REVIEW BY CHITRALEKHA MANAHOR
Hot Tea Across India by Rishad Saam Mehta could not have had a more direct title. Written more like a story than a travelogue, the book features a series of engaging anecdotes of tea shared at India’s most picturesque destinations and its oddest in-between places. Moving backward and forward in time, the author strings together diverse experiences ranging from tea shared with a shepherd in a picturesque valley in Kashmir, to a Bollywood-style quick getaway from Kargil, to photographing un-cooperative wild asses in the Rann of Kutch. Written with easy-flowing language and a pragmatic sense of humour, the book is a pleasure to read.
And oddly enough, and it makes me smile to say this, this travelogue appealed to me so much because it was so much more than just travel - it was about people. The book is filled with a cast of interesting characters - starting from the flute-playing cleaner in a highway truck to the English-speaking Prokofiev-loving guide at Chennakesava temple. Each character is sketched so vividly that they provoke a loud chuckle at the most, and a twinge of sympathy (for the author) at the least.
Now that I’ve gotten you all excited about this book - let me throw in some disclaimers here. Don’t pick up this book expecting a research masterpiece or a literary one - this is neither. There are no poignant dips into history or soul-stretching descriptions of sunsets. But I can assure you this: it is immensely readable. Each chapter flows beautifully into the next (even the one with the bike’s point of view), and at no point will you stumble over long sentences tangled in their own pretentiousness.
Oh, and here’s disclaimer 2 - If you’re a travelling junkie and like roughing it out, this book will give you ideas galore. But if you want a guide on how to get there - this book is not for you. If you are an armchair traveller (like me), and enjoy a good read on a Saturday morning, Hot Tea Across India is a godsend.
And oddly enough, and it makes me smile to say this, this travelogue appealed to me so much because it was so much more than just travel - it was about people. The book is filled with a cast of interesting characters - starting from the flute-playing cleaner in a highway truck to the English-speaking Prokofiev-loving guide at Chennakesava temple. Each character is sketched so vividly that they provoke a loud chuckle at the most, and a twinge of sympathy (for the author) at the least.
Now that I’ve gotten you all excited about this book - let me throw in some disclaimers here. Don’t pick up this book expecting a research masterpiece or a literary one - this is neither. There are no poignant dips into history or soul-stretching descriptions of sunsets. But I can assure you this: it is immensely readable. Each chapter flows beautifully into the next (even the one with the bike’s point of view), and at no point will you stumble over long sentences tangled in their own pretentiousness.
Oh, and here’s disclaimer 2 - If you’re a travelling junkie and like roughing it out, this book will give you ideas galore. But if you want a guide on how to get there - this book is not for you. If you are an armchair traveller (like me), and enjoy a good read on a Saturday morning, Hot Tea Across India is a godsend.
Rating: 7/10
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Superb cover! Just apt for the title as it depicts almost all of India!
twitter.com/RoccoRockz
After reading the above summary this book caught my attention. Book like this certainly a big time pass for travelers. This book is about a cup of tea. Across the length and breadth of India, The cover of the book reflects the true nature of india. but color is not so attractive as for as I concern...
I liked the cover for one thing it has symbols of travel across india and is depicted really well ...especially the lantern symbolic of rural india (if i understand it correct). It could have been more creative if there was a rail track in between the circles symbolic of chai cup imprints and blotches (which i loved)...it just gives the urge to have a cup of tea and read the book to a tea-holic like me. Hoping to grab it soon :)
The cover page is superb..It shows the extents of the availability of tea in India, almost everywhere.And those tea stains at the corner are awesome...Take a cup of tea and read on....:)
The cover page is excellent. Nothing unlikable about the cover page. It would have been better if they included a picture of some roadside dhaba and trucks surrounding it. The best part of the cover is that chai in khullad. Its beautiful.
Hi... The book cover is high on simplicity. Which makes it easier for all kinds of people to identify with it. It is also very symbolic making a blend of Traditional & Modern times. It would have been nicer if a mug and a glass ( cutting chai of Mumbai ) were also shown. But nevertheless it makes a Great cover!!!
Twitter ID @priyankakantak
Hi... The book cover is high on simplicity. Which makes it easier for all kinds of people to identify with it. It is also very symbolic making a blend of Traditional & Modern times. It would have been nicer if a mug and a glass ( cutting chai of Mumbai ) were also shown. But nevertheless it makes a Great cover!!!
Twitter ID @priyankakantak
the cover is nice, it depicts India well, but the colour in the background could have been dark blue or navy blue.... then it would have been more attractive
the cover page is too awesome, its creativity is amazing and the idea of a travel book without being a travel guide is something very unique . the tea cup on the cover looks too good while thinking of having a tea.the depiction of character as described above seems to be exciting also giving tea and book lovers to read this book..
the graphic on the cover page is good, the designer has done good work with the animals and tea cup , and trees etc but the background color is not so appealing to me, it looks as if it is a story of a desert not whole India , vibrant color could have been used to make it more catchy and appealing to youth.
The cover page is actually interesting , This is what caught my attention . The color is not that attractive but yes the designer has done a great job where the design is concerned :)
Like your review and here is sharing mine:
http://www.anureviews.com/hot-tea-across-india-by-rishad-saam-mehta/