The City of Pillars | Bhavini Desai | Book Review

Publisher ‏ : ‎ ASHA K. DESAI (5 July 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 440 pages

Kashmir is touted to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Its beauty is ethereal. Breathing against the ravages of war and violence, the Kashmir valley still exudes the warmth of love.

The City of Pillars by Bhavini Desai is a contemporary romance fiction set in the backdrop of Kashmir, elections, conspiracy, and love. Atharva is the head of a political party (KDP), an ex-Army officer, and aims to win elections for the new CM. Iram is running away from her past and finds solace in the campaigning of KDP as a brilliant writer. The two have shared a past. But how would their coming together now change things?

The City of Pillars is a detailed account of a brewing love story of strong-headed Atharva and aspirational Iram. The two have different personalities yet something magnetises them towards each other. The book essentially captures this story along with other subplots that include party campaigning, growing unrest in the heart of Kashmir, long-standing conspiracies, and more.

I liked how Desai weaves the plot that starts off on a slow note and gradually picks up pace, all the while connecting multiple dots. At the heart is a love story but hinged to it are political twists and turns. And while the romance side of it is all warm, fuzzy, and a tad bit dramatic, the blend of love and politics makes the story an interesting read.

The writing is simple and at points, attractively engrossing. The build-up of the entire narrative is interesting and hooks the reader. Moreover, each character gets room to voice out their role and adequately add their personal touch to the story. That was lovely.

I just felt that the book could have been edited, a few details omitted, to make it refined and clear. Rest, it is certainly a good companion to read up on the subjects of love and beauty of Kashmir.

Connect with author Bhavini here

https://www.instagram.com/authorbhavini/