That Autumn In Awadh - Review

Young, impetuous and drawn to each other like gnats to resin, Samar Solanki and Sara Shergill try, furiously, to avoid falling in love, but, slowly succumb.

All hell breaks loose as Samar’s conservative Rajput family swears vendetta, locking Samar away, on the eve of their clandestinely-planned wedding. They vow to eliminate Sara, the audacious girl who has dreamt of sullying their pedigreed lineage, from Samar’s life. 

Through that lonely autumn in Awadh, bereft of hope, fettered and helpless, the star-crossed lovers cling to the faith they have in each other, as they brave many storms together.

This novel about love is peppered, generously, with the author’s characteristic droll wit as  it traipses through sensational turns of events that keep you absorbed till the very end.

About the Author

Rachna Singh writes for the love of capturing those funny blurbs that pop out of her head all day, into stories that enthrall. A Master in Psychology, Rachna has worked in the corporate space for over 15 years, and now works as a consultant, balancing family and her writing along with her work.

Rachna made her debut as a writer in 2011 with a rib-tickling novel on anecdotal humour called ‘Dating, Diapers and Denial’, which received rave reviews. She switched gears to write on the ever-enigmatic relationship called marriage in her second book, ‘Nuptial Knots’.

She belongs to Allahabad, and lives, currently, in Bangalore, with her husband and their two children.

www.rachnasingh.net

When a love story comes calling, you know you are in for some sweet and savory moments, dolloped with bits of thrills and scares, and a conclusion that can either be full of smiles or lead you to tears. The basic theme of a love story is more or less the same, with just a few differences. However, what matters is the execution, the characterization and the plot, and how the writer uses these factors in the context of the story. Is the author able to capture your attention, and hold it till the very last, or does the story loses its track and you slumber your way out? Writing a romance isn't difficult, but penning down a good romantic story definitely is.

And for this reason I would give full marks to Rachna Singh for concocting a beautiful love story in the form of ‘The Autumn in Awadh’. Samar belonging to a conservative Rajput family falls in love with Sara, a Christian, their relationship progressing gradually and steadily, until Sara pops up the question of marriage, and then, they realize they are not destined to be together with religion playing barrier in the desires of their hearts. It’s this confusion and turmoil that strengthen the plot, the inconsistency in their thoughts often leading to circumstances sad and unfortunate, but very practical. Their love is true, and there is no question of lack of commitment between the protagonists, but then destiny has planned something else for them, and they fall prey to it. Do they survive, or is their love lost forever? Read the book, and you will know.

Read this book you must, and I can give you several reasons for that. The narration is lucid and fluent, and you do not find yourself stuck at any point. What makes it all the more convenient is the characterization. Sara and Samar are those two real people who you know and have met sometime in your life. Perhaps, a part of them may also be existing within you. Samar is strong, calm and composed, and so is Sara. They cling on to each other, at times good and bad, supporting themselves and their relationship that doesn't seem to have an easy definition. Those stolen kisses, the love-struck glances, and the unending wait of being with your loved ones, and then the pain of separation, every emotion is so beautifully carved out and reflected that you do not find anything amiss. The pieces fall perfectly in place, bringing with them new twists and turns and you try to fathom what would be happening next. Rachna has used her words well, making the book come alive and leading to an effective visualization.

However, I found the end a bit abrupt, as if the brakes were suddenly applied to a car that was running swiftly on a wide road. The conclusion was appropriate, no doubt about that, but I would have liked it more if the author had taken her time on this part and made it look smoother. Somehow, I felt that the last chapter could have been more descriptive, reflecting more on the mind-set of the protagonists along with the happenings.

Nevertheless, ‘That Autumn in Awadh’ does capture your heart. It’s a love story that rises to your expectations, with Sara and Samar leaving a lasting impression on your mind.

Title: That Autumn in Awadh

Authors: Rachna Singh

Publisher: Alchemy Publishers

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Romance

No. of Pages: 258

Price: Rs 200

My Rating: 4/5