June, Monsoon and Novels..

Imagine a balcony, a comfortable chair, an interesting novel and rain. Isn't it amazing.? For me, its magical and I spent my last two weekends this way at home. I read 2 (two)  novels : "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Faraaz Kazi and "Like It Happened Yesterday" by Ravinder Singh. If one talks about first love then other talks about childhood memories. But both will definitely make you take a stroll down the memory lane. 

Reason for buying the novel :

• I bought 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' because it is the only Indian novel in the Top 100 YA Global Fiction List and the author Faraaz Kazi has won many awards for his writing style so I wanted to know what's so special about the novel.

• 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is the 3rd novel of Ravinder Singh and I have liked his earlier ones so was excited to read this one too.

Storyline :

• 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' is a Teenage Romance that revolves around the main characters Rahul and Seema. Its a beautiful knit love story that fascinates the reader. It shows how misunderstanding and ego can ruin a relationship. But for some reason I expected more from it. So according to me, its a one time read. This novel could not enter my list of favorites.  

• 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is a tale about the writer's childhood days. The story is nicely written. It will surely make the reader think about his / her school days. The title is very appropriate and even I feel those beautiful memories happened yesterday. But still I love 'I too had a love story' more which was Ravinder Singh's first novel.

Things I  liked in the Novel : 

• In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', the writer has in-between written wonderful lines/couplets from famous books like How Do I Love Thee, I Love You As a Valley, Speak, Farewell to Love etc. Then the conversation between Father Tuscano and Rahul where he explains to him that : "Problems happen son. Nothing is perfect, not even life. God give us problems so that we can stand true to his test. Like every lock has a key, every problem has a solution. Sometimes you find the key in the unlikeliest of all places." is really inspiring. Even the debate speech that Rahul gives on "Is India truly free after Independence?" is thoughtfully written.

• In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', the Author's Note left me with a feeling of oneness as if the writer cares for the every single reader who reads his book. The write has written many lines in Punjabi throughout the book which I really loved because I am a Punjabi and could imagine the scenario in which those lines were said and written. It was nostalgic to read such a story that made me miss my innocent, sweet days. As a kid we all want to grow up quickly and enjoy things we are not allowed to do but when we are young and responsible we want to go back. Strange.!

Things I din't liked in the Novel :

• In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', on page 36, Raj who is in conversation with Rahul says "Stop sounding like those filmy chutias and tell me what the news is?" For a second I could not believe a novel that has been internationally acclaimed uses such a word. Weird.! 

• In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', there is nothing as such.

I bought both the novels from Amazon.in and must say everything was so hassle free that I will surely buy from them again.

         

*Special Note* : In no way this is a comparison between the two novels. I just tried to collect and write my thoughts into one post. The views about the novels are personal which may differ from public view. I have no intentions to hurt anyone. A big Thank you to all those who stop by and read my posts. God Bless :)


Connect with the authors : 

• Twitter : Ravinder Singh (Like It Happened Yesterday)
• Twitter : Faraaz Kazi (Truly, Madly, Deeply)