Introduction

• ·         ISBN # 978-8-184-00420-5
• ·         Genre: Fiction/Romance
• ·         Publishers: Random House India
• ·         Price: Rs. 125/- (I got this book from the publisher requesting for a review)

Yet another love story! I exclaim as I begin reading this book. The points which attracted me to this book were Blackberry plays cupid here (Now this is interesting!!) the cover page is too beautiful and mushy. I love love stories and of course in today’s times when face book plays a huge role in creating love stories “It started with a friend request” definitely sounded alluring.

Behind The book

 Why don’t we feel the moment when we fall in love but always remember when it ends?

About the author

Sudeep Nagarkar has a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and is currently pursuing  management studies from Welingkar Institute of Management. You can know more about him here.

Me thinks

Off late the market has been flooded with young Indian authors churning out bestsellers after bestsellers. To be honest this is my first read by this author though he has written two books before this which are best sellers.

When this book was in the review list my first thought was to add it to my list as the other books I had selected were kind of a heavy read and I needed a light read to balance it off somewhere. And I was not disappointed. This is a nicely written light read which leaves you with a pleasant feeling after you have completed reading it.

The story is about Akash and Aleesha, two youngsters who meet in a discotheque and experience love at first sight. Major portion of the book is about their love story, how it progresses, the proposal, the first kiss, the first fight, the making up etc etc.

The story is about Aleesha and Kritika – Soul sisters cum best friends cum roommates

The story is about Akash and Aditya – Best friends till death do us apart.

The story is also about Tamanna and Deep – with the former being the latter’s boss. Alternate chapters have portions where Tamanna’s one sided love for Deep touches you deeply.

The story is about one night – one incident – that changes the lives of all these people along with their loved ones.

As the story progresses you witness Akash’s love, Aleesha’s immature nature, Tamanna’s obsession and Deep’s practicality. You experience the other things that come along with love like hatred, jealousy, insecurity, hurt, anger, passion, joy and loads of other similar things.

I loved the poems which Tamanna had written for Deep for they were too deep and profound. They show how deeply she felt for him which finally turned into an obsession for her. I also admired the way Akash dealt with his relationship issues with Aleesha.

The author has managed to create a very good romantic ambience in terms of the description and the language of the book. The flow of the story is very smooth and at places I was smiling reading the romantic lines. Having been working in the corporate world I could relate to the turmoil mentioned by both Tamanna and Deep, for it is what really happens in today’s times. I enjoyed the characters a lot as they seemed to be so relatable. They could easily be any one of today’s youth.

At some places I found the love making scenes out of context. I mean that scene could have done the same or perhaps better without it. Over all a decent read, recommended for people who enjoy light reads and prefer romance as a genre.

It Started with a Friend Request by Sudeep Nagarkar is a contemporary romance novel that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and relationships in the digital age. Sudeep Nagarkar is known for his young adult fiction, which often deals with themes of modern relationships, emotional struggles, and the journey of self-discovery. This particular novel captures the dynamics of love that blossoms through social media and virtual interactions, but also delves into the real-world consequences of those relationships.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Aarav and Riya, two individuals who meet on a social media platform. Aarav is an easy-going guy with a carefree attitude, while Riya is a more reserved and independent woman. Their connection begins when Aarav sends a friend request to Riya, and the story unfolds through their online interactions that soon evolve into something more meaningful.

Initially, their friendship is simple and filled with the joy of getting to know each other. However, as they spend more time communicating, their bond deepens into love. The story traces their emotional journey as they navigate the challenges that come with a relationship that starts online and moves into the real world. The novel explores themes like trust, vulnerability, and the complications of balancing online and offline identities.

As the relationship progresses, both Aarav and Riya face personal challenges and misunderstandings that test their love for each other. Aarav’s easy-going nature contrasts with Riya’s more serious and reserved personality, creating friction in their relationship. The tension builds as they both try to figure out what they want from each other and how to navigate their feelings amid family expectations, social pressures, and personal insecurities.

The story is filled with emotional highs and lows, with the characters learning about love, sacrifice, and the importance of trust in relationships.

Themes

1. Digital Relationships: One of the central themes of the novel is the way relationships are formed in the digital age. The connection between Aarav and Riya begins on a social media platform, and their interactions explore how virtual connections can turn into real-life emotions. The novel reflects on the growing importance of online platforms in forming relationships, especially among young people.

2. Love and Vulnerability: At the heart of the story is the theme of love. Aarav and Riya’s relationship is built on trust, but as it deepens, they are forced to confront their vulnerabilities. The book explores the idea that love requires emotional openness and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another.

3. Trust and Misunderstandings: As with many romantic relationships, It Started with a Friend Request delves into the role of trust and the inevitable misunderstandings that can arise. Both Aarav and Riya face situations where their trust in each other is challenged, and they must figure out how to rebuild it.

4. Self-Discovery: The journey of self-discovery is another important theme in the novel. Both Aarav and Riya are at different points in their lives, and their relationship helps them learn more about themselves. The process of navigating love, personal expectations, and external pressures helps them grow as individuals.

5. Family and Societal Expectations: Throughout the book, both characters face societal and familial expectations that add pressure to their budding relationship. Riya, in particular, has to deal with the expectations her family has for her, while Aarav grapples with his own struggles in balancing his personal life with those around him.

6. Youth and Relationships: The novel is set in a college environment, and it touches on the themes of youthful passion, emotional growth, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship while juggling academic pressures and social life. It captures the idealism and intensity of young love, but also the realities that come with it.

Writing Style

Sudeep Nagarkar’s writing is straightforward, making it accessible to young readers, especially those in their teens and early twenties. His style is conversational, with an emphasis on emotional depth and relationship dynamics. The dialogues are easy to follow, and the emotions are conveyed clearly, which helps readers connect with the characters.

While the writing is simple, it effectively conveys the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters, making it an engaging read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. The pacing of the book is quick, keeping the readers engaged throughout, and it doesn’t linger too long on the emotional conflicts, moving towards resolutions without too much delay.

Reception

The novel received a mixed to positive reception. Fans of young adult romance found it to be an engaging and relatable read, particularly for those navigating their own relationships in the digital age. The book’s easy readability and emotional resonance with readers looking for light yet meaningful love stories helped it gain popularity among young adults.

However, some critics found the story to be somewhat predictable, with familiar tropes of love, misunderstandings, and reconciliation. While the characters were relatable, some readers felt that the plot lacked depth or originality in terms of its storytelling.

Conclusion

It Started with a Friend Request is a heartfelt exploration of love in the digital age. Sudeep Nagarkar creates a relatable narrative about how friendships evolve into deeper relationships and the complexities that come with them. The book captures the innocence and excitement of young love while also addressing the challenges of trust, vulnerability, and family expectations.

For readers looking for a light, emotional read that explores the dynamics of modern relationships, It Started with a Friend Request offers an engaging journey through the ups and downs of love.

Would you like to discuss any specific character or part of the plot in more detail?