happiness and food

The book begins with a note “For the magical land that is Shimla” and true to this, the book is unique in the sense that it takes you on a virtual trip to the scenic hills of Shimla. The walks, the weather, the winding roads and the picturization created was so beautiful that at many points my mind kept racing towards Norwegian Wood.

Plot and Positives: Mrityunjoy Roy, lovingly  known as Roy is a fifteen year old Bengali boy who lives in Shimla with his family. His family is inclined towards academics and Roy is this young lad who wants to live his life and believes that studies are to impress girls. His world turns upside down when he meets Akanksha who is blessed with a beautiful smile. She moves to his section, they are together in class and tuition and a dance too but all this leads to self discovery.

The story is simple but the detailing is worth the mention. The time spent with siblings playing WWF cards and the happiness when one gets the Hulk Hogan or The Undertaker card are minute details that the author hasn’t missed. I was taken on a ride down the memory lane when the author mentions how Irodov is good over HC Verma if one wants to crack the Engineering Entrance exams. Those were the days when the Manorama Year books were a great source to enhance knowledge of current affairs. Even the jokes around girls tying Rakhi and making them brothers was one I could relate to. Looks like the author and I share the same generation.

Something that I found funny was the usage of “Ram sake”instead of “God sake”. I have never read such a phrase and its multiple usage throughout made me smile. Now that’s what I call “Make in India”!

This is Ritoban’s debut novel and I must say that his writing style is lucid. I prefer an English that is not colloquial and after reading the book, I was glad that the author’s usage of language is good. The story-line is simple and one that readers will be able to relate to.  Also, the message in the book about moving on with life and the positivity that comes to light towards the end is a good one. The protagonist’s thought about how smallest incidents change the destiny is very true and it feels good that the authors of the present age want to leave the readers with a thought to ponder on.

What could have been better: A couple of typos could have been avoided. Roy’s father was shown in a light that wasn’t encouraging and I wished he had a more loving family. His sister’s angle was not required and could have been skipped. Akanksha’ s persona is too matured for a fifteen year old but I do understand that children of the present times are much exposed as we were.

Tactical Details: The cover page is creatively designed with the smiling silhouette of a female and this goes well with the book title. The pages of the book are thick and it feels that the quality is really good. The font size is also easy on the eyes. This book is a quick read and if you were ever involved with the opposite sex during school, you are going to smile.

Overall Verdict: I would give this book a 3/5. This book is a lovely story set in the hills and good for a weekend read. For a first time author, this is indeed a good job!

Book Details:  

Name:  When She Smiled

Authors: Ritoban Chakrabarti

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Publisher: Notion Press

Publication Year: 2015

Number of pages: 217

Price: 215 INR

My rating: 3/5

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