I remember falling in love with Preethi’s art work when I befriended her on Facebook. At that moment, I didn’t know that her writing will woo me more than her artwork.

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, however for me, the cover acts as an instant pull. The sketch of a girl lost in her own world was more than enough to draw me towards this book. The title, ‘Without You’, made me wonder what Ananya will be doing without Arjun. Then I read the blurb with the word depression in it. Did I read it right, yes; Ananya was a victim of depression. My heart immediately went with Ananya and I pre-ordered the book.

The Blurb-

When Ananya, a bubbly twenty-year-old engineering student, reaches her Grandmother’s house in Sreepuram on a month long vacation, romance is the last thing on her mind. However, she meets Dr. Arjun there and falls head over heels in love.

 As it often happens, the path of true love never runs smooth. Circumstances force them apart even though they were madly in love. She becomes a victim of depression. When everything fails to return her to normalcy, help arrives from an unexpected source. Will she ever find happiness again? Will time allow her heart to heal and forget Arjun? What indeed is true love?

Travel with Ananya to the picturesque Sreepuram, face the chaos of Bengaluru, and relish the warmth of magical Dubai in this heartwarming tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and miracles.

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The book was delivered yesterday and Amazon did a fantastic job of delivering it before the promised time. I was excited to hold the book and eager to start reading, but I had promised my daughter an evening outing. By the time we reached home it was 12am and though my heart wanted to pick the book, my body was tired.

I couldn’t resist the temptation and started reading the book today morning. I was instantly hooked to the story that flowed so beautifully, with each chapter unfolding new secrets and showing me a new facet of love. It was as if I was travelling with Ananya, soaking myself in the serene beauty of Sreepuram. I was on the 60^th page, when my stomach started growling, thanks to the yummy delicacies Ananya was having, I too craved for them. But I didn’t want to stop…I read few more pages. What I completely forgot was that I had a daughter and that it was time for her breakfast. With ladle in one hand and book in another, I managed to prepare dosas, which were edible (thankfully!)

I popped up a dosa in my mouth and sat to accompany Ananya in her journey. I laughed, cried, got angry, confused and depressed, throughout the journey. It was as if she was right in front of me, talking to me. Ananya’s love for reading, her innocence, her confusion and her decisions I loved them all. Arjun looks so real with all the confusion and madness that he carries with him.

After few chapters, I felt that the book was becoming predictable and that’s when Preethi brought a twist. This mix of predictability and twists matched the story very well. However, I felt that there could have been more drama in the end.

If there is one thing that I want to do now after reading the book is book tickets to Dubai. I am in awe of Preethi, the way she has used all the senses to describe the scenes, places, situations and people is highly commendable. It is the most wonderful experience any reader can have.

 

This book has everything that a bibliophile looks for, simple language, nice narration, drama and a good story. If you are looking for something light to read on a flight or train journey, then this book is a perfect companion. And yes if you have ever been in love or felt the light touch of love, then I do recommend reading this book. It will surely take you down the memory lane and you will fall in love, once again.

To know more about Preethi and her works, you can visit her blog-  www.tulipsandme.blogspot.in

 

Happy reading!

Love and Gratitude,

Gayu

 

PS: Did you notice, Outside the Kitchen Window has a new blog address. This site is designed by my husband and we are working together to make it more wonderful. Till then, if you have any ideas to make this site more awesome, do drop me an email at gs.aptekar84@gmail.com