Title: The One You Cannot Have
Author: Preeti Shenoy
ISBN: 9789383260683
Publisher: Westland
Language: English
No. of pages: 275
Year of Publication: 2013
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How long does it take to heal a broken heart? Can you ever forget that one perfect relationship you had? Anjali knows who she wants, she wants Aman. Aman too knows who he wants, he wants Shruti. Shruti and Aman were once inseparable. Theirs was a love that would last forever and more. Then, out of the blue, Shruti left Aman. A devastated Aman moved abroad in the hope of forgetting Shruti and to heal. Shruti married Rishabh. Now Aman is back in India and looking for a fresh start. But he is still haunted by memories of his love. Can he ever break free from it? His head tells him to move on, to find love with Anjali, but his heart wont listen. No matter what he does, Shrutis shadow looms large. Can there be a happily-ever-after for any of them? A straight-from-the-heart modern-day romance of unrequited love, of complicated relationships and about moving on when you realise that there will always be the one you cannot have.
About the Author:
Preeti Shenoy, is among the best-selling authors in India (Source Nielsen scan) weaves magic with her words and pictures. An extremely talented and versatile individual, her Twitter bio reads:
“Best-selling Author, Artist specializing in pencil portraits, Poet, Yoga-Buff, Ex-basketball player, Blogger, Dobe-owner, Nature lover, Ted X speaker and a Mother.”
Her interests are as multifarious and diverse as her several academic degrees which include an internationally recognised qualification from UK in portraiture.
DNA has described her as a ‘Keenly observant mind’ and Times of India describes her writing as ‘Excellent story telling skills’. There is simplicity in her writing that appeals to the inherent good in all and her positivity and ‘Live life to the fullest’ philosophy finds a large number of takers, who follow her very popular blog.
Her second book 'Life is what you make it' was among the top selling books of 2011 in India and her third book 'Tea for two and a piece of cake' which was released in February 2012, was among top five best-selling Indian fiction of 2012.
Her fourth book 'The secret wish list' has been getting excellent reviews and is on all the best-seller lists, having reached No.6 on Amazon.in .
Her pencil-portraits are life like which strike you with a realism that take you aback. She is also an avid card-maker and a poet. She has written for publications like Times of India, Readers Digest and many more. She has worked with under-privileged children teaching them English and Math. She has worked with several schools conducting workshops on thinking skills and creative crafts.
She says “Life is short. Follow your heart and chase your dreams. And yes, they will come true.”
My views:
I had ordered pre-release copy of the book from Flipkart but I could not read it immediately after I received it after its release for various reasons, one of them being wrong frame of mind. I am glad I did not start reading the book immediately, I might have not really enjoyed reading. I scanned through a couple of pages and left it for later.
The second time I started reading, I read it as if it was my first. I started with the Blurb and then proceeded to the first chapter of the book. I personally feel that the blurb does injustice to the content of the book. Yes, it does give clear cut idea of what the book is about and how the characters are placed, what they are up-to and what they want with their lives, but it does not say much about the stress they go through, the emotions which Preeti has so beautifully captured inside the book.
I have read the other books by Preeti:
- 34 Bubblegums and Candies
- Life is What You Make It
- Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake
- The Secret Wishlist
Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake was the first book that I read (and even participated in the prompts) and then I was tempted to buy the first two books. Though I liked all the books, 34 Bubblegums and Candies was my favourite one until I read this one. According to me the latest book "TOUCH" is her best so far. Even though you are aware of where the story would lead and there is absolutely no surprise element in the book, merely the way it has been written makes it the best and worth reading.
My favourite quote from the book:
"Jealousy is a strange monster. It gobbles up relationships without leaving a trace, only a vileness so foul the stench permeates forever, staining the very soul."
It was a good read for me, something different. Loved the way each chapter is dedicated to a character, written in first person and gives his/her perspective. The maturity of the author shines through the way the first person narration is pulled off. However, as I read along, the end seemed too quick. Almost the entire book the author has paid utmost attention to how the character feels but in the end, the part which matters the most seems to happen too quick and is not as deep as I would have wanted it to be. I would recommend this book for those who like to read on relationships and like to get involved in the emotions of the characters.
