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To Hell and Back: Not all Tragedies are Orchestrated by Fate
A mindless road-rage incident leaves a young and promising entrepreneur dead. Is it an accident, or a cold-blooded murder, planned to absolute perfection?
Namrata, a young professional, is enveloped by all the quintessential elements of life in the fast lane a staling marriage, an extramarital affair and eyes full of dreams, until a fun evening turns into a chilling nightmare for her.
Renu, a girl living in a world marred by regressive customs and dated practices, has resigned to the patriarchal ways of her world, until they begin to cast their malicious shadows on her unborn child.
Their worlds, although separate, intersect each other in a single strike of tragedy that none could have imagined. It is then that this story begins and sends everyone’s life on a dizzy tailspin.
Will they be able to get back to their safe and secure lives?
To Hell and Back is a fast-paced thriller that will not only keep you on tenterhooks till the very end, but it shall also rattle your beliefs on how ‘crime-proof’ the world that you live in truly is.
Namrata, a young professional, is enveloped by all the quintessential elements of life in the fast lane a staling marriage, an extramarital affair and eyes full of dreams, until a fun evening turns into a chilling nightmare for her.
Renu, a girl living in a world marred by regressive customs and dated practices, has resigned to the patriarchal ways of her world, until they begin to cast their malicious shadows on her unborn child.
Their worlds, although separate, intersect each other in a single strike of tragedy that none could have imagined. It is then that this story begins and sends everyone’s life on a dizzy tailspin.
Will they be able to get back to their safe and secure lives?
To Hell and Back is a fast-paced thriller that will not only keep you on tenterhooks till the very end, but it shall also rattle your beliefs on how ‘crime-proof’ the world that you live in truly is.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2018
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Anurag Anand
23 books30 followersAnurag is a management professional who started his parellel career in writing at the age of 25 when he published his first non-fiction title, 'Pillars of Success'. After his second non-fiction title, he shifted to the fiction genre and since then he has authored several books including bestsellers like The Legend of Amrapali and The Quest for Nothing.
Anurag's works have been lauded for their realistic treatment of subjects and the life-like interplay between characters.
Anurag's works have been lauded for their realistic treatment of subjects and the life-like interplay between characters.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
May 19, 2018
The book sets off to a zooming pace, as the scene unfolds on a busy highway of North India. After that, it is one hell of a trip that Anand takes you through.
Character traits are revealed through actions, and there is amble focus on introducing the characters through their mannerisms, rather than dialogues.
Each character is well etched out and reminds one of the people around you – the annoying self-proclaimed feminist who ends up being a judgemental woman herself or the extremely supportive boss who has his own personal agendas, or even, a friend who’ve parted ways with but who ends up being your biggest support – and you can’t help but wonder if this is indeed fiction, or instead a slice of real life.
There is a generous dose of realism as the reader discovers through the lives of Namrata and Renu – the two women who despite being a victim of circumstances do the best they can.
What I liked most was that the two parallel stories (of Namrata and Renu) seemingly have no relevance to each other. And yet, even before the author gets to the point of intersection, he already has you guessing what has transpired in the opening scene, and how the two stories shall eventually come together.
The point where the actual intersection of the two stories happens is so mundane and random that it completely swept me up in its flow. That’s how it is in reality, isn’t it? You just meet someone randomly and get chatting, sometimes, even end up helping them for no reason, and suddenly your lives become too entangled to remain unattached any longer.
Human emotions like jealousy, fear, anger, lust, loneliness are real and often drives people to make decisions that they otherwise wouldn’t, or rather, shouldn’t. Relationships and people are complicated and what are the motivations behind one’s actions isn’t something that’s easy to comprehend. It leaves you with the thought that is already expressed on the cover of the book - Not all Tragedies are Orchestrated by Fate.
I hate that I am not able to call this a feminist book, and yet, it is a story that’s dominated by female characters and, therefore, as feminist as a crime thriller could be – and that, I believe, is Anand’s biggest feat.
Character traits are revealed through actions, and there is amble focus on introducing the characters through their mannerisms, rather than dialogues.
Each character is well etched out and reminds one of the people around you – the annoying self-proclaimed feminist who ends up being a judgemental woman herself or the extremely supportive boss who has his own personal agendas, or even, a friend who’ve parted ways with but who ends up being your biggest support – and you can’t help but wonder if this is indeed fiction, or instead a slice of real life.
There is a generous dose of realism as the reader discovers through the lives of Namrata and Renu – the two women who despite being a victim of circumstances do the best they can.
What I liked most was that the two parallel stories (of Namrata and Renu) seemingly have no relevance to each other. And yet, even before the author gets to the point of intersection, he already has you guessing what has transpired in the opening scene, and how the two stories shall eventually come together.
The point where the actual intersection of the two stories happens is so mundane and random that it completely swept me up in its flow. That’s how it is in reality, isn’t it? You just meet someone randomly and get chatting, sometimes, even end up helping them for no reason, and suddenly your lives become too entangled to remain unattached any longer.
Human emotions like jealousy, fear, anger, lust, loneliness are real and often drives people to make decisions that they otherwise wouldn’t, or rather, shouldn’t. Relationships and people are complicated and what are the motivations behind one’s actions isn’t something that’s easy to comprehend. It leaves you with the thought that is already expressed on the cover of the book - Not all Tragedies are Orchestrated by Fate.
I hate that I am not able to call this a feminist book, and yet, it is a story that’s dominated by female characters and, therefore, as feminist as a crime thriller could be – and that, I believe, is Anand’s biggest feat.
June 20, 2018
"Attachment leads to expectations and insecurities…
Things that i have been running away from all my life"
The Title of the book To Hell And Back is thoughtful, and completely justifying the story. They complement each other well and also is according to the story, so it’s a perfect combination. Also the cover is attractive enough to catch attention.
The story revolves around the life of protagonist Namrata and Renu and life revolves around them. The story is divided into three parts- 1st part of the book starts with an horrible accident with Namrata and Akash while travelling to Ludhiana some goons have stabbed them, Akash was badly injured and lost his life defending the goons. 2nd Part of the story is will take you to the life of Namrata, Pranav, Akash, Renu, Rakesh and Pooja, Dileep and more. The 3rd part of the book was my favorite. Never in my wildest dream would I have thought that the story would take such an unpredictable turn and that I believe sums up the success of the book.
The plot is strong and the author has been able to do full justice to it. Never felt my interest waning. The pace is perfect, neither slow nor too fast. It is steady and smooth. With every turning page the curiosity to read further keeps on increasing.
Language of the book is lucid and written in a simple way to comprehend for any kind of reader. Narration and characterization is done well.The author has portrayed each and every character with utmost significance of their own and every one of them has done justice to their respective roles throughout the story.
An engrossing read that’s capable of keeping the reader on edge till the very end. I would like to recommend this book to all the bibliophiles out there.
Looking forward to read more books by the author.
Overall Rating 4/5 Stars
Things that i have been running away from all my life"
The Title of the book To Hell And Back is thoughtful, and completely justifying the story. They complement each other well and also is according to the story, so it’s a perfect combination. Also the cover is attractive enough to catch attention.
The story revolves around the life of protagonist Namrata and Renu and life revolves around them. The story is divided into three parts- 1st part of the book starts with an horrible accident with Namrata and Akash while travelling to Ludhiana some goons have stabbed them, Akash was badly injured and lost his life defending the goons. 2nd Part of the story is will take you to the life of Namrata, Pranav, Akash, Renu, Rakesh and Pooja, Dileep and more. The 3rd part of the book was my favorite. Never in my wildest dream would I have thought that the story would take such an unpredictable turn and that I believe sums up the success of the book.
The plot is strong and the author has been able to do full justice to it. Never felt my interest waning. The pace is perfect, neither slow nor too fast. It is steady and smooth. With every turning page the curiosity to read further keeps on increasing.
Language of the book is lucid and written in a simple way to comprehend for any kind of reader. Narration and characterization is done well.The author has portrayed each and every character with utmost significance of their own and every one of them has done justice to their respective roles throughout the story.
An engrossing read that’s capable of keeping the reader on edge till the very end. I would like to recommend this book to all the bibliophiles out there.
Looking forward to read more books by the author.
Overall Rating 4/5 Stars
August 20, 2018
To Hell and Back is a fast-paced thriller that will not only keep you on tenterhooks till the very end, but it shall also rattle your beliefs on how ‘crime-proof’ the world that you live in truly is. This book has not only been wonderfully divided into three parts but also holds the mystery till the very end. The book opens with a road accident and then takes you into a flashback. The author’s art of characterisation is impressive and he has defined each character of the novel impeccably.
September 24, 2018
First, a road rage situation that claims the life of Akash, an entrepreneur, and makes the headlines on every major media outlet in the country. Second, a dreamer and a professional girl in Namratayearns for more from her life. Third, a quiet and submissive girl in Renuturns to a rebel when another life dependent on her needs her to fight. Three lives, three personalities and three very different fates. After Akash’s life is cut short, the focus lands on Namrata and Renu… what threads can bring them together when they live such different lives at all levels? And does fate truly control everything?
The book had me intrigued right from the blurb. A male author writing about two very different lives lead on by two very different female characters... Can he do justice? Or would it end up feeling like every other male voice that stereotypes women? Also, the burning question in my mind while going into the book was how the ‘death’ of Akash could bring these two women together?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
The book had me intrigued right from the blurb. A male author writing about two very different lives lead on by two very different female characters... Can he do justice? Or would it end up feeling like every other male voice that stereotypes women? Also, the burning question in my mind while going into the book was how the ‘death’ of Akash could bring these two women together?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
June 19, 2018
“To Hell And Back" by Anurag Anand is one of the most intriguing and enjoyable books that I have read. The blurb itself is enough to prompt one to turn the pages and the title and the cover do full justice to the book.
The book has been wonderfully divided into three parts and the author has very well managed to hold the mystery till the very end. The book opens with a road accident and then takes you into a flashback. The author’s art of characterization is impressive and he has defined each character of the novel impeccably. The author has managed to brilliantly carry two stories together without confusing the readers and the many twists and turns keep the reader wanting to know what will happen next.
The language of the book is lucid and the ending is nail-biting. I recommend this book to all the die-hard fans of mystery books and to all those who are interested in being spellbound. The climax of the book is the highpoint of the book and my advice to readers is to not waste time in guessing as the author will prove you wrong at every turn.
The book has been wonderfully divided into three parts and the author has very well managed to hold the mystery till the very end. The book opens with a road accident and then takes you into a flashback. The author’s art of characterization is impressive and he has defined each character of the novel impeccably. The author has managed to brilliantly carry two stories together without confusing the readers and the many twists and turns keep the reader wanting to know what will happen next.
The language of the book is lucid and the ending is nail-biting. I recommend this book to all the die-hard fans of mystery books and to all those who are interested in being spellbound. The climax of the book is the highpoint of the book and my advice to readers is to not waste time in guessing as the author will prove you wrong at every turn.
June 11, 2020
The thing about this book was that it was bullshit. It's like the author was trying to live up to the secret-Indian-authors' oath of writing a book with no strength (of character of plotline) what-so-ever. Like seriously? You can't just make a mild character and make him do all regular things and jump the readers into a SURPRISE! in the climax...going "He was bad all along and you did not see it!"
See, for this to work; as an author you have to leave bits n pieces through the entire book as proof he was rotten from the very beginning. Without it, youre making a book worthy of the name "TO HELL xxx xxxx" :)
And dont even get me started on him having STOLEN the Mariam-Laila last line of Khalid Hosseini's ATSS. That was my breaking point...I'd have stopped reading the book-had it not been the last line. I'd have THROWN it out-had it not been borrowed. ALAS, the book was returned fit n fine, to ruin the time & energy of another.
See, for this to work; as an author you have to leave bits n pieces through the entire book as proof he was rotten from the very beginning. Without it, youre making a book worthy of the name "TO HELL xxx xxxx" :)
And dont even get me started on him having STOLEN the Mariam-Laila last line of Khalid Hosseini's ATSS. That was my breaking point...I'd have stopped reading the book-had it not been the last line. I'd have THROWN it out-had it not been borrowed. ALAS, the book was returned fit n fine, to ruin the time & energy of another.
November 21, 2018
The story starts off with the normal lives of two different women in two different worlds. The pleasant and the not so pleasant things happen in both the lives. Next what we find is, we are hurtling down the road of adventures, misadventures and hopeful solutions. Namrata - a married working woman is stuck between the romance of yesteryear's and the fast pace professional life of her and husband making her go for desperate measures to hang on to the pink love. Renu on the other hand is a docile housewife with an overbearing husband and mother-in-law.
What I really loved is the way individual stories peaked in their own range and then fell together at one place. Anurag has got that flair and of this unexpected twist that simply throws you off. The ending was the ultimate mind-boggler.
Anurag, looking forward for more such books from you!
What I really loved is the way individual stories peaked in their own range and then fell together at one place. Anurag has got that flair and of this unexpected twist that simply throws you off. The ending was the ultimate mind-boggler.
Anurag, looking forward for more such books from you!
May 22, 2018
This book surprised me...and then it won me over.
It's one of those few books where all my predicting was happily laid to waste thereby multiplying the pleasure of reading.
An amazing narrative style, brilliantly paced and poised with just the right amount of intrigue to floor the climax. Indian crime writing needs this kind of believable settings of both geographical and mental atmosphere displayed here.
I'm one of the lucky, very first readers (like very, very first...huh!)
It's one of those few books where all my predicting was happily laid to waste thereby multiplying the pleasure of reading.
An amazing narrative style, brilliantly paced and poised with just the right amount of intrigue to floor the climax. Indian crime writing needs this kind of believable settings of both geographical and mental atmosphere displayed here.
I'm one of the lucky, very first readers (like very, very first...huh!)
December 31, 2020
True: Not all tragedies are orchestrated.
I have always felt that a relationship needs to be nurtured by both partners. This book sort of reiterates that fact. Every relationship has its ups and downs. Its the downs that we need to work on and never give up.
A wonderfully written book with a taut plot.
I have always felt that a relationship needs to be nurtured by both partners. This book sort of reiterates that fact. Every relationship has its ups and downs. Its the downs that we need to work on and never give up.
A wonderfully written book with a taut plot.
May 11, 2018
Great read
Great story..really liked the way it has been written. Ending is really good. A good amount of suspense has been maintained throughout.
Great story..really liked the way it has been written. Ending is really good. A good amount of suspense has been maintained throughout.
July 23, 2018
Awesome indian novel with women role models
A great novel combining date rape; female foeticide and e-commerce. Nice ending and quite unexpected twist as well in the end
A great novel combining date rape; female foeticide and e-commerce. Nice ending and quite unexpected twist as well in the end
August 8, 2021
The cover of the book said "a gripping thriller" and well, that was what the mood called for, so I picked it up. The book is a page turner. I finished it in a couple of hours. Narrated in three parts, but for me it felt like three dissociated parts. It was okay.
September 21, 2018
When I was offered this book for review, I had a lot of expectations from it, because the blurb and the cover seemed interesting. But while reading the book I got bored in the first few pages, but when I started reading further, it became difficult for me to put down the book. The story is quite interesting and thrilling as the author unravels many conspiracies towards the end.
" It is relationships are like rubber bands. Each time they are stretched beyond their acceptable boundaries, the boundaries redefine themselves to accommodate the breach. "
The book narrates the story of two women, Namrata and Renu, who are pole apart but end up being connected to each other by the bond of humanity. How do they come across each other?
Namrata, a career oriented woman was ready to go for a client meeting with her boss, Akash at 5AM. While going to Delhi through the highway some goons killed Akash and left Namrata injured on the road. She was traumatized with the road accident and was aloof from the world. The author then takes the reader eight months back. We see a different side of Namrata - she was married to Pranav but their relationship was going through a tough phase. There was no romance left and they barely talked and met each other because of their clashing work timings. While Pranav was on one of his office tours, Namrata went out with her girl gang to party, but that night changed everything for her.
After the bad incident at the party, she was all stressed up and fell ill. She was going to attempt suicide when a message from Akash came to her rescue. Namrata started finding solace in Akash's company and they both started dating each other. Namrata left her husband in order to spend her life with Akash but she always found something fishy about Akash's actions. But ignored it because she loved him. What is Akash hiding? Is there something actually fishy about it or it's just that she is overthinking?
On the other hand, Renu was a housewife, tortured by her in laws and living in an outdated village. Her relationship with her husband was deteriorating and she was treated as an item by him. Her husband used to force himself upon her. Renu's world changed when she announced to her husband that she was pregnant. All of her family members were expecting a boy this time but an illegal sex determination test shook her as it was another girl and maybe the end to her life by her husband. What will happen when her husband will get to know about it? Will she be able to lead a happy life or be dreaded for life ?
Read the book to get answers for all the questions!
I absolutely loved how the author inserted the twists and turns in the story. The book is an absolute thriller and the revelations will shock you. Though the starting was a bit boring but the end was so so good that it changed my whole perception. The plot is strong and the author has been able to do full justice to it. The narration is smooth and the book is well paced. With every turning page the curiosity to read further keeps on increasing. The language used by the author is easy and understandable. An engrossing read that’s capable of keeping the reader on edge till the very end.
Definitely Recommended!
" It is relationships are like rubber bands. Each time they are stretched beyond their acceptable boundaries, the boundaries redefine themselves to accommodate the breach. "
The book narrates the story of two women, Namrata and Renu, who are pole apart but end up being connected to each other by the bond of humanity. How do they come across each other?
Namrata, a career oriented woman was ready to go for a client meeting with her boss, Akash at 5AM. While going to Delhi through the highway some goons killed Akash and left Namrata injured on the road. She was traumatized with the road accident and was aloof from the world. The author then takes the reader eight months back. We see a different side of Namrata - she was married to Pranav but their relationship was going through a tough phase. There was no romance left and they barely talked and met each other because of their clashing work timings. While Pranav was on one of his office tours, Namrata went out with her girl gang to party, but that night changed everything for her.
After the bad incident at the party, she was all stressed up and fell ill. She was going to attempt suicide when a message from Akash came to her rescue. Namrata started finding solace in Akash's company and they both started dating each other. Namrata left her husband in order to spend her life with Akash but she always found something fishy about Akash's actions. But ignored it because she loved him. What is Akash hiding? Is there something actually fishy about it or it's just that she is overthinking?
On the other hand, Renu was a housewife, tortured by her in laws and living in an outdated village. Her relationship with her husband was deteriorating and she was treated as an item by him. Her husband used to force himself upon her. Renu's world changed when she announced to her husband that she was pregnant. All of her family members were expecting a boy this time but an illegal sex determination test shook her as it was another girl and maybe the end to her life by her husband. What will happen when her husband will get to know about it? Will she be able to lead a happy life or be dreaded for life ?
Read the book to get answers for all the questions!
I absolutely loved how the author inserted the twists and turns in the story. The book is an absolute thriller and the revelations will shock you. Though the starting was a bit boring but the end was so so good that it changed my whole perception. The plot is strong and the author has been able to do full justice to it. The narration is smooth and the book is well paced. With every turning page the curiosity to read further keeps on increasing. The language used by the author is easy and understandable. An engrossing read that’s capable of keeping the reader on edge till the very end.
Definitely Recommended!
May 8, 2018
Anurag Anand's To Hell and Back comes with a tag-line Not all Tragedies are Orchestrated by Fate. The book opens with Namrata and Akash taking the road. A white SUV blocks their road. Its occupants kill Akash, leaving Namrata untouched. Akash was a cofounder of a start up and his death caused by a road rage makes newspaper headlines. Was it really a tragedy or something sinister. After all not all tragedies are orchestrated by fate.
Anurag crafts two women characters whose lives are poles apart. Namrata is a young, independent woman who can even walk out of a marriage when she finds it is not working. Renu on the other hand is a demure housewife living in a village with outdated code of conduct for women. Girl child needless to say is unwelcome there. Yet she tries to catch the scratches of happiness that come her way. Describing her thought process the author says, 'But then each moment of victory deserved to be savoured, untouched by the fears and uncertainties of tomorrow, and this Renu had learnt to do very well.'
Describing the unhappy marital status of Namrata, the author says 'It is relationships are like rubber bands. Each time they are stretched beyond their acceptable boundaries, the boundaries redefine themselves to accommodate the breach. And just like a rubber band doesn't need much to be stretched to lengths it has previously withstood, the degree of incivility a relationship can take is also defined by what it has been through previously. Once you disrespect your partner in a particular way, the next time you will probably end up doing the same, in a greater magnitude, and possibly on a much feebler pretext, once you begin flinging cuss words at each other, the abusing becomes a veritable constituent of your relationship. Until the relationship, just like the rubber band, can bear no more and snaps.' What an astute observation of marital relationships.
And then their lives intersect for the good. The story takes a very different turn from here. Though the author has woven believable characters, I felt that Namrata overcame the agony of gang rape too soon. Also Akash's past deserved a little more mention. Yet To Hell and Back is lucid and holds promise for sure. Do read this book.
Anurag crafts two women characters whose lives are poles apart. Namrata is a young, independent woman who can even walk out of a marriage when she finds it is not working. Renu on the other hand is a demure housewife living in a village with outdated code of conduct for women. Girl child needless to say is unwelcome there. Yet she tries to catch the scratches of happiness that come her way. Describing her thought process the author says, 'But then each moment of victory deserved to be savoured, untouched by the fears and uncertainties of tomorrow, and this Renu had learnt to do very well.'
Describing the unhappy marital status of Namrata, the author says 'It is relationships are like rubber bands. Each time they are stretched beyond their acceptable boundaries, the boundaries redefine themselves to accommodate the breach. And just like a rubber band doesn't need much to be stretched to lengths it has previously withstood, the degree of incivility a relationship can take is also defined by what it has been through previously. Once you disrespect your partner in a particular way, the next time you will probably end up doing the same, in a greater magnitude, and possibly on a much feebler pretext, once you begin flinging cuss words at each other, the abusing becomes a veritable constituent of your relationship. Until the relationship, just like the rubber band, can bear no more and snaps.' What an astute observation of marital relationships.
And then their lives intersect for the good. The story takes a very different turn from here. Though the author has woven believable characters, I felt that Namrata overcame the agony of gang rape too soon. Also Akash's past deserved a little more mention. Yet To Hell and Back is lucid and holds promise for sure. Do read this book.
May 10, 2018
The book opens with the accident and then proceeds to retrace the events from eight months ago. The author delves into Namrata’s life and gradually brings Renu into the picture, their narratives proceeding alongside each other, yet not crossing paths until the end.
Anurag Anand has crafted his characters well, giving them a layered persona. Whether it is the lead, or supporting cast, they have all been fleshed out in detail which is displayed in the part they play in the story. Every character has a time and place for their literal presence and they perform on cue.
Anand’s writing is smooth and exhibits a natural flow in the events that form the framework. The parallel narratives sometimes do appear to be vague and disconnected which, I gather, may have been deliberate on the author’s part to add to the suspense. Even so, when after three quarters of the book, there is no sign of any connection between Namrata and Renu or why the accident came to be, the interest starts to wane.
The story finally brings the players together and ties up loose ends to put it all in perspective in the final few pages in a conversation led by the protagonist. It appears as if the suspense may have been resolved but the thrill of the mystery loses its impact. What would have made a spine-chilling revelation, ends up seemingly rushed. The aftermath of the accident also leaves much to be desired.
Nonetheless, the concept of how all tragedies are not orchestrated by fate is an interesting one. When it comes to people we think we know, virtue has a veil, vice a mask, and it is behind the mask of sanity that psychopathy might lurk. And to know how, To Hell and Back deserves to be read.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com.
Anurag Anand has crafted his characters well, giving them a layered persona. Whether it is the lead, or supporting cast, they have all been fleshed out in detail which is displayed in the part they play in the story. Every character has a time and place for their literal presence and they perform on cue.
Anand’s writing is smooth and exhibits a natural flow in the events that form the framework. The parallel narratives sometimes do appear to be vague and disconnected which, I gather, may have been deliberate on the author’s part to add to the suspense. Even so, when after three quarters of the book, there is no sign of any connection between Namrata and Renu or why the accident came to be, the interest starts to wane.
The story finally brings the players together and ties up loose ends to put it all in perspective in the final few pages in a conversation led by the protagonist. It appears as if the suspense may have been resolved but the thrill of the mystery loses its impact. What would have made a spine-chilling revelation, ends up seemingly rushed. The aftermath of the accident also leaves much to be desired.
Nonetheless, the concept of how all tragedies are not orchestrated by fate is an interesting one. When it comes to people we think we know, virtue has a veil, vice a mask, and it is behind the mask of sanity that psychopathy might lurk. And to know how, To Hell and Back deserves to be read.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com.
July 29, 2018
To Hell and Back is a fast-paced thriller with its share of surprise twists and turns. Namrata, a married young business development professional, whose relationship is beginning to stale, finds herself the victim of a brutal crime, the horror of which seeps through the cracks in her marriage. Renu, a traditional Haryanvi wife, finds the pressure on the outcome of her second pregnancy too much to bear. Add in the murder of a high profile entrepreneur and you’ve got Anurag Anand’s debut novel.
This is a very quick read, and one that ultimately provides an entertaining ride through the thread of narrative. Slowly, layer by layer, we uncover the truth of what had transpired. The plotting is clever and leaves you guessing until the final pages.
My only issue with this, is the protagonists very speedy recovery from a very violent crime. That it sparks a change in her is realistic and true to what one would expect. But usually people who are victims of such things do experience longer effects than those displayed by Namrata.
That said, besides this one point, I enjoyed the read. It’s a quick one, perfect for a plane or train travel, or perhaps a holiday. Happy reading!
This is a very quick read, and one that ultimately provides an entertaining ride through the thread of narrative. Slowly, layer by layer, we uncover the truth of what had transpired. The plotting is clever and leaves you guessing until the final pages.
My only issue with this, is the protagonists very speedy recovery from a very violent crime. That it sparks a change in her is realistic and true to what one would expect. But usually people who are victims of such things do experience longer effects than those displayed by Namrata.
That said, besides this one point, I enjoyed the read. It’s a quick one, perfect for a plane or train travel, or perhaps a holiday. Happy reading!
January 23, 2019
This is one book I couldn't put down. There were twists and plots that kept me going, yes, but it was also the characters that kept me hooked and lent further authencity to the plot. The characters are well-fleshed out and even seem real to the point that one starts identifying with each one of them even though their frames of reference are completely different from one's own. There are parallel tracks which the author brings them together in the most unique way! Above all, the writing is superb!!
June 4, 2018
Anurag crafted this very well, very nicely put all characters in plot and the most beautiful thing about this book is, he passed a hidden message to all of us... we should be very careful while putting our fragile life into someone's hand... at last I would only say.. ONE MUST READ THIS BOOK..
November 28, 2018
Intense and entertaining. I could never have guessed the murderer. Well done!
January 21, 2019
Very average story. You know the end when you are around 30% into the book. Its not at all high paced and is full of cliches. The writing is good but the story is hardly intiguing.
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