The story cannot be revealed, but the protagonist Niharika will surely find a place in your fancy. It is in many ways about the obscure and colourful parts of Niharika’s life. Niharika who was just two years old, when she was orphaned in the oblivion of her infancy. Niharika, who along with her riches has a rich personal life. It is all Niharika’s very personal story, and the author Aakash Sarkar by his own confession has written her story, as he famously says, because I have looked and looked, and I didn’t find anything better to do. Niharika walks through that house and collects that girl, who is still stuck in the middle of so many sorrow and so many grief. And they have all also lost each other, can’t even find each other. She collects them as she encounters them in her walks. And she nurses them. She sits with them, at that corner or in that room where nobody comes and nobody ever came, and they are all, the whole crowd of it is united by their journey, and Niharika tells them the numerous bounties they found in that journey, like the Chinese portrait, their mother’s diary, a full half house, hundreds of stories, a nose, a pair of lips, cheekbones, sexuality, some flamboyance, and then one of them, holds her hands and picks her up, and takes her in those journeys again, through the long corridors of Maheshwari Villa to the uppermost terrace in the house, where in no more than a month she will find herself sitting in the middle of a dilemma. I don’t know how Godmother is typically defined, but I define it as the presence of a mother in her absence.
“Muse” by Aakash Sarkar is a captivating read that beautifully intertwines the obscure and colorful facets of Niharika’s life. From the very first page, you’ll find yourself enchanted by Niharika, a protagonist who leaves an indelible mark on your imagination. Orphaned at just two years old, Niharika’s journey through life, rich with both wealth and personal experiences, unfolds in a way that is deeply personal and profoundly moving. 📖✨
Aakash’s writing brings Niharika’s story to life with a poetic and evocative style that keeps you engrossed. The vivid descriptions and heartfelt emotions make you feel as if you’re walking alongside Niharika through the hallways of Maheshwari Villa, sharing in her sorrows and joys. The excerpt provided is just a glimpse of the emotional depth and beauty that Aakash infuses into every page. 🌺
What makes “Muse” truly special is its exploration of themes like loss, identity, and the search for belonging. Aakash masterfully weaves these themes into Niharika’s story, creating a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring. As Niharika collects the pieces of her past and finds solace in her journey, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of finding oneself amidst chaos. 💫
If you’re looking for a book that combines rich storytelling with deep emotional resonance, “Muse” is a must-read. Aakash Sarkar’s confession that he wrote this story because he “didn’t find anything better to do” speaks to the passion and dedication behind every word. So, dive into Niharika’s world, let her story captivate you, and discover the numerous bounties along her journey. You won’t regret it! 🌟📚
Just wrapped up "Muse" by Aakash Sarkar, and I’m totally impressed! Niharika, the main character, is someone you'll instantly connect with. Orphaned at just two, her story is packed with resilience, riches, and personal growth. Aakash’s cheeky note that he wrote her story because he “didn’t find anything better to do” adds a fun twist.
Niharika’s walks through her house, picking up pieces of sorrow and grief, are so vividly described that you feel like you’re right there with her. She brings these memories to life in forgotten corners of the house. It’s a beautiful mix of heartache and healing that Sarkar nails perfectly.
The excerpt from "Muse" showcases Aakash’s poetic flair. Niharika uncovers treasures like her mother’s diary and countless stories, which are haunting and touching. Her journey through the long corridors of Maheshwari Villa, facing dilemmas on the terrace, keeps you hooked with suspense and depth.
One line that really hit me is the definition of a godmother as "the presence of a mother in her absence." This nails Niharika’s story and the void left by her parents. Aakash’s exploration of themes like loss, memory, and identity is both subtle and powerful.
In short, "Muse" is a must-read. Niharika’s story will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Aakash has crafted a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, making "Muse" a standout in contemporary fiction.
Muse explores a range of complex human emotions and life situations through Niharika’s story, a force of nature who’s experienced loss at a very young age.
Fate hasn’t ever been kind to Niharika, or so one would say. Having lost her parents as a toddler, Niharika is raised by her maternal extended family. After being bullied at her day school, she decides to move to a boarding school where she meets Arjun, her one true love. But life has never been straightforward with her, has it?
Niharika is written to be a beautiful and utterly complex character. A nymphomaniac and a masochist by nature, she takes decisions motivated by feelings some would never understand. Arjun with borderline satyriasis and Raunak with proper satyriasis add flavour to the story. While I did not agree with or like any of the choices the characters made, there was a point where I was convinced I hated every one of the characters - but I guess that’s what a good writer does, makes you feel for a character be it good or bad.
The story was entertaining and I believe a crisp round of professional editing can transform the book into a gem. The writing style was very raw and the use of Hindi phrases here and there added to the charm. The lingo was very central Indian, close to home.
Muse by Aakash Sarkar is a beautifully written book delving into the heart of a deeply woven story that takes you into Its protagonist's life named, Niharika. Having Been lost both her parents in a car accident at just the age of two, Niharika's life takes a drastic turn and she had to settle down with her maternal family who later upbrings her. The plot moves further with the changes she had to face after joining a boarding school and when she met Arjun. Life seemed to be coming at a normal pace for her, But destiny had its own plan and it therefore takes her to a way which keeps you hooked to this book till the very end.
Aakash's Mesmerizing world creation and his ability to present well developed characters with so much ease wins your hearts. Niharika's character is highly resonating and her raw emotions, Vulnerabilities keeps you connected with her portrayal throughout the book. One of my favourite things from the book was its cosy setting and in-depth narration by the author which added a touch of belongingness to the whole story. The incidents happening in Niharika's life could be felt by every reader as the way the author has presented them is really heart touching. Be it, Her beginning days at Her Maternal Home, Getting to know more about her dead parents, Her relationship with Arjun and Her beautiful connection with the old house makes you feel wholly engrossed with her character, Allowing you to immerse yourself in her resonating world.
Overall, Muse is a Heart warming book presenting the themes of Love, Loss, Pain, Emotions and Resilience. With Niharika's Courageous character every reader gets an inspiration to not lose hope even in the most unfavorable situations of life. Aakash's writing style is wonderful and it will take you directly to the realms of a fictional world that is both richly woven and magically crafted. In conclusion, This book is a must read for all those readers who are looking for a light yet impactful book to read. Highly recommended!
Aakash Sarkar's "Muse" is an intricate tapestry of emotions, blending romance, sorrow, and grief into a compelling narrative. At its heart is Niharika, a character who will undoubtedly capture the reader's imagination. Orphaned at the tender age of two, Niharika's life is a mosaic of both opulence and profound personal experiences. Sarkar crafts her journey with an evocative touch, highlighting the obscure yet vibrant facets of her existence.
The plot is divided into three distinct parts, each with its own significance. This structure allows the story to unfold at a measured pace, ensuring that each phase of Niharika's life is explored in depth. Sarkar expertly balances the pacing, allowing moments of intense emotion to resonate while also providing space for quieter, introspective scenes. This careful pacing ensures that the reader remains engaged throughout Niharika's journey.
In addition to its well-crafted narrative, "Muse" features pictorial depictions of several key scenarios, enhancing the reader's ability to visualize and connect with the story. These illustrations add a layer of depth to the storytelling, making Niharika's world even more vivid and tangible.
Sarkar’s language is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of Niharika's surroundings and inner turmoil. The detailed descriptions of Maheshwari Villa, the symbolic Chinese portrait, and the intimate moments shared between Niharika and her memories are particularly striking. This rich, immersive prose ensures that readers are not just passive observers but active participants in Niharika's journey.
In summary, "Muse" is a beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human experience through the eyes of a remarkable protagonist. Sarkar's ability to blend sorrow with moments of joy and discovery makes this book a compelling read.
Muse is the story of the life of a girl called Niharika, the obscure and colourful parts of her life. We get to see her life right from her birth to being orphaned at the tender age of two, losing her parents to a car crash, to her maternal uncle and aunt becoming her guardians, her relationships with her family members, love life, and the story of her losses, mental health, sexuality, adventures and moments of happiness.
The book spans 420 pages and is an elaborate, realistic story in an unreal world, bejeweled by a few illustrations that add glitter to the book. The story is emotional, detailing out intricate moments of the life of the protagonist, and those around her. The story begins out very interesting, and is engaging and compelling throughout. Her love story with Arjun is one to read! The book has super-cute moments, sensual ones, ones where the characters are vulnerable and anxious.
The poignant story of Niharika wanting to know more about her dead parents, her upbringing in her maternal uncle's home, her anxieties and sexual adventures, her overcoming the hurdles of life and throughout the story we move along with the protagonist narrating the tale as if it were happening right infront of us. The book is an emotional entertainer, albeit a long one and has lots of intimate moments. The best part about the book is that its blurb doesn't give away one teensy bit of the story but it also makes the readers unaware of what they are getting into, for it's a very good attempt at displaying complex human emotions and experiences. The characterization is amazing, I'd love to read more from the author.