Introduction
Nethra Kaul is sharp, efficient, beautiful and single. A quintessential “good girl”, she believes in doing the ‘right thing’, always. Only, her life isn’t all that right. A broken heart? Check. Misfit at work? Double-check. Hopeless romanticism? Not enough checks in the world!
Avinash Rathore, her batchmate from the IAS, is the man she had loved and wanted, very much. Avinash is a high-flyer and his life looks picture perfect at the moment – a soaring career, a lovely wife and a beautiful child.
The tentacles of fate are closing in fast as Nethra and Avinash come together, one more time, for something that will prove to be as disastrous as it is enticing.
About the Author
There are some love stories which can only be experienced they can never be told. This is one such story. Written straight from the heart in an honest tone, there is something about this heartwarming love story that tugs your heart. A cover that is so mystic and a blurb that leaves you pondering, this book had made me inquisitive about what is in store for me.
Growing up in Indian society as a woman means you have been conditioned to believe that your place is in kitchen and that to harbour any dreams of a career is almost criminal. You could maybe get away with murder but not if you choose your career over your personal priorities. This story resonated very strongly with me for I have been there, done that. The very question that does a woman need a man to complete her in life is something that has been debated for decades now and yet no one has seen its end, convincingly.
The story of Nethra, is so relatable which I am sure most of the women in India will also agree with. Dare to dreams and dare to defy everyone to make them come true – is the mantra of her life but somewhere in one corner we all want to be loved and have a companion to come back to after a long day of battling the world. Is Nethra also like that?
On the other hand we have Avinash who is battling with his mind and heart, unable to decide what to choose between the two. He somehow reminds me of guys who always want to fall in love, date the most popular girl in their class but want a homely girl to get married to, someone who has never dated and is simple. I loved reading his thoughts and trying to understand what makes him think the way he is. The point is, neither of them are to be blamed for thinking like this. This is what your upbringing and social conditioning does to us.
Like a Bird on the Wire by Chhavi Bhardwaj is a poignant, thought-provoking novel that explores the emotional landscapes of life, relationships, and self-discovery. The title itself, which references Leonard Cohen’s famous song, conveys themes of freedom, vulnerability, and longing, which resonate throughout the novel.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the life of Saanvi, a young woman caught in the web of her personal and professional life. As a lawyer in a bustling city, Saanvi leads an often structured and demanding life. However, beneath her professional success lies a woman struggling with unresolved emotional issues, particularly her relationship with love, freedom, and her own identity.
Saanvi’s life takes a turn when she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, prompted by a series of pivotal events—one of which includes her interaction with a man named Arjun. Arjun represents a contrast to the controlled, predictable life Saanvi has built for herself. Their relationship challenges her views on love, career, and what it means to truly live. As Saanvi navigates her inner turmoil, she is forced to confront questions about what she wants out of life and how far she is willing to go for her own happiness.
Themes
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Self-Discovery and Identity: One of the central themes of the novel is the journey toward self-discovery. Saanvi’s character goes through an internal struggle to understand her own desires, fears, and the way she has been shaped by society, her career, and her past experiences. The story reflects the process of finding one’s true self amidst societal expectations and personal barriers.
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Freedom and Independence: The novel explores the idea of freedom in a symbolic and literal sense. Just like a bird on a wire, the protagonist feels both trapped and free at different moments in her life. There is a deep exploration of what it means to break free from societal conventions and embrace one’s own path.
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Love and Relationships: Saanvi’s interactions with Arjun and others show the complexity of love, with all its nuances of longing, vulnerability, and emotional growth. The book touches on how relationships, both romantic and platonic, can push us to evolve but also leave us questioning our beliefs and actions.
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The Struggle Between Professional and Personal Life: Saanvi’s balancing act between her high-pressure career and her personal life highlights a common struggle faced by many individuals—particularly women—who must choose between professional success and emotional fulfillment. The tension between ambition and relationships becomes a key point of reflection for Saanvi.
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Healing from the Past: The novel also addresses how the past, particularly childhood experiences and earlier relationships, shape an individual’s present self. Saanvi’s journey is not just about finding love or career success but also about healing old wounds and letting go of past fears and regrets.
Writing Style
Chhavi Bhardwaj’s writing is introspective, reflective, and lyrical. She has a unique way of weaving emotions and experiences into the narrative, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of a person’s internal world. The prose is often descriptive, creating vivid imagery of both the characters’ inner and outer landscapes.
The story flows between the present moment and flashbacks, offering a deep dive into the protagonist’s psyche. Bhardwaj’s ability to depict raw emotional states—love, confusion, heartache, and joy—gives the novel a deeply relatable quality, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven stories.
Reception and Criticism
Like a Bird on the Wire received praise for its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist’s emotional and psychological journey. The themes of self-discovery, independence, and vulnerability resonated with many readers, particularly women who can relate to the pressures of balancing career ambitions with personal growth.
Some readers found the novel’s pacing to be slower at times, with the deep introspection slowing down the plot. However, this introspective nature is also what makes the book impactful for those who enjoy a more meditative, emotionally rich narrative.
Conclusion
Like a Bird on the Wire is a beautifully written novel about the emotional complexities of life, love, and self-empowerment. Through the character of Saanvi, Chhavi Bhardwaj explores themes of personal freedom, the search for identity, and the intricacies of human relationships. It’s a book that speaks to anyone who has struggled with the tension between following their dreams and honoring their emotional truths.
If you enjoy stories that delve deep into personal transformation and the complexities of love and identity, this novel is likely to resonate with you.
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