Blurb (as on Goodreads):
“What a nightmare it would be then, to have all that we desire?” Embark on a transformative journey with Nanki Mehta, a woman seemingly content with life’s perfect trappings a fulfilling job, a cosy South Delhi abode, and a loving husband. However, an instagram Bungy ad disrupts the mundane, becoming a portal to childhood memories and an unlikely friendship with River- a Bungy Jump Master. Amidst conversations on mountains and fears, Nanki’s life path unfolds from the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of Rishikesh. From the icy isolation to the warmth of self-discovery, join Nanki on a one-of-a-kind exploration of failing in love with life and embracing it to the fullest.
Genre: Fiction/Self-discovery
Pages: 234
Format: Paperback/eBook
Price (as on Amazon):
- Paperback: ₹ 224/ $9.00
- Kindle eBook: ₹ 89/ $2.99
My Rating: 4.2/5
Nanki Mehta’s life is going well; with a well-paying job, a loving husband and her maternal grandfather who keeps her tethered to the simple joys of life. All of these things are put into perspective, when, all of a sudden, she’s forced to restrict herself, her work, her thoughts, and everything else, within the walls of her home. As the pandemic brings the world to a halt, , Nanki’s world undergoes a tumult that makes her question everything. Where will it all lead her?
What I liked about the book:
- Through Nanki Mehta, the protagonist’s journey, we are reminded that true happiness is not found in constantly seeking more but in learning to appreciate what we already have. We take that journey from Delhi to Rishikesh, and as she stands on the edge taking that plunge, with her, as she bungy jumps, literally as well figuratively, urging us to look within ourselves.
- The character of River, a Bungy Jump Master, adds depth to the narrative, serving not only as a catalyst for Nanki’s journey of self-discovery, but also making us wish and look out for such positive people in our own lives, who can help us find out purpose and reach our potential.
- The beauty of Rishikesh has been mesmerizingly depicted, right from Laksham Jhula, to the flowing water of the Ganges, and from the mountain ranges, to the markets and cafes of this hilly paradise.
What I did not like about the book:
- As Nanki reaches out and becomes close to River, there is a slight discomfort and a feeling of emotional infidelity. Yes, later in the story, it’s handled really well. But Nanki’s relationship with Rithvik (her husband) isn’t at its best when the story begins and her long and soulful chats with River do give out an impending doom kind of vibe.
- One can’t help but feel oneself phasing out during the midsection of the story. It kind of becomes repetitive and preachy, making us wonder where it’s all headed. It can also be frustrating for some, making them either want to stop going ahead, or wishing they could reach out to the lead character, and knock some sense into her.
Quotable quotes:
- Every relationship can be a success if you know what distance to keep it at.
- There is a certain melancholy so deep that ‘cry’ is just too darn small for it.
- Why are the obvious things hardest to see?
- It’s so hard to accept the different without finding reasons to disqualify it for.
- You listen to yourself the same way you listen to anyone else. You simply ask first.
- While it’s terrible to have to face one’s fears, it’s even worse to live with them.
- It is easier to be honest with strangers about internal battles.
- The more we were in each other’s face, the less we seemed to know what went behind it.
- The problem with asserting equality was the acceptance that it went both ways.
- All the struggles in the world were to become bigger, and yet, ironically, comfort was only found in feeling terribly small.
- To talk is great, but to be unconditionally heard is infinitely better.
- an empty show of solidarity only avoids having to dig deep enough to engage with the awkwardness of unstable emotions.
- We have to experience a myriad of emotions. We have to feel everything that is to feel. That is the nature of being alive. But then we have to strive to create contentment amidst that chaos. That is the nature of being human.
- Only the one who is not troubled by the waves can ride the tide.
- What isn’t will never be. What is, will never cease to be.
- A bird’s song is just as sweet when no one hears it. What a shame it would be if the bird wouldn’t sing in the absence of an audience. The world would lose out on the song and, far more grievously, the bird on its signing.
- Success is different things to different people. But mostly, it’s having gone a step further today than where you were yesterday. It is the movement of growth.
- It isn’t righteousness that determines the quality of a relationship. It is connection. That is your tether to them. Without that, it’s only ever going to be a liability.
- Nothings binds people together more than shared pain.
- Life is too short for ‘fine’. Never settle for anything less than spectacular.
- It’s amazing how tastes, smells, and places can become keys for a whole bank of memories.
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