Débutante novelist Mohyna Srinivasan launched her novel The House on Mall Road at Crossword Bookstores in New Delhi recently. Published by Penguin Books India, the story takes you on a journey with Parvati, the main protagonist who returns to her childhood home in the army cantonment of Ambala to rediscover her past and herself.
Renowned author Gurcharan Das, who has marvelled the reading community with captivating books like India Unbound and the Elephant Paradigm released the book. Ms. Srinivasan read excerpts from the book.
Announcing the book launch, she remarked, "The story is about loss and retrieval, sprinkled with suspense and surprises. Parvati learns to love herself as she walks on the path of her life while coming to terms with circumstances that alter its course forever. I relate to the character of Parvati in as much as we both come out feeling stronger at the end of the book."
A major event in the novel is the Indo-Pak war in 1971. Interestingly, the book's unique setting offers a glimpse of life in the Indian Army; it highlights the hospitality and camaraderie of the people, their valour, familiarity and warmth coupled with the charming traditions that are synonymous with the Indian Army.
The story is full of unexpected twists and is fast-paced. Its strong characterisation and the crisp flow set the book apart. The characters' life-like nuances make the story come alive. Nuggets of wisdom, perception and keen observation appear unobtrusively all along the story.
{{/usCountry}}The story is full of unexpected twists and is fast-paced. Its strong characterisation and the crisp flow set the book apart. The characters' life-like nuances make the story come alive. Nuggets of wisdom, perception and keen observation appear unobtrusively all along the story.
{{/usCountry}}"I love story-telling and am confident that the book will appeal to readers from all age-groups - the youth, people from the army background...indeed anyone who likes a good story. I am very happy with the initial response and am looking forward to reaching out to more readers all over the country in the coming days," she signed off.
Priced at Rs. 325, The House on Mall Road is available at all leading bookstores.