ABOUT THE BOOK: The Secret Wish List is about a sixteen-year-old girl, Deeksha, from a traditional South Indian household. In the early 1980s and 1990s, the Orthodox South Indian family was extremely conventional, and a girl child was treated differently from a boy. A female had fewer options, more limitations and no voice. This book tells the story of one such girl whose rash choice cost her all the greatest prospects. She was removed from her friends, school, and youth because her family was so against her for damaging their reputation. Did she truly make a mistake, and was it significant enough to force the youngster to give up her life?
Characters and Plot: Is there such a thing as true love? Is Adolescent Love Real? Forever? Is he or she the one? When we read about Deeksha and Ankit, these are the only questions that come to mind. “Maybe” is my response. It might or might not be real love, but we would undoubtedly know with time. However, the restrictions placed on them by society and family denied them what they needed and eliminated their possibility of happiness.
OK! So what is it with the title? Oh!! I forgot to mention that the title is the Main lead of the book!!
Adolescent hormones led Ankit and Deeksha to do something that society never approved of. Deeksha disappeared from Ankit’s life. What happened to Deeksha later?
Fast-forward a few years, and twits of fate, Deeksha finds her only best friend and long-lost love, Ankit!! But now? After so many years? What should she do? She’s in a complicated situation. She’s married and has a Kid. Will she reconnect with Ankit? What about her husband? Read the book to know the plight of a teen, Deeksha.
What I liked about this book
- I have a strong aversion to infidelity and cheating, yet I found this book enjoyable. For me, this book captured the essence of true love.
- Many love stories start in adolescence, but not all have a happy ending.
- The author expertly crafted the characters. Diksha and her Mother-in-law maintain a friendship while respecting the boundaries of their true relationship. An incredibly compassionate mother-in-law and a deeply caring daughter-in-law. In contrast to the typical depictions of mothers-in-law, the elderly woman in this book is attuned to the unhappiness in her daughter-in-law’s life.
- The most interesting aspect is that the elderly lady neither agreed with her Daughter-in-law’s chosen path nor aligned with her son’s perspective. Preeti Shenoy skillfully crafted the role of each character.
This book is unique. I consider myself a very positive person. While I face difficult times, I generally maintain a positive outlook on my situation. This is my mantra: whatever happens, happens for a reason. I was intrigued by a book with the same title and felt compelled to read it. I did, and I fell in love with it. I think I read the book more than once. I can still clearly remember the story.
This is the tale of a girl named Vee, who faced a challenging childhood, ultimately navigating her life independently. That was also quite challenging. The surprise of an unplanned pregnancy and the end of her relationship had ushered her into an entirely different territory. While balancing two jobs, Vee demonstrated remarkable strength in providing her child with a joyful life.
She may not be financially strong, but God has blessed her with two friends who have been her unwavering support during her challenging times. Preeti Shenoy crafted this part of the story with remarkable skill
Navigating the story further by introducing her long-lost love, Ankush is a completely different element that captivated my heart.
What I loved about the book
- The author has done a fantastic job with Vee’s character. A strong and self-reliant young woman who remains solid in the face of any challenge.
- The Mother Son relationship is expertly written. Not dwelling on the past, Vee had embraced the opportunity of bringing her son into this world alone, building a joyful and healthy relationship with him.
- The other valuable lesson from this book is that while job opportunities may not always be available, they can be created. Vee’s passion for dogs brought PAW-FACTOR into the spotlight.
This book by Preeti Shenoy is truly a remarkable read. @preetishenoy
