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suze_1624's review
4.0
This fulfils the Warmest Wishes by being set ‘Down Under’ where christmas is hot!
A strong 3.5* for good writing and an interesting topic!
A new to me author, and this was a very compelling story with lots of emotions too.
Kris and Arjuna have obviously been together a while and as it turns out, on Arjuna’s terms as he has to remain closeted for his family and therefore so to does Kris.
The catalyst for change is the impending Tulsi Vivah festival but which means Arjuna bowing to his parents wishes for an arranged marriage - Kris has to go, omg all the feels!
Whilst I enjoyed Kris and the tulsi (basil) plant and trying to revive her and his talks with Tricia and his part in the play, this part of the story is quite detailed and needs concentration! But I definitely learned things.
Arjuna in the meantime is slowly being strangled by expectations, as is his wife to be. So this then becomes how to be yourself and still please others - whilst knowing the easy route, Arjuna definitely gets kudos for sticking with the route planned for him - but glad he broke away!
A strong 3.5* for good writing and an interesting topic!
A new to me author, and this was a very compelling story with lots of emotions too.
Kris and Arjuna have obviously been together a while and as it turns out, on Arjuna’s terms as he has to remain closeted for his family and therefore so to does Kris.
The catalyst for change is the impending Tulsi Vivah festival but which means Arjuna bowing to his parents wishes for an arranged marriage - Kris has to go, omg all the feels!
Whilst I enjoyed Kris and the tulsi (basil) plant and trying to revive her and his talks with Tricia and his part in the play, this part of the story is quite detailed and needs concentration! But I definitely learned things.
Arjuna in the meantime is slowly being strangled by expectations, as is his wife to be. So this then becomes how to be yourself and still please others - whilst knowing the easy route, Arjuna definitely gets kudos for sticking with the route planned for him - but glad he broke away!
claudia_is_reading's review
3.0
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story, and truly enjoyed the dream-like quality of some of its passages.
But I spent almost the whole story despising Arjuna. First, what he does is pure cowardice. He's lying to everybody: his parents, his fiancé, and, worst of all, himself. If you believe in something, and you are really decided to commit your life to some belief, you won't do a detour that contradicts them, and in doing so, drag other people into misery. If you can't do it in the light, don't do it, period. He finally stops lying, but...
Anyway, I liked very much all the cultural background; I liked Kris, and his struggle to cope and to understand Arjuna's decision. I liked Tricia and her serenity. And I really pity Sharanya and how unhappy her life makes her (but, again, choice).
So, I liked the story, but the romance is not my cup of tea. I like better when the angst is brought by external factors and not one of the MC :P
I liked the story, and truly enjoyed the dream-like quality of some of its passages.
But I spent almost the whole story despising Arjuna. First, what he does is pure cowardice. He's lying to everybody: his parents, his fiancé, and, worst of all, himself. If you believe in something, and you are really decided to commit your life to some belief, you won't do a detour that contradicts them, and in doing so, drag other people into misery. If you can't do it in the light, don't do it, period. He finally stops lying, but...
Anyway, I liked very much all the cultural background; I liked Kris, and his struggle to cope and to understand Arjuna's decision. I liked Tricia and her serenity. And I really pity Sharanya and how unhappy her life makes her (but, again, choice).
So, I liked the story, but the romance is not my cup of tea. I like better when the angst is brought by external factors and not one of the MC :P
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