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The Last Chapter
PREFACE
The last chapter is about a thick group of four septuagenarians and their wives who sit together and reminisce four decades of their lives from the time they were together as bachelors.
The metamorphosis led to a transition in every aspect of their living, be it in their communication, behavioural patterns, diplomacy and even in their physical form to a considerable extent.
The Last Chapter is the concluding phase of human life when they can walk down memory lane and reminisce about their era, gains, losses, and learnings that accrued as wisdom.
There could be times that drew anxiety during that period, but they could draw only laughter today during their walk down memory lane. As they think in hindsight, they could now embark on a series of course corrections if the situation repeats itself.
The Last Chapter is also about the remaining part of their life when a lot is subjected to destiny as they wait for the final call from the almighty. Spiritual pursuit becomes prominent as you ostensibly journey in solitude through unknown, unexplored, and unfamiliar territories under intangible and unidentified powers.
Strange that despite all the affluence or the lack of it, you enjoyed in the course of living, life always treated you with an equal measure of joy, happiness, misery, and sorrow. Finally, you were called back alone without any fanfare and with no baggage.
It would have been amusing to know of the branding you wield in an unforeseen world or if your credentials will ever bear you the benefits of a more desirable life in the generation to follow or otherwise!!
The last chapter is about a thick group of four septuagenarians and their wives who sit together and reminisce four decades of their lives from the time they were together as bachelors.
The metamorphosis led to a transition in every aspect of their living, be it in their communication, behavioural patterns, diplomacy and even in their physical form to a considerable extent.
The Last Chapter is the concluding phase of human life when they can walk down memory lane and reminisce about their era, gains, losses, and learnings that accrued as wisdom.
There could be times that drew anxiety during that period, but they could draw only laughter today during their walk down memory lane. As they think in hindsight, they could now embark on a series of course corrections if the situation repeats itself.
The Last Chapter is also about the remaining part of their life when a lot is subjected to destiny as they wait for the final call from the almighty. Spiritual pursuit becomes prominent as you ostensibly journey in solitude through unknown, unexplored, and unfamiliar territories under intangible and unidentified powers.
Strange that despite all the affluence or the lack of it, you enjoyed in the course of living, life always treated you with an equal measure of joy, happiness, misery, and sorrow. Finally, you were called back alone without any fanfare and with no baggage.
It would have been amusing to know of the branding you wield in an unforeseen world or if your credentials will ever bear you the benefits of a more desirable life in the generation to follow or otherwise!!
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 5, 2023
Book: The Last Chapter
Authored By: Santosh Nair
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Kindle
Pages: 87
Rating: 4.8/5
Captivating story of get-together of people, along with their spouses, living the last chapter of their lifes, who come together to revive old cherished memories of golden past. They let each other leaf through the pages of their life-book with compassion and kindness. Sat in the backdrop of Kerala, this book makes the reader delve into the intensity of the emotions.
I am dumbfounded at the content of the book. It is as if the author has infused it the wisdom of not one person, but many, through various characters. I sense a deep bond developing between the characters. Author is being candid in his approach by depicting not just a rosy picture of life but also giving due weightage to the adversities and pains of life, that each one of us go through. For this reason I wholeheartedly appreciate the author. This sense of depth in relations and clarity in expression, makes me repeatedly delve into the books by this author.
I feel every one goes through the ups and downs of emotions, but to manifest it into artful expression can only be accomplished and executed by such ardent authors.
I will always vouch for the fact that the depth and maturity I find in the author’s work is absent even in the work of eminent and so called famous authors today. He definitely guides the society for deeper connections rather than just the physical connections. His prerogative is clear in his work.
The masterful use of language blends well with the story and I highly appreciate the diction. This parallelly helps the reader to build the vocabulary. As, stated earlier, the expressions are very clear, leaving no room for doubt. Every time I get up from reading the book by this author, I feel my emotions have found an expression into words, thus making me emotionally lighter. This is an added perk of reading such books.
Besides the captivating story, the author keeps on winning the hearts of readers through his wisdom packed one- liners, which make the reader more engrossed in the book.
Through the below mentioned line, author has portrayed Analogy.
“Environmentally, nothing much has changed, but the décor, structure and we, the people, both in appearance and notably the language quality used for interactions, must have gone through many changes,” Sunil responded.
The book has definitely a flowy state. Though, the reader goes to and fro the present and past, but I felt the transition was smooth. Just little more space or font change for transition would make it more appealing.
The characters in the get together talk about everything from their personal and family life to politics, religion, inter-faith marriage, health issues, emotional break down, solitude, and what not. I don’t think of anything left uncovered in the get-together. The virtues like self-help have also been the talk of get-together. Communication has been emphasized to ease the disability in relationship.
Reading the book, I felt that I too look for deeper connections in life.
If look for its adaption in cinema, I suggest adding a few details of the scene every now and then for easy adaption. To be true, I could feel the emotions but I couldnot see the visions as I had limited information about the scenes , what items and furniture and fixtures are there and alike(this is just an example, list is inclusive). The more information a reader is given to make visuals about the scenes, the more deeply he can indulge in the book.
The author has given a 360 degree view of life.
Among other things that moved me, I was so touched by the display of intensity in siblings bond. This shows the heights of purity and concern for the emotions of each other. Abhishek and Jyothi treasured out to be the hidden gems towards the conclusion of the book. Also, their story brings me to think that sometimes what we see in someone’s emotions is just the tip of ice-berg, the real story is beyond imagination.
The last few pages of the book remind me of the book ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’. May be because of the depth in conversations.
Sheeba being a matron herself, by profession, was petrified on encountering her son shivering with fear. The author differentiates our reactions when we deal with the same difficulties at personal level versus professional level. Additionally, she had to choose between her career and the degrading health of her son. This dilemma depicts the dilemma every working women faces in today’s era.
The highlight on mood and anxiety disorder due to lack of care and warmth in today’s competitive world is highlighted which is a wake-up call for the parent-child relationship, hampering largely due to high work pressure on parents.
Author explicates pros and cons of Joint as well as Nuclear families . Pragmatic approach for problem-solving through collective thought process has been highlighted. Simultaneously, author hasn’t undermined the relevance of Individual decision making depending on call of the situation.
Author has very swiftly drawn comparisons between a couple surrendering to the whims of parents while opting for a inter-faith marriage by severing the deep relationship and a couple choosing their own partner inter-faith, sidelining the thoughts of others. Also, the past and present are at contrast to each other. Similarly, the idea to extend the family under the pressure of in-laws in contrast to couple’s decision despite repeated miscarriages of female partner.
The struggles of Indians resident overseas for occupation have also been showcased. From Political conversation to financial, education and career related, everything was talked over in the get-together.
The author has marked out differences between the past and the present generation especially in their thought process and approach. .
I was taken over by the faith and understanding in all the people of get-together by discussing their very raw emotions with each other. There is nothing left untouched by the author.
The Title of the book best suits the content of the book. Remarkably relatable. Also, the alluring cover page displaying an open blank book adds depth to the title of the book. It is well thought after. Though simple and subtle, but substantially impactful. Additionally, the choice of colors gives a calming and serene effect. As I read the title of the book, it bore similarity with a story I read in my 12th standard titled ‘The Last Lecture’. A lot of memories come rushing with just the memory of school days.
The book has numerous characters. The initial ten to twelve pages introduce many characters in itself. Though the reader is inquisitive to know them, simultaneously, readers like me struggle to juggle with the names of so many characters. Having said that, I comprehend given the length of book and the storyline, it was the demanding to introduce these characters at such a fast pace. I would appreciate if the author could give a list of names characters along with brief introduction at the end/ beginning of the book.
The names of characters are very relatable. This helps reader in maintaining that flowy state while delving into the book. The author has expressed less about their physical features and attire and more about their thoughts, emotions , feelings and experiences. This makes me give the author an extra plus for his commendable job at drawing the character sketch solely through the emotions, feelings and highlights of antecedent life events. He is eloquent in expression and fastidious at the same time. In a way, reader gets to see the heart, soul and mental state of characters rather than just the physical features.
If I were add a piece of advice, I would be if the word count is not a limiting factor, I would recommend adding a few descriptions about physical features and a glimpse of the environment or time of the day in which conversation is taking place. It would help the reader to visualize the whole scenario more apparently and he could immense himself more deep and intensely in the book.
I would highly recommend this book due to its depth and exquisite storytelling by the author. Emotionally mature audience will delight in reading the book a lot.
One-line review: Elegantly crafted prose! Aesthetic !!!!!!!!
Authored By: Santosh Nair
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Kindle
Pages: 87
Rating: 4.8/5
Captivating story of get-together of people, along with their spouses, living the last chapter of their lifes, who come together to revive old cherished memories of golden past. They let each other leaf through the pages of their life-book with compassion and kindness. Sat in the backdrop of Kerala, this book makes the reader delve into the intensity of the emotions.
I am dumbfounded at the content of the book. It is as if the author has infused it the wisdom of not one person, but many, through various characters. I sense a deep bond developing between the characters. Author is being candid in his approach by depicting not just a rosy picture of life but also giving due weightage to the adversities and pains of life, that each one of us go through. For this reason I wholeheartedly appreciate the author. This sense of depth in relations and clarity in expression, makes me repeatedly delve into the books by this author.
I feel every one goes through the ups and downs of emotions, but to manifest it into artful expression can only be accomplished and executed by such ardent authors.
I will always vouch for the fact that the depth and maturity I find in the author’s work is absent even in the work of eminent and so called famous authors today. He definitely guides the society for deeper connections rather than just the physical connections. His prerogative is clear in his work.
The masterful use of language blends well with the story and I highly appreciate the diction. This parallelly helps the reader to build the vocabulary. As, stated earlier, the expressions are very clear, leaving no room for doubt. Every time I get up from reading the book by this author, I feel my emotions have found an expression into words, thus making me emotionally lighter. This is an added perk of reading such books.
Besides the captivating story, the author keeps on winning the hearts of readers through his wisdom packed one- liners, which make the reader more engrossed in the book.
Through the below mentioned line, author has portrayed Analogy.
“Environmentally, nothing much has changed, but the décor, structure and we, the people, both in appearance and notably the language quality used for interactions, must have gone through many changes,” Sunil responded.
The book has definitely a flowy state. Though, the reader goes to and fro the present and past, but I felt the transition was smooth. Just little more space or font change for transition would make it more appealing.
The characters in the get together talk about everything from their personal and family life to politics, religion, inter-faith marriage, health issues, emotional break down, solitude, and what not. I don’t think of anything left uncovered in the get-together. The virtues like self-help have also been the talk of get-together. Communication has been emphasized to ease the disability in relationship.
Reading the book, I felt that I too look for deeper connections in life.
If look for its adaption in cinema, I suggest adding a few details of the scene every now and then for easy adaption. To be true, I could feel the emotions but I couldnot see the visions as I had limited information about the scenes , what items and furniture and fixtures are there and alike(this is just an example, list is inclusive). The more information a reader is given to make visuals about the scenes, the more deeply he can indulge in the book.
The author has given a 360 degree view of life.
Among other things that moved me, I was so touched by the display of intensity in siblings bond. This shows the heights of purity and concern for the emotions of each other. Abhishek and Jyothi treasured out to be the hidden gems towards the conclusion of the book. Also, their story brings me to think that sometimes what we see in someone’s emotions is just the tip of ice-berg, the real story is beyond imagination.
The last few pages of the book remind me of the book ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’. May be because of the depth in conversations.
Sheeba being a matron herself, by profession, was petrified on encountering her son shivering with fear. The author differentiates our reactions when we deal with the same difficulties at personal level versus professional level. Additionally, she had to choose between her career and the degrading health of her son. This dilemma depicts the dilemma every working women faces in today’s era.
The highlight on mood and anxiety disorder due to lack of care and warmth in today’s competitive world is highlighted which is a wake-up call for the parent-child relationship, hampering largely due to high work pressure on parents.
Author explicates pros and cons of Joint as well as Nuclear families . Pragmatic approach for problem-solving through collective thought process has been highlighted. Simultaneously, author hasn’t undermined the relevance of Individual decision making depending on call of the situation.
Author has very swiftly drawn comparisons between a couple surrendering to the whims of parents while opting for a inter-faith marriage by severing the deep relationship and a couple choosing their own partner inter-faith, sidelining the thoughts of others. Also, the past and present are at contrast to each other. Similarly, the idea to extend the family under the pressure of in-laws in contrast to couple’s decision despite repeated miscarriages of female partner.
The struggles of Indians resident overseas for occupation have also been showcased. From Political conversation to financial, education and career related, everything was talked over in the get-together.
The author has marked out differences between the past and the present generation especially in their thought process and approach. .
I was taken over by the faith and understanding in all the people of get-together by discussing their very raw emotions with each other. There is nothing left untouched by the author.
The Title of the book best suits the content of the book. Remarkably relatable. Also, the alluring cover page displaying an open blank book adds depth to the title of the book. It is well thought after. Though simple and subtle, but substantially impactful. Additionally, the choice of colors gives a calming and serene effect. As I read the title of the book, it bore similarity with a story I read in my 12th standard titled ‘The Last Lecture’. A lot of memories come rushing with just the memory of school days.
The book has numerous characters. The initial ten to twelve pages introduce many characters in itself. Though the reader is inquisitive to know them, simultaneously, readers like me struggle to juggle with the names of so many characters. Having said that, I comprehend given the length of book and the storyline, it was the demanding to introduce these characters at such a fast pace. I would appreciate if the author could give a list of names characters along with brief introduction at the end/ beginning of the book.
The names of characters are very relatable. This helps reader in maintaining that flowy state while delving into the book. The author has expressed less about their physical features and attire and more about their thoughts, emotions , feelings and experiences. This makes me give the author an extra plus for his commendable job at drawing the character sketch solely through the emotions, feelings and highlights of antecedent life events. He is eloquent in expression and fastidious at the same time. In a way, reader gets to see the heart, soul and mental state of characters rather than just the physical features.
If I were add a piece of advice, I would be if the word count is not a limiting factor, I would recommend adding a few descriptions about physical features and a glimpse of the environment or time of the day in which conversation is taking place. It would help the reader to visualize the whole scenario more apparently and he could immense himself more deep and intensely in the book.
I would highly recommend this book due to its depth and exquisite storytelling by the author. Emotionally mature audience will delight in reading the book a lot.
One-line review: Elegantly crafted prose! Aesthetic !!!!!!!!
December 14, 2023
"The Last Chapter" by Santosh Nair is a heartwarming story that follows the lives of a group of four septuagenarians and their wives as they reminisce about their bachelor days and reflect on four decades of their lives. The main characters in the story include Winoj, Sheeba, Vibha, Sunil, Manjeri, Murli, Shaheed, and Amna. The story begins with Winoj and Sheeba taking the initiative to organize a reunion with their friends, setting the stage for a reflective journey.
Sheeba, for instance, is a matron at a prestigious Canadian nursing home, having graduated in nursing from India and furthering her credentials in Canada. Sunil and Murali are settled in Vaikom, while Shaheed plans to settle in Kerala from the UAE. His wife, Amna, also works as a matron in a hospital there. Throughout the story, the author delves into the past of each character, highlighting their personal struggles and achievements. For example, Sunil Menon was academically inclined and leaned towards the commerce domain. He pursued a CA article ship in Mumbai after graduating in commerce and eventually became a successful Chartered Accountant.
Vibha, on the other hand, was forced to relocate to Mumbai by her parents after having a brief affair with a Christian boy in Kottayam, Kerala. She eventually married Sunil, who was deemed suitable for her on both religious and qualification fronts. The story also delves into the challenges faced by the characters, such as mental illness and the loss of a child. Sheeba, for instance, rushes to Kerala with her son John to seek psychiatric care for him. The author portrays the unwavering support of the characters' loved ones during such difficult times. The book introduces two additional characters, Abhishek and Ayesha, who bring their own challenges to the story. Abhishek is portrayed as a supportive son who is always there for his parents. However, it is revealed that he faces infertility issues, adding a layer of sadness to his story.
Sheeba said:- "Everyday will matter in our lives now as tomorrow is unsure!"
Overall, "The Last Chapter" is a touching tale that explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience. It highlights the importance of human connections and the ability to find strength in difficult times. It is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages, showcasing the beauty of life's ups and downs.
Sheeba, for instance, is a matron at a prestigious Canadian nursing home, having graduated in nursing from India and furthering her credentials in Canada. Sunil and Murali are settled in Vaikom, while Shaheed plans to settle in Kerala from the UAE. His wife, Amna, also works as a matron in a hospital there. Throughout the story, the author delves into the past of each character, highlighting their personal struggles and achievements. For example, Sunil Menon was academically inclined and leaned towards the commerce domain. He pursued a CA article ship in Mumbai after graduating in commerce and eventually became a successful Chartered Accountant.
Vibha, on the other hand, was forced to relocate to Mumbai by her parents after having a brief affair with a Christian boy in Kottayam, Kerala. She eventually married Sunil, who was deemed suitable for her on both religious and qualification fronts. The story also delves into the challenges faced by the characters, such as mental illness and the loss of a child. Sheeba, for instance, rushes to Kerala with her son John to seek psychiatric care for him. The author portrays the unwavering support of the characters' loved ones during such difficult times. The book introduces two additional characters, Abhishek and Ayesha, who bring their own challenges to the story. Abhishek is portrayed as a supportive son who is always there for his parents. However, it is revealed that he faces infertility issues, adding a layer of sadness to his story.
Sheeba said:- "Everyday will matter in our lives now as tomorrow is unsure!"
Overall, "The Last Chapter" is a touching tale that explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience. It highlights the importance of human connections and the ability to find strength in difficult times. It is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages, showcasing the beauty of life's ups and downs.
December 25, 2023
The Last Chapter by Santosh Nair is a short touching novel about recounting epochs, days of youth and life filled with fun and uncertainties. How does it feel to look back in time with friends and closed acquaintances? Certainly, it feels heartwarming, emotional, and doles out an opportunity to laugh together on the blunders, passions left midway, affairs, aspirations of yester years. Something on the similar approach is based ‘The Last Chapter.’
The narrative of the novel is centered on four friends and their wives alongside…mostly they are in either late 60s or mid 70s. Winoj and Sheeba seem main characters, as the rendezvous of old people take place at their home in Kerala. It is exciting to read life tales and peculiar idiosyncrasies from their lives. After working hard for four decades and shaping their lives in a most desired way, probably this is the time to sit back at home with friends and take a walk down memory lane. As life is about to wind up them, they roped in a get together.
That particular chemistry between Vibha and Winoj was very interesting, they were in love in youth but the cross-religion marriage wasn’t approved by the families. It is always funny to notice the social barriers that separate people while nursing back memories of youth. It’s good to feel that these characters were treated fairly by life despite ups and downs and sacrifices. But the ultimate message in the novel is that one has to depart alone, leaving behind wealth and friends and kin.
Simple and easy to read, this book will make you count your life’s beautiful days and you may value each moment all the more. Nostalgic and heartwarming!
The narrative of the novel is centered on four friends and their wives alongside…mostly they are in either late 60s or mid 70s. Winoj and Sheeba seem main characters, as the rendezvous of old people take place at their home in Kerala. It is exciting to read life tales and peculiar idiosyncrasies from their lives. After working hard for four decades and shaping their lives in a most desired way, probably this is the time to sit back at home with friends and take a walk down memory lane. As life is about to wind up them, they roped in a get together.
That particular chemistry between Vibha and Winoj was very interesting, they were in love in youth but the cross-religion marriage wasn’t approved by the families. It is always funny to notice the social barriers that separate people while nursing back memories of youth. It’s good to feel that these characters were treated fairly by life despite ups and downs and sacrifices. But the ultimate message in the novel is that one has to depart alone, leaving behind wealth and friends and kin.
Simple and easy to read, this book will make you count your life’s beautiful days and you may value each moment all the more. Nostalgic and heartwarming!
November 30, 2023
The Last Chapter" by Santosh Nair invites readers on a poignant journey through the lives of four individuals as they gather to reflect on four decades of existence. Nair masterfully portrays the evolution of their lives, encompassing shifts in communication, behavior, diplomacy, and even physical transformation. This introspective narrative delves into the concluding phase of life, where reminiscing about past eras brings forth a treasure trove of wisdom gained from experiences, losses, gains, and laughter stemming from once-anxious moments, now viewed through the lens of hindsight.
Santosh Nair, the author, skillfully navigates themes of destiny, spiritual pursuit, and the enigmatic finality of life's journey in this touching narrative. As the characters navigate unknown territories under intangible forces, the story contemplates life's juxtapositions—affluence alongside equal measures of joy, happiness, misery, and sorrow.
Ultimately, "The Last Chapter" beautifully encapsulates the profound realization that, despite life's varying circumstances, the ultimate departure from this world is solitary, devoid of grandeur, and without worldly possessions.
Santosh Nair, the author, skillfully navigates themes of destiny, spiritual pursuit, and the enigmatic finality of life's journey in this touching narrative. As the characters navigate unknown territories under intangible forces, the story contemplates life's juxtapositions—affluence alongside equal measures of joy, happiness, misery, and sorrow.
Ultimately, "The Last Chapter" beautifully encapsulates the profound realization that, despite life's varying circumstances, the ultimate departure from this world is solitary, devoid of grandeur, and without worldly possessions.
April 18, 2025
This book is like sitting by the fireplace with old friends, sharing memories, regrets, and laughs. Santosh Nair has crafted something unique in The Last Chapter—a story that doesn’t rush, but invites you to savor every page like a long, warm conversation. The spiritual undertones give it an even deeper sense of purpose. Absolutely lovely.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews