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A Hundred Little Flames
Sometimes, a journey back is a step forward.
When 26-year-old Ayan is sent to live with his grumpy old grandfather Gopal Shanker, in a tiny village, in Kerala, he is understandably devastated. What can a sleepy, idyllic village without even Internet connectivity offer a young man?
To make matters worse, Jairaj, Ayan’s domineering father has his own plans and is determined to have his way. Soon, Ayan has to come to terms with the hard realities of life and the blindness of greed as he and Gopal Shanker learn that life can sometimes unravel in unanticipated ways.
A young man, whose life lies ahead of him. An old man, whose life is all in the past. And a few months that change everything. A Hundred Little Flames is a charming account of a relationship across generations and also a meditative look at the issues of old people.
Preeti Shenoy’s foray into new fictional terrain is an absolute triumph!
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
239 people are currently reading
1410 people want to read
About the author
Preeti Shenoy
42 books2,456 followersPreeti Shenoy, one of India’s highest-selling authors with over a million books sold, has written seventeen bestselling titles. Known for her accessible style, she explores complex themes such as mental health, gender inequality, and socio-economic divides. Featured on Forbes’ list of influential Indian celebrities, Preeti has represented India at international literature festivals in Birmingham, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Her work has been featured in major media outlets, including BBC World, Cosmopolitan, The Hindu, and The Times of India. She has received prestigious accolades, such as the Popular Choice Fiction Award (2021) from the Times of India’s AutHer Awards and Amazon India’s Most Popular Self-Help Book of 2021. She was also honoured as Indian of the Year and received the Business Excellence Award from the New Delhi Institute of Management.
Beyond writing, Preeti is a sought-after motivational speaker, having delivered talks at organizations like Walmart, Infosys, ISRO, KPMG, and Accenture. A fitness enthusiast, artist, and traveller, she has had her short stories and poetry featured in Condé Nast and Verve. She also writes a monthly opinion column for The Indian Express and has previously contributed to The Financial Chronicle.
Connect with Preeti:
Website: www.preetishenoy.com
Email: ps@preetishenoy.com
Twitter/X: @Preetishenoy
Blog: blog.preetishenoy.com
Instagram: @Preeti.Shenoy | @Preetishenoyart
Facebook: preeti.io/fb
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/preetishenoyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
November 16, 2017
“To the loyal and to the blood-lovers, in the good families and in the fiery dynasties, life is family and family is life. It is the same people who give advice and their vices to live well who turn out to be the ones who give resource and reason to live long.”
----Criss Jami
Preeti Shenoy, an Indian bestselling, pens a heart warming family drama in her new book called, A Hundred Little Flames that centers around the bond of friendship between a young man, who has recently lost his job in the city, and his aging yet humble grandfather, living in his ancestral home in a small village in Kerala. When the paths of the two collide through trust, love, and through a beautiful story, of two friends whose fates never let them to tie the knot in a holy matrimony, the young man and the grandfather learn a lot about life from one another and also learn to live for themselves.
Synopsis:
Sometimes, a journey back is a step forward.
When 26-year-old Ayan is sent to live with his grumpy old grandfather Gopal Shanker, in a tiny village, in Kerala, he is understandably devastated. What can a sleepy, idyllic village without even Internet connectivity offer a young man?
To make matters worse, Jairaj, Ayan’s domineering father has his own plans and is determined to have his way. Soon, Ayan has to come to terms with the hard realities of life and the blindness of greed as he and Gopal Shanker learn that life can sometimes unravel in unanticipated ways.
A young man, whose life lies ahead of him. An old man, whose life is all in the past. And a few months that change everything. A Hundred Little Flames is a charming account of a relationship across generations and also a meditative look at the issues of old people.
Preeti Shenoy’s foray into new fictional terrain is an absolute triumph!
Ayan, a young man, loses his job after a success party fiasco, and retreats back to his ancestral hometown in Kerala where his aging grandfather lives in his large mansion. For ages, Gopal Shankar, the grandfather, has done his duties towards his family contently and responsibly yet he never found any love or respect from his children or from his deceased wife. But after Ayan's arrival and owing to his curious and understand heart and mind, Gopal Shankar can finally open the box of happy memories that he buried deep into the folds of his hearts. Ayan too immediately can see the truth behind his grandfather's healthy mental condition that his father and his aunt have tried to make it look unstable and crazy for their own benefits. But when his grandfather is forcibly admitted to a mental asylum by Ayan's father, Gopal Shankar realizes that it is time to let Ayan walk down the memory lanes of his past life because only then he can be saved. And gradually both Ayan and Gopal Shankar's lives change for the good.
This isn't the first time that I read a book by this author. Previously, I've read two books by the author and have found them to be okay and kinda cliched. But boy, oh boy, A Hundred Little Flames simply changed my perspective about the author completely changed and her foray into the world of family drama and literary fiction is simply brilliant. Stories should be something like that can make you feel or make you relate with the events, and Shenoy's new book does that successfully. Not only it moved me thoroughly but also enlightened my mind and soul about life and its realities, how to stand up for oneself, and how to live for love.
The author's writing style is exquisitely and is laced with enough emotions to move the readers deeply all through out. The narrative is engaging, articulate and evocative that will make the readers relate to the lot easily. Not only that, the dialogues are often laced with local dialect with their English translation right at the bottom of the page, keeping in mind of the readers' ease in reading the story. The flawless prose and the fast and gripping pace, only makes the book one hell of a page-turning read for one and all.
The story will teach the readers a strong lesson about the importance of family, especially the importance of the older family member whom the children or the grandchildren often neglect. From Gopal Shankar's life, Ayan learnt about the importance of love, respect, responsibility and embracing challenges and withstanding them courageously and like a rock. A must read book for one & all.
The characters are penned and developed with realism and honesty, thereby making them look believable in the yes of the readers. I bet many modern, young readers can relate to the journey of Ayan, who has forever danced to the tunes of his father, and older people can relate to the life of Gopal Shankar and how he has forever been misunderstood and neglected by his children. Ayan's curious soul and his grandfather's humble nature will strike the minds of the readers and these two characters, besides many other well-developed and interesting supporting characters, are bound to leave an impression in the minds of the readers long after the story has ended.
In a nutshell, this compelling, poignant and often heart breaking story about a regular Indian family will arrest and intrigue the souls and minds of all the readers.
Verdict: Definitely a must-read book and a sure shot bestseller!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers for giving me an opportunity to read and review an early copy of the book.
----Criss Jami
Preeti Shenoy, an Indian bestselling, pens a heart warming family drama in her new book called, A Hundred Little Flames that centers around the bond of friendship between a young man, who has recently lost his job in the city, and his aging yet humble grandfather, living in his ancestral home in a small village in Kerala. When the paths of the two collide through trust, love, and through a beautiful story, of two friends whose fates never let them to tie the knot in a holy matrimony, the young man and the grandfather learn a lot about life from one another and also learn to live for themselves.
Synopsis:
Sometimes, a journey back is a step forward.
When 26-year-old Ayan is sent to live with his grumpy old grandfather Gopal Shanker, in a tiny village, in Kerala, he is understandably devastated. What can a sleepy, idyllic village without even Internet connectivity offer a young man?
To make matters worse, Jairaj, Ayan’s domineering father has his own plans and is determined to have his way. Soon, Ayan has to come to terms with the hard realities of life and the blindness of greed as he and Gopal Shanker learn that life can sometimes unravel in unanticipated ways.
A young man, whose life lies ahead of him. An old man, whose life is all in the past. And a few months that change everything. A Hundred Little Flames is a charming account of a relationship across generations and also a meditative look at the issues of old people.
Preeti Shenoy’s foray into new fictional terrain is an absolute triumph!
Ayan, a young man, loses his job after a success party fiasco, and retreats back to his ancestral hometown in Kerala where his aging grandfather lives in his large mansion. For ages, Gopal Shankar, the grandfather, has done his duties towards his family contently and responsibly yet he never found any love or respect from his children or from his deceased wife. But after Ayan's arrival and owing to his curious and understand heart and mind, Gopal Shankar can finally open the box of happy memories that he buried deep into the folds of his hearts. Ayan too immediately can see the truth behind his grandfather's healthy mental condition that his father and his aunt have tried to make it look unstable and crazy for their own benefits. But when his grandfather is forcibly admitted to a mental asylum by Ayan's father, Gopal Shankar realizes that it is time to let Ayan walk down the memory lanes of his past life because only then he can be saved. And gradually both Ayan and Gopal Shankar's lives change for the good.
This isn't the first time that I read a book by this author. Previously, I've read two books by the author and have found them to be okay and kinda cliched. But boy, oh boy, A Hundred Little Flames simply changed my perspective about the author completely changed and her foray into the world of family drama and literary fiction is simply brilliant. Stories should be something like that can make you feel or make you relate with the events, and Shenoy's new book does that successfully. Not only it moved me thoroughly but also enlightened my mind and soul about life and its realities, how to stand up for oneself, and how to live for love.
The author's writing style is exquisitely and is laced with enough emotions to move the readers deeply all through out. The narrative is engaging, articulate and evocative that will make the readers relate to the lot easily. Not only that, the dialogues are often laced with local dialect with their English translation right at the bottom of the page, keeping in mind of the readers' ease in reading the story. The flawless prose and the fast and gripping pace, only makes the book one hell of a page-turning read for one and all.
The story will teach the readers a strong lesson about the importance of family, especially the importance of the older family member whom the children or the grandchildren often neglect. From Gopal Shankar's life, Ayan learnt about the importance of love, respect, responsibility and embracing challenges and withstanding them courageously and like a rock. A must read book for one & all.
The characters are penned and developed with realism and honesty, thereby making them look believable in the yes of the readers. I bet many modern, young readers can relate to the journey of Ayan, who has forever danced to the tunes of his father, and older people can relate to the life of Gopal Shankar and how he has forever been misunderstood and neglected by his children. Ayan's curious soul and his grandfather's humble nature will strike the minds of the readers and these two characters, besides many other well-developed and interesting supporting characters, are bound to leave an impression in the minds of the readers long after the story has ended.
In a nutshell, this compelling, poignant and often heart breaking story about a regular Indian family will arrest and intrigue the souls and minds of all the readers.
Verdict: Definitely a must-read book and a sure shot bestseller!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers for giving me an opportunity to read and review an early copy of the book.
January 18, 2018
LOVED this book. It is such a nice story with extremely beautiful descriptions about Kerela and Pondicherry. You realise the true beauty of these places and you long to visit and see these for yourself (if you haven't seen already).
The book, a hundred little flames, is so much about relationships with themes like loneliness faced by old people, lack of self confidence and appreciation for deeper things in life by the younger generation, disregard of children for their elder parents and the true love that's beyond the understanding of many people. Everything in the book seemed so surreal and exquisite.
I had such a great time reading it. It isn't a very fast paced novel that you will fly through. It's a novel that you will read at a smooth pace while enjoying every moment of reading this book.
Do pick this up!
The book, a hundred little flames, is so much about relationships with themes like loneliness faced by old people, lack of self confidence and appreciation for deeper things in life by the younger generation, disregard of children for their elder parents and the true love that's beyond the understanding of many people. Everything in the book seemed so surreal and exquisite.
I had such a great time reading it. It isn't a very fast paced novel that you will fly through. It's a novel that you will read at a smooth pace while enjoying every moment of reading this book.
Do pick this up!
December 19, 2017
The diary entries of Mr Gopal is great to read and imagine.
Other than that, the dialogues seems cliche. Every time Velu, a housekeeper, calling Ayan, the protagonist, 'Ayan Sir' and his grandpa as 'Gopal Sir' is irritating a bit. I mean, every time?
Although the story lights on the contemporary real issue of children trying to abandon their old parents, the surrounding conditions seems not so real.
Other than that, the dialogues seems cliche. Every time Velu, a housekeeper, calling Ayan, the protagonist, 'Ayan Sir' and his grandpa as 'Gopal Sir' is irritating a bit. I mean, every time?
Although the story lights on the contemporary real issue of children trying to abandon their old parents, the surrounding conditions seems not so real.
December 11, 2017
Preeti shenoy is one of those authors who can talk about a sensitive topic and touch the soul of the reader. Her language is simplistic and keeps you glued to the book.
About the book, another master piece from the author where it speaks about what life has in store for them. Speaks about love in its purest form. The description of the places in the book brings in a feeling of actually being there and experiencing everything first hand. A real page turner.
About the book, another master piece from the author where it speaks about what life has in store for them. Speaks about love in its purest form. The description of the places in the book brings in a feeling of actually being there and experiencing everything first hand. A real page turner.
January 9, 2018
This is the third book of Preeti Shenoy's that I have read, and it did not disappoint! I feel that Preeti Shenoy is one of those authors who writes relationships really well. Her style of writing is very fluid and easy to read, and she dwells into human relationships in such a manner that the reader can effortlessly relate and root for her main characters.
What I liked about “A Hundred Little Flames” is the message it conveys on how important it is to work hard to build trust to understand one another and develop a strong relationship without giving up easily. In our ever changing world where social media and mobile apps have become an integral part of our lives, by giving us so much freedom and accessibility to choose a product or a partner with a swipe of the screen, it also has a downside in that people give up easily on others if they find a fault in them, as they have numerous other options to find someone new. So, reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air to remind us that while these technological advancements might be good in some ways, the human bond and the way we personally interact with others and dedicate time to spend with friends and family is truly what matters.
There were some minor parts in the book which I felt could be easily removed. For instance, I felt the author was trying to shove the fact that what Gopal Shankar had Rohini was pure. While the story speaks for itself and the reader feels how special their story is by reading the events, I didn’t feel the need for the author to explicitly mention how special it was (via Ayan’s thoughts) across every other page. Also, I didn’t care much for the scenes between Ayan and Shivani as I thought they were unnecessary (because I wanted to read more about Gopal Shankar’s life) but I understood that the author included these details to show how impatient we have become in trying to build our relationships with people and how we tend to give in more to our physical pleasures than emotional bonds. Another thing that slight disappointed me about this story was how the ‘villains’ didn’t get their comeuppance.
Coming back to the positives, the story itself is written in a beautiful manner of four parts, each focusing on a different timeline of Ayan and his grandfather’s life. Apart from the storyline, the author has pleasingly depicted the majestic beauty of Kerala and its culture. On finishing this book, not only do I want to go back to the ideal village landscape of South India, but I am also motivated to start my own journal entries as a hobby. The main characters Ayan and Gopal Shankar are delightful to read, and the author has nicely portrayed the mindset and behavior of these two characters from two different generations.
Overall, this is a lovely book to read, and definitely one of my favorites by the author.
What I liked about “A Hundred Little Flames” is the message it conveys on how important it is to work hard to build trust to understand one another and develop a strong relationship without giving up easily. In our ever changing world where social media and mobile apps have become an integral part of our lives, by giving us so much freedom and accessibility to choose a product or a partner with a swipe of the screen, it also has a downside in that people give up easily on others if they find a fault in them, as they have numerous other options to find someone new. So, reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air to remind us that while these technological advancements might be good in some ways, the human bond and the way we personally interact with others and dedicate time to spend with friends and family is truly what matters.
There were some minor parts in the book which I felt could be easily removed. For instance, I felt the author was trying to shove the fact that what Gopal Shankar had Rohini was pure. While the story speaks for itself and the reader feels how special their story is by reading the events, I didn’t feel the need for the author to explicitly mention how special it was (via Ayan’s thoughts) across every other page. Also, I didn’t care much for the scenes between Ayan and Shivani as I thought they were unnecessary (because I wanted to read more about Gopal Shankar’s life) but I understood that the author included these details to show how impatient we have become in trying to build our relationships with people and how we tend to give in more to our physical pleasures than emotional bonds. Another thing that slight disappointed me about this story was how the ‘villains’ didn’t get their comeuppance.
Coming back to the positives, the story itself is written in a beautiful manner of four parts, each focusing on a different timeline of Ayan and his grandfather’s life. Apart from the storyline, the author has pleasingly depicted the majestic beauty of Kerala and its culture. On finishing this book, not only do I want to go back to the ideal village landscape of South India, but I am also motivated to start my own journal entries as a hobby. The main characters Ayan and Gopal Shankar are delightful to read, and the author has nicely portrayed the mindset and behavior of these two characters from two different generations.
Overall, this is a lovely book to read, and definitely one of my favorites by the author.
November 24, 2017
‘A Hundred Little Flames’ is an out of the box story for many reasons. I particularly liked the way characters strengthen page after page. The letters in the prose add a great substance and the entire setting of the story is described beautifully, be it Kerala or Pondicherry. The people, weather, landscape, local delicacies and every little detail mentioned shows the amount of research that has gone into the making of the plot. Just reading about them made me want to visit these places and meet those people. Many a times we end up reading a book because it was recommended by someone we know or there are many people talking about it, but I pre-ordered this one knowing the amount of delight the author puts into her writing which is wonderfully contagious and thus serves the purpose. I had a teeny weeny issue with the number and sequence of letters that filled up the last part of the book and the sudden turn of events in the end which seemed like a deliberate climax. More importantly I like the way the story tries to convey a very important message, to look at relationships beyond what we think they are. There is more to an individual than how they are related to us. This was such a great learning lesson.
October 25, 2019
Absolutely loved reading this book.
For once, among the modern writers I liked the way the author unfolded the story.
The story and the book takes a new turn once the backdrop is Kerela and as a reader I could actually see the story in front. This is something rarely found in recent writings.
Also, the way letters have been written for this book is simply mesmerizing. Simple words in the form of letters matched the simpler times very well. It is very surprising that the style of the letters are way very different than the style of the story. It almost makes you feel as if a different author has written the letters.
There are parts of the story which doesn’t stick together - turn of events in the office at the beginning gives a very made up feeling -good part is it ends soon and the actual story starts.
The only thing missing is the connection of the story to the title.
And yet, just for the letters written, it has been a cherishable read !
For once, among the modern writers I liked the way the author unfolded the story.
The story and the book takes a new turn once the backdrop is Kerela and as a reader I could actually see the story in front. This is something rarely found in recent writings.
Also, the way letters have been written for this book is simply mesmerizing. Simple words in the form of letters matched the simpler times very well. It is very surprising that the style of the letters are way very different than the style of the story. It almost makes you feel as if a different author has written the letters.
There are parts of the story which doesn’t stick together - turn of events in the office at the beginning gives a very made up feeling -good part is it ends soon and the actual story starts.
The only thing missing is the connection of the story to the title.
And yet, just for the letters written, it has been a cherishable read !
December 28, 2017
A Hundred Little Flames by Preeti Shenoy is not one of the usual genres for me; I hardly ever read such stories. Now that statement above is the best reason for being open to new ideas and experimentation. Had I continued to be adamant, and ignored this – I would have missed one of the finer books to reach my mind; a sublime soft love story, a heart-warming family drama, and a suspense thriller all rolled into one at the same time in the same book! Well done, Mrs Shenoy – 5 star rating for the book!
The book is about two people. Two real people, anyway. Gopal, and Ayan. Gopal – lonely, alone in a far-off village while the kids go away to set up their own family. And then there is Ayan – who loses his job, inadvertently caught up in corporate cross-fire. Result is his big-shot Dad packs him off to Gopal, the Grandfather. Wonder why he does that – why the sudden love, you would think? At the village house Ayan finds he likes it, and his Grandfather… and they get talking. Now this is a turn of events Jairaj certainly doesn’t want, for reasons that will be revealed later.
Jairaj insists his father has issues, is forgetful, imagines things and people – denying that Rohini, who crops up in conversations of Gopal with Ayan, ever existed. Shaila isn’t on speaking terms with her father – and supports Jairaj. In the midst of this, a minor storm happens, when Jairaj comes home to the village, and packs off his father to the mental asylum, stating senility and such like. Ayan, of course, has no idea. Why does Jairaj do that? Why is Shaila not on speaking terms with her father? Why do the two deny about Rohini, and why does Gopal insist she is real? Why does no one else in the village mention her – even Velu? What is the mystery? Read the book to find out!
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
The book is about two people. Two real people, anyway. Gopal, and Ayan. Gopal – lonely, alone in a far-off village while the kids go away to set up their own family. And then there is Ayan – who loses his job, inadvertently caught up in corporate cross-fire. Result is his big-shot Dad packs him off to Gopal, the Grandfather. Wonder why he does that – why the sudden love, you would think? At the village house Ayan finds he likes it, and his Grandfather… and they get talking. Now this is a turn of events Jairaj certainly doesn’t want, for reasons that will be revealed later.
Jairaj insists his father has issues, is forgetful, imagines things and people – denying that Rohini, who crops up in conversations of Gopal with Ayan, ever existed. Shaila isn’t on speaking terms with her father – and supports Jairaj. In the midst of this, a minor storm happens, when Jairaj comes home to the village, and packs off his father to the mental asylum, stating senility and such like. Ayan, of course, has no idea. Why does Jairaj do that? Why is Shaila not on speaking terms with her father? Why do the two deny about Rohini, and why does Gopal insist she is real? Why does no one else in the village mention her – even Velu? What is the mystery? Read the book to find out!
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
Read
March 11, 2019Ok as I said a friend recommended the book to me. I shall adopt the writing style of the author for review.
*Spoilers ahead*
***Good things that happened***
It was an easy read and I flew through it. It has been a while since I have been able to do so with a book with such small font. The plot felt like soapy like coronation street / east enders but sometimes you need a bit of drama in your life.
Ayan was likeable enough to an extent until. ...
I loved the description of Kerala. I loved the inclusion of Malayli words. The food. I don't know the language. But it made me want to visit Kerala at least once in my life. I haven't yet.
***Bad things***
The writing is atrocious. I could count the number of times she used the words true love and friendship and soul mates. I am not even going into her constant mixing of tenses.
Ayan turns into a total asshole. The way he treats Shivani after she helps him out is not ok.
It is a problem when Veelu seems more fleshed out than Rohini.
NOW can we please address the fact what granfather and Rohini were doing was actually an affair even without the fucking?
And the author who is a woman took away Rohini's agency in the affair when the two men in her life decided behind her back to treat her like their property to give and take. Rohini made her opinion plain yet it were the men's decisions that prevailed. Am beyond disgusted with this author's thinking process.
The book is full of anachronisms. My grandparents would be in their 80s too. Not once have I heard them use terms such as stay at home moms. They were housewives.
And I have to check whether Azhar was the captain of Indian cricket team in 1989!
Overall it wasn't a bad book. Am glad I read it.
Recommended for those who don't want to read classy books by Salman Rushdie / Amitsv Ghosh but don't want to rack the classless muck of Chetan Bhagat. A light read.
*Spoilers ahead*
***Good things that happened***
It was an easy read and I flew through it. It has been a while since I have been able to do so with a book with such small font. The plot felt like soapy like coronation street / east enders but sometimes you need a bit of drama in your life.
Ayan was likeable enough to an extent until. ...
I loved the description of Kerala. I loved the inclusion of Malayli words. The food. I don't know the language. But it made me want to visit Kerala at least once in my life. I haven't yet.
***Bad things***
The writing is atrocious. I could count the number of times she used the words true love and friendship and soul mates. I am not even going into her constant mixing of tenses.
Ayan turns into a total asshole. The way he treats Shivani after she helps him out is not ok.
It is a problem when Veelu seems more fleshed out than Rohini.
NOW can we please address the fact what granfather and Rohini were doing was actually an affair even without the fucking?
And the author who is a woman took away Rohini's agency in the affair when the two men in her life decided behind her back to treat her like their property to give and take. Rohini made her opinion plain yet it were the men's decisions that prevailed. Am beyond disgusted with this author's thinking process.
The book is full of anachronisms. My grandparents would be in their 80s too. Not once have I heard them use terms such as stay at home moms. They were housewives.
And I have to check whether Azhar was the captain of Indian cricket team in 1989!
Overall it wasn't a bad book. Am glad I read it.
Recommended for those who don't want to read classy books by Salman Rushdie / Amitsv Ghosh but don't want to rack the classless muck of Chetan Bhagat. A light read.
December 5, 2017
Before I could start writing my review, my heartfelt thanks to the author for penning such a wonderful story. After looking at the front cover, I had a different notion about the book but when I started reading it, I could not help but lose myself in the story.
This may be a usual story but it is certainly a story with a difference which will make it to stand among other stories and I can also say that if this story is made as a movie - preferably in Malayalam, it will be a sure HIT.
The story shows two contrasting worlds - one that of a every busy and mechanical city life and one that of a serene life of the countryside. The protagonist of the story are not one but three of them. Gopal Shanker, the grandfather of another protagonist Ayan Shanker and Rohini.
The book shows the difference between what goes on in making wrong assumptions. It also emphasises a point strongly that two people can be good friends for life and that friendship can become love or vice-versa which need not have to always end up in sex or marriage.
The journey which Ayan takes from Pune to Thekke Madom(his grandfather's house) in Poongavanam village in Kerala was captured so beautifully by the author and so as the characters associated in the entire story which made me cry literally in few places and I can bet that this story will either make cry or move your heart for sure.
Indulge in it now as once you start reading it, you will lose yourself in this amazing journey.
June 19, 2022
This book focuses on generation gap, controlling parents and how people mistreat their old parents. It also talks about friendship filled with just love with no physical contact or sex. The book is beautifully written and now I will recommended to all to take out some time to read this amazing book.
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars
The plot is nice but I feel like it wasn't executed to its potential. It was dragged out a fair bit and the end seemed too rushed with little explanation being given as to how certain events turned out. But otherwise, it's a nice one-time read is all I'll say.
The plot is nice but I feel like it wasn't executed to its potential. It was dragged out a fair bit and the end seemed too rushed with little explanation being given as to how certain events turned out. But otherwise, it's a nice one-time read is all I'll say.
December 6, 2018
Such a beautiful story this was...
A story of love in its purest form, a story of friendship, a story of sacrifice
Also, there is greed, jealousy, ignorance towards one's own parent.
The story starts as that of Ayan but the real story starts when Ayan reaches kerala and starts to form a beautiful bond with his grandfather... through him he discovers the diaries written by his grandfather "Gopal das" and as the diary entries progress you get to know the bond shared by Gopal das and Rohini..of their love, friendship, struggles, shared moments of joy, sacrifices....
And as they now do not have any information of each other... Ayan steps in to make the two lovers meet... does he suceed? For that you should read the story...
The end will most definately leave you teary eyed...so be ready for that
And enjoy...
A story of love in its purest form, a story of friendship, a story of sacrifice
Also, there is greed, jealousy, ignorance towards one's own parent.
The story starts as that of Ayan but the real story starts when Ayan reaches kerala and starts to form a beautiful bond with his grandfather... through him he discovers the diaries written by his grandfather "Gopal das" and as the diary entries progress you get to know the bond shared by Gopal das and Rohini..of their love, friendship, struggles, shared moments of joy, sacrifices....
And as they now do not have any information of each other... Ayan steps in to make the two lovers meet... does he suceed? For that you should read the story...
The end will most definately leave you teary eyed...so be ready for that
And enjoy...
August 16, 2021
A good read.
I wanted a breather after couple of heavy reads and picked this up.
Smooth flowing story and didn't feel heavy at any point.
The descriptions of the places and the way characters are defined is good.
A very sensitive topic of abandoning elederly people of the family is portrayed in a very nice way.
Liked the journal entry part of Mr Gopal shankar in the book very much.
A quick and light read.
I wanted a breather after couple of heavy reads and picked this up.
Smooth flowing story and didn't feel heavy at any point.
The descriptions of the places and the way characters are defined is good.
A very sensitive topic of abandoning elederly people of the family is portrayed in a very nice way.
Liked the journal entry part of Mr Gopal shankar in the book very much.
A quick and light read.
January 2, 2022
Such a Gem.I had such a great time reading this.It isn't very fast paced novel that you will fly through.It's a smooth yet heartbreaking warm book.It talks more about the relationship, loneliness, FRIENDSHIP...The TRUE BOND that Rohini and Gopal shared over 50 yrs was beyond understanding.Rohini had never give up on Gopal...Even they were not in touch, Even they face hardships...They never giveup on Each other...They proved that True Genuine FRIENDSHIP STILL EXIST...
October 11, 2019
A hundred little flames By Preeti Shenoy is a heartwarming account of Ayan, who visits his grandfather Gopal Shankar in a small village in Kerala. The book is filled with beautiful imagery and close to heart scenarios. Though the story progresses well and gets interesting in the second half, it is a tab bit predictable. There is a lot one can learn from the story and it was good to read a book from an Indian author in an idyllic setting and not in an urban setting. It is a 3.5 star read for me. I appreciate the extensive research and effort put in by the author. She does an extraordinary task at vividly painting the picture of the rural setting , you feel a part of it.
February 16, 2019
Predictable.
The climax was over dramatic; the grandfather died the moment he reached Rohini’s house. The story about Rohini and his relationship progressed on misunderstandings, a trope we are tired of.
However I did like how the book throws light on the plight of the elderly in today’s world, where children are looking for ways to get rid of what they feel is a burden
The climax was over dramatic; the grandfather died the moment he reached Rohini’s house. The story about Rohini and his relationship progressed on misunderstandings, a trope we are tired of.
However I did like how the book throws light on the plight of the elderly in today’s world, where children are looking for ways to get rid of what they feel is a burden
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2024
The story creates suspense in the beginning only ending up meaningless and frutratingly boring. It talks about an extra marital affair between an old couple branding it as "true love". Unnecessary description of places more than the story. People wanting to read quality stuff don't touch this book.
October 6, 2018
Removed my earlier review because I got a lot of pressure from...Hence, I'm changing my rating to 5 stars.
October 18, 2020
There are few books about which you are so excited that you get them as soon as they release but never pick them up thinking that you will read them when there should be an ambience as such around you. I think it is just “reader” thing that makes you think weird arrangements like this. Haha! I finally managed to complete Preeti Shenoy’s “A Hundred Little Flames” which released, well, in 2017, by Westland publication in around 360 pages. Yes, it’s a long book and shall take time for one to finish it after picking up but I must say, it is surely an eventful one even when through the synopsis, the premise of the book looks quite dull.
I have always respected Preeti Shenoy as someone who expresses women’s emotions perfectly with her books and I always like knowing the other person’s perspective hence I started liking and reading more of her novels. But this book is very different from all the other books she has written – this is majorly about men as protagonist- either it’s Ayan or his grandfather – author goes through their personality so deep that the character formation does wonder to their representation in the book. At any point of time, I didn’t feel that the book is fiction just because the kind of development with characters and their respective flashbacks that author has worked upon. It only keeps going upwards in an upward trend – with each page you will find their characters more mature and powerful than before. That’s the speciality of this book. Even the supporting characters are so involved in the story.
Another thing I would like to point out is the ambience of the locality in which the authoress has based her story in. This story needed a serene place rather than a metro set-up and author has done full justice by basing the tale in a village set-up at Kerala. Even the story shifts out from there, it reaches Pondicherry which is again beautifully described. Even when I haven’t travelled to those places, I could imagine the whole nature, climate, sunrise, sunset, delicacies, food, locale people etc. just through the writer’s words. The research has been terrific and it shows in every scene.
Preeti has been a next-level philosophical in this book against all the books she wrote before this one. The conversation between both- grandfather and grandson brings many moments where one of the characters are getting enlightened about handling an aspect of life which they had not thought of it the way other character presented. Somewhere, you shall definitely look within and think of your relationships and the depth into them after reading the diary entries of the grandfather – Gopal Shanker.
The chemistry between him and Rohini is so beautifully described that I just couldn’t fall in love with it. I wish to believe that it’s true. With that, author also puts light on how the love has been looked upon by the previous generations and the current one where we make into bed without even knowing each other well with minimum emotional exchange. The aesthetics maintained by the authoress while describing those diary entries and the relationship of these two characters are just excellent.
Similarly, author also puts light on many other social elements through this book – how a youth suffers when peers are performing well whereas they end up being jobless or how the people in villages accept us wholeheartedly against the people in cities where we have to prove ourselves with our status or how people end up putting their parents in mental asylum or old-age houses just for their lust of owning their property or how parents don’t care about their children’s emotions anymore for their lust of power. Author has also spoken in depth on mental health issues and how fragile a person becomes when dealing with it. Preeti has also spoken about in her previous and latest works but it remains to be a major part in this story too.
Talking about the drawbacks – I wished if the climax was little happier than the way it ended. Also, I felt that the pre-climax and climax was abruptly ended – author had chance to make it a beautiful end to the relationship. There are few mistakes in the Date-stamps mentioned in the diary entries – which is avoidable. I also felt that there could have been a good closure on Ayan’s relationship with Shivani – I didn’t feel it as justified. And – the synopsis of the book doesn’t do justice to the beauty of this book which I feel author should have written with more depth and story elements.
Overall, this is a very beautiful book which you would love reading if you have been missing someone or looking for understanding relationships and people more. You will also start looking at old-age people differently after reading this. I am seriously missing my grandfather after reading this book. Well done, Preeti Shenoy! I rate this book 4.5* out of 5. It deserves to be read and re-read.
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
I have always respected Preeti Shenoy as someone who expresses women’s emotions perfectly with her books and I always like knowing the other person’s perspective hence I started liking and reading more of her novels. But this book is very different from all the other books she has written – this is majorly about men as protagonist- either it’s Ayan or his grandfather – author goes through their personality so deep that the character formation does wonder to their representation in the book. At any point of time, I didn’t feel that the book is fiction just because the kind of development with characters and their respective flashbacks that author has worked upon. It only keeps going upwards in an upward trend – with each page you will find their characters more mature and powerful than before. That’s the speciality of this book. Even the supporting characters are so involved in the story.
Another thing I would like to point out is the ambience of the locality in which the authoress has based her story in. This story needed a serene place rather than a metro set-up and author has done full justice by basing the tale in a village set-up at Kerala. Even the story shifts out from there, it reaches Pondicherry which is again beautifully described. Even when I haven’t travelled to those places, I could imagine the whole nature, climate, sunrise, sunset, delicacies, food, locale people etc. just through the writer’s words. The research has been terrific and it shows in every scene.
Preeti has been a next-level philosophical in this book against all the books she wrote before this one. The conversation between both- grandfather and grandson brings many moments where one of the characters are getting enlightened about handling an aspect of life which they had not thought of it the way other character presented. Somewhere, you shall definitely look within and think of your relationships and the depth into them after reading the diary entries of the grandfather – Gopal Shanker.
The chemistry between him and Rohini is so beautifully described that I just couldn’t fall in love with it. I wish to believe that it’s true. With that, author also puts light on how the love has been looked upon by the previous generations and the current one where we make into bed without even knowing each other well with minimum emotional exchange. The aesthetics maintained by the authoress while describing those diary entries and the relationship of these two characters are just excellent.
Similarly, author also puts light on many other social elements through this book – how a youth suffers when peers are performing well whereas they end up being jobless or how the people in villages accept us wholeheartedly against the people in cities where we have to prove ourselves with our status or how people end up putting their parents in mental asylum or old-age houses just for their lust of owning their property or how parents don’t care about their children’s emotions anymore for their lust of power. Author has also spoken in depth on mental health issues and how fragile a person becomes when dealing with it. Preeti has also spoken about in her previous and latest works but it remains to be a major part in this story too.
Talking about the drawbacks – I wished if the climax was little happier than the way it ended. Also, I felt that the pre-climax and climax was abruptly ended – author had chance to make it a beautiful end to the relationship. There are few mistakes in the Date-stamps mentioned in the diary entries – which is avoidable. I also felt that there could have been a good closure on Ayan’s relationship with Shivani – I didn’t feel it as justified. And – the synopsis of the book doesn’t do justice to the beauty of this book which I feel author should have written with more depth and story elements.
Overall, this is a very beautiful book which you would love reading if you have been missing someone or looking for understanding relationships and people more. You will also start looking at old-age people differently after reading this. I am seriously missing my grandfather after reading this book. Well done, Preeti Shenoy! I rate this book 4.5* out of 5. It deserves to be read and re-read.
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
January 7, 2018
http://pebbleinthestillwaters.com/a-h...
A Heart Touching Story
A Hundred Little Flames by Preeti Shenoy is a story of eternal and selfless love on one hand. And on the other hand, it is about selfishness. It is also about values and relationships. The story revolves around three generations of a family. But above all, it is the style of writing that's mesmerizing. The flow of the story is magical yet simply touches the heart. It depicts two kinds of people. The first kind of people care about relations, follow societal bindings and discipline, and live with values and moral. On the other hand, the second kind of people has only money and success as their top priority for which they can do anything. The book is like a mirror that lets you introspect what category you fall in. In fact, all the characters look like people we find in real life.
It is easy to become practical and heartless like Jairaj and Shaila but difficult to become thoughtful and sensible like Gopal Shanker, Ayan, Velu, Nithya, and Rohini. There, you find two extremes of personalities and characters. A Hundred Little Flames is about hope and faith. In all, there are 40 chapters and 360 pages. There are four sections - Thekke Madom, Gopal Shanker, Rohini, and A Hundred Little Flames. There are important takeaways for every generation in this beautiful fiction. Ayan loses his first job without any fault of his. He has to leave his job in a multinational company on a bad note and a label that restricts him getting another job despite having good quantification. For a change, life takes him to a small village in Kerala to stay with his grandfather Gopal Shanker. And that becomes a point of a big transformation in his life.
A Hundred Little Flames Is Simple Yet Powerful. In fact, he comes to know so many facts and truths about his own family members there. And there is one more person he gets to know through his grandfather who becomes the most important person in his life and his biggest inspiration. Nobody is right or wrong in this story. It is all about circumstances and situations that impact our lives in a big way. There are some excellent lines in this book A Hundred Little Flames that I would like to share here:
Many times, things have a way of sorting themselves out. We just need to be patient. p79
We all try too hard to do the right thing and stay in control. Once in a way, we should just let go and see what it takes. p96
Things are only as expensive as the value you place on them. p244
Memories are best packed up and put away in boxes. p246
Finer things in life take time. But once you get them, they are yours forever to treasure. Just like true friendship and true love. p331
The problem of the present generation is that they are not willing to give time to a relationship. They should allow it to breathe. To grow. They should nurture it. Above all, they should be patient. p339
Life is full of surprises. We do things which we never thought we would. p345
When those we love die, they live on inside us. p360
And then there is A Hundred Little Flames that you discover on p93. Dancing. Creating a mesmerizing sight. Overall, a nice story by Preeti Shenoy.
A Heart Touching Story
A Hundred Little Flames by Preeti Shenoy is a story of eternal and selfless love on one hand. And on the other hand, it is about selfishness. It is also about values and relationships. The story revolves around three generations of a family. But above all, it is the style of writing that's mesmerizing. The flow of the story is magical yet simply touches the heart. It depicts two kinds of people. The first kind of people care about relations, follow societal bindings and discipline, and live with values and moral. On the other hand, the second kind of people has only money and success as their top priority for which they can do anything. The book is like a mirror that lets you introspect what category you fall in. In fact, all the characters look like people we find in real life.
It is easy to become practical and heartless like Jairaj and Shaila but difficult to become thoughtful and sensible like Gopal Shanker, Ayan, Velu, Nithya, and Rohini. There, you find two extremes of personalities and characters. A Hundred Little Flames is about hope and faith. In all, there are 40 chapters and 360 pages. There are four sections - Thekke Madom, Gopal Shanker, Rohini, and A Hundred Little Flames. There are important takeaways for every generation in this beautiful fiction. Ayan loses his first job without any fault of his. He has to leave his job in a multinational company on a bad note and a label that restricts him getting another job despite having good quantification. For a change, life takes him to a small village in Kerala to stay with his grandfather Gopal Shanker. And that becomes a point of a big transformation in his life.
A Hundred Little Flames Is Simple Yet Powerful. In fact, he comes to know so many facts and truths about his own family members there. And there is one more person he gets to know through his grandfather who becomes the most important person in his life and his biggest inspiration. Nobody is right or wrong in this story. It is all about circumstances and situations that impact our lives in a big way. There are some excellent lines in this book A Hundred Little Flames that I would like to share here:
Many times, things have a way of sorting themselves out. We just need to be patient. p79
We all try too hard to do the right thing and stay in control. Once in a way, we should just let go and see what it takes. p96
Things are only as expensive as the value you place on them. p244
Memories are best packed up and put away in boxes. p246
Finer things in life take time. But once you get them, they are yours forever to treasure. Just like true friendship and true love. p331
The problem of the present generation is that they are not willing to give time to a relationship. They should allow it to breathe. To grow. They should nurture it. Above all, they should be patient. p339
Life is full of surprises. We do things which we never thought we would. p345
When those we love die, they live on inside us. p360
And then there is A Hundred Little Flames that you discover on p93. Dancing. Creating a mesmerizing sight. Overall, a nice story by Preeti Shenoy.
September 20, 2024
Every time her books never fail to amaze me in some form. The setting of this book in Kottayam was so serene. Life indeed slowed down when i was even reading this book. The way gopal Shankar & Rohini dealt with his everyday life shows despite all the losses shows their endurance . The author made it clear " When some people aren't meant to be together,they can't help oblige to that" through a rushed ending. She writes about mental health well researched in her novels, this time focusing on the issues faced by geriatrics. She clearly contrasted the present generation relationship speed & the then generation's lack of courage. But I couldn't help seeing the relationship between gopal Shankar & Rohini through multiple POV's of their family, their reaction feels justified. I feel Rohini should have made their relationship certain with her husband & not to just hide it in the name of friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
Yet another brilliant book from the author. Though there is absolutely no excuse for me to pick up reading this book this late, the magic and the charm of the author is not lost on the reader as she takes us through yet another compelling issue which the society faces. The best part of Preeti Shenoy's writing which I am in complete amazement of, has got to be the level of detailing and the scenarios she brings with her writing. This book was based out of Kerala and each and every scene is explained in amazing explicit detail but also never ever bores the reader. It was a pleasant read with a deep seated message to the next generation. A breezy read but intense in some parts, this book, like the rest from the author, will be one of my favorite reads.
September 3, 2018
This was an engaging and a riveting read. Kerala is truly beautiful as described by the author of not more. It was love at first sight for me with Kerala, it's sights and sound and food :-). Relationships are tricky.. To find true love and true friendship and not be in a physical relationship with the person is a sensitive topic and needs to handled with care. It has to be represented sensitively. There i feel it could have been a bit more sensitive than what was written. Without judging the characters involved. However there was maturity in the way Ayan acted throughout.. Climax i felt was a bit abrupt and anti climatic.
So four stars for the engaging read, lovely Kerala and to relationships so pure.
So four stars for the engaging read, lovely Kerala and to relationships so pure.
October 2, 2018
It's an emotional roller coaster ride, starting off slow and picking up pace with introduction of the main character - Gopal. The ride takes you to the peak of joy, happiness and when it drops, an air of melancholy surrounds you.
The second half of the book keeps you strongly connected with the characters and their feelings. It showcases the beautiful bond of pure love along with the differences in meaning of relationships across generations. It might stir your innermost emotions that have been lying dormant for years. A good read.
The second half of the book keeps you strongly connected with the characters and their feelings. It showcases the beautiful bond of pure love along with the differences in meaning of relationships across generations. It might stir your innermost emotions that have been lying dormant for years. A good read.
December 24, 2021
Lovely and easy read. Story is gripping, language is easy to read, characters are relatable. Although, I could sense it will end the way it ended, I was hoping for a different ending.
This book feels different from other books by Indian authors of current generation. There is a story and there are life lessons which are subtle (not forced fitted). Narration of story through the 30 year old diary is a very refreshing. It beautifully brings out the contrast in lifestyle/thinking of then-vs-now.
This book feels different from other books by Indian authors of current generation. There is a story and there are life lessons which are subtle (not forced fitted). Narration of story through the 30 year old diary is a very refreshing. It beautifully brings out the contrast in lifestyle/thinking of then-vs-now.
January 10, 2020
What a beauty ??!! The book is an absolute stunner, #AHundredLittleFlames , it was a stream of emotions and the beauty of past generation we go through and visualise experience that is not much less than time travel, the book just takes you back to 1980s letting the feel the pleasure of being in love way back then, It would not be exaggeration if I say that this is the best book I have read till date, and surely a lovely book, the way story flows through and unfolds itself is a really exciting thing to happen, and there's something to mention about the beauty of kerala, the way it was described and presented was simply splendid giving us a clear picture, you feel the same as Ayan who narrates the story mostly, the narration just makes you get into Ayan's shoes and feel the whole story just as if it's happening to you.! There are two jewels in the story namely Rohini and Gopal Shankar, the reason why I mentioned them as jewels will unveil only if you read it for yourself..! A must read if you ask me...! The smile in my face while reading the book shows it all, the content we get when we finish a book is something so good, it feels so nice the we have just lived through another world.
April 20, 2020
The book "A Hundred Little Flames", is so fascinating that I have been taken back to those golden years of pure and never-ending love, for a while. The story itself holds a huge lot of precious morals every human being should possess, that would cherish one's life. And I must admire that the author's way of narrating each and every situation and surroundings was so precise that have made me feel alive...
December 3, 2017
A Hundred Little Flames
It's not even been few minutes since I completed this book.I want to tell you right now I am feeling very shabby and drab about the ending..having mixed emotions about the story of a hundred little flames..!! Well, I think the protagonist here is Gopal Shanker and Rohini..I really don't want to be a spoiler for the readers who haven't completed this book yet but I want to tell you that I haven't read a story like this ever before..since the day I started reading it felt like Gopal Shanker has become a part of my life..now I really wish that I could be had grandfather like this..muttacha..huh..I don't think that was the case in my story..but anyway...I somehow felt the Ayan's story was little bit sidetracked with Shivani and I really want the second part of this book so that author can give justice to his story too...
The quote from the book :
“all great men keep diaries. It gives a sense of direction, it documents where your days went, and it serves as a tool for self-improvement.”
Well fortunately from this year i.e. 2017 I started writing journals..and in the beginning I didn't knew how to write the journals but sooner and later I learned and got the understanding of writing the journals..but after reading Gopal shanker's diary I can tell you that I felt so much motivated to write more and also got the ability to write the diary in an effective way..perhaps I usually write the diary every day and that is what I really like to do and although I can't keep it like the way gopal shanker did..I mean to write the diary occasionally and just when he feels like to..sorry if I get digress from the review of the book..The story moves from Ayan to Gopal Shanker and Gopal Shanker to the ayan..their loyal servant named Velu also made a great connection..he is very innocent and good servant..more like a family member of Thekke madom..Preeti shenoy has explained the beauty of kerala in such a nice way that I could easily imagine the fictional village poongavanam in my mind and can feel the nature surrounding the thekke madom..i just loved it..the tragical story of Gopal and Rohini made me feel like to cry..the kind of sacrifice and immense bond of love between them gives me sense of feeling about how I am grateful in my life to have a companion whom I love and I can be with her no matter what happens..its been just 10mins since I completed this book but it still going through my mind in a repeat mode and I have already started missing Gopal shanker and Rohini..although I must say I wouldnt able to connect much with Ayan as the story was much lesser of him than Gopal..but it gives a treat of reading the story about the old age relationships..moreover it's also about the relationship which don't have any intimate relations but more of the friendship and the significance of being with together and spending more time with whom you love..rather just being physical to someone which is not always love..it teaches you how to be in love with someone with such distance between the two person.. the compromises they made for their love were exceptional even i thought how can someone be so selfless..the character of padmaja was really annoying but I think it's a case of mental illness..I feel the over possessiveness of Gopal Shankar's wife Padmaja made the relationship more suffocated..the two other characters jairaj and shaila were also on the negative side of the story.After all this, i want to tell you that I am just writing my review about how I felt the story was rather than giving you the overview of the story as its much better that you must read this story and I don't want to give any spoilers...In the end, I want to request Preeti Shenoy to make a second part of the book as I really want to know more about the Thekke Madom, Rohini, Ayan and Shivani's relationship.
For this extraordinary concept and remarkable writing, I would like to give 5 * to the Preeti Shenoy's 9th Edition "A Hundred Little Flames"
It's not even been few minutes since I completed this book.I want to tell you right now I am feeling very shabby and drab about the ending..having mixed emotions about the story of a hundred little flames..!! Well, I think the protagonist here is Gopal Shanker and Rohini..I really don't want to be a spoiler for the readers who haven't completed this book yet but I want to tell you that I haven't read a story like this ever before..since the day I started reading it felt like Gopal Shanker has become a part of my life..now I really wish that I could be had grandfather like this..muttacha..huh..I don't think that was the case in my story..but anyway...I somehow felt the Ayan's story was little bit sidetracked with Shivani and I really want the second part of this book so that author can give justice to his story too...
The quote from the book :
“all great men keep diaries. It gives a sense of direction, it documents where your days went, and it serves as a tool for self-improvement.”
Well fortunately from this year i.e. 2017 I started writing journals..and in the beginning I didn't knew how to write the journals but sooner and later I learned and got the understanding of writing the journals..but after reading Gopal shanker's diary I can tell you that I felt so much motivated to write more and also got the ability to write the diary in an effective way..perhaps I usually write the diary every day and that is what I really like to do and although I can't keep it like the way gopal shanker did..I mean to write the diary occasionally and just when he feels like to..sorry if I get digress from the review of the book..The story moves from Ayan to Gopal Shanker and Gopal Shanker to the ayan..their loyal servant named Velu also made a great connection..he is very innocent and good servant..more like a family member of Thekke madom..Preeti shenoy has explained the beauty of kerala in such a nice way that I could easily imagine the fictional village poongavanam in my mind and can feel the nature surrounding the thekke madom..i just loved it..the tragical story of Gopal and Rohini made me feel like to cry..the kind of sacrifice and immense bond of love between them gives me sense of feeling about how I am grateful in my life to have a companion whom I love and I can be with her no matter what happens..its been just 10mins since I completed this book but it still going through my mind in a repeat mode and I have already started missing Gopal shanker and Rohini..although I must say I wouldnt able to connect much with Ayan as the story was much lesser of him than Gopal..but it gives a treat of reading the story about the old age relationships..moreover it's also about the relationship which don't have any intimate relations but more of the friendship and the significance of being with together and spending more time with whom you love..rather just being physical to someone which is not always love..it teaches you how to be in love with someone with such distance between the two person.. the compromises they made for their love were exceptional even i thought how can someone be so selfless..the character of padmaja was really annoying but I think it's a case of mental illness..I feel the over possessiveness of Gopal Shankar's wife Padmaja made the relationship more suffocated..the two other characters jairaj and shaila were also on the negative side of the story.After all this, i want to tell you that I am just writing my review about how I felt the story was rather than giving you the overview of the story as its much better that you must read this story and I don't want to give any spoilers...In the end, I want to request Preeti Shenoy to make a second part of the book as I really want to know more about the Thekke Madom, Rohini, Ayan and Shivani's relationship.
For this extraordinary concept and remarkable writing, I would like to give 5 * to the Preeti Shenoy's 9th Edition "A Hundred Little Flames"
December 3, 2018
The best book by Preethi Shenoy. Soothing narrative of an ancestral property in Kerala coupled with its natural beauty is the central attraction of this book. Also the relationship Between Ayan and his Grandfather Gopal Shankar is enviable in today's world where such things are rare to experience. It also makes the reader think about some rights and wrongs of life. Wonderful read. Do not miss this book
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