A Hundred Little Flames

First Impressions: I just love reading Preeti’s books. She details out everything so nicely, it’s like you are living the book while you read. The story majorly revolves around a 26-year-old – Ayan and his ‘Muttachan’ (grandfather) – Gopal Shankar. In between the story, there are other characters as well who play an important role to take the story forward however more of it, is a relationship between the two and what Ayan learns on Love, Life & Friendship. The book is divided in four parts / 40 chapters. Preeti has brilliantly described the places. I feel she is the best when it come on writing the descriptions of cities, location, sunsets, sunrises, etc. All have been wonderful. The front cover clearly describes what you are going to find in the book. It is one of the IMG_1752scenes described in the book when Ayan is talking to his Grandfather and searching over the internet on his Laptop. Picture of the ‘Thekke Madom’, an ancestral home, where Gopal Shankar lives with lush green trees and verandah. Choice of colors is classy not too vibrant and not too pale, I liked it. The back cover blurbs are interesting and you can’t wait to start reading the book immediately. However it does not give away the entire story (there’s LOT more than just this) and that keeps you intrigued and wanting to complete reading the book. Summary: The story starts with Ayan attending an office party in some pub in Pune and at the same time, Gopal Shankar has a fall, 1000kms away in Kerala. Everything is going well with Ayan when he has been told by HR that he will have to resign and leave immediately. His father is not happy with him and asks him to stay with his grandfather for some time there and also keep looking for job. Initially, Ayan is not happy to move but then looking at nothing to do in Pune, he goes to Kerala. He starts loving the life there when suddenly his father visits Kerala and does something (can’t tell, do read the book) which takes away all the respect Ayan had for him. Gopal Shankar used to write diaries during his young/not very old age which he refers to Ayan and ask him to read. Further the story revolves around the Past and current life of Gopal Shankar and Ayan. How Ayan connects the dots & helps his Grandfather and how he learns on what is Life, Love & Friendship. My Favorite Part of the book: I loved the snippets from the dairy of Gopal Shankar. They have been written so well. You would love reading them and the letters written by Gopal Shankar and Rohini – Just Awesome. Above everything in the book, the descriptions written by Preeti explaining about ‘Thekke Madom’, Pondicherry, River Creek, Temples. All are just ‘Wow’. My Opinion: It’s a wonderful read with everything required in a story – Love, Life, Relationships, Family & above all Friendship. Strong storyline, characters, places exquisitely described. Atleast I could not keep it down without completing to read chapter by chapter. #MustRead. My Recommendations: I have read all her books and each book is in itself a ‘Masterpiece’ including this one as well. Everytime I think what can be better than this book and then, releases a new book of Preeti. This is one of the best works of Preeti Shenoy. #Waiting for #LoveALittleStronger releasing on 27-Apr-2018.

I like The way preeti shenoy writes & narrates everything..And it relaxes mind..

I've read plenty of books of Preeti Shenoy & I must say I'm not disappointed in the least. Her unique way of storytelling & narration often enchantes our mood. Characterisation, plot, sequential analysis has been done very accurately. Also, the language has been written keeping in mind the readers & the simplest mindsets of common minds. To simply say, translations of common folklore & native dialect has been displayed in English for non-native readers. For ease of convenience, bilingual dialect has been provided. The book explores, extrapolates & contemplates on relationships, meaning of life, living life in a traditional & happy way. The connection with nature & simple life has been established very quickly & precisely. Often the modern world, young people are engrossed much in the Internet world due to modernisation & globalisation that they astray from their dear loved ones, friends & family. Additionally, their feelings towards everything & the world changes & diminishes upto a large extent. This plight of our society has left the elder generations (aged or the old people) helpless to look after their own basic needs on their own. Else, abandoned in old age groups, homes & rehabilitation centres. The family bond has been elaborated extensively. Some of the quotes which can be accessed easily in the book are given below. 'Many a times, things have a way of sorting themselves out. We just need to be patient. ' 'He is the kingfisher. He hunts fish. He waits, sitting very still for his prey. Once he spots it, he swoops down and takes off with it. So fast, so sharp. No distractions. He knows what he wants and goes after it. Then he gets it. You should be like that in life.' 'Friendship in my times meant, you knew everything about each other. And you would support each other, no matter what.' "We all try too hard to do the right thing and stay in control. Once in a way, we should just let go and see where it takes us." 'Once a flame is lit, it can burn brightly and divide into a hundred little flames—or it can die down. Just like the connections we form.' 'It is the smallest things that take up the largest space in our hearts.' 'What lies behind us and what lies before are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' 'Sometimes, when you run a race and you are nearing the finish, you feel you have used up the very last reserve of strength within you, and you cannot go on anymore. Then suddenly the finish line looms large. You decide to complete the race. You give it all you have got. You dig deep into yourself, and an extra burst of energy which you never knew was within you, opens up from depths which you didn’t know you had. You run with all your might, complete the race successfully and collapse—to rest and recover.' 'The obstacles life throws in our paths, makes us grow.' 'The ocean reminds us of how fragile life is, how small and insignificant our problems are.' 'The beautiful thing about friendship is understanding the other person’s needs and to find happiness in whatever makes them happy.' 'The mind is like a monkey and we have to control it. The heart is a wild stallion. It gallops where it wants to go.' 'It is important to not chase somebody. If they want to be in touch with you, they will find a way. Just because you keep calling someone, it does not mean they will respond to you.' 'The secret of staying young forever is to drown yourself in work that recharges you.' 'True Love or True Friendship – People go through their entire lives searching for this, and never finding it.' 'Life is full of surprises. We do things which we never thought we would.' I would highly recommend this to those who wish to read contemporary books with a touch of tradition & thought-provoking facts.

A must read book for a engaging story of love, affection.

This is such a nice story. Once you pick it up, you will long to keep reading. Brings out such human emotions which is difficult to put in words and Preeti has done it wonderfully.. at the end, it leaves a space in the reader’s heart. Pick up this book without a doubt…

This is my first review for a book. I really like the way the author takes you on a tour of this journey of beautiful friendship and love. The places described in the book makes you feel you are currently living there. I would recommend this book.

Loved this book..my most favourite one so far. So much love and unconditional emotions.. truly amazing and heart felt. Best read

I don’t know very much of Indian writers but I was terribly disappointed in the writing Hich I thought was poor and childish This author was on CNN one day and I really was looking forwards to reading a lovely novel

Very gripping story . Makes you think about love and life , falling in love with the book . Just awesome .

What a book!!! I can say that’s the best I’ve read so far. Will go down as a classic.