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Valedictorian: Virtue kept her chained Violence set her free
138 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
October 30, 2025
Admonishingly intoxicating!
"You collected me like a prize and now you hate that I won't stay where you put me"
The protagonist has always excelled in life, and to take things one step further, she decides to enter a reality show where she must fall in love and win the title. But an average guy (a five-point-someone type) throws her completely off track. Though she aims for the trophy, her obsession begins to spiral into directions she never imagined facing.
The writing is sharp, short, and cuts like paper. You wouldn’t even realize how deep you’ve fallen into these pages until you’re suddenly disturbed, like noticing a paper cut only when it starts to sting. The story calls out the external facade people chase and the pressure they unknowingly put on their loved ones. The burden of excelling and maintaining that image, the mindset tuned to expectations, and the false sense of superiority that grows with it all are portrayed so well.
The author also laces in the inability to handle failure, the humiliation on national television, and the events that follow, shaping a dark and gripping descent. The book presents the shadowed corners of the mind beautifully. I honestly never thought so much could be conveyed in such a short read. You end up both hating and loving the characters, bending to the author’s will, and relishing the dark psychological impact it leaves behind.
"You collected me like a prize and now you hate that I won't stay where you put me"
The protagonist has always excelled in life, and to take things one step further, she decides to enter a reality show where she must fall in love and win the title. But an average guy (a five-point-someone type) throws her completely off track. Though she aims for the trophy, her obsession begins to spiral into directions she never imagined facing.
The writing is sharp, short, and cuts like paper. You wouldn’t even realize how deep you’ve fallen into these pages until you’re suddenly disturbed, like noticing a paper cut only when it starts to sting. The story calls out the external facade people chase and the pressure they unknowingly put on their loved ones. The burden of excelling and maintaining that image, the mindset tuned to expectations, and the false sense of superiority that grows with it all are portrayed so well.
The author also laces in the inability to handle failure, the humiliation on national television, and the events that follow, shaping a dark and gripping descent. The book presents the shadowed corners of the mind beautifully. I honestly never thought so much could be conveyed in such a short read. You end up both hating and loving the characters, bending to the author’s will, and relishing the dark psychological impact it leaves behind.
December 5, 2025
Valedictorian is one of those rare psychological novels that doesn’t just tell a story it dissects you while you were reading it.
On the surface it’s about a brilliant IIM graduate who meets a charming stand up comedian on a reality show but underneath it’s really about how ambition can twist love into something dangerously consuming. From the very first chapter I was drawn into her world polished, controlled almost flawless and it’s fascinating how that very perfection becomes her undoing.
The chemistry between the two leads is electric but it’s not the kind of romance that makes you swoon it’s the kind that makes you uneasy. Their connection feels like a power play disguised as affection two people feeding off each other’s applause, validation and insecurities.
The author paints this descent with such precision that you almost don’t notice when fascination turns into obsession or when admiration turns into manipulation.
What I loved most was how the book captures the psychology of overachievers that quiet panic beneath confidence, the terror of mediocrity, the loneliness of always being the best. It’s not just her story it’s the story of anyone who’s ever measured their worth by external validation. The writing is elegant but raw, balancing intellect with emotion.
On the surface it’s about a brilliant IIM graduate who meets a charming stand up comedian on a reality show but underneath it’s really about how ambition can twist love into something dangerously consuming. From the very first chapter I was drawn into her world polished, controlled almost flawless and it’s fascinating how that very perfection becomes her undoing.
The chemistry between the two leads is electric but it’s not the kind of romance that makes you swoon it’s the kind that makes you uneasy. Their connection feels like a power play disguised as affection two people feeding off each other’s applause, validation and insecurities.
The author paints this descent with such precision that you almost don’t notice when fascination turns into obsession or when admiration turns into manipulation.
What I loved most was how the book captures the psychology of overachievers that quiet panic beneath confidence, the terror of mediocrity, the loneliness of always being the best. It’s not just her story it’s the story of anyone who’s ever measured their worth by external validation. The writing is elegant but raw, balancing intellect with emotion.
November 2, 2025
"I didn't sleep that night. Not because I was restless — but because I didn't want the night to end."
The Valedictorian by Shreshtha Raychaudhuri is a psychological fiction. I picked this up because it's not completely a love story, but has elements related to the mind, thriller, suspense, and sacrifices.
The story follows Nandini, a gorgeous IIM graduate who falls in love with Arjun, a stand-up comedian, her fellow contestant whom she met in a reality show. He's a mediocre, and not as ambitious as her. Having gone against everyone, she found him to be unsuitable later. But, will she do anything to get him or move forward?
To people who are looking for a short, gripping, and a psychological thriller (wouldn't completely call it a thriller, but a bit of suspense), then this is a perfect read for you. I loved Shrestha's writing and the story is amazing. I have always wanted to read a story about characters revolving around a reality show, and I finally got a chance.
The Valedictorian by Shreshtha Raychaudhuri is a psychological fiction. I picked this up because it's not completely a love story, but has elements related to the mind, thriller, suspense, and sacrifices.
The story follows Nandini, a gorgeous IIM graduate who falls in love with Arjun, a stand-up comedian, her fellow contestant whom she met in a reality show. He's a mediocre, and not as ambitious as her. Having gone against everyone, she found him to be unsuitable later. But, will she do anything to get him or move forward?
To people who are looking for a short, gripping, and a psychological thriller (wouldn't completely call it a thriller, but a bit of suspense), then this is a perfect read for you. I loved Shrestha's writing and the story is amazing. I have always wanted to read a story about characters revolving around a reality show, and I finally got a chance.
November 11, 2025
Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is a gripping and intense psychological novel that completely took me by surprise. At first, I thought it would be just another story about ambition and academic success, but it turned out to be so much more. The story revolves around Nandini, a perfect girl who is afraid of failure and loves to be on top of everything. Her immaculate personality is shattered by the entry of Arjun, a stand-up comedian who challenges her in unexpected ways.
In my view, Nandini is a character who deeply struggles with the pressure of expectations while trying to find her true self. Arjun’s presence brings out conflicting emotions and psychological tension that drive the story forward, making their relationship intense and unpredictable. The author did a fantastic job capturing the complexities of their minds and emotions without making it overly dramatic.
What really stood out was the unexpected ending, I honestly didn’t see it coming! If you like stories about complex characters and psychological drama that make you think, Valedictorian is definitely worth a read
In my view, Nandini is a character who deeply struggles with the pressure of expectations while trying to find her true self. Arjun’s presence brings out conflicting emotions and psychological tension that drive the story forward, making their relationship intense and unpredictable. The author did a fantastic job capturing the complexities of their minds and emotions without making it overly dramatic.
What really stood out was the unexpected ending, I honestly didn’t see it coming! If you like stories about complex characters and psychological drama that make you think, Valedictorian is definitely worth a read
November 15, 2025
I finished reading this book in just two sittings, and honestly, the way the ending turned out was simply phenomenal!
From the very beginning, I started hating Nandini. Why? Here’s the answer to that “why.” The way she was so obsessed with herself as if everyone else was beneath her and that made her look extremely arrogant. But as the story progressed, I began to understand why she was like that.
I won’t say that only Arjun had flaws; Nandini had her own too. But the moment Arjun turned her into a joke, and till the tragic end...it all felt like the most fitting and satisfactory conclusion this story could ever have.
And throughout this journey, while I hated Nandini for being so egoistic, I also ended up loving her for who she truly was in the end. Because when she finally let her guard down, everyone only took advantage of her.
A short yet impactful read, perfect for lovers of thrillers, suspense, and a touch of romance!
From the very beginning, I started hating Nandini. Why? Here’s the answer to that “why.” The way she was so obsessed with herself as if everyone else was beneath her and that made her look extremely arrogant. But as the story progressed, I began to understand why she was like that.
I won’t say that only Arjun had flaws; Nandini had her own too. But the moment Arjun turned her into a joke, and till the tragic end...it all felt like the most fitting and satisfactory conclusion this story could ever have.
And throughout this journey, while I hated Nandini for being so egoistic, I also ended up loving her for who she truly was in the end. Because when she finally let her guard down, everyone only took advantage of her.
A short yet impactful read, perfect for lovers of thrillers, suspense, and a touch of romance!
November 16, 2025
If you ever believed toppers have their life neatly sorted, this book taps your shoulder and whispers, “Think again.”
The author Shrestha Raychaudhuri brings a story that’s sharp, honest and almost uncomfortably relatable. The writing stays simple, but the emotions land with quiet precision. As a reader, I felt like I was peeking into the mind of every student who smiles outside while juggling expectations, ambition and self-doubt inside.
The best part?
The book never performs. It doesn’t dramatise.
It simply reveals a truth we avoid that achievement can be just as heavy as failure.
With its short chapters, clean language, and a soft intensity, Valedictorian becomes an easy read that leaves a lingering echo. A slim book, but one that makes you pause and rethink what we call “success.”
It reminds us that excellence without emotional balance is just another beautifully wrapped burden. ✨
The author Shrestha Raychaudhuri brings a story that’s sharp, honest and almost uncomfortably relatable. The writing stays simple, but the emotions land with quiet precision. As a reader, I felt like I was peeking into the mind of every student who smiles outside while juggling expectations, ambition and self-doubt inside.
The best part?
The book never performs. It doesn’t dramatise.
It simply reveals a truth we avoid that achievement can be just as heavy as failure.
With its short chapters, clean language, and a soft intensity, Valedictorian becomes an easy read that leaves a lingering echo. A slim book, but one that makes you pause and rethink what we call “success.”
It reminds us that excellence without emotional balance is just another beautifully wrapped burden. ✨
November 15, 2025
Valedictorian is a reflection of the disturbing nature of the inner storm of a woman, which, at times, could be even more deafening than the surrounding world. The statement of Virtue holding her in chains, violence freeing her, is a line that helps illustrate the discomforting fulfillment of what she was supposed to be and what she was forced to be to stay alive. The women holding a dark drink on the book cover is symbolic, as though an unspoken toast of rebellion, suffering and freedom. It barely suggests that the journey to liberation is not always smooth, yet it has to happen. An excellent, interesting framework of a tale that is set to be intense and emotionally rich
January 16, 2026
Book: Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free
Author: Shrestha Raychaudhuri
Publisher: Notion Press (2025)
Total Pages: 138
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
Author Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s incredibly remarkable title, “Valedictorian” is a razor-sharp psychological thriller that refuses to stay within the comfortable genre boundaries. From its opening pages, the novel establishes a charged atmosphere where ambition hums beneath every interaction and silence carries as much weight as confession. This is not a story that eases the readers in as it pulls you into a dark, lyrical world where excellence is worshipped, vulnerability is punished, and perfection is both a weapon and a wound. Interestingly, Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s prose is deliberate and poetic, creating a narrative that feels much cinematic in scope, yet deeply intimate in its psychological excavation. Besides, the manner in which the author had carried out the task of storytelling in her book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that actually makes this title reading worthy!
Author Shrestha Raychaudhuri writes about the quiet madness beneath perfection and the psychology of love, power, and control. Valedictorian is her debut novel — born from a dream (nightmare) that refused to fade and a fascination with how brilliance becomes obsession. Whereas, this particular title, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is published by Notion Press and is released during the period of October 2025. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this title on all the top online marketplaces.
At the heart of the novel, “Valedictorian” is Nandini, a character sculpted with unsettling precision. Well, she is the embodiment of achievement, as she is undoubtedly polished, disciplined and a relentlessly driven person, and yet her fear of mediocrity is so consuming that it begins to hollow her out. The pressure of expectations, both internal and external, becomes a suffocating presence, and the novel captures this with unnerving clarity. Moreover, Nandini’s struggle is not just about success; it is about the terror of being seen as ordinary, of slipping even momentarily from the pedestal she has been placed upon. The author’s portrayal of her inner world is meticulous and empathetic, revealing how virtue, when rigidly enforced, can morph into a prison. Furthermore, Arjun enters this tightly wound universe like a disruption by design. A stand-up comedian with chaotic humour and undeniable charm, he initially appears as Nandini’s opposite — fluid where she is rigid, irreverent where she is controlled. Yet beneath the wit and applause lies his own complex psychology, gradually unfurled as the narrative progresses!
On top of that the author deserves much credit for how she allows Arjun’s character to evolve: what begins as charisma slowly reveals layers of ego, obsession, and emotional volatility. The dynamic between Nandini and Arjun is electric and dangerous, fuelled by admiration, rivalry, and a shared addiction to validation. Their relationship becomes the novel’s crucible, testing the limits of love, sacrifice, and control. The author very wisely explores their dynamic with surgical precision, delving into the gender expectations, emotional manipulation, and the psychological toll of love when it becomes a contest of wills. Moments of lyrical beauty punctuate the tension with the quotes and reflections that linger, inviting the readers to highlight and ponder the cost of self-erasure, all in the name of success.
One of the Notable Strengths of this title, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is its fearless engagement with the much uncomfortable truths. The book interrogates the cost of ambition, particularly for women, and exposes how societal praise for perfection can quietly enable emotional trauma. Gender dynamics, power imbalance, and the psychology of obsession are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling forced or didactic. The suspense builds not through cheap twists, but through the psychological tension while the glances, silences, and the unspoken resentments keeps the readers constantly alert throughout the plot. Also, the pacing is brisk yet controlled, allowing the story to remain gripping while still leaving room for introspection too!
Stylistically, the novel is rich with lines that linger. The lyrical quality of the writing elevates the darkness, making the violence — both emotional and physical — feel inevitable rather than gratuitous. Author Raychaudhuri’s command over the language ensures that even the most disturbing moments are handled with restraint and much intent. The ending, in particular, lands with devastating impact, offering neither an easy closure nor moral comfort, but instead forcing the readers to sit with the consequences of the characters’ choices. It is bold, unsettling, and entirely earned.
Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is for sure a reading worthy title. The book deserves a chance by the readers as it is far more than a love story gone wrong or a psychological thriller designed to shock. It is a mirror held up to a culture that is obsessed with excellence and applause, asking what we sacrifice in the pursuit of being exceptional. Dark, introspective, and unapologetically intense, the novel explores how brilliance can become a cage and how, at times, destruction masquerades as liberation. Readers, who are drawn to the character-driven fiction, psychological complexity, and the narratives that challenge rather than soothe will find this book profoundly affecting. Besides, author Shrestha Raychaudhuri announces herself as a powerful literary voice with a title that is as disturbing as it is unforgettable!
Ultimately, this psychological thriller novel, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” resonates as a cautionary tale for our achievement-obsessed era, where success often comes at the expense of peace. Author Raychaudhuri holds up a mirror to readers chasing perfection, asking what we sacrifice in the process, which truly makes this title a MUST READ one. Not to mention, the storyline lingers like a whispered warning, challenging the readers to question their own chains long after the final revelation.
Book’s Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FV34QC7S
Author: Shrestha Raychaudhuri
Publisher: Notion Press (2025)
Total Pages: 138
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
Author Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s incredibly remarkable title, “Valedictorian” is a razor-sharp psychological thriller that refuses to stay within the comfortable genre boundaries. From its opening pages, the novel establishes a charged atmosphere where ambition hums beneath every interaction and silence carries as much weight as confession. This is not a story that eases the readers in as it pulls you into a dark, lyrical world where excellence is worshipped, vulnerability is punished, and perfection is both a weapon and a wound. Interestingly, Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s prose is deliberate and poetic, creating a narrative that feels much cinematic in scope, yet deeply intimate in its psychological excavation. Besides, the manner in which the author had carried out the task of storytelling in her book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that actually makes this title reading worthy!
Author Shrestha Raychaudhuri writes about the quiet madness beneath perfection and the psychology of love, power, and control. Valedictorian is her debut novel — born from a dream (nightmare) that refused to fade and a fascination with how brilliance becomes obsession. Whereas, this particular title, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is published by Notion Press and is released during the period of October 2025. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this title on all the top online marketplaces.
At the heart of the novel, “Valedictorian” is Nandini, a character sculpted with unsettling precision. Well, she is the embodiment of achievement, as she is undoubtedly polished, disciplined and a relentlessly driven person, and yet her fear of mediocrity is so consuming that it begins to hollow her out. The pressure of expectations, both internal and external, becomes a suffocating presence, and the novel captures this with unnerving clarity. Moreover, Nandini’s struggle is not just about success; it is about the terror of being seen as ordinary, of slipping even momentarily from the pedestal she has been placed upon. The author’s portrayal of her inner world is meticulous and empathetic, revealing how virtue, when rigidly enforced, can morph into a prison. Furthermore, Arjun enters this tightly wound universe like a disruption by design. A stand-up comedian with chaotic humour and undeniable charm, he initially appears as Nandini’s opposite — fluid where she is rigid, irreverent where she is controlled. Yet beneath the wit and applause lies his own complex psychology, gradually unfurled as the narrative progresses!
On top of that the author deserves much credit for how she allows Arjun’s character to evolve: what begins as charisma slowly reveals layers of ego, obsession, and emotional volatility. The dynamic between Nandini and Arjun is electric and dangerous, fuelled by admiration, rivalry, and a shared addiction to validation. Their relationship becomes the novel’s crucible, testing the limits of love, sacrifice, and control. The author very wisely explores their dynamic with surgical precision, delving into the gender expectations, emotional manipulation, and the psychological toll of love when it becomes a contest of wills. Moments of lyrical beauty punctuate the tension with the quotes and reflections that linger, inviting the readers to highlight and ponder the cost of self-erasure, all in the name of success.
One of the Notable Strengths of this title, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is its fearless engagement with the much uncomfortable truths. The book interrogates the cost of ambition, particularly for women, and exposes how societal praise for perfection can quietly enable emotional trauma. Gender dynamics, power imbalance, and the psychology of obsession are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling forced or didactic. The suspense builds not through cheap twists, but through the psychological tension while the glances, silences, and the unspoken resentments keeps the readers constantly alert throughout the plot. Also, the pacing is brisk yet controlled, allowing the story to remain gripping while still leaving room for introspection too!
Stylistically, the novel is rich with lines that linger. The lyrical quality of the writing elevates the darkness, making the violence — both emotional and physical — feel inevitable rather than gratuitous. Author Raychaudhuri’s command over the language ensures that even the most disturbing moments are handled with restraint and much intent. The ending, in particular, lands with devastating impact, offering neither an easy closure nor moral comfort, but instead forcing the readers to sit with the consequences of the characters’ choices. It is bold, unsettling, and entirely earned.
Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” is for sure a reading worthy title. The book deserves a chance by the readers as it is far more than a love story gone wrong or a psychological thriller designed to shock. It is a mirror held up to a culture that is obsessed with excellence and applause, asking what we sacrifice in the pursuit of being exceptional. Dark, introspective, and unapologetically intense, the novel explores how brilliance can become a cage and how, at times, destruction masquerades as liberation. Readers, who are drawn to the character-driven fiction, psychological complexity, and the narratives that challenge rather than soothe will find this book profoundly affecting. Besides, author Shrestha Raychaudhuri announces herself as a powerful literary voice with a title that is as disturbing as it is unforgettable!
Ultimately, this psychological thriller novel, “Valedictorian: Virtue Kept Her Chained, Violence Set Her Free” resonates as a cautionary tale for our achievement-obsessed era, where success often comes at the expense of peace. Author Raychaudhuri holds up a mirror to readers chasing perfection, asking what we sacrifice in the process, which truly makes this title a MUST READ one. Not to mention, the storyline lingers like a whispered warning, challenging the readers to question their own chains long after the final revelation.
Book’s Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FV34QC7S
October 29, 2025
I remember the first time I watched a reality show unfold in real life—the bright lights, the cheers, the subtle whisper of alliances forming in shadows—and felt a strange thrill, a mix of envy and fascination. That same pulse ran through me as I turned the pages of Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri, a book that sneaks up on you like a whispered confession and refuses to let go. Shrestha, already celebrated for her keen insight into human psychology, delivers a story that is dazzling, unsettling, and profoundly alive—a dark mirror reflecting our obsession with perfection.
At its heart is Nandini, an IIM graduate, always “the perfect daughter,” the one who scores ten out of ten in every arena of life. Her world is crisp and immaculate, like freshly ironed sheets or the precise clink of a well-arranged bookshelf. Enter Arjun, a stand-up comedian whose chaotic humor and irreverent charm slice through her carefully constructed universe. Their meeting is electric—a collision of precision and spontaneity. You feel the tension in your chest: will she bend, break, or triumph?
Shrestha’s prose is both sharp and fluid, quickening with Nandini’s ambitions. The narrative races like a high-speed train through obsession, jealousy, and desire. Short sentences hit like drumbeats when tension spikes; longer, lyrical stretches linger in Nandini’s mind. Social media, applause, and public scrutiny aren’t mere backdrops—they’re characters themselves, whispering and cajoling, shaping choices in ways that feel hauntingly real.
Nandini is terrifyingly relatable. Her brilliance and drive are seductive, yet it’s her fragility beneath the veneer of perfection that haunts you. I found myself rooting for her, even as I recoiled at the parts of all of us that chase impossible standards, molding lives for approval rather than authenticity. A quiet mid-book moment—when her carefully ordered world begins to slip—stayed with me long after closing the pages.
The structure keeps you hooked without overwhelming. Pacing mirrors her mental and emotional swings—fast when the show dominates, introspective when she is alone. The tension escalates naturally, culminating in a finale both shocking and inevitable. Themes of obsession, ambition, love, and the destructiveness of perfection thread through the story like golden embroidery on dark fabric, glinting and unsettling in equal measure.
Emotionally, I laughed, flinched, and paused to catch my breath, struck by how much of myself I saw reflected in Nandini’s extremes. The book doesn’t preach; it shows. Accessible yet profound, it’s a modern parable for anyone who has ever felt the weight of expectations—internal or external.
The strengths are abundant: psychological depth, unrelenting tension, Nandini’s relatability, and the incisive commentary on social media and modern life. A few heightened moments of melodrama might feel overblown, but they serve to underscore the stakes in Nandini’s world.
Valedictorian isn’t just a story about a reality show or the pursuit of excellence—it’s a reflection on what we sacrifice to be “perfect” and how obsession can masquerade as love. For those who crave psychological depth, emotional intensity, and stories that linger long after the last page, this book is a must-read. It left me contemplating ambition versus authenticity, control versus freedom—like a melody echoing long after the music stops.
Pick up this book, and let Nandini’s world pull you in. You may find yourself questioning perfection, applauding unpredictability, and perhaps, recognizing a bit of yourself in her beautifully complicated madness.
November 22, 2025
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: VALEDICTORIAN
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: SHRESTHA RAYCHAUDHARI
♪ It is fragile, dark and psychologically intense! - in one word, it is perfect for me. This little novel drives my mind into the fragility of perfection and the destruction that hides beneath polished ambition.
♪ Think about a “perfect” woman who has done everything right in her life - a perfect student, a perfect daughter, a brilliant achiever. But what lies under this mind? Between Virtue and vengeance? There's a modern portrait of an Indian woman's inner war - between being ideal and being real. What is more important?
♪ She is Nandini, a brilliant, disciplined IIM graduate - a Valedictorian in every sense. Her life is ruled by control, precision and the pursuit of excellence. The standards that society and family imposed upon her have molded her into the image of perfection - smart, elegant, morally upright. But everything changes when she meets Arjun, a charming and slightly chaotic stand-up comedian, on a reality show where intellectualism meets entertainment.
♪ Arjun represents everything she is not - spontaneous, rebellious and free from everything. Their interactions begin as a spark of curiosity and soon grow into an obsession. As the relationship deepens, Nandini's structured world begins to crack. It becomes more than love - maybe control. Then it becomes manipulation.
♪ Arjun's charm hides a dark streak, while Nandini's calm hides a volcano. The novel unfolds a slow psychological pattern that explores power, identity and moral breakdown. It is not a love story, okay! She tells of a collision. A collision between logic and passion, between the mind and the heart.
♪ The phases of admiration, tension and then total collapse - she begins to lose herself, her “virtue” - the very quality that earned her praise all her life - becomes a weapon against her. She is now trapped in her own need to be perfect, even when the world around her turns cruel. Her transformation from a victim to a violator is both terrifying and liberating.
♪ This shows me that perfection is a prison - this is a sharp storytelling that holds my breath. The title becomes realistic but the plot treats female anger not as hysteria but as awakening. This is the final act of freedom. The writing is sharp, emotional and Provocative - using short scenes and internal monologues that pull readers deep into Nandini's psyche. The pacing is steady at first so you'll get the tone - then it accelerates into madness. - mirroring her mental breakdown.
♪ The psychological portrait of perfection unraveling with the plot - how society's demand for ideal women breeds monsters within them. It is not a comfortable read but also it is not a necessary one. Nandini's journey from from restraint to rebellion is both tragic and empowering - a metaphor for countless women who have “𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠”.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: SHRESTHA RAYCHAUDHARI
♪ It is fragile, dark and psychologically intense! - in one word, it is perfect for me. This little novel drives my mind into the fragility of perfection and the destruction that hides beneath polished ambition.
♪ Think about a “perfect” woman who has done everything right in her life - a perfect student, a perfect daughter, a brilliant achiever. But what lies under this mind? Between Virtue and vengeance? There's a modern portrait of an Indian woman's inner war - between being ideal and being real. What is more important?
♪ She is Nandini, a brilliant, disciplined IIM graduate - a Valedictorian in every sense. Her life is ruled by control, precision and the pursuit of excellence. The standards that society and family imposed upon her have molded her into the image of perfection - smart, elegant, morally upright. But everything changes when she meets Arjun, a charming and slightly chaotic stand-up comedian, on a reality show where intellectualism meets entertainment.
♪ Arjun represents everything she is not - spontaneous, rebellious and free from everything. Their interactions begin as a spark of curiosity and soon grow into an obsession. As the relationship deepens, Nandini's structured world begins to crack. It becomes more than love - maybe control. Then it becomes manipulation.
♪ Arjun's charm hides a dark streak, while Nandini's calm hides a volcano. The novel unfolds a slow psychological pattern that explores power, identity and moral breakdown. It is not a love story, okay! She tells of a collision. A collision between logic and passion, between the mind and the heart.
♪ The phases of admiration, tension and then total collapse - she begins to lose herself, her “virtue” - the very quality that earned her praise all her life - becomes a weapon against her. She is now trapped in her own need to be perfect, even when the world around her turns cruel. Her transformation from a victim to a violator is both terrifying and liberating.
♪ This shows me that perfection is a prison - this is a sharp storytelling that holds my breath. The title becomes realistic but the plot treats female anger not as hysteria but as awakening. This is the final act of freedom. The writing is sharp, emotional and Provocative - using short scenes and internal monologues that pull readers deep into Nandini's psyche. The pacing is steady at first so you'll get the tone - then it accelerates into madness. - mirroring her mental breakdown.
♪ The psychological portrait of perfection unraveling with the plot - how society's demand for ideal women breeds monsters within them. It is not a comfortable read but also it is not a necessary one. Nandini's journey from from restraint to rebellion is both tragic and empowering - a metaphor for countless women who have “𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠”.
November 19, 2025
In Valedictorian, Raychaudhuri presents a sharp and haunting exploration of ambition, identity and the hidden cost of perfection. At the heart of the story is Nandini, an illustrious IIM-graduate who seems to have earned everything society prizes — top grades, prestige, admiration. Yet, when she enters a reality TV show and meets Arjun, a stand-up comedian who challenges her in unexpected ways, the facade begins to crack. What seems like a winning streak turns into a psychological battleground of control, ego and unraveling self-worth. With a taut 138-page narrative, the novel examines how “virtue” — the polish, the success, the image — can keep one chained, and how sometimes only a form of inner “violence” (emotional, psychological) liberates what’s locked inside.
What the author does very well is explore the cost of excellence. Nandini’s drive for perfection becomes her prison. She has mastered many things—but not the one thing she cannot perfect: herself. Her collision with Arjun is not simply a romantic arc; it becomes a mirror of ambition, ego, control. Their relationship is less about love and more about the power dynamics behind the scenes: who wins, who loses, who controls the narrative. The reality-show setting gives it a modern feel—social media, public visibility, image management all play their part in shaping the characters’ inner lives. The pacing is fast, the style sharp, and the emotional moments hit hard.
Among its strengths: a relatable female protagonist who is ambitious and flawed; a contemporary setting that resonates with today’s visibility culture; a psychological depth that invites reflection rather than just escape. It aligns well with themes of self-discovery, identity, and empowerment. For readers who have ever felt the pressure to “be perfect”, who have chased achievement and wondered at the cost, this novel holds up a mirror. In sum, Valedictorian is not a light romance—it’s a dark, compelling psychological tale of drive, control, and the messy human beneath the “ideal” façade. If you’re drawn to stories about female protagonists grappling with identity, and you don’t mind intensity and fewer comforts, this is a strong pick.
What the author does very well is explore the cost of excellence. Nandini’s drive for perfection becomes her prison. She has mastered many things—but not the one thing she cannot perfect: herself. Her collision with Arjun is not simply a romantic arc; it becomes a mirror of ambition, ego, control. Their relationship is less about love and more about the power dynamics behind the scenes: who wins, who loses, who controls the narrative. The reality-show setting gives it a modern feel—social media, public visibility, image management all play their part in shaping the characters’ inner lives. The pacing is fast, the style sharp, and the emotional moments hit hard.
Among its strengths: a relatable female protagonist who is ambitious and flawed; a contemporary setting that resonates with today’s visibility culture; a psychological depth that invites reflection rather than just escape. It aligns well with themes of self-discovery, identity, and empowerment. For readers who have ever felt the pressure to “be perfect”, who have chased achievement and wondered at the cost, this novel holds up a mirror. In sum, Valedictorian is not a light romance—it’s a dark, compelling psychological tale of drive, control, and the messy human beneath the “ideal” façade. If you’re drawn to stories about female protagonists grappling with identity, and you don’t mind intensity and fewer comforts, this is a strong pick.
November 8, 2025
Valedictorian: Virtue kept her chained, Violence set her free a short, dark story by Shrestha Raychaudhuri. The book follows Nandini, a smart girl who just finished her degree at IIM. She has always been the perfect daughter, the top student, the one who never makes a mistake. Her life is tidy, like a freshly ironed shirt. She thinks that if she does everything right, she will be happy. But inside she feels trapped, as if something is missing.
One day Nandini meets Arjun, a funny stand up comedian who is on the same reality show. Arjun is messy, loud, and does not care about rules. He makes jokes that cut through Nandini’s careful walls. At first she is attracted to his free spirit. Soon the attraction turns into a strange game of control. Nandini wants to “fix” Arjun, to make him fit her idea of a perfect partner. Arjun, on the other hand, likes his freedom and does not want to be changed.
The story shows how ambition, love, and pride can hurt a person. Nandini’s need to be perfect makes her push everyone away, even the person she loves. She starts to lose herself in the chase for control. The writing is simple but strong. Each chapter lets you feel what Nandini feels the fear, the confusion, the anger, and the small moments of hope.
Raychaudhuri also talks about bigger ideas. She asks what it means to be “good” in a world that tells women they must be perfect. She shows how the pressure to be perfect can make a person feel chained, while breaking the rules can feel freeing, even if it leads to trouble. The book does not give easy answers, but it makes you think about the cost of always trying to be the best.
In the end, Nandini’s story is sad but real. She learns that you cannot perfect another person, and you cannot perfect yourself by ignoring your true feelings. The book ends with a small hint that she might find a way to be herself, even if it is messy. If you like short, gripping stories about ambition, love, and the thin line between devotion and destruction, this book is worth reading. It is easy to read, but the feelings stay with you long after you finish.
One day Nandini meets Arjun, a funny stand up comedian who is on the same reality show. Arjun is messy, loud, and does not care about rules. He makes jokes that cut through Nandini’s careful walls. At first she is attracted to his free spirit. Soon the attraction turns into a strange game of control. Nandini wants to “fix” Arjun, to make him fit her idea of a perfect partner. Arjun, on the other hand, likes his freedom and does not want to be changed.
The story shows how ambition, love, and pride can hurt a person. Nandini’s need to be perfect makes her push everyone away, even the person she loves. She starts to lose herself in the chase for control. The writing is simple but strong. Each chapter lets you feel what Nandini feels the fear, the confusion, the anger, and the small moments of hope.
Raychaudhuri also talks about bigger ideas. She asks what it means to be “good” in a world that tells women they must be perfect. She shows how the pressure to be perfect can make a person feel chained, while breaking the rules can feel freeing, even if it leads to trouble. The book does not give easy answers, but it makes you think about the cost of always trying to be the best.
In the end, Nandini’s story is sad but real. She learns that you cannot perfect another person, and you cannot perfect yourself by ignoring your true feelings. The book ends with a small hint that she might find a way to be herself, even if it is messy. If you like short, gripping stories about ambition, love, and the thin line between devotion and destruction, this book is worth reading. It is easy to read, but the feelings stay with you long after you finish.
December 9, 2025
Valedictorian by Shreshtha Raichoudhuri
Valedictorian is not just a dark academic story—it’s a sharply observed psychological portrait of what happens when ambition becomes obsession and self-worth becomes a performance.
At the center of this emotional storm stands Nandini, a girl raised on achievement, validation, and the intoxicating thrill of being “the best.” Her mind becomes the real battleground of the book: a space where ego and fear whisper louder than love, and the pressure to stay perfect slowly corrodes the softer parts of her personality.
The author brilliantly captures the cognitive distortions that govern Nandini’s thinking—
the all-or-nothing mindset of perfectionism,
the hyper-fixation on academic validation,
the fear of vulnerability,
and the slow emotional burnout that comes from tying identity to achievement.
In contrast, Arjun enters like a psychological counterpoint—calm, grounded, emotionally aware. He represents balance, connection, and the possibility of a life beyond metrics. But the tragedy of the book lies in how these two internal worlds collide.
Nandini doesn’t know how to exist without the armour of ambition; Arjun doesn’t know how to love someone who is constantly fighting herself.
As the story progresses, you can almost feel Nandini’s mind tightening, the spirals of self-criticism, the ego battling desperately against anything that threatens her constructed identity. Her internal monologues feel like a study in repression, resistance, and emotional self-sabotage.
By the end, the book delivers a psychological gut-punch:
Ambition, when fuelled by fear rather than passion, isolates more than it elevates.
Love can guide—but it cannot rescue someone from themselves.
The final twist is not just sad; it is psychologically inevitable. Shreshtha doesn’t write a tragedy for shock value—she writes it to show the cost of becoming your own biggest enemy.
Valedictorian stays with you because it exposes a truth many readers quietly live with:
Ambition can build you. But if unchecked, it can also hollow you out.
Valedictorian is not just a dark academic story—it’s a sharply observed psychological portrait of what happens when ambition becomes obsession and self-worth becomes a performance.
At the center of this emotional storm stands Nandini, a girl raised on achievement, validation, and the intoxicating thrill of being “the best.” Her mind becomes the real battleground of the book: a space where ego and fear whisper louder than love, and the pressure to stay perfect slowly corrodes the softer parts of her personality.
The author brilliantly captures the cognitive distortions that govern Nandini’s thinking—
the all-or-nothing mindset of perfectionism,
the hyper-fixation on academic validation,
the fear of vulnerability,
and the slow emotional burnout that comes from tying identity to achievement.
In contrast, Arjun enters like a psychological counterpoint—calm, grounded, emotionally aware. He represents balance, connection, and the possibility of a life beyond metrics. But the tragedy of the book lies in how these two internal worlds collide.
Nandini doesn’t know how to exist without the armour of ambition; Arjun doesn’t know how to love someone who is constantly fighting herself.
As the story progresses, you can almost feel Nandini’s mind tightening, the spirals of self-criticism, the ego battling desperately against anything that threatens her constructed identity. Her internal monologues feel like a study in repression, resistance, and emotional self-sabotage.
By the end, the book delivers a psychological gut-punch:
Ambition, when fuelled by fear rather than passion, isolates more than it elevates.
Love can guide—but it cannot rescue someone from themselves.
The final twist is not just sad; it is psychologically inevitable. Shreshtha doesn’t write a tragedy for shock value—she writes it to show the cost of becoming your own biggest enemy.
Valedictorian stays with you because it exposes a truth many readers quietly live with:
Ambition can build you. But if unchecked, it can also hollow you out.
October 23, 2025
🍀Book- Valedictorian
🍀 Author - Shrestha Raychaudhri
🍀Plot - Nandini , an IIM graduate with a perfect job, always striving for perfection.
Since childhood she had been the perfect daughter to her parents - achieving everything she set her mind to.
Beautiful , accomplished and ideal in every way, she was every mother’s dream daughter in law and every man’s admiration.
Scoring 10/10 in every field
she was a head turner and she knew this.
After achieving almost everything came a show “The Modern Match”
Nandini applied , not out of need , but to prove again that she could win because Nandini always wins.
She was confident this would be no different.
The game began.
She made her mark.
The crowd cheered for the IIM topper, and the judges loved her.
But then came Arjun — a stand-up comedian.
As the show progressed, “The Perfect” Nandini began to slip from her throne.
For the first time, perfection was being questioned.
Will Nandini and Arjun win the title of The Perfect Match?
Will Nandini hold on to her crown as Ms. Perfectionist?
🍀Review -The book explores the obsession with perfection — and how far a person can go in pursuit of it.
✨Strengthens-
- The book explorers the complex topic of perfectionism. A person who is constantly striving to be perfect not only ends up hurting themselves but can also make irreversible mistakes.
- The story delves in obsession, possessiveness, jealousy and drive to excel.
- It’s fast-paced — once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.
- The character of Nandini is very realistically portrayed. I could relate to her.
- It also highlights the world of social media and how it affects our mental health and influences our decisions .
- The book is short with simple language and relatable content.
- There are many emotions and situations that strike a personal chord.
- It gets a bit dark at times — and the ending will blow your mind.
🍀 Limitations - None
🍀 Audience-
This is a story for our times — powerful, relevant, and one that everyone should read.
🍀 Author - Shrestha Raychaudhri
🍀Plot - Nandini , an IIM graduate with a perfect job, always striving for perfection.
Since childhood she had been the perfect daughter to her parents - achieving everything she set her mind to.
Beautiful , accomplished and ideal in every way, she was every mother’s dream daughter in law and every man’s admiration.
Scoring 10/10 in every field
she was a head turner and she knew this.
After achieving almost everything came a show “The Modern Match”
Nandini applied , not out of need , but to prove again that she could win because Nandini always wins.
She was confident this would be no different.
The game began.
She made her mark.
The crowd cheered for the IIM topper, and the judges loved her.
But then came Arjun — a stand-up comedian.
As the show progressed, “The Perfect” Nandini began to slip from her throne.
For the first time, perfection was being questioned.
Will Nandini and Arjun win the title of The Perfect Match?
Will Nandini hold on to her crown as Ms. Perfectionist?
🍀Review -The book explores the obsession with perfection — and how far a person can go in pursuit of it.
✨Strengthens-
- The book explorers the complex topic of perfectionism. A person who is constantly striving to be perfect not only ends up hurting themselves but can also make irreversible mistakes.
- The story delves in obsession, possessiveness, jealousy and drive to excel.
- It’s fast-paced — once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.
- The character of Nandini is very realistically portrayed. I could relate to her.
- It also highlights the world of social media and how it affects our mental health and influences our decisions .
- The book is short with simple language and relatable content.
- There are many emotions and situations that strike a personal chord.
- It gets a bit dark at times — and the ending will blow your mind.
🍀 Limitations - None
🍀 Audience-
This is a story for our times — powerful, relevant, and one that everyone should read.
November 11, 2025
Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is the book that unsettles you long after you finish it. It’s not an easy read , not because of its language, but because of how deeply it crawls under your skin. It’s a story that questions ambition, morality, and the cost of perfection in a world obsessed with success.
The book follows a young woman , a brilliant, disciplined, and driven , an IIM graduate whose entire life has revolved around achievement. She’s the kind of person who does everything “right,” who builds her life around virtue and control. But life begins to twist when she crosses paths with a stand-up comedian, someone completely unlike her , unpredictable, raw, and chaotic. What starts as admiration soon turns into an obsession, and their relationship becomes a mirror reflecting everything dark and hidden inside her.
Author writes with a striking boldness. Her storytelling feels like peeling layers off a person’s mind , uncomfortable, honest, and powerful. There are no perfect heroes here, no clear lines between right and wrong. Every page carries a pulse of tension, of curiosity, of something broken that refuses to stay hidden.
What I loved most was how the author explored the idea of virtue versus violence , how being “good” can sometimes become suffocating, and how liberation doesn’t always come from purity. The line “Virtue kept her chained. Violence set her free.” perfectly sums up the soul of this book. It’s haunting, but also strangely liberating to read.
"Valedictorian" is more than a story ,it’s an exploration of the human psyche, of the masks we wear, and of what happens when those masks start to crack. It’s not your typical fiction , it’s sharp, emotional, and thought-provoking. A dark, psychological ride that reminds us how fragile the idea of ‘having it all’ truly is.
Author 's writing deserves praise - raw , and brutally honest. This book might not comfort you, but it will definitely make you think. And for me, that’s what powerful fiction truly does.
The book follows a young woman , a brilliant, disciplined, and driven , an IIM graduate whose entire life has revolved around achievement. She’s the kind of person who does everything “right,” who builds her life around virtue and control. But life begins to twist when she crosses paths with a stand-up comedian, someone completely unlike her , unpredictable, raw, and chaotic. What starts as admiration soon turns into an obsession, and their relationship becomes a mirror reflecting everything dark and hidden inside her.
Author writes with a striking boldness. Her storytelling feels like peeling layers off a person’s mind , uncomfortable, honest, and powerful. There are no perfect heroes here, no clear lines between right and wrong. Every page carries a pulse of tension, of curiosity, of something broken that refuses to stay hidden.
What I loved most was how the author explored the idea of virtue versus violence , how being “good” can sometimes become suffocating, and how liberation doesn’t always come from purity. The line “Virtue kept her chained. Violence set her free.” perfectly sums up the soul of this book. It’s haunting, but also strangely liberating to read.
"Valedictorian" is more than a story ,it’s an exploration of the human psyche, of the masks we wear, and of what happens when those masks start to crack. It’s not your typical fiction , it’s sharp, emotional, and thought-provoking. A dark, psychological ride that reminds us how fragile the idea of ‘having it all’ truly is.
Author 's writing deserves praise - raw , and brutally honest. This book might not comfort you, but it will definitely make you think. And for me, that’s what powerful fiction truly does.
December 25, 2025
I picked up Valedictorian expecting a sharp, intense look at ambition and the pressure to be perfect, and that’s exactly what I got. The book feels tight and focused, with no wasted pages. It kept me alert and emotionally invested from start to finish.
At the center is Nandini, a high-achieving IIM graduate who has built her identity around excellence and validation. She joins a reality TV show and meets Arjun, a stand-up comedian whose easy confidence and spontaneity disrupt her carefully controlled world. Their connection is magnetic at first, but slowly turns into a struggle around control, ego, and identity. The reality-show setting works well as a pressure cooker, pushing the characters into uncomfortable emotional corners.
Nandini felt very real to me — intelligent, driven, and quietly fragile beneath the need to always be the best. Arjun’s charm exposes cracks in her self-image, and the shift in their dynamic from attraction to tension is handled convincingly. The way small insecurities and power games build into something darker felt honest and unsettling.
What stayed with me most were the themes of ambition, perfection, and control. The book reflects on how doing everything “right” can become a trap, and how virtue itself can turn into a kind of cage. The contrast between a polished public self and the chaos underneath is explored thoughtfully.
The writing is direct and sharp. The short length and fast pace give the story a sense of claustrophobia that suits its psychological tension. At times I wished for slightly more space or backstory, but the speed also keeps the intensity alive.
I really liked how the author shows the slow unraveling of someone whose self-worth is tied to achievement. The reality-show backdrop smartly highlights how much of success is performance.
If you enjoy dark, psychological stories about ambition, relationships, and the cost of perfection, this is a compelling, fast read that stays in your head.
At the center is Nandini, a high-achieving IIM graduate who has built her identity around excellence and validation. She joins a reality TV show and meets Arjun, a stand-up comedian whose easy confidence and spontaneity disrupt her carefully controlled world. Their connection is magnetic at first, but slowly turns into a struggle around control, ego, and identity. The reality-show setting works well as a pressure cooker, pushing the characters into uncomfortable emotional corners.
Nandini felt very real to me — intelligent, driven, and quietly fragile beneath the need to always be the best. Arjun’s charm exposes cracks in her self-image, and the shift in their dynamic from attraction to tension is handled convincingly. The way small insecurities and power games build into something darker felt honest and unsettling.
What stayed with me most were the themes of ambition, perfection, and control. The book reflects on how doing everything “right” can become a trap, and how virtue itself can turn into a kind of cage. The contrast between a polished public self and the chaos underneath is explored thoughtfully.
The writing is direct and sharp. The short length and fast pace give the story a sense of claustrophobia that suits its psychological tension. At times I wished for slightly more space or backstory, but the speed also keeps the intensity alive.
I really liked how the author shows the slow unraveling of someone whose self-worth is tied to achievement. The reality-show backdrop smartly highlights how much of success is performance.
If you enjoy dark, psychological stories about ambition, relationships, and the cost of perfection, this is a compelling, fast read that stays in your head.
December 27, 2025
The book shows no mercy. If you happen to be one of those who look for softening the pains and subtle metaphors, then it is better to keep away. Valedictorian enters the sphere of discomfort without hesitation and stands its ground. Shrestha Raychaudhuri reveals a story that exposes the issues of power, morality, and life with utmost frankness.
The main issue the book deals with is the matter of belief that most of us often grow up accepting as a fact. That good people will always be rewarded and that silence is a sign of strength. The main character's experience reveals how seriously this notion can become, particularly with regard to the case of women. Nurturing does not get the writing quality of suffering in a romantic way. It simply reveals the brutality of how compliance, restriction, and kindness can gradually enchained the person.
The writing is precise and full of emotions. There are certain scenes, which though well-crafted, are hard to go through just because they make the reader endure with rage, despair, and ethical dilemma. The use of violence in the story does not bring about the glory of the character. It is depicted as a result. A limit of tolerance rather than a decision made lightly. That contrast is significant and well-managed.
However, the book is not that much perfect. The power of the narrative sometimes becomes too much to bear. The calmness of the plot could have produced a stronger effect in some instances. The allegory is impactful but sometimes too obvious. The use of symbols in storytelling in such cases might turn to be an obstacle for the reader if he/she prefers the subtle one.
Where the Valedictorian truly shines is through the impact it has made. It lingers on you. It demands of you to scrutinize the way the society establishes the character of the good one and who bears the cost. This tale is not meant to please us. It is meant to be experienced and questioned.
The main issue the book deals with is the matter of belief that most of us often grow up accepting as a fact. That good people will always be rewarded and that silence is a sign of strength. The main character's experience reveals how seriously this notion can become, particularly with regard to the case of women. Nurturing does not get the writing quality of suffering in a romantic way. It simply reveals the brutality of how compliance, restriction, and kindness can gradually enchained the person.
The writing is precise and full of emotions. There are certain scenes, which though well-crafted, are hard to go through just because they make the reader endure with rage, despair, and ethical dilemma. The use of violence in the story does not bring about the glory of the character. It is depicted as a result. A limit of tolerance rather than a decision made lightly. That contrast is significant and well-managed.
However, the book is not that much perfect. The power of the narrative sometimes becomes too much to bear. The calmness of the plot could have produced a stronger effect in some instances. The allegory is impactful but sometimes too obvious. The use of symbols in storytelling in such cases might turn to be an obstacle for the reader if he/she prefers the subtle one.
Where the Valedictorian truly shines is through the impact it has made. It lingers on you. It demands of you to scrutinize the way the society establishes the character of the good one and who bears the cost. This tale is not meant to please us. It is meant to be experienced and questioned.
November 15, 2025
Book Review of Valedictorian by Shreshtah Raychaudhuri
A two‑edged knife—this is what life becomes when a person is shaped with the mentality that, no matter what happens, they should never let their guard down. Nandhini Mukherjee, an IIM East gold medalist with a privileged family background, carved her life around success, pride, and a place in society where people showered her with praise and her family swelled with pride. She believed that living up to society’s expectations would make her life both successful and peaceful.
Disaster struck when she met Arjun, a stand‑up comedian by profession. At first, she felt hatred toward him, but gradually that shifted—she fell for his cuteness, warmth, and the comfort he offered. With him, she expressed her true self rather than the carefully staged persona she showed to society.
Everything changed in a single day…
This story takes readers into the psychological realm, exploring how behavior shifts when a person is taken for granted, and how pride can consume someone. It presents two perspectives—how each character perceives the other—through the blunt edges of their personalities. It is a narrative that delves into the psychology of love, power, ego, and control.
The author has beautifully crafted the characters, making you feel the intensity under your skin. I admired the cruelty of the mind portrayed from both sides. It is a double‑edged sword, where each side carries its own flaws.
The writing style is poetic, neat, and crisp, with short chapters. Yet the story, plot, and content grip you until the very end.
She may be right in the end, but the way she carved her life psychologically—and the mentality she embraced—may have had a negative impact on the situation.
He may be entirely wrong, but his behavior was shaped, in part, by her.
A two‑edged knife—this is what life becomes when a person is shaped with the mentality that, no matter what happens, they should never let their guard down. Nandhini Mukherjee, an IIM East gold medalist with a privileged family background, carved her life around success, pride, and a place in society where people showered her with praise and her family swelled with pride. She believed that living up to society’s expectations would make her life both successful and peaceful.
Disaster struck when she met Arjun, a stand‑up comedian by profession. At first, she felt hatred toward him, but gradually that shifted—she fell for his cuteness, warmth, and the comfort he offered. With him, she expressed her true self rather than the carefully staged persona she showed to society.
Everything changed in a single day…
This story takes readers into the psychological realm, exploring how behavior shifts when a person is taken for granted, and how pride can consume someone. It presents two perspectives—how each character perceives the other—through the blunt edges of their personalities. It is a narrative that delves into the psychology of love, power, ego, and control.
The author has beautifully crafted the characters, making you feel the intensity under your skin. I admired the cruelty of the mind portrayed from both sides. It is a double‑edged sword, where each side carries its own flaws.
The writing style is poetic, neat, and crisp, with short chapters. Yet the story, plot, and content grip you until the very end.
She may be right in the end, but the way she carved her life psychologically—and the mentality she embraced—may have had a negative impact on the situation.
He may be entirely wrong, but his behavior was shaped, in part, by her.
November 19, 2025
Book Name -: Valedictorian: Virtue kept her chained Violence set her free
Author -: Shrestha Raychaudhuri
If you think a Valedictorian is just a success story, prepare for a dark wake-up call. Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s psychological thriller is a sharp, short book that will live in your head long after you finish the last page.
The Hook: Why You'll Be Obsessed
•Nandini: An IIM grad whose entire world is built on being "10/10"—perfect, brilliant, and completely controlled. But what happens when that obsession to win becomes a terrifying obsession with a person?
•Setting : Set against the glossy, high-pressure world of a reality TV dating show (The Modern Match), the story quickly strips away the facade, contrasting public scrutiny with Nandini's private, accelerating madness.
•Plot : Nandini’s perfect plan is shattered by Arjun, a chaotic, spontaneous stand-up comedian. Their relationship is not a romance; it’s a collision between logic and freedom that spirals into jealousy and a destructive need for control.
• Strengths : The book’s greatest strength is its razor-sharp look at perfectionism as a prison. The writing is described as "sharp, short, and cuts like paper," pulling you into Nandini's frantic internal monologue.
•Ending: The plot moves fast, cutting deep into obsession and escalating to a shocking, tragic conclusion that completely subverts expectations. You won't see it coming.
•The Core Message: This is a modern parable on the cost of external validation and the intense pressure on women to be 'too good for too long.' It shows how ambition can breed a monster.
Rating -: 4.5/5 ⭐
•READ IF YOU LOVE: Dark psychological fiction, quick-paced thrillers, and complex, terrifyingly real characters.
• Skip If: You prefer a gentle pace or a comfortable romance. This book is intense, unyielding, and necessary.
Author -: Shrestha Raychaudhuri
If you think a Valedictorian is just a success story, prepare for a dark wake-up call. Shrestha Raychaudhuri’s psychological thriller is a sharp, short book that will live in your head long after you finish the last page.
The Hook: Why You'll Be Obsessed
•Nandini: An IIM grad whose entire world is built on being "10/10"—perfect, brilliant, and completely controlled. But what happens when that obsession to win becomes a terrifying obsession with a person?
•Setting : Set against the glossy, high-pressure world of a reality TV dating show (The Modern Match), the story quickly strips away the facade, contrasting public scrutiny with Nandini's private, accelerating madness.
•Plot : Nandini’s perfect plan is shattered by Arjun, a chaotic, spontaneous stand-up comedian. Their relationship is not a romance; it’s a collision between logic and freedom that spirals into jealousy and a destructive need for control.
• Strengths : The book’s greatest strength is its razor-sharp look at perfectionism as a prison. The writing is described as "sharp, short, and cuts like paper," pulling you into Nandini's frantic internal monologue.
•Ending: The plot moves fast, cutting deep into obsession and escalating to a shocking, tragic conclusion that completely subverts expectations. You won't see it coming.
•The Core Message: This is a modern parable on the cost of external validation and the intense pressure on women to be 'too good for too long.' It shows how ambition can breed a monster.
Rating -: 4.5/5 ⭐
•READ IF YOU LOVE: Dark psychological fiction, quick-paced thrillers, and complex, terrifyingly real characters.
• Skip If: You prefer a gentle pace or a comfortable romance. This book is intense, unyielding, and necessary.
November 29, 2025
Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is a deeply intense read revolving around the life of an IIM graduate, Nandini whose life seems all perfect on the outside with a valuable degree, Flawless beauty and an attitude of perfection which makes her standout in every gathering. But, Nandini's perfection leads her to the path of obsession which later turns into violence, spoiling her whole life in just a moment. After completing her education from IIM, she decides to join a reality show where she meets, Arjun - a standup comedian who was as mad for pride as Nandini. Both of them were having a good time on the show until one day everything changed and their relationship turned into a more bitter force, Leading to the destruction of their obsessions and ambition.
One of my favourite aspects of this book were its characters. Both Arjun and Nandini felt too competitive in showing off their egos and madness to win each task. Nandini's character felt completely realistic filled with perfection, Intensity and Rage. Her Every move added a touch of resonance to the book, Making it a roller coaster ride for anyone who loves dark psychological books. Arjun on the other side felt deeply relatable and attractive, Impressing everyone on the show with his charm and humour. Raychaudhuri's beautiful narration and an in-depth dive into the human psyche makes this book a must read for everyone.
Overall, Valedictorian is a mind blowing book presenting readers with the themes of Love, Obsession, Perfection, Violence, Ambition and Depth. With an unforgettable story and impactful characters, This book keeps you hooked till the very end. The shocking climax truly adds a touch of depth to the whole story, Making it even more interesting. In conclusion, I will highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a dark psychological tale filled with obsession, Love and Power.
One of my favourite aspects of this book were its characters. Both Arjun and Nandini felt too competitive in showing off their egos and madness to win each task. Nandini's character felt completely realistic filled with perfection, Intensity and Rage. Her Every move added a touch of resonance to the book, Making it a roller coaster ride for anyone who loves dark psychological books. Arjun on the other side felt deeply relatable and attractive, Impressing everyone on the show with his charm and humour. Raychaudhuri's beautiful narration and an in-depth dive into the human psyche makes this book a must read for everyone.
Overall, Valedictorian is a mind blowing book presenting readers with the themes of Love, Obsession, Perfection, Violence, Ambition and Depth. With an unforgettable story and impactful characters, This book keeps you hooked till the very end. The shocking climax truly adds a touch of depth to the whole story, Making it even more interesting. In conclusion, I will highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a dark psychological tale filled with obsession, Love and Power.
December 1, 2025
The story begins with a powerful question: How does the constant need to appear perfect slowly destroy you? Do you truly live that perfection, or are you just pretending? And how do you even figure out which version of you is real?
The book follows Nandini Mukherjee,a girl who has always been the “perfect one” top of her class, gorgeous, successful, and always winning. For fun, she joins a TV couple reality show, where she meets Arjun. Their connection isn’t instant, but over time it becomes real… yet as the book beautifully shows, two broken people can’t heal together. What started as fun slowly turns toxic. Their relationship falls apart, and her obsession with being perfect with always winning begins to suffocate her.
The story brilliantly highlights the toxicity of social media, the pressure to maintain an image, how deeply our online presence affects our real lives, and how much of ourselves we lose while trying to appear flawless.I loved how the female lead was written shaped since childhood to believe she must always win, always be praised, always be “the best.” And when she finally finds someone with whom she can be her true self, even that doesn’t last.
I especially loved the ending. It shows how much a person can hide without even realizing what they’re capable of, and how certain situations can unlock parts of them they never knew existed. The pressure, the suffocation she felt when it finally burst out, it took a completely different turn. But at the same time, you can’t blame her. She was the eldest daughter, raised to be the perfect doll, carrying expectations far heavier than anyone understood
The book leaves you with a haunting question:
When does love turn into obsession?
When do you begin expecting the other person to worship you just because you believe you stand above everyone else?
The book follows Nandini Mukherjee,a girl who has always been the “perfect one” top of her class, gorgeous, successful, and always winning. For fun, she joins a TV couple reality show, where she meets Arjun. Their connection isn’t instant, but over time it becomes real… yet as the book beautifully shows, two broken people can’t heal together. What started as fun slowly turns toxic. Their relationship falls apart, and her obsession with being perfect with always winning begins to suffocate her.
The story brilliantly highlights the toxicity of social media, the pressure to maintain an image, how deeply our online presence affects our real lives, and how much of ourselves we lose while trying to appear flawless.I loved how the female lead was written shaped since childhood to believe she must always win, always be praised, always be “the best.” And when she finally finds someone with whom she can be her true self, even that doesn’t last.
I especially loved the ending. It shows how much a person can hide without even realizing what they’re capable of, and how certain situations can unlock parts of them they never knew existed. The pressure, the suffocation she felt when it finally burst out, it took a completely different turn. But at the same time, you can’t blame her. She was the eldest daughter, raised to be the perfect doll, carrying expectations far heavier than anyone understood
The book leaves you with a haunting question:
When does love turn into obsession?
When do you begin expecting the other person to worship you just because you believe you stand above everyone else?
December 5, 2025
❤️🩹 Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is ready; it explores the other addiction that love carries within deeply.
❤️🩹 I absolutely love the cover—so attractive, giving "dark romance vibes"—but the colors chosen for the cover seem like a bad choice, as it fails to highlight the author's name and the depth the cover has.
❤️🩹 Believe it or not, I had this book for a while but was never able to get my hands on it, but today I got the chance, and I finished it in an hour.
❤️🩹 The story follows A girl named Nandini—"the girl everyone wants," a topper, beautiful, charismatic, calm, composed, the girl who obeyed everyone, a girl who completes everyone's wish.
❤️🩹 She marks a new journey on the television when the journey of love starts with Arjun—a struggling stand-up comedian.
❤️🩹 Arjun's easy wit and humor attract her not because he was special but because he was something she could archive—all her life she spent archiving things her loved ones wanted, and she always had it, so Arjun was one of those goals.
❤️🩹 From there, the journey of not just love but jealousy, envy, superiority complex, obsession and manipulation starts, and it ends with a dangerous turn—a turn no love story deserves.
❤️🩹 I love how this book is written on point, short but with necessary exploration of emotions when it's needed—not unnecessary dragging.
❤️🩹 Nandini's character deserves a reality check, as she sounds so self-centered and selfish!
❤️🩹 I love how the author boldly shows the side of love that is not quite talked about—as love, as soothing as it is, is as dangerous as waves of the sea, destroying everything coming in between.
❤️🩹 Although at some point in the story, some chapters lack necessary emotions, and the editing needs polishing.
❤️🩹 As focusing on the concept it deserves more appreciation.
December 12, 2025
Valedictorian by Shrestha RayChoudhury is one of those rare books that didn’t just entertain me — it dragged me back into an old version of myself I thought I’d long outgrown. And honestly? Saying I enjoyed it feels like a disservice. I thoroughly enjoyed it, in the way that makes your past and present quietly bump shoulders.
The protagonist is an overachiever to the bone — ambitious, obsessive, terrified of failure, and convinced that being anything less than perfect is a personal disaster. And that was me as a kid. Reading her inner turmoil felt like someone had opened an old diary I never meant to reread. The pressure to be flawless, the academic grind, the silent competition running inside your head like a treadmill you can’t step off — the author captures it so precisely it almost stings.
Then enters this boy. A stand-up comic. A funny, chaotic presence who walks into her carefully controlled life like the worst kind of plot twist — the relatable kind. The “your entire structure collapses because someone different suddenly exists in your orbit” kind. Been there, lived that, questioned everything.
The psychological layers in this book are pulled tight like a kite string dipped in glass — sharp, deadly, invisible until it slices you. You don’t notice how deep the cut is until you’re already bleeding. That’s how the book plays with ambition, pressure, unraveling, and the strange way someone else’s presence can distort your own identity.
It’s eerie in a subtle way — the creepiness isn’t supernatural, it’s emotional. It’s the quiet discomfort of realizing how fragile your sense of self can be. And she writes that descent so cleverly, you live inside it without noticing when it starts.
A brilliant, unsettling, deeply relatable read.
4 to 4.5 stars from me — and absolutely worth picking up.
The protagonist is an overachiever to the bone — ambitious, obsessive, terrified of failure, and convinced that being anything less than perfect is a personal disaster. And that was me as a kid. Reading her inner turmoil felt like someone had opened an old diary I never meant to reread. The pressure to be flawless, the academic grind, the silent competition running inside your head like a treadmill you can’t step off — the author captures it so precisely it almost stings.
Then enters this boy. A stand-up comic. A funny, chaotic presence who walks into her carefully controlled life like the worst kind of plot twist — the relatable kind. The “your entire structure collapses because someone different suddenly exists in your orbit” kind. Been there, lived that, questioned everything.
The psychological layers in this book are pulled tight like a kite string dipped in glass — sharp, deadly, invisible until it slices you. You don’t notice how deep the cut is until you’re already bleeding. That’s how the book plays with ambition, pressure, unraveling, and the strange way someone else’s presence can distort your own identity.
It’s eerie in a subtle way — the creepiness isn’t supernatural, it’s emotional. It’s the quiet discomfort of realizing how fragile your sense of self can be. And she writes that descent so cleverly, you live inside it without noticing when it starts.
A brilliant, unsettling, deeply relatable read.
4 to 4.5 stars from me — and absolutely worth picking up.
October 24, 2025
I just finished Valedictorian by Shreshtha Raychaudhuri, and wow, this psychological novel is a total mind-bender! If you love stories that dig deep into ambition, obsession, and the thin line between love and destruction, you need to pick this up.
The story centers on Nandini, a brilliant IIM graduate who jumps headfirst into a TV reality show (think Splitsvilla meets Big Boss, but with a much darker twist!). It’s here she meets fellow contestant Arjun, a stand-up comedian. Their connection is instant and electric—Nandini is everything: focused, intelligent, charming, and beautiful, and Arjun is... well, her opposite in many ways. They seemed like a picture-perfect, 'made for each other' couple, and I was completely sucked into their early romance. The author, like Nandini herself, beautifully captures those intoxicating love moments!
But this isn't your typical fairy tale.
The real grit of the novel comes when Nandini starts to question everything. She's gone against her family, friends, and even her professional image for Arjun, and soon, she sees him as 'unsuitable.' What follows is a gripping, intense look at the sacrifices she makes, the efforts she puts in to keep their relationship afloat, and how she tries to mold their love into something she can live with.
What truly blew me away was Nandini's transformation. She goes from that brilliant IIM grad to something much darker and more complex—I won't spoil the ending, but it’s very different from any reality show finale you've ever seen. Her journey is heartbreaking and utterly fascinating.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that feels raw, explores the intense pressures of modern relationships, and is genuinely different, grab this book! It's a sharp, unforgettable read.
The story centers on Nandini, a brilliant IIM graduate who jumps headfirst into a TV reality show (think Splitsvilla meets Big Boss, but with a much darker twist!). It’s here she meets fellow contestant Arjun, a stand-up comedian. Their connection is instant and electric—Nandini is everything: focused, intelligent, charming, and beautiful, and Arjun is... well, her opposite in many ways. They seemed like a picture-perfect, 'made for each other' couple, and I was completely sucked into their early romance. The author, like Nandini herself, beautifully captures those intoxicating love moments!
But this isn't your typical fairy tale.
The real grit of the novel comes when Nandini starts to question everything. She's gone against her family, friends, and even her professional image for Arjun, and soon, she sees him as 'unsuitable.' What follows is a gripping, intense look at the sacrifices she makes, the efforts she puts in to keep their relationship afloat, and how she tries to mold their love into something she can live with.
What truly blew me away was Nandini's transformation. She goes from that brilliant IIM grad to something much darker and more complex—I won't spoil the ending, but it’s very different from any reality show finale you've ever seen. Her journey is heartbreaking and utterly fascinating.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that feels raw, explores the intense pressures of modern relationships, and is genuinely different, grab this book! It's a sharp, unforgettable read.
November 15, 2025
There are some books you open casually and suddenly find yourself sitting a little straighter, breathing a little slower, because something in the first few pages tells you, this one is going to get under your skin. That’s exactly how this book by the author felt to me. What I assumed would be a simple, fast read slowly turned into a psychological maze I didn’t want to exit.
The novel revolves around Nandini, an accomplished IIM graduate who has lived her life on perfectly measured lines - disciplined, ambitious, and always in command. When she enters a reality show and meets Arjun, a witty but aimless stand-up comedian, her inner balance begins to shift in surprising ways. Their chemistry isn’t the typical love-story spark; it’s raw, uneasy, almost like watching two mismatched puzzle pieces force themselves to fit.
The author’s writing is crisp yet emotionally loaded. The author doesn’t rush the tension; rather, lets it simmer. As Nandini’s facade of confidence begins to fracture, I find myself slipping into her mind, understanding her hunger for approval, her fear of losing control, and the silent battles she fights behind her polished exterior.
What truly impressed me was how seamlessly the author merges ambition, insecurity, obsession, and love into one tight narrative. The reality-show backdrop adds a clever layer of public pressure, making every decision feel amplified. The ending caught me off guard, not shocking for the sake of shock, but quietly haunting.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven psychological fiction with emotional bite, this book is absolutely worth picking up. It lingers even after you’ve closed the book, like a thought you can’t quite shake off.
The novel revolves around Nandini, an accomplished IIM graduate who has lived her life on perfectly measured lines - disciplined, ambitious, and always in command. When she enters a reality show and meets Arjun, a witty but aimless stand-up comedian, her inner balance begins to shift in surprising ways. Their chemistry isn’t the typical love-story spark; it’s raw, uneasy, almost like watching two mismatched puzzle pieces force themselves to fit.
The author’s writing is crisp yet emotionally loaded. The author doesn’t rush the tension; rather, lets it simmer. As Nandini’s facade of confidence begins to fracture, I find myself slipping into her mind, understanding her hunger for approval, her fear of losing control, and the silent battles she fights behind her polished exterior.
What truly impressed me was how seamlessly the author merges ambition, insecurity, obsession, and love into one tight narrative. The reality-show backdrop adds a clever layer of public pressure, making every decision feel amplified. The ending caught me off guard, not shocking for the sake of shock, but quietly haunting.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven psychological fiction with emotional bite, this book is absolutely worth picking up. It lingers even after you’ve closed the book, like a thought you can’t quite shake off.
November 24, 2025
Valedictorian Virtue kept her chained Violence set her free is written by Shrestha Raychaudhuri.
Let me be frank. The cover gave me the impression of a dark goth style psychological fiction vibe, but this book is actually a work of psychological fiction that shows the life of a girl who looks perfect. Or did she want to keep being the perfect girl in her life?
The main protagonist of the story is Nandini, with the characteristics of a daughter that every parent wishes for or we can say that is how it was showcased to us. She is an IIM topper and a typical obedient girl. In simple words she is smart, confident and very disciplined.
When she was perfecting her life as per society's will, she met Arjun in her life in a reality show. Their contrast character set a beautiful push-and-pull love story. When they started to get close, Nandini began to experience confusion, fear and emotional stress. From there, the story changes to a new phase.
This psychological fictional story dives deeply into how the main character's confidence and perfect image start falling apart as she faces her inner fears. Her burdens and struggles can perfectly resonate with any girl at one point in their life. I loved the transition of the plot presented in this story. At first, it starts with the girl who tries to satisfy the expectations of society, then it forms a love story and then the complete story turns into a deep psychological story of her inner mind. This is a simple psychological story with a strong and gripping narration. I also liked how the chapter numbers were mentioned in the giant Roman numbers. It adds a unique touch to the reading experience.
The language and vocabulary are simple for this small book with close to a hundred pages. It was a unique and twisted read for me.
Let me be frank. The cover gave me the impression of a dark goth style psychological fiction vibe, but this book is actually a work of psychological fiction that shows the life of a girl who looks perfect. Or did she want to keep being the perfect girl in her life?
The main protagonist of the story is Nandini, with the characteristics of a daughter that every parent wishes for or we can say that is how it was showcased to us. She is an IIM topper and a typical obedient girl. In simple words she is smart, confident and very disciplined.
When she was perfecting her life as per society's will, she met Arjun in her life in a reality show. Their contrast character set a beautiful push-and-pull love story. When they started to get close, Nandini began to experience confusion, fear and emotional stress. From there, the story changes to a new phase.
This psychological fictional story dives deeply into how the main character's confidence and perfect image start falling apart as she faces her inner fears. Her burdens and struggles can perfectly resonate with any girl at one point in their life. I loved the transition of the plot presented in this story. At first, it starts with the girl who tries to satisfy the expectations of society, then it forms a love story and then the complete story turns into a deep psychological story of her inner mind. This is a simple psychological story with a strong and gripping narration. I also liked how the chapter numbers were mentioned in the giant Roman numbers. It adds a unique touch to the reading experience.
The language and vocabulary are simple for this small book with close to a hundred pages. It was a unique and twisted read for me.
October 29, 2025
This book didn't just tell me a story, it messed with my mind. There are some books that twist your emotions, and leave you staring into the void long after you’ve turned the last page. Valedictorian by Shrestha Raychaudhuri did exactly that. This dark psychological drama pulled me into its whirlpool of ambition, love, and obsession so completely that I devoured it in a single sitting. The premise is that of a brilliant IIM graduate, Nandini, crossing paths with a charismatic stand-up comedian, Arjun. This might sound simple, but the psychological tension that brews between them is anything but ordinary.
What fascinated me most was how cleverly the author crafted her characters. Nandini is a perfectionist addicted to applause, locked in a dance of power, pride, and emotional manipulation. The writing is razor-sharp, balancing intellect with emotion, and the slow unraveling of their minds felt almost cinematic. The more I read, the more I realized this wasn’t just about love or ambition, it was about control, self-destruction, and how easily excellence can become a curse when it feeds on ego.
By the time I finished Valedictorian, I felt like I had witnessed a psychological chess game where every move came at the cost of sanity. It’s a rare blend of intellect and emotion, a modern-day Greek tragedy wrapped in contemporary brilliance. My only feedback will be with regards to the dialogues mentioned which could have been better and less repetitive. However, the author's storytelling is bold, addictive, and terrifyingly real, a must-read for anyone who loves mind-bending psychological fiction that lingers long after the last word.
What fascinated me most was how cleverly the author crafted her characters. Nandini is a perfectionist addicted to applause, locked in a dance of power, pride, and emotional manipulation. The writing is razor-sharp, balancing intellect with emotion, and the slow unraveling of their minds felt almost cinematic. The more I read, the more I realized this wasn’t just about love or ambition, it was about control, self-destruction, and how easily excellence can become a curse when it feeds on ego.
By the time I finished Valedictorian, I felt like I had witnessed a psychological chess game where every move came at the cost of sanity. It’s a rare blend of intellect and emotion, a modern-day Greek tragedy wrapped in contemporary brilliance. My only feedback will be with regards to the dialogues mentioned which could have been better and less repetitive. However, the author's storytelling is bold, addictive, and terrifyingly real, a must-read for anyone who loves mind-bending psychological fiction that lingers long after the last word.
November 9, 2025
Perfection has a pulse — and in “Valedictorian,” it beats to the rhythm of obsession. Nandini is brilliance sculpted in flesh, a woman who shines so fiercely that her own light begins to burn her. She steps into a reality show with the same confidence that carried her through every academic triumph — only to discover that perfection, when placed under the spotlight, starts to crack. Her world is one of applause and mirrors, where validation replaces intimacy and love becomes another stage to conquer.
Arjun, the stand-up comedian with laughter for armor, becomes both her muse and her undoing. Their connection is electric — not tender, but charged with ego, pride, and the hunger to be seen. Together they dance a dangerous duet, where affection turns into a battlefield and every smile hides a bruise. The beauty of this story lies not in its romance, but in the quiet implosion of a woman who mistakes control for love and applause for worth.
The author writes with surgical precision — every sentence a cut, every word a revelation. Through Nandini’s unraveling, we see the tyranny of excellence: how brilliance can blind, how ambition can devour. The prose doesn’t just tell a story; it performs it — sharp, intimate, and suffocatingly real. You don’t merely read about Nandini’s fall; you feel the air tighten as she tumbles from grace.
Valedictorian isn’t just a story of a woman losing herself — it’s a mirror held up to anyone who has ever lived for approval, loved to win, or feared imperfection more than pain. It’s modern, magnetic, and disturbingly human — a dark waltz between success and self-destruction.
Rating: 4.4/5
Arjun, the stand-up comedian with laughter for armor, becomes both her muse and her undoing. Their connection is electric — not tender, but charged with ego, pride, and the hunger to be seen. Together they dance a dangerous duet, where affection turns into a battlefield and every smile hides a bruise. The beauty of this story lies not in its romance, but in the quiet implosion of a woman who mistakes control for love and applause for worth.
The author writes with surgical precision — every sentence a cut, every word a revelation. Through Nandini’s unraveling, we see the tyranny of excellence: how brilliance can blind, how ambition can devour. The prose doesn’t just tell a story; it performs it — sharp, intimate, and suffocatingly real. You don’t merely read about Nandini’s fall; you feel the air tighten as she tumbles from grace.
Valedictorian isn’t just a story of a woman losing herself — it’s a mirror held up to anyone who has ever lived for approval, loved to win, or feared imperfection more than pain. It’s modern, magnetic, and disturbingly human — a dark waltz between success and self-destruction.
Rating: 4.4/5
November 9, 2025
#bookreview
This book,"Valedictorian" by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is a surreal and fast paced dark psychological fiction which will leave you agape with it's climax.
The story is about Nandini, a brilliant IIM graduate who has always lived a life of perfection and she is successful, focused and admired but everything in her life begins to change slowly when she meets Arjun, a charming stand up comedian.
What first feels exciting soon becomes intense and destructive. This is a story about love, hate, ambition, competition, expectations, obsession and destruction in love.
Nandini is sketched as a powerful and emotional character but she is also lonely and fragile inside while Arjun's character is interesting and unpredictable, someone who brings both joy and damage into Nandini's life. And their relationship makes the story gripping till the end.
The character sketching is brilliantly done by the author. The character of Nandini shows the pressure of being "perfect" all the time and how people can confuse love with obsession and success with self worth.
Written in monologue format, it's a fast paced and intense read with a poetic tone. Sometimes the story feels like a psychological thriller and emotional narrative and sensual and romantic scenes are very absorbing.
Some parts may feel intense for readers who prefer light stories but this intensity is what makes this story mind blowing. So, if you like emotional and thrilling stories then it's a must read. Do grab your copy from Amazon 😊
Book : Valedictorian
Author : Shrestha Raychaudhuri
Genre : #contemporaryfiction #darkpsychologicalfiction
Ratings : 5/5
This book,"Valedictorian" by Shrestha Raychaudhuri is a surreal and fast paced dark psychological fiction which will leave you agape with it's climax.
The story is about Nandini, a brilliant IIM graduate who has always lived a life of perfection and she is successful, focused and admired but everything in her life begins to change slowly when she meets Arjun, a charming stand up comedian.
What first feels exciting soon becomes intense and destructive. This is a story about love, hate, ambition, competition, expectations, obsession and destruction in love.
Nandini is sketched as a powerful and emotional character but she is also lonely and fragile inside while Arjun's character is interesting and unpredictable, someone who brings both joy and damage into Nandini's life. And their relationship makes the story gripping till the end.
The character sketching is brilliantly done by the author. The character of Nandini shows the pressure of being "perfect" all the time and how people can confuse love with obsession and success with self worth.
Written in monologue format, it's a fast paced and intense read with a poetic tone. Sometimes the story feels like a psychological thriller and emotional narrative and sensual and romantic scenes are very absorbing.
Some parts may feel intense for readers who prefer light stories but this intensity is what makes this story mind blowing. So, if you like emotional and thrilling stories then it's a must read. Do grab your copy from Amazon 😊
Book : Valedictorian
Author : Shrestha Raychaudhuri
Genre : #contemporaryfiction #darkpsychologicalfiction
Ratings : 5/5
November 10, 2025
She is the good girl, the ideal woman. Studious, smart, well-behaved, top in career and of course, beautiful. She is perfection.
Her every action is calculated, every word is measured, and every step is meticulously crafted. All things she does are according to the "norms" and expectations of others. Praised by all and proud of herself, she is a well-controlled lady. But when this perfection meets an imperfect man, chaos erupts.
When she met the guy who was imperfect, less than her (in job and looks), she thought that this pairing would preserve the control she possessed. But when she started to like him, her control loosened, she didn't care about her flaws, she shed her walls and started a genuine connection with him. But when the bling and brightness of the newness fade, the fairytale ends too. Reality struck her too hard. When trust turned to betrayal, when distance became the new normal, when conversation turned to fights, everything shattered.
But she didn't break, she didn't cry, her anger turned to white hot rage. Her control slipped, and everything she had built till that point was completely shattered. When the chains broke, she let her inner self free, and my jaw dropped to the floor at what she did to him. I am still reeling from that climax.
This is such an incredible read. I love how the writer didn't justify her actions; she is what she is. We all know she is not right but we wouldn't question her actions. She is bold and bad, and that's it. This is such a fun experience to read about such characters. This is a short, single-sitting read, but totally worth it. I highly, highly recommend you read it.
Her every action is calculated, every word is measured, and every step is meticulously crafted. All things she does are according to the "norms" and expectations of others. Praised by all and proud of herself, she is a well-controlled lady. But when this perfection meets an imperfect man, chaos erupts.
When she met the guy who was imperfect, less than her (in job and looks), she thought that this pairing would preserve the control she possessed. But when she started to like him, her control loosened, she didn't care about her flaws, she shed her walls and started a genuine connection with him. But when the bling and brightness of the newness fade, the fairytale ends too. Reality struck her too hard. When trust turned to betrayal, when distance became the new normal, when conversation turned to fights, everything shattered.
But she didn't break, she didn't cry, her anger turned to white hot rage. Her control slipped, and everything she had built till that point was completely shattered. When the chains broke, she let her inner self free, and my jaw dropped to the floor at what she did to him. I am still reeling from that climax.
This is such an incredible read. I love how the writer didn't justify her actions; she is what she is. We all know she is not right but we wouldn't question her actions. She is bold and bad, and that's it. This is such a fun experience to read about such characters. This is a short, single-sitting read, but totally worth it. I highly, highly recommend you read it.
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