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Unravelling
The stories we tell ourselves and others are very often not true…
To the outside world, Bhanu seems to have a perfect a beautiful home and a wonderful husband and family… No one knows that each superficial layer has been carefully constructed to hide the dark secrets of her past and to bury the utter disappointment that what was written in the stars did not come to pass.
Then, on the eve of her fortieth wedding anniversary and vow renewal ceremony, a chance encounter shatters Bhanu’s pretence, when a face from her past reappears.
Deep, her first love who was etched into her heart, the man who lingered in her dreams throughout her married life, reappears, asking her to abandon everything for a second chance at love.
Forced to confront the consequences of choices made long ago, Bhanu begins to unravel as her life is thrust into chaos. But by reaching for a different future, can she heal the wounds of her past?
An extraordinary story about the complex tapestry that makes up a woman’s life and how facing the truth can change everything…
Praise for PREETHI NAIR
‘Moving description packs a powerful punch in this book about family, forgiveness and the power of truth’
GUARDIAN
‘A dynamic author’
THE BOOKSELLER
To the outside world, Bhanu seems to have a perfect a beautiful home and a wonderful husband and family… No one knows that each superficial layer has been carefully constructed to hide the dark secrets of her past and to bury the utter disappointment that what was written in the stars did not come to pass.
Then, on the eve of her fortieth wedding anniversary and vow renewal ceremony, a chance encounter shatters Bhanu’s pretence, when a face from her past reappears.
Deep, her first love who was etched into her heart, the man who lingered in her dreams throughout her married life, reappears, asking her to abandon everything for a second chance at love.
Forced to confront the consequences of choices made long ago, Bhanu begins to unravel as her life is thrust into chaos. But by reaching for a different future, can she heal the wounds of her past?
An extraordinary story about the complex tapestry that makes up a woman’s life and how facing the truth can change everything…
Praise for PREETHI NAIR
‘Moving description packs a powerful punch in this book about family, forgiveness and the power of truth’
GUARDIAN
‘A dynamic author’
THE BOOKSELLER
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
25 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 14, 2025
'For forty years, I have been in a story that I didn't want to be in and the reason that I wrote that story was to escape pain, the pain of abandonment; but with each chapter, I have abandoned a part of myself...'.
It is the night of Bhanu's fortieth wedding anniversary and there's a 'surprise' vow renewal planned. To most, she has much to celebrate: two grown children, a wealthy husband and a comfortable home. But as she readies her sari, fixes her bun and begrudgingly accepts a diamond necklace from her husband, the thought of continuing the farce at a Hindu ceremony is irksome but seems inevitable, 'For most of my life, I have been pretending to be the person that I think I should be because I think if I met the person I really am, I'm not sure that I would like her'. Her troubled thoughts once again lead her to have a conversation with her true love Deepak. Deepak has always been there for her but only in her imagination, 'It is the only way I have survived my marriage...as if it was to him that I had married and sometimes, in difficult situations, pretending that he was by my side'. The question is, after all of this time, is it all too late?
I just loved this layered, emotional journey of Bhanu’s, as she reviews her life, now, at the age of 59. So many would’ve, could’ve, should’ves. Although this story is sure to resonate with so many middle-aged women all over, I just loved the way Preethi Nair wove Hindu traditions and Indian culture in such a seamless manner, often with dry wit, 'For those unaccustomed to arranged marriages, Indians have a colour chart to match prospective partners; think of it as a Dulux colour chart'.
As with most poignant premises, Nair alludes to her own sense of cheating herself out of a life well-lived in her endnotes, 'I told myself that dreaming about the adventure was much better than the adventure itself. It was a lie. Safety kept me from taking risks, from disappointment, from failure'. I think we can all hold our hands up to having fallen into that trap at times in our lives. You can see why this book will speak so resonantly to so many. Try it for yourself.
It is the night of Bhanu's fortieth wedding anniversary and there's a 'surprise' vow renewal planned. To most, she has much to celebrate: two grown children, a wealthy husband and a comfortable home. But as she readies her sari, fixes her bun and begrudgingly accepts a diamond necklace from her husband, the thought of continuing the farce at a Hindu ceremony is irksome but seems inevitable, 'For most of my life, I have been pretending to be the person that I think I should be because I think if I met the person I really am, I'm not sure that I would like her'. Her troubled thoughts once again lead her to have a conversation with her true love Deepak. Deepak has always been there for her but only in her imagination, 'It is the only way I have survived my marriage...as if it was to him that I had married and sometimes, in difficult situations, pretending that he was by my side'. The question is, after all of this time, is it all too late?
I just loved this layered, emotional journey of Bhanu’s, as she reviews her life, now, at the age of 59. So many would’ve, could’ve, should’ves. Although this story is sure to resonate with so many middle-aged women all over, I just loved the way Preethi Nair wove Hindu traditions and Indian culture in such a seamless manner, often with dry wit, 'For those unaccustomed to arranged marriages, Indians have a colour chart to match prospective partners; think of it as a Dulux colour chart'.
As with most poignant premises, Nair alludes to her own sense of cheating herself out of a life well-lived in her endnotes, 'I told myself that dreaming about the adventure was much better than the adventure itself. It was a lie. Safety kept me from taking risks, from disappointment, from failure'. I think we can all hold our hands up to having fallen into that trap at times in our lives. You can see why this book will speak so resonantly to so many. Try it for yourself.
October 22, 2024
This dazzling novel and its female protagonist Bhanu may have stolen a little bit of my heart. As did its message that it’s never too late to grab life by the scruff of the neck and make it dance to YOUR tune.
More and more lately, I’ve been drawn to stories featuring women in late-middle age. Women like me. Women I relate to, not necessarily through shared experiences, but through a certain wisdom and self-awareness that comes with maturity and reflection on a life lived.
Bhanu is about to celebrate her fortieth wedding anniversary, when a chance encounter with her first love sparks a reassessment of her choices, relationships and lifestyle, along with the resurfacing of painful memories from her childhood. Through writing that is expressive, raw and intelligent, author Preethi Nair ensures that the unravelling that follows is as affecting for the reader as for Bhanu herself.
Bhanu’s story is one of a woman who has spent her entire life trapped by the rules and expectations of her Hindu culture, by the absolute necessity of keeping up appearances regardless of circumstances: Turn a blind eye to the faithless husband. Absolve the scheming sister of her unforgivable betrayal. Suck up the ingratitude of the adult offspring. At all times, project to the outside world the image of a perfect family, a perfect life.
While thankfully none of these specifics were relevant to me, what I wholeheartedly identified with was the sense of reckoning experienced by Bhanu. The notion of there being a time for picking through one’s life, for evaluating the path trodden, the ups and downs, the opportunities, choices, regrets.
For much of this book, Bhanu comes across as a pitiful, tragic character; a woman who has subjugated not just her own happiness but her very sense of self. And this, despite her sharp intellect and beautiful, sensitive soul. While recognising why Bhanu felt so powerless, I spent much of the story feeling frustrated and angry at her decades of meek acceptance.
What kept me on side, though, was the question of how this unravelling would end; whether, as the scales fell from her eyes, Bhanu would eventually find the courage break free from her prison. Happily, Nair kept me guessing until the end.
More and more lately, I’ve been drawn to stories featuring women in late-middle age. Women like me. Women I relate to, not necessarily through shared experiences, but through a certain wisdom and self-awareness that comes with maturity and reflection on a life lived.
Bhanu is about to celebrate her fortieth wedding anniversary, when a chance encounter with her first love sparks a reassessment of her choices, relationships and lifestyle, along with the resurfacing of painful memories from her childhood. Through writing that is expressive, raw and intelligent, author Preethi Nair ensures that the unravelling that follows is as affecting for the reader as for Bhanu herself.
Bhanu’s story is one of a woman who has spent her entire life trapped by the rules and expectations of her Hindu culture, by the absolute necessity of keeping up appearances regardless of circumstances: Turn a blind eye to the faithless husband. Absolve the scheming sister of her unforgivable betrayal. Suck up the ingratitude of the adult offspring. At all times, project to the outside world the image of a perfect family, a perfect life.
While thankfully none of these specifics were relevant to me, what I wholeheartedly identified with was the sense of reckoning experienced by Bhanu. The notion of there being a time for picking through one’s life, for evaluating the path trodden, the ups and downs, the opportunities, choices, regrets.
For much of this book, Bhanu comes across as a pitiful, tragic character; a woman who has subjugated not just her own happiness but her very sense of self. And this, despite her sharp intellect and beautiful, sensitive soul. While recognising why Bhanu felt so powerless, I spent much of the story feeling frustrated and angry at her decades of meek acceptance.
What kept me on side, though, was the question of how this unravelling would end; whether, as the scales fell from her eyes, Bhanu would eventually find the courage break free from her prison. Happily, Nair kept me guessing until the end.
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July 10, 2025To unravel is not always to come undone. Sometimes it is the beginning of becoming.
Bhanu has built a seemingly perfect life: a beautiful home, a long marriage, the appearance of contentment. But when someone from her past resurfaces days before her wedding vow renewal, she’s forced to confront the life she’s built and the parts of herself she left behind.
“Unravelling” is a plot-driven, tender portrait of a woman in midlife, a stage so rarely centered in fiction, let alone with such empathy and clarity. Readers root for our narrator not because she demands it, but because her evolution, from girl to woman, from silence to self-recognition, is rendered with such purity and grace. Her voice is clear and gentle, shaped by pain but never bitter.
As Bhanu begins to peel back the layers of her past, the sari — with its folds and careful draping — becomes more than a cultural touchstone. It mirrors the life she’s wrapped herself in, each pleat a memory. To unravel, then, is not a fall from grace, but a deliberate loosening. It is letting go of what no longer fits. It is a respectful release of the old to make space for something new.
Preeti Nair reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again, and that sometimes the most radical act of love is reclamation.
Bhanu has built a seemingly perfect life: a beautiful home, a long marriage, the appearance of contentment. But when someone from her past resurfaces days before her wedding vow renewal, she’s forced to confront the life she’s built and the parts of herself she left behind.
“Unravelling” is a plot-driven, tender portrait of a woman in midlife, a stage so rarely centered in fiction, let alone with such empathy and clarity. Readers root for our narrator not because she demands it, but because her evolution, from girl to woman, from silence to self-recognition, is rendered with such purity and grace. Her voice is clear and gentle, shaped by pain but never bitter.
As Bhanu begins to peel back the layers of her past, the sari — with its folds and careful draping — becomes more than a cultural touchstone. It mirrors the life she’s wrapped herself in, each pleat a memory. To unravel, then, is not a fall from grace, but a deliberate loosening. It is letting go of what no longer fits. It is a respectful release of the old to make space for something new.
Preeti Nair reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again, and that sometimes the most radical act of love is reclamation.
December 22, 2024
On first impression, Bhanu seems to have it all; the luxurious home, the successful husband, the perfect children. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll see most of it is a facade. This veneer has been carefully created to hide the scars and secrets of her past. Then on her fortieth wedding anniversary the past collides with the present - and Bhanu begins to consider her junction at this crossroads. Which direction should she travel?
This book is hugely entertaining. Bhanu is an extraordinary character, a middle aged Indian woman on the brink of collapse, yet wielding the most wonderful sense of humour while everything falls apart (hence the title). I felt ALL the emotions whilst I read it; I burst out laughing on many occasions, Bhanu’s honest descriptions and observances of life were so sharp and acidic that I’d defy anyone not to find her amusing. But then, a moment later I’d have a lump in my throat reading about her childhood experiences. There are highs and lows aplenty within these pages let me tell you, it’s a real rollercoaster of a read and it was a joy and privilege to get to know this remarkable woman.
Unravelling is a book filled with love, laughter, reality and disappointment. It’s glorious and it’s gorgeous. Bhanu, I’m missing you already!
This book is hugely entertaining. Bhanu is an extraordinary character, a middle aged Indian woman on the brink of collapse, yet wielding the most wonderful sense of humour while everything falls apart (hence the title). I felt ALL the emotions whilst I read it; I burst out laughing on many occasions, Bhanu’s honest descriptions and observances of life were so sharp and acidic that I’d defy anyone not to find her amusing. But then, a moment later I’d have a lump in my throat reading about her childhood experiences. There are highs and lows aplenty within these pages let me tell you, it’s a real rollercoaster of a read and it was a joy and privilege to get to know this remarkable woman.
Unravelling is a book filled with love, laughter, reality and disappointment. It’s glorious and it’s gorgeous. Bhanu, I’m missing you already!
September 26, 2024
I honestly don’t know where to start with this one. You know when you read a book and you just kind of stare into the void after it’s over. It was heartbreaking really and sad, it explores the social norm of feeling trapped in a loveless marriage, staying because of children and just because it’s what is expected. There’s lies and betrayal and you feel for the character and you just want her to escape and do what makes herself happy. Also shows you that sometimes you build things up in your head that the reality doesn’t live up to!
September 25, 2024
When I was offered a copy of this book by the author I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as I set off on my journey in amongst its pages I discovered an emotionally complex story of a woman trapped by her experiences of abandonment by her mother, loss of her true love, betrayal by her “sister” and later by her husband, and hurt inflicted by her son and her daughter. Constrained by custom, tradition and by needing to keep up appearances Bhuna seeks solace and safety by turning inwards and into her own imagination and the power of poetry. Here she constructs an alternative universe and almost leads a parallel life to the one she lives day to day. But eventually the web of lies begins to disintegrate and force her to stop hiding, face the truth and make a decision.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I felt a keen sense of sadness for Bhuna and felt anger and frustration at some of the characters surrounding her. I liked Bhuna very much and wished so much more for her. It’s a great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I felt a keen sense of sadness for Bhuna and felt anger and frustration at some of the characters surrounding her. I liked Bhuna very much and wished so much more for her. It’s a great read!
October 4, 2024
This is not a book I would normally pick up but I was intrigued by the premise and I love seeing life through an older character, especially a south Asian woman.
This is a short novel but I took my time with Bhanu and at times I got frustrated with her but I was so proud at the end of her story.
You would think this is a love story or a story of a woman who chooses to conform but like Rumi is quoted as saying in the book, when the cage door is open it’s sometimes too late to escape.
I found Bhanu a well rounded character and very real, I know so many women like her who put the needs of their families over themselves and end up resentful.
I would recommend this book to see things from another perspective.
This is a short novel but I took my time with Bhanu and at times I got frustrated with her but I was so proud at the end of her story.
You would think this is a love story or a story of a woman who chooses to conform but like Rumi is quoted as saying in the book, when the cage door is open it’s sometimes too late to escape.
I found Bhanu a well rounded character and very real, I know so many women like her who put the needs of their families over themselves and end up resentful.
I would recommend this book to see things from another perspective.
June 3, 2025
A great book full of: humour, reflection and humanity. I could relate on some levels, I could appreciate in others and at times it made me learn about the life of women. We are so hugely unappreciated and yet so full of potential.
Thank you for being a writer that represents me, my sister and my mum and all the powerful women of colour.
Thank you for being a writer that represents me, my sister and my mum and all the powerful women of colour.
December 6, 2025
I have finally found the origin of the quote I usually misquote
It is an Igbo quote, “ Mgbe onye ji tete bu ụtụtụ ya./Whenever a man wakes up is his own morning. [Your beginning starts whenever you're ready its a personal race]”
Bhanu woke up and the unraveling was her morning.
Life had gotten in the way of me finishing this book. I’m currently making my hair at the moment so I had a chance to finish it and wow.
I enjoyed Bhanu’s character so so much. She’s so funny and I liked her very much.
I thought the story was going to go one way and it would have been a fairytale ending but it ended in a real way and I like that.
Her father leaving and her mother dying by suicide was such an incredibly painful thing for such a young child to go through. I’m glad that she found solace with her extended family especially Ba. Gauri count your days you serpent! She did not get enough flak. What a truly awful human being.
My heart really hurt that she didn’t have the courage to leave that philandering donkey but you know the times and what it was.
Her husband was awful, her children were ingrates… it was not going well for my babe Bhanu
I am so glad she had the library and that she found pockets of joy in her life.
The fact that she was able to let go of the illusion of her and Deep, seeing that he was different (which is not necessarily a bad thing. No one remains the same)
I’m glad she woke up and now she gets to enjoy the rest of the little life she has left.
You can come of age at anytime in your life
Preethi Nair, you do a big one.
It is an Igbo quote, “ Mgbe onye ji tete bu ụtụtụ ya./Whenever a man wakes up is his own morning. [Your beginning starts whenever you're ready its a personal race]”
Bhanu woke up and the unraveling was her morning.
Life had gotten in the way of me finishing this book. I’m currently making my hair at the moment so I had a chance to finish it and wow.
I enjoyed Bhanu’s character so so much. She’s so funny and I liked her very much.
I thought the story was going to go one way and it would have been a fairytale ending but it ended in a real way and I like that.
Her father leaving and her mother dying by suicide was such an incredibly painful thing for such a young child to go through. I’m glad that she found solace with her extended family especially Ba. Gauri count your days you serpent! She did not get enough flak. What a truly awful human being.
My heart really hurt that she didn’t have the courage to leave that philandering donkey but you know the times and what it was.
Her husband was awful, her children were ingrates… it was not going well for my babe Bhanu
I am so glad she had the library and that she found pockets of joy in her life.
The fact that she was able to let go of the illusion of her and Deep, seeing that he was different (which is not necessarily a bad thing. No one remains the same)
I’m glad she woke up and now she gets to enjoy the rest of the little life she has left.
You can come of age at anytime in your life
Preethi Nair, you do a big one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
In ‘Unravelling’, author Preethi Nair crafts a poignant and insightful exploration of a woman's life and the impact of societal expectations. Bhanu, the protagonist, embarks on a retrospective journey on the eve of her 40th wedding anniversary. It is a poignant exploration of societal pressures, personal sacrifice, and the enduring power of self-discovery.
The narrative, characterized by raw honesty and emotional depth, resonated deeply with me. Bhanu's internal struggles, particularly her grappling with the pressures of societal conformity - “what would people think?” - felt authentic and relatable. The author masterfully depicts the complexities of her character, showcasing both her strengths and vulnerabilities.
The ending provided a satisfying sense of closure, leaving me with a lingering sense of admiration for Bhanu's strength and resilience. This is undoubtedly the best book I've read this year, and I anticipate revisiting it many times in the years to come as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and living authentically.
The narrative, characterized by raw honesty and emotional depth, resonated deeply with me. Bhanu's internal struggles, particularly her grappling with the pressures of societal conformity - “what would people think?” - felt authentic and relatable. The author masterfully depicts the complexities of her character, showcasing both her strengths and vulnerabilities.
The ending provided a satisfying sense of closure, leaving me with a lingering sense of admiration for Bhanu's strength and resilience. This is undoubtedly the best book I've read this year, and I anticipate revisiting it many times in the years to come as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and living authentically.
December 10, 2024
Do you judge a book by its cover?🌺
I tend to do this often, and I love that this book, has a fairly simple cover but the story is complex and deep. It reminds me of the Bhanu, who is judged by her family and friends to be an annoying mom and a simple wife. But like the cover, she’s so much more and her story has so much character, and love and heartache.
This is a wonderful book, especially for women. Your mother has lived many lives before you were even born and it’s something we as daughters tend to forget. I love that all of these characters were believable and alive for me, I was going through everything Bhanu was, with her!
The Unravelling by Preethi Nair is beautifully written by an indie author that I will go out of my way to read to the rest of her books!
Thank you so so much @writerwala for this gifted copy!
The Unravelling published earlier this fall and is available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
I tend to do this often, and I love that this book, has a fairly simple cover but the story is complex and deep. It reminds me of the Bhanu, who is judged by her family and friends to be an annoying mom and a simple wife. But like the cover, she’s so much more and her story has so much character, and love and heartache.
This is a wonderful book, especially for women. Your mother has lived many lives before you were even born and it’s something we as daughters tend to forget. I love that all of these characters were believable and alive for me, I was going through everything Bhanu was, with her!
The Unravelling by Preethi Nair is beautifully written by an indie author that I will go out of my way to read to the rest of her books!
Thank you so so much @writerwala for this gifted copy!
The Unravelling published earlier this fall and is available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
October 16, 2024
Brilliantly written, heart touching, and thought-provoking
"The stories we tell ourselves and others are very often not true"
✨️Once in a while, there comes a book that touches you deep inside your heart. Unraveling is such a book for me. The unraveling of layers in Bhanu's life are heartbreaking and honest accounts with in-depth emotional experience. I am in my mid forties, and I was able to connect with Bhanu, who is in her sixties very easily. She hides her disappointments, emotional pain, neglect, betrayal, and issues of abandonment from everyone and even herself. Now, as she's about to celebrate her 40th anniversary, she is facing her true feelings for the first time in her whole life.
The book expertly unravels her life, layer after layer, like in a saree.
The story is divided into five sections. Each section delves deep into her past, which had a great impact on making Bhanu, as she is today. But now it's time to stand up for herself and make everyone realize that she is not always to be blamed.
The book shows that we all somehow or otherwise struggles to be free, free from pressure of toxic relationships, free from judgments of our own, free from always trying to prove ourselves, and at last free to be Us just as we are. I was rooting for Bhanu throughout the book and admired her for her strength and courage to be finally free.
Masterfully crafted, beautifully described, and very relatable story. Highly recommend.
✨️ I loved it. Thanks a lot to the author for giving me a chance to read this book.
"The stories we tell ourselves and others are very often not true"
✨️Once in a while, there comes a book that touches you deep inside your heart. Unraveling is such a book for me. The unraveling of layers in Bhanu's life are heartbreaking and honest accounts with in-depth emotional experience. I am in my mid forties, and I was able to connect with Bhanu, who is in her sixties very easily. She hides her disappointments, emotional pain, neglect, betrayal, and issues of abandonment from everyone and even herself. Now, as she's about to celebrate her 40th anniversary, she is facing her true feelings for the first time in her whole life.
The book expertly unravels her life, layer after layer, like in a saree.
The story is divided into five sections. Each section delves deep into her past, which had a great impact on making Bhanu, as she is today. But now it's time to stand up for herself and make everyone realize that she is not always to be blamed.
The book shows that we all somehow or otherwise struggles to be free, free from pressure of toxic relationships, free from judgments of our own, free from always trying to prove ourselves, and at last free to be Us just as we are. I was rooting for Bhanu throughout the book and admired her for her strength and courage to be finally free.
Masterfully crafted, beautifully described, and very relatable story. Highly recommend.
✨️ I loved it. Thanks a lot to the author for giving me a chance to read this book.
September 18, 2025
Such a great narrative.
The book started off as being a depiction of a stereotyped South Asian woman, as viewed by the people around her, and it was a little annoying to read, but once you move past that, the story really pulls you in: unfolding Bannu's backstory made me so, so sad. When someone asks: but why didn't you do different? How did you end up like this? of every South Asian woman, this story tells us why.
Loved the book, the details, the perspectives, and the relatability: she could be so many females in the society around me.
I wish the book had gone on, I really wanted to stay with her for longer.
The book started off as being a depiction of a stereotyped South Asian woman, as viewed by the people around her, and it was a little annoying to read, but once you move past that, the story really pulls you in: unfolding Bannu's backstory made me so, so sad. When someone asks: but why didn't you do different? How did you end up like this? of every South Asian woman, this story tells us why.
Loved the book, the details, the perspectives, and the relatability: she could be so many females in the society around me.
I wish the book had gone on, I really wanted to stay with her for longer.
December 5, 2025
Brilliantly written. The dynamics and tensions of relationships is well told with humour, added with the candour of the pressures of community, society and cultural values. Really enjoyed learning about the main character and reading her ruminations on love, life and relationships.
October 24, 2024
preethi really did her big one with this. it was so beautifully written and she captured bhanu’s emotions so well. I PRAY THIS LOVE NEVER EVER EVER FINDS ME THO 🙏🙏🙏🙏
November 18, 2024
So glad I came across this book. Such a unique, authentic voice. Bhanu will stay with me, guiding the way.
Read
September 19, 2025fantastic book. couldn't put it down
August 26, 2025
Omg! Why is nobody talking about this book?!? I usually give a more thorough review, but all I can say is read it…now!!
October 15, 2024
Excellent. I really enjoyed this story and the writing spoke to my heart on every page. After 40 years of marriage Bhanu is not sure the upcoming vow renewal ceremony is what she really wants. During the days leading up to the event Bhanu reflects on her youth, a lost love, her marriage and her family. There are moments if deep sadness from her childhood growing up in Tanzania peppered with moments of levity and joy. The family moves to England when she is a teen and they stuggle to make it in a new place.
Bhanu's story gives a unique cultural perspective but at the same time she experiences the struggles of all women and mothers. There is humour and warmth contained in these pages that will resonate with all readers and leave a lasting impression.
Bhanu's story gives a unique cultural perspective but at the same time she experiences the struggles of all women and mothers. There is humour and warmth contained in these pages that will resonate with all readers and leave a lasting impression.
November 24, 2024
I love the nuance and complexity of the characters in this- few are entirely bad (though I did not like the main character’s son) nor good. They’re human beings, attempting to build lives, working within boundaries of their own making.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
Preethi Nair has written a book that I think will stay in many people's hearts.
The book follows Bhanu who has built what appears to be a successful life for herself, her husband and children. But underneath the surface are dynamics that others don't see, secrets that are buried deep and a past that is catching up to her.
I finished it two weeks ago and still find it entering my headspace daily because her main protagonist could be any one of the many SA women I know. There are so many cultural nuances here that I think will resonate deeply with people from the SA diaspora and I feel so lucky to be living and reading in a time when more and more SA voices are being given a platform to share their talent with.
A witty and very honest portrayal into the choices we make, the way they define us and finding a way to live a life that is truly ours. I think that it is this underlying theme that will make readers connect with Bhanu in some way, no matter who they are.
Thank you to the author for sending me a digital copy of this book.
The book follows Bhanu who has built what appears to be a successful life for herself, her husband and children. But underneath the surface are dynamics that others don't see, secrets that are buried deep and a past that is catching up to her.
I finished it two weeks ago and still find it entering my headspace daily because her main protagonist could be any one of the many SA women I know. There are so many cultural nuances here that I think will resonate deeply with people from the SA diaspora and I feel so lucky to be living and reading in a time when more and more SA voices are being given a platform to share their talent with.
A witty and very honest portrayal into the choices we make, the way they define us and finding a way to live a life that is truly ours. I think that it is this underlying theme that will make readers connect with Bhanu in some way, no matter who they are.
Thank you to the author for sending me a digital copy of this book.
September 27, 2024
Thanks to the author Preeti Nair for the gifted ARC!
Synopsis -
Bhanu’s existence from the outside is seemingly perfect. A beautiful house, a great husband and two kids. What more is there to life? But if you look closer into Bhanu’s reality, she has built a whole new parallel universe in her mind with the ghost of her past. With her 40th year wedding anniversary and vow renewal coming up, Bhanu is at crossroads.
Review -
Oh what a lovely woman Bhanu was! Despite her being much older than me, I could relate so well to her in various aspects of life. Preeti portrays Bhanu’s character with the utmost care, delicacy and depth that it requires. Bhanu is simple, down to earth, loving, caring and has a deep passion for poetry, especially Rumi. The highlight of the book were all the beautiful quotes that adorn this novel.
Starting with her present life, we get a glimpse of Bhanu’s carefully constructed façade that she presents to the world. Always worried about what people with think, Bhanu never veers from societal norms. But it's when we get to know her past, that we understand the real Bhanu.
I loved all the references to the Indian culture, tradition, food and the Hindu customs the author skilfully captures in this story. Also I was fascinated that Bhanu was one of the thousands of Gujaratis who emigrated to Tanzanias back in the 60s and later to the UK.
The book explores aging with women - how we become invisible, ignored, taken for granted and judged by society as we grow older. It also takes a satirical look at the community, that thrives on hypocrisy, gossip and fakery. It was disconcerting to realise how much we compromise, pretend and simply co-exist with the familiar.
My heart went out for Bhanu as she navigated the challenges of raising children in a foreign country trying to keep up with her appearances and all her unspoken pacts and deals. I am glad she had the wisdom of her poetry, a vivid imagination and humor to keep her going.
I cheered for her at the end, as she fearlessly embraces change and chooses to do the right thing.
September 3, 2024
To the outside world, Bhanu seems to have a perfect life, a beautiful home and a wonderful husband and family. No one knows that each superficial layer has been carefully constructed to hide the dark secrets of her past and to bury the utter disappointment that what was written in the stars did not come to pass. Then on the eve of her fortieth wedding anniversary and vow renewal ceremony, a chance encounter shatters Bhanu's pretence when a face from the past reappears.
I have read or watched many a story about young people in turmoil about arranged marriages or overbearing families however this is the first for me reading about someone wanting to get out of their situation after decades. For forty years Bhanu has been in a story she didn't really want to be in. Bereavement, lost love and family duty has shaped Bhanu into the person she is now but over the years she has lost who she really is. It takes a marriage milestone to realize and reflect on what might have been and who she could have been. As we are given glimpses of past and present Bhanu it is impossible not to feel for her and what she has gone through. Unravelling as is life portrays humour, drama and emotion with a tenderness that drew me in from the start to the very end.
I have read or watched many a story about young people in turmoil about arranged marriages or overbearing families however this is the first for me reading about someone wanting to get out of their situation after decades. For forty years Bhanu has been in a story she didn't really want to be in. Bereavement, lost love and family duty has shaped Bhanu into the person she is now but over the years she has lost who she really is. It takes a marriage milestone to realize and reflect on what might have been and who she could have been. As we are given glimpses of past and present Bhanu it is impossible not to feel for her and what she has gone through. Unravelling as is life portrays humour, drama and emotion with a tenderness that drew me in from the start to the very end.
October 7, 2024
Tara is caught in a spiral of unhappiness, about to celebrate her 40th Wedding Anniversary her one and only true love re-enters her life. We journey with her through her past traumas, betrayals and periods of utter joy through their shared love of poetry whilst she decides what to do.
This is a truly magical story peppered with traditions and the old ways. What would the community think....
Preethi Nair's style is masterful and witty as we observe how she manages Bhanu's (Tara) ways of dealing with her ungrateful children philandering husband and spiteful mother-in-law. A must Read.
This is a truly magical story peppered with traditions and the old ways. What would the community think....
Preethi Nair's style is masterful and witty as we observe how she manages Bhanu's (Tara) ways of dealing with her ungrateful children philandering husband and spiteful mother-in-law. A must Read.
April 23, 2025
"I had waited 40 years for someone who did not really exist."
What happens when we finally choose ourselves? When we decide to no longer be invisible? When we no longer choose to play the role that was expected of us?
Sometimes we have to let go of the idea of something or someone and face the reality of our lives. That can either lead to staying the same or changing.
Bhanu was a tragic, relatable, witty character...starting from her childhood through to making her own family. But through it all, I rooted for her. Excellent book.
What happens when we finally choose ourselves? When we decide to no longer be invisible? When we no longer choose to play the role that was expected of us?
Sometimes we have to let go of the idea of something or someone and face the reality of our lives. That can either lead to staying the same or changing.
Bhanu was a tragic, relatable, witty character...starting from her childhood through to making her own family. But through it all, I rooted for her. Excellent book.
October 29, 2024
We meet Bhanu on the day of her 40th wedding anniversary but the upcoming celebrations have brought up painful memories from her past and lost love.
I loved all the elements of this book; learning about her childhood in Tanzania and introduction to British culture, the impossible decisions and sacrifices Bhanu made for the sake of her family and their standing in the community, and the beautiful quotes from the prophet Rumi.
It was an emotionally complex read and my heart went out to Bhanu
I loved all the elements of this book; learning about her childhood in Tanzania and introduction to British culture, the impossible decisions and sacrifices Bhanu made for the sake of her family and their standing in the community, and the beautiful quotes from the prophet Rumi.
It was an emotionally complex read and my heart went out to Bhanu
September 24, 2024
This book was so beautifully written! It was equal parts shattering, deep (pun intended), emotional, complex, and thought provoking. Sometimes you are meant to read a book at a certain time…. And this was that book for me! Please stop what you’re doing and add this book to your cart!
November 29, 2024
I found this easy to read and interesting but I thought the author tried to pack too much in to a short book. All the ideas were interesting, they could have just benefitted from expanding into further detail.
May 8, 2025
4.3 Solid, sad, reflective and will make you yearn to be a word doctor or at least pick up Rumi or Keats. Don’t recall how I came across this book rec, but thank you.
September 27, 2024
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
~ 5 ⭐
“𝓤𝓷𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮.”
Can Bhanu put aside the facade of a woman with a perfect, beautiful family and husband, to actually unravel her life? But when you’ve been pretending for more than forty years, how do you extract truth from lies? Can you actually heal from your past and give a second chance to life?
Nair created Bhanu’s character with so many layers and intricacies. The first person narrative alongside the sarcastic inner monologue made you feel closer to her. She was an enigmatic figure and her story was slowly revealed through flashbacks that only made you more curious about her past. You would be annoyed by her at some point but at the same time you would pity her and want to hug her as you would see a little bit of her in yourself as well. I think she’s one of the best character I’ve read this year!
Every other character was neither good nor bad, they were just people you meet through your life thus adding richness to the story. Nair discussed rather closely the bitter realities of desi society, marriage, various standards we've burdened ourselves with and the consequences of our actions.
This wasn't just the story of Bhanu but voices of thousands of women across the globe suffering from patriarchy and prejudices set by our society, culture and even ourselves.
Crying wouldn't be the word to suffice what I felt while reading this, it was more like howling or getting your heart shattered into pieces (no I'm not exaggerating) but hats off to Nair for piecing it back so beautifully! Because every Bhanu deserves the light and joys of this world!
This book was rather dark at some points (looking for TWs is advised) but it ended on a positive and rather realistic note which was the best ending possible.
This has made the place into my top favorites of this year!
Unravelling by Preethi Nair (released today)
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
~ 5 ⭐
“𝓤𝓷𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮.”
Can Bhanu put aside the facade of a woman with a perfect, beautiful family and husband, to actually unravel her life? But when you’ve been pretending for more than forty years, how do you extract truth from lies? Can you actually heal from your past and give a second chance to life?
Nair created Bhanu’s character with so many layers and intricacies. The first person narrative alongside the sarcastic inner monologue made you feel closer to her. She was an enigmatic figure and her story was slowly revealed through flashbacks that only made you more curious about her past. You would be annoyed by her at some point but at the same time you would pity her and want to hug her as you would see a little bit of her in yourself as well. I think she’s one of the best character I’ve read this year!
Every other character was neither good nor bad, they were just people you meet through your life thus adding richness to the story. Nair discussed rather closely the bitter realities of desi society, marriage, various standards we've burdened ourselves with and the consequences of our actions.
This wasn't just the story of Bhanu but voices of thousands of women across the globe suffering from patriarchy and prejudices set by our society, culture and even ourselves.
Crying wouldn't be the word to suffice what I felt while reading this, it was more like howling or getting your heart shattered into pieces (no I'm not exaggerating) but hats off to Nair for piecing it back so beautifully! Because every Bhanu deserves the light and joys of this world!
This book was rather dark at some points (looking for TWs is advised) but it ended on a positive and rather realistic note which was the best ending possible.
This has made the place into my top favorites of this year!
Unravelling by Preethi Nair (released today)
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
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