Book Review # 114 Wild Card : Asfiya Rahman

Blurb:

Karan Mehrotra thinks he has it all. He is about to marry the love of his life, Riya and is on his way to winning at Wimbledon, fulfilling a childhood dream of his. However destiny has other plans for him and he is forced to put aside his dreams when life throws a wild card at him. Eight years later destiny coyly lays another wild card in front of him. Does he finally get another chance to fulfill his childhood dream or will he let his fear stop him from taking up the challenge?
Find out how a tennis champion is forced to step away from his fame into obscurity and how a bossy little girl forces him to take up one of the hardest challenges of his life and face the life he had left behind.

My Take:

Set against the backdrop of tennis, this one is a gem. I loved the way this story moves. A clash of past and present. Fighting your own demons and coming out victorious. The determination, and the attitude with which Karan comes back just proves the saying " It's never too late" saying true.

Karan Mehrotra retreats into his shell after the death of his wife Riya. A tennis player who has almost played all the tournaments and won accolades leaves everything and focuses on his only daughter Roshni who is wheel chair bound. Only his and Riya's dream of winning the Wimbledon is left.

Roshni  chances upon his trophies and coaxes him to play and win the famous Wimbledon for her and pushes him towards the game once again. The very game that was his life. The one which has taken his precious Riya away from him.(He holds himself for not being able to reach her as he was playing). Rusted and not so sure, he slowly rebuilds himself. Does he win the Wimbledon and fulfill his and Riya's unfulfilled dream? Read the story to find out.

Tahira, a young girl who idolizes Karan, supports him and practices with him and gives him the much needed boost. A tennis player herself, she is happy to learn and play alongside and dreams of becoming a famous tennis player someday. Supported by her family, she also works hard to make her dream come true.

Vikram, Karan's best friend who stand by him thick and thin motivates and encourages him to play and win. We all love and wish to have such unconditional friends who just support and trust us.

Loved the way all the characters hold themselves. The research on tennis is evident with the detailed narration of the sport and the description of the scenes where matches are played.

I would rate this 4.5/5. Well played author. Waiting for the sequel.