Book Review # 113 An Unexpected Gift: Ajay K Pandey

Blurb:

‘Giving up is not an option when someone calls you mother.’

Abhay, still struggling with the grief of losing his wife, is unable to cope with his job and the care of his toddler son. So, when the mysterious Sheetal enters his life, applying for the job of looking after Ayush, he is thrilled.

All Sheetal has ever wanted, even as a child, is to be a mother. Circumstances mean that she might never be one. The almost instant bond between her and the young boy is balm to her soul and like a godsend to Abhay.

Still, something about Sheetal nags at him. She seems perfect, but why is she so reluctant to show him her identity card? What is she hiding?

What happens when Abhay finally discovers her secret? Does he stand by her side, or abandon her, as everyone before him has done? And what is the gift that she gives him, a gift that will change his life?

In An Unexpected Gift, bestselling writer Ajay K Pandey brings to us an emotionally resonant story that questions everything we believe about friendship, love and motherhood.

My Take:

A brilliant take on the social issue and creating awareness. Ajay has done a wonderful job of writing a bold story. You can almost feel for them and the emotion chord is perfectly hit.

Abhay loses his wife to cancer and is left alone to fend and bring up his only son. The backstory of their love and marriage, her death is written very sensitively.

Sheetal a transgender enters his life as a caretaker who takes over taking care of her son. But her gender and her relationship status poses questions to the society they live in which keeps forcing Abhay to throw her out of the job. Will he succumb to the society pressure or will he accept Sheetal for what she is and stand by her? Read the story to find out.

Very differently and beautifully written breaking the social norms and stereotypes this book is definitely recommended. The way the story highlights the plight of the third gender and the issues they face is very heart breaking. My heart went out to those born like this.What's their fault? Why are they made to suffer? Don't they have the right to lead a respectful life? Is dancing in the road the only option they have?


So many thought provoking issues raised by the author with a simple yet realistic story. Its time to accept and respect the third gender. Just brilliant. Highly recommended. They are above any rating.