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thebookishelf's review
5.0
It is rare to find a book that has the ability to make the reader look at life through a different lens, forcing us to re-examine our values, prejudices, morals and ethics. 'Dhruv: Love Story of an Alchemist' is such a book that will touch your soul and may change your life.
I was awed by the author Karan Verma's ability to weave a story filled with hope and love, while realistically addressing the not so nice, sometimes ugly, realities of living with a grief. Dhruv by Karan Verma is such a beautiful book. Not beautiful in the literal sense, but everything it symbolizes. It tackles so many themes, and this list of my personal favorites only covers a few: perception and reality, the dreams, past versus present versus future, the morality of the 21st century, etc.
My favorite part of the novel was Dhruv's pursuit of Emma and everything that stood for. Not only is their romance breath-taking and heartstrings-pulling at the literal level, but how Author Karan Verma crafted their connection in such a way to represent their persistent hope yet unattainable goal for the future blew me away. And the ending is always resonating in my head. Those humble and yet magnificent words. Karan Verma created a meaningful and beautiful work without sounding pretentious nor mechanical. A remarkable task. Above all the superficiality of the characters, their strange yet familiar vision of the world, there is a story of love, regret and lost hopes.
Dhruv by Karan Verma is a fantastic story with so many components and a ton to say about life. The characters felt so alive. The setting and the description of Banaras felt familiar. The pace and turns in the plot seemed to call you to jump inside the book. I can not stress enough how touching and beautiful this story is. I would encourage everyone to read this book.
I was awed by the author Karan Verma's ability to weave a story filled with hope and love, while realistically addressing the not so nice, sometimes ugly, realities of living with a grief. Dhruv by Karan Verma is such a beautiful book. Not beautiful in the literal sense, but everything it symbolizes. It tackles so many themes, and this list of my personal favorites only covers a few: perception and reality, the dreams, past versus present versus future, the morality of the 21st century, etc.
My favorite part of the novel was Dhruv's pursuit of Emma and everything that stood for. Not only is their romance breath-taking and heartstrings-pulling at the literal level, but how Author Karan Verma crafted their connection in such a way to represent their persistent hope yet unattainable goal for the future blew me away. And the ending is always resonating in my head. Those humble and yet magnificent words. Karan Verma created a meaningful and beautiful work without sounding pretentious nor mechanical. A remarkable task. Above all the superficiality of the characters, their strange yet familiar vision of the world, there is a story of love, regret and lost hopes.
Dhruv by Karan Verma is a fantastic story with so many components and a ton to say about life. The characters felt so alive. The setting and the description of Banaras felt familiar. The pace and turns in the plot seemed to call you to jump inside the book. I can not stress enough how touching and beautiful this story is. I would encourage everyone to read this book.
tintin_loves_books's review
5.0
Never say never... 'Dhruv: Love Story of an Alchemist' is a breathtaking tale penned down by Karan Verma. Through the pages, we step into the world of Dhruv, prophesied to rise like the brightest star in the night sky, and his journey and trials through love. Shattered dreams, eternal love or betrayal, they all shape a person. Will Dhruv achieve the greatness he is destined for? What exactly is the success his destiny foretells?
It has been months, almost a year, I had read a book that made me cry; this book did it. This novel is no ordinary tale- this is not just the love of an alchemist. It is a journey, so breathtaking and so pure. From the very beginning, I was in tears and as the story progressed, I felt a connection so profound. I have read so many philosophical books in these past few months, but this one book made me feel so whole. I learned things I might not have even thought about and that is the most beautiful thing about this book.
It has philosophies that aren't too difficult to understand, but just as overwhelming. The acknowledgement section of the novel made me realise how the author could write such a heart-warming tale.
Overall, I don't want to give anything away. Even if philosophy isn't your thing, you should try this book. I am so happy that I have read this book at such a trying time.
For more such detailed reviews, check out my bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystic_tales_tintin/
It has been months, almost a year, I had read a book that made me cry; this book did it. This novel is no ordinary tale- this is not just the love of an alchemist. It is a journey, so breathtaking and so pure. From the very beginning, I was in tears and as the story progressed, I felt a connection so profound. I have read so many philosophical books in these past few months, but this one book made me feel so whole. I learned things I might not have even thought about and that is the most beautiful thing about this book.
It has philosophies that aren't too difficult to understand, but just as overwhelming. The acknowledgement section of the novel made me realise how the author could write such a heart-warming tale.
Overall, I don't want to give anything away. Even if philosophy isn't your thing, you should try this book. I am so happy that I have read this book at such a trying time.
For more such detailed reviews, check out my bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystic_tales_tintin/
aanchi3's review
5.0
This book follows the protagonist Dhruv. He was born in Banaras and a very inquisitive child. This banarasi babu falls for Emma. She is not Indian, but holds special love for this country. Dhruv’s love for Emma changes his life. The plot goes on to show all the struggles he had to incur. His trust is broken when his own family cheats him. The book shows a very realistic side of the life. The struggle people have to go through and still stand up tall. Like every other struggler, Dhruv also goes to Mumbai to be a famous writer. He is talented and his work reaches a well known personality. But things turn out to be ugly when he doesn’t get recognition for his hard work. The story is a slow builder. You have to let it take it’s time to reach it’s potential. I enjoyed the descriptive way the author has shown Banaras and has created a beautiful setting. The narration was smooth and the language was lucid. I enjoyed the whole plot and the cover is beautiful as well.
Overall, I rated it a 5/5
Overall, I rated it a 5/5
evereadssapphic's review
3.0
This book started with a little clichè plotline and and most of the scenes were predictable to some extent. Also, as it was a fast-paced story, there were some points where I wished for some more details to read. Sometimes I would re-read some lines to get what actually happened but couldn't grasp the part. I won't say that the characters were not well portrayed but there were times when Dhruv's character irked me.
What I really liked about this book is the narration of the story. I really liked the way the story has been told in a poetic way. Being a poetess myself, I loved reading every line, every phrase of it. Emma's carefree and lively nature was something I could relate to and Dhruv's determination for his ambitions, the pureness of both the characters' heart and their view towards life gave me hope.
The end was something I could've never predicted. It took an intensely major turn and I feel like that's the best thing about a book; attracting readers with the catchy title, giving them the feeling of love, affection, hope and home, writing in poetically beautiful way and ending the story in an unexpected way.
I would definitely recommended this book to everyone who likes to read fast-paced and poetically narrated stories.
What I really liked about this book is the narration of the story. I really liked the way the story has been told in a poetic way. Being a poetess myself, I loved reading every line, every phrase of it. Emma's carefree and lively nature was something I could relate to and Dhruv's determination for his ambitions, the pureness of both the characters' heart and their view towards life gave me hope.
The end was something I could've never predicted. It took an intensely major turn and I feel like that's the best thing about a book; attracting readers with the catchy title, giving them the feeling of love, affection, hope and home, writing in poetically beautiful way and ending the story in an unexpected way.
I would definitely recommended this book to everyone who likes to read fast-paced and poetically narrated stories.
sidreviews's review
5.0
Dhruv-Love Story of an Alchemist has a very interesting plotline. Karan is a master storyteller like his character Dhruv and there is no way the reader can walk away after starting with the story. He creates powerful visuals and enchants the reader into living the story with Dhruv and Emma and that’s the experience once craves for in a good story. A story of pain, suffering and love, it is also the story of how determination and a strong will can change one’s life. The book is a study in how minor details can change the way a story unfolds, and I loved the way in which incidents, that one might dismiss as trivial come back in the end to symbolize the circle of life. The clever and interesting use of the term Alchemist blew my mind away the moment the significance emerges. Journeying this story without getting your eyes moist is something that is not possible and there are many places where you would stop, ponder, smile and move ahead. The climax of the book is beautiful and ironical at the same time and will definitely catch any reader’s attention.
Characters in a story are as important as the plot and this story has a great set of characters. Starting with our protagonist Dhruv, who is indomitable and faces all adversities with a strength that in unparalleled. His transformation from a naughty child to a master storyteller to an entrepreneur and finally to an Alchemist is a learning in itself. Emma as a character complements Dhruv perfectly. Her carefree attitude, unconditional love and empathy is something that adds to the story. The character of Sudama and the Priest were the ones I never expected would play such a critical role in shaping the plot and more so, the life of Dhruv. For that, I bow my hat.
It is a definite recommendation from me to all who love reading love stories. Do give this book a read and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Characters in a story are as important as the plot and this story has a great set of characters. Starting with our protagonist Dhruv, who is indomitable and faces all adversities with a strength that in unparalleled. His transformation from a naughty child to a master storyteller to an entrepreneur and finally to an Alchemist is a learning in itself. Emma as a character complements Dhruv perfectly. Her carefree attitude, unconditional love and empathy is something that adds to the story. The character of Sudama and the Priest were the ones I never expected would play such a critical role in shaping the plot and more so, the life of Dhruv. For that, I bow my hat.
It is a definite recommendation from me to all who love reading love stories. Do give this book a read and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
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