You Are The Best Wife is a true life story and it’s not everyday that you are asked to review a book like this one. I believe that personal stories engage audience the best and they are the ones written wholeheartedly. The emotions are genuine and there is no masking in expressing the feelings.
When Bhavna, author’s wife passed away following a brief illness and then severe infection, he gathered all his strength to pen this book. It’s written in the memory of Bhavna and all the proceeds from the purchase of this book will be donated to a charitable trust.
Positives: The book is simply written and is a light read. There are college anecdotes, ragging scenes, the struggle to convince tough society-conscious parents and a life that is very much relatable. Ajay’s depiction of his own self is that of a small town boy who aspires to achieve many things in life but circumstances are not always by his side. Bhavna’s personality is shown to be of someone who loves life and left the world too soon. Ajay and Bhavna could be the next door couple in each of our lives and in simplicity lies the beauty of this story.
With the context and the narration, I was left teary eyed towards the end and it made me think of how important it is to live in the moment. What happened to Bhavna could happen to anyone and mortality is the biggest truth of our lives. We can never bring people back but it is their memories that we can live through all over again.
What could have been better: I was not impressed with the writing. Some analogies put me off and they could have been avoided. Comparing a Nokia set with a virgin was unfair. Personal details like that of wanting to start a family was also a bit on the top and could have been put subtly. The language could have been a bit more polished and typographical errors should have been taken care of.
Tactical Details: The cover page is well designed and the image with the lifeline and the pen beneath is a smart choice. The font, clarity on the paper type is decent and easy on the eyes.
Overall Verdict: This book is a quick read and I was done in 2.5 hours over the weekend. The details are personal like you are reading a diary and that helps you read faster. This book is a very good attempt on the author’s side to share his story with the world.
I am not going to rate the book cos of the genre it belongs to. Pick it up for an inspiring personal and true story if you can over look minor details in writing.
Book Details:
Name: You Are The Best Wife
Author: Ajay K Pandey
Genre: Memoirs
Publisher: Srishti
Publication Year: 2015
Number of pages: 240
Price: 175 INR
This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details long on to http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in
When the team reached out for a review, I was in Hong Kong. I requested to send this book later when I am back and glad they were kind enough to send a copy. Thank you team!
happiness and food 
I agree that the book and its genre need no rating. 🙂 I took a little more time to read, but yes, could have been better!
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Yep! Agree with you!
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Honest review. The title is surely a catchy one.
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Thanks Somali 🙂
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I just feel sorry for Bhavna…it takes a lot of strength to write about someone so dear we have lost. Best wishes to Ajay with the book.
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I agree. It’s not an easy feat.
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Parul Review is a hit for the Author : Best wishes to the first time Author .
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Ha ha Rajiv Sir. Books sell, blogs are forgotten;)
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I liked your honest review covering both the good and bad qualities about the book. It does sound very poignant and sad. I would have been annoyed with the typos, too. I used to work as a proofreader and mistakes seem to jump out at me still. (except for in my own writing. Hehe!) I hope he raises some funds for the charitable trust as that’s a nice gesture in his wife’s memory.
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Ha ha! Thanks Cathy. Yes, I hope that too for Ajay!!
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Oh, it sounds like a very touching story still… Something about books keeping our loved ones who have passed- alive…. Isn’t it. Good therapy also for the ones left behind. Nicely written review Parul dear:-)
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I thought the same. Like immortalising the life story. Thank you Eli!
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Losing a beloved spouse at any age is hard; at a relatively young age is devistating. Hurrah that this man is telling his personal story with proceeds going to a trust. Sorry to hear about the typos-that would have been so distracting to me, and I am not even what we call a “grammar geek” in my country.
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I’m not not a grammar geek but sometimes these things just shine. You are right about the loss. Life is not easy. For none.
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Sounds a bit similar to Erich Segal’s Love Story. Hopefully, it will help someone to come out of his own grief. Thanks for the review.
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You are right! Thanks for stopping by Lata!
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Nice review Parul. Honest and succinct.
What is difficult to fathom is why so many budding Indian authors face challenges with grammar. Long sentences, unnecessary details and forced humor… There are just a handful like Amish and Aravind Adiga who are as gripping as western ones.
Where do you think we are lacking?
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Vishal – It’s the time that people do not want to spend on getting a book ready. Proof reading is as important as writing.
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I liked the way you have reviewed the book. But yes, as Vishal pointed out in the comments that it’s quite sad seeing so many Indian writers struggling with spellings and typographical errors. Wonder what the editors at the publishing house are doing. So much hurry just to publish a book and make some money?
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