Book Review - Windchimes by the Sea

14th Dec 2024

Just finished reading this beauty by Beetashok Chatterjee. Frankly, this one picked up pace for me after the third story.
Like in love, they say violins play, in my case, after the third chapter I could hear waves throughout, till the last word.
I want to appreciate the detailing with which this book is crafted, the navy terminologies, and the locations - spot on. Only a seafarer can write it this way, trust me. And yes, it does make you realise, the navy life is not as luxurious as we think. There is so much more to it.
A shoutout to the cover designer for a beautiful, soothing cover.
Below are my top 5 favorite instances from the book. One more where Capt. Balakrishnan talks to Rebecca, but it would be too long to be added here.
I liked The GM Diet and The Forgotten a little more than the other stories.



1) Here they were, isolated from the rest of the world, with water, just water all around them. A different life-though most of the time a peaceful one without traffic jams and shopping malls-but forever at the mercy of the weather gods. Nevertheless, he wouldn't have chosen any other profession in the world.

2) Just one hour away from a safe shelter; an hour that was denied by Fate.

3) Here's the thing - negligence is covered by insurance, not incompetence. There is a difference. Negligence implied that skilled mariners had been careless that night and had made a grave mistake. Incompetence implied that the mariners on board were not skilled enough or qualified to carry out the tasks for which they were sailing on board.

4) After a pause, I said, 'Venkat, do you remember saying I was a true fauji's daughter?'

'Yes, I do, but why...?'

'Well, I think you're correct,' I interrupted him, smiling and putting down the phone, leaving him to wonder, I'm sure, why women never give straight answers.

5) 'Alas, they are never given the importance they are due,' she continued with a sigh. "They are the forgotten tribe of warriors that nobody thinks about. Let us spare a thought for the seafarers worldwide quietly performing an important service, and include them in our prayers. They deserve our support. 'Let us not forget to remember The Forgotten.'

This book review is a part of Blogchatter #TBRchallenge