Koppal Smita Swapneel, Assistant Professor ( sskoppal.adv@gmail.com ) Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Commerce Pune.
Book Review – Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murthy is a heart-touching collection of short real-life stories that reflect the wisdom, kindness, and values found in everyday people. First published in 2002, the book is based on the author’s personal experiences while traveling across different parts of India and meeting people from varied backgrounds.
Each chapter narrates a separate incident, making the book easy to read and understand. The stories revolve around common individuals such as villagers, teachers, relatives, and strangers, but each story carries a meaningful message. Sudha Murthy beautifully brings out lessons related to honesty, compassion, simplicity, humility, and human behavior through these incidents.
The language used in the book is very simple and clear, which makes it suitable for readers of all age groups. There are no complicated words or heavy descriptions. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, allowing readers to connect easily with the stories. The author does not try to preach but gently guides readers to reflect on moral values through real situations.
One of the strengths of the book is its realistic portrayal of Indian society. It shows both positive and negative aspects of human nature. Some stories highlight kindness and generosity, while others reveal selfishness and hypocrisy. This balance makes the book honest and relatable.
The book also helps readers understand that wisdom does not always come from education or wealth. Many characters in the book, despite being poor or uneducated, show great insight and moral strength. This makes the reader think deeply about what true wisdom really means.
Personally, I found the book inspiring and thought-provoking. It encourages readers to observe life more carefully and value small acts of goodness. The short story format makes it ideal for busy readers who want meaningful reading without spending too much time.
Overall, Wise and Otherwise is a simple yet powerful book that leaves a lasting impression on the reader’s mind. It is highly recommended for students, teachers, and anyone interested in understanding life and human values through real experiences.