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Anara

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Do you believe that time can be such an enemy that it can tear your heart apart? Is it possible that the human heart is so illogical that we are powerless to stop it? 

In the warm city of Chennai, a solitary man—Dhruv, a successful manager by profession but burdened by a deep void—moves through life, longing for a love that can consume and complete him.

When Anara, a quiet and sad young woman from Kochi, joins as an intern under his mentorship, their paths cross in ways neither of them expected. For Dhruv, Anara feels like the answer to his long-standing emptiness—a sign, perhaps, of destiny. But for Anara, a promise made long ago still holds her heart—one that carries no hope, but refuses to let go.

What happens when Anara’s clinging hope challenges Dhruv’s sense of destiny? Can Anara separate love from guilt? And what if time—silent and merciless—has already decided their fate?

Anara is a poignant exploration of human emotion, guilt, and the complexity of choice when time becomes the enemy.

312 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Joshua Melinecs

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for The Book Times.
244 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2025
This book is written so beautifully! It's not only about Anara's pain, but also the pain that the other characters have to go through. It's true - having a choice is a curse. And this statement is proved true by the end of the book (don't want to give any spoilers). I was scared that maybe Anara will turn out to be a character I'll hate. But in reality, I could understand her circumstances. This is how well the author was able to convey the plot. He has also done justice to the characters, especially Anara and Dhruv. The side characters add more charm to the book.
To be honest, I was cringed by JP's pick up lines 😂 But I came to understand that these are young adults, who are experiencing everything for the first time.
Anara, the book, is an example of how complex human life is. You'll keep on thinking that this is the ending of the book, but you'll encounter another chapter, that's going to change your life forever.
I'm really short of words. If you trust my recommendations, you must pick up this one. For a debut book, this is PERFECT!
Profile Image for Kia | BookReviewer.
109 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2025
I just completed reading a book named Anara written by Joshua Melinecs. Guys, I don't know how to actually pen down my emotions about this book. This is an emotional romance story, and let me tell you a bit about the book and the story and the characters.

But what I want to say is that this book was solid 5/5 for me if you want to cry, if you want to break your heart, if you want to feel the pain. And I think this is the best book with a mix of romance.

She Anara - is a girl who belongs to a very rich family, and there is a guy Dhruv who is her manager at work, She is working under him as an intern. Dhruv fell in love with her, Anara. He has his own traumas. He is orphan.. and somehow pain has been the only constant throughout his life. And Anara has her own battles.

Now, there is one character that will be introduced after we complete 45% of the story, and it's a guy named JP. JP is a person she met in her past and fell in love with, but somehow they are not connected currently with each other due to some plot twist that you will get to know. And the way the author has written this book, I can't tell you. You will feel the pain of the roof. You will feel the pain of every character. Your heart is going to break. I cried a lot. I swear to you guys, this book is the first book that made me cry this much.

I was somehow able to relate to Dhruv. The way he's not able to find the love he deserved, but how the story ends... I'm so sorry. Why would you break through his heart? I wanted to write another story, make it up for Dhruv. Idk. I feel so sad, so bad for him. And I think Anara has been selfish..If it would have been me, I would have chosen JP, would have never said yes to Dhruv. But whatever she did was not acceptable to me!

But the book, guys, I just want to conclude my review by saying that I can't review it without spoiling it for you guys. I just want to say that if someday you want to get your heart broken, where you want to cry, you want to feel something emotional, read this book. It is based in the Chennai area, and you will love it. I read it today, and I just want to say I loved it.

Thank you for making me a part of this book, and I really feel honored to read this book because, Idk why, but this book feels very personal to me. It's a great book written by the author. I am actually looking forward to the next book if there is any.
Profile Image for Bookswithavinish.
1,698 reviews47 followers
July 25, 2025
Joshua Melinecs’s Anara is a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant novel that navigates the delicate interplay of love, guilt, time, and emotional entrapment. Set against the humid, bustling backdrop of Chennai and the quieter, contemplative rhythms of Kochi, the novel immerses readers in the lives of two complex individuals tethered not just by circumstance, but by wounds they carry and the silences they cannot escape.

Anara unfolds as a character-driven narrative. Dhruv, a high-performing manager with an aching emotional void, finds an unexpected connection in Anara—a reticent intern whose presence becomes both a comfort and a conundrum. Melinecs eschews dramatic plot twists in favor of psychological depth, allowing the narrative to flow gently but purposefully through the evolving tension between Dhruv’s yearning for emotional wholeness and Anara’s quiet loyalty to a promise long made.

The novel moves with a reflective pace. There are no grand climaxes or melodramatic upheavals; rather, the conflict lies in internal struggles, silent moments, and conversations that tremble under the weight of unsaid truths. For some readers, this subdued approach may feel slow-burning, but it’s precisely this restraint that lends Anara its emotional authenticity.

Melinecs’s prose is elegant yet unpretentious. There’s a lyrical quality to his descriptions of emotion—melancholic but never overwrought. Dialogue is sparse but meaningful, often functioning as a counterpoint to the characters’ rich interior monologues.

The tone is consistent: pensive, subdued, and emotionally intimate. Readers are not given easy catharsis, and that’s intentional. The novel resists the commercial impulse to tidy up emotional messes, and instead allows its characters to exist in ambiguity—a brave choice in a genre often built on resolution.

For readers seeking fast-paced drama or romantic closure, Anara may feel like an unresolved ache. But for those attuned to the subtleties of emotional psychology and the bittersweet nature of timing, this novel offers a moving and mature exploration of what it means to love—and to let go.

Must read♥️♥️
Profile Image for Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf.
494 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2025
Anara is an emotional and beautifully told story that goes beyond just being a love story. It explores themes like loss, longing, guilt, and above all, the quiet pain people often carry silently.
At the heart of the story is Dhruv, a man who may appear to have everything, but inside, he’s weighed down by loneliness and the belief that happiness isn’t meant for him. He lives a quiet life, haunted by memories and regrets.
When Anara enters his world, things shift. She’s quiet, reserved, carrying her own heartbreak. Her presence brings a sense of hope into Dhruv’s life, but she, too, is struggling with the weight of a past she can’t let go of. Their connection is tender and real. It doesn’t come easy, and it’s filled with hesitation, unspoken feelings, and emotional walls that make everything more emotional.
The author has written their journey with great sensitivity. The writing is simple, yet it touches the heart with raw honesty. Each chapter pulls you deeper into the minds and hearts of the characters, especially as they try to make sense of their feelings and choices.
Anara’s inner struggle, her strength in the face of grief, and Dhruv’s quiet yearning make the story incredibly moving. All these make the characters more relatable. Supporting characters like Divya, George, and Tanvi all add subtle layers to the story without taking away from its emotional core.
The settings of Chennai and Kochi give the story a strong sense of place, making it feel even more vivid and real.
The romance here is not rushed. It unfolds slowly, with all the confusion and hesitation that come with true emotional healing. The story also gently reminds us that time can be both a healer and a barrier, and sometimes love doesn’t mean getting a happy ending. It also means learning to accept, to let go, or simply to feel deeply.
There are a few unexpected twists along the way, which make the story even more interesting.
In all, this is a touching and introspective read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories about people, emotions, and the quiet power of love without the unnecessary drama.
Profile Image for Teesta Chattopadhyay.
79 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2025
What if I say that you need to be prepared with tissues and a comforter while reading this book?
Anara unfolds like a slow-burning revelation - where love and guilt intertwine across time, and the soul wrestles with the invisible threads that bind it.
This book will stay with you even after you are finished with it - it will wreck you in the best possible way and you will be left yearning for more.
The pacing of Anara is reflective and deliberate. Rather than relying on dramatic turns or heightened emotion, Melinecs centers the novel on internal conflict and unspoken tension. Each pause, each understated exchange, builds a world of quiet intensity.
Amid Chennai’s bustle and Kochi’s quiet grace, the novel reveals two people bound not by chance alone, but by the lingering ache of old wounds and the silence that surrounds them.
Our female protagonist Anara - isn’t written as a delicate or helpless figure, but as someone burdened by a promise she cannot abandon - a love that lives on even without a future. Her loyalty to what’s gone makes her both noble and unbearably human. She holds on, not because she chooses to, but because letting go simply isn’t in her nature. This is why her character resonates with me so profoundly.Melinecs portrays her with such realism and humanity that her story takes you on a true roller coaster of emotions.
On the other hand, Dhruv - our male protagonist, wears a mask of composure that hides his emptiness. Professionally he is very accomplished man. He embodies success in its most conventional form. Yet beneath this surface lies a profound emptiness - a loneliness that borders on existential. His longing for love isn’t just about romance - it’s about finding meaning, a connection that makes him feel whole.
I would highly recommend this book as it will stay very close to my heart always. "Anara" resonates with readers who have known deep love, profound loss, or the ache of waiting. Both beautiful and heartbreaking, it transcends the boundaries of fiction - it’s not just a story, but an experience that compels you to feel, reflect, and remember.
Profile Image for ayisha.
24 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2025
Anara is not just a story…it’s an experience that quietly slips into your heart & refuses to leave. The story revolves around Dhruv nd Anara, two souls who are completely opposite yet somehow meant to collide.
💍
Dhruv a successful manager in Chennai, an introvert by nature . A man is discipline, routines nd firm beliefs. Someone who thinks life should have only one choice, one plan. A short tempered to the world , but deeply decent at heart.
And then there’s Anara…soft spoken..brave..beautiful with striking silver eyes and a hint of mischief that peeks through her silence. She wasn’t always this quiet. Something from her past changed her…turned a cheerful girl into someone who now protects herself from the truths she ain’t ready to face
💍
When Anara joins Dhruv as an intern along with her friends, under his mentorship. Their paths cross in ways neither of them expects. Dhruv notices Anara from the very first day. Almost as if she is missing, answer to his life, he never questioned. Meanwhile, Anara and her friends are busy plotting to embarrass Dhruv (& trust me the reason behind it is something you’ll absolutely enjoy discovering😌).
💍
Every character in this story has a purpose…. Divya Tanya George, each adding warmth, depth and meaning. Watching Dhruv unknowingly heal Anara was one of the most beautiful parts of the book.!!! Their lil trps to his fav. Spots , the quiet moments and especially his love from ilaiyaraaja songs.
💍
Their solo trip to Anara’s home in kochi, where she finally opens up about her past…the pain..reason she changed nd how she ended up in Chennai ..those moments stay with you..
Just when everything starts falling into place..
💥BOOM💥
A plot twist you never see coming.!!
JP enters the story & from there…everything spirals. My heart genuinely ached. The emotional impacts was heavy..raw & painfully real. By the time I finished the book, it felt less like I completed the story ..nd more like the story finished me.
.
Anara is tender heartbreaking , healing nd unforgettable.
If you love slow burn emotions .. past trauma , unexpected twists nd a story that lingers long after the last page. Then this book is calling you.
Profile Image for Kamu Pillai.
26 reviews
June 25, 2025
About the Book: Anara opens with multiple protagonists Dhruv, Divya, and Anara. But it is Dhruv and Divya’s conversation that first draws us in.

Divya, a genie, fell in love with her summoner, Dhruv. She silently questions whether Dhruv is too oblivious or simply unwilling to notice her love. Dhruv, on the other hand, is an overthinking, emotionally shut-down workaholic who finds comfort in Ilaiyaraaja’s melancholic tunes, partly because of his own orphaned upbringing. Divya chooses to love someone who vanishes into silence, who finds peace in ordinary things, and who prefers old-world simplicity to modern glam. Her love is unwavering, but unanswered.

Parallelly, the story turns to Anara, daughter of Shravan Krishnan, a self-made tycoon from Coimbatore. Raised without a mother, Anara shared a profound bond with her father, who was not just a provider but her anchor and friend. At the Age of 17-18 she meets jaivant, and their love feels real until tragedy strikes, leaving him in a coma after a trek.

Dhruv soon becomes drawn to Anara, mesmerized by her eyes. Yet, instead of reaching out, he retreats, haunted by his own reality, feeling unworthy in her privileged world. “Isn’t it natural for the moon to fade when the sun rises?” he says. For Dhruv, pain is familiar; happiness, foreign.

The narrative spins through a layered, slow-burn journey of loss, longing, silence, privilege, class divides, and unsaid emotions. And just when you think you’ve figured it out…Plot twist hits.

Who ends up with whom? Does Dhruv finally confess to Anara? Does Divya’s love ever get answered? Does Jaivant ever wake up?

💭Personal Insights:
The first few chapters honestly tested my patience. It was a drag. I almost put the book down. But trust me, don’t. The buildup is slow for a reason. The emotional foundation laid early on becomes the groundwork for something incredibly profound. Once you move past the sluggish beginning, Anara rewards you with a heart-wrenching, soul-searching experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
298 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2025
Some books linger in your heart long after the last page is turned, not because they offer neat resolutions, but because they dare to dwell in the quiet chaos of human emotions. "Anara" is one such book—a haunting exploration of love, guilt, time, and the choices that wound us as much as they define us. Set against the contrasting yet complementary backdrops of bustling Chennai and serene Kochi, Anara tells the story of two broken souls brought together by chance but separated by fate. At its core, this is not a love story in the conventional sense—it is a meditation on the way time can become both an ally and an enemy, a reminder and a thief, a healer and a destroyer.
Dhruv, the protagonist, is drawn with a striking vulnerability. On the surface, he is the picture of success—a manager respected in his profession, someone who appears to have life under control. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, he is weighed down by loneliness and an aching void he cannot fill. His longing for love is not simply romantic—it is existential. He craves a connection that validates his very being, something deeper than companionship, something that consumes and completes. Enter Anara—a quiet, melancholy intern from Kochi. She is not written as the stereotypical fragile heroine, but as a woman burdened by a silent promise, a love that refuses to die even though it offers her no future. Her loyalty to that past makes her both admirable and tragic. She embodies the complexity of holding on—not because she wants to, but because her heart doesn’t know how to let go.
If you are looking for a simple romance, Anara is not that book. It is far more profound. It is about the fragility of human hearts, the cruelty of time, and the impossibility of clean endings. It resonates with anyone who has ever loved deeply, lost painfully, or waited endlessly. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable—Anara is not just a story, it is an experience. It doesn’t just make you read—it makes you feel, question, and remember.
Profile Image for Shubhra Gupta.
131 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2025
What I didn’t expect from ANARA was to be completely broken — quietly, gently, but thoroughly. It’s not really a love story "WHAT" it’s about two hurting people, each with their own past, just trying to hold themselves together.

📍 Let’s talk about Dhruv.
He’s successful, polished, and calm on the outside. But beneath all of that? A deep emotional emptiness. The kind that doesn’t shout, but lingers. Dhruv is the kind of character who doesn’t ask for sympathy — but I felt for him anyway. Every silence, every hesitation, felt painfully to me. His relationship with music, especially Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, added so much emotion it made me emotional.

📍 And then there’s Anara.
She enters quietly, not as someone who changes everything overnight but as someone who carries her own heartbreak. She’s soft, distant, and not looking to be saved. Her pain is buried deep, tied to someone from her past. And that past?

📍 Their connection isn’t loud — it’s aching.
This isn’t insta-love. I found no crazy deep romance. It’s all really simple but felt. It’s in the way they look at each other and say nothing that’s what hit me. Because honestly, real life feels like that too.
..
📍 What really hit me?
The fact that this book doesn’t try to fix its characters. It lets them hurt. It gives them time. It allows the mess. And when the past shows up in a way I honestly didn’t see coming. It wasn’t a twist for the sake of drama. It felt honest.

📍 The writing? Understated, but powerful.
HERE in nothing is overwritten. The beauty of book Anara lies in simplicity. The emotions don’t jump off the page. Chennai and Kochi become part of the emotional texture. Every place felt alive.

📍 Final thoughts:
I felt that Anara is not about falling in love. It’s more about how love sometimes comes at the wrong time and how silence can speak more than words.
Profile Image for Miss Lectiophile.
42 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2025
Love isn't always just about feeling-- it's a war between DREAMS, DESTINY & TIME.

This novel beautifully explores the maturity of love and reminds us that,

"LOVE doesn't always lead to happiness, sometimes it teaches acceptance & letting go."

Reading it made me realise how time can often become an enemy when hearts desire something but destiny doesn't allow it.

What stood out most was how the book reflects human emotions, friendships, guilt, and complexities. It softens your heart, and at moments, even numbs your eyes. The connections between characters felt simple, real, and honest. You can truly feel them. 700

"Anara" is a strong, lovable, and reserved character. She keeps her emotions locked within, not wanting to hurt anyone, yet she isn't someone who changes overnight. I deeply respect her for that.

Dhruv's character touched me in a different way. He doesn't demand sympathy. His unique thoughts, respectful nature, and selfless efforts make you admire him. And yet, there's always a deep emotional void in him.

From the very first chapter, I found myself rooting for him, but the twist... I felt the same dilemma Anara did.

And then there's JP..ah, my heart! He was sincere and honest. I won't reveal much, but if you've read the book, you know what I mean. If not, discover him yourself.

The writing is simple yet powerful. It doesn't rush, nothing feels overdone. The multiple POVs were portrayed effectively, making the story richer and more immersive. The scene descriptions added depth and ambience, pulling me completely into the world.

Some dialogues make you stop and reflect on your own thoughts. That's the beauty of this story.

As for the ending, I don't think it was anyone's fault. It was simply destiny's way of writing their story.....

If you want to experience something emotional yet deeply loving, Anara is the book for you.
330 reviews23 followers
January 4, 2026

Anara is a slow and emotional story about love, time, and unfinished feelings. The book follows Dhruv, a manager in Chennai who looks settled and successful but feels lonely inside. He lives with routines and discipline, yet his heart feels empty. When Anara, a quiet intern from Kochi, joins under his mentorship, his life starts to change. He feels drawn to her in a way he cannot explain, as if she fills a space he never knew how to name.

Anara is gentle, reserved, and carrying deep pain from her past. Her heart is still tied to an old promise that brings her guilt and sadness. She wants peace but does not know how to let go. The emotional connection between Dhruv and Anara grows slowly, with hesitation, silence, and many unspoken thoughts. Their feelings feel real and relatable because they are confused, imperfect, and deeply human. The side characters add warmth and support without distracting from the main emotions.

The writing is simple, clear, and easy to read. There are no heavy words or forced drama. The author focuses on emotions, thoughts, and small moments that slowly build the story. The settings of Chennai and Kochi feel natural and help the reader connect more with the characters. When the story takes an unexpected turn, it feels painful but honest, reminding us that life does not always give easy answers.

This book connected with me because it shows how the heart does not always follow logic. It made me think about love, waiting, and how hard it is to move on from the past. Anara is not about a perfect ending, but about understanding emotions and accepting reality. I strongly recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional, slow-paced stories that feel real. If you like books that focus on feelings, inner struggles, and quiet love, Anara is a meaningful and touching read.
Profile Image for Bookishworld.
96 reviews19 followers
August 15, 2025
Some stories don’t just unfold on the page, they pull you in, wrap around you, and stay with you long after you’re done reading. This book did exactly that. I’m still thinking about it, still feeling it and I’m sure I’ll not let this book go away easily.

The story revolves around Dhruv, a successful manager in Chennai who looks like he has everything figured out. But behind all the stability and success is a quiet, emotional emptiness, something deep, shaped by childhood scars and the ache of feeling incomplete.
Anara, an intern from Kochi—soft-spoken, distant, and clearly protecting herself from something she isn’t ready to face.

As the fate brings them close and they start working together, something gentle starts to grow. It’s slow, almost fragile. There’s tenderness, tension, vulnerability… and so many things left unsaid. You feel every shift in their dynamic. Every glance. Every wall slowly coming down.

Dhruv starts to believe Anara could be the missing piece in his life—the one who might finally understand the silence he carries. But Anara’s heart and feelings are somewhere else. It’s still tied to a promise from her past. To someone she left behind… someone who, it turns out, may never have really left.

And just when it seems like they might find a way forward—JP (Anara’s Past) returns, and everything changes. That moment? Absolutely wrecked me. It was raw and painful and honest in a way few stories manage to be.

The writing is beautiful, but it’s the emotions that stay with you. It’s the kind of book that breaks your heart a little just to show you how much it can still feel.

If you love slow-burns, emotional healing, stories that explore love beyond everything, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Soumili Chakraborty.
116 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2025
OMG! I don't remember the last time, I cried over a book this much. This book completely wrecked me and made me sob literally at 3 AM.

The book follows the story of three individuals Anara, Dhruv and JP whose life gets entangled together. I honestly loved each of the character, they felt so relatable and I don't think it was either of their fault for what happened at the end, and it was totally written in their Destiny and fate.

Dhruv who looks like has his life all figured out from outside, is actually struggling a lot to find his own sense of belonging. Since childhood he has been searching for someone to call his own and to be loved. Then Anara enters his life as the intern in his office, and he starts falling in love with her and he thinks he has finally found his person. But then we get know Anara, had her has her own painful past and she cannot move on from it. Dhruv helps her to heal and bring back her past self. And slowly she starts moving on and things finally gets better between them . And just when we think everything is going well life throws another curveball at them in the name of JP. The ending of the book truly broke my heart .

Another thing which I liked about this book, was the character of Divya. I loved how she always supported Dhruv and stood by him and how she moved on in her life and did the right thing instead of making things messy.

Overall loved this book. The writing of the book is very engaging and fast paced. If you love reading romance novels which makes you go through an emotional rollercoaster then this is the perfect book for you.
Profile Image for Early Morning  Memories.
189 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2025
It is always said that time heals everything. But we should also remember that time can also break our hearts apart. The book is an extremely beautiful love story where the characters meet but their love blooms in a different way.

This is so much different and yet clings to the idea of hope and challenges in several situations of the relationship.

⭐⭐Sharing the contents for better understanding

📌Dhruv's Glass of Whiskey

📌Rhythms of Rain

📌Echoes of Destiny

📌You Have my Attention

📌Dhruv Tastes the Coconut

📌Sun Rises at the Mountain

📌Snow Shines Under the Sun

📌Sun Melts the Snow

📌Moonlight by the Mountain

📌Sun vs Moon

The plot is in Chennai and we all are quite aware of the weather of Chennai . Here The male protagonist Dhruv who is a successful manager but sadly extremely burdened with an emptiness.. moves or passes through life . His wish to get loved romantically with someone with whom he will be engrossed and who will complete him to the fullest .

Dhruv meets Anara when she starts to intern in his office under his mentorship. They meet for work and work turns to more than that . For Dhruv, Anara was the love he was waiting for so long whereas for Anara a promise from Someone past was something she was holding in her heart for so long. Anara has a clinging hope ..hope to meet past someday.

They both are completely different people and the question is what holds them together or what breaks them apart?

Will Anara be able to understand the present much more than the past ?

Will Dhruv understand Anra?

It shows human emotions in the most beautiful way
215 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2025
A story which captures the complexities of love and affection and feelings cannot always be explained in words

This is the story of Dhruv and Anara. Anara is a new intern in the office of Dhruv as well as his heart. Being an orphan has him set in his ways but Anara finds a way through his soul and understands him. However, Anara herself has a past which makes it difficult for her to commit to a new relationship fully. How they end up is a story of inner struggle and self discovery.

An impressive part was the description of events and the scenes which added to the ambience of the story and made the reading experience even more captivating. The narration displayed the POV of several characters and conveyed them effectively.

Capturing both the effects of a new budding romance as well as subtleties of relationships, the story matures nicely and creates an enigmatic tale of realistic love. A relationship not only based on infatuation but connects at a deeper level and heals each other.
The characters of the story have developed and rich backstories which are woven together seamlessly with the present. The transitions between and the past and present is smooth and enriches the tale imparting depth and intensity. The side characters too add to the overall vibes of the story and get impressive character arcs with well narrated traits. From divya to JP, the other characters have been given ample space.

Overall, this story is emotionally engaging and displays a beautiful relationship with ups and downs which affect the reader along with the characters.
Profile Image for Komal Ahuja.
33 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2025
When I started reading Anara, I felt like I was entering a deeply emotional world. This story is not just about love; it’s about the pain, guilt, and choices that come with it. Dhruv, who seems so successful on the outside, is actually carrying a heavy emptiness inside. I could feel his loneliness through every page.

As I read further, I saw how Anara’s entry into Dhruv’s life changed everything for him. She is quiet and sad, with her own painful past. For Dhruv, she feels like hope, but for Anara, her heart is still tied to a promise she cannot let go of. Their bond felt real, complicated, and heartbreaking at the same time.

I loved how the author described their emotions so beautifully in simple words. Each chapter made me think about how life sometimes tests our hearts in ways we never expect. Anara’s silent struggle touched me deeply. She is strong yet broken, and her pain feels so genuine in the story.

Reading this book made me realise how time can become an enemy when hearts want something that destiny doesn’t allow. It showed how love doesn’t always lead to happiness, but sometimes to acceptance and letting go. It felt so real and honest about life.

Overall, Anara is a beautiful and emotional read for anyone who loves stories that go beyond romance and show the truth of human emotions. This book will stay with me for a long time because it reminded me that love is powerful but also painful, and sometimes we just need to accept what life gives us.
Profile Image for Yashika Varshney.
6 reviews
September 23, 2025
Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just tell a story, but quietly slips into your heart and makes you feel things you didn’t expect. Anara was that book for me. On the surface, it’s about Anara and Dhruv, their lives crossing somewhere between the ordinary chaos of an office in Chennai and the extraordinary silence of longing and healing. But as you read on, you realize this story is much deeper than just love. It’s about time, choices, guilt, and the fragile beauty of companionship. What touched me most was the honesty. The emotions aren’t exaggerated or dramatic, they’re raw, hesitant, vulnerable. Dhruv and Anara feel real because their love isn’t perfect. It grows slowly, with confusion, with pauses, with the kind of silence that says more than words ever could. The writing is so simple, yet it lingers. Each chapter feels like it’s whispering truths about life, how time can be both a healer and a barrier, how letting go can sometimes be the bravest thing, and how love doesn’t always mean a perfect ending. Reading Anara felt like holding a mirror up to the quiet corners of my own heart. It made me think about the people I’ve loved, the moments I’ve lost, and the small, unspoken ways we all search for healing. If you want a story that is tender and emotional, that will not just entertain you but also stay with you… Anara is that kind of book. Honest, soulful, and beautifully human. 🌿💫
Profile Image for N S.
36 reviews
December 16, 2025
Anara is a deeply emotional, beautifully written story that stays with you long after the last page. Set in Chennai, with its everyday office routines and corporate life quietly running in the background, this is one of those rare books where there are no villains; only circumstances, timing, and life being painfully unfair.


The story begins when Anara enters Dhruv’s life. Dhruv is an introvert living a lonely, melancholic routine, while Anara is a quiet and sad young woman who's struggling to accept her reality. Their connection doesn’t feel rushed or dramatic; it grows through small moments, shared spaces, and an understanding that doesn’t always need words.


What truly sets Anara apart is how thoughtfully each character’s perspective is portrayed. Every character makes choices that make sense from their perspective, and that’s what hurts the most. You understand everyone. You feel for everyone. The story gently reminds you that people can love deeply and still end up hurting each other, not because they’re wrong, but because life is complicated.


The narrative is heartfelt and gentle, yet heavy in the best way. The aesthetics of the book feel serene and peaceful, adding a quiet beauty to an otherwise emotionally intense journey. By the time I finished Anara, I was emotional and thoughtful. It leaves you sitting with your feelings, questioning how unfair life can be even when everyone involved is trying their best.
Profile Image for ANMOL JAUHER.
454 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2025
Some stories explore love not as a grand romance, but as a gentle tension between past promises, emotional guilt, and the passing of time. This novel leans into that quiet space with sensitivity and depth.

Set against the everyday rhythm of Chennai, the story follows Dhruv, outwardly successful yet inwardly unsettled. His life feels complete on paper, but emotionally hollow. When Anara enters his world as an intern, their connection brings both comfort and conflict. Anara, too, carries her own emotional weight - a promise from the past that continues to shape her choices, even when it no longer offers certainty.

What stands out is how thoughtfully the book treats time and memory. Love here isn’t rushed or dramatic, it unfolds slowly, shaped by hesitation, hope, and unspoken fears. The writing focuses more on inner emotions than external events, allowing readers to sit with the characters’ dilemmas rather than be pushed toward quick resolutions.

What Works Well
• Emotional depth without melodrama
• Strong focus on inner conflict and longing
• A reflective pace that encourages introspection
• Relatable themes of love, guilt, and unfinished feelings

This is not a fast-paced read, but a quiet, introspective one. Anara feels like a gentle reminder that some connections change us not through certainty, but through the questions they leave behind. A thoughtful pick for readers who enjoy emotionally layered, character-driven stories.
Profile Image for Riya.
16 reviews
September 28, 2025
Review 🪷

First of all the book is so good that it will make you cry at one point for sure....

Anara the book written by Joshua melinecs it's a emotionally beautiful book about love, guilt, past, healing and second chance to life and love.The story has potential to make you feel so many emotions.

The MMC of the book is Dhruv who feels lonely in the big city of chennai his life change when he saw the silver eyes of FMC Anara.

Anara who has silver eyes which holds pain and past in it with a quite face
Dhruv feels for her and maybe she does too but the past holds her back.

The book is well written that one point you'll feel that you're not reading it instead you're standing in the book and watching it all, the book goes slowly in a beautiful way.

And the way author shows Dhruv and anara's feeling which connects them with them more beautifully with eachother in a healing process
The nature I saw through the ink on paper is so decently written the mountains, the camps and the sun and moon.

If you wanna read something which focus on people's feeling, destiny and those promises and emotions which you carry with yourself then you'll definitely gonna love the book Anara
It's so good that it's hard to believe it's the first book by the author (Joshua melinecs)

It become one of my favourite book so far so you should definitely try this.
Profile Image for Pratikshya.
55 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2025
Ever read a book which clutches your heart so tight that it starts hurting? No? Then this book will do that for you.

I swear I thought it will be a normal romance with a really happy ending and unicorns and rainbows but oh well @joshuamelinecs had other plans in store for his readers.

This book doesn't just shatter your heart, but it makes you dream of rainbows, clear skies before a storm takes place.

I won't say Anara is your regular book. It is an adaptation of White nights so now you must know how gut wrenching this would be.

Now coming to the book, I couldn't stop myself from giving this book five ⭐ because it made me dream, hope and expect! Yeah I should never have expected that but oh well.

The whole book revolves around 3 souls
ANARA, the rich spoiled girl, her father's only treasure, growing up without a mother, her father provided her with everything he could.
DHRUV, the hopeless orphan, dreaming of a good life apart from the worn out clothes and broken toys.
And JP, the ambitious trekker, filled with dreams, all shattered after an accident.

What happens when These three souls are bound together but only two of them get a happy ending?

If this question bothers you then it's time ti pick up this book, buddy...and trust me you won't regret it ever.
Profile Image for Ummehani Nalawala.
131 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
Anara by Joshua Melinecs is a book with multiple emotional aspects. The book beautifully portrays the feelings of love, grief and friendship with a great story and less drama.

The book revolves around Anara a struggling intern who entered Dhruv’s office and his life bringing love and happiness. Dhruv on the other hand is a settled young man who is in search of someone he could love and call his own.

There starts an amazing love story with little sparks here and there when Dhruv and Anara crosses paths. They slowly and gradually starts falling in love with each other and the rest is just a fairy tale which doesn’t last long. They help each other overcome their past pains and thus heals each other.

JP proved to be an interesting character. A trekker filled with joyous dreams but broken fate. I also love the character of Divya.

The book is really emotionally fulfilling which made me cry and feel connected to the characters. The character build up is appreciable and the story telling is just breathtaking. With a simple language and a beautiful story this book is just wholesome.

The gut wrenching story will take you on a path which makes you dream of sunshine and calmness but before that of a storm!

A book you should not miss.
Profile Image for Harsh Tyagi.
932 reviews21 followers
August 18, 2025
This book is the author's own adaption of White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky,  retold in a different time, place and emotion.

Dhruv is a successful manager in Chennai. He's composed but carries a deep sense of emotional emptiness. His life begins to shift when Anara, an intern from Kochi, joins his team. She is quiet and distant, but something about her draws Dhruv in. He begins to see in her a kind of completion he didn’t realise he was seeking. But Anara is haunted by a promise she made long ago, a memory she cannot abandon, no matter how much it hurts. As Dhruv falls deeper, Anara’s heart remains tied elsewhere. Their story becomes one of fragile hope, silent longing, and difficult choices as both are pulled in opposite directions by the past and the present.

The melancholic and addictive storytelling got me hooked. The simplicity of the story took my heart. There’s no forced drama, no overwritten metaphors. The book stays faithful to the subtlety of real emotion. It explores love, guilt, and longing without exaggeration or haste. Joshua Melinecs has created something that speaks to the heart in a language that is soft, steady, and deeply human. And that watercolor painting on the cover is just gorgeous.
Profile Image for Anshii.
138 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2025
The book gently explores feelings like love, grief, and longing without being too dramatic.
Dhruv and Anara feel like real people—both are dealing with emotions they don’t fully understand.The language is simple and effective. It pulls you in and keeps you connected to the characters’ inner world.

The appearance of Divya, a mysterious and timeless figure, adds a unique layer to the story without making it a fantasy.

The romance doesn’t rush—it grows slowly, showing the characters’ struggles and fears along the way. The story deals with important ideas—like how guilt can affect love, how time changes us, and how letting go is sometimes the hardest part.

The plot has a few twists that you won’t see coming, but they feel natural and not forced. The settings—Chennai and Kochi—add color and warmth to the story, helping you feel the environment as much as the emotions.

All in all, Anara is a soft, thoughtful read. It’s not about big events—it’s about quiet feelings, personal battles, and love that stays, even when unspoken. Perfect for those who enjoy emotional and heartfelt stories.
Profile Image for Shivani Singh.
173 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2025
This is adaptation of a well-known Russian novel with modern setting.

The writing is engaging, and it's difficult to put down. Dhruv is living in solitude in his own grief/loneliness. He wants happiness but is unable to find it for himself and believes happiness is not made for him.
The new intern at the office, Anara, grabs his attention. Anara belongs from a world of luxuries, yet when Dhruv first saw her she was in simple clothes. It's love at first sight for Dhruv. He feels she is the love he has been waiting for and starts to get to know her.

Anara, however, is broken from her past mishappening, and letting Dhruv into her life is a big ask. Unknown to Dhruv's intention, they start off as colleagues and become friends. Dhruv shows Anara his live and small moments that he cherishes in life, and his love for Ilayaraja. Later, Dhruv expresses his feelings to Anara. Shocked with the confession, she rejects him.

The reason for Anara's behaviour and feelings is the journey that makes the story so beautiful. The depth of pain portrayed by Dhruv and Anara is touching, and one can feel the pain.
The original was a masterpiece, and so is the adaptation. Hats off…
Profile Image for Tanushri.
175 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2025
Dhruv is a successful yet lonely man who is looking to fill a void created in his life. He yearns for something or someone who will fill the void and complete him in all senses. One day, he meets Anara. A sad and quiet woman who joined as an intern in his office. He is immediately attracted towards her. He feels a pull towards her charm, her occasional mischievousness and her sadness. But Anara is still waiting for someone from her past which she is not ready to let go. Will she understand Dhruv’s love for her? Will they meet? What does time holds for them in future?

Anara is a beautiful and interesting story of Anara and Dhruv. The story travels from an office in Chennai to the deepest state of love and longingness. It shows that time, though the greatest healer, can sometimes make you feel empty.

Though a bit long, it explores love and companionship in a beautiful way. Here along with the protagonists, time plays a vital role too. If you love reading stories of love but not the drama and looking for something filled with more emotions, give this book a try and you’ll definitely be hooked!
20 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
✨ Beautifully Brutal. Softly Shattering. Utterly Ananra. ✨
🩸 by @melinecz

I picked up Ananra thinking it was just another slow-burn healing arc wrapped in a tragic romance.
Girl meets boy.
Boy heals girl.
Love wins.
...NOPE. Ananra had other plans.
This book didn’t hold my hand — it dragged me by the soul. 🖤

At first, it’s slow. Too slow. You’ll wonder if you’re missing something.
And then — it hits.
Not like a storm. Like a sigh that turns into an earthquake. Like quiet grief that explodes inside your ribcage. 💣💔

Ananra is messy. She's poetry soaked in pain.
Dhruv? Dhruv is the silence that follows a scream. He deserved everything.
But this book doesn’t care what anyone deserves. It gives you reality, raw and bleeding. No mercy. No violins. Just a beautiful kind of devastation.

🧩 The pieces don’t fit. They’re not meant to.
Because this isn’t about completion — it’s about cost.
And when the final piece falls into place, you’ll realize:
💥 someone always has to lose.

This isn’t a love story.
It’s a loss story dressed in the illusion of romance.
And I? I’m not okay. I’ll never be okay.
(And yet, I want to reread it again. And again. And again.) 🕯️📖
386 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2025
Anara by Joshua Melinecs is a captivating read which keeps the readers hooked till the end. The story revolves around Dhruv, a successful manager, and Anara, a quiet and sad young woman from Kochi, who joins as an intern under his mentorship. Anara holds a promise made long ago, which has no hope but refuses to let it go. Dhruv, on the other hand, is burdened by a deep void and longs for love that can consume and complete him. It was love at first sight for Dhruv, when he met Anara.

The story is intriguing with a few twists. The language used is lucid and easy to understand. This is a story of love filled with emotions. The author has shown how things like unresolved guilt will affect us. I loved the South Indian setting. Anara is a touching exploration of human emotion and the complexity of choice when time becomes the enemy. The writing style is unique and flawless. Such a thought-provoking and heartfelt read regarding personal battles and emotions. I felt like I was traveling with Dhruv and Anara and could feel their emotions. The engaging writing makes it an unputdownable read.

Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Chhaya.
277 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2025
I'm speechless; I just finished it, and I'm emotional. The whole book was a rollercoaster ride. The whole story was very emotional. Reading it felt like savoring every moment because they may be the last. It felt too realistic in this cruel world, especially when time is your enemy and destiny has some other plans.

The setting of Chennai and Kochi was wonderful; I'm deeply impressed with the way it's portrayed in the book (PS- I've never been to Chennai or Kochi). The writing of the author is simple yet beautiful in an introspective way. The plot twist was great; it was not like boom, instead it was just there, and that felt right. The plot of the book was developed incredibly. There were so many deep quotes. I've highlighted a lot of things.

I deeply felt the tension and emotional connection between Dhruv and Anara. Their first meeting, the first time he said her name, was poetic. Their romance unfolds slowly like a whisper instead of a loud scream. There was hesitation, pain, and silence, and then there was love—no drama, just unconditional love.

Overall, just go for it. You'll definitely find something inside you healing after reading the book.
Profile Image for Nupur Poharkar.
58 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
📚Book Review: Anara by Joshua Melinecs

⭐Ratings: 4.7/5

Anara by Joshua Melinecs is sucha story that quietly grabs your attention. It follows Dhruv, a man who seems to have it all on the outside but feels a hollow space inside. Anara, a soft-spoken and sensitive woman who joins as Dhruv's intern, and their meeting sparks an unexpected connection.

What I liked the most is how the book explores real emotions that is love, hope, guilt, and longing without rushing anything. Dhruv is on a journey to find what truly completes him, while Anara holds onto a promise connected to her past.

The writing flows beautifully and feels like a warm conversation that feels personal. The characters are relatable and genuine, their inner struggles and dreams feels as if they are our own.

💌 Conclusion:

It is a story about the complexities of the heart, the courage to face our past, and the hope for a new beginning. It’s such a story that stays with you, encouraging reflection on love, life, and the choices we make. If you appreciate heartfelt stories that move slowly yet deeply, this book is a beautiful one to explore.
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