The readers always appreciate uniqueness. It's a risk an author takes to catch the attention of the readers. Not many authors have the guts to do this, and when they do, its often criticised as an 'incorrect form of writing". The distinct way of writing that D.R Downer has shown in his novel THE TIME IS NOW is worth acknowledging. The protagonist is Abhilash Banerjee; a 45-year-old, army Major turned bookstore owner who is lost in the world of books to forget his painful past. Then one day a young girl, Nainika, visits him and turns his world upside down.
In the following sentence, the author has taken a card from creative liberty.
The first question that comes to my mind is Who is Nainika? Should I blame the format for this or my curiousness to go on that made me ignore this slight hitch? Then Nainika starts taking shape.
This book reminds me of the days when Amol Palekar's movies were popular. Soothing. The pace is well set and, the writer guides the characters around the plot without too much noise. Not too many things are happening yet you want to know how they all are connected to each other. Perfect. And this pace was maintained till the end.
A book owner, a salesman and a young girl who walks in to buy a book are somehow related to each other. How? This makes the plot very interesting. And before the 4th character walks in - you start making calculated guesses. The writer has managed to hold on to the interest of the readers till the last page. I couldn't believe when the story ended.
What could have been better
The book cover. Even if the silhouette of the couple carries the essence of the story on its shoulders, the fonts etc does not give it a professional look. And such a story deserves a professionally made cover.
As I close this book, I keep the flavor of old romance with me. The old world charm which romances were once famous for can be found in the pages of this book. Keep on writing Mr. Downer. You have a fan here.
Recommended for all romance readers.
In the following sentence, the author has taken a card from creative liberty.
"Scene changes to the storefront, where Nainika walks in....."
The first question that comes to my mind is Who is Nainika? Should I blame the format for this or my curiousness to go on that made me ignore this slight hitch? Then Nainika starts taking shape.
This book reminds me of the days when Amol Palekar's movies were popular. Soothing. The pace is well set and, the writer guides the characters around the plot without too much noise. Not too many things are happening yet you want to know how they all are connected to each other. Perfect. And this pace was maintained till the end.
A book owner, a salesman and a young girl who walks in to buy a book are somehow related to each other. How? This makes the plot very interesting. And before the 4th character walks in - you start making calculated guesses. The writer has managed to hold on to the interest of the readers till the last page. I couldn't believe when the story ended.
What could have been better
The book cover. Even if the silhouette of the couple carries the essence of the story on its shoulders, the fonts etc does not give it a professional look. And such a story deserves a professionally made cover.
"All three of them stand up and hug each other, crying hoarsely."Such lines could have been finetuned which I know the author can if he has this kind of power with his words.
As I close this book, I keep the flavor of old romance with me. The old world charm which romances were once famous for can be found in the pages of this book. Keep on writing Mr. Downer. You have a fan here.
Recommended for all romance readers.
I thank you, Rubina, for your kind words of encouragement. I shall try to work on the points you highlighted.
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