My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher - FingerPrintPublishing year - 2025
Language - English
ISBN - 978-93-7089-190-6
Pages - 224
Book Review -
One Life to Live by Saranya Umakanthan is an emotionally immersive novel that seamlessly blends themes of love, ambition, grief, and healing. As someone who enjoys contemporary Indian romances with emotional depth, this book resonated with me on multiple levels.
The story primarily revolves around two central characters: Kavya Arjun, a resilient young woman burdened by her tragic past, and Harshit Sinha, a determined and goal-driven journalist.
Kavya is navigating the trauma of losing her family and is fiercely focused on one mission—finding her long-lost younger brother, Vinayak. Meanwhile, Harshit is building his career in the cutthroat media industry, trying to leave a mark of his own. Their paths cross in a way neither anticipates, and that single encounter leaves a deeper imprint on Harshit than on Kavya at the time.
What stood out to me most was the layered characterisation. Kavya is not your typical damsel in distress. Despite the pain and rejection she’s experienced, she continues to move forward with grace and tenacity. Her inner strength is admirable.
Harshit, on the other hand, appears to have it all together, but beneath his composed exterior lies emotional turbulence and unresolved questions about his past. The way the author explores their internal struggles—Kavya's desperate hope to reunite with her brother and Harshit’s hesitance to embrace vulnerability—gives the novel a strong emotional core.
Their reunion years later, set against the high-pressure backdrop of the media world, sparks not just professional collaboration but also the reawakening of unresolved feelings. The chemistry between Kavya and Harshit is written with subtlety and sincerity.
From tentative friendship to an undefined but emotionally intense bond, their relationship evolves in a refreshingly realistic manner. It does not rely on melodrama but on quiet moments, difficult conversations, and the slow recognition of love that has always lingered beneath the surface.
The novel also impresses with its ability to balance a fast-paced narrative with the emotional slow-burn of the romance. Each chapter adds a new layer, be it a personal revelation, a past trauma resurfacing, or a surprising twist that pushes the story forward. It kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself invested not just in the romance but in the individual growth of the characters.
One of my favourite aspects of Saranya’s writing is her recurring focus on women carving their own paths. In Start Living Again, the female protagonist also demonstrated a strong sense of agency, and I noticed that same trait in Kavya.
Both are women shaped by hardship but defined by their choices, not their circumstances. There’s a definite pattern in the author’s storytelling—of emotional endurance, slow emotional reckonings, and the transformative power of love—and it’s a pattern I deeply appreciate.
The writing is fluid and accessible, with just the right emotional beats. The author has a knack for portraying inner monologues and emotional tension without becoming overly verbose or sentimental. The dialogue feels natural, and the plot pacing is tight—never lagging, never rushed.
If I had one critique, it would be that I wished for a deeper dive into Vinayak’s storyline. While Kavya’s search for her brother is a strong motivating factor, it occasionally takes a backseat to the romantic elements. Still, the resolution is satisfying and adds a layer of completeness to Kavya’s arc.
In conclusion, it is more than just a love story—it is a poignant reflection on how people survive pain, heal from loss, and find joy and meaning in second chances. It is a story about choosing hope even when the past weighs heavily, about letting go to move forward, and about embracing love, even when it is messy and complicated.
For readers who enjoy character-driven stories rooted in emotional realism with a vibrant Indian setting, this book is a must-read. Saranya Umakanthan has once again proven that she can blend warmth, drama, and insight into a narrative that stays with you long after you have turned the last page.
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