Book Blurb
The hundred-room house is a rich tapestry of memories and hidden secrets, a dark, forbidding place, rumored to be haunted by a vengeful Yakshi. Propelled by a desire to save their marriage, Divya and Raghav journey to the haunted mansion in search of the mythical Scrolls of Love.
Written five hundred years ago by the banished court poet Shankara, they are fabled to have the power to heal and reignite lost love.
Is this just a legend, or are the couple heading towards a chilling destiny?
Is this just a legend, or are the couple heading towards a chilling destiny?
My Review :
I first read about the novella Unsettled on Indireads and was quite intrigued to say the least. Here is an Indian love story that spoke of love, longing and supernatural as the most natural of things.
After reading the novella I agree with the author that they do indeed go together. The premise of love changing a person and enduring suffering is not new for the path of true love is never easy.
The Yakshi and her magic, the images, and mirages she creates are all spellbinding, lending us an insight into a world we hesitate to enter. This love story with such a scary premise managed to pull me in and kept turning the pages. The love of the Yakshi, the poet Shankara, Divya and her husband Raghav and the love of all the others; some of it selfish and some of it true all come together beautifully in this novella.
I am not sure whether it was the mythical Yakshi’s magic or the love Divya felt for her husband but this tale makes you want more. You want to delve into magical, mythical and melodious world of love. The writing style and poetry add a depth to the novella and substance to the story. Her writing style renders to the scary topic of spirits and witches a lyrical and soulful quality for a pleasant read.
Pick up this book to read about a love that lasts through the centuries and realise that the path of true love is never easy but it does prevail.
The book ends quite fast but managed to tie up all the threads, still I would have liked to read more about Shankara and his many loves…….
For me the story could have been longer; maybe a full-length novel instead of a novella. I might be wrong but I liked the way Neelima Vinod weaved the story of Unsettled so I am eagerly waiting for her next book.
I had requested the author for a copy of the novella in exchange for the review.
The novella can be ordered fro Indireads at the link http://www.indireads.com/ir_author/neelima/
You can read her poetry at http://neelthemuse.wordpress.com Join her writing group at facebook called All Things Writing and follow her on Facebook facebook.com/neelimavinodauthor