Little Maryam

by Hamid Baig

While giving a speech for his Nobel Prize nomination, Dr. Saadiq Haider, a renowned gene therapist and professor at Stanford University, receives a phone call that changes his life. Abandoning his duties and responsibilities, Saadiq hurriedly boards a flight bound for India, embarking on a journey that spans thousands of miles and pulls him back into a past Saadiq thought long-buried. Seated next to him on the flight, Anne Miller—an intrepid journalist with a nose for headline news—senses the reclusive genius has a story to tell.
During the flight, Anne manages to break through Saadiq’s hard exterior and listens, rapt, as he unfurls a tale fraught with love and heartbreak.
His story transports Anne back in time to a small, sleepy town nestled in the mountains of northern India, where Saadiq spent his childhood. Through Saadiq’s narrative, Anne meets Maryam and witnesses the friendship between Maryam and Saadiq mature into an intense love; a love that is tested when tragedy strikes and the lovers are separated. Try as they might, their devotion is no match against the workings of fate, and the tighter Saadiq and Maryam cling to one another, the faster they slip apart.
Now, after two decades of trying to forget his past with alcohol and drug abuse, Saadiq tells Anne that fate has acted again; Maryam is the hospital, her condition critical.
When their plane lands in India, the newfound friends part ways and while Saadiq rushes to Maryam’s side, Anne returns to her life, grateful to have met the enigmatic man.
Months later, Anne learns that after wrenching Maryam from the indomitable grip of death, Saadiq took her back to America, where they finally married. But, her assumption that the greatest love story she had ever known would end happily is shattered when Anne receives devastating news.

Genres: Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Hamid runs a successful market research company, providing customer insights to some of biggest names in the industry. He is a voracious reader and has been one for as long as he can remember. He started penning short stories at a very young age, but never thought of writing a full length novel until the idea for Little Maryam popped into his head. He writes as fast as he reads, which is sometimes just a little too fast.
Apart from enjoying good books, Hamid is passionate about travel and food. He is sometimes called “the culture connoisseur” by his friends because he loves having long conversations about different cuisines, exotic travel locations, and of course, books.
Hamid lives in New Delhi with his wife and two wonderful kids.

Reviews

[Alok Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest in admitting that the novel by Hamid is something you will find certainly better than the others you might have been reading in the romance genre recently. The lust for flesh is not be found here. Moreover, the story has the depth and it justifies the title. The protagonists (who is the central one - Maryam or Saadiq?) are near to real-life characters we meet and interact every day and that's why you will feel at home reading this easy-written fiction which tells you about the life, love, life and love of Saadiq and Maryam - a little of suspense and a little of crime and a little of rogue heroism and a little of emotional ending make the novel wonderful for a common reader. A good read for everyone and yes, this is a family novel, unlike most others! :)
The story becomes predictable to an extent if the reader is mature. (towards the end only so it does not matter more to you. Cheers!)

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you would like to read emotional books, try "Little Mariyam" by Hamid Baig. It is so touching that I literally cried at the end. This book shows the power of unconditional love in a magnificent way.

"Little Maryam" is the story about Saadiq, a smart-intelligent boy, and Mariyam. Saadiq's father was a gardener in Mariyam's father garden. Her father was a colonel. Saadiq father introduced Saadiq to little Maryam. Soon they became friends. Their friendship converted into love soon. But a tragedy struck and they were forced to part ways. After many years they met again, but circumstances were different. Maryam had met an accident, and her memory of being married to another man and having an ill daughter is wiped out. Saadiq and Maryam tried to bring her memory back but couldn't so they moved on and got married. One day Sadiq found out about Salman, Maryam's husband, and her daughter Sania. Sania had a heart disease and a rare blood type which happens to be same as Saadiq's blood type. The situation became emotional where Saadiq had to decide the future of Sania.

The book is written very nicely. The part where Saadiq took the decision to save Maryam's daughter is written so beautifully that I can't hold back my tears while reading. The story I found a little bit clichéd but it's written so beautifully that I am able to forget that.

If you believe in love then you should read this book. This book is a perfect example of an unconditional love. And lastly Kudos to the author for writing.

Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/02...

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt magic in the air, when the words of this book wrote a song of emotions and played the sweet melody of love, which traversed the pages and touched my heart in waves.

There is wonderment, there is awe, there are smiles, there are tears. Every drop of feeling brought an ocean of beauty in the world which encompassed the two lovers, the soul mates, Saadiq and Maryam. A poignant and heart rendering love story spanning nearly four decades of life.

The book Little Maryam by the author Hamid Baig has it all: romance, love, happiness, laughter, tears of joy and sorrow, the secret dates, injustice, betrayal, the years of separation, all enveloped in the depth of emotions.

Hamid dips his pen into his heart and writes with sentiments which abound in every nook and cranny of the book, they complete the sentences where the words stop. They whisper the notes softly and gently, each note speaking the secret language which resonates deep in the soul. His notes with their soulful melody find their mate in the emotions arising in the heart….

Hamid Baig, in his debut novel, has exceeded my expectations. I felt a keen eagerness when I read his work, his love story between Saadiq and Maryam. Hamid has the foresight to know how to keep the reader gripped into the story. Every sentence coasts through the waves of emotions. The author shows such skills in writing that it surpasses even the most seasoned of authors. A well rounded book dealing with human emotions on the backdrop of love.

Every love story needs a strong male protagonist, who is lovable yet flawed, a beautiful female character who is beautiful yet innocent, and Saadiq and Mariyam are quite an ideal couple.

Saadiq goes through all the trials of life and like a phoenix, rises from the ashes of a foregone love, betrayed by the judicial system, lost at the hands of the loved ones to touch the skies. The skies which no man had quite touched, good enough to receive the Nobel Prize… Yet the loneliness and the memories of a lost love makes a solitary life. Then he gets reunited with his childhood love, his soul mate Maryam and life takes a twist.

Maryam goes through life loving Saadiq, yet doing what her father wants, leaving Saadiq, going into an arranged marriage and having a family. Till a twisted, sudden accident joins the lovers, brings them to the point where their life moves forward yet seems to be moving backwards towards their childhood love. Will the lovers find their destiny together???

I adored the way the author has etched, both his main characters, with love. It felt like one heart divided, beating in two humans, yet searching for each other to become whole. Without being mushy, Hamid has brought love to the forefront with the power of a storm, a force to be reckoned with, it is sometimes tempestuous and sometimes soothing, but in both its phases, it is all-binding.

The suspense in the last few chapters brought out the goosebumps and raised my heartbeats to a fevered pitch to know what happened to Saadiq and Maryam. How does this love story end??

Hamid has this great talent to make his characters and scenes come alive via his words. He, not only took me on a journey with his main characters, but he also made me feel their emotions, a mark of a good author. He made me feel joy, love, pain, happiness, and he made me cry at the sheer power of love…

The moment when happiness soars into the skies is enthralling, exhilarating, knowing that my heart belongs to these words… Each and every one of them…

A debut author, writing with such precision, such sensitivity, is a rare thing. I am glad that I am fortunate enough to read this beautiful saga of a love story, where the characters show what true love is all about. Hamid’s words transcend all cultures, all nationalities, all religions because he speaks the unique and truthful language of love…

Yes, it is a love story and it is an everlasting love story that spans decades without a nary doubt, holding strong, sometimes separating, but always coming back with an unbound strength that has its roots deep into the hearts.

Two bodies, one heart, one soul. The heart which was his soon belonged to her, the heart which loved her with a limitless depth, protected her in its safe cocoon. The heart which was beating for him, soon started beating for her.

Who wouldn’t want to experience such a love in reality and in books!! There may have been few niggles, but the tears in my eyes obscured them…

[Moses Boby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the originality of this story. Little Maryam: True Life Thriller, Mystery Novel, this book was very lovable and interestingly written from beginning to end! I just wish it was a bit longer. The book was well written, The writer does an excellent job of pulling me in from the very beginning. I finished it in just one seating. This novel with several love plot lines, likable characters that you can relate to, and a few unexpected twists. I hope this author continues to write and further develops.

[Mary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is real life story.... You should find yourself not disappointed with this love story. This book is readable, I would enjoy more of this series lots of characters and actions about saadiq and maryam feeling. 5 star rating!

[Gabrielle Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of Hamid Baig and works well as a 'True Life Story' reminder and inspiration.
Keep it by the coach and enjoy a reading with your cup of coffee as you start the day.

[Craig Lillu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I seriously devoured it. The little bout of intrigue just adds to this brilliant storyline. This is my first book by this author and definitely positively won't be the last!! I love saadiq's kindness and this open flow of feelings that his words usually follow. It's a book that makes you feel good about true love in life, indeed.

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads several months ago and am thankful that I decided to actually read it. This is not only an outstanding love story but so well written that I am proud to pass this on to my best friend. The final chapter was not only a complete surprise, but lowered my supply of tissue. I can highly recommend this very special book.

[Queen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Maryam: this book is a great addition to my book collection. What I appreciate most about this book is the readable, conversational style, and his humility.
It is pretty eye opening, so grateful to have read it..I finished it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book.

[Amit Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merits - a straightforward and simple love story which keeps the readers engaged with a plot that is compelling and attractive. The characters in the novel are very close to real life ones. Maryam, Saadiq, Haji, Colonel, Aashish, Ritesh, Salman and all other minor characters are amazingly drawn. The theme is based on common life's uncommon feelings theory of Thomas Hardy and that will be enough for a reader to engage.

Demerits: Too much weight is added to the character of Saadiq. Yes, he is a person who does the impossible stuff. He is a child who is brilliant and ambitious even though he is the son of a mere gardener. But still, that does not add up when you see him messing his life with escorts and alcohol and still dreaming about the true love of Maryam... Maryam was hit by fate and circumstances which were out of her hands but Saadiq built his fate and then let himself loose...

Though that's purely my personal observation. You can enjoy reading this book and decide for yourself what you make of it. The novel is beautifully written, anyway!

[Stephanie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with romance novels. Either I really love them or I really hate them. Fortunately, I really love Little Maryam by Hamid Baig. I think my love of this book stems from the fact that it is more than just a romance; it’s a man’s life, his entire life as seen through his relationship with his soulmate, as well as one journalist’s fascination with finding some hope and fulfillment in seeing this man’s story through to the very end. It’s as much about exploring a man’s humanity as it is about romance, showing that even those constantly under the public eye—actors, comedians, Nobel Prize winners—are human, too.

Told from the point of view of a journalist bugging him for his story, Little Maryam investigates the life of (fictional) Nobel Prize winner Dr. Saadiq Haider. From his humble beginnings as a gardener’s son and his love for the Colonel’s daughter to his scientific endeavors and five-year stint in prison, journalist Anne Miller—and, by extension, the reader—learns almost everything about the mysterious, unhappy Saadiq. Emphasis on “almost.” For the rest of the story, you’ll have to go to Maryam herself, which is exactly what Anne does—but not without helping facilitate and record the reunion of the star-crossed lovers. Through Saadiq and Maryam, the readers receive the answers to the most tantalizing bits of Saadiq’s life: How did Saadiq end up in prison? Why isn’t he currently with Maryam if he loves her so much? And why is he returning to India now and in such a hurry?

Hamid crafts a complex, beautiful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. You’ll feel the full gamut of emotions for almost every character—even Anne, the narrator of the frame narrative—and just when you think you have someone figured out, you’ll find out that your judgment wasn’t quite on-point.

I only had one small problem with this book, namely that I noticed some proofreading errors common to indie and small-print books, such as missing words and missing or misplaced punctuation. However, these errors weren’t so big as to detract from my enjoyment, so I don’t have any problems giving this book 5 out of 5 stars.

All in all, Little Maryam is a wonderful romance novel. Still, it’s for more than just romance fans. Anyone who loves well-written, character-driven novels will appreciate it as well. There is plenty of compelling plot points, but I feel that the emphasis is more on character development than plot, so those who measure the quality of the book from its plot might not be as excited about it. Regardless, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t read this book just because your focus is more on plot or you don’t like romances. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little Maryam is a beautiful story of Saadiq and Maryam. firstly I loved the cover of this book. It’s beautiful and attractive. the way this story started was astounding. There’s a kind of depth in the story. what happens when you meet your first love after years? The title of the story makes you this what the story could be. The story truly justifies the title. The pace of the story is little slow. The tempo of the story is good. It has lots of suspense, mystery, and curiosity in it. The characters made by the author are amazing. each one had their own importance in the story. The one thing that I liked about this book is the story is connecting and easy going. One feels like we’re connected to the story and it has happened with us too. The plot of the story is simple, with lots of suspense and interesting. The narration of the story is crisp and smooth.The climax is quite predictable. The story is all about love, family, friendship and relationship. The language used by the author is simple and interesting. Each phase is described clearly and beautifully.

Overall, It’s a good fiction read like a complete Bollywood movie. If you love reading romance or Indian Authors, Go for It!
Read more reviews at www.vidhyathakkar.com

[Dawn Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the first few pages of Little Maryam, I was immediately drawn to the writing style of Mr. Hamid. At first I thought it was a cheesy romantic novel, but little did I know that I was in for a surprise. This book is honestly one of my best reads in the past 2 years and I don't say that very lightly as I have read them by the hundred. The story is so heartwarming and the characters are all so very charming. The language is also very lyrical and intelligently-crafted. The vivid imagery and rich descriptions made me really want to visit India and see the places where Saadiq and Maryam grew up. A few chapters in and I completely fell in love with this novel. I'm surprised that Mr. Hamid has not yet gained a well-deserved recognition. His magical story-weaving reminded me of The Kite Runner and The Boy in Striped Pajamas with a mixture of The Notebook. He has managed to elaborate simple fictional elements and breathe life into them. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is the kind that one must read at least once in his lifetime.

[Susan Bissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a wonderful love story that takes place in India that will take you to the humble beginnings of Dr. Saadiq Haider, a renowned gene therapist, and professor at Standford University in California and Noble Prize winner. His story starts while he is living with his father on a large farm where his father works as a master gardener for a Colonel who wanted to plant an extensive flower garden for his deceased wife. At Saadik's father and the Colonel suggestion that he became friends with Maryam, the Colonel daughter since she had no friends with on this big farm to keep her company. What started as an obligation turns into the love of Saadiq's life as he and Maryam they become inseparable as they grow up together. But there is one big problem, Maryam is out of his class, for he is a gardener's son and she the Colonel's daughter in a higher class where the two are if never, will come together in the caste system of India. But life has a way keeping these two star-cross lovers apart as Saadiq life takes many horrible twists and turns that will cause them to separate for two decades. Then one-day Saadik receives a phone call that will change his life forever and will take him back to India to Maryam, that will give these two a chance to be together again. But again tragedy strikes again for these two star-cross lovers as Maryam past life rears its ugly head that will shatter their great love apart forever. What a sad ending for all involved as this love story concludes.

[Vinod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It reaches deep inside

Simple yet heart touching. Well written emotional story. Fantastic I enjoyed every bit of it. Really gripping and enchanting story.

[Vikash Sagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without going into specific details, I will let the readers decide for themselves after they have actually finished reading the novel. I have read it last night and it as a thorough read and a perfect one-time novel with all the elements you would have loved in a novel of your choice. Saadiq and Maryam are the humanised versions of love and dedication... Saadiq alters a little with the time and he feels changed while Maryam is given to the wishes of her father and they separate... fortune changes and they meet again... why they meet? how do they meet? Will they be united? One thing I should tell you in advance, this is not a novel that you can read in pieces and boast of understanding. You will be magically forced to read it thoroughly and till the end...

[Naman Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many characters in the novel but it revolves around sometimes good and sometimes notorious man called Dr Saadiq Haider who rises from his ashes to become the Nobel Prize winner for his medical achievements and is received very warmly in India when he revisits his motherland to meet his childhood love lost - Maryam... the journey from losing Maryam to finding Maryam and then discovering the Littel Maryam is amazing...

There are little loopholes in the novel, which, you will find once you examine it critically. For the starters, however, you really need to read the wonderful debut piece by Hamid!

[Rahul Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love makes you do things you can't otherwise do! This is true and this is the thing that is reflected in the novel by Hamid. Saadiq loves Maryam and he grows up with her. She loves him back. They are separated because of unfortunate events and then the story changes. Saadiq becomes successful and even wins a laudable honour for himself and the country... he hears the news and runs back home and he does something which cannot be done by most of us... please read the novel till the end.

Language - simple English to be enjoyed
Narrative - plain
Plot - Convincing and compelling
Theme - limited but justified
Characters - Salman seems to be rubbed without a reason for a while

[Lady Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painfully good

I have to be honest, an honesty and admission that’s probably not fair, I don’t usually trust a man with romances or female leads in love stories. There, I said it. So often, I’ve found, they struggle to really portray the complexities and the innate strength of womanhood. Too often they write in stereotypes- this woman wears red lipstick and acts like a harlot, this woman severely wears her hair back and dons flats so she must be studious. We women are more, much more, than simple tropes. We phase in and out of our roles as mother, lover, daughter beautifully. The author of Little Maryam gets that.
He wrote a love story that is wonderful, so full of context, and tragic. Somehow, even from the beginning, a reader can feel the heartache in the writing.
Saadiq, a character you come to love so completely by the end of the book, starts out quite rough. When the reader meets him he’s nearly knocking over travelers at an airport as well as knocking back scotch and xanex. Worse, he knows he’s no walk in the park. He just doesn’t care.
Read the book.

[Saket Niranjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and simple love story - to say the least. However, once you read it, you will be forced to read more and more and it will take you to the end with so many surprises and so many of the twists in the storyline. It is serious at times and funny at the other. The beginning where Miller meets Dr. Haider is something like a comic event but as the story unfolds in the past, it becomes serious and intensive. Maryam has been wonderful and so has been the Haji's son Saadiq before being a person given to fame and wealth and life...
Make sure you read it!

[Manish Khanka · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a story. So many twists and plots, but narrated in such pathetic way. The story is so incoherent, that I wanted to throw away the book, at times. But as I generally finish what I start, hence kept reading it till the end. Though the average story telling of the author was too hard to bear.
I wonder who is giving it such high rating???

I used to think Chetan Bhagat keeps giving one shitty novel after another and their is no competition. Lo behold, here comes Hamid Baig, with an amazing story and such shitty story telling. Tch! Tch!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book however I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Amrit Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one sees the front cover, with the silhouette of a little girl swinging by a tree, a pre-conceived notion can be formed about the novel. A story of a girl named Maryam, who is playful and fun-loving, and his association with the tree to which the swing is attached, is what I guessed the backdrop to be when I first glanced at this book. This is true in a way, the only addition being the other protagonist of the novel – Saadiq Haider.

Saadiq and Maryam have been in love since the time they first met each other, during their childhood. Maryam was the daughter of Colonel, while Saadiq’s father, Haji, was his gardener. However, the Colonel treated both Haji and Saadiq with dignity, not allowing their different lifestyles affect their bond. When Colonel had gone away for work, Haji had introduced Maryam to Saadiq, so that she could get a companion in her father’s absence. Little had he known that this companionship of childhood would churn out a bond so strong and unforgettable.

Hamid Baig, the author, does a commendable job on his debut. He highlights the friendship between Saadiq and Maryam in vivid colours, as they grow up, remaining loyal and attached to each other. The fact that Maryam belonged to the echelons of higher class didn’t deter Saadiq, who had a modest livelihood. It only instilled in him the desire to work harder and get into the good books of Colonel so that some day he could seek his permission to marry his daughter.

Saadiq loved Maryam, and cared for her. He grabbed ice-cream from other boys for her, and hit those who teased her. Saadiq and Maryam’s favourite hang out was swinging by the Kalpavriksha (the same tree that is displayed in the cover). They spent hours together, basking in each other’s company, happy and contented.

However, love stories seldom have a smooth path. The story takes a sharp twist, a rather harsh one, and we, the readers are left gasping for breath. We feel pity for Saadiq, and Maryam, but we do believe that things would again be fine for them. The rest of the story is a progression from darkness to the desperate search of light, draped in the hardships and struggle of the lovers, their successes and failures, and Saadiq’s everlasting devotion to the first and only love of his life.

Saadiq as a character develops through each page of the story. He is everywhere, in the stanzas, chapters and even in the readers’ minds. Saadiq isn’t the perfect hero. He has flaws, and there have been instances when I have hated him for his behavior. His successes made him arrogant, and he is rude with others. He hit people due to his own obsession with Maryam, and also tried to play a few tricks using his power. However, when we re-analyze his actions, we find them to be a mere expression of human emotions. Are we not selfish towards our wants and desires? Don’t we like to protect our love and grant all the wishes that he or she might have? Saadiq actually behaved like any of us would, placed in those circumstances, and that’s when we realize that he is a character which isn’t just the author’s figment of imagination, but also could be a real person. Beneath his tough outlook, he has a heart that beats only for Maryam. He is both a lover and a guardian to Maryam, protecting her and her interests. And by the time I reached the last chapter, I realized that Saadiq has a heart of gold, winning us over with his act to safeguard his love’s happiness.

Hamid Baig is fluent in his narrative. He has painted the visuals beautifully, and the chapters flow seamlessly one after the other. None of the events seem stretched or unnecessary. However, there are a few grammatical glitches which could have been avoided. Also, none of the characters, apart from Saadiq and Maryam leave a lasting impression. Nevertheless, ‘Little Maryam’ by Hamid Baig should be your go-to book this spring. It will reach out to you, enthrall you, and gradually seep within you, so that the characters, Saadiq and Maryam, will keep beating inside you, even after days.

[Ashima Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

One can’t deny that deep down we are all hopeless romantics who believe that love makes us grow stronger, which is why we have consoled our broken hearts time and again with the age old saying: ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

The story of Little Maryam begins on quite the same note and by the end one can’t help but question: How far are we willing to go, for love?

The book seems to grip you before you’ve managed to turn over the first page. It is evident there is a mystery waiting to be revealed, depending on how fast you can read to get to it. The author successfully adds a thrill, by way of conversation between an unwilling protagonist and a persistent reporter, even as he has only just begun narrating. It creates the framework that is enough to keep you hooked.

The story is divided into two parts – Saadiq’s life as it is now while he is on a plane reminiscing his past, and what is to come later when he finally does meet Maryam. In the first part, the events oscillate in a steady rhythm between the past and the present. Timelines are paced strategically in tune with the narration. The second part moves slowly, adding to the suspense.

Baig allows his lead characters to traverse the highs and lows of love, heartbreak, separation, and reunion. He brings an intensity in his writing with the way he creates conflict in person and story. Saadiq’s character is etched with a nuanced detailing that makes him endearing as a young boy, while at the same time absolutely loathsome as an adult. The transition is seamless and falls right into place as demanded by the events in the story.

The simplistic elegance of the prose comes as a pleasant surprise, unlike most books by debut authors. However, I found it to lose its crispness as the book progresses. It calls for a thorough proof-read and edit to fix grammar which seems rushed after about a quarter of the book.

Despite that, what wins you over is how the author treats the theme of friendship and love . I have always believed that there is something truly magical in the love that begins from a deep friendship. Bruce Lee explained it in its simplest and purest form when he said: ‘Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.’

Little Maryam is just such a beautiful, yet heartbreaking tale of love and loss. The story of a deep childhood friendship that grows into a love that is powerful and intense. And when love calls to make the ultimate choice, it is the power of love itself that makes the decision. With that Hamid Baig proves the paradox that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com.

[Deepti · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not every man with a heart is understanding, not every man with ears is a listener, and not every man with eyes is able to see.” Imam Ali
Saadiq Haider, renowned gene therapist, comes across as a brusque, impatient man, as he shares his life story with Anne Miller, an intrepid journalist with ‘The Daily’ who is eager to interview him after his nomination for the Nobel Prize. Not for nothing is he known as the bad boy of bioengineering and cancer research, even as the world acknowledges him as a genius who had featured on the cover of Time magazine.
Luckily, Anne and he are on the same flight, and as the ride turns turbulent, Dr. Haider decides to unveil the grand canvas of his life story on the enthusiastic journalist. As he says to her, “The beginning is Maryam.”
Saadiq and Maryam share a magical relationship from the moment he meets her. Her father, the Colonel, owns the garden on which Saadiq’s father, Haji works. Saadiq turns into her protector, but it is not until much later that they both realise the depth of their feelings for each other. Kalpavriksha, the huge banyan tree, plays a significant role in their lives, right till the very end.
The reader understands the intensity of Saadiq’s love for Maryam when he reveals it to his father. “Have you ever felt so empty, so devoid of hope, that death would be a welcomed reprieve? That would be my life, without Maryam in it.”
Saadiq has an uncanny intelligence and the death of his mother lights a fire within him, even as he vows to become a doctor and find a cure for the cancer that had taken her life. He graduates from senior secondary school with top honours, but makes a powerful enemy of the corrupt politician, Aashish Bhiduri. He shares a stormy relationship with the latter’s son, Ritesh, which lands him in trouble later on in life.
The only thing certain about life is its uncertainty, as Saadiq discovers. Years after he and Maryam have been separated, each living their own lives, he receives a phone call that makes him rush to her side. He is now a world-renowned Nobel laureate. From then on, they live for each other, till Maryam discovers a shocking truth about her life.
Hamid Baig is a storyteller with a heart. His book moves on at its own momentum, pulling the reader in, and its ending is so unexpected that it leaves one with an ache in the heart. Journalist Anne Miller is the one person who knows the story from Saadiq’s angle and from Maryam’s, and she takes it upon herself to tell the story of her unlikely friend, the “sarcastic, quick-witted, amazingly intelligent, perpetually trenchant, handsome, and acerbically honest” Saadiq Haider, and his beautiful Maryam, a story that stays in one’s heart long after it has been read.

[Adv. Vandana Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Maryam is Author Hamid Baig's debut novel and I absolutely fell in love with this unique story of true love between Dr. Saadiq Haider and Maryam Dawood. Journalist Anne Miller plays an important role in this book. Miller meets Saadiq and she is curious to know about his story and she is finally successful in her attempt in knowing the story behind Saadiq's visit to India. He narrates his story to her in flight when he is coming back to India after 20 years.

Protagonist, Saadiq was a son of Gardener Haji. Maryam was Colonel's daughter. He grows up with her and falls in love with her innocence. They were planning to marry soon and unfortunately Saadiq was accused of killing Ritesh, his friend and son of influential politician Ashish Bidhuri. He spent 5 years in prison and his love Maryam is parted from him. After his release from Jail, Saadiq faces many difficulties but soon he becomes a rich and famous personality. After 20 years, fate brings Saadiq and Maryam together again. After that there are many twists and turns in the story. To know what happens next, you'll have to grab this book.

I loved the beautiful and cute love story, Saadiq and Maryam share. The unconditional love and sacrifice for love, shown in this story deeply moved me. Author Hamid made the characters come alive through his words. I could feel Saadiq's pain of separation from his beloved Maryam and I could truly feel his happiness when he reunites with her. Saadiq showed what selflessness and love is all about.

I loved the writing style of author. The language used is simple and easy to understand. The book cover is attractive. The title is apt. The book was gripping and an emotional read and I couldn't put it down until I finished the entire book. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Reading Little Maryam was a wonderful experience.

I can say the Hamid Baig has become one of my favourite Authors in no time to all and I can't wait to read his next book. I highly recommend this novel- Little Maryam to all romance lovers and I am sure you will fall in love with the book.

RATING:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Book cover: 5/5
Language: 5/5

OVERALL RATING: 5.5

[My Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Maryam by Hamid Baig is a roller coaster journey taking the readers through various emotions like romance, love, heartbreak, happiness, laughter, happiness, betrayal, separation and sorrow. The book is so engrossing that it is difficult to put it down once started. Though the blurb is interesting enough for a reader to pick the book but the sudden twists and turns and surprises are really wonderful. I also loved the backdrop of the plot and thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
The story spans around several decades and the reader feels like s/he is watching the lives of the protagonists like a motion picture. The narration is quite simple with easy to comprehend English but the vivid imagery are beautiful.
The plot is nice with many twists, ups and downs. The story is also well crafted which makes the book a page turner.
The characters are well built and developed though most of the story revolves around the two main protagonists; Saadiq and Maryam.
The ending is nice and heart wrenching.
The cover is simple yet attractive.
Overall the book is a nice read and recommended to those who love reading tragic and emotional love stories. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Nupur Lakhe |nupur_flipaleaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Besides being a romance tragedy novella, it is also a mystery thriller. True to its genre, it does explore mystery in patches throughout the book, which are more appealing than the romance and tragedy portions. Or, I would rather put it, the thrill holds the book together and spikes up the interest of the reader, I enjoyed reading those segments. What I did not like were the emotional and romance sections, which fell flat a couple of times and look bizarre if the intention was to portray a matured love story which starts at childhood. I am not a tear shedding romance fanatic, but had I been so too, the story fails to tug at the hear. For the romance enthusiasts, this book might be a little refreshing because it has more to it than just getting wet eyed and feeling sympathetic for the protagonists. A new take on romance which we thought only Ravinder Singh had the copyright to. Pick up ‘Little Maryam’ if you want to experiment and are looking for a change in terms of storytelling.

Complete review on the blog- http://www.flipaleaf.com/2018/03/litt...

[Anita Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is in need of better editing which is why I am giving it 4.5 instead of 5 stars.

Considering his beginning life in India, Saadiq Haider overcame tremendous odds. As an adult he is a highly successful Nobel Prize winning physician. However, Dr. Haider is living proof that accomplishments don’t always equal happiness.

This is a dramatic love story told primarily from the doctor’s point of view. Even though he is brilliant and is able to overcome the disadvantages of his youth, Saadiq Haidir’s life is no bed of roses. He tells of his love for his soulmate to a journalist when he fears the flight may also be the end of his life. The reader is taken on a journey back to his humble beginnings as a gardener’s son. Saadiq is just a boy when he is asked to befriend and watch over little Maryam, the daughter of the gardener’s boss.

As Saadiq and Maryam mature, their friendship turns to love. However, the pair are not of the same social class. Is their love doomed, or will it find a way to flourish in spite of the challenges faced? As the title states, this is a romance with a shocking twist.

[Joshua Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: an emotional rollercoaster like no other....

I'm going to say this right upfront about Jamie's story: do have several boxes of tissue handy, you're going to need them. It a wonderfully woven tale of true love and what it means to sacrifice for that kind of love. It centers around the life of Saadiq and Maryam as their mutual love blossoms at a tender young, despite the fact that she had a higher status in the social hierarchy and he was the son of a gardener. Their love get tested countless times throughout their lives by not only the hierarchical structure but those that want to Saadiq fall, such as jilted politician. I will confess that this a story that should be told, as it touched my own heart, being thankful for the love I have in my own life. I found myself playfully cussing the author out but only because he captured what it's like to have true and what measures one would take to make it an eternal love, ranking right up their with an old classic that you might have heard of: Romeo and Juliet. This one, in my humble opinion, surpasses it. Bravo, Hamid Baig! You left me bawling my eyes out! I highly recommend this one!