That Deserted Bench | Book Review | Evincepub Publishing

About the author:
She is a simple girl from Jamshedpur, currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree from Netaji Subhas University, Jamshedpur. People said that she speaks less and she needs to be more expressive. Hence she discovered a unique way to be expressive, through writing. Apart from her course and coding, she likes to read and write. This is her first attempt at publishing. Being from a small city, she often experiences a lack of resources but she dreams of achieving big and she will surely make her parents proud.

About the book:

It is a fictional love story with a lot of inspiration. Where a boy named Nivaan encounters Various ups and downs in his life. Just like all other youngsters who dream to achieve something in their life. Nivaan fights hard to fulfill his dreams but fails to do so Every time until he finds a girl named Vedika who inspires him to achieve his goals. This story is all about the passion for dreams and always being determined to earn what you desire. It also conveys a message that we only have one single life and it is our responsibility to make it beautiful.

Book Review

“That Deserted Bench” is a story of dreams, aspirations, emotions, relationships, and longing. The protagonist Nivaan is a young man who has a clear vision of his aim in life. He is a dreamer and becoming a good writer is his dream. Like every parent, Nivaan’s father wanted him to pursue Engineering and later settle down. But Nivaan was never interested in the field of Engineering. In every situation, Nivaan’s grandmother comes a soother. He is very much attached to his grandmother. Her character is written very realistically. I could find traces of my grandmother while reading the book. In this part, the author Ankita has shown very strongly how some parents without knowing to kill their kids’ dreams.

Talking about the female protagonist, Vedika, it indeed apparent that every female reader at some point will definitely relate to their own lives. It is a general tradition of getting away the female child married once she attains a certain age without even her consent and interest. In the story, the author has very strongly explained this point. I really appreciate the author’s sensibility in addressing such delicate issues that coexist with female empowerment. Vedika is a wealthy man’s daughter who is inclined towards working for the poor and needy. Her warm heart is always engaged in the welfare of the people. But she gets a very bleak chance to follow her dreams. However, she accepts her parent’s decisions and joins the institute.

The actual story and chemistry between Nivaan and Vedika start when both of them come to the Institute to fulfill their dreams in parallel while pursuing Engineering. The flare of feelings starts from Nivaan’s side when he accidentally bumps upon Vedika in the institute. The friendship starts with a sweet gesture of apology and ends up with a lifelong promise of being together. Though a teenage story that starts in college, there are many points that talk about life and the ways of leading a quality life. The theme of friendship between Nivaan and his friends is present in a very sweet manner. Also, not every roommate is a bad person is clearly explained by the author showcasing the pure friendship between Vedika and her roommate.

The four years of the Engineering course are filled with fun, love, friendship, sweet nothings, inspiration and tear-jerking moments.  The scene where Nivaan’s grandmother dies and he felt her absence is shown very nicely. The author encompasses the mutual bond of love between the grandparents and grandchildren in an emotional manner. and this is one of the best takeaways.

As always a love story will end up with a happy ending, this story also has a happy ending but which is sensible and educative.

What I like:

1. The relationship between Nivaan and his mother, Nivaan and his grandmother is very sweet.

2. The moments where Nivaan feels close to Vedika are described very neatly.
3. Nowhere in the story, there are moments of absurdity or negligence though the characters are very young in age.

4. The subtle romance which is as sweet as honey is showcased very nicely.

Characters:
All the characters are written very nicely. Nivaan’s character is written with good strength that reflects today’s younger generation who wants to live up to their dreams. Vedika’s character is written with much clarity who reflects a woman’s life that is being already plucked in the patriarchal society.

Narration:
The narration is smooth and clear without any confusion. It almost reflects every person’s teenage or young adult life.

Language & Grammar:

Easy language and normal grammar simple vocabulary the story is a fast read.

My Final Verdict: 3/5