It's Never Too Late - Review

In a nation where most women are taught to be submissive at every stage in life, Maya stands out. In a society that finds fault in women for heinous crimes like rape, Maya stands up. Maya and Rajat fall in love while they study at IIT Kanpur, their daughter Sejal only makes the bond stronger even after years of marriage. Life is almost perfect when two petty criminals decide to make her fairy tale life a tale of horror and fear with their intention of molesting her. Will she be able to fight her fate while Rajat is away and save herself and her five-year-old? Will she be able to undo all stereotypes and face the male-dominated society after that fateful night? Will Rajat stand up with her as she decides to battle her fears and take the culprits to their just punishment? Its Never Too Late is a story of every woman who decides to fight her fears and even destiny of every human who chooses the right over the easy of every wife who shoulders all responsibilities of the house and of every mother who is unwavering in her resolve to ensure that her daughter grows up in a safer world.

About the Author

Priyanka Baranwal is a freelance writer, poet and blogger. She is a science graduate and a diploma holder in Teacher Training and Textile Designing. She has been a well-appreciated teacher and has also worked with an NGO in Bangalore. She loves music, literature, writing and travelling. Originally from Mirzapur (U.P.), Its Never Too Late is her debut novel.

‘It’s Never Too Late’ isn’t just a story, or a fiction that you can read in leisure and keep away on your bookshelves; rather it’s a tale, an inspiration, of standing tall and fighting against adversity, facing blows and yet not being unfazed by them. It’s a depiction of bravery, nudging you to follow suit and get rid of your worst enemy – Fear.

We all have that inherent sense of fear playing in our subconscious; fear that can paralyze us and ruin our happiness. How often have we fallen prey to the lure of avoiding the fearful path and instead settling for an easier alternative? However, that never helps in the long run. Only if one can eradicate this sense of fear from one’s mind and soul can life become bigger and more beautiful.

Maya and Rajat’s friendship blossoms while they are studying together in IIT-Kanpur. As they spend more time together, their easy camaraderie paves way to love. They take a while to realize their true feelings, but once they do, they get married amidst promises and hope of a blissful life with each other. Their daughter, Sejal, accentuates their happiness and they are now a perfect family, full of love and care for each other.

However, things take a darker turn on that fateful night when Rajat leaves Maya and Sejal to attend the wedding of his sister. In the creepy silence of the night, two men enter her house, evil intent lurking in their eyes, as they attempt to molest her, and eventually try to kill her and Sejal. A night full of horror and monstrous immorality clutches hold of Maya; but then, the magical words enter her mind – ‘It’s Never Too Late’, and hereon, she starts controlling her fear, and shows immense grit and determination to come out into the light.

This book poses a flurry of questions, the doubts burning in the mind like an unexplored terrain. Rape is the fastest growing crime in the country, and incidentally, the society as a whole has still not been able to curb this heinous act. There has been laws, amendments and what not, but violence against women is still on the rise, and that in itself is a shameful feature of this ‘modern’ world where we live in.

Priyanka Baranwal shines on her debut, weaving a plot that coherently deals with the different dimensions of life and fear, and how the hurdles can be overcome with faith and love. Through numerous instances in the book, the author has highlighted the plight of several victims of such brutality, and how they now live in denial and a sense of hopelessness. Priyanka, through her protagonist Maya, gives a clear message of accepting your fear, and then getting rid of them.

The characters are very real, and you can easily relate to them. Rajat, Maya and Sejal are the pillars of support to each other, and it’s the beautiful love existing between them that helps the three in aiding to their wounds. As a reader, my heart goes out to all three of them, and especially to Sejal, for everything that they had to face. Through this fiction, Priyanka has unveiled the naked truth of crime that’s so dominant in our society now.

This book is a motivation, and a story of bravery, faith and courage, to be read by readers, both men and women, ‘cause fear, of any kind, is rooted deep within all of us. It’s never too late to take the first step against fear, and once you start fighting against your fear, you will explore new dimensions in your life.

Do pick up a copy, read, and get inspired. After all, it’s never too late to live with your head held high, sans all fear.

Title: It's Never Too Late

Author: Priyanka Baranwal

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Publication Year: 2014

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction

No. of Pages: 192

Price: Rs 150

My Rating: 4/5