but works well as a standalone novel explores psychology of an abandoned married woman.
The whole plot revolves around a mother of one Ramona after her husband one day disappeared out of the blue. He leaves her a note which to her expectation did not justify his runaway or disappearance completely. Her world turned upside down. Emotionally confuse, she try to move on but the events of past life that directly relates to her husband keeps coming back to her as a stream of thoughts. Soon, and with the help of her family, she begins to move on but stranger then completely changes the course of her life.
There is a real sense of mysteriousness in the storyline from page one. It is exciting and one of the major factors that hooks a reader. The book clearly tries to reflect the point of view of a woman who has to face the wrath society in terms of questions and accusations as well as her own emotions and fighting the feeling of abandonment. This book is a journey of a woman that deciphers her past in front of us, and as she makes an effort to come out of the shell she has been living in all these years.
The writing style is flawless. The narrative voice is steady, smooth and drives the plot forward. The characterisation is up to the mark. A reader does have a chance to seek beneath the skin of other characters as well. Overall, I think this book is for anyone who is interested in reading a great example of contemporary Indian Fiction.
5 out of 5! -
Ramona is the sequel to the other book by Manoj V Jain , Balraj, the story of a middle aged executive who suddenly decides to disappear. Ramona is the college sweetheart and wife of Inder, who becomes Balraj when he disappears. The book explains the disappearance from the view point of a woman, how she is upset and angry when her husband of several decades suddenly vanishes, without providing any kind of information.The book also explains the relationship indian women have with the family of their husband, how the rest of the family members react to the disappearance of Inder, An interesting book to understand the mindset and working of middle and upper middle class indian families, especially in metro cities.
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After the promising start to the series with Balraj doing its best to enthral us with a sneak peak into the life of Inder , here comes the sequel to it which talks about Ramona,his wife and how she sees her role in her spouse decision
The story just like its predecessor is crafted with a lot of care and sensitivity. The editing part is flawless which is difficult to find these days . Though I dont agree with most of the pov of author over here as may be in old times its the man who use to decide what is right and what isnt for a woman and takes the center stage ,in the current scenario under the garb of self understood feminism , its the woman who is running away from her responsibilities as the case usually in today's broken families. And this assertion (which might look extreme to many) is something I have made after studying ample prevalent cases since the last decade spanning through different regions across the world.
However besides the basic plot , there are some shortcomings to this tale as well. Unlike Balraj where it was a natural flow of conversation with the readers, here some opinions of author seems a bit forced victimizing Ramona and somehow presenting Inder as the antagonist which I dint like. Though yes may be in some parallel world as a pure fiction, the novel does well in showing the plight of a wife.
Overall a good one time read. -
It's always good to know the other side of the story!!! I felt "Balraj" was portrayed much more deeply, But still "Ramona" didn't fail to stand independently.
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Manoj Jain has fervently emerged as a 'writer of the masses' with his subtle art of writing that speaks to readers of all types and ages. All his novels are full of wisdom and philosophy that transports the reader deep into thought and self-evaluation.
Ramona by Manoj Jain is the sequel of his book Balraj. Preferably, one should read Balraj first before picking up Ramona but as the author has suggested that it can be read as a standalone as well. Balraj narrated the story of Inder, a man caught between the crisis and chaos of life, attempts to find his inner peace and real self. The indifference and monotony lead him to leave his house in an attempt to rekindle his life by seeking the answers to the questions poking his soul. Ramona is Inder's wife and witnesses a fair share of struggles in life. The book Ramona is an insight into the life and experiences of Ramona as a woman, daughter in law, wife, mother, businesswoman and most importantly as a human.
The wise old quote, don't judge a book by its cover, holds the wisdom of the ages. This book urges one to follow it sincerely in order to understand the wider perspective that the author is trying to put forward through the story of Ramona.
"Sometimes you have to lie. But to yourself, you must always tell the truth." This quote by Louise Fitzhugh from the book aptly reflected Ramona's emotional space after Inder leaves her and their home for a quest of life. The downfall in her relationships forced her to look within and the book covers her journey towards untying all the entangled knots.
The book touches many aspects of a woman's life. The struggles with patriarchy, work and personal life balance, unrealistic expectations and outdated norms of the society. Through the thoughtful story of Ramona, the writer has skimmed through all these issues and provided a broader perspective of things which is much appreciated. -
In Ramona, different philosophies of lives are questioned to classify the temperament of the book. It touches upon different social structures of one’s ordinance and being. The book is female-centric, and coming from a male author- derives the social construction of gender in a specific manner which calls for an extremely egalitarian outlook towards the problems each gender might face in terms of representation and emphasising on the struggles women infer— needless to say based on gender-based discrimination. The book is a classical rendition, carrying the themes of spiritual upheaval, consequences of one’s choices on people around them, featuring the society and how the same decisions impact a man’s and woman’s life differently.
The book discusses the components of a patriarchal society enduring in this day and age and contrasts Ramona’s explanation and temper and a decision that her significant other made for himself.
The author legitimises every one of her feelings and the various appearances of her orientation all through the plot. She affirms a solid character, her autonomy and needs to experience some wild changes. The book gives out a message which executes into acknowledgement and consideration. The distinctions and parts of people are essentially legitimised emotionally—and how a similar choice may have diverse seen cultural ramifications for both. It features the gender-based battle of a woman and the misanthropic mindset of our general public. Manoj Jain spellbound the spirit and prerequisites of a woman’s being in his methodological understanding of Ramona’s character and building up of a character within a similar space of thought as Balraj.
This is the other side of a story already recited in a layout of Balraj and Ramona is the flip side of the consequences her husband enthralled upon her. -
Actual rating- 3.5
*This review was initially published at
The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go
here.
Author Manoj V Jain’s novella Romona, is a sequel to his novel, Balraj. While I do have the latter as well and I could have picked that up before getting to Romona, the author himself asserts that Romona could be read as a stand-alone and it’s what I did because I’m a rebel like that. A novella of 100 pages, it was exactly what I was looking for on a Sunday when I all I wanted to do was immerse myself in a book that would keep reality away.
Romona is the story of Ramona, a woman who is just like you and me. I could see her in so many women that I know and what impressed me most was the way in which a male writer not just took up but executed a woman’s point of view in the most relatable, justifiable and stunning manner. When Ramona’s husband leaves everything behind to go look for himself, she is forced to go through more downs than ups in life and emerges as an exemplary person that any reader could look up to and learn from.
I am really admiring and appreciating Manoj V Jain’s books, so it wasn’t surprising at all that I liked Romona as well. His crisp yet simple writing and engrossing and realistic storytelling were exactly what I was looking for, and he delivered, that too from a female perspective that was not just well done, but totally remarkable. While not the most unique book out there, the realness and simplicity of it make Romona a very interesting, engrossing and splendid read.
*Note: A copy of this book was gifted by Manoj V Jain. We thank them. -
Manoj Jain released his fourth book few weeks back. After his success of his third novel Balraj which made an honest effort to explore deeper psychological and spiritual self, somewhat a territory that not many contemporary Indian writers try to explore. His latest book Ramona, a novella, which originally is a sequel to Balraj but works well as a standalone novel explores psychology of an abandoned married woman.
The whole plot revolves around a mother of one Ramona after her husband one day disappeared out of the blue. He leaves her a note which to her expectation did not justify his runaway or disappearance completely. Her world turned upside down. Emotionally confuse, she try to move on but the events of past life that directly relates to her husband keeps coming back to her as a stream of thoughts. Soon, and with the help of her family, she begins to move on but stranger then completely changes the course of her life.
There is a real sense of mysteriousness in the storyline from page one. It is exciting and one of the major factors that hooks a reader. The book clearly tries to reflect the point of view of a woman who has to face the wrath society in terms of questions and accusations as well as her own emotions and fighting the feeling of abandonment. This book is a journey of a woman that deciphers her past in front of us, and as she makes an effort to come out of the shell she has been living in all these years.
The writing style is flawless. The narrative voice is steady, smooth and drives the plot forward. The characterisation is up to the mark. A reader does have a chance to seek beneath the skin of other characters as well. Overall, I think this book is for anyone who is interested in reading a great example of contemporary Indian Fiction.
5 out of 5! -
Ramona is a novella that doesn't extend the story of its prequel, Balraj, but provides a wider perspective to the story by presenting the other side of the story.
In Balraj, Inder decides to leave his family and go in search to find his true self. In Ramona, Inder's wife, Ramona, copes up with the turmoil Inder left behind.
The book is an account of Ramona dealing with the after-effects of the storm her husband left behind and introspecting herself along the way. The book talks about how women are kept in second place in society, deliberately or otherwise. It helps us enter into the world of a woman who is grappling with questions and accusations and trying to figure out the irrationality of human nature.
This book is more of a conversation between Ramona and her inner self.
There is an interesting entry of a character in the latter half of the book, which catapults the gist of the book in a very subtle manner. It jabs Ramona into thinking about things from a different perspective, which gives better clarity to her thoughts.
Manoj V. Jain, the author, tries to paint the scenario of the life that Inder left in a way that makes us recollect and delve into the fact if we ever did that to the events of our lives; the decisions that we took- if we bothered to visualise the other side too. It urges us to let go of our shallowed mindsets and breathe into an air which is shared by others as well.
Ramona is a novella that will make you lead your life with better understanding and a clearer vision of thought and compassion. -
The sequel to Balraj by Same author. I just loved this one as much as it's previous part. The story is simply said from balraj/inder's wife ramona's perspective. The story is inclined on more of her emotions, guilt , disappointment , resent to the healing. The author has done a commendable job by going into the skin of the character and portraying female emotions so beautifully, be it from the societal perspective or the often unsaid gender roles imposed upon them. A brilliant add-on is the psychological terms and it's usage to develop the plot and help reader get an insight into the soul of characters. Again, even this story is not forced or made but naturally flown. What's more amazing is that this runs entirely parallel to balraj story and there aren't even minute errors . Want to read more of his works now!
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Thank you to the author for sending this book as a giveaway and I finally completed reading this book. Loved every part of it. And as usual, like the older book, the author did a tremendous work in crafting the characters in a such a beautiful manner where you start relating to them in a lot of ways. Apart from the story, the author focusses on the mind and the thought process one goes through in tough situations. An absolute recommend to people who would want to learn about characterization.
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Good story. Read it in 2 days. Great way to gain insight into human relationships of today which are very complex.
The only thing i did not like is that sometimes the story seemed slow and sometimes too fast.
But mostly it is a well written book. -
Good.
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This is the story of Ramona- a sequel to Balraj and takes up the story from Ramona's point of view after Inder left her all of a sudden.
The story explores her past and present- the way she was crestfallen intially but later went on to accept reality and move on forward.
The story explores human emotions of despair, self love and peoples' ability to move forward in life. With strong characters, relatable experiences and a simple storyline the author addresses love, life and the like - a story of hope and courage to live your life independently- this in itself is an experience.
Read my full review on my blog intothedepthsofbooks.blogspot.com -
Ramona is a novella that doesn't extend the story of its prequel, Balraj, but provides a wider perspective to the story by presenting the other side of the story. In Balraj, Inder decides to leave his family and go in search to find his true self. In Ramona, Inder's wife, Ramona, copes up with the turmoil Inder left behind.
The book is an account of Ramona dealing with the after-effects of the storm her husband left behind and introspecting herself along the way. The book talks about how women are kept in second place in society, deliberately or otherwise. It helps us enter into the world of a woman who is grappling with questions and accusations and trying to figure out the irrationality of human nature.
This book is more of a conversation between Ramona and her inner self.
There is an interesting entry of a character in the latter half of the book, which catapults the gist of the book in a very subtle manner. It jabs Ramona into thinking about things from a different perspective, which gives better clarity to her thoughts.
Manoj V. Jain, the author, tries to paint the scenario of the life that Inder left in a way that makes us recollect and delve into the fact if we ever did that to the events of our lives; the decisions that we took- if we bothered to visualise the other side too. It urges to let go of our shallowed mindsets and breathe into an air which is shared by others as well.
Ramona is a novella that will make you lead your life with better understanding and a clearer vision of thought and compassion.
