*** Special Feature - March 2015 ***
About the Author
She
was ten when she was caught reading in the bathroom late into the night. Her mother banned her from reading ‘story
books’ for a whole month. She decided if she couldn’t read, she’d write her own
stories. That night in a naval apartment in the then city of Bombay, Veena
Nagpal’s passion for writing was born.
She
now lives in a small house with her husband and lots of plants in a suburb of
New Delhi.
The
Uncommon Memories of Zeenat Qureishi is Veena’s third novel to be published.
She has also penned four books for children and numerous short stories. Her two previous novels are, Karmayogi (Jaico) and
Compulsion (Sterling).
Her
four children’s books are, Adventures in Sapace and Time Travellers (IBH),
Smuggler’s Isle (Hemkunt), Tenderella and the FoFs (EEP) and Garbie Garbyhog –
The Worm That Wanted To Fly (EEP).
Contact the Author
Reviews of the Book
Veena has portrayed the religious turbulence brilliantly… Life-like characters make up the story. Zeenat is superb as a young tormented soul in need of love.
… a candid attempt to explore the religious fabric of India without taking any sides.
- Bookgeeks
The novel is fast paced and action packed. Veena has skilfully created a rich tapestry with ancient and contemporary history interwoven into the narrative. She does not flinch from delving into the clash between religious bigots of different persuasions, but the underlying message which emerges is of humanity and hope shining through the travails of the main protagonists, Zeenat and Ajay.
Veena’s novel is marked by the rich imagery conjured up by her evocative descriptions of scenes and places. One is almost transported into another world and another time, and the sights, sounds, and smells so vividly recreated have turned reading of this novel into an eminently immersive experience.
The projection of Zeenat’s past life memories awakened by regression therapy as TV broadcasts which override over all other TV transmissions may strain one’s credulity as being technically impossible, but this has been intertwined with the story with such consummate skill that one would not quibble.
All in all, this is an eminently readable book and one to be highly recommended.
- Viney Sahgal
On Amazon
Rich vocabulary, vivid description of people and objects, and a well-researched theme exemplify the author's style of writing.
- Advait
On Amazon
It is a story that is different and unusual. Loved the way the story was woven. Some of the scenes for e.g. where the girl is in the forest and dancing for the soldiers, were so brilliantly written that I could just visualize it whilst I was reading it.
The narrative held my interest throughout the book.
-Yateesh Sardesai
On Amazon
Unputdownable!! The essence of emotions and relationships beautifully captured- should be read by the youth of today.
- Kalpana
On Amazon
With multifaceted characters that often display very human contradictions, the novel tells an intriguing tale… keeps the readers at the edge of their seats.
- Vibha Malhotra
Literature Studio.
I experienced a certain sort of enigma in her writing that kept me glued till I read the finishing sentence of the book. I was all drenched with a mixed feeling of disturbance and relief; a mixed feeling of feeling like crying and being happy as if I have accomplished something
- Priyanka Batra
Blogger
About the Book
Two young cousins hell-bent on restoring Muslim glory, even if it means importing terror. An incendiary Hindu religious leader with one mantra, 'Break-mosques, build- temples.'
Zeenat Qureishi has one question, "What's my name? Why can't you tell me my name?"
Traumatized in the aftermath of the London Tube bomb- ing, the phobic 20-year-old comes to India. Long before Zeenat was born, the eldest Qureishi brother, his wife, and six-year-old daughter Zainab were murdered.
Zeenat's family believed the Mehras, their Hindu family friends, responsible and the friendship turned sour. Wild and impetuous Zeenat promptly falls in love with Ajay Mehra. Faced with proof that he was involved in the demolition of a mosque, she scorns him.
Disturbed, Zeenat undergoes regression therapy in an atmosphere of paranoia and uncovers memories so powerful that she can project them. Communal bitterness that has simmered for centuries threatens to explode around her and Zeenat tries to find answer in the past that will help her understand and heal the present.
Book Trailer
Find the Book
Goodreads * Amazon.com * Amazon.in * Flipkart
First Giveaway
One Signed Copy of the book to a lucky Indian Resident
Second Giveaway
Submit a Video clip
(Not more than 2 minute)
The reader should say what he/she liked about the book and should read aloud your favorite quote from of the book.
Entrants must:
1.‘Like’ the Uncommon Memories Facebook page
2. Post their video clip on the Uncommon Memories Facebook page and
3. Send a copy to veena.nagpal@rediffmail.com.
All submitted material will become the property of the Author who may use it for publicity purposes.
The Entry that receives the maximum ‘Likes’ (by 31st March) will receive the
PRIZE of a £20 Amazon Gift Coupon from the Author.
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