Book Reviews by Sumi ~Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal

Book Reviews by Sumi

Find reviews of books that have influenced me and made me what I am today…

Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal

Posted on March 22, 2014 by sumeethamanikandan

Tall Man Small Shadow

First, let me congratulate the author for writing this novel. It is not a easy thing to write a novel from different POVs and he has not only managed it with aplomb but also shifts from first person to third person mode very easily.
Tall Man Small Shadow is a story that is told from different perspectives and people. Anupam a middle-aged retired man who lives with his wife and daughter ponders deeply on the meaning of life and death. His daughter Alaya, is writing a thesis and is looking for a mentor. His neighbour Salil is an introvert who keeps to himself and has little interaction with anybody. Seema is a professor who is trapped in a unhappy state of affairs due to her inability to conceive and she becomes Alaya’s mentor.
The story began slowly as all the principle characters were introduced and it gathers steam when Seema’s intent and inclinations are revealed. Each character is a multi-layered personality and the way they react to situations and choices is brought out very beautifully.
My favourite among the bunch was Anupam. He seems so innocent to the world and his quest for a meaning in life is something that I truly recognize with. By the time, we get to Sulekha’s chapter you will truly realize that nothing is a coincidence indeed.
Let me  list out a few pet peeves -
The ending seems a bit rushed. What is Alaya feeling in the end? How was her married life with Salil? Was she able to put her lesbian encounter behind her? We do not get to see her pov after that and we just have a narrative that says that she wants to get pregnant.
Salil too talks about his company and its growth but did he put his past with Nasreen and fall in love with Alaya. What are his thoughts in the end? These were the two main things that I was wondering about at the end of the novel.
The author’s prose is simple to read and easy to follow. A much tighter editing is required though especially since this is a novel with different narrative styles.
Plus Points: Good plot, different perspectives and  strong characters
Minus Points: A few cliffhangers that gave an incomplete feel to the novel. A much tighter editing
Verdict: An interesting  read

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About sumeethamanikandan

Sumeetha Manikandan, a freelance content writer is an English literature graduate with a journalism and mass communication diploma. She lives in Chennai with her husband and daughter. After a decade long career in dotcom industry, she started working as a content writer from home. She wrote her debut novel, ‘The Perfect Groom’ as a script for a serial, which she converted into a novella for Indireads.

View all posts by sumeethamanikandan →

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Dwell more into the human psychology - Ishani Vajpai's review

Tall Man Small Shadow
by Vipin Behari Goyal (Goodreads Author)

Ishani Vajpai's review

Jan 04, 14

5 of 5 stars

Its a nice book with very philosophical thoughts.. The description of
the surroundings, nature and the characters is beautiful... The small
prayer by the protagonist " Let everyone be happy, healthy and see
good things. Let no sorrow and pain come to anyone" is heart touching.
Initially I felt it was too philosophical as per my taste but
eventually i enjoyed the unspoken love of Aalya and Salil and even
that of Aalya's parents. The naughtiness of Chotu is well described.
Seema's gray shaded character turned out to be a total surprise. The
story tends to describe too much sensuality and eroticism. But may be
the story line needs it. Sometimes, I felt a bit of over
philosophical thoughts expressed by Anupam, Salil and Aalya. But I
did learn some things about the basic human instincts and behavior. It
helped me to dwell more into the human psychology many a times,,
especially from the angles I had never thought about. Overall,I
liked the book.. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read
something different. A nice blend of philosophy, sensuality and
fiction.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/694454807

Tall man small shadow~ A book by a debut author with a different theme- a Review By Namrota

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal; A Review

Author      : Vipin Behari Goyal
Pages        : 152
Price         : Rs. 240

Publishers : Cyberwit.net
Rating       : 3/5

Shadows we know are dependable creatures. Light is what they depend upon. They flicker, they skim, they behave in accordance with the manner the light falls upon its owner. Except the shadows of human souls that form or change in accord with their actions or thoughts is difficult for us to gauge. Or is it?

"What men call the shadow of the body is not the shadow of the body, but is the body of the soul."  -- Oscar Wild.

Tall Man Small Shadow, a short novel, has an unconventional theme by the debut author, Vipin Behari Goyal; a financial advisor by profession in Govt of Rajasthan. (The theme, here, garners an extra .5 from me) The plot showcases how every character is entwined with each other either through manipulation or coincidence.

The protagonist Salil falls for the shadow of his pretty neighbor Aalya, a PhD student. Aalya gets into a lesbian relationship with her guide, Seema who is childless and lonesome wife of an artist. Further the shadow uncovers many aspects of life and the book progresses. These and other characters, Aalya's parents and Seema's husband, struggle through their frenzied lives and in the end resolve for a harmonious life. But was is all coincidence or a well thought out plot? Tall Man Small Shadow is about how craftily the harmony is achieved.  

The writing is simple yet crisp but, at times marred by lack of proof reading. The narration flows gently with occasional babbles. What impairs your reading the most here is the use of multiple voices within one chapter, and it happens through out. Its a small novel more like a novella and can be read at one go. The cover of the book works well to grab one's attention. 

This could have made an exceptional read with stronger plot and characterizations along with good editing. Nevertheless, it ends up being a light read with philosophical tone and coincidences woven together.

http://namrota.blogspot.in/2013/11/tall-man-small-shadow-by-vipin-behari.html

The hardest is consistency and easiest is an abstraction~ Vipin Behari Goyal -Author in the Spotlight

Vipin Behari Goyal -Author in the Spotlight

Posted by Nikita Johri at 7:42 PM

Reactions:

Hey Friends,

Today I am so excited to have with me the very talented author of Tall Man Small Shadow, Vipin Behari Goyal.

Vipin Behari Goyal is a Financial Advisor in Government of Rajasthan by profession.  His love for books is unparalleled making him an avid reader as well as a prolific writer.

His debut English novel "Tall man small shadow" based on existentialism was published in July 2013. His prior writings include a travel handbook on “TirthRaj Pushkar” and a collection of Hindi poems titled “Tej Dhoop Ka Safar”. 

He has also dabbled in documentary film making and is the maker of award-winning short film “Mines are Mine”. 

Follow him on his blog : http://vipinbeharigoyal.blogspot.in/

Welcome to Njkinny's World of Books Vipin!

Lets get this interview started.

Q1. Tell us something about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Ajmer. I did my post graduation in Botany because of my interest in trees and plants.  In my debut novel “Tall man small shadow” I have described many of my favorite trees. After that I did graduation in Law and few diploma and certificate courses in business management, computers , time management and behavioral skills. Like a true Geminian, I have curiosity about a variety of interests.

I like to travel and read and write the books.

Q2. So, what have you written?

My three books have been published. "Tirthraj Pushkar"-a travelogue about Pushkar,"Tej Duph Ka Safar"-a Hindi poetry collection and an English fiction-"Tall man small shadow". My forthcoming novel is "Maya, In search of Tantric father".

I have authored more than a dozen pages on Wikipedia, my current blog "Author’s Diction" is about English Literature.

Q3. Where can we buy or see them?

They are available at various online shops like flipkart, amazon and pothi.com. If lucky you may get it in free giveaway  at Goodreads and free kindle download, from time to time.

Q4. Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main character is Salil, who had a break up when he was a student in an Engineering college. How he copes up with his failure in love, is the highlight of the story.

Q5. What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am writing a fiction based on youth of rural India.

Q6. What’s it about?

It is about the social structure of villages and aspirations of youth.

Q7. What genre are your books?

Currently I am enjoying writing fiction, but I am mentally prepared for another genre also. I started with a travelogue.

Q8. What draws you to this genre?

Freedom. Fiction provides a lot of freedom of imagination and expression.

Q9. What inspired you to become a writer?

People around me and my father inspired me a lot to become a writer.

Q10. Had you not become a writer which career would you have chosen and why?

I am basically a public servant and I like this profession.

Q11. What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I want to write at least one book that could be a landmark in the history of fiction.

Q12. Which writers inspire you?

I am inspired by all good writers in East and West, and many regional language authors.

Q13. Why do you write?

To fill up my emptiness.

Q14. What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

Stream of consciousness compels me to write.

Q15. Do you write full-time or part-time?

I write after office hours and on weekends.

Q16. Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I prefer to write at night, being a public servant my day is almost structured.

Q17. Where do your ideas come from?

Social injustice shakes my mind and series of ideas  are generated.

Q18. Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just to see where an idea takes you?

Both, I like to make an outline, but allow my thoughts to go in all directions and take their own shape.

Q19. How do you think you've evolved, creatively?

Seamless evolution through formal and informal education.

Q20. What is the hardest thing about writing and what is the easiest thing about it?

The hardest is consistency and easiest is an abstraction.

Q21. Do you ever get writer’s Block?

Yes, I do.

Q22. Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Something would happen to put you back on track.

Q23. How do you market your books and why did you choose this route?

I depend on my Publisher, which is the traditional way of marketing.

Q24. Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

They can use many modern techniques of the internet.

Q25. What do you do to get book reviews? Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

I am not choosy about it. I need all types of reviews. It helps you to grow as an author.

Q26.What’s your views on social media for marketing? Which social network worked best for you and any tips on what to do and what not to do?

I do not have much experience to comment on it.

Q27. What are the four most important things that you take care of before writing a book?

Theme, style, climax and characterization.

Q28. What do you do when you are not writing?

I read.

Q29. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Read a lot, write a lot.

Q30. How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Just Google me.

Q31. What are your future plans?

Travelling, Reading and writing.

Q32. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Think about this:

“It is good to pray even if you do not believe in God.”

Wow..That sure is a statement to think about !!

Thanks Vipin for sparing time from your busy schedule and sharing your story with us...
All the best in your future endeavors.. :)

Buy Vipin's book "Tall Man Small Shadow" from :



Read my review of "Tall Man Small Shadow"
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-by-vipin-behari.html

Brilliant writing~ TMSS

Jigar Doshi

Books.. Movies.. Life!

 

Tall Man Small Shadow : Novel Review

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Jigar Doshi

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Vipin Behari Goyal, the author of Tall Man Small Shadow, is a Financial Advisor in government of Rajasthan by profession. He has already published a travel book and a collection of Hindi poems and with TMSS he debuts into the fiction.
The blurb on the book cover says that the book is based on existentialism. To be frank, I was astounded by that sentence. I seriously had doubts whether I had heard that word ever before, let alone having read anything about existentialism. So, I was really curious and excited to read something based on it.
The story seems very simple on the outlook.
Salil is into software business and has entrepreneurial aspirations and has recently shifted into a new building.
Anupam and Sulekha are Aalya’s parents and happen to be impressed with their new neighbour Salil. Anupam is the over-thinker, philosophizer, and starts philosophizing even from simple or silly incidents that other humans tend to ignore. Sulekha is quick-thinker and a schemer of sorts.
Aalya is pursuing her doctorate under the guidance of Seema and her topic is uneven relationships. She is sweet, tender, caring, traditional yet modern, inhibited yet apprehensive and is an avid reader.
Seema’s marriage with her theatre artist husband Paul is on the rocks. Although they have an active sex life, they don’t have any children of their own and they don’t seem to be really happy with each other.
That is the reason, Seema uses Aalya and other girls like her to satisfy her sexual desires and urges.
As fate would have it, Salil and Aalya get attracted towards each other but aren’t verbal about it.
Soon, Aalya and her parents learn that Salil has had a tragic past where he tried to commit suicide just a year ago.
Why did he try to commit suicide? Is he depressed?
What happens to Aalya and Seema? And what happens to Aalya and Salil?
Are Anupam and Sulekha aware of Seema and Aalya’s activities?
To find the answers to these questions and some other, one will have to read the novel.
TMSS talks about the various issues in relationships in general. About marriages, break-ups, homosexual feelings, egos, emptiness in the marriages, domestic violence, being taken for granted, attitudes, about dominating and submissive partners, about balance in arranged marriages, about manipulating partners etc.
Vipin, through his character Anupam, also gives various advises on life issues, youth, society, relationships and how to deal with some problems in them, traditional and modern views etc.
TMSS is a simple novel, yet, at the same time, it deals with some serious issues and is thought-provoking in most cases.
Vipin has blended philosophy and romance so beautifully and delicately that you don’t feel excess of either and it doesn’t sound preachy or boring either.
Also, the language used is simple English where you don’t have to sit with a dictionary, as is the case with most of the other philosophical books.
The most amazing aspect of the novel is the strong characterization. Each and every character stands apart and you instantly connect with them and empathize, sympathize, think and feel for them.
Also, although it’s Anupam who is the narrator for most parts of the novel, each and every character does narrate/interact with the readers every now and then.
Another positive aspect of the novel is that we don’t feel like reading just another story. It seems that the characters are interacting with us, talking to us and guiding us to think about the same incident in a new vision and look at the same incident from a different perspective.
Anupam’s philosophies are wonderful. The way he looks at life, the way he puts forward his views, the way he talks, acts, thinks, reacts is amazing. You instantly take a liking towards him. The way he gets the inspiration/motivation from a tree, or a couple of birds is awe-inspiring.
But, the best part of the novel is the penultimate chapter where you are presented with the ultimate twist. Sulekha narrates this chapter and you are shocked, surprised, amazed, taken-aback at the revelation(s).
However, I personally feel that the author should have ended the novel with Sulekha’s narration and he shouldn’t have presented the last chapter with a view that was contrary to this chapter.
On the downside, there are a few grammatical and printing errors that proof-reading could have prevented.
Also, the narration often moves from third-person to first-person and that makes it a bit annoying and excessive use of pronouns makes it a bit confusing.
This isn’t one of those books where a reader finishes in one or two sittings. To truly enjoy, understand and cherish the book, one has to read a few chapters at a time, take a break, contemplate and think about the different philosophies offered and then come back to read the next few chapters.
Highly recommended for a highly intellectual reading experience.
Connect with the author here – Vipin Behari Goyal
http://jigar-doshi.com/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-novel-review/
 

well written with a strong characterisation ~Abhinanad

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow

When every debut novel in Indian industry has this word “love” somewhere in it, here is this book, with a very different title. The first thing which amused me is the title and makes every reader to have a look at the book. I was wondering what the story will be when the title said “Tall Man Small Shadow.” I then went on to read its blurb and it said

It is my debut English novel based on existentialism. Salil loves a shadow which transforms into many characters to reveal the secrets of life. Aalya, his neighbor, is doing research in English literature. Her guide Seema is a childless lesbian. Paul, husband of Seema, is a drama director. I am the protagonist, who coins philosophies for day to day events and my wife Sulekha is the second protagonist who makes coincidences happen with her artful manipulations. Read on to learn what happens when....

The word existentialism is something new to me. I have never heard about it before but through the cover page I could relate it is something dealing with the shadow. That made me curious to start with this book. The cover design is good and goes along with the title.

Coming to the review, the story starts with an old man (whose name is not revealed at the beginning) delivering a courier to his neighbour, Salil. Salil is working with a firm nearby and exhibits a strange behaviour to others. The old man lives with his wife Sulekha and only daughter Aalya opposite to Salil’s house. Aalya a beautiful and intelligent girl wants to excel in her studies and gets attracted by her neighbour Salil. The first meet of Aalya and Salil did not last even for two minutes. Then one day something wanted Salil to speak to her and they meet in a tea shop nearby. Salil notices that both of their shadows kiss each other when they are sitting separated in different benches and he likes her shadow. Aalya is curious to know why Salil behaves like this and hears about his past life. Even after hearing his breakup her love towards Salil did not decrease. Aalya in her post graduate studies wants to prepare a thesis and takes Seema as her guide. Seema is talented, childless and family friend of Aalya. Seema is married to Paul who is a drama director. When Aalya discuss about the thesis, Seema asks her to come over to her house for detailed discussion. In few days they turn to be lesbians and are happy with it. In mean time, Aalya falls for Salil and Salil gets close with Aalya’s family due to few incidents. When Paul is on a tour to Europe with a drama team, Seema finds herself being pregnant whose biological parents are Salil and Aalya. How did Seema carry twins of Salil and Aalya? What happened between Salil and Aalya? Did Seema and Aalya’s relationship continue after it? What is the role of Sulekha in this story?

To know more read the full story.

The author has kept the book more decent rather than explaining the sex sense elaborately and has kept everything precise. On the language front it is captivating and the choice of words shows the author’s brilliance. The book had few mistakes and it can be rectified by doing a little rework. The positive aspect of the story is its narration. It is narrated through different perspective and explains different dimensions of the same situation but the same turns to be the negative as sometime the reader is confused on who’s perspective he is reading from. The highlight of the story is when Sulekha takes her turn to narration and makes the reader clear that “nothing is coincidence”. She is the one who says her husband’s name as Anupam. Sulekha’s narration adds spice to the story and on the whole it is an intriguing read.

“Tall Man Small Showdow” is well written with a strong characterisation on different dimensioned peoples, explains about the existentialism equipped with many philosophies turns out to be a wonderful read.

I congratulate Mr. Vipin Behari Goyal for penning down such a good story and delivering about the existentialism. I would rate a flat 4/5 for this book and would recommend for all. 

You can buy the book from Flipkart and Amazon.

Happy Reading :-)

http://abhinandjaguva.blogspot.in/2013/09/book-review-tall-man-small-shadow.html

Author Interview: Vipin Behari Goyal: God Is Art, Beauty And Nature

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Author Interview: Vipin Behari Goyal: God Is Art, Beauty And Nature

A very warm welcome to Vipin Behari Goyal who is a versatile writer having 3 well written books to his credit. The first book he wrote was about a holy destination in Rajasthan TirthRaj Pushkar, second one was his compilation of Hindi poetry Tej Duph Ka Safar and the third one is recently published and well acclaimed fiction love story Tall Man Small Shadow. He also has been an avid reader besides being an award winner for short film Mines are Mine. Professionally, Vipin is a Financial Advisor with Government of Rajasthan.

Please share some of the best memories of your childhood

Childhood was spent in a huge Railway Bungalow in the loving care of parents. Lot of friends assembled in the evening to play, so it was all play and no work, except little home work given by school teachers.

About your education

M.Sc. (Botany) for love of nature, followed by degree in law and few other degrees and diplomas.

What career did you plan during your education days

Civil Servant

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life

My father

What hurts you most in this world

Cheating

What is the biggest challenge you have faced? Were you able to overcome it? How?

 I am still waiting for a challenge. 

If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead

personality, who would it be and why?

I like my own life. I would love to be Indra for a day, so that I can write a authentic book about him.

What is your favorite genre and why?

Magical Surrealism, it being a combination of reality and fantasy.

What is the purpose of your writing?

To change the way people think.

Which of your work published so far?

Tall man small shadow

What are your forthcoming writings?

“Maya in search of Tantric father” will be published in two months time, “The old man and the nymph” and “Apsara” are also in pipeline.

What are your future plans?

Write as many books as possible.

What four top most things you take care of while writing a book?

Reality, Imagination, Objective, Emotion

Your dream destination on Earth?

Himalaya

Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/ stayed.

What best things you liked in these countries around the globe?

So far I have visited only Nepal to see Himalaya from other side and pay homage to Pashupatinath.

What is your zodiac?

Gemini

What is the one thing in your life you wish had not happened?

Nothing

What is your definition of fear and how to overcome it?

I have NO fear in my life.

How would you define God in your words?

Art, Beauty and Nature

What are your further/ future plans?

Travelling, Reading and writing.


http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspot.in/2013/09/author-interview-vipin-behari-goyal-god.html

 

Aditi Saha's Review

Tall Man Small Shadow
by Vipin Behari Goyal (Goodreads Author)

Aditi Saha's review

Sep 14, 13

5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: favourites

Read from September 04 to 10, 2013

wow..it is an amazing story..its not actually a series of events..instead feelings of 5 different human beings mentioned..the way the author has mentioned their emotions..actually creates a beautiful love story of 3 different persons..whose lives are entwined in a very beautiful way!!..yes..full of coincidences..being a software engineer..i really loved the character of Salil and his ambitious attitude..and of course who can forget Anupam!!this story will make you pause for a moment and make you wonder that life is indeed very beautiful..yes because through this story the author has taught us that life is very precious and it can be lead in a very beautiful manner by respecting the value of life!! the story is told in a very impressive manner..full of beautiful phrases!!..and the ease and clarity with which the author explains difficult situations and issues of life is really very very impressive!..
Finally recommended to all my friends!!

 

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/692778043

 

Reviews & Musings....: Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari...

Reviews & Musings....: Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari...: Introduction ·          ISBN -9788182534124 ·          Genre: Fiction ·          Publishers: Cyberwit.net ·          Price: Rs...

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal

Introduction

• ·         ISBN -9788182534124
• ·         Genre: Fiction
• ·         Publishers: Cyberwit.net
• ·         Price: Rs. 200/- (I got this book from the author  for a review)

It is a rare thing to have the financial advisor of Government of Rajasthan write a book on existentialist philosophies and even rarer to be requested to review it. It is truly an honour to read this and review it on my blog.

Behind The book

 

Source: Google Images

About the author

Vipin Behari Goyal is a Financial Advisor in Government of Rajasthan by profession. His love for books is unparalleled making him an avid reader as well as a prolific writer. His prior writings include a travel handbook on TirthRaj Pushkar and a collection of Hindi poems titled Tej Dhoop Ka Safar. He has also dabbled in documentary film making and is the maker of award-winning short film Mines are Mine.

Me thinks

From all that I gathered from the net, this book has had it’s own share of controversies. The story line is very unusual and different from the usual books that come out these days. The author through this story has managed to challenge the age old traditions and beliefs we all are brought up with, in our society.

The story has the author himself as the main protagonist Anupam who is the narrator. We have his wife, their daughter and few other characters like the guide of their daughter, her husband and a lovelorn neighbor. These very distinct characters come together to form a very unusual story line which defines love in the newest form possible which does exist in today’s world though is not accepted that openly.

Yes there are a few parts in the story where it gets confusing in the narrative and the reader might have to pause to grasp it correctly. The author has experimented with a genre and his experiment has been successful to a very large extent I must say. This book is not for everyone as it is not a easy going read. It is for people who enjoy deep philosophical stuff and appreciate the alternate lives of people in today’s societies.

Foodie Verdict

Source: Google Images



 

This book is like ice-tea – unique and different.