I’ve been a horrendous blogger lately, I know. For some reason, I just haven’t been able to find the motivation to write let alone post. When I was looking for a full time job, and being frustrated by filling in countless application forms, one of the main things that kept me motivated was using my writing as a creative outlet. Lately though, I’ve found that by the time I’m finished work, all I want to do is curl up with a good book. Being a lit grad, I’ve been a book lover from a young age, and there’s nothing better than getting lost in a story..
‘Books can teach you things, can take you to places you couldn’t possibly go otherwise. And they are the great equaliser. Anyone can learn to read.’
I’ve just finished reading Dancing to the Flute, a novel which was kindly sent to me by Alma Books. By pure coincidence, I realised the other day that this time last year, I was in India. And being absorbed by Dancing to the Flute took me right back to the bright colours and the hot, dry smells of spice and incense that fills the crowded streets.
Set in rural India, the story is focussed on Kalu, a street boy with a special musical talent that gets him noticed by a healer passing through the village. Following his development as a musician and the lives of him and his best friends, the novel is a touching story of friendship and love. Using the Indian raag, (a melodic mode in Indian classical music) as a theme, each part of the novel mimics its rhythm.. starting slowly and gathering in momentum. It’s one of those books that instantly wraps you up, and is easy enough to get lost in. The characters are well-developed and endearing, especially the adorable Malti. I don’t want to go into too much detail or spoil the story but I thought her development as a character in particular is very inspiring.
If you’re a UK reader and you’re interested in reading Dancing to the Flute, Alma Books is currently running a competition to win 3 sets of books. All you need to do is follow @AlmaBooks on Twitter and tweet about the competition. It’s open until Thurs 28th March, so get tweeting!
Lovely review, darling!
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
xoxox,
CC
pretty review!!!
awesoem blog!!
have a nice week!
Angela Donava
Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging – it happens. Especially if life involves a good book! I am sad to say I haven't been reading as much as I'd like the past year; working on my own book, I found that reading influenced my writing style, so I had to stick to just a few authors. But now that the book is finally finished, it's time to start reading again and I'm so out of the new books loop that I don't know where to begin! I love the sound of this book; perhaps I shall have to spend some time perusing Amazon today 🙂
xox,
Cee
Definitely look it up! I've actually wrapped it up this afternoon to send to one of my friends so she can read it- it's a really nice light read if you're not looking for something too taxing. I can't believe you've finished a book, such an amazing achievement! I still have a huge pile of 'to read' books all over the house but since I've got my kindle I've found myself impulse purchasing a lot more books than I usually would! I think A Moveable Feast is the next one on my list 🙂 xx
no point in writing if the motivation isn't there, always best to wait until it comes back 🙂 this story sounds lovely xx
Thanks for your comment on mjy blog 😉
It can be really hard to keep up blogging! I still think you are an inspiration and are truly great at it! Don't lose heart! XXX
aw thank you, that's really sweet! I've tried to get on your profile but for some reason blogger won't let me… will you send me your link please? You can leave it here or send it to hannahlayford (at) btinternet.com xx
It sounds like an interesting book and worth reading. I am hoping to purchase it on this weekend.