I am not a voracious book reader and never bothered about reading books, especially novels.

But recently, upon my friend Akhil's recommendation, I took from him a novel called Crow Chronicles. It was a political satire by Ranjit Lal, who used his knowledge about birds to describe the power struggle among human beings. The first few pages seemed normal and the names very uncommon. Some of the names - Achanak, Budboo Bandicoot, Pink Stink Tainted Storkji, Titri, Khatarnak - took sometime to memorize.

But everything changed once the villian Shri Khatarnak Kala Kaloota Kawa Kaw Kaw entered the scene. The whole complexion and the mood of the novel jumped to the fourth gear. The author was brilliant while describing the villain, a great white crow, and his selection of words was awesome. After about 10 days, when I completed about 60 pages of the 405 pages book, the names became a daily routine for me. Every night after dinner, I would read about 10 pages and then sleep thinking about the characters and their characterization.

After I had come to the 250th page, the plot became so intriguing that I couldn't close the book, and started reading about 35 pages a day. I completed the last 150 pages in 5 days. I was very impressed by the characters and their names especially Depravan Craven Raven, Ghuguji, Achaanak, Phuljari, Surmasundari, Thappad Maro Saala BC and Naak Mein Dum.

Now that I have completed reading the book (after two months of taking it from Akhil), I feel that I have lost something very precious. The time after dinner is now filled with loud songs just to forget the memorable characters Mr. Ranjit Lal has created. I should thank Mr.Akhil for suggesting and giving this book to me.

Now I am planning to start Sherlock Holmes' new volume, but I believe nothing would entice as much as this has done.