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The Circle of Life
Uttara Rao, Janaki Paranjape, Arvind Shah, K. Subba Rao and Sumitra Iyer first cross each other’s paths at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in 1999. Coming from vividly different backgrounds, the five soon became friends. As they navigate relationships, careers and life, they vow to come back to the campus twenty-five years later. A story of hardships, perseverance, success and disappointment, the book examines the lives of five friends as they look back and reminisce on how life turned out. Life has indeed come to a full circle for them. Inspirational and poignant, The Circle of Life is a moving story of five friends as they deal with life’s great expectations.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
26 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Murty
184 books2,999 followersSudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one collection of short stories, three collections of non-fiction pieces and two books for children.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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January 28, 2025i think i just found my most anticipated read of the year!!! (iisc, found family, coming of age and multi-pov? OH WE ARE SO BACK.)
January 25, 2026
The Circle of Life is based on the lives of five friends, Uttara, Janaki, Arvind, Subba, and Sumitra, all of whom had been at IISc Bangalore in 1998. The book provides an insight on their different backgrounds, friendships, aspirations and troubles. Twenty-five years later, they meet again only to find out that life has gone a different path of which they anticipated. The novel demonstrates how their destinies can turn out to be inexplicably difficult through their dreams, ambitions, and achievements!
An excellent message permeates the story, success does not necessarily make people happy. They do not feel empty, but still, there is something missing to each one of the friends, who have already achieved certain milestones in their lives. Some of them were driven by the ambitions at the expense of happiness, others were unexpectedly calm. The narration helps us not to forget that life is unpredictable. It can go on in ways which we did not expect and the track is full of surprises!
The book evokes memories, and it makes one excited and feel like a camarader at college. It makes the readers remember about their own childhood dreams, how tough it is to build their own destinies, and how life usually changes their plans. Murthy delivers a write-up in a simple yet deep manner and the experience becomes interesting as well as thought-provoking. The book gives the reader an opportunity to think about their personal experiences, and what counts does not include success on the outside, but rather on the inside. It is also written in a very impressive way and it is highly recommendable as it gives a realistic picture of what success may be!
An excellent message permeates the story, success does not necessarily make people happy. They do not feel empty, but still, there is something missing to each one of the friends, who have already achieved certain milestones in their lives. Some of them were driven by the ambitions at the expense of happiness, others were unexpectedly calm. The narration helps us not to forget that life is unpredictable. It can go on in ways which we did not expect and the track is full of surprises!
The book evokes memories, and it makes one excited and feel like a camarader at college. It makes the readers remember about their own childhood dreams, how tough it is to build their own destinies, and how life usually changes their plans. Murthy delivers a write-up in a simple yet deep manner and the experience becomes interesting as well as thought-provoking. The book gives the reader an opportunity to think about their personal experiences, and what counts does not include success on the outside, but rather on the inside. It is also written in a very impressive way and it is highly recommendable as it gives a realistic picture of what success may be!
September 24, 2025
This book came across as preachy and lacked character depth. The story felt rushed and I felt that I was reading just facts one after the other instead of a story.
Additionally amongst the 3 female batchmates only one remained married and guess what she is the only one who compromised her career for her family... the per say ambitious girls either remained unmarried or were divorced.
Also the writing felt a bit backward as the author kept describing a nice woman as someone who cooks, cleans, compromises for her husband and kids and the vamp is someone who is modern or simply rich. Also the fact that Subbu felt that his wife got pregnant and she is being taken care of by many people is unnatural because his mom was working till the last min of giving birth... I felt that it was unfair.
Last but not the least I felt like the reunion in the end would be the main plot but that was wrapped up in hardly 2 pages.
I know that this review might come across as harsh but I have read far better Sudha Murthy books and this was just not it.
Additionally amongst the 3 female batchmates only one remained married and guess what she is the only one who compromised her career for her family... the per say ambitious girls either remained unmarried or were divorced.
Also the writing felt a bit backward as the author kept describing a nice woman as someone who cooks, cleans, compromises for her husband and kids and the vamp is someone who is modern or simply rich. Also the fact that Subbu felt that his wife got pregnant and she is being taken care of by many people is unnatural because his mom was working till the last min of giving birth... I felt that it was unfair.
Last but not the least I felt like the reunion in the end would be the main plot but that was wrapped up in hardly 2 pages.
I know that this review might come across as harsh but I have read far better Sudha Murthy books and this was just not it.
August 26, 2025
Easy and simple read.
Can be used as a breather between 2 heavy books.
Story of 5 friends who studied at IISc, their meetup after 25 years of passing out from University and the life that happens in between.
'Success' and 'happiness' is all about perspectives and that's well captured as part of the story line.
To me, Uttara character remained a little close to heart.
Can be used as a breather between 2 heavy books.
Story of 5 friends who studied at IISc, their meetup after 25 years of passing out from University and the life that happens in between.
'Success' and 'happiness' is all about perspectives and that's well captured as part of the story line.
To me, Uttara character remained a little close to heart.
December 31, 2025
it's a good book ... it shows the ups and downs in our life .. it's a average book for me
March 7, 2025
One of the best book I have read. The morals in each chapter is just so touching and harsh reality. Lives of 5 protagonist intertwined together and yet presented with such simplicity.
April 14, 2025
The book’s straightforward writing made it an easy read, but it felt overly simplistic at times. The characters lacked depth, and the emotional tone was too flat to draw me in. Still, I appreciated its message about karma and the impact of our choices. While it didn’t quite resonate with me, it might appeal to readers looking for a light story with a clear moral.
February 25, 2025
Life is strange. We often look at others and assume they have the best, but do they really?
Sudha Murthy's "The Circle of Life" beautifully captures this paradox. The book follows five friends—Uttara, Janaki, Arvind, Subba, and Sumitra—who first meet at IISc Bangalore in 1998. Coming from different backgrounds, they navigate friendships, ambitions, relationships, and hardships, promising to reunite 25 years later. But as they meet again, they realize that life didn’t turn out the way they had imagined.
At first, the book feels nostalgic, bringing back the colors, emotions, and bonds of college life. It reminds us of the dreams we once had and how we tried to shape our destinies—only to find that destiny had its own plans. Sudha Murthy’s writing is simple yet deeply meaningful, making this book an easy yet thought-provoking read.
The whole story truly impactful . Each friend seems successful in their own way, yet none of them are truly happy. Some have achieved everything but at the cost of their happiness; some didn’t reach their dreams but found contentment in unexpected ways. Some chose to be with someone, only to realize that fate had other plans. In the end, life comes full circle, but not necessarily in the way they had hoped.
This book leaves you reflecting on your own journey—on what you’ve gained, what you’ve lost, and what truly matters in the end.
"A true success is when whatever we have or achieved gives us internal happiness.",
Simple yet powerful read that lingers long after you turn the last page.
Sudha Murthy's "The Circle of Life" beautifully captures this paradox. The book follows five friends—Uttara, Janaki, Arvind, Subba, and Sumitra—who first meet at IISc Bangalore in 1998. Coming from different backgrounds, they navigate friendships, ambitions, relationships, and hardships, promising to reunite 25 years later. But as they meet again, they realize that life didn’t turn out the way they had imagined.
At first, the book feels nostalgic, bringing back the colors, emotions, and bonds of college life. It reminds us of the dreams we once had and how we tried to shape our destinies—only to find that destiny had its own plans. Sudha Murthy’s writing is simple yet deeply meaningful, making this book an easy yet thought-provoking read.
The whole story truly impactful . Each friend seems successful in their own way, yet none of them are truly happy. Some have achieved everything but at the cost of their happiness; some didn’t reach their dreams but found contentment in unexpected ways. Some chose to be with someone, only to realize that fate had other plans. In the end, life comes full circle, but not necessarily in the way they had hoped.
This book leaves you reflecting on your own journey—on what you’ve gained, what you’ve lost, and what truly matters in the end.
"A true success is when whatever we have or achieved gives us internal happiness.",
Simple yet powerful read that lingers long after you turn the last page.
October 18, 2025
Sudha Murty, a prominent Indian personality, has authored this fictional tale published in May 2025, titled The Circle of Life, which follows the lives of 5 friends studying in Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The premise of the story is about how the characters decide in 1998 to meet 25 years after graduation, and the paths they each follow in the interim. The narrative quickly takes the reader through key moments in each of their lives while revealing their natures through explicit exposition. The anticipated reunion happens in the last few pages in a fairly straightforward manner.
From an author who was awarded Padma Bhushan (the third highest civilian award in India) in part for her contributions to literature, this is a very disappointing work of writing. The characters are extremely one-dimensional and there isn't really much of a plot as the narrative jumps around trying to highlight some big moments without ever building any character arc for any of the protagonists. None of the characters are endearing and judgements are forced upon the reader in a long form essay with no beginning, middle or end. A fast and forgettable read, that manages to be mildly entertaining.
From an author who was awarded Padma Bhushan (the third highest civilian award in India) in part for her contributions to literature, this is a very disappointing work of writing. The characters are extremely one-dimensional and there isn't really much of a plot as the narrative jumps around trying to highlight some big moments without ever building any character arc for any of the protagonists. None of the characters are endearing and judgements are forced upon the reader in a long form essay with no beginning, middle or end. A fast and forgettable read, that manages to be mildly entertaining.
April 9, 2025
The Circle of Life by Sudha Murthy tells the stories of five individuals from different backgrounds. By a stroke of luck, they cross each other's paths, and with time, they form a long-lasting friendship. Through their dreams, goals, achievements, etc., the author provides a broader outlook of the ever-changing human mind and how it plays a crucial role in shaping each person's destiny. With her impactful writing style Sudha Murthy intricately weaves human emotions with a clear and heartfelt language.
June 27, 2025
The writing is quite simplistic. However, I would say the story while not exactly unique is captivating. A story about 5 well actually 6 batchmates and how their friendship evolves with their life is an obvious success. I think though the story works because of how it foreshadows and explains people's decisions. Rather than being prototypical literary characters filled with anger, disgust, love, passion and being a misfit in the world.
These are normal people with normal lives and trying earnestly to balance between good and evil. Sometimes they work but sometimes they don't. How do you be an ideal daughter in law while still pursuing some form of career? How do you as a woman still fit into the norms of a good wife while being as ambititious and wanting to create your own path? How do you go up the career ladder while still invariably trying to be good?
These are questions all the characters have to confront and the answers are not easy. I believe what makes circle of life standout in today's world is rather than having a story about remarkable people or unconventional people. Here is a story about the conventional and a story quite rooted in real life rather than the tides of our minds. In the hands of another author this may have been a different book with different characters all together.
We may have felt Uttara and Gopal's deep love and passion. Arvind's tie between good and evil. Sumithra's unconventional life. Subbu's rise from rags to riches. Janaki's lone journey as a woman entrepreneur. However I think the book works because of its simplicity and directness. It speaks to the facts not the emotions we feel in our heart. I have met Subbu, Uttara, Arvind, Sumithra, Gopal and Janaki all in real life. Yet it is always lovely to hear their voice in a new medium.
These are normal people with normal lives and trying earnestly to balance between good and evil. Sometimes they work but sometimes they don't. How do you be an ideal daughter in law while still pursuing some form of career? How do you as a woman still fit into the norms of a good wife while being as ambititious and wanting to create your own path? How do you go up the career ladder while still invariably trying to be good?
These are questions all the characters have to confront and the answers are not easy. I believe what makes circle of life standout in today's world is rather than having a story about remarkable people or unconventional people. Here is a story about the conventional and a story quite rooted in real life rather than the tides of our minds. In the hands of another author this may have been a different book with different characters all together.
We may have felt Uttara and Gopal's deep love and passion. Arvind's tie between good and evil. Sumithra's unconventional life. Subbu's rise from rags to riches. Janaki's lone journey as a woman entrepreneur. However I think the book works because of its simplicity and directness. It speaks to the facts not the emotions we feel in our heart. I have met Subbu, Uttara, Arvind, Sumithra, Gopal and Janaki all in real life. Yet it is always lovely to hear their voice in a new medium.
November 4, 2025
Overall a very heartfelt sort of a reading experience, I witnessed.
The plot is very basic , as to how 5 people from different backgrounds, in terms of financial status and society and stuff...Meet at the coveted institution named IISc . They became really good friends.
All of them have different aspirations from life, and hence different goals, while one may not worry much about money, other has everything to do around the money only.
Juggling responsibilities and desires and navigating through the life's uncertain flavourful ,tasteless , bitter bombs, they pursue their journey of life.
Its about how these 25 years after their college changes them and their friendship and view towards life in drastic ways.
Ultimately it just sets the premise for, the world wide message, that there is no one particular yardstick for success. Its about our perspective and opinion and needless to say, our choices that mould the personality of humans.
Though, some references, although apt, I found to be cliche, otherwise ,an amazing story.
The plot is very basic , as to how 5 people from different backgrounds, in terms of financial status and society and stuff...Meet at the coveted institution named IISc . They became really good friends.
All of them have different aspirations from life, and hence different goals, while one may not worry much about money, other has everything to do around the money only.
Juggling responsibilities and desires and navigating through the life's uncertain flavourful ,tasteless , bitter bombs, they pursue their journey of life.
Its about how these 25 years after their college changes them and their friendship and view towards life in drastic ways.
Ultimately it just sets the premise for, the world wide message, that there is no one particular yardstick for success. Its about our perspective and opinion and needless to say, our choices that mould the personality of humans.
Though, some references, although apt, I found to be cliche, otherwise ,an amazing story.
February 19, 2025
For the first time in for ever I remember that this book was actually incredible , its well written its a full circle , so many lessons , epiphanies and anticipation of how the story is going to go forward make me intrigued in the story and I actually ended up reading the entire book in one day. Despite work and all other things I actually came in zone of reading it faster than any book I have in this year and for that I am so happy.
The characters are well written and only a profligate author can weave a story of five main characters intervened with other characters and make sure that the story I not dropping , making sense an dis actually like wow..
I love how everything came to a conclusion at the end and how my inner belief of living a life of simple living , hard work and good vibes has come into play of living a life well lived..
Life should be well lived , it may or may not be long!!
The characters are well written and only a profligate author can weave a story of five main characters intervened with other characters and make sure that the story I not dropping , making sense an dis actually like wow..
I love how everything came to a conclusion at the end and how my inner belief of living a life of simple living , hard work and good vibes has come into play of living a life well lived..
Life should be well lived , it may or may not be long!!
February 15, 2026
What is happiness? Is it about earning a great deal of money, building a successful business, staying true to one’s values and contributing to society, or choosing love and family over professional ambition?
This story follows five friends who study together at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Each of them carries unique dreams and aspirations, unaware of the sacrifices they may have to make to achieve them. As life unfolds, they come face to face with expectations, ambitions, and the true cost of pursuing their goals.
The book is a short and engaging read, written in Sudha Murty’s clear and simple style, making it easy to understand and connect with. One of the most meaningful lessons it conveys is that success and failure are never absolute. True happiness comes from within, and real success is defined by personal fulfillment, measured by our own standards rather than society’s expectations
This story follows five friends who study together at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Each of them carries unique dreams and aspirations, unaware of the sacrifices they may have to make to achieve them. As life unfolds, they come face to face with expectations, ambitions, and the true cost of pursuing their goals.
The book is a short and engaging read, written in Sudha Murty’s clear and simple style, making it easy to understand and connect with. One of the most meaningful lessons it conveys is that success and failure are never absolute. True happiness comes from within, and real success is defined by personal fulfillment, measured by our own standards rather than society’s expectations
February 11, 2025
This book is a truly captivating read. From the very first page, I was drawn into the author's world, and I found myself completely engrossed in the story. What struck me most was the skillful way the author infused every page with genuine emotion. It wasn't just telling a story; it was making me feel it. The writing itself is beautiful, flowing effortlessly and creating vivid images in my mind. I genuinely loved reading this book; it was a truly immersive and enjoyable experience.
The book concludes with a powerful and insightful definition of success. It's not the typical, superficial take on the subject, but rather a thoughtful and nuanced perspective that resonated deeply with me. Kudos to the author for crafting such a beautiful and thought-provoking work. It's a book that will stay with me long after I've finished reading it.
The book concludes with a powerful and insightful definition of success. It's not the typical, superficial take on the subject, but rather a thoughtful and nuanced perspective that resonated deeply with me. Kudos to the author for crafting such a beautiful and thought-provoking work. It's a book that will stay with me long after I've finished reading it.
August 1, 2025
I finished this in one sitting and it helped me get out of a reading slump maybe because i read a lot of sudha murthy novels back when i was 12-13 years old.
I was drawn to it because of the usual domestic settings in Sudha Murthy novels and its simplicity. As someone who has just entered twenties i understand what the book was trying to convey. The ultimate message the book tries to give is that in life while you are trying to pursue one thing, something’s will be left behind. Basically, not everything is unattainable. I think i was expecting a different ending the story but perhaps it was supposed to be more relastic. Overall, it’s a light hearted story and i am so glad it helped me get out of my reading slump
I was drawn to it because of the usual domestic settings in Sudha Murthy novels and its simplicity. As someone who has just entered twenties i understand what the book was trying to convey. The ultimate message the book tries to give is that in life while you are trying to pursue one thing, something’s will be left behind. Basically, not everything is unattainable. I think i was expecting a different ending the story but perhaps it was supposed to be more relastic. Overall, it’s a light hearted story and i am so glad it helped me get out of my reading slump
August 3, 2025
This book is story of five friends with different aspirations but common institute that is IISC . beginning is slow as it's building plot, it becomes more interesting in later half.once they start their individual journey, how it unfolds differently for each one of them and as they decided to meet after 25 years, they met again and conclude with what is success for each one of them.
it's language and writing style is quite simple, but it touches multiple aspects of life we deal with, social dogmas, career, personal choices, gives you points to ponder and contemplate. beautiful book as a beautiful soul the Author is, I always love her books.
it's language and writing style is quite simple, but it touches multiple aspects of life we deal with, social dogmas, career, personal choices, gives you points to ponder and contemplate. beautiful book as a beautiful soul the Author is, I always love her books.
January 9, 2026
Dear ma'am
This story had a description of people, settings, feelings, and scenarios similar to that of movies, and I'm sure all the readers would agree.
The plot twists, the values, the dynamic of characters in the story are relatable and this story will always remain heartfelt to me.
The way life turns out to be, is what is written in a beautiful and artistic manner, in this novel. The joys, sorrows, hopes and worries are painted wonderfully in this story.
So glad to have read this book, and would gladly do so again and again to recapture the essence of this unforgettable journey that I've travelled within this book.
With lots of love and blessings
Your fan and admirer.
This story had a description of people, settings, feelings, and scenarios similar to that of movies, and I'm sure all the readers would agree.
The plot twists, the values, the dynamic of characters in the story are relatable and this story will always remain heartfelt to me.
The way life turns out to be, is what is written in a beautiful and artistic manner, in this novel. The joys, sorrows, hopes and worries are painted wonderfully in this story.
So glad to have read this book, and would gladly do so again and again to recapture the essence of this unforgettable journey that I've travelled within this book.
With lots of love and blessings
Your fan and admirer.
January 23, 2026
3.5 to 4 stars. what I like about Sudha Murthy ma'am's books is that, there is no fluff, she doesn't beat around the bush.. her novels are pretty simple but with deep life lessons. In this book, she talks about 5 friends who study in IIS, a prestigious college, where they are from different cultures, status in society and have different principles in life...
she touches upon topics like insecurity, ruthlessness, feelings of inferiority, complex family structures, and what success means to different people.
This book reminds us that, we are so easy to judge people and think that the other person has a happy life, but until we delve into their lives, we will never know.
she touches upon topics like insecurity, ruthlessness, feelings of inferiority, complex family structures, and what success means to different people.
This book reminds us that, we are so easy to judge people and think that the other person has a happy life, but until we delve into their lives, we will never know.
March 27, 2025
A read of few days...
A story of five friends from IISc, Bangalore who promised to meet after 25 years from last day in Institute. How their life changed its course and what all lessons it taught them forms the plot of the book.
The simple way of narration and complete picture of Indianness via backdrop, characters and circumstances are the plus of this book. It focussed on friendship, hardships and unpredictability in life, how it changes as a consequence of one's decision.
Nothing remains permanent in life is the core message that this book gives to the reader.
LIFE = UPS + DOWNS !!!
A story of five friends from IISc, Bangalore who promised to meet after 25 years from last day in Institute. How their life changed its course and what all lessons it taught them forms the plot of the book.
The simple way of narration and complete picture of Indianness via backdrop, characters and circumstances are the plus of this book. It focussed on friendship, hardships and unpredictability in life, how it changes as a consequence of one's decision.
Nothing remains permanent in life is the core message that this book gives to the reader.
LIFE = UPS + DOWNS !!!
May 22, 2025
My English teacher had given me this book as a reward for creative writing, so I was absolutely thrilled to read this book! Unfortunately, now that I’ve finished it, I’m sorry to say it turned out to be a HUGE letdown.
To begin with, the story felt extremely rushed. It failed to pull me in emotionally, and the narration came across as overly preachy. Moreover the writing and dialogues were too cliché, and it came off as a bit explanatory too. The author kept spelling everything out instead of letting the scenes speak for themselves.
If it weren't for the bad execution of the idea, the story could've honestly been more complex and interesting. I did find the lessons that each character learned from their contrasting life stories to be insightful but there were still so many things that could've been improved. The ending especially, when the characters reunite, only ended up being two pages and less thought-provoking than I hoped it would be.
To begin with, the story felt extremely rushed. It failed to pull me in emotionally, and the narration came across as overly preachy. Moreover the writing and dialogues were too cliché, and it came off as a bit explanatory too. The author kept spelling everything out instead of letting the scenes speak for themselves.
If it weren't for the bad execution of the idea, the story could've honestly been more complex and interesting. I did find the lessons that each character learned from their contrasting life stories to be insightful but there were still so many things that could've been improved. The ending especially, when the characters reunite, only ended up being two pages and less thought-provoking than I hoped it would be.
October 20, 2025
Picked this up only because of the name of the institute and certain phrases on the backcover that caught my attention. I must confess that one of the major reasons that I kept going was because of the familarity and the comfort that it brings.
But a simple, easy and calm read with important messages. Even though it might feel preachy, it's nice to hear it sometimes.
But a simple, easy and calm read with important messages. Even though it might feel preachy, it's nice to hear it sometimes.
February 11, 2025
A very interesting story.
I am a fan of this author. I have read a few of her books. And out of them this is my favourite. I loved the way she writes. It shows her deep understanding of human nature and their behavior.
I am a fan of this author. I have read a few of her books. And out of them this is my favourite. I loved the way she writes. It shows her deep understanding of human nature and their behavior.
June 14, 2025
I've read a lot of books by Sudha Murthy, but this book is something different. the book humbled be when I read it. the author have kept detail that you sometimes tend to miss and the conceptualization is also very great.
Great read in my opinion.
Great read in my opinion.
March 19, 2025
A book with different life aspects....
April 3, 2025
Oddly erratic narration, but in the classic Sudha Murty fashion, wound up cleanly.
May 11, 2025
I really loved the way 5 characters were built and the way their life journey travelled is also equally good giving us the life lessons on the go. Thank you Sudha murthy ❤️
June 3, 2025
a beautiful book!
I love how Sudha Murthy as an author foreshadows the story through powerful and beautiful quotes!
a recommended read.
I love how Sudha Murthy as an author foreshadows the story through powerful and beautiful quotes!
a recommended read.
June 30, 2025
Great slump read, story of friends, life, Bangalore and everything a typical Sudha Murthy book will have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews