HYDERABAD: Ratna Vira, daughter of senior journalist Nalini Singh, is the author of ‘Daughter by Court Order’. The book is the tale of one woman’s valiant battle against her mother’s unjustified and unwarranted vengeance. It’s the heart-wrenching tale of her struggle to win back her rights from her mother’s manipulative tricks.
The author shares her top five reads:
‘The Forty Rules of Love’ by Elif Shafak
This book is about love in the light of Rumi and the Shams of Tabriz. It is a story about life, about hope and unexpected love. The language used in the book is delightful; the way words are strung together is beautiful and brings the novel to life. The juxtaposition of two stories seamlessly is just brilliant.
‘The Fakir’ by Ruzbeh Bharucha
I read the Fakir at a difficult point, when I was grappling with problems of life and questioning relationships. It showed me direction and gave me hope. I subsequently met the author and have been greatly inspired by Baba.
‘Ten Years Later’ by Hoda Kotb
An incredibly interesting book because of my own thoughts of the moment, with the repercussions of decisions that we take or the what-if due to the path not travelled. A lot of us spend time wondering ‘what if’ we had done something. This book shows how decisions that are taken changes the lives of real people and the internal struggle and strength required to begin the journey and take the first step.
‘The Invention of Wings’ by Sue Monk Kidd
Apart from the powerful story, it is the sheer beauty of the language that attracts me to this book. The courage of the protagonists to be different comes through strongly and this is what appealed to me.
‘Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t
Funny. Witty. And well written. An unapologetic follow up to ‘Then Again.’ Basically this is a peek into her life, where one sees the real person behind the glitz and glamour. There is wisdom in this book that touches you.