Review: Entertaining, short read full of Bollywood flair
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 29, 2014
Let me start this review by quoting the 'warning' that the author includes in her online promotions of her latest release:This book has been written only for the purpose of Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! If you are looking to learn something or improve your lives after reading this work, then this book is not for you. I am not trying to get into competition with the Author Biggies of this world. I wrote this simply for the fun and joy of it. One thing I can promise the reader though: Well proof-read, perfect language that I feel is very important for every book that's written in any tongue.It fits the story to a t – but at the same time, I can’t help disagreeing, because “Meghna” by Sundari Venkatraman is much more than the author so humbly proclaims. It IS filled to the brim with entertainment, reminding me so much of the Hindi dramas and Bollywood movies I like to watch. It does, however, also contain hidden lessons for life.The story is easily summarized. Meghna and Rahul, the main characters, have known each other since childhood. She is his best friend’s sister and they basically grew up together. After school, Rahul moves to England, where he lives with his sensible tycoon father and devilish mother. When he returns after years of absence, Meghna has transformed from the awkward teenager with a temper to a stunning young woman who knows what she wants (and still has the temper of a witch). Sparks fly, and an epic love story sweeps the readers off their feet. Add in an explosive mix of supportive friends, a jealous colleague, a scheming mother with her detestable cohort, and an unforeseen tragedy, and the ball is rolling.First and foremost, this book is indeed entertaining. I loved reading about how both protagonists have changed and how totally smitten with each other they are, despite fighting inner battles. Meghna is a great heroine with a fiery temperament but also a sweet, innocent side to her that just wants to be loved. Rahul is hot as can be, confident and yet afraid of commitment. Their behaviour is credible at all times, and it was such fun reading about them switching from hot to cold and hot again within minutes. All the bickering and teasing had me chuckle and root alternately for one of them. What really touched me were the family scenes full of happiness. A delightful bonus is how the author weaves Indian culture and festivities into the plot. As I love details, I also appreciated the descriptions of their outfits that never took any of the pace away from the story, but rather added an exotic flair. And oh my, there’s a lot of steam and sensuality and tension that got me all wound up.Entertainment aside, this story does teach you a few things if you are willing to read between the lines: about trust, about letting others into your life, about accepting yourself the way you are, about fighting for what you believe in.Fans of Indian fiction will love this, but so will all those who want to get their first taste of Bollywood-like glitter and typically South Asian drama. This is a short, fun-filled read, as tempting and satisfying as spicy Indian food with delicious chocolate dessert thrown in.