Book Review: An Unusual Honeymoon by Mamta Kashyap

 

Name of the book: An Unusual Honeymoon

Name of the Author: Mamta Kashyap

Publisher: Notion Press

Number of pages: 158

Price: ₹ 79 (Kindle version)

The book opens with a scene where Mahasweta, a highly ambitious woman, is seen at an Inn, on her honeymoon...Alone. so clearly, she has been betrayed by her fiancé but she, as a proud, independent woman, decided to go on her honeymoon without a partner. However, this honeymoon has a purpose.

There she meets a man whom she actually wanted to meet (remember the purpose?). She has a deal to offer, she thought he couldn't refuse but guess what? He has a bigger and bolder deal to offer!

So what's Mahasweta's purpose and what's the deal? To know that, you will have to read the book.

Okay, the basic plot is a little different and interesting but the execution, the incidents are pretty predictable and clichéd. This is not really a complain because despite the clichéd/predictable story, it was an entertaining read. 

I liked the writing style. It's engaging. And humorous, at times. The story has been told from Mahasweta's point of view and the narration has a conversational tone, which helps you connect with the protagonist more easily. 

The characters are interesting. I liked Mahasweta's character. She is strong, independent, impulsive, bold, and yet thoughtful and caring. I liked Rahul. He's handsome, passionate about his work, sensitive and sensible. And I liked their chemistry and conversations. There are several other characters and they all have their own part to play. 

The cover looks lovely.

Now, things that bothered me. It gets too clichéd, even cheeky in the last few chapters. I didn't really like the planning thing (planned by Naani), especially when Sweta decides er.. plans to take Rahul to her most loved place. I didn't like the 'effort' to show her sensitive side. It deserved to happen by chance, not by effort, in my personal opinion.

She thinks, 'I was not doing this to score  a brownie point.' and I was like, 'of course, you are!' 

Sweta speaks to her inner voice, which is totally fine, but again, it's too much, sometimes long paragraphs. And the repetitive use of 'Sweta/Mahasweta' (while she's talking to herself) gets a bit annoying, after some point.

(Self-talk)

'Shut up, Mahasweta. Don’t take out your anger on him.'

'Hold on to this feeling, Sweta. Hold on to this.'

'Yes Sweta, that’s right!'

'Yes, be cool Sweta. Be cool.'

'See Sweta, this is the glow of love!'

So, you know what I mean. 

Talking about the glow of love: it's a love story, and it's an entertaining love story, however I felt the depth was missing. Maybe because it seems rushed. And too easy and convenient. Right from the first encounter to the ending. And I didn't get the epilogue, I felt it was unnecessary.

Overall, it was a nice, interesting and easy read. If you're looking for something light to read and if you enjoy love story, you can certainly pick this book. 

I received this book from Writersmelon for an honest review.