A brilliantly plotted emotional roller-coaster

Book Review: Once Upon a Reunion

Author: Nithya Sashi

Rating: 4.5/5

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2rNK5wK








It is difficult to restrict Nithya Sashi’s brilliant novel ‘Once Upon a Reunion’ to one genre. This is a fast-paced story that starts with a hint of romance and nostalgia and develops into an intense story of love and longing. And then, suddenly, a brisk dramatic twist wrapped in a persuasively written sub-plot turns the book into a sinister murder-mystery. The author’s intelligent play of language and plot is what I loved the most about this story.

When Nirmala, an IT professional, readies herself for a reunion with her high-school friends, she is excited as well as worried. The enthusiasm of catching-up with old friends and the inexplicable anxiety of meeting an ex-beau (she secretly pines for) take her on an emotional roller-coaster, which the author portrays beautifully. While friends Aarti and Indraneel insist that she join the gathering, Nirmala is excited and undecided. 

Nirmala’s character is built around the woes of a married woman burdened with the mundane pressures that dictate her guilt-filled life. The author handles the fluctuating degrees of complication in the life of her characters with the deftness of a seasoned writer.
Nirmala joins the reunion party but is horrified when Suresh, her ex-lover is found dead. I was pleasantly surprised and totally taken aback with the mystery element in the novel. The author plaits in the suspense neatly, making the narrative gripping.  The only bit that I wanted a wee bit more of in the book was the crime story. However, it ended a tad abruptly. Perhaps that’s how the author intended it to be. However, this sub-plot has the potential to be built into a full-fledged novel in itself. 

The characterisation is another key highlight of the book. Nirmala’s relationship with her husband Sreenivas, who is once loving and then erratic, is depicted well. The friendship, bitterness, follies, and dilemmas make the characters very realistic and grey. Nirmala’s feelings for Suresh seem overwhelming at times but establish the extreme emotions she feels for the men in her life. Through choicest use of metaphors, the author shows how Nirmala is mentally trapped between her past and present and headed towards an uncertain future.
I would love to read a full-blown crime-thriller novel from the author, primarily because of her sheer brilliance in building such an intricate plot. I was hooked to the book and finished it in one sitting. 

Highly recommended for all romance and thriller lovers.

A heart-warming story of love, loss, and hope

Book Review: Love @ Air Force

Author: Gaurav Sharma

Rating: 4.5/5

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2qDDoN4  

When I received this book from the author, I was instantly impressed by the thoughtfully designed book cover. Later, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the cover design is the brainchild of Arnav Sharma, the author’s young, talented son. The simplicity of this powerful visualization is commendable.

Coming to the narrative, ‘Love @ Air Force’ is a beautifully woven story about two childhood friends who unexpectedly bump into each other after decades! While both of them are employed with the Indian Air Force, Sushil Awasthi is a non-commissioned sergeant, while his best friend Shabd Mishra is a decorated Wing Commander. Can they still be friends or will the disparity in ranks play spoilsport? Well, I leave that to you, to find out.
Without revealing more about the story, I must say that this tale will tug at your heartstrings and bring back fond memories of your first love. Full marks to the author on the relatable yet unique characterisation.

While Sushil and Shabd lead the story, the high point in the drama is when the 
sensible and empathetic Soumya is introduced. She enters like a breath of fresh air and shows how brilliantly delicate matters of the heart can be handled.

The author sent me this lovely autographed 

copy :)

Sushil comes across as a somewhat chauvinistic man stuck in an apparently unhappy marriage, who sometimes makes clichéd remarks about people of other communities. But what struck me was Sushil’s ability to find humour in the most mundane tasks, his fierce loyalty towards his friend, and his patriotism, regardless of the stiff personal challenges he faced since childhood.

Shabd on the other hand is the perfect gentleman with his uniformed heart throbbing faster than a teenager’s, at the mention of his childhood love. The depth of his emotions makes him stand out, apart from his magnanimous personality.

I liked Sharmistha’s character too, but she enters the story rather late. I would have enjoyed the book more if she had a meaty part, like the other characters. But the little that we know of her leaves an indelible impression in the minds of the reader. 

Though each character is different, the profundity of their friendship binds them together, beautifully. The author’s writing style is simple, lucid, and engaging. 

To sum up, whether you are aware of life at the Indian Air Force or not, this book is for you. Kudos to the author on his research and detailing of incidents of hierarchy at the Air Force. They blend with the narrative so well that by the time the story ends, you realize that while you were reading a story of love and friendship, the author gave you a whole new perspective about a life that is very different from that of a civilian’s. 

Highly recommended for everyone who has experienced unrequited love. 

A fascinating love story with a tinge of mystery

Book Review: Safe Haven

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Rating: 5/5

I recently completed reading Safe Haven. Just like all books written by Nicholas Sparks, this one too enchants the reader with its simplicity and emphasis on our purpose in life.

If Notebook redefined passion and friendship and A Walk to Remember strengthened your belief in true love, Safe Haven will show you how despite innumerable obstacles, divine intervention helps unite lovers. 

Katie is the unassuming beautiful protagonist who leaves the city where she has lived all her life, in search of peace. To add a new dimension to her life and ward off her abusive past, Katie comes to a faraway city and takes up a humble job to distract herself and keep the cash flowing. 

Having given up on happiness and love, Katie doesn’t talk much to anyone. However, she is quite amused to have a female neighbour who is inquisitive about all the happenings in her life.

Soon, Katie finds love in Alex, a widower. Their fairy-tale romance is interrupted when Katie’s abusive ex-husband reaches the new city, looking for her. What follows is a heart-warming story of love, betrayal, and hope - with several goosebumps’ moments.  

Love as a topic for a novel has been tossed over and been used by almost every second author who ventured into fiction writing. Whether it is mystery, comedy, humour, or something else, the stories usually have hues of love embedded in them. So, why is it that some love stories touch your heart and others don't? May be because of the way the author’s style captivates your mind or the characterization. I have often seen it is the simplicity and honesty with which a character is depicted that makes a story memorable. 

Probably that is the reason Sparks’ Safe Haven strikes a chord. We spend a lot of time on social networking sites these days and often meet ‘the special one’ meant for us online. However, at the risk of sounding ancient, I must admit that I still believe that a face-to-face interaction and ‘hand-written’ communication is way more romantic than any virtual interaction can ever be.  

Safe Haven is not a sloppy, mushy love story. It talks about the value of life, the price we pay for being emotional, and establishes the fact that Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Full of interesting plot twists and surprises, this book is a page-turner. Highly recommended.