I received the copy of the book, Why Should I Love You...??? by Kamal Paneru from the publishers, Half Baked Beans, immediately after it's release. Considering number of issues I faced and the Ganpati festival that followed, and the fact that the book delivery was delayed, I wasn't able to read it. I began reading it yesterday and in few hours was able to complete this uncanny love story.
You may have been familiar with unrequited love tales and this is one of them. The writer, Kamal Paneru, gives a detailed account of protagonist's love life. He mentions in the acknowledgement as to how the book is a part fiction and partly taken from his life.
The story of the novella revolves around Raunak Chakraborthy, an engineering student and his complicated love life. The boy is simply a stud and often seems to attract women of his age. It so happens that he accidentally befriends his friend's sister and gradually falls for her. Juhi comes from a conservative society and is often beaten up by her parents for tiniest mistake done. It is a no brainer that Juhi and Raunak's relationship has to face the wrath of her parents. They are soon separated. Raunak moves on in life. He comes across his junior Megha who has been smitten by him for ages. She deserves much attention and he is generous at that. However, the fate of this relationship is not to be. The novella culminates to give us a different picture, almost taking us aback. If this is taken from real life than it takes a brave heart to pen this story.
When I say story, I mean it is plain and simplisticaly told. It is very technical at that and the author hasn't shied from using ample grandiloquent language. However, it is sans emotions, it tries but misses the soul. The author has also used Hindi and which helps bring out the local flavour. The structure, the dialogues, help us understand the settings of the novel. It has a typical Indian feel to it that one cannot miss.
147 pages long and divided into two parts, this book can be read in one sitting. Every chapter of the book is titled, symbolising the significance of the event in the protagonist's life. The chapters are short and crisp. There are ample of edits one cannot ignore but then it does have it share of likable quotes too.
Overall, the book gives you a unique love story, tells us how not every love story has a happily ever after and comments on the stringent laws laid down by the society to hold the reins of women. This book is best for binge reading.
Publishers: Half Baked Beans
Available on: Amazon
On the scale of readability, I rate it 6 on 10.
How much rating will I give this one? 2.5 out of 5 stars.
If you have read this one, do let me know your views in the comment box below.
#HappyReading
Comments
Post a Comment