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Diamonds and Stones: An Unlikely Story
She thought she’d already seen the worst, but then her captor’s gritty eyes set upon her, a leer that stalled her senses. In that moment, she understood—she was the target.
At 24, Meera is exactly the girl her parents wanted her to subtle, upright and compliant. She abandoned her dream of becoming a pilot at the first whiff of disapproval from her family, accepting the bland office job her father secured for her at a friend’s company.
When she visits company’s offshore plant in Saharanpur with a team of coworkers, Meera is desperate to return to Delhi—the factory is dull and dusty, thick with the smell of chemicals. On the trip back to Delhi late that evening, the team becomes a victim of a violent highway robbery.
Next morning, the police find everyone at the crime scene except Meera. The news of the attack also reaches the media. In the investigation that follows, Meera’s family blames her boss for their daughter’s disappearance.
How does one girl’s abduction ripple through the lives of an entire community? What happened to Meera? Are her captors more than they seem?
At 24, Meera is exactly the girl her parents wanted her to subtle, upright and compliant. She abandoned her dream of becoming a pilot at the first whiff of disapproval from her family, accepting the bland office job her father secured for her at a friend’s company.
When she visits company’s offshore plant in Saharanpur with a team of coworkers, Meera is desperate to return to Delhi—the factory is dull and dusty, thick with the smell of chemicals. On the trip back to Delhi late that evening, the team becomes a victim of a violent highway robbery.
Next morning, the police find everyone at the crime scene except Meera. The news of the attack also reaches the media. In the investigation that follows, Meera’s family blames her boss for their daughter’s disappearance.
How does one girl’s abduction ripple through the lives of an entire community? What happened to Meera? Are her captors more than they seem?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2023
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 21, 2024
This book kind of reminds me of the Bollywood movie 'Highway'- the way being kidnapped leads the main character to discover a different side of herself.
October 7, 2023
It is a story of a young girl torn between her dreams, aspirations, and societal expectations. Her father, a shrewd businessman, has ensured the twins— Meera and her brother, are brought up according to their gender roles. Her mother’s reverence for her husband is unmatched, and her world does not rise above household chores and ensuring that her children fit into societal-approved traditional gender norms.
Meera tackles life by taking everything into her stride—from a dominant boss breathing down her neck to a gruelling yet monotonous work schedule and an elaborate matchmaking plan. However, an unexpected abduction on a business trip changes the trajectory of her story. What follows is a journey that Meera could never be prepared for.
Sran builds tension, and the book becomes a page-turner from this point on.
While highlighting the predicaments faced by the family, Sran evokes a sharp contrast between Meera’s past and present and the differences between the poor and the privileged.
The characters have depth and are well-etched. The vivid description of hills and the atmospheric setting elevate the narrative several notches and add to the reading experience.
Superlative language, sublime imagery, and an understated elegant cover are applause worthy. The ending is cathartic and immensely satisfying.
A gripping, fast-paced story with enough twists and turns to keep the readers glued to the pages.
An engaging plot–relatable, not-so-predictable, and a little off-beat arc makes it indeed an unlikely story!
Well worth a read.
Meera tackles life by taking everything into her stride—from a dominant boss breathing down her neck to a gruelling yet monotonous work schedule and an elaborate matchmaking plan. However, an unexpected abduction on a business trip changes the trajectory of her story. What follows is a journey that Meera could never be prepared for.
Sran builds tension, and the book becomes a page-turner from this point on.
While highlighting the predicaments faced by the family, Sran evokes a sharp contrast between Meera’s past and present and the differences between the poor and the privileged.
The characters have depth and are well-etched. The vivid description of hills and the atmospheric setting elevate the narrative several notches and add to the reading experience.
Superlative language, sublime imagery, and an understated elegant cover are applause worthy. The ending is cathartic and immensely satisfying.
A gripping, fast-paced story with enough twists and turns to keep the readers glued to the pages.
An engaging plot–relatable, not-so-predictable, and a little off-beat arc makes it indeed an unlikely story!
Well worth a read.
June 18, 2023
This was an interesting read. The plot and settings and some of the unexpected twists took me by surprise and left me thinking about what came next. The change in pace between the the first and second acts are also well done, there is a deftness to the writing that makes the stark change work.
I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Meera's character, and her family dynamics, particularly as that shaped so much of the way she responds to different situations. Her reactions or the swiftness with which she processes often turbulent events didn't have the impact they could have had we had more insight into the workings of her mind.
Overall, Diamonds and Stones made for an enjoyable evening read, and shared some insightful parallels with a film I really liked, Highway.
I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Meera's character, and her family dynamics, particularly as that shaped so much of the way she responds to different situations. Her reactions or the swiftness with which she processes often turbulent events didn't have the impact they could have had we had more insight into the workings of her mind.
Overall, Diamonds and Stones made for an enjoyable evening read, and shared some insightful parallels with a film I really liked, Highway.
May 16, 2024
Wouldn’t have given a 4 star if the ending was not how it is . Engaging read.
August 15, 2023
Diamonds and Stones - an unlikely story
Author - Navreet Sran
Genre - Novel/ Romance/Mystery
A very distinguished, atmospheric, gripping novel with all elements of adventure, sublime romance, heartfelt scenes, and jaw-dropping twists.
In an attempt to make a knock in the literary world, Navreet Sran selected a very distinguished alley to flaunt her story with so much confidence that it happened to be a great plot among the typical romantic book. She poured down her thoughts which is a praiseworthy, bold, and beautiful, tapestry of life blended with stunning fear full atmospheric narrative that goes deep down inside our hearts.
Navreet emphasized love in a very outrageous situation that we rarely encounter, entities of love founded when we hardly expected it in this situation with Meera. Navreet's narrative is quirky and witty, the narration unravels Meera's day out and in. Meera's office and her house suffocated her soul for a long time, loneliness engulfed her and she succumbed, becoming the good girl that every parents dream of.
Meera has forsaken her dream of being a pilot to embrace her parents' wishes only to become more lifeless and forgot her grit. In a desperately wanting situation, to get whiffs outside of her home and city Meera chose to go company's offshore plant in Saharanpur. While returning from the trip she has been kidnapped from the highway.
Meera was unaware that the ripple that was born with her kidnapping news was inflicted on civilized society and her life, portrayed a very different picture of humanity, love, care, and tenderness in front of her.
It's Navreet's talent that evokes a compelling atmosphere, exposed vacant social ideology, and created contrasts between the two worlds, one that belongs to the bottom of the human race and the other part that enjoyed the luxury of having privileged life.
with a dash of poignant posture, the story starts a little slow. Jaw-dropping turning points twisted the plot timely; Navreet's narrative is well crafted, and firm.
In an uncanny situation, Meera re-discovered her inner self, a confident Meera emerged from inside, as she discovered love, compassion, and something sublime, this transition is a marvelous plot twist.
At first, I was kinda hopeless with meek Meera but when I was thinking to drop the book suddenly the story turned out fiery and it started making me baffled by the outcomes of the clever execution.
I can see how our city life is suppressed which was supposed to be more breezy but our social norms make this abnormal, and psychological aspects of Meera were a splendid perspective that has been told with tenderness. A lot of girls can relate to Meera which makes this book more closely with the reader.
When Navreet depicted Meera's captivity, her life in isolation that part was narrated brilliantly, creating an unputdownable, atmospheric gripping story. Definitely an unlikely story for readers.
I enjoyed her storytelling style and the perfect plot execution.
I really liked the well-crafted firm tone that she used to narrate the story. Unfurled slowly, easily, and with grit showing her passion for storytelling. Recommended to all novel lovers.
Author - Navreet Sran
Genre - Novel/ Romance/Mystery
A very distinguished, atmospheric, gripping novel with all elements of adventure, sublime romance, heartfelt scenes, and jaw-dropping twists.
In an attempt to make a knock in the literary world, Navreet Sran selected a very distinguished alley to flaunt her story with so much confidence that it happened to be a great plot among the typical romantic book. She poured down her thoughts which is a praiseworthy, bold, and beautiful, tapestry of life blended with stunning fear full atmospheric narrative that goes deep down inside our hearts.
Navreet emphasized love in a very outrageous situation that we rarely encounter, entities of love founded when we hardly expected it in this situation with Meera. Navreet's narrative is quirky and witty, the narration unravels Meera's day out and in. Meera's office and her house suffocated her soul for a long time, loneliness engulfed her and she succumbed, becoming the good girl that every parents dream of.
Meera has forsaken her dream of being a pilot to embrace her parents' wishes only to become more lifeless and forgot her grit. In a desperately wanting situation, to get whiffs outside of her home and city Meera chose to go company's offshore plant in Saharanpur. While returning from the trip she has been kidnapped from the highway.
Meera was unaware that the ripple that was born with her kidnapping news was inflicted on civilized society and her life, portrayed a very different picture of humanity, love, care, and tenderness in front of her.
It's Navreet's talent that evokes a compelling atmosphere, exposed vacant social ideology, and created contrasts between the two worlds, one that belongs to the bottom of the human race and the other part that enjoyed the luxury of having privileged life.
with a dash of poignant posture, the story starts a little slow. Jaw-dropping turning points twisted the plot timely; Navreet's narrative is well crafted, and firm.
In an uncanny situation, Meera re-discovered her inner self, a confident Meera emerged from inside, as she discovered love, compassion, and something sublime, this transition is a marvelous plot twist.
At first, I was kinda hopeless with meek Meera but when I was thinking to drop the book suddenly the story turned out fiery and it started making me baffled by the outcomes of the clever execution.
I can see how our city life is suppressed which was supposed to be more breezy but our social norms make this abnormal, and psychological aspects of Meera were a splendid perspective that has been told with tenderness. A lot of girls can relate to Meera which makes this book more closely with the reader.
When Navreet depicted Meera's captivity, her life in isolation that part was narrated brilliantly, creating an unputdownable, atmospheric gripping story. Definitely an unlikely story for readers.
I enjoyed her storytelling style and the perfect plot execution.
I really liked the well-crafted firm tone that she used to narrate the story. Unfurled slowly, easily, and with grit showing her passion for storytelling. Recommended to all novel lovers.
July 31, 2023
Diamonds and Stones by Navreet Sran is a remarkable novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of Meera Sharma, a young woman whose life takes a drastic turn when she becomes the victim of a violent abduction. This book weaves together elements of police procedural, thriller, and family drama, creating a captivating story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
From the very beginning, the author masterfully sets the stage by describing the chilling moment when Meera locks eyes with her captor, feeling a sense of dread and understanding that she is the target. The intensity of the situation is palpable, engaging our senses and drawing us into Meera's plight right from the start.
Navreet expertly introduces Meera as a character shaped by the expectations and desires of her family. As an obedient daughter, she has always put aside her own dreams and aspirations to please her parents. Her abandoned dream of becoming a pilot serves as a poignant reminder of society's influence on individual choices. The author's exploration of the dynamics within Meera's family, particularly her relationship with her twin brother, Sunny, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
An unexpected twist occurs when Meera and her coworkers embark on a business trip to Shah Industries' factory in Saharanpur. The sudden turn of events takes us on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, as the group becomes victims of a violent highway robbery. Meera's abduction leaves her family shattered, while the investigation uncovers a web of secrets, shifting blame onto her boss.
Throughout the novel, Navreet Sran displays a commendable level of research, evident in her accurate descriptions of flight procedures, aviation jargon, and weaponry details. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the story, immersing readers in its world and making the events feel vividly real.
One aspect that stands out is the author's impeccable use of language. The writing flows smoothly, allowing the story to unfold naturally and effortlessly. The punctuation is spot-on, with well-placed dashes that add rhythm and emphasis to the narrative.
From the very beginning, the author masterfully sets the stage by describing the chilling moment when Meera locks eyes with her captor, feeling a sense of dread and understanding that she is the target. The intensity of the situation is palpable, engaging our senses and drawing us into Meera's plight right from the start.
Navreet expertly introduces Meera as a character shaped by the expectations and desires of her family. As an obedient daughter, she has always put aside her own dreams and aspirations to please her parents. Her abandoned dream of becoming a pilot serves as a poignant reminder of society's influence on individual choices. The author's exploration of the dynamics within Meera's family, particularly her relationship with her twin brother, Sunny, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
An unexpected twist occurs when Meera and her coworkers embark on a business trip to Shah Industries' factory in Saharanpur. The sudden turn of events takes us on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, as the group becomes victims of a violent highway robbery. Meera's abduction leaves her family shattered, while the investigation uncovers a web of secrets, shifting blame onto her boss.
Throughout the novel, Navreet Sran displays a commendable level of research, evident in her accurate descriptions of flight procedures, aviation jargon, and weaponry details. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the story, immersing readers in its world and making the events feel vividly real.
One aspect that stands out is the author's impeccable use of language. The writing flows smoothly, allowing the story to unfold naturally and effortlessly. The punctuation is spot-on, with well-placed dashes that add rhythm and emphasis to the narrative.
September 7, 2023
⏩️ What if you fall in love with someone you are not allowed to?
💎 “Diamonds and Stones” by @navreet_sran_ is a suspense thriller with a tinge of romance in it.
💎 Meera is a simple but frustrated girl living in Delhi with her parents. She works with her boss, Namita, who has a longstanding but “slightly bitter” relationship with Meera’s family.
💎 We’ve seen lives of many girls who are given the freedom to study, make friends and do jobs, but under the “supervision” of their parents!
💎 Meera has no command over her life. Her parents decide what food she should eat, what program she should watch on TV, what career she should choose and what kind of “boy” she should marry.
💎 Amid the ongoing talks of her “arranged marriage” rounding up, Meera happens to visit her company’s offshore plant in Saharanpur along with her boss, Namita and a group of colleagues.
💎 This is where her life takes a turn for the worst.
💎 Some local goons attack Namita’s car and the company’s tour bus.
💎 Everyone survives in this accident but the whereabouts of our heroine, “Meera” is not known—she has vanished from the crime scene like a dove out of a magician’s hat !! 🕊️
💎 I don’t remember ever getting so lost in a book that I finished it in a day.
💎 I wanted to find out where she is? Where did these goons take her?
💎 And when I learned what happens to her, my mind went wild. I didn’t see the “twist” coming at all.
💎 Haza, Sumer, Emre, Hoque—these goons are similar in appearance to the rest of the hooligans, but their actions are completely different.
💎And behaviours are absolutely unbelievable.
💎 I loved how author has kept a touch of humanity amidst the “chaos” which makes the story so beautiful and inspiring.
💎 Sumer—his eyes are so calm as if holding thousands of secrets, also i love his character, the humanity in him is rare to find.
💎 Aniket, Meera’s school friend and Sunny, Meera’s brother, both are wonderful supporting characters who add sparkle to the story.
💎 “Diamonds and Stones” by @navreet_sran_ is a suspense thriller with a tinge of romance in it.
💎 Meera is a simple but frustrated girl living in Delhi with her parents. She works with her boss, Namita, who has a longstanding but “slightly bitter” relationship with Meera’s family.
💎 We’ve seen lives of many girls who are given the freedom to study, make friends and do jobs, but under the “supervision” of their parents!
💎 Meera has no command over her life. Her parents decide what food she should eat, what program she should watch on TV, what career she should choose and what kind of “boy” she should marry.
💎 Amid the ongoing talks of her “arranged marriage” rounding up, Meera happens to visit her company’s offshore plant in Saharanpur along with her boss, Namita and a group of colleagues.
💎 This is where her life takes a turn for the worst.
💎 Some local goons attack Namita’s car and the company’s tour bus.
💎 Everyone survives in this accident but the whereabouts of our heroine, “Meera” is not known—she has vanished from the crime scene like a dove out of a magician’s hat !! 🕊️
💎 I don’t remember ever getting so lost in a book that I finished it in a day.
💎 I wanted to find out where she is? Where did these goons take her?
💎 And when I learned what happens to her, my mind went wild. I didn’t see the “twist” coming at all.
💎 Haza, Sumer, Emre, Hoque—these goons are similar in appearance to the rest of the hooligans, but their actions are completely different.
💎And behaviours are absolutely unbelievable.
💎 I loved how author has kept a touch of humanity amidst the “chaos” which makes the story so beautiful and inspiring.
💎 Sumer—his eyes are so calm as if holding thousands of secrets, also i love his character, the humanity in him is rare to find.
💎 Aniket, Meera’s school friend and Sunny, Meera’s brother, both are wonderful supporting characters who add sparkle to the story.
June 18, 2023
"Diamonds and Stones: An Unlikely Story" by Navreet Sran - This tome, much like a cryptic cipher waiting to be decoded, offers a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is profound.
Venturing into this book was akin to embarking on a journey into the unknown, a voyage of discovery. The initial chapters, with their corporate ladder narrative, lulled me into a sense of complacency, leading me to believe that I was in for a tale of corporate intrigue and power struggles. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn, delving into the realm of human evolution and the profound impact of upbringing on the human psyche.
The emotional depth of the narrative was akin to a deep, turbulent ocean, its waves crashing against the shores of my consciousness, leaving me in a state of emotional upheaval. It was as though I was experiencing a form of literary Stockholm syndrome, held captive by the characters and their emotional journeys.
However, there were certain aspects of the narrative that left me yearning for more. The character of Police Officer Yadav, the enigmatic Namita, and the trials and tribulations of Meera's family during their time of distress were areas that could have been explored in greater depth. These characters, much like uncut diamonds, held the potential for a deeper exploration of their facets, a potential that was, unfortunately, left untapped.
In conclusion, "Diamonds and Stones: An Unlikely Story" is a testament to the author's skill and creativity, a work of art that is as beautiful. I eagerly anticipate more such literary endeavours from the author.
Venturing into this book was akin to embarking on a journey into the unknown, a voyage of discovery. The initial chapters, with their corporate ladder narrative, lulled me into a sense of complacency, leading me to believe that I was in for a tale of corporate intrigue and power struggles. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn, delving into the realm of human evolution and the profound impact of upbringing on the human psyche.
The emotional depth of the narrative was akin to a deep, turbulent ocean, its waves crashing against the shores of my consciousness, leaving me in a state of emotional upheaval. It was as though I was experiencing a form of literary Stockholm syndrome, held captive by the characters and their emotional journeys.
However, there were certain aspects of the narrative that left me yearning for more. The character of Police Officer Yadav, the enigmatic Namita, and the trials and tribulations of Meera's family during their time of distress were areas that could have been explored in greater depth. These characters, much like uncut diamonds, held the potential for a deeper exploration of their facets, a potential that was, unfortunately, left untapped.
In conclusion, "Diamonds and Stones: An Unlikely Story" is a testament to the author's skill and creativity, a work of art that is as beautiful. I eagerly anticipate more such literary endeavours from the author.
November 28, 2024
This is the debut novel of the author. I was impressed by the title and few reviews. Unfortunately, I found the plot very unconvincing. A bus carrying corporate employees gets waylaid and robbed in a Shaharanpur village in Uttar Pradesh. The owner of the company along with the protagonist (Ms Meera Sharma) travelling in a luxious car are also attacked physically. Ms Sharma gets abducted.
It came to light very soon that the robbers are not mere goons but terrorists intending to carry out some mission in Kashmir. The young lady develops some sort of soft feeling/ bonding for one of these terrorists (Sumer) who had saved her twice during this long journey covering 4 states in India.
While the phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome is well documented in literature but it was not a mere case of robbery or abduction. A group of foreign terrorists, who should normally function in a mission mode forgetting everything personal, were behaving strangely by taking along a young woman in their journey blissfully ignorant of their deadly mission.
It is not clear whether the author intended to write a thriller involving terrorism or love story or social discrimination (initial chapters dealt with discrimination faced by Meera vis-a-vis her twin brother at home).
A very unconvincing plot perhaps meant for a commercial Indian movie!
It came to light very soon that the robbers are not mere goons but terrorists intending to carry out some mission in Kashmir. The young lady develops some sort of soft feeling/ bonding for one of these terrorists (Sumer) who had saved her twice during this long journey covering 4 states in India.
While the phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome is well documented in literature but it was not a mere case of robbery or abduction. A group of foreign terrorists, who should normally function in a mission mode forgetting everything personal, were behaving strangely by taking along a young woman in their journey blissfully ignorant of their deadly mission.
It is not clear whether the author intended to write a thriller involving terrorism or love story or social discrimination (initial chapters dealt with discrimination faced by Meera vis-a-vis her twin brother at home).
A very unconvincing plot perhaps meant for a commercial Indian movie!
July 23, 2023
Meera was a young woman who aspired to be a pilot but gave up her ambitions for her parents. At 24, Meera is exactly the girl her parents wanted her to be. After completing her MBA, she was hired as a 9–5 employee in the Shah industry then her life changed completely. ''The truth is that she has forgotten her vision because she has stolen so many from other people''.
Along with 25 other workers, Meera travels to the Saharanpur location of the company's offshore factory, where her tour bus is robbed and the next morning, the police find everyone at the crime scene except Meera. The news of the attack also reaches the media but till then she was kidnapped at gunpoint, and she was never seen again. Meera's family blamed her boss for their daughter's disappearance.
MY POV:
Things I like the most is the book cover, no doubt it's really attractive and beautiful. And another is the statement that Sumer tells to Meera - ''You are a diamond, and I'm stone; one is meant to decorate, the other to throw''.
My expectation did not fulfil as I expected from the book. The story was not engaging for me because If the author had given more attention to Meera's family and the experiences they had after she was abducted, the book might have been even better.
Along with 25 other workers, Meera travels to the Saharanpur location of the company's offshore factory, where her tour bus is robbed and the next morning, the police find everyone at the crime scene except Meera. The news of the attack also reaches the media but till then she was kidnapped at gunpoint, and she was never seen again. Meera's family blamed her boss for their daughter's disappearance.
MY POV:
Things I like the most is the book cover, no doubt it's really attractive and beautiful. And another is the statement that Sumer tells to Meera - ''You are a diamond, and I'm stone; one is meant to decorate, the other to throw''.
My expectation did not fulfil as I expected from the book. The story was not engaging for me because If the author had given more attention to Meera's family and the experiences they had after she was abducted, the book might have been even better.
July 30, 2023
Picturize a luxury yatch cruising along scenic waters before a tornado smashes into it… and therein begins survival. Navreet Sran’s ‘Diamonds and Stones’ beguiles the reader into guessing whether the plot involves a corporate slugfest, or an Indian bride propelled into NRI world or bitchy boss Namita’s murder. Instead, it veers abruptly into unexpected terrains – both emotional and geographic. Ambitious and dreamer Meera’s life goes topsy turvy once she is kidnapped.
Genre: Thriller, emotional drama
Pros – Racy pace, well etched characters that seep into the reader, a protagonist who is resilient without displaying undue bravado. Navreet Sran doesn’t spare Meera ‘certain ordeals’, even as the reader prays for her rescue. Dialogues are crisp, language is impeccable, scenes shorn of unessential adornments and seems crafted for the visual medium.
The ‘balancing of white stones’ by the river scene is in sync with the author’s personal hobbies.
Cons– The blackguard with a golden heart is a tad filmy. The incompetent investigative team and Meera’s male relatives who crumble sans a fight remain as loose ends.
Verdict: The book stays with you long after the last page is flipped. Sran’s writing has the stamp of assurance. An impressive and promising debut. Paisa vasool.
Genre: Thriller, emotional drama
Pros – Racy pace, well etched characters that seep into the reader, a protagonist who is resilient without displaying undue bravado. Navreet Sran doesn’t spare Meera ‘certain ordeals’, even as the reader prays for her rescue. Dialogues are crisp, language is impeccable, scenes shorn of unessential adornments and seems crafted for the visual medium.
The ‘balancing of white stones’ by the river scene is in sync with the author’s personal hobbies.
Cons– The blackguard with a golden heart is a tad filmy. The incompetent investigative team and Meera’s male relatives who crumble sans a fight remain as loose ends.
Verdict: The book stays with you long after the last page is flipped. Sran’s writing has the stamp of assurance. An impressive and promising debut. Paisa vasool.
May 11, 2024
3.5 Stars
Navreen Sran’s debut venture starts as a story of a daughter crushing under the weight of her father’s expectations. Meera is raised by a mother to be as meek as her, never to envy her brother’s pursuits, to always smother any stray thoughts of independence and rebellion before they could inconvenience the family.
But luck has in store for her a fate far more sinister than a stale, soul sucking job.
When Meera gets kidnapped, she must hold on to her life and her self with all the strength she has. Her captors are no mere brigands but AK 47 wielding men with a dangerous purpose.
The ordeal should have left her damaged, broken, more dead than alive, if not for her saviour. Love often springs, like a patch or grass in a crack of the pavement, at the most unlikely of places.
The author has used a lot of restraint in writing this novel, touching on soul shattering events such as rape in a subdued fashion. I felt this aspect made the book a lighter read than what the gravity of the subject matter would suggest.
Overall the book was a nice and light read.
Navreen Sran’s debut venture starts as a story of a daughter crushing under the weight of her father’s expectations. Meera is raised by a mother to be as meek as her, never to envy her brother’s pursuits, to always smother any stray thoughts of independence and rebellion before they could inconvenience the family.
But luck has in store for her a fate far more sinister than a stale, soul sucking job.
When Meera gets kidnapped, she must hold on to her life and her self with all the strength she has. Her captors are no mere brigands but AK 47 wielding men with a dangerous purpose.
The ordeal should have left her damaged, broken, more dead than alive, if not for her saviour. Love often springs, like a patch or grass in a crack of the pavement, at the most unlikely of places.
The author has used a lot of restraint in writing this novel, touching on soul shattering events such as rape in a subdued fashion. I felt this aspect made the book a lighter read than what the gravity of the subject matter would suggest.
Overall the book was a nice and light read.
September 8, 2023
"Diamonds and Stones" by Navreet Sran is a thrilling and immensely readable novel that kept me glued to its pages over a long weekend. With its engaging narrative and suspenseful elements, Sran has crafted a story that is sure to captivate readers.
Sran has done a good job of weaving an intricate plot with the social issues of the day.
The protagonist Meera’s character is well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with her struggles, hopes, and fears. Despite her vulnerabilities, Meera’s inner strength shines through when she is tested by fate.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, ensuring that readers remain engaged without feeling rushed or bogged down.
If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages, "Diamonds and Stones" should definitely be on your reading list.
Sran has done a good job of weaving an intricate plot with the social issues of the day.
The protagonist Meera’s character is well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with her struggles, hopes, and fears. Despite her vulnerabilities, Meera’s inner strength shines through when she is tested by fate.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, ensuring that readers remain engaged without feeling rushed or bogged down.
If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages, "Diamonds and Stones" should definitely be on your reading list.
June 19, 2023
Two people as apart as diamond and stones though I would believe that both were diamond from different mines. One leading a typical life of struggling with parents, siblings and office colleagues,trying to find the real destiny while the other brought up in troubled circumstances accepting the reality handed by others as the one to live in and create. No way to be part of the world outside, just following ng a path shown , trying to be faithful and loyal. When these two diamonds meet , sparks fly and the book is all about the sparks. I see see the events being played out in my mind like a movie. The author has done a brilliant job of making the characters and the background come live. Very well crafted book.
August 1, 2023
When Meera Sharma goes on an office trip with her boss and head of the company, Namita Shah, along with her colleagues, she is kidnapped. All the colleagues are injured, but Meera disappeared. Where could she possibly be?
This book is an indulging, incredible, captivating thriller that will really capture the readers between the pages. The storytelling is so gripping that it will become impossible to put the book down even for a little bit. It's one of those books that you really wanna read at one go but you also don't want to finish too soon.
I am in awe of how suspenseful the book is. There are a lot of books that you can find in mystery, but the plot and the storytelling of this one sets it apart in a lane of its own.
This book is an indulging, incredible, captivating thriller that will really capture the readers between the pages. The storytelling is so gripping that it will become impossible to put the book down even for a little bit. It's one of those books that you really wanna read at one go but you also don't want to finish too soon.
I am in awe of how suspenseful the book is. There are a lot of books that you can find in mystery, but the plot and the storytelling of this one sets it apart in a lane of its own.
July 31, 2023
Diamonds and Stones: An unlikely story by Navreet Sran is a gripping thriller that although sounds like just another story of "disappearance" and "investigation" from distance, it has a lot more to offer when you come closer. The story follows a 24-year-old woman, Meera, who is abducted while on a business trip. The novel is well-written and suspenseful. The characters are complex and believable. The plot is full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing till the very end. The scenes are as exciting as they're full of natural beauty. The beauty of India and its neighboring countries has been depicted very beautifully. It's a must read book for all Mystery Thriller lovers
July 10, 2023
Captivating story
Initially, when I started reading the book it didn't interest me much as it was far from my usual genre. As I ventured through the pages, took me many twists and turns. The story is well-knitted. All the characters justify their parts. The scenes are created so intelligently that the happenings float before the eyes. The best part of the book is the story of Meera and Sumer, both diamonds from different mines born to make their lives meaningful in their ways. The book yields all the qualities that fiction readers love and enjoy.
Initially, when I started reading the book it didn't interest me much as it was far from my usual genre. As I ventured through the pages, took me many twists and turns. The story is well-knitted. All the characters justify their parts. The scenes are created so intelligently that the happenings float before the eyes. The best part of the book is the story of Meera and Sumer, both diamonds from different mines born to make their lives meaningful in their ways. The book yields all the qualities that fiction readers love and enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2023
With its gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, "Diamonds and Stones" is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre. It explores themes of resilience, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to survive. The book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a suspenseful narrative that will captivate readers from beginning to end. Prepare to be taken on a thrilling journey that will leave you breathless and craving more.
October 2, 2023
Diamonds and Stones is a wonderfully crafted story. The story encompasses everything that is important in life - love, grit, change, romance, and confidence. Navreet Sran has done a stellar job of creating an appealing protagonist, Meera, and making her go on a journey of self-discovery. The dialogs are marvelous and overall the writing and scenes are compelling. This book will appeal to all those who love books on mystery, romance, and adventure.
November 25, 2025
I adore the fact that the book does not forget about its human essence. The thriller aspects are exhilarating, but it is the emotional impact that has made it memorable. The strength that Meera depicts is motivating and the path is memorable. An indispensable addition to the literary collection of those who enjoy speculative fiction, which is thought-provoking.
November 25, 2025
I liked this book very much. The tension was high, the characters were memorable and the themes significant. You cannot easily come across a book that leaves you entertained and thinking simultaneously. Navreet Sran has reached that balance in the perfect manner.
May 16, 2024
Such an underrated novel . Loved it
January 2, 2025
Fast-Paced and Full of Twists
This book begins with a seemingly familiar setup: an upper-middle-class girl with overbearing parents, a dull job, a difficult boss, and no social life. At first, I assumed it would center around a crybaby protagonist wallowing in self-pity. But I was wrong. The story takes unexpected turns, introducing new characters and layers that shift everything into perspective.
As the story progresses, Meera reveals unexpected depth and complexity, making her journey feel purposeful. By the end, it’s clear her character was crafted with intention, leading to a conclusion that felt deeply meaningful. While the ending wasn’t what I wanted, it was absolutely right.
The dialogue is sharp and realistic—no cringe-worthy moments—and the writing style perfectly suits the story. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and was a GREAT READ.
This book begins with a seemingly familiar setup: an upper-middle-class girl with overbearing parents, a dull job, a difficult boss, and no social life. At first, I assumed it would center around a crybaby protagonist wallowing in self-pity. But I was wrong. The story takes unexpected turns, introducing new characters and layers that shift everything into perspective.
As the story progresses, Meera reveals unexpected depth and complexity, making her journey feel purposeful. By the end, it’s clear her character was crafted with intention, leading to a conclusion that felt deeply meaningful. While the ending wasn’t what I wanted, it was absolutely right.
The dialogue is sharp and realistic—no cringe-worthy moments—and the writing style perfectly suits the story. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and was a GREAT READ.
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