Book Review: Love, Long Ago by Shreyasi R. Phukon

 

Title: Love, Long Ago
Author: Shreyasi R. Phukon
Publisher: Locksley Hall Publishers LLP

Love, Long Ago is a contemporary romance novel, which is both an emotional and a realistic story that deals with the themes of heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness, and destiny.

The book follows the story of Rhea Barua, who lives in the US with her aunt Maya and cousin Hilda for her higher studies. There she meets Aarav, a bestselling author whom she admires. Her strict aunt makes life a little difficult for Rhea initially but soon realises her follies and lets her live her life on her terms.

Aarav and Rhea come closer but Rhea’s happiness doesn’t last longer. Out of the blue, her aunt is murdered and Rhea’s world is disrupted. Aarav takes care of Rhea during this time and Rhea inevitably falls in love with him. However, he rejects her and breaks her heart. Rhea returns to India, broken and bitter, and agrees to marry Abhinav, a man she barely knows. However, fate has other plans for her and she meets Aarav again in India. Will she be able to forget her past and move on with Abhinav? Or will she give Aarav another chance?

The book is well-written, with engaging dialogue and believable characters.

The author, Shreyasi Phukon, has a flair for writing engaging and realistic characters that make the readers empathise with their emotions and dilemmas. The plot is well-paced and has some twists and turns that keep the readers hooked till the end. The language is simple and lucid, making the book easy to read and enjoy.

The book is a perfect choice for romance lovers who like stories that are sweet, emotional, and relatable.

A satisfying love story about people who grow into being right for each other.

Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon is an author and has contributed her writings to a few anthologies and e-magazines. She has initiated and also co-authored an anthology ‘A Phase Unknown Woman- A Tribute Series’ and also published her debut solo short story book '18 Via Teen -Be Yourself.'

'A Phase Unknown Woman- A Tribute' is a venture initiated by Shreyasi R.  with a collection of short stories and poems contributed by various authors/poets pan India. This book makes a strengthening call by questioning, poeticizing, and narrating various social stigmas revolving around in the social air regarding the identity of women. The book is a tribute to all women who somehow mark a change in everybody's life. The first part of this book has been awarded the ‘Best Anthology Award 2014’ by Sanmati Publication.

'18 Via Teen- Be yourself’ the name says it all. It's a collection of short stories which enumerates the various phases of a teen and the hopes, aspirations, apprehensions, ambiguity, insecurity, dilemma, restlessness and sensitiveness, associated with each phase. Each story vividly depicts the psychological aspects of a teenage girl/boy and how intuition helps her/his to overcome the hurdles one after another, which in teens makes her/him mature.

Shreyasi was also awarded the 'Special Jury Award 2016' conferred upon her by Sanmati Publication.

Her new release, 'Love, Long Ago,' is her debut novel which has been published by Locksley Hall Publishing.

She now works as language editor for SAGE Journals at TNQ Technologies.

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I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

Book Review: My Name Is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi

 

Title: My name Is Cinnamon
Author: Vikas Prakash Joshi
Publisher: Hay House India

‘My Name is Cinnamon’ is the adventurous tale of Roshan Rishikesh Paranjape aka Cinnamon, a teenage boy trying to find his roots and place in the world.

The plotline chronicles Cinnamon’s journey in his search for his birth parents. His search takes us from the bustling city streets of Pune to the chaotic city of Kolkata and subsequently to the interiors of Maharashtra (Nandurbar) where he finds his answers. 

On each part of his journey, Cinnamon encounters new people, new cuisines, and new adventures. With him, readers are also drawn into his world effortlessly. The story is seasoned well with a generous sprinkle of humour.

Well-written and tautly paced, Vikas Prakash Joshi’s debut novel reveals emotional turmoil both through what is recounted and what is not. He deftly plays the characters against each other. Especially in the case of Cinnamon’s mothers. There’s severe tension evident between the two during their interactions and yet their love for their son surfaces together and bridges the gap between them. This interlacing creates a rich texture that reflects the complexity of the opportunities and challenges faced by the two in their respective roles in Cinnamon’s life.

Joshi starts Cinnamon’s story on a light note but subtly traverses the intricate themes of adoption and the even grave theme of rare genetic diseases that remain out of the scope of our literature for various reasons.

Joshi’s passion for and knowledge about the topics he has chosen to highlight in this novel may or may not be extensive but his story is a compelling context against which to wrestle with themes of belonging, autonomy, family, and agency. And by engaging with these complexities and handling his subject and its characters with empathy, Joshi emerges as a promising and determined voice.

To sum up, Vikas Prakash Joshi’s ‘My Name is Cinnamon’ is a book worth reading and discussing.

 

Vikas Prakash Joshi is a writer, editor, translator, public speaker and freelance journalist based in Pune. He has been writing for children since the age of 17, beginning with stories and columns in a major urban English newspaper that is read by thousands of people. He writes in English and his non-fiction articles and stories have been translated into 31 languages, both foreign and Indian, and published in 24 countries.

His first children’s book, My Name is Cinnamon, was published by Hay House India. The book was appreciated by people from about 25 countries, as well as from all over India. He has been published in many of the country's leading English publications and won 8 public speaking awards. His hobbies include public speaking, cooking and traveling

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I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.