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Out With Lanterns
You venture out into the night, armed with lanterns, looking for yourself. You navigate this path ridden with complexities, questions and undefinable emotions. And sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you might just find love.
Out With Lanterns is a genre-breaking novel that traces the delicate, yet intricate nuances of human relationships. It is not just a story about love. It is a tale about the tumultuous journey life sends us on.
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage.
In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
The choices facing them are difficult. Should they hurt the ones who love them for the beguiling promise of an ideal relationship sizzling with cerebral chemistry? The shades of life and love are not black and white. There are no heroes and no villains. Are these boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human?
Out With Lanterns is a genre-breaking novel that traces the delicate, yet intricate nuances of human relationships. It is not just a story about love. It is a tale about the tumultuous journey life sends us on.
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage.
In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
The choices facing them are difficult. Should they hurt the ones who love them for the beguiling promise of an ideal relationship sizzling with cerebral chemistry? The shades of life and love are not black and white. There are no heroes and no villains. Are these boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human?
204 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2018
2 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Alisha 'Priti' Kirpalani
3 books36 followersAlisha 'Priti' Kirpalani lives in Mumbai along with her husband, two daughters, one cat and over a hundred board games. From full length novels to blogging to micro-fiction, she is known for the elegant language and insightful nature of her emotionally - charged writing.
She is the author of :
"Ghosts In Our Backyard - The Ramsays' real-life encounters with the supernatural" published by HarperCollins
'Out With Lanterns' a genre breaking novel about the discovery of life, love and everything in between.
'A Smattering of Darkness' a collection of short and shorter twisted tales dealing with the human psyche.
She was acknowledged as a top writer in Feminism for her blog on Medium. https://medium.com/@alisha-k
Follow her on :
https://www.facebook.com/alishapritik...
https://www.instagram.com/alisha_prit...
https://twitter.com/alisha_k
She is the author of :
"Ghosts In Our Backyard - The Ramsays' real-life encounters with the supernatural" published by HarperCollins
'Out With Lanterns' a genre breaking novel about the discovery of life, love and everything in between.
'A Smattering of Darkness' a collection of short and shorter twisted tales dealing with the human psyche.
She was acknowledged as a top writer in Feminism for her blog on Medium. https://medium.com/@alisha-k
Follow her on :
https://www.facebook.com/alishapritik...
https://www.instagram.com/alisha_prit...
https://twitter.com/alisha_k
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January 26, 2018DNF. Buddy read this one with Amy. She loved it, I didn't connect at all. And thus the world goes round. We're still buddies and the world has sooooooo many books to read and disagree on. Ain't it grand?
December 21, 2017
What’s not to like about this book?!
I loved each word, pausing after each chapter just to reflect on what I had read. I loved the flow; loved the style of narration.
The editing is flawless and Indrani Ganguly deserves full marks for the plot does not slacken even for a moment.
The email exchanges between Karin and Aksh are my favourite bits of the novel. Full of insightful peeks into Karin and Aksh’s lives, they keep the narrative racing ahead. Interspersed with the actual story-telling, it makes for a very entertaining and engaging read.
The book also captures a writer’s life and struggles brilliantly. For anyone who wants to be a writer, or anyone who idly wonders what it is to be a writer, this book is a must read! This is a writer’s bible as much as it is a delight for the reader.
For me, it truly was a page-turner, and is very much one of my favourite reads of 2017.
I loved each word, pausing after each chapter just to reflect on what I had read. I loved the flow; loved the style of narration.
The editing is flawless and Indrani Ganguly deserves full marks for the plot does not slacken even for a moment.
The email exchanges between Karin and Aksh are my favourite bits of the novel. Full of insightful peeks into Karin and Aksh’s lives, they keep the narrative racing ahead. Interspersed with the actual story-telling, it makes for a very entertaining and engaging read.
The book also captures a writer’s life and struggles brilliantly. For anyone who wants to be a writer, or anyone who idly wonders what it is to be a writer, this book is a must read! This is a writer’s bible as much as it is a delight for the reader.
For me, it truly was a page-turner, and is very much one of my favourite reads of 2017.
December 26, 2017
Superb storytelling, Engaging characters and brilliant narrative is how I would describe "Out with Lantern’s" by Alisha Kriplani. Her style of narration, mainly through letters exchanged between the 2 main protangonists – Aksh and Karin was turely engaging.
Aksh and Karin meet accidently at a book launch where she accuses him of “stealing her story.” Then begins their virtual affair. It is a story portraying the eternal struggle of the human mind to balance between individual desires and those of family and society.
Sentences remained in my head days after I finished the book.
Karin’s character is one with whom 90% of Indian women will identify with.
Finally a book I could not put down and read it cover to cover in a single sitting. It is a highly recommended read for people who are keen students of human nature.
Aksh and Karin meet accidently at a book launch where she accuses him of “stealing her story.” Then begins their virtual affair. It is a story portraying the eternal struggle of the human mind to balance between individual desires and those of family and society.
Sentences remained in my head days after I finished the book.
Karin’s character is one with whom 90% of Indian women will identify with.
Finally a book I could not put down and read it cover to cover in a single sitting. It is a highly recommended read for people who are keen students of human nature.
January 31, 2018
Alisha Kirpalani’s book, Out With Lanterns, is a book that would thrill avid readers and writers. Peppered with literary references, protagonists who are writers and mentions of various wonderful books and poems, this book is a treat for every bibliophile.
The story is about the difficult choices that you have to make in the journey of life. The author makes us wonder what exactly it means to be ‘happily married’. Does it mean that a person finally feels ‘at home’ in a relationship? Or does it mean that the person has found love, and has no reason for any more love in her life? Tough are the decisions that face Karen Mehra, a mother of two and a wannabe writer, when she meets Aksh Soni, a successful writer who is already in a relationship with his girlfriend, Sia.
The most beautiful love is one where there is a meeting of minds rather than just hearts. The relationship between Karin and Aksh is one such relationship. While they do want to give it all up and lose themselves within each other in a love that grows deeper with every passing day, they need to decide whether they are ready to shatter the lives of the others surrounding them.
As the blurb says, in this story, there are no heroes and no villains. The shades of life and love are not black and white. Are these boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human? My initial years in Mumbai were spent among women like Karen and her ‘Gals Gang’. So, when I picked up the book, the first thing that struck me is how realistically the author has been able to depict the life, the language and the attitude of the South Mumbai crowd. In case, you are wondering whether the author has exaggerated in her portrayal of these folks, I would like to clarify that she has been as truthful as possible.
The book follows an epistolary style of storytelling, i.e. the characters in the book move the story forward through written documents. In this case, it is emails that they exchanged with each other. Apart from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Alice Walker’s The Colour Purple, this was the first time that I had read a contemporary book that uses the epistolary style to such a large extent.
The author has taken the effort to keep the tone of the letters as conversational as possible. In fact, since I am a person who loves writing letters (in pen and ink), I found the writing style of the letters pleasant and realistic. However, after reading the book, I realised that epistolary style tends to imbalance the ‘show, not tell’ ratio of storytelling, with the balance tilting towards ‘tell’ more than ‘show’. The author has compensated that with other gripping scenes that are not in epistolary fashion.
To put it in a nutshell, Out With Lanterns is an interesting read that will make you think about human relationships, love and life.
The story is about the difficult choices that you have to make in the journey of life. The author makes us wonder what exactly it means to be ‘happily married’. Does it mean that a person finally feels ‘at home’ in a relationship? Or does it mean that the person has found love, and has no reason for any more love in her life? Tough are the decisions that face Karen Mehra, a mother of two and a wannabe writer, when she meets Aksh Soni, a successful writer who is already in a relationship with his girlfriend, Sia.
The most beautiful love is one where there is a meeting of minds rather than just hearts. The relationship between Karin and Aksh is one such relationship. While they do want to give it all up and lose themselves within each other in a love that grows deeper with every passing day, they need to decide whether they are ready to shatter the lives of the others surrounding them.
As the blurb says, in this story, there are no heroes and no villains. The shades of life and love are not black and white. Are these boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human? My initial years in Mumbai were spent among women like Karen and her ‘Gals Gang’. So, when I picked up the book, the first thing that struck me is how realistically the author has been able to depict the life, the language and the attitude of the South Mumbai crowd. In case, you are wondering whether the author has exaggerated in her portrayal of these folks, I would like to clarify that she has been as truthful as possible.
The book follows an epistolary style of storytelling, i.e. the characters in the book move the story forward through written documents. In this case, it is emails that they exchanged with each other. Apart from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Alice Walker’s The Colour Purple, this was the first time that I had read a contemporary book that uses the epistolary style to such a large extent.
The author has taken the effort to keep the tone of the letters as conversational as possible. In fact, since I am a person who loves writing letters (in pen and ink), I found the writing style of the letters pleasant and realistic. However, after reading the book, I realised that epistolary style tends to imbalance the ‘show, not tell’ ratio of storytelling, with the balance tilting towards ‘tell’ more than ‘show’. The author has compensated that with other gripping scenes that are not in epistolary fashion.
To put it in a nutshell, Out With Lanterns is an interesting read that will make you think about human relationships, love and life.
December 27, 2017
This is a bloody good book! The author has very adeptly captured the male perspective in relationships through the characters of the two male protagonists Aksh and Raoul. The female protagonists, Karin and Sia are obviously very strongly etched. Penned with fluency, this book compels you to think deep about all relationships. I feel connected to her because Alisha almost seems to know my every thought. Hmmm. A woman who understands the emotional content of men. The characters stay with you long after.
Men. I highly recommend you read this novel. It will get you in touch with reality like you never thought possible and maybe help you improve your own relationships while figuring the enigma of women. Romance is a genre I don't usually read and I suspect that applies to most other men too but I'm glad I listened to the recommendation on reading this book. Trust me, you should too. It's different and deep.
The language used in this book is a dying art form. The stringing of sentences, the visual imagery, the incisive understanding of human nature clearly shows that Alisha is a very mature author. This seems to be her first novel, but clearly she's no novice. Like the blurb says, " if you are really lucky, she just might soon write another". Be waiting.
Men. I highly recommend you read this novel. It will get you in touch with reality like you never thought possible and maybe help you improve your own relationships while figuring the enigma of women. Romance is a genre I don't usually read and I suspect that applies to most other men too but I'm glad I listened to the recommendation on reading this book. Trust me, you should too. It's different and deep.
The language used in this book is a dying art form. The stringing of sentences, the visual imagery, the incisive understanding of human nature clearly shows that Alisha is a very mature author. This seems to be her first novel, but clearly she's no novice. Like the blurb says, " if you are really lucky, she just might soon write another". Be waiting.
January 21, 2018
I loved the email exchanges between the main characters! I picked the book at the book fair because I liked the cover. The story deals with intricacies and layers of dynamic relationships. A cool read!
December 24, 2017
Alisha has brilliantly captured the stark hopelessness of men and woman in this disturbingly ruthless expose of the married world. Regardless of where the story is based..South Mumbai or the South of France the human emotions transcend all geographical boundaries . Brutally invasive it compels women and men to take second and third look into their empty yet full lives . As the story progresses one begins to have a love hate relationship with the heroes ...yes heroes..their heroic attempts to grasp at something ...a glimmer of the life they once envisaged for themselves without losing all sense of self.
Ponignant, desperate grasping at lives lived unfulfilled . Beautifully written it makes one feel for each and everyone in that story! This is a book clubs dream book! Well done Alisha..you made me feel way beyond any other book has.
Ponignant, desperate grasping at lives lived unfulfilled . Beautifully written it makes one feel for each and everyone in that story! This is a book clubs dream book! Well done Alisha..you made me feel way beyond any other book has.
April 23, 2018
It is a journey of finding oneself amongst the babble of mundane matters, of tracing one’s path through the slush of expectations and mindless existence. A heart to heart between two writers- one established and another fledgling, both enmeshed in their own worlds, trying to find their way to their releases. As opposed to how potboilers turn out, this is a reflective story, where the characters are real and take decisions which concur with the kind of life a person leads. The author has a striking style of writing that is lilting and poetic.
February 7, 2018
This was a very gripping read! Alisha has a remarkable ability to conjure vivid imagery with her words. The characters are alive and draw you in. The story is bold and realistic as opposed to idealistic, providing readers with a candid take on love and marriage in the modern world.
March 28, 2018
Book Review: Out with the Lanterns by Alisha ‘Priti’ Kriplani
Some books leave you with a gazillion lingering thoughts and a bucketful of introspection. Alisha ‘Priti’ Kriplani’s ‘Out with the Lanterns’ is one such book. Through beautifully crafted language, each sentence with its exquisite turn of phrase a delight to read, one delves into the lives of Karin Mehta, a woman torn by some deep-seated angst despite having it all and Aksh Soni, a successful writer, rebelling against unknown devils despite being on the threshold of fame and fortune. What attracts them to each other is the fact that both are rebels without a cause, hankering after the unknown, unaware and unappreciative of the favorable parts of their lives. The writer expertly rummages through the minds of many women thorough her female protagonist, extricating their innermost thoughts and putting them out in the open through the story of a woman who goes with the flow of life, dedicating years to being a wife and a mother till the realization of her own unfulfilled dreams and ambitions hits her and begins to frustrate her.
The frantic search for something to fill the unfathomable overwhelming emptiness, the pursuit of that elusive happiness is what the book is all about. It urges the readers to reflect upon their own lives, review their own foraging into the jungle of life looking for a paradise. Is the paradise really lost or we are looking in the wrong place? That’s the relevant question that the book raises.
The style and structure of the book, consisting of emails interspersed with chapters, holds the story tightly together, the narration compelling the reader to keep turning pages. The development of characters and relationships is subtle yet powerful, each one coming alive through a perceptive, skillful and gradual unfolding that keeps the reader wanting more. The mother-daughter relationship described so dexterously is what I found exceedingly poignant, some of it touching a familiar chord.
The only tiny negative about the writing style is that in the email exchange both Karin and Aksh have a similar style of writing. I would have preferred a distinctive difference in their styles, use of words and phrases given their gender and age difference and the fact that one is a successful writer while the other is still struggling to write.
Out with the Lanterns leaves one with a feeling of completeness yet makes one ponder about one’s own journey of life. The real test of a good book is whether it leaves behind a riot of thoughts frolicking in the reader’s mind and this one certainly does that. It is the perfect book to read if you are looking for articulately presented slice of life.
Some books leave you with a gazillion lingering thoughts and a bucketful of introspection. Alisha ‘Priti’ Kriplani’s ‘Out with the Lanterns’ is one such book. Through beautifully crafted language, each sentence with its exquisite turn of phrase a delight to read, one delves into the lives of Karin Mehta, a woman torn by some deep-seated angst despite having it all and Aksh Soni, a successful writer, rebelling against unknown devils despite being on the threshold of fame and fortune. What attracts them to each other is the fact that both are rebels without a cause, hankering after the unknown, unaware and unappreciative of the favorable parts of their lives. The writer expertly rummages through the minds of many women thorough her female protagonist, extricating their innermost thoughts and putting them out in the open through the story of a woman who goes with the flow of life, dedicating years to being a wife and a mother till the realization of her own unfulfilled dreams and ambitions hits her and begins to frustrate her.
The frantic search for something to fill the unfathomable overwhelming emptiness, the pursuit of that elusive happiness is what the book is all about. It urges the readers to reflect upon their own lives, review their own foraging into the jungle of life looking for a paradise. Is the paradise really lost or we are looking in the wrong place? That’s the relevant question that the book raises.
The style and structure of the book, consisting of emails interspersed with chapters, holds the story tightly together, the narration compelling the reader to keep turning pages. The development of characters and relationships is subtle yet powerful, each one coming alive through a perceptive, skillful and gradual unfolding that keeps the reader wanting more. The mother-daughter relationship described so dexterously is what I found exceedingly poignant, some of it touching a familiar chord.
The only tiny negative about the writing style is that in the email exchange both Karin and Aksh have a similar style of writing. I would have preferred a distinctive difference in their styles, use of words and phrases given their gender and age difference and the fact that one is a successful writer while the other is still struggling to write.
Out with the Lanterns leaves one with a feeling of completeness yet makes one ponder about one’s own journey of life. The real test of a good book is whether it leaves behind a riot of thoughts frolicking in the reader’s mind and this one certainly does that. It is the perfect book to read if you are looking for articulately presented slice of life.
October 12, 2018
Once in a while there comes a time when you discover a novel that offers a fresh, almost exotic experience in its storytelling. Out with Lanterns was one such surprise.
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet, she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage. In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
However, this is not a run-of-the-mill love story. Instead, it unravels the human psyche and the nature of relationships in light of angst and turmoil. Karin and Aksh develop a connection over email exchanges. Over time they both become an intrinsic part of the other's being. Though Karin realises her feelings for Aksh, with whom she shares a sizzling cerebral chemistry, could she allow herself to flow in the direction the current is taking her? Are her choices worth the pain they will inflict on those who love her?
The book is a Bibliophile's delight. Flavoured with scrumptious literary references, it is a process of finding oneself, navigating the complex cycle of human emotions, and pulling yourself to surface when all you can imagine is drowning in the tumultuous journey that comes with being a writer. As Oprah said: “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” Sometimes, we may have to do something as crazy as holding a lantern in the dark to be able to find that light within, and this novel shows it really is possible.
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet, she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage. In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
However, this is not a run-of-the-mill love story. Instead, it unravels the human psyche and the nature of relationships in light of angst and turmoil. Karin and Aksh develop a connection over email exchanges. Over time they both become an intrinsic part of the other's being. Though Karin realises her feelings for Aksh, with whom she shares a sizzling cerebral chemistry, could she allow herself to flow in the direction the current is taking her? Are her choices worth the pain they will inflict on those who love her?
The book is a Bibliophile's delight. Flavoured with scrumptious literary references, it is a process of finding oneself, navigating the complex cycle of human emotions, and pulling yourself to surface when all you can imagine is drowning in the tumultuous journey that comes with being a writer. As Oprah said: “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” Sometimes, we may have to do something as crazy as holding a lantern in the dark to be able to find that light within, and this novel shows it really is possible.
March 4, 2018
There are some books that are completely beyond reviews. Out With Lanterns is one such book. I was pleasantly surprised by the concept, the method and the maturity of the author. On the basic level, the book is about the lives of Aksh, an established and successful author and Karin, a mother of two who always wanted to be a writer but was stuck in the whirlwind of her life as a mother and wife.
The book beautifully portrays the struggles of both of them. Will you be happy and content once you have everything you craved for? Or dreams come true at a cost of more complications? Will you be happy if you let go of your dreams as life takes over? Will you have the courage to wait until you have completed your responsibilities to dream again?
The email exchanges between Aksh and Karin are to die for. You can read them again and again. They are so rich in intelligent and meaningful thoughts that you have to stop and think before turning to the next page.
The end of the book would not have been more perfect. You go through myriad emotions and are forced to reflect on the fragility and strength of human emotions and dreams.
Congratulations to Alisha for writing this book which has definitely found a place on my list of one of the best books I have read in the last few years.
The book beautifully portrays the struggles of both of them. Will you be happy and content once you have everything you craved for? Or dreams come true at a cost of more complications? Will you be happy if you let go of your dreams as life takes over? Will you have the courage to wait until you have completed your responsibilities to dream again?
The email exchanges between Aksh and Karin are to die for. You can read them again and again. They are so rich in intelligent and meaningful thoughts that you have to stop and think before turning to the next page.
The end of the book would not have been more perfect. You go through myriad emotions and are forced to reflect on the fragility and strength of human emotions and dreams.
Congratulations to Alisha for writing this book which has definitely found a place on my list of one of the best books I have read in the last few years.
August 28, 2018
Out With Lanterns explores the dynamics of relationships, through the journeys of Karin and Aksh. 46-year-old Karin feels imprisoned within her marital existence suffocated by the perimeters of her domesticity-husband and two children and meaningless societal associations with her “Gals Gang”. A wannabe writer, she reaches out to 37- year-old Aksh, an established writer who too feels limited within the confines of his live-in relationship and the floss of superficiality that success bestows upon him.
The mail exchanges between Karin and Aksh, are the most engaging part of the book, for they not only thread the independent lives and independent relationships of Karin and Aksh but also their frightening childhood experiences which incarcerates them.
Alisha Kriplani’s writing is near flawless; though some may find her too dark or cynical. In parts too, the metaphors appear contrived and laboured. However, it is her biggest asset, for it holds a mundane plot about the entrapments and thanklessness of relationships in a binding narrative; peppered with a variety of flavours: humorous, lilting and gut wrenching.
The dissipation of societal relationships in the chimera of our chasing inspiration outside them is thankfully arrested by Kriplani eventually as she firmly underscores their importance as a bedrock for our aspirations- Aksh is able to complete his elusive novel and there is hope for Karin as she begins hers.
Some parts of the plot could have been dovetailed better, like the sudden introduction of Flurry or the weak development of Karin’s and Raoul’s friends, but overall Alisha’s power of the written word and her imagery deserves a round of applause. We are waiting for an encore, Alisha!
The mail exchanges between Karin and Aksh, are the most engaging part of the book, for they not only thread the independent lives and independent relationships of Karin and Aksh but also their frightening childhood experiences which incarcerates them.
Alisha Kriplani’s writing is near flawless; though some may find her too dark or cynical. In parts too, the metaphors appear contrived and laboured. However, it is her biggest asset, for it holds a mundane plot about the entrapments and thanklessness of relationships in a binding narrative; peppered with a variety of flavours: humorous, lilting and gut wrenching.
The dissipation of societal relationships in the chimera of our chasing inspiration outside them is thankfully arrested by Kriplani eventually as she firmly underscores their importance as a bedrock for our aspirations- Aksh is able to complete his elusive novel and there is hope for Karin as she begins hers.
Some parts of the plot could have been dovetailed better, like the sudden introduction of Flurry or the weak development of Karin’s and Raoul’s friends, but overall Alisha’s power of the written word and her imagery deserves a round of applause. We are waiting for an encore, Alisha!
March 1, 2018
Alisha,
“Whether it was a fight with my friends. Write. Quarrel with my parents. Write. Happy. Write. Sad. Write.” (page 55, Out With Lanterns)
Your unfailing fountain pen scribble turned into a wizard's wand and dished out a book that has been - worth the wait.
The unique flirtatious literate banter that hints at fantasy, romance, intrigue, holds the reader enthralled and wanting more. I loved the quotes on page 52/54.
And still, after all this time, the author never says to the reader, “you owe me”. Look what happens with a love like that, we get a book like ‘Out With Lanterns’.
Mala
“Whether it was a fight with my friends. Write. Quarrel with my parents. Write. Happy. Write. Sad. Write.” (page 55, Out With Lanterns)
Your unfailing fountain pen scribble turned into a wizard's wand and dished out a book that has been - worth the wait.
The unique flirtatious literate banter that hints at fantasy, romance, intrigue, holds the reader enthralled and wanting more. I loved the quotes on page 52/54.
And still, after all this time, the author never says to the reader, “you owe me”. Look what happens with a love like that, we get a book like ‘Out With Lanterns’.
Mala
March 29, 2018
Out With Lanterns, by Alisha Priti Kirpalani is a wonderful, fast paced novel. The author has, with poignant sensitivity, and a keen sense of observation, portrayed the intricate and sometimes challenging relationship between Aksh and Karin.
It is an intricately woven novel that explores human relationships with candor, intensity, an unerring sense of sensitivity and irresistible humour that will delight its readers.
Meher Patel
It is an intricately woven novel that explores human relationships with candor, intensity, an unerring sense of sensitivity and irresistible humour that will delight its readers.
Meher Patel
January 20, 2018
Out with Lanterns written by Alisha Priti Kripalani is a book written beautifully... I would call the Author a 'wordsmith ' !!!! The flow of words is just brilliant. I went back to read the text many times, just to savour it. Its verbal mastery...
The story is so believable and you can totally relate to the plot!!
This book is a must read!
Kudos to Alisha Priti Kripalani... Looking forward to many more books written by her!!
The story is so believable and you can totally relate to the plot!!
This book is a must read!
Kudos to Alisha Priti Kripalani... Looking forward to many more books written by her!!
January 17, 2018
I finished this book in a day - I was hooked from start to finish. Out With Lanterns is one of the best books I've read recently. It examines relationships in a way that makes you observe your own. Not only is it extremely interesting, but the language used and the thoughts expressed are completely unique. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to Alisha Kirpalani's next!
April 26, 2018
I knew, I simply knew I had to read this book the day I saw its cover. So when I finally sorted an irritating issue with Kindle that didn’t let me download certain books previously, the first book I got for myself was Out With Lanterns. That the author is well-read is apparent, and her fluid language showcases it flawlessly.
What I loved was the portrayal of the characters, but more so, the angst and agony that comes with writing. Being a writer myself, I can absolutely relate to the deep-seated feeling of anguish that Aksh suffers. Everyone seems to romanticise the process of writing, but truth is, it is far from romantic. No wonder Hemingway talked about bleeding on the typewriter.
My favourite character has to be Sia. The only thing more difficult than writing is to be around someone who writes, and I love Sia’s steady and reassuring presence in Aksh’s life despite everything.
The premise shows promise from the very beginning, and I love how the author builds on it. Will definitely be picking up her next one!
What I loved was the portrayal of the characters, but more so, the angst and agony that comes with writing. Being a writer myself, I can absolutely relate to the deep-seated feeling of anguish that Aksh suffers. Everyone seems to romanticise the process of writing, but truth is, it is far from romantic. No wonder Hemingway talked about bleeding on the typewriter.
My favourite character has to be Sia. The only thing more difficult than writing is to be around someone who writes, and I love Sia’s steady and reassuring presence in Aksh’s life despite everything.
The premise shows promise from the very beginning, and I love how the author builds on it. Will definitely be picking up her next one!
October 28, 2018
Delightful read
Alisha sure has her finger on the pulse of her readers. I liked the plot, characters, and the way the story progresses. It is a delightful read.
Alisha sure has her finger on the pulse of her readers. I liked the plot, characters, and the way the story progresses. It is a delightful read.
Read
February 6, 2021"Keep seeking and your story will meet you halfway, on the horizon where imagination and inspiration become one."
A series of letters and lost dreams, burdened with motherhood, domesticity, Karin Mehta feels stabbed as her life is dwindled into various roles as a woman, constantly walking the tightrope of conscious-stricken ambition. She's whimsical, she needs an emotional outlet. Her childhood days were marked with horrified incidents which keep haunting her existence questioning her relationship till date. She's a portrayal of women who seek to re-discover self-esteem, self-recognition and write to voice her heart out. Her married life with Raoul takes a topsy-turvy shape, her daughters too share a stiff relationship, calling her "nagging disciplinarian".
Meanwhile, Aksh Soni, an "indisputable talent" rising above the "moderate ratio" is a writer and shares a tumultuous relationship with Sia.
Meanwhile Aksh and Karin - the two lives get entangled and slowly Aksh turns out to be the catalyst who releases Karin from her despair, lost courage and becomes her "gateway to your muse" remodelling her life, Karin too liberates Aksh from his insecurities, insolence and sculptures his thoughts towards emotional stability and commitment.
We see how friendship is necessary much before and after a marital commitment in life, the son-father conflict over career, the fickle-minded writer who escapes from responsibility finally becomes an understanding father! With time and tide, our roles in life and society change, we are destined to change ourselves accordingly. Excellent usage of literature, words, quotations, phrases and characters are mind blowing. They're vividly portrayed in the present day context. The plethora of mails was a treat to read! This was my Giveaway gift and I'm so lucky to read this amazing book!
Must read for all above 18 years old 😍❤️
Thank you so much Ma'am for giving me this opportunity to read your fine work of literature!
A series of letters and lost dreams, burdened with motherhood, domesticity, Karin Mehta feels stabbed as her life is dwindled into various roles as a woman, constantly walking the tightrope of conscious-stricken ambition. She's whimsical, she needs an emotional outlet. Her childhood days were marked with horrified incidents which keep haunting her existence questioning her relationship till date. She's a portrayal of women who seek to re-discover self-esteem, self-recognition and write to voice her heart out. Her married life with Raoul takes a topsy-turvy shape, her daughters too share a stiff relationship, calling her "nagging disciplinarian".
Meanwhile, Aksh Soni, an "indisputable talent" rising above the "moderate ratio" is a writer and shares a tumultuous relationship with Sia.
Meanwhile Aksh and Karin - the two lives get entangled and slowly Aksh turns out to be the catalyst who releases Karin from her despair, lost courage and becomes her "gateway to your muse" remodelling her life, Karin too liberates Aksh from his insecurities, insolence and sculptures his thoughts towards emotional stability and commitment.
We see how friendship is necessary much before and after a marital commitment in life, the son-father conflict over career, the fickle-minded writer who escapes from responsibility finally becomes an understanding father! With time and tide, our roles in life and society change, we are destined to change ourselves accordingly. Excellent usage of literature, words, quotations, phrases and characters are mind blowing. They're vividly portrayed in the present day context. The plethora of mails was a treat to read! This was my Giveaway gift and I'm so lucky to read this amazing book!
Must read for all above 18 years old 😍❤️
Thank you so much Ma'am for giving me this opportunity to read your fine work of literature!
December 4, 2019
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage.
In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
The choices facing them are difficult. Should they hurt the ones who love them for the beguiling promise of an ideal relationship sizzling with cerebral chemistry? The nuances of life and love are not black and white. There are no heroes and no villains. Are those boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human?
💢
The story is refreshing and not usual story which we are fed up of reading.
The writing style in the book is different. Adds a newish touch.
Some of the best lines I liked from the book are-
1) The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they do not wish to see anyone suffer the same way they did. (PG 47).
2) What does one do when you spend half your life dreaming of someone like you & when he is ultimately yours, you spend rest of your life too afraid to believe, wondering if & when it will end. (PG 192).
3) Are all dreams just sugar-coated nightmares?
💢
I really loved the letter conversations of the characters throughout the book. The story is set at Mumbai backdrop. Being a mumbaikar I could connect to all the places mentioned in the story. Overall, a nice read.
In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
The choices facing them are difficult. Should they hurt the ones who love them for the beguiling promise of an ideal relationship sizzling with cerebral chemistry? The nuances of life and love are not black and white. There are no heroes and no villains. Are those boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human?
💢
The story is refreshing and not usual story which we are fed up of reading.
The writing style in the book is different. Adds a newish touch.
Some of the best lines I liked from the book are-
1) The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they do not wish to see anyone suffer the same way they did. (PG 47).
2) What does one do when you spend half your life dreaming of someone like you & when he is ultimately yours, you spend rest of your life too afraid to believe, wondering if & when it will end. (PG 192).
3) Are all dreams just sugar-coated nightmares?
💢
I really loved the letter conversations of the characters throughout the book. The story is set at Mumbai backdrop. Being a mumbaikar I could connect to all the places mentioned in the story. Overall, a nice read.
August 8, 2021
“In life, you have to take the pace that love goes. You don’t force it. You just don’t force love, you don’t force falling in love, you don’t force being in love – you just become”. The line as stated above is quite reflective of the overall context of the book at hand which dwells upon the human aspect of the individual.
Delving further, the length of the book is 191 pages and the overall storyline of the book features the story of Karin who happens to be happily married but what appears from the outside as all good, doesn’t happen to be the case always as the inside mechanism of the human brain remains beyond the comprehension of the outsider’s mind and the same happened here as she gets attracted to Aksh Soni and the commonality between them being the commitment they both have and the underlying presence of being unconvinced of the prospects with their respective loved ones. The first chapter of the book introduces the brief interaction that both characters had and as the chapters progress further, the attraction level gets heightened pretty fast and the same keeps the readers engaged throughout. It must be noted that this book doesn’t come out as just another run of the mill romantic story but gives ample space to the readers to get hold of the broader theme and the human aspect and all these make the reader contemplate the existing contours of what remains to be right and wrong.
Delving further, the length of the book is 191 pages and the overall storyline of the book features the story of Karin who happens to be happily married but what appears from the outside as all good, doesn’t happen to be the case always as the inside mechanism of the human brain remains beyond the comprehension of the outsider’s mind and the same happened here as she gets attracted to Aksh Soni and the commonality between them being the commitment they both have and the underlying presence of being unconvinced of the prospects with their respective loved ones. The first chapter of the book introduces the brief interaction that both characters had and as the chapters progress further, the attraction level gets heightened pretty fast and the same keeps the readers engaged throughout. It must be noted that this book doesn’t come out as just another run of the mill romantic story but gives ample space to the readers to get hold of the broader theme and the human aspect and all these make the reader contemplate the existing contours of what remains to be right and wrong.
January 3, 2022
The cover is simple and pretty. The story is based in Mumbai. Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage. Everything about her screamed “socialite”. In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Sia loved him enough to subsist on the measly morsels he tossed her way. Her avowals of love were met with a kiss or a grunt. Sia believed she knew Aksh better than he knew himself.
The story progresses and so does the closeness of Karin - Aksh. The Email exchanges between Karin and Aksh are undoubtedly favourite bits of the book. They share poems with each other. They talk about literature. They talk about their fav writers, namely Sylvia Plath, Alessandro Baricco, Khaled Hosseini, Mitch Albom, etc. The entire story is based on the exchange of (Emails) letters.
“Out with Lanterns: A Discovery of Life, Love and Everything” is not just a story about love. It is a tale about the uncertain journey life sends us on. The ending of the story is beautiful and unique. Narration is smooth. Language is simple and easy to understand. If you have not read this yet you must read it.
The story progresses and so does the closeness of Karin - Aksh. The Email exchanges between Karin and Aksh are undoubtedly favourite bits of the book. They share poems with each other. They talk about literature. They talk about their fav writers, namely Sylvia Plath, Alessandro Baricco, Khaled Hosseini, Mitch Albom, etc. The entire story is based on the exchange of (Emails) letters.
“Out with Lanterns: A Discovery of Life, Love and Everything” is not just a story about love. It is a tale about the uncertain journey life sends us on. The ending of the story is beautiful and unique. Narration is smooth. Language is simple and easy to understand. If you have not read this yet you must read it.
November 27, 2019
Normally I don't dig this genre, but the writer's name came heavily recommended by another friend and so gave this book a shot. Reading it was a breeze and I finished it in two days.
I found the start of the book flat. If this was not recommended I would have dropped this book. Ironically, 'how to start a story' is advise given by one protagonist to the other. I wish the author had acted upon her own advice. However, as I went along the book picked up well. The ending was predictable but still left me feeling complete.
I really like the premise of the story as well as the exchanges between the two protagonists. That is when the author is at her best. The moment the action moves away from these two, the energy dips.
So if relationships and light romance is your genre then definitely read this book. It will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.
I found the start of the book flat. If this was not recommended I would have dropped this book. Ironically, 'how to start a story' is advise given by one protagonist to the other. I wish the author had acted upon her own advice. However, as I went along the book picked up well. The ending was predictable but still left me feeling complete.
I really like the premise of the story as well as the exchanges between the two protagonists. That is when the author is at her best. The moment the action moves away from these two, the energy dips.
So if relationships and light romance is your genre then definitely read this book. It will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.
June 28, 2021
Completely loved reading this book. Karin Mehra - a wife, a mother of two daughters, a socialite and a wanna-be author - meets Aksh Soni at a bookstore where he is signing copies of his best seller book for his fans. What follows is a story of complicated human relationships between Karin and Aksh which is presented to the reader in the form of email communication between the two protagonists. They find solace in the world that they have created for themselves - Karin finds a ‘mentor’ in the much younger and successful Aksh whom she befriends to fulfil her forgotten dream of writing a book. Aksh is drawn to the high society socialite while he unravels his long term relationship with Sia.
The subtleties of the human relationships, the difficult choices that needs to be made have been underlined brilliantly by the author.
The subtleties of the human relationships, the difficult choices that needs to be made have been underlined brilliantly by the author.
September 3, 2019
Now that's a journey of the broken! There are good days and then bad ones. The support of your loved ones and how you steer yourselves ahead makes all the difference. This novel so gracefully demonstrates the importance of that "connection" that we as human beings crave for, at the end of the day.
May 1, 2021
Fabulous book. I loved it so much. Even after all these years
I am repeating it again. Very well written. Waiting for many more books.
I am repeating it again. Very well written. Waiting for many more books.
May 27, 2021
'Out With Lanterns' was written with one mission in mind. I wanted to write a book that I would want to read and reread, if I was the reader. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride into the minds of men, women and their search for identity while conforming to the dictates of relationships around them. The challenge was to create a fair and delicate balance of the male and female perspectives and the workings of their inner selves.There is no judgement on the actions of any characters, just a recognition of the dilemmas of being human.
Language, structure, imagery and literary devices are a hallmark of my writing and I have played around with many elements in this novel, including an epistolary format peppered with chapters.
This novel is a result of passion; passion for the written word and for the universal human condition.
From my pen, to your heart and the world thereafter, I hope "Out With Lanterns" shines bright in your memory for a long time to come.
Language, structure, imagery and literary devices are a hallmark of my writing and I have played around with many elements in this novel, including an epistolary format peppered with chapters.
This novel is a result of passion; passion for the written word and for the universal human condition.
From my pen, to your heart and the world thereafter, I hope "Out With Lanterns" shines bright in your memory for a long time to come.
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