'The Second Choice' is the debut novel by Lakshmi Mennon. She has been a writer for a long time now, however, this is her first venture into full fledged novel.
When she offered me to review her book, I was more excited at the prospect of reading it than the actual review. You see, I have a special respect for debutante writers, especially who write fiction, as i believe it takes an amazing lot of hard work and patience to write fiction!!
So anyhow, here's my 'personal' Review of the novel.
Plot: The story deals with the marriage of Pavithra and Venu, both of whom unwillingly enter into matrimony a second time for the sake of their daughters, Anu and Indu. Pavithra lost her husband Anand after 4 years of marriage. Venu's wife, Soumya, gave him a divorce and asked him to remarry after she became paralysed.The plot unravels the complexities of longing and frustrations. Venu and Pavithra cannot understand each other. Their children find it hard to adjust to the situation. Although Soumya lives far away in Kerala she is an invisible presence in the house.
I found the plot to be a very realistic one, in present times, when divorce and remarriage is fast becoming common in Indian society, this story deals with the facts and realities of remarriage , especially when it involves children.
The two main protagonists undergo a sea of emotions and experiences over a period of 15 years, which transforms them as individuals and also as partners. I really liked the slow growth of the various characters over time, especially Pavithra who transforms from a helpless widow to a successful professional banker and mother. As a woman and a very independent minded one, I really liked her transformation. The other two female characters, namely the daughters Anu and Indu are also well written, they behave as as growing children do...especially ones who have to be the children in a remarriage!!
My only grudge is that I did not like the ending for Pavithra(im not letting out the ending here, you guy have to read the novel to find out!!)
I would recommend this novel as nice light read in between your flight/train/road journeys!!!
p.s. The views expresses here are my own and have not been influenced by any sponsorships!!!
14 comments:
I will dnftly try to buy a copy of this book
thanks for the review
Share your copy with me! :P
Crisp review; I am sure its a good read.
I agree that writing a book is a very big achievement. Most of us cannot write 600 words without trouble, let alone a book!
I like the new look. That is a good review. I am feeling inclined to give the book a look over.
sounds interesting! I have never read anything about modern India
Life and travelling
Cooking
Congratulations!
is this on flipkart or Infibeam?
does seem interesting
does seem interesting
Thank you for reviewing "The Second Choice" and writing your honest opinion.
Printed copy is available on flipkart,infibeam and indiaplaza . In addition, ebook version is available on smashwords and amazon kindle.
Lakshmi
I kind of relate to this story, though not personally...sometimes remarriages can take a toll on the relationship between spouses and also kids..and to let go of the past is not so easy...will be giving this book a shot..ty for the review
debutante writers can be a hit or miss...this one seems good..will try to catch it!!!
Nice review on second choice.Will try to get a copy.Thanks.
Nice Review.Will try to get the copy soon...:)
Its been long that I have read a book! Really need to covet time!
Love
http://www.meghasarin.blogspot.com
I read a lot and sometimes I go by recommendations, so thanks for reviewing the book. I love to read about the lives of female protagonists , their trials and struggles and this book is of that genre, it seems.
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