Book Review # 98 SideReal Destiny : Vaishnavi Sanoj

Blurb:

Life is full of surprises and uncertainties. Despite all the technological advancements, and specifically all the prediction systems like weather forecasting systems, stock market prediction systems, no science lab has ever produced a human-life-predicting-system. Therein comes astrology, tarot reading, and so on. Ancient they may seem to be, but the proliferation of fortune-telling websites and related Android applications are simply more than enough to prove their popularity. 

Sidereal Destiny is a roller coaster journey taken by the protagonist, Arpitha and her champion sibling. Born into a traditional community governed by the constellations, ‘love’ fails to be woven in its vibrant colors. Latha’s marriage to Krishnan was an act of perfect obedience to her parents that lit up teething problems—problems without solutions. 

However, when Arpitha reveals her heart’s desire, ’Naimisham’ opens doors to turbulence. Love loses its sweetness. Stars and caste raise their heads. Traditions, beliefs, family on one side and love on the other seem to be a tug of war for the two siblings. Can traditions and stars crush love? Set in the coastal backdrop of Alleppey, a state of Kerala, the story explores the fate of lovers who get enmeshed in the stars and are forced to confront their destiny—even before it unfolds. 

My Take:

A beautifully blended story that uses astrology as a backdrop. Astrology is used effectively in binding the story.A brother sister pair fall in love, but have got their destinies written. What happens to their love stories? Do Anand and Arpitha support each other or disapprove? What role does fate play? The book has all the answers.

Arpitha and Arush fall in love, so does Anand and Rashmi, their families disapprove and strongly object, but they keep pursuing till they relent. Other than caste issues the fear of horoscope match looms large over them. The story blends the traditional and modern outlook towards the horoscopes.

The story moves at a good pace, the narration beautiful. The characters, the house, the situation comes alive as you read. The author has a way with words. From the start you get pulled to the world of Arush,Arpitha, Anand and Rashmi. The Kerala backdrop, the beautiful houses are described well. A special mention to the house name "Naimisham", unique and beautiful.

The research on astrology is also neat. The scientific as well as the calculative approach to the science is introduced nicely. The age old war of arranged marriage v/s love marriage, the parents non acceptance, creating hurdles are something we all could connect to. Even today, parents have trouble accepting the choices their kids make. The Inter caste angle is explored well. 

A strong message that death and birth are beyond human control and cannot be justified or predicted is well shared. I would rate this 4/5 for quality writing .