Sundari is famous for penning romantic
novels, and now-a-days she is trying her hands in different genre. An Autograph for Anjali is one such experiment of hers, which has
thriller, suspense at beginning with romance as backdrop.
Jayant, a typical Indian male who is pampered by
his mother and two sisters before marriage, and expects his wife to do the same
and be at his beck and call all the time. Though he keeps himself updated with
recent technologies and happenings in business, he, never in 20 years of
marriage updated his ideas about domesticity. In this matter his thinking still
belonged to 18th century.
According to him, his wife should not have any life beyond him. He
treats his wife and mistress as doormats under his feet. Though a top rung
businessman, he was a failure as a husband.
Anjali, wife of Jayant Mathur, pretty, fierce,
but oppressed by her husband, has her head above her shoulders inspite of being
a rich businessman’s wife. She instills good values in her only son Arjun, whom
she doesn’t want to become like his father, callous, dominating and calculative.
Inspite of being under Jayant’s dominance and influence, Anjali tries to keep herself
sane. But her patience wears off when she sees him crossing his limits and openly
flaunts his mistress Seema at a
party where she is invited. What happens next is worth a read.
Seema, Jayant’s executive assistant and latest
mistress is a character not described much.
Arjun, Anjali and Jayant’s nineteen year old
son, though he loves both his parents very much, he knows both his parents are
poles apart and his Mom got a raw deal from this marriage. He shares a friendly
relation with his Mom and is a constant support to her and vice versa.
Parth Temptation, thy name is Parth. (Loved
this).
Parth is that knight in shining armor who
rescues Anjali and supports her during her emotional upheaval and helps her
cope depression and gives her the respect and love she deserves.
These are the main characters around which
the story revolves. The story opens with a murder, and then proceeds to full
blown romantic track. Though I loved the story there are few points which I felt
out of place or hard to digest.
Dr. Nalini’s identity is hidden from
Anjali. But when she visits Dr. Nalini’s house-cum-clinic she is bound to see
the nameplate or something which might reveal her true identity.
When Dr. Nalini first visits Anjali, she introduces
herself as a friend. Even though Anjali is depressed at that moment, doesn’t she
feel it odd after Dr. Nalini leaves, as who invited her to her house, etc?
Though Arjun loves his mom and respects his
father, isn’t it little hard to digest that he call ups Parth and asks him if he can join Anjali on her Greece trip?
I would certainly have loved to read more
about Anjali’s childhood and life before marriage, Seema’s life before Jayant,
little more on Parth and also on Arjun’s childhood (which I think will come out
in the sequel Arjun’s Penance).
Also the climax was abrupt and sudden. I would
have loved if there was little more suspense or little more drama to give the
story a suitable ending.
Other
than these little things, the story is a perfect blend of suspense and romance.
Also the manner in which the dreaded D word – Depression is explained or
handled in the story is well commendable. While reading, you feel hatred for
Jayant, pity for Anjali, fall in love with Parth (sigh…), feel proud of Arjun and
get irritated by Rana. Each character is well developed and explained.
My final verdict…must read once if you want
to read some light hearted romance mixed with suspense.
Title : An Autograph For Anjali
Author : Sundari Venkatraman
Available on : Amazon.in
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author in return for my honest review.
Thank you so much Aparna Nayak for your lovely, detailed review. I am glad you enjoyed reading my book :)
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