Lost in Translation

 Dearest gentle readers, Well, we’ve finally reached the end of Carvalho , and all I can say is  about time! The endless delays in completing this book made it feel like it stretched on forever, but at last, we’ve turned the final page. And as expected, the ending was far from satisfying. Just when we thought we were done being introduced to new characters, along came Yenkta. He shows up on the jungle expedition to find the flying lizard, but honestly, he doesn't add much to the story. His role as a snake catcher who tricks Mandanna didn’t feel crucial, and his attitude toward his wife didn’t exactly make him likeable either. He was just… there. Now, the much-discussed flying lizard? Yes, they did find it—but, of course, they couldn’t catch it. And just like that, the book ends. Does Carvalho ever write about it? We have no idea. The story simply stops, leaving everything open-ended. At this point, the biggest takeaway from Carvalho is how long it made classes feel. Ever...

Dearest gentle readers, When Carvalho began, I instantly recognized the setting it’s Malnad, a place that’s as familiar as an old friend. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve visited, and yet every trip feels like a return to a magical dream. I remember reading about Carvalho and his team on an expedition, climbing the mountains in search of the elusive flying lizard. The way they described scaling steep paths and trekking through lush greenery made me long to join them, wandering through those beautiful misty hills. Malnad isn’t just a location on a map it feels like a living, breathing experience. The rolling green hills, shrouded in mist, and ancient trees that seem to share secrets with the wind create an atmosphere where time just slows down. Every breath of rain-soaked air and whiff of fresh coffee reminds me of the simple joys that life has to offer. The waterfalls here are nothing short of magical. Jog Falls, with its powerful cascade, is a sight to behold, while Hebbe Falls and t...

  Dearest gentle readers, Some books leave a lasting impact because they’re exciting, meaningful, or make readers think. Carvalho is not one of those books. It probably ended up in the syllabus with good intentions.Maybe someone thought it had something valuable to offer. But honestly, it’s just pointless and painfully boring . The story drags on forever, the characters feel like they’re just standing around, and the writing makes even simple ideas feel complicated. It’s hard to imagine a book less engaging. Even though Carvalho is about as thrilling as watching grass grow, the professor refuses to let the class give up on it. She tries everything ;Dramatic readings, activities, even comparing it to popular movies just to make it seem a little less painful. At one point, they even tried linking it to Pygmalion , hoping to find some deeper connection.   The strangest part? The novel actually has some science in it. There’s even a whole bit about a flying lizard , which s...

  Dearest gentle readers, When we read Carvalho, I couldn’t help but wonder were these creatures real, or just something the author made up? A lizard that flies? Sounds like pure fantasy. But surprise they’re real! Meet Draco, the incredible little glider of the animal kingdom. Flying lizards have been around for ages, but Carl Linnaeus, the scientist who classified species, was the first to officially document them in the 1700s. Of course, locals in Southeast Asia had already known about them for centuries. Imagine watching a lizard leap off a tree and effortlessly glide to another no wonder they became part of legends! • They glide, not fly – Their rib-supported skin flaps (patagia) let them travel up to 30 feet between trees. • They live in the treetops – They rarely touch the ground, spending most of their lives feasting on ants and termites. • They have aerial duels – Males use their gliding skills to claim territory, attract mates, and even battle mid-air! Draco liza...