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In Pursuit of a Lesser Offence
A chance meeting between Avinash Vyas, a married man and Sangeet Mishra, a young divorced woman turns into something more than what they had ever wanted or asked for. Both part ways, nurturing a dislike for the other in their hearts. They meet again under different circumstances. Their prejudices keep them away until both learn that they had committed similar offences in the past that had not been fully dealt with. It was a past they wanted to avoid. What was their offence? Why do people marry? What is the relevance of the institution of marriage in modern times? Bestselling novelist Sujata Parashars third novel attempts to answer these questions and more as she takes you through the intricacies of modernday relationships.
263 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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February 6, 2014
In Pursuit of a Lesser Offence – by Sujata Parashar
“ I told you, I can never fall in love. I can be attracted to a guy. I can sleep with him. But love? Well, that is something entirely different. I think love is an overrated term. The only true love I believe in is the love between a mother and her child. Other kinds of love are mere transactions.” Kanupriya – Sangeet’s friend.
You and I may disagree with these words, but this is the reality of today’s changing culture. The older generation may call it a drop in our sense of morality, the younger generation may call it a freedom of choice and a release from outmoded conventions, but the fact remains that for better or for worse, these attitude changes are going to be a part of our lives now. I may not agree Kanupriya’s statements above nor with her belief that “with the passage of time, marriage as an institution will either fade away or people will start getting married on a contractual basis” but I understand where those beliefs are coming from.
Sujata’s latest novel in the Pursuit series is once again a story of relationships between men and women. Once again the book is focused on the women in the story, particularly on Sangeet, who goes through the turmoil of a broken marriage and learning to cope with life. Love and rejection, work and family encompass the lives of many young women today and they will empathise with her and emotions. Evocative and sensitive, the novel gives you an in depth look into their lives and emotions.
Basically this is a love story, and like all true love stories the path is not smooth. Sujata has blossomed over the years as a writer and with each book her characters, specially the ladies, are acquiring greater depths and we are getting better glimpses into their thought processes. Kanupriya, Sangeet’s friend is assertive without being domineering, different but not rebellious, and even though you may not approve of her choices , you like her, and this where a writer’s prowess becomes evident.
Personally, I wish that the men in her stories had a little more ‘bite’ in them. They are smart and good-looking, but somewhere they seem to be playing second fiddle to their wives or girlfriends. The story is woven around the women and there is greater focus on them, leaving the men to be a bit like secondary entities.
Sujata’s poetry has always fascinated me, since in a few lines she manages to convey deep emotions and strike a chord within my heart. In this novel she makes me realise that the world around me is changing and so are the stories woven out of this world. I look forward to a day when she will give us a book about the world of the older generation and how they are coping with this new environment and with the changing relationships. A book which will combine her poetry with her ability to weave a fascinating story!
“ I told you, I can never fall in love. I can be attracted to a guy. I can sleep with him. But love? Well, that is something entirely different. I think love is an overrated term. The only true love I believe in is the love between a mother and her child. Other kinds of love are mere transactions.” Kanupriya – Sangeet’s friend.
You and I may disagree with these words, but this is the reality of today’s changing culture. The older generation may call it a drop in our sense of morality, the younger generation may call it a freedom of choice and a release from outmoded conventions, but the fact remains that for better or for worse, these attitude changes are going to be a part of our lives now. I may not agree Kanupriya’s statements above nor with her belief that “with the passage of time, marriage as an institution will either fade away or people will start getting married on a contractual basis” but I understand where those beliefs are coming from.
Sujata’s latest novel in the Pursuit series is once again a story of relationships between men and women. Once again the book is focused on the women in the story, particularly on Sangeet, who goes through the turmoil of a broken marriage and learning to cope with life. Love and rejection, work and family encompass the lives of many young women today and they will empathise with her and emotions. Evocative and sensitive, the novel gives you an in depth look into their lives and emotions.
Basically this is a love story, and like all true love stories the path is not smooth. Sujata has blossomed over the years as a writer and with each book her characters, specially the ladies, are acquiring greater depths and we are getting better glimpses into their thought processes. Kanupriya, Sangeet’s friend is assertive without being domineering, different but not rebellious, and even though you may not approve of her choices , you like her, and this where a writer’s prowess becomes evident.
Personally, I wish that the men in her stories had a little more ‘bite’ in them. They are smart and good-looking, but somewhere they seem to be playing second fiddle to their wives or girlfriends. The story is woven around the women and there is greater focus on them, leaving the men to be a bit like secondary entities.
Sujata’s poetry has always fascinated me, since in a few lines she manages to convey deep emotions and strike a chord within my heart. In this novel she makes me realise that the world around me is changing and so are the stories woven out of this world. I look forward to a day when she will give us a book about the world of the older generation and how they are coping with this new environment and with the changing relationships. A book which will combine her poetry with her ability to weave a fascinating story!
February 17, 2017
Sangeet Mishra and Avinash Vyas find each other’s paths crossing at the most inopportune moments. First time they meet, Sangeet was recovering from being in a bad relationship and Avinash was a married man. Their chance meeting soon turned into something that was good yet something that they were not looking for. When they parted ways, they didn’t think that their paths would ever cross again. But it does and that is when they discover things about each other that needed to be dealt with…
Sujata Parashar has a slight feminist style of writing that is very welcome at this point. Her leading lady is a strong character supported by another female character who demands attention too. Through Sangeet and Kanupriya, the author has reflected the section of modern women who are indeed strong and go-getters. The men in this story play the second fiddle. Even though it is essentially Sangeet and Avinash’s story, Avinash somehow ends up being the wallflower that brings something to the story yet is not the main focus. He is handsome and loveable character, but just not one of the strongest pillars of the story. I liked this fact very much because it is one of the highlights of the book that sets it apart from the rest. We are so used to having a man in the spotlight that we love our heroes, but this story gives us a woman (or two) in the spotlight! The characters develop over the years and throughout the story – leaving us with something very strong and stable in the end.
Sujata’s style of narration and storytelling is very crisp. The best part is that the story feels very real and believable because of the situations and characters along with the narration and language used. Though this is a work of fiction, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody stands up and says that this is so similar to their story.
Loved it and definitely worth your time.
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/03/InP...
Sujata Parashar has a slight feminist style of writing that is very welcome at this point. Her leading lady is a strong character supported by another female character who demands attention too. Through Sangeet and Kanupriya, the author has reflected the section of modern women who are indeed strong and go-getters. The men in this story play the second fiddle. Even though it is essentially Sangeet and Avinash’s story, Avinash somehow ends up being the wallflower that brings something to the story yet is not the main focus. He is handsome and loveable character, but just not one of the strongest pillars of the story. I liked this fact very much because it is one of the highlights of the book that sets it apart from the rest. We are so used to having a man in the spotlight that we love our heroes, but this story gives us a woman (or two) in the spotlight! The characters develop over the years and throughout the story – leaving us with something very strong and stable in the end.
Sujata’s style of narration and storytelling is very crisp. The best part is that the story feels very real and believable because of the situations and characters along with the narration and language used. Though this is a work of fiction, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody stands up and says that this is so similar to their story.
Loved it and definitely worth your time.
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/03/InP...
February 13, 2014
A very interesting story, explaining relationships, discovering some new bold aspects of today’s world...
This is the third novel by Sujata Parashar in the series of “Pursuit”. The story is about relationships between men and women. The protagonists of the story are a woman named Sangeet and a handsome, young, talented ‘Avinash’, who goes through the havoc of a broken and disturbed marriage. Later ‘Sangeet’ tries to cope up with her life after moving away from her broken marriage, she and Avinash fall in love. Today many women face such scenarios in their lives amidst love, stress, betrayal, rejection, work and to top it up, family pressures. They definitely would be able to understand and empathize with Sangeet. This novel gives you an in depth, suggestive and sensitive overview into today’s relationships.
The story gradually turns into love story, as generally love stories are not so smooth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘In Pursuit Of a Lesser Offence’. The climax was quite interesting with twists and turns. To unfold the same you need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The concept of the story is really nice and absorbing. This is a great achievement by the author for writing such a beautiful work of fiction. Even the climax of the story has been scripted well. The concept of Sperm donation and then Kanupriya’s views about marriage was something different, though this might not be appreciated by many Indian readers.
Some suggestive points:
Overall the book is good and very well expressed. The minor typos can be easily ignored by an engrossed reader.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say...this is an exceptional job done by Author (Sujata Parashar) … I would give 4.5 stars to this book.
This is the third novel by Sujata Parashar in the series of “Pursuit”. The story is about relationships between men and women. The protagonists of the story are a woman named Sangeet and a handsome, young, talented ‘Avinash’, who goes through the havoc of a broken and disturbed marriage. Later ‘Sangeet’ tries to cope up with her life after moving away from her broken marriage, she and Avinash fall in love. Today many women face such scenarios in their lives amidst love, stress, betrayal, rejection, work and to top it up, family pressures. They definitely would be able to understand and empathize with Sangeet. This novel gives you an in depth, suggestive and sensitive overview into today’s relationships.
The story gradually turns into love story, as generally love stories are not so smooth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘In Pursuit Of a Lesser Offence’. The climax was quite interesting with twists and turns. To unfold the same you need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The concept of the story is really nice and absorbing. This is a great achievement by the author for writing such a beautiful work of fiction. Even the climax of the story has been scripted well. The concept of Sperm donation and then Kanupriya’s views about marriage was something different, though this might not be appreciated by many Indian readers.
Some suggestive points:
Overall the book is good and very well expressed. The minor typos can be easily ignored by an engrossed reader.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say...this is an exceptional job done by Author (Sujata Parashar) … I would give 4.5 stars to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2014
The theme is strong, but the characters can be best described as instinctive. They do have a next door feel, but fall short in the depth they posses, or the author makes us believe so. The narrative is crisp and honest, easy on the eyes, making it a breezy read.
Sangeet is trying to recover from her bitter past when she falls in love with a married man, Avinash. On the one hand he is confused about his wife back in London and her love for him, but on the other, he is not able to resist the charm of his new office colleague, Sangeet. Through a series of events in the present, and a past the two of them find difficult to put away, Sangeet and Avinash are tested for their patience, virtues and definition of wrong and right to decide the best course for themselves.
Sangeet is trying to recover from her bitter past when she falls in love with a married man, Avinash. On the one hand he is confused about his wife back in London and her love for him, but on the other, he is not able to resist the charm of his new office colleague, Sangeet. Through a series of events in the present, and a past the two of them find difficult to put away, Sangeet and Avinash are tested for their patience, virtues and definition of wrong and right to decide the best course for themselves.
April 5, 2014
Is it wrong to define relationships in a way that we want, and not how we have been taught to? Often, for the sake of societal acceptance, people tend to flow with the norm, in the process compromising their happiness and dreams, something they would have preferred to follow, but bound in rules and conventional beliefs, they fail to break out of the shackles. What is more important then – going with the flow and training your heart to accept things that are not up to your liking, or challenging the set notions and leading your lives on your own terms? Love and relationship is always a complex topic to ponder upon, and that’s exactly what Sujata Parashar does in her new novel ‘In Pursuit Of A Lesser Offence.’
Avinash and Sangeet meet in various circumstances, and as destiny rolls the dice, they start developing warm feelings for each other, resulting in an intimacy that they love and fear at the same time. The mutual trust often borders around the underlying anxiety of the past showing up its ugly face again. Avinash is married to Latika, and Sangeet to Kushal, the compatibility with their partners unquestionable, when suddenly dark secrets tumble out from their nuptial bonds, and unresolved questions are hurled at them from every corner. Their strengths fatigued, Avinash and Sangeet embrace the weakness of each other, dreaming, hoping for a renewed life. However, fate can be cruel at times, and when things seemed to be going oh – so – perfect for them, they are pushed towards a new crossroad of dilemma. How they wade through the paths, and reach their destination, is what holds as the backdrop of the story.
Sangeet’s character as a wife, blindly trusting her husband, vulnerable, yet possessing a strong mental belief that things would be fine someday, is perfectly sketched. Sujata takes utmost pain to bring out her shades and emotions beautifully, and Sangeet becomes just another woman trapped in infidelity and despair, yet holding her head high and walking ahead. Avinash, the other protagonist, performs the role of an able support, holding her hands when she is lost, and promising never to leave her side. Their romance is sweet, but also filled with the doubts of an extra – marital relationships.
This is Sangeet’s story all the way, and the author does a good job in highlighting the modern scenarios revolving around love, marriage and commitment. However, I would have preferred if these subjects had been delved in a deeper manner. At times, I felt that the author was rushing through the pages, which often lead to a slight inconsistency in the pace and the flow. However, that doesn't take anything away from the beautiful story telling. The twists were often introduced at the right junctures. Also, the narrative style helps the readers identify with the characters, which in a big way adds to the realistic appeal of the plot.
‘In Pursuit Of A Lesser Offence’ is a light read, and will keep the readers entertained. The story raises several relevant queries, the answers to which are clouded in ambiguity in the current scenario, but with the changing times, perhaps, true love will find its way amidst societal pretenses, and endure the tests of self - imposed boundaries, without any fear of offences, greater or lesser.
Avinash and Sangeet meet in various circumstances, and as destiny rolls the dice, they start developing warm feelings for each other, resulting in an intimacy that they love and fear at the same time. The mutual trust often borders around the underlying anxiety of the past showing up its ugly face again. Avinash is married to Latika, and Sangeet to Kushal, the compatibility with their partners unquestionable, when suddenly dark secrets tumble out from their nuptial bonds, and unresolved questions are hurled at them from every corner. Their strengths fatigued, Avinash and Sangeet embrace the weakness of each other, dreaming, hoping for a renewed life. However, fate can be cruel at times, and when things seemed to be going oh – so – perfect for them, they are pushed towards a new crossroad of dilemma. How they wade through the paths, and reach their destination, is what holds as the backdrop of the story.
Sangeet’s character as a wife, blindly trusting her husband, vulnerable, yet possessing a strong mental belief that things would be fine someday, is perfectly sketched. Sujata takes utmost pain to bring out her shades and emotions beautifully, and Sangeet becomes just another woman trapped in infidelity and despair, yet holding her head high and walking ahead. Avinash, the other protagonist, performs the role of an able support, holding her hands when she is lost, and promising never to leave her side. Their romance is sweet, but also filled with the doubts of an extra – marital relationships.
This is Sangeet’s story all the way, and the author does a good job in highlighting the modern scenarios revolving around love, marriage and commitment. However, I would have preferred if these subjects had been delved in a deeper manner. At times, I felt that the author was rushing through the pages, which often lead to a slight inconsistency in the pace and the flow. However, that doesn't take anything away from the beautiful story telling. The twists were often introduced at the right junctures. Also, the narrative style helps the readers identify with the characters, which in a big way adds to the realistic appeal of the plot.
‘In Pursuit Of A Lesser Offence’ is a light read, and will keep the readers entertained. The story raises several relevant queries, the answers to which are clouded in ambiguity in the current scenario, but with the changing times, perhaps, true love will find its way amidst societal pretenses, and endure the tests of self - imposed boundaries, without any fear of offences, greater or lesser.
April 28, 2014
A soft romance novel, ‘In Pursuit of A Lesser Offence’ is about Love, Life, infidelity and extra marital affairs. The book emphasizes on the concept of true love. It follows the path that people make mistakes and they can be corrected in life. It is a newly explored concept, which follows the love of two people, already married to two different people. Though the line is typically ‘Love starts from a clash’, the story is woven differently. Sangeet and Avinash do not fall for each other that easily, but once they come through a few months, they realize their love for each other and get together, each getting in the other, what they always wanted!
The plot is well thought out, because there is nothing outlandish or unbelievable in it. The characters are human, well sketched and predictable. The story setting is not exotic but gives an everyday feel. This story might happen to anyone you know. a little more depth could have been given to the love aspect of Sangeet and Avinash. The way the chapters have been split up is brilliant, and the unexpected climax gives a good turn. Overall, there is content for you in this book if you enjoy your romances and mushy love stories.
The book had a compelling summary that led the reader to expect a bit more spice in the story, and that is a teeny weeny disappointment there. But the story does teach about existence of true love and preaches that a divorce is not the end of the world, which is a good concept. It is a good one time read, that will leave a few deep thoughts in your head and give certain altering pushes to your ideas about love and life.
The plot is well thought out, because there is nothing outlandish or unbelievable in it. The characters are human, well sketched and predictable. The story setting is not exotic but gives an everyday feel. This story might happen to anyone you know. a little more depth could have been given to the love aspect of Sangeet and Avinash. The way the chapters have been split up is brilliant, and the unexpected climax gives a good turn. Overall, there is content for you in this book if you enjoy your romances and mushy love stories.
The book had a compelling summary that led the reader to expect a bit more spice in the story, and that is a teeny weeny disappointment there. But the story does teach about existence of true love and preaches that a divorce is not the end of the world, which is a good concept. It is a good one time read, that will leave a few deep thoughts in your head and give certain altering pushes to your ideas about love and life.
December 11, 2014
I was initially hesitant to pick up the book, thinking it'd be another desi M&B. And I dont like M&B, never have. But Sujata proved me wrong. The book is an interesting slice of modern marriages, the dilemma many couples face today. Sangeet, the protagonist, moves out of her marriage as her husband loves another woman and had married her only to placate his mother. but then willy-nilly she gets attracted to a married man and has a relationship with him. the plot, the characters are very contemporary. it's an easy read. the dialogues flow well, as a reader you will want to keep reading to know what happens with Sangeet.
Sujata writes about the society we live in, about the people who live around us. basically us and our lives. I enjoyed the book.
Sujata writes about the society we live in, about the people who live around us. basically us and our lives. I enjoyed the book.
August 21, 2014
This book was an interesting read for me. I am giving it 4 Stars because I find myself thinking of topics discussed pertaining to relationships. Also, you could hear the Indian accent during conversations. Nice change to read a book translated to English. My sister told me about this author and I had to check her out! Worthwhile.
May 13, 2014
" In pursuit of lesser offence " is my first encounter with Sujata Parashar's write ups... This sort of relationships is cropping up in every cities and towns. Love is a pure term it cannot be understood ... it can be experienced. Keep writing...
April 1, 2018
4.6 the best in the series
January 15, 2015
This book is for broad minded people. In this 21st century infidelity is common thing, so sleeping with others or one night stand doesn’t matters now a days. Today’s generation is changing, they are taking things lightly. The author’s narration style is crisp, the flow is good and characters feel very real. The dilemma faced by modern couples is very well described by the author. Indian women compromise or adjust herself in a relationship which doesn’t have any meaning or goal in life, while this novel gives a good message to the society that don’t compromise with the person who doesn’t understands your feeling, leave and live your life. The language is simple, flow is fast, and writing style is simple without any difficult jargons. This novel will give an in dept picture of today’s sensitive relationship.
For more book reviews please visit my blog: http://founttainofjoy.blogspot.in/
For more book reviews please visit my blog: http://founttainofjoy.blogspot.in/
May 20, 2014
I was totally enamoured by the cover design. It appears elegant, exquisite and desolate at the same instant, carrying the promise of an extraordinary story. The blurb looked promising too with interesting situations & questions. ‘Why do people marry?’ – that is indeed a relevant query in our contemporary lives. Overall the book flaunts the look of a romance novel.
While the plot is quite a potful, I found the writing a little plain and linear. I haven’t read the author earlier and felt she believes in simple writing. The language is simple, and so is her choice of words.
Recommended for romance buffs who love complications too.
Read the full review here: http://oneandahalfminutes.wordpress.c...
While the plot is quite a potful, I found the writing a little plain and linear. I haven’t read the author earlier and felt she believes in simple writing. The language is simple, and so is her choice of words.
Recommended for romance buffs who love complications too.
Read the full review here: http://oneandahalfminutes.wordpress.c...
January 27, 2015
Easy and quick read. The story dealing with day to day life in the urban areas and the changing relationships.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews