Book Review : The Hidden letters by Purba Chakraborty

                                                    Book         : The Hidden Letters
                                                    Author      : Purba Chakraborty
                                                    Publisher : Bluejay Books
                                                    Pages       : 189
                                                    Price         : INR 150

Background - The hidden letters is the second novel by author Purba Chakraborty. Her first book dealt with inter-personal relations of a young girl and her quest to find her soul-mate among two persons both of whom love her and have impacted her life in some way. In this book also the main character is a woman but of an older age, who is searching for inner peace in her life.

Storyline - The story begins with the main character Anaya Chatterjee winning an award for her writing and her 18 year old daughter who idolizes her mother is extremely happy and excited. 

They are so many details in the first few chapters that you should be really attentive while reading them, the book is not like a normal love story which is filled be romanticism but it actually touches higher emotional chords. 

In a chance encounter, Anaya  meets someone from her past which makes her re-live all her old memories. These memories are directly related to a deep secret which has been keeping from her husband and her daughter. The secrets which are written in letters. 

The story takes a few defining turns and covers a wide spectrum of emotions while reaching towards it's end.

The book can be summed up in author's own words -

"It is not feasible to understand a women when she is living three roles at the same time...a wife, a mother and a woman.The tremendous catastrophe that hits her life compels her to stand by one character out of the three"

Merits - The most important point is that the book is not covering superficial interactions which you find in many books these days but it covers some deep rooted emotions.

Secondly, I really liked the psychological aspects that are covered in the book, the characters analyzing the situations actually made the story more authentic.

What is the requirement of this worthless life when I have nothing to deal in life but separation ? Am I worthy of being loved and treasured by anyone ?

Another important thing to find in this book was that the main character is a strong and financially independent women who is not one dimensional character but who also loves her family and have a vulnerable side as well.

"I am a human and I have made mistakes; but that does not mean I am bad at heart. I have tried to be a good wife and a good mother all my life, but maybe have ended up being a selfish women to reach here."

Reader will find some parts of the book poetic but to add a flavour, the author has actually added poems in it, here are a few lines from one of the poems -

love me like you love the word "Love"
Sublime, pure and so divine;

I will love you like I love my own Life
Just want to whisper you these ten words before I die!

Demerits - This book actually delivers more than what is expected from it. It actually leaves a lasting impression on you and will make you think even after you end up reading it. I actually read it twice before writing this review. 

Being a critic, it is my right to point some facts in this book but  it's a personal opinion and I think women reading this book may not agree with me but I felt the character of the husband was not as strong as the main character. Except this there is nothing to complain about.

Verdict - This is actually a must read for anyone who wants to read a heart-felt touching story. I think women should read this book because it actually shows a strong and financially independent women who is not just a one dimensional character but also loves her family and has a vulnerable side.  

The unfolding of the secrets of the hidden letters and the emotional repercussions that Anaya face makes it a must read.

Rating - 5 out of 5 stars   (Though I was suspicious when other reviewers gave it 5 star but the book totally deserves it)

                                        Buy this book - NOW