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Part Star Part Dust
A millionaire, a widow and a monk. A plane crash. In this poignant and unforgettable debut novel three destinies are linked for eternity in a tale narrated by Time.
Meet Radha. She was left in a dumpster on the side streets of Mumbai to die as she was born; premature and undernourished. Meet Mira. At sixteen she is to marry a man she has never met before. On her wedding day, she carries a knife. And Gaurav. People say love is more important than money. But what happens when having one means you can’t have the other?
Scattered across India, these three are intertwined in unlikely ways: the flower shop owned by Mira’s husband employs Radha’s boyfriend, Mira and Gaurav become partners in business and most importantly, an ill-fated trip to Delhi links them all in death and life. Set in the sensuous worlds of Bombay and Delhi, Valiram’s dazzling novel explores the deep meanings of love, family, and time.
Meet Radha. She was left in a dumpster on the side streets of Mumbai to die as she was born; premature and undernourished. Meet Mira. At sixteen she is to marry a man she has never met before. On her wedding day, she carries a knife. And Gaurav. People say love is more important than money. But what happens when having one means you can’t have the other?
Scattered across India, these three are intertwined in unlikely ways: the flower shop owned by Mira’s husband employs Radha’s boyfriend, Mira and Gaurav become partners in business and most importantly, an ill-fated trip to Delhi links them all in death and life. Set in the sensuous worlds of Bombay and Delhi, Valiram’s dazzling novel explores the deep meanings of love, family, and time.
- GenresFiction
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2017
13 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Valiram
2 books30 followersL.M. Valiram is a blogger, writer, entrepreneur, wife and mother.
She was born in Bombay and raised in Hong Kong.
She is currently pursuing her Degree in Creative Writing with the Open College of Creative Arts in London.
Part Star Part Dust is her debut novel.
She was born in Bombay and raised in Hong Kong.
She is currently pursuing her Degree in Creative Writing with the Open College of Creative Arts in London.
Part Star Part Dust is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 24, 2017
Who says literary fiction is dead? Part Star Part Dust was completely mesmerizing! The clever opening had me hooked and I'm glad to say the narrative lived up to the evocative prologue. The first thing that caught my attention was the author's skill at weaving everyday details into the story in a way that was so organic that you couldn't help but seamlessly flow from one plot point to the next. You can almost smell the potatoes and curry scorching on the stove or hear people laughing at a birthday party celebration. I was immersed in the story and was surprised when I would realize how much time had slipped by while I read. Another reason I loved this book was the expertly woven lyricism.
"Parents do not become parents by giving life to a child. Parents become parents giving their lives to their child."
This is just one example of the heart-stopping prose than can be found in this book. It was like walking through a literary giftshop where each passage was a rare, handcrafted piece of art. It is impossible not to get swept away in the lyrical prose of the novel even when the articulation occasionally goes sideways. I attributed this to the fact that much of the expression is foreign, as is the setting. But don't mistake this for a criticism - it is yet another aspect of the novel that gave it a jewel like quality and sets it above your run-of-the-mill fiction. If you enjoyed Life of Pi or A Gentleman From Moscow then I enthusiastically recommend this book.
"Parents do not become parents by giving life to a child. Parents become parents giving their lives to their child."
This is just one example of the heart-stopping prose than can be found in this book. It was like walking through a literary giftshop where each passage was a rare, handcrafted piece of art. It is impossible not to get swept away in the lyrical prose of the novel even when the articulation occasionally goes sideways. I attributed this to the fact that much of the expression is foreign, as is the setting. But don't mistake this for a criticism - it is yet another aspect of the novel that gave it a jewel like quality and sets it above your run-of-the-mill fiction. If you enjoyed Life of Pi or A Gentleman From Moscow then I enthusiastically recommend this book.
January 22, 2018
I finished this book in December but somehow forgot to post it. This was a beautifully written, grand story told through three interconnecting characters. There’s Radha, who abandoned as a baby grows into riches, Mira who’s life as a wife, mother, daughter & daughter in law is full of joy & sorrow and finally Gaurav, a poor worker with hopes of a richer future.
Each story is told independently, although the characters exist peripherally. Time is the narrator and fate is the thread that connects these stories.
The last section has our stories collide, although this part seemed forced and rushed without a satisfying conclusion.
India is described in such beauty and details, from the colors, sights, sounds and foods. Lyrical sentences and rhythmic tone made this book a joy to read. I will definitely be interested to see what this author writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
Each story is told independently, although the characters exist peripherally. Time is the narrator and fate is the thread that connects these stories.
The last section has our stories collide, although this part seemed forced and rushed without a satisfying conclusion.
India is described in such beauty and details, from the colors, sights, sounds and foods. Lyrical sentences and rhythmic tone made this book a joy to read. I will definitely be interested to see what this author writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
November 1, 2017
Hard to believe this is a debut novel! Initially it sounds like a bad bar joke--a millionaire, a widow, and a monk get on a plane....But it is so much more! Three interwoven stories set in India and we really don't see the connections until the end. But this a beautifully written, lyrical novel about heartbreak, loss, grieving, family, and love. This is one that I will definitely re-read (and I typically never do that) simply because it reminds us of the power of fate, coincidence, and free will. So lovely!
March 20, 2017
I am absolutely in love with this book!! I have to say, it is one of the best books I read this year.
The best part of this book was how easily it read without me realizing I was reading through the book. The book has 3 central characters who are strung together in a twist of fate, or rather, a twist of Time. The characters are relatable, likable and so so human. They feel like they live next door and the whole story plays out right in front of your eyes.
The most brilliant part of the book is how each character ties in to the other characters in the book. That integration is the most essential part and yet in this book, it was SEAMLESS! I could read about Radha and there'll be Mira and Gaurav in the story. And vice versa. Each character is on the fringe of the other character's life, and yet that one fated plane ride brings their lives together.
I love how gritty this book is, in terms of portraying Mumbai, it makes the city seem so alive and sensual. Like there is so much more if you simply reach out. I absolutely love books like that.
There are nuggets of absolute wisdom in the book, that perhaps come because TIME is so central to the book, and I've put my favorites down!
"In the time that it takes to compose this thought into a sentence, 300 million cells will have died in your body. My condolences. Every seven years or so, all of your body’s cells replace themselves, you are not you, you are new. Now add to that a personality that keeps changing— babbling baby to self-aware child, self-aware child to school boy, school boy to grown man— and what we have is a thoroughly fluid entity that is neither the same in form nor in mind."
"Have you ever noticed how still I become in sadness? A melancholy heart is the most painful place to be. I rather prefer my natural state of happiness when I can soar light as a feather."
"It is love, nothing less: the frenzied kind of love that has its hand outstretched, its shoulder ready. The kind of love that is blind to fault, and bleeds with compassion, that loyally accompanies whether tears fall or joy overwhelms. To come upon a true friend is kismet; to keep them as such is wisdom."
I have absolutely loved this book!! I am definitely sure I will read this again sometime.
The best part of this book was how easily it read without me realizing I was reading through the book. The book has 3 central characters who are strung together in a twist of fate, or rather, a twist of Time. The characters are relatable, likable and so so human. They feel like they live next door and the whole story plays out right in front of your eyes.
The most brilliant part of the book is how each character ties in to the other characters in the book. That integration is the most essential part and yet in this book, it was SEAMLESS! I could read about Radha and there'll be Mira and Gaurav in the story. And vice versa. Each character is on the fringe of the other character's life, and yet that one fated plane ride brings their lives together.
I love how gritty this book is, in terms of portraying Mumbai, it makes the city seem so alive and sensual. Like there is so much more if you simply reach out. I absolutely love books like that.
There are nuggets of absolute wisdom in the book, that perhaps come because TIME is so central to the book, and I've put my favorites down!
"In the time that it takes to compose this thought into a sentence, 300 million cells will have died in your body. My condolences. Every seven years or so, all of your body’s cells replace themselves, you are not you, you are new. Now add to that a personality that keeps changing— babbling baby to self-aware child, self-aware child to school boy, school boy to grown man— and what we have is a thoroughly fluid entity that is neither the same in form nor in mind."
"Have you ever noticed how still I become in sadness? A melancholy heart is the most painful place to be. I rather prefer my natural state of happiness when I can soar light as a feather."
"It is love, nothing less: the frenzied kind of love that has its hand outstretched, its shoulder ready. The kind of love that is blind to fault, and bleeds with compassion, that loyally accompanies whether tears fall or joy overwhelms. To come upon a true friend is kismet; to keep them as such is wisdom."
I have absolutely loved this book!! I am definitely sure I will read this again sometime.
April 6, 2017
This really was a wonderful book. It weaves three characters together told by an unnamed narrator who tries to tell you a little about themsevles throughout the story.
We see three main characters whose stories are told throughout several chapters and slowly the narrator reveals how they are related. Some of it is just briefly and then we find out later it's a little more involved that that and that brief meeting changes the course of that characters life.
The prose is quite beautiful, as are the descriptions and clothing appearances and food. The book is heavy on Bombay and Delhi culture and food, which was both fascinating to read and made me hungry. Some of my favorite foods were talked about in the novel. It was interesting reading about a culture other than my own.
This truly is a beautiful novel
We see three main characters whose stories are told throughout several chapters and slowly the narrator reveals how they are related. Some of it is just briefly and then we find out later it's a little more involved that that and that brief meeting changes the course of that characters life.
The prose is quite beautiful, as are the descriptions and clothing appearances and food. The book is heavy on Bombay and Delhi culture and food, which was both fascinating to read and made me hungry. Some of my favorite foods were talked about in the novel. It was interesting reading about a culture other than my own.
This truly is a beautiful novel
May 21, 2017
I received a signed copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I love the synapsis on the back; a millionaire, a widow and a monk. a plane crash. Three destinies, linked for eternity in a tale narrated by time. That is very short and to the point. This book is about how choices alter your future, how we are all connected in this small world and finally how we are only alive because we love. Beautiful.
March 27, 2017
Wow, what a read! It’s not too often you get to read a book of this caliber. If there is one word to describe this book, it is “unforgettable.” It's all about human drama based on three central characters interlaced in time and space who eventually embark on that ill-fated Vimaan Air flight. But as the saying goes, the story is in the telling, not the plot. It is the description of the characters that bring life and meaning to the plot. As one who lived in Mumbai, I enjoyed it immensely. As one who had a mentally retarded brother, I could connect with the disadvantages of the less privileged. And as a father of two girls, I can understand the vagaries of life and plans going astray.
The writing is crisp, clear, and powerful. Each sentence has been crafted with a purpose and each word has been handpicked for a reason. There are many lighter moments. Occasionally the author chuckles me with her subtle humor, particularly the rat-faced receptionist. And in her role as time, the author reminds us that at the end of the day we are all guests in the planet with a ticking clock.
An outstanding work, this has all the trappings of a bestseller.
The writing is crisp, clear, and powerful. Each sentence has been crafted with a purpose and each word has been handpicked for a reason. There are many lighter moments. Occasionally the author chuckles me with her subtle humor, particularly the rat-faced receptionist. And in her role as time, the author reminds us that at the end of the day we are all guests in the planet with a ticking clock.
An outstanding work, this has all the trappings of a bestseller.
August 2, 2018
This is a hard book to review because I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. The whole book is beautifully written. But the description tells you the entire story. I do recommend it but I feel there would be a more punch if I didn't know about the plane crash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
This debut novel was quite an experience! From time as its narrator to the captivating interwoven stories which delved into challenging situations, LM Valiram has a great deal to offer readers.
July 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Star Rating: 2 stars
Parent Rating: R for some use of the language including F word, descriptions of sex, some intense themes such as death and child abandonment.
The weakly connected stories in this book are almost exclusively told and not shown. Written in passive voice, with only snapshots of full stories and characters instead of dedication to telling one full story.
Written by a woman who was born in Bombay, but raised abroad in Hong Kong, this book is a vaguely interesting look at modern India, there must be a better one with more depth and understanding.
Part 1 Radha
I was initially really interested in orphan Radha. But by the end of her sections, her story was disjointed with so many side-characters you don't care about and became more about new-ageism than about any of the characters.
She is an actress (Star) and well loved by her family. But she learns that there is a hole in her life and joy and about death from Birbaj (Dust)
Part 2- Mira
My favorite of the stories. The author seems to actually be interested in this character. She suffers from the same problem as the Radha's narrative. If any of the characters could be fleshed out more, the author should have focused on Mira. She had more to say about this unloved wife, love daughter and daughter-in-law, and unappreciated mother, than she did her other characters
Part 3 - Guarav
The shortest story
Guarav must choose between the woman he loves and has promised everything to, and a wealthy woman who could give him anything in life he wanted.
Parts 4 & 5
Flight VA4625
Ostensibly this portion is to describe where their choices led them.
But Radha and Mira were described as heavily dependent on fate and the actions of other's. Only Guarav makes a clear life choice that led him here.
Ultimately the story feels unfinished. There are certainly many writers who could learn the art of brevity, but this just feels like the author didn't want to put work into figuring out a conclusion or finding a way to connect the stories and characters better.
For more reviews, including Book v. Movie reviews, visit my blog at http://bookroomreviews.weebly.com/
Star Rating: 2 stars
Parent Rating: R for some use of the language including F word, descriptions of sex, some intense themes such as death and child abandonment.
The weakly connected stories in this book are almost exclusively told and not shown. Written in passive voice, with only snapshots of full stories and characters instead of dedication to telling one full story.
Written by a woman who was born in Bombay, but raised abroad in Hong Kong, this book is a vaguely interesting look at modern India, there must be a better one with more depth and understanding.
Part 1 Radha
I was initially really interested in orphan Radha. But by the end of her sections, her story was disjointed with so many side-characters you don't care about and became more about new-ageism than about any of the characters.
She is an actress (Star) and well loved by her family. But she learns that there is a hole in her life and joy and about death from Birbaj (Dust)
Part 2- Mira
My favorite of the stories. The author seems to actually be interested in this character. She suffers from the same problem as the Radha's narrative. If any of the characters could be fleshed out more, the author should have focused on Mira. She had more to say about this unloved wife, love daughter and daughter-in-law, and unappreciated mother, than she did her other characters
Part 3 - Guarav
The shortest story
Guarav must choose between the woman he loves and has promised everything to, and a wealthy woman who could give him anything in life he wanted.
Parts 4 & 5
Flight VA4625
Ostensibly this portion is to describe where their choices led them.
But Radha and Mira were described as heavily dependent on fate and the actions of other's. Only Guarav makes a clear life choice that led him here.
Ultimately the story feels unfinished. There are certainly many writers who could learn the art of brevity, but this just feels like the author didn't want to put work into figuring out a conclusion or finding a way to connect the stories and characters better.
For more reviews, including Book v. Movie reviews, visit my blog at http://bookroomreviews.weebly.com/
June 11, 2017
Radha, an orphan, Mira, a young girl marrying a stranger in an arranged marriage, and Gaurav, a poor worker who dreams of moving up the corporate ladder, are the three characters in this novel who all face choices that take their lives in directions they never could have imagined. Their lives are linked only peripherally (Mira runs a business in which she employs the boyfriend of Radha, for example; Gaurav turns out to be the best friend of the monk Radha meets one day on vacation, etc), for the most part, (their lives link more significantly at the end, briefly), but the themes that run through their stories are universal: the quest for who we are, freedom to do what we want vs the knowledge of our better selves; love and the things it forces us to do and be, and the limitations it puts on us and our futures.
The 3 stories are told separately, one at a time, and they span great time periods, skipping here and there for the sake of space, continuity and brevity. So we see Radha grow from a 4-year-old orphan to a mid-20s adult; Mira goes from 16 all the way to her 60s; and Gaurav from his 20s to his 40s.
I found the individual characters' stories more compelling than the theme of interconnections, as, again, there's not much of it here. The author seems to be trying to make a grand connection in theme, and I suppose the ideas stated above, love and its necessities etc., the freedom to carve one's life, the limits to that freedom because of family, obligations, and love, do appear in all 3 stories. I just didn't feel there was that much to bind the three together. Even at the end, their connections were flimsy, and the final word on their fates seems to be "can't ever know what the future holds. Oh, well."
Valiran's prose was superb. The stories are told with an everyday sort of rhythm, while at the same time there's a lyricism to the everyday events she describes that lifts up the everyday to the level of sublime and almost mythic.
I loved the descriptions of the land. Indian is brought to colorful life with descriptions of the streets, people, sounds, smells, and heat.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a review copy.
The 3 stories are told separately, one at a time, and they span great time periods, skipping here and there for the sake of space, continuity and brevity. So we see Radha grow from a 4-year-old orphan to a mid-20s adult; Mira goes from 16 all the way to her 60s; and Gaurav from his 20s to his 40s.
I found the individual characters' stories more compelling than the theme of interconnections, as, again, there's not much of it here. The author seems to be trying to make a grand connection in theme, and I suppose the ideas stated above, love and its necessities etc., the freedom to carve one's life, the limits to that freedom because of family, obligations, and love, do appear in all 3 stories. I just didn't feel there was that much to bind the three together. Even at the end, their connections were flimsy, and the final word on their fates seems to be "can't ever know what the future holds. Oh, well."
Valiran's prose was superb. The stories are told with an everyday sort of rhythm, while at the same time there's a lyricism to the everyday events she describes that lifts up the everyday to the level of sublime and almost mythic.
I loved the descriptions of the land. Indian is brought to colorful life with descriptions of the streets, people, sounds, smells, and heat.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a review copy.
September 23, 2017
“Do you make your choices or do your choices make you?”
I was mesmerized by this book – that’s the only word I can use. It’s such a short novella but manages to touch your heart in a very unexpected way. The strength of the book is its prose – it’s lyrical and beautiful and so full of meaning that I had to reread certain lines to imbibe them better.
“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. And happiness depends on what you can give, not what you can get.”
As the premise suggests, this is the story of three people – a millionaire, a widow and a monk. Radha, an adopted child adored by her parents has everything that she could ask for but senses something missing and decides to seek out answers. Mira, married off to a stranger is happy in her motherhood and finds fulfillment in her son and his family even after she is widowed. But sudden changes force her to evaluate her purpose in life. Gaurav has grown up poor with dreams of a rich life that stares at him right across his window. He has known a great love and thinks he is content with it until he has to make a choice between his dreams and reality. How all their lives come together forms the rest of the story.
“Faith is to believe that you do not see so that you may come to see what you believe.”
I love the way the three characters are interwoven in each other’s lives. It’s so subtle that even the reader may miss it. The descriptions of Mumbai city, the traffic, the rains, the food are so vivid that I felt nostalgic and reminded of home. The book is full of wonderful philosophical words of wisdom, especially the letters of Babaji – touching upon life, death, happiness, destiny, karma and most importantly choices. That’s what this book is about. That’s also what makes this book so authentically Indian.
“We are alive only because we love. Even if we love nothing else, we love our own Life. And Love is that which keeps us alive. But loving only your own life is such a waste of love and of life.”
PS: I thank Cameron Publicity and Marketing and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to review this amazing book.
I was mesmerized by this book – that’s the only word I can use. It’s such a short novella but manages to touch your heart in a very unexpected way. The strength of the book is its prose – it’s lyrical and beautiful and so full of meaning that I had to reread certain lines to imbibe them better.
“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. And happiness depends on what you can give, not what you can get.”
As the premise suggests, this is the story of three people – a millionaire, a widow and a monk. Radha, an adopted child adored by her parents has everything that she could ask for but senses something missing and decides to seek out answers. Mira, married off to a stranger is happy in her motherhood and finds fulfillment in her son and his family even after she is widowed. But sudden changes force her to evaluate her purpose in life. Gaurav has grown up poor with dreams of a rich life that stares at him right across his window. He has known a great love and thinks he is content with it until he has to make a choice between his dreams and reality. How all their lives come together forms the rest of the story.
“Faith is to believe that you do not see so that you may come to see what you believe.”
I love the way the three characters are interwoven in each other’s lives. It’s so subtle that even the reader may miss it. The descriptions of Mumbai city, the traffic, the rains, the food are so vivid that I felt nostalgic and reminded of home. The book is full of wonderful philosophical words of wisdom, especially the letters of Babaji – touching upon life, death, happiness, destiny, karma and most importantly choices. That’s what this book is about. That’s also what makes this book so authentically Indian.
“We are alive only because we love. Even if we love nothing else, we love our own Life. And Love is that which keeps us alive. But loving only your own life is such a waste of love and of life.”
PS: I thank Cameron Publicity and Marketing and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to review this amazing book.
October 25, 2017
Part Star Part Dust
L.M. Valiram
⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
A millionaire, a widow, and a monk…time, destiny, eternity.
“I AM YOUR NARRATOR…We are more intimate than you care to appreciate…”
These first words are the beginning ‘threads’ of Valiram’s debut novel. She manages to weave the stories of a millionaire, a widow, and a monk into a finely woven tapestry. The choices of these three are revealed to us in a manner which is richly textured, although uncomfortable at times. The book is set in India, and her descriptions are both exquisite and believable. The writer did not take any shortcuts or lose steam in her writing as some first time writers tend to do.
After I finished the book, I immediately wanted to read it again, which rarely happens.
As a lover of history, and a harsh critic of Historical Fiction, I was quite surprised by this book. Prior to picking it up, I intentionally did not read any reviews, nor research the writer. I simply chose it for the title and cover, without a pre-conceived idea of the content. Then I decided to write the type of review I would like to see once in a while.
L.M. Valiram
⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
A millionaire, a widow, and a monk…time, destiny, eternity.
“I AM YOUR NARRATOR…We are more intimate than you care to appreciate…”
These first words are the beginning ‘threads’ of Valiram’s debut novel. She manages to weave the stories of a millionaire, a widow, and a monk into a finely woven tapestry. The choices of these three are revealed to us in a manner which is richly textured, although uncomfortable at times. The book is set in India, and her descriptions are both exquisite and believable. The writer did not take any shortcuts or lose steam in her writing as some first time writers tend to do.
After I finished the book, I immediately wanted to read it again, which rarely happens.
As a lover of history, and a harsh critic of Historical Fiction, I was quite surprised by this book. Prior to picking it up, I intentionally did not read any reviews, nor research the writer. I simply chose it for the title and cover, without a pre-conceived idea of the content. Then I decided to write the type of review I would like to see once in a while.
May 12, 2017
If you enjoy a drama that weaves thin threads through people's lives, pulling them together from very different corners of a culture, this book is for you. I missed a couple of the smaller character connections that resurfaced at the end, but it cost nothing of the story. I enjoyed the individual stories, and I liked how relevant the title is to the whole book picture. Valiram did a great job of keeping the philosophy in the book at an easy, tolerable level. Great debut!
July 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
Firstly, I liked the author's writing style. It all seemed to flow and I liked the narrator's voice especially. The characters themselves were really well thought out. The only critique I would have would be concerning the airplane plot line that wasn't introduced earlier. The blurb mentions the airplane so I kindda assumed it would have a bigger role in the book.
Overall, it was an interesting book.
Firstly, I liked the author's writing style. It all seemed to flow and I liked the narrator's voice especially. The characters themselves were really well thought out. The only critique I would have would be concerning the airplane plot line that wasn't introduced earlier. The blurb mentions the airplane so I kindda assumed it would have a bigger role in the book.
Overall, it was an interesting book.
December 14, 2017
“Time” is the narrator of this debut novel by L. M. Valliram, and as the three major characters of this book make the decisions and choices that will determine the course of their lives, you are always aware that those lifetimes are brief from “Time’s” infinitely longer perspective. The stories of Mira, Radha, and Gaurav overlap and intertwine, set against the sensory abundance of modern India. I very much look forward to more books by this author.
June 4, 2017
This lovely debut novel offered a true sense of India and its culture while spinning a tale of the entanglements between some well-articulated characters. Very thought provoking and leaves me with a sense of melancholy and "What if?"
June 11, 2017
An interesting read delving into life in India through the lives of three different characters. Although I enjoyed this book it was not one of those that you couldn't put down
August 15, 2017
Enjoyed this book.
January 22, 2018
Time narrates this beautiful book that looks at three lives and ultimately reminds us that we are all connected and that Time is precious and unknown. Radha is an orphan adopted by a loving couple and grows up to be a famous Bollywood actress who feels something is missing in her life. Mira, the young bride who marries a man she doesn't love or even know and ends up finding herself in a life she doesn't like. And lastly, Gaurav, a man who has to decide between money and love and live with his decision. Each story is wonderful on its own but the gentle weaving of the stories together helps remind the reader of the interconnections in life. While I would have prefered a bit more closure at the end of the book, this too is a subtle reminder that Time does not necessarily do what we want it to. Don't be penned in by the genre 'womens fiction.' This book will be enjoyed by anyone interested in a touching and well thought out presentation of life.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2017
I was entertained but really could have used a stronger ending to tie it all together.
October 9, 2017
A beautiful read three stories intertwined Avery special book highly recommend.Thanks to NetGalley for advance readers copy,
July 13, 2017
I loved each of the 3 stories and the way they were intertwined. Author really spent time developing each of the characters. I felt the ending was a little rushed and wished they knew how more about how connected their lives had been.A very easy read- finished the book in a day. Definitely a follow your heart and dreams book.
January 13, 2018
"Part Star Part Dust" was an interesting novel to read and a difficult one to rate. I really liked the writing and the characters the novel focuses on, but I'm still not sure whether I liked the ending.
My problem with the novel was mostly that it seemed to skip over some of the most interesting parts of the characters' personal development, so it felt like I was missing out on a lot and then the novel ends really abruptly.
Overall, the writing and the characters really sold the novel and I would definitely recommend reading it but I would have loved to see more of these characters.
My problem with the novel was mostly that it seemed to skip over some of the most interesting parts of the characters' personal development, so it felt like I was missing out on a lot and then the novel ends really abruptly.
Overall, the writing and the characters really sold the novel and I would definitely recommend reading it but I would have loved to see more of these characters.
July 18, 2017
It was an amazing read. I was mesmerized with its cover😍. Author revamped the style of Litrary fiction. I liked the way how stories of three persons amalgamates and form a beautiful story. It's a must read . Kudos to the author.
March 9, 2017
This debut novel is a real gem. A sure sign of huge success to come. The characters are well drawn, they jump out of the pages as individuals and engage the reader in their lives. The original narrator idea is genius, a great way to bring all the strands of the plot together. Well worth a read, can't wait for the next one. As usual my full reviews are on my blog
February 8, 2018
Beautiful story, hard to believe this is a debut. Loved it! Full review on my blog (www.thespooniemummy.com)
May 1, 2017
I loved this book. Thick with beautiful, rich imagery and philosophical quotes. I found myself pausing often to smile and ponder the profound words. "Parents do not become parents by giving a life to their child. They become parents by giving their life to their child." And the part where Aunty explains to Radha what love is my made heart swell!
L.M. Valiram has done a masterful job of weaving and intertwining these stories and she has really brought these characters to life.
To me, this book encapsulates so many wonderful things about love - sometimes love is wonderful, sometimes it is ugly, and painful, but love, real love, goes on forever.
Highly recommended.
L.M. Valiram has done a masterful job of weaving and intertwining these stories and she has really brought these characters to life.
To me, this book encapsulates so many wonderful things about love - sometimes love is wonderful, sometimes it is ugly, and painful, but love, real love, goes on forever.
Highly recommended.
January 16, 2018
Sweet. A pleasant read.
Sweet book. A pleasant read. An interesting tale of intertwined lives. Beautifully descriptive and easy to read. Great debut novel.
Sweet book. A pleasant read. An interesting tale of intertwined lives. Beautifully descriptive and easy to read. Great debut novel.
March 7, 2018
Why am I at the acknowledgement page right now?
What do you mean by stating that the story is over?
Y’all playing with my heart as if you are making some meatballs for your pasta 🍝
Part Star Part Dust is a story that will leave your heart and soul stuck in a Tug of War!
I am not going to write a long review or anything because you need to jump in knowing nothing at all.
I loved how the author chose to tell this story. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and raw.
I wished that the book was a bit longer, so that I got to see every single pivot point in everyone's stories. It was a bit rushed, and a bit of telling over showing. However, it still managed to touch my soul and make me cry.
I received a review copy in exchange with an honest review. I also own a physical copy of Part Star Part Dust.
What do you mean by stating that the story is over?
Y’all playing with my heart as if you are making some meatballs for your pasta 🍝
Part Star Part Dust is a story that will leave your heart and soul stuck in a Tug of War!
I am not going to write a long review or anything because you need to jump in knowing nothing at all.
I loved how the author chose to tell this story. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and raw.
I wished that the book was a bit longer, so that I got to see every single pivot point in everyone's stories. It was a bit rushed, and a bit of telling over showing. However, it still managed to touch my soul and make me cry.
I received a review copy in exchange with an honest review. I also own a physical copy of Part Star Part Dust.
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