Book Review # 112 A Long Way Home : Mitali Meelan

Blurb:

The Adhikaris are a regular, happy family - or so they will have you believe. But at the dinner table, a silence hangs heavy over the three children, especially Arihant and Ishan. Twenty-two-year-old Arihant possesses a secret talent and a shattered heart. He yearns for his muse and ex-girlfriend, only to surprise himself when they finally meet after a long and difficult time apart. If only Ishan could share some brotherly advice rather than sneak about, aloof and increasingly suspicious. Ishan twenty-eight, seems to have the job of his dreams - or at least, his parents' dreams. But how long can he stay torn between two worlds? How long before someone finds out about his evenings: about the place he goes to and the woman he sees. Here is a story set in the calm before a storm - after which nothing will be the same for this seemingly happy household.

My Take:

Stories that happens around us. Conflicts/ dilemmas we all face in our everyday lives. A conflict that has been going on from generations within families as to which career is respectable.  Its what we wish to do and what our parents think we should do.

Arihant and Ishan as different as chalk and cheese , want to live their lives on their own terms and have made their choices which they parents won't approve of as a career. Saloni their sister is a common thread that bonds the otherwise recluse siblings who don't see eye to eye on most matters. One way too practical and another lives in the world of emotions. But when their is family crisis they both come together keeping aside their differences. The proverb "blood is thicker than water" holds true even in today's modern era.

The story is kept pretty simple and the characters are developed well. Although I wished Saloni's character could have been developed better. Her screen time in the book is limited her journey and dilemmas are not highlighted much.  The standout for me is the way the brothers help each other in spite of not being close speaks about the Indian family values. Also the call father makes to his son hits the right emotional chord.

A good family drama that captures your attention from the first page. Pick this up if you love reading family dramas.

I rate this 4/5.