Black, Grey & White by Santosh Avvannavar and Santosh I.Birdar: Book Review

Black, Grey and White is a collection of five short stories that throw light on sexual crimes prevailing in our society.

The central motive of the book is to spread awareness about myths and realities of AIDS and essential moral values.

The stories are practical and heart-touching, taking us to a reality ride of the HIV affected victims, their lives and their stand in our society. 

Readers, please support the cause by sharing the message!

Story 1: Shahid - The Martyr

Shahid, the Martyr is a 44-paged suspense story in which Shahid, a journalist, digs into a mystery created by a series of anonymous letters. Taking help from his clever wife, he finally saves the lives of many innocent children. The plot emphasizes the foolishness and atrocity behind illogical and unscientific treatment methods of AIDS. It brings into light, several myths and misconceptions amongst HIV affected individuals that the disease can be treated by black magic, fasting, having sex with animals, virgins or pre-matured girls. 

The first couple of pages might give an ungrounded feel, which happens with several fiction. However, as the plot picks up interest, it will prove a valuable read.

Story 2: Chintu - The Earth is Round

This is a touching story about Chintu, a little girl who is HIV positive by birth. She loses her parents as an infant. It is a short, 4-paged story that depicts what an unjust society does to her for no fault of her's. 

Well-written, especially while conveying a strong message in minimum words!

Story 3: A Game of Life, Lust and Death

This is the story of Mithali who walks into bollywood modelling and media career, seducing several men of higher positions through her sly tricks. However, as the story proceeds, her insidious behaviour gets justified. The story rightly punishes men who indulge in sex racketing. In the climax, Mithali boldly rips off the mask of these men who false promise women models for a bright future but leave them behind after using them for their desires.

It was shocking to realize what kind of women abuse happen at the unseen parts of the society in our country. Such fiction helps create awareness among aspiring women. 

Story 4: Highway Sex: A Journey of Hope!

This is a sad story of Savita who becomes a victim of HIV by being cunningly married to a HIV positive man. However, over the years, she begets two HIV negative children and faces her future courageously. 

Again, this is a story to bring awareness about the disease and warns families who act hastily to get their daughters married.

Story 5: Abram & His Prodigal Son

This story is based on Biblical tales about a righteous father and his vicious son. While one of Abram's sons grows up to his father's ideals, his other son becomes a challenge to the entire family. Abram is put to a series of tests by God and the story is about how he gets saved every time.

Good Vs Evil and God Vs Satan is ever-existing around us. And it's one's values that will help choose his/her life path. A thoughtful story about moral values!

Overall,

Black, Grey and White is a short, thoughtful read which needs to be spread widely to create general awareness about societal crimes. 

Reviewed for the Author

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Title: Black, Grey & White: "No one is spared from it."

Author: Santosh Avvannavar and Santosh I.Birdar
Publisher: Hoffen

HoffenH

Hoffen

Hoffen

Pages:138

Author Connect

Website

Book Blog

Facebook

 Buy Online

Pothi

Amazon 

About the Book 

This book gifts its readers five fantastic short stories that has a common aim – to spread awareness about AIDS. It is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against AIDS and show their solidarity for HIV positive people. The book is an eye opener for anyone who wish to see the wave of positive change in society. Everyone including the brave hearts Savita, Chintu, Mithali has the right to live with their head held high without fear of social ostracization. Life does not have to be like this. The time is ripe to act now with one’s sense and sensibility. Break the myths. Come, be the change!

About the Authors

Santosh Avvannavar: Santosh started his career as a consultant and Soft Skills Trainer. After his college education from NITK, Surathkal, he worked as a researcher at University of Eindhoven, University of Twente, and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He was also the Placement President while working at IISC, Bangalore. He has over twenty-five publications of mostly research documents in national and international journals. He has also authored sixteen conference papers and regularly writes articles for a national and worldwide daily paper. He also works as an advisor for different organisations.

He also dabbles in fiction writing and is the author of Adhuri Prem Kahaniya; Dear Wife, Your Husband is not a Superhero, Second Heart and Get a Job WITHOUT an Interview; Be A B.A.; Surrogate Author; Title is Untitled.

He likes to devote his personal time in writing for a website, namely the Amrita Foundation for HRD (www.amritafoundation.wordpress.com). He has conducted seminars and training sessions for more than 40,000 people in India and abroad over the last seven years.

Santosh I. Biradar: Santosh is presently pursuing Bachelor’s in Social Work from J.G.College of Social Work, Bijapur affiliated to Rani Chennamma University. He is also the founder secretary of Chaitanya Organisation, Bijapur. He is also associated with Deshpande Foundation as a lead ambassador. He won ‘Best Reporter’ award in Youth for Development Program’s and ‘Best Education award’ from Deshpande Foundation for providing free computer training to the orphan children. He also volunteered various activities such as Google Inktalks, NSS (A special camp for Leprosy people), life skills for orphan children. He participated and evolved many school development programs for drop out children as well.