Keeping the Promises - Book Review

Title: Keeping the Promises 

Author: Dhruv Gajjar

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

ISBN: 978-93-82665-51-9

Number of Pages: 185

Price: 195 [INR]

Genre: Fiction

The Blurb:

No one, not even god can write a perfect end for you! Unless he is dying. 

Mighty and irreplaceable as they are, words are lethal weapons that change lives… by sometimes linking two hearts and sometimes shattering everything irreparably. 

But when they are woven into promises, the change lasts forever. 

He had almost lost himself when she brought him back to life with her promises. Dying from a dreadful tumour, every night before they went to sleep, she took a portion of his heart and soul as promises. For better or worse, he'd have to keep the promises for the rest of his life. 

On his journey of fulfilling those promises, his bond is strengthened with all those who, like him, are keeping their promises. 

What were those amusing, surprising and painful promises they all kept? 

Can you live and die…both at the same time? 

Meet the girl who changed the lives of the people she loved, and those who find their true selves in Keeping the Promises.

My Review:

Characters:

       Meet Dhruv. An MBBS student who got admission purely because of his dad's money, fitness freak, nerd and a cool guy with a devil-may-care attitude. He can go to any length to help his friends. Bound by promises he made to his dying girl friend, he is on a mission to bring his life back on track.

       Meet M, the cheerful and bubbly girl, who puts her friends and family's needs before her own happiness. On her death bed, M wants to leave behind her loved ones in a state from where they can carry on with their lives without brooding.

Plot:

       To what lengths will you go to ensure the happiness of someone you love? What would you do if you are left with no choice but to watch the love of your life die in front of your eyes even though you could save them? This is the story of M and Dhruv. M, who is suffering from Neurofibrosarcoma, makes everything in her power to ensure that her loved ones remain happy even after her death and Dhruv, even though belongs to a family of doctors, couldn't get his girl friend treated because she refuses to.

       Dhruv's life changes drastically when he discovers M has Neurofibrosarcoma. He would have lost himself if not for the promises M takes from him every night. Though some of them seem absurd, they does make sense in the end. Discover their journey together as Dhruv narrates their story to her everyday and as they relive those magical moments once again. It is a beautiful love story that will touch your heart and makes you both happy and sad.

Things I Liked:

• The narration is what caught my attention first. Narrated through Nirali's view and then through Dhruv as he writes the novel, it flowed pretty smoothly.
• The suspense as to how Nirali is associated with M kept me curious till the end.
• The small notes with which Dhruv woke M everyday were my favorite. I loved reading these sweet notes.
• The characterization was done well and the side characters were also given equal importance. The way Ansh and Angie's story developed and the way it ended (no I am not including spoilers!) was a treat to read.
• I loved the way emotions were handled throughout the story. There were also many LOL moments in the story which I enjoyed thoroughly.
• From M's stubbornness to her love, from Dhruv's carelessness attitude to his tender nature, M's parents' bonding with Dhruv, Ansh and Angie's love and break up, from Badepapa's threats to Rishi's love for his sister, it made an awesome read.
• There were many flavors to the story - friendship, love, mystery, humor and yes, break ups too and it was a perfect blend of all these.

Things I Disliked:

• I was expecting something more about Nirali and M's association considering how Nirali was scared about Dhruv not talking to her when he finds out the truth. I must say, this was where I was a bit disappointed.
• I couldn't help but hate M sometimes for being so stubborn about the treatment. Though it was for the good, there were some times, when I just hated her for putting Dhruv and others through so much.

Verdict:

       It's not just another cancer patients' lover story; this much I can guarantee you. The story is written and narrated so beautifully that you wouldn't want to stop reading it till the end. One of the most beautiful tale I have read recently. Highly Recommended!

My Rating:

Until the next review,

Keep Reading :)

Love,

Starry Eyed Reader :)