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fidoe's review against another edition
2.0
Book 92 Week 52
Chai Chai by Biswanath Ghosh
Rating 2/5
As I near the end of the year, I hope to finish my half read books so I can start my new year afresh, with new books and challenges.
One such book I finished was Chai Chai, a travelogue about a man who travels across India's busiest railway stations to understand the underlying economic, social, cultural, historical fabric. The author is a Bengali journalist who was raised in UP and had lived for a while in Chennai when he wrote the book, and loved travelling around the country, via trains.
The premise was interesting, but the writing was strictly ok. The author talks about a few North indian railway stations like Mughal Sarai and Itarsi, and a few down south.
What I liked was the way he painted the picture of the little towns where these stations were - the people, the places, the culture, the feels. It was reminiscent of the simpler days of 80s and 90s. I also enjoyed knowing hitherto unknown facts about these places.
However, the narrative could have benefitted from less obsession with and description of the author smoking, drinking, and fantasizing about women he encountered, in person or in talk. The writing didn't have much depth.
Overall an okay read, at least it was fast paced and an easy read. Expected more, so kind of disappointed, but those interested to know about India's busiest railway stations may wanna give this a try. Otherwise, skip it.
Chai Chai by Biswanath Ghosh
Rating 2/5
As I near the end of the year, I hope to finish my half read books so I can start my new year afresh, with new books and challenges.
One such book I finished was Chai Chai, a travelogue about a man who travels across India's busiest railway stations to understand the underlying economic, social, cultural, historical fabric. The author is a Bengali journalist who was raised in UP and had lived for a while in Chennai when he wrote the book, and loved travelling around the country, via trains.
The premise was interesting, but the writing was strictly ok. The author talks about a few North indian railway stations like Mughal Sarai and Itarsi, and a few down south.
What I liked was the way he painted the picture of the little towns where these stations were - the people, the places, the culture, the feels. It was reminiscent of the simpler days of 80s and 90s. I also enjoyed knowing hitherto unknown facts about these places.
However, the narrative could have benefitted from less obsession with and description of the author smoking, drinking, and fantasizing about women he encountered, in person or in talk. The writing didn't have much depth.
Overall an okay read, at least it was fast paced and an easy read. Expected more, so kind of disappointed, but those interested to know about India's busiest railway stations may wanna give this a try. Otherwise, skip it.
ajayasranna's review against another edition
3.0
Light and readable. The idea is a winner. It's fun to explore moffussil townships and I longed to be in his shoes. Intoxication is a prerequisite for a good conversation and the book proves it. But fatigue sets in as you reach the end of the book. The author too sounds disinterested in the second half. Nevertheless a decent read if you happen to be travelling.
harishwriter's review against another edition
2.0
Dry narration. Drinking whisky and taking to the car/auto drivers seems to be the most recurrent episodes. There are occasional flashes of brilliance. Big letdown overall.
razeenrafi's review against another edition
5.0
Bishwanath Ghosh (born 26 December 1970) is an Indian writer and journalist, best known for his literary travelogues which describe the real essence of India. Chai – Chai book is about traveling to India’s main railway junctions. Author writes his experience in travelling to Itarsi, Jhansi, Mughalsarai and Shoranur etc.
Mughal Sarai Junction
Book starts with his experience in Mughal Sarai Junction( now officially known as Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction) which is 16 Km away from Varanasi and along side of Grand Trunk Road. This is now called Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ( forerunner of BJP) now as his Dead body was found near Mughal Sarai and cause is mysterious. India’s second PM Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughal Sarai.
Jhansi Junction railway station
One of busiest railway station in India, Station named after Jhansi Rani . Author meets his junior here and visits Khaju Raho. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.Jahangir Mahal, Jahangir Citadel is located in Orchha ,Which is situated 20km from Jhansi railway station.
Book gives light on life’s of other stations like Gundakal,Arakonam,Jolarpettai and Shornoor. Each chapter Author didn't forget to discuss regarding his habit of Boozing.
Mughal Sarai Junction
Book starts with his experience in Mughal Sarai Junction( now officially known as Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction) which is 16 Km away from Varanasi and along side of Grand Trunk Road. This is now called Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ( forerunner of BJP) now as his Dead body was found near Mughal Sarai and cause is mysterious. India’s second PM Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughal Sarai.
Jhansi Junction railway station
One of busiest railway station in India, Station named after Jhansi Rani . Author meets his junior here and visits Khaju Raho. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.Jahangir Mahal, Jahangir Citadel is located in Orchha ,Which is situated 20km from Jhansi railway station.
Book gives light on life’s of other stations like Gundakal,Arakonam,Jolarpettai and Shornoor. Each chapter Author didn't forget to discuss regarding his habit of Boozing.
yossarian221's review against another edition
3.0
the book is a delight for it is light hearted and has few funny bones inserted with surgical precision. its author's journey through some of busiest train stations of india which have very less except for the train station. he covers some great stories of freedom fighters who visited or are from their less popular towns of india. books kicks off with a start but loses its grip just like author loses his interest in the journey and has a rather sad ending for a great effort.
pravain's review against another edition
4.0
A must read book if you have considerably travelled in Indian Railways. You will overcome with nostalgia of train travel and will absolutely love the author's take of lives of people around important railway junctions in India.
yossarian221's review
3.0
the book is a delight for it is light hearted and has few funny bones inserted with surgical precision. its author's journey through some of busiest train stations of india which have very less except for the train station. he covers some great stories of freedom fighters who visited or are from their less popular towns of india. books kicks off with a start but loses its grip just like author loses his interest in the journey and has a rather sad ending for a great effort.
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