Contents
Introduction
Genre:Fiction
Publishers: Westland
Sometimes, a journey back is a step forward.
When 26-year-old Ayan is sent to live with his grumpy old grandfather Gopal Shanker, in a tiny village, in Kerala, he is understandably devastated. What can a sleepy, idyllic village without even Internet connectivity offer a young man?
To make matters worse, Jairaj, Ayan’s domineering father has his own plans and is determined to have his way. Soon, Ayan has to come to terms with the hard realities of life and the blindness of greed as he and Gopal Shanker learn that life can sometimes unravel in unanticipated ways.
A young man, whose life lies ahead of him. An old man, whose life is all in the past. And a few months that change everything. A Hundred Little Flames is a charming account of a relationship across generations and also a meditative look at the issues of old people.
Preeti Shenoy’s foray into new fictional terrain is an absolute triumph!
Preeti Shenoy, among the top five highest selling authors in India (Source: Nielsen scan) is also on the Forbes longlist of the most influential celebrities in India. She is the highest selling woman writer in India.India Today has named her as being unique for being the only woman in the best-selling league. Her second book ‘Life is what you make it ‘continues to top the best-selling charts and has been translated to several languages including Turkish . Her third ‘Tea for two and a piece of cake’ made it to the top five best-selling Indian fiction of 2012. Her fourth, ‘The Secret wish list’ was among the top ten fiction of 2013. Her fifth, ‘The One You Cannot Have’ debuted at No.2 on the Nielsen list. The sixth ‘It happens for a Reason’ was out in December 2014 and has been on the Nielsen top ten, every week, since it’s release.Her seventh book ‘Why We love The Way We Do’ was among the top five best selling non-fiction books of 2015.
She has been awarded the Academia award for Business Excellence by the New Delhi Institute of Management, which is given to distinguished professionals for innovative best practices for their contribution to their field that adds to India’s International and national reputation.
She has also given several talks in many educational institutions such as IITs and IIMs and many corporate organisations like KPMG, Infosys and Accenture. She is also an artist specialising in portraiture.
She has a very popular blog and she also writes a weekly column in The Financial Chronicle. She had a huge online following and is very active on the social media. Her other interests are travel, photography and Ashtanga yoga.
Preeti Shenoy is an author who is very special for many reasons. One, she was one of the first few Indian authors I had read. Two, a lot of blogger friends I have today are people I met on her blog in the contests during book releases. And three, when I first got published in an anthology my name was alongside hers. She is an inspiration for every blogger aspiring to be published writer.
I will honest here in adding that I stopped reading her a couple of years ago as I felt she was getting repetitive in her books. I have always felt that when you go back to reading an author after a break, many times you are able to enjoy their work more than before. And with this intention I picked this for review as I felt she has gone out of her usual writing style to try something different.
I need to add here that I totally appreciate the unique marketing ideas of Team Westland. They always manage to surprise me with their concepts. So for this tale of love and longing they have sent along a handwritten letter by the author in invisible ink which when held near the flames becomes visible. I was smiling all day long after reading that letter.
Let’s start with what works for me in this book;
I loved the way she tried highlighting the neglected state of aged people. The story is an attempt to make us look at them, more as human beings than just as our parents or grandparents. There is a certain honesty in the story which reflects all throughout the book and that is truly heartwarming. Preeti Shenoy is someone who understands the intricacies of human relationships well and each of her story brings out yet another beautiful aspect of it. This book is one such attempt.
The descriptions are brilliant. The beauty of Kerala and Pondicherry are so well captured in those words that it felt like a picture tour at more than one places. The twists in the plot are well planted and ensure that the reader is on tenterhooks till the last page. Excitement, joy, fear, shock and sympathy – I underwent all these and much more emotions while reading the book. By the time I finished the book my mind was in a daze mulling over the ending and thinking of all the ‘what if’ scenarios.
Families have lot of dirty secrets, most of them well hidden away from prying eyes. It is only when we grow up that we are able to see their murkiness. I enjoyed the way the author brought this murkiness to the foray without actually playing the blame game. Instead of declaring anyone as the culprit and the other as victim, she has left it on the reader to conclude after reading the book. As a reader, it is thrilling to imagine the various causes and reasons behind the acts and reactions of these characters.
It is interesting to read how one individual shares so many different relationships and rapports within a family for reasons unknown. Starting from a household help to a cousin who lives miles away, connections are made just through the heart. There is no logic that drives these feelings. There is a certain poignancy , the author always manages to bring to her stories when talking about relationships. And that is true even in this case. Certain passages and diary entries are deeply moving beyond words and give you a glimpse of a what a beautiful and fulfilling relationship looks like. With lucid language that is easy to decipher and connect, the author manages to touch a chord with the reader in more than one ways.
Preeti Shenoy’s forte has always been strong women characters who have fought against the odds to carve a niche for themselves despite everything in life. That is reflected clearly in the character of Rohini. Rohini comes across as strong, resilient and a go-getter. She is one character I could not only relate to but also associate the author’s previous writings with. Rohini is well articulated, well defined, layered and is one person who stays with the reader throughout the book… and perhaps ever after that. Rohini is inspiring in more than one ways.
Now, coming to what did not work for me;
For starters I think the cover and blurb could have been more catchy. They don’t do justice to the story inside. Ayan and Gopal Shanker are the pivotal characters in the book and yet unfortunately their characters don’t come alive in the narrative. I am someone who likes visual imagery while reading and I was little disappointed over the fact that these two had no descriptions.
Many loose ends in the plot left me feeling lost at times as I wanted to know about it all. But perhaps it was a style of writing to excite the reader and make it a page turning read, which it undoubtedly was. I also feel the length of the book could have been shorter, like in the sense there were many scenes which could have been done away with. The book could have been crispier making it more exciting. The number of typo and grammatical errors apart from editing lapses was a huge let down, especially coming from a reputed publishing house.
However, having said all of the above , this book is enjoyable in bits and pieces. People who understand the fragile nature of human relationships, will truly appreciate this book.
“A Hundred Little Flames” by Preeti Shenoy is a heartwarming, emotionally charged novel that explores themes of family, loss, healing, and the complexities of relationships. Known for her insightful portrayal of human emotions, Shenoy weaves a touching story that resonates with readers and delves into the intricacies of love, grief, and personal growth.
About the Author:
Preeti Shenoy is a bestselling Indian author, recognized for her emotionally engaging stories that often explore relationships, mental health, and personal growth. Shenoy’s writing is known for its relatability, depth of emotion, and engagement with real-life issues. Her other popular works include “The Secret Wish List”, “Life Is What You Make It”, and “The One You Cannot Have”.
Overview of the Book:
“A Hundred Little Flames” is the story of Nidhi, a middle-aged woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing after the sudden death of her husband, Aakash. The novel takes the readers through Nidhi’s emotional journey as she grapples with her loss, attempts to make sense of her life without her husband, and begins to confront her past and the truths that she had been avoiding.
The novel is structured around Nidhi’s return to her ancestral home in a small coastal village, a place that holds memories of her childhood, her relationship with her family, and her marriage. As Nidhi revisits the past and comes to terms with the emotional scars of her life, she encounters a series of memories, conversations, and people who help her rediscover herself.
Through Nidhi’s interactions with the people in her life and her introspective moments, Shenoy explores deep family dynamics, including the bond between mother and daughter, the nature of marital relationships, and how grief can shape one’s journey of healing. The narrative is as much about letting go and embracing change as it is about accepting the things that one cannot control.
The title of the book, “A Hundred Little Flames”, symbolizes the small, but significant, moments in life that ignite change and spark new beginnings. The book focuses on how even in times of grief, there are tiny sparks of hope, happiness, and healing that can guide one through difficult times.
Key Themes:
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Grief and Healing:
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One of the central themes in “A Hundred Little Flames” is the process of grief and how one copes with loss. Nidhi’s journey of grieving her husband’s death and learning to live without him forms the backbone of the story. The novel reflects how grief can be all-consuming but also how time, reflection, and acceptance can gradually lead to healing.
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Self-Discovery:
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The book explores the theme of self-discovery as Nidhi, who has been defined by her relationship with her husband, embarks on a journey of rediscovering herself. Through her experiences, she learns about her own strengths, desires, and the importance of living for herself rather than just for others.
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Love and Relationships:
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Shenoy delves into the complexities of love in its many forms. The book examines romantic love, parent-child relationships, and the love that grows through adversity. Through Nidhi’s relationships with her mother, daughter, and other family members, Shenoy reflects on how love can shape, transform, and heal.
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The Past and Acceptance:
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The novel looks at the role of family secrets and the past in shaping one’s present life. As Nidhi returns to her ancestral home, she confronts family dynamics and memories she had long ignored. The story explores how accepting the past and reconciling with it can lead to a sense of peace.
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The Power of Small Moments:
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The title of the book itself hints at the power of small, seemingly insignificant moments in life that can bring about profound changes. These “hundred little flames” represent moments of connection, reflection, and realization that lead to growth.
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Writing Style:
Preeti Shenoy’s writing in “A Hundred Little Flames” is elegant, gentle, and emotionally resonant. She has a talent for describing human emotions in a way that makes them relatable and authentic. The narrative is rich in internal monologue, allowing readers to connect deeply with Nidhi’s emotional journey and experiences.
The pacing of the novel is thoughtful, giving the characters time to develop and the plot to unfold gradually. While the book is centered around Nidhi’s personal journey, Shenoy also beautifully captures the emotional landscapes of the other characters, particularly through their interactions with Nidhi.
The tone of the book is reflective, heartfelt, and occasionally poignant, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories about love, loss, and self-realization. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to grow with the protagonist, experiencing her moments of despair and growth, leading to a satisfying and hopeful conclusion.
Reception:
“A Hundred Little Flames” has been well-received by readers for its relatable themes, emotional depth, and uplifting message. Fans of Preeti Shenoy’s previous work will appreciate the continuity of her focus on the human experience and the psychological journey that characters undergo when faced with life’s challenges.
Critics have praised the book for its subtle exploration of grief and personal transformation, as well as for Shenoy’s ability to bring her characters to life in a way that resonates with readers. The book has been recommended to readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction with emotional depth and a focus on personal growth.
Conclusion:
“A Hundred Little Flames” by Preeti Shenoy is a poignant and heartwarming tale about overcoming loss, finding healing, and embracing the beauty of self-discovery. It is a book about the power of love, family, and small moments that can shape one’s life in meaningful ways. With its rich emotional core and beautifully crafted characters, the novel offers a hopeful message to anyone dealing with grief or looking to find themselves after life’s challenges.
If you are looking for an emotional, reflective read that explores themes of healing, family, and personal growth, this book is a must-read. It is a beautiful reminder that even in the most painful moments, there are small sparks of hope that can guide us forward.