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The Rule Breakers
There are two kinds of people in this world—those who follow the rules and those who do not think twice about breaking them.
It’s the mid-’90s. Studious, smart and sincere, Veda harbours big dreams for the future. But her parents arrange a marriage for her, and the twenty year old discovers that she has no say in the matter.
Forced to leave behind an idyllic life in the hill town of Joshimath—filled with conversations and pleasurable times with her siblings, and her best friend, the handsome Suraj—she puts aside her ambitions and moves into a flat in Pune with an indifferent husband and a mother-in-law from hell.
Though brought up to be quiet and obedient, Veda chafes at the meaninglessness of her existence and struggles to cope with the unexpected loneliness she is engulfed in. Then, amidst the dark clouds of stagnation and despondency, Veda carves out the unlikeliest of silver linings.
How does she do this? By breaking the rules?
Or by following them?
In this emotional roller-coaster of a novel, Preeti Shenoy treads bold new ground yet again.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
148 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Preeti Shenoy
42 books2,453 followersPreeti Shenoy, one of India’s highest-selling authors with over a million books sold, has written seventeen bestselling titles. Known for her accessible style, she explores complex themes such as mental health, gender inequality, and socio-economic divides. Featured on Forbes’ list of influential Indian celebrities, Preeti has represented India at international literature festivals in Birmingham, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Her work has been featured in major media outlets, including BBC World, Cosmopolitan, The Hindu, and The Times of India. She has received prestigious accolades, such as the Popular Choice Fiction Award (2021) from the Times of India’s AutHer Awards and Amazon India’s Most Popular Self-Help Book of 2021. She was also honoured as Indian of the Year and received the Business Excellence Award from the New Delhi Institute of Management.
Beyond writing, Preeti is a sought-after motivational speaker, having delivered talks at organizations like Walmart, Infosys, ISRO, KPMG, and Accenture. A fitness enthusiast, artist, and traveller, she has had her short stories and poetry featured in Condé Nast and Verve. She also writes a monthly opinion column for The Indian Express and has previously contributed to The Financial Chronicle.
Connect with Preeti:
Website: www.preetishenoy.com
Email: ps@preetishenoy.com
Twitter/X: @Preetishenoy
Blog: blog.preetishenoy.com
Instagram: @Preeti.Shenoy | @Preetishenoyart
Facebook: preeti.io/fb
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/preetishenoyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 4, 2018
The principal character of ‘The Rule Breakers’, Veda has great depth. And this is a story you should read for her strength in her turbulent life journey – aspirations, disappointments and hope.
Veda is the eldest of 5 children of a family based in Joshimath. She does very well in studies and hope to make a career for herself. However, her conservative middle class parents believe she should get married quickly and she bows to their wishes. This is a time when a friendship is developing with Suraj who is her classmate.
Veda moves to Pune after marriage, and finds life losing meaning. She struggles with coping with college, work at home and the attitude of her mother-in-law. There are a series of letters in the book between her, her sister Vidya and friend Suraj. These letter are very well written and a delight to read. I especially liked the exchanges between Veda and Vidya. Veda gets involved with ‘Sankalp’ – an organisation to promote learning among under-privileged children. Veda sees a sense of purpose creeping into her life finally, but there are more troubles to come.
Some aspects of the story could have been better, but Veda makes up for the book’s other shortcomings.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Veda is the eldest of 5 children of a family based in Joshimath. She does very well in studies and hope to make a career for herself. However, her conservative middle class parents believe she should get married quickly and she bows to their wishes. This is a time when a friendship is developing with Suraj who is her classmate.
Veda moves to Pune after marriage, and finds life losing meaning. She struggles with coping with college, work at home and the attitude of her mother-in-law. There are a series of letters in the book between her, her sister Vidya and friend Suraj. These letter are very well written and a delight to read. I especially liked the exchanges between Veda and Vidya. Veda gets involved with ‘Sankalp’ – an organisation to promote learning among under-privileged children. Veda sees a sense of purpose creeping into her life finally, but there are more troubles to come.
Some aspects of the story could have been better, but Veda makes up for the book’s other shortcomings.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
November 26, 2018
Yet another beautiful book by Preeti Shenoy. I finished this book in two sittings as the story was very good and engaging.
~
Veda, our protagonist, hails from a small town, Joshimath. Veda is an obedient child, excelling in academics, always following the path her parents set for her, never standing up for herself despite knowing about the consequences they will have. Her sister, (firebrand) Vidya, is her support system. Veda has an unrequited crush on Suraj, her classmate, but does nothing about it, fearing her parents' wrath. She unwillingly gets married to Bhuwan, at the age of 20. She is unhappy in her marriage.Bhuwan is understanding and caring, yet is hiding a secret, which would change the course of their married life forever.
~
A chance meeting with Bhuwan's childhood friend, Kanika, a strong willed, confident woman, leds her to work with Sankalp, an NGO for children. There, Kanika and Veda meets Ron, who has come from England to film Sankalp, since the foundation he works for funds the NGO. He stays back to teach the children with Kanika and Veda. The three of them pour their heart in teaching the children. But some things turn sour and the three are accused of something which they're totally against for. I won't give away the climax, it was totally unexpected, as it'll spoil the entire book for you.
~
I loved the setting of the book. The language as in all Shenoy's books was simple and nothing was sugar coated. Letter writing, the story set in the 90s, and the realistic setting won me over. I like to read such books from time to time.
~
Veda, our protagonist, hails from a small town, Joshimath. Veda is an obedient child, excelling in academics, always following the path her parents set for her, never standing up for herself despite knowing about the consequences they will have. Her sister, (firebrand) Vidya, is her support system. Veda has an unrequited crush on Suraj, her classmate, but does nothing about it, fearing her parents' wrath. She unwillingly gets married to Bhuwan, at the age of 20. She is unhappy in her marriage.Bhuwan is understanding and caring, yet is hiding a secret, which would change the course of their married life forever.
~
A chance meeting with Bhuwan's childhood friend, Kanika, a strong willed, confident woman, leds her to work with Sankalp, an NGO for children. There, Kanika and Veda meets Ron, who has come from England to film Sankalp, since the foundation he works for funds the NGO. He stays back to teach the children with Kanika and Veda. The three of them pour their heart in teaching the children. But some things turn sour and the three are accused of something which they're totally against for. I won't give away the climax, it was totally unexpected, as it'll spoil the entire book for you.
~
I loved the setting of the book. The language as in all Shenoy's books was simple and nothing was sugar coated. Letter writing, the story set in the 90s, and the realistic setting won me over. I like to read such books from time to time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
This is the first book I am reading that is written by Preeti Shenoy and I am glad her writing turned out to be somewhat better than I had expected.
The story centers around Veda, a girl residing in Joshimath, a sleepy mountain town, with her siblings - Vidya, Vandana, Vaishali & Animesh along with their strict father and meek mother.
*Highlights:
Even though the story is set in the 1990s, some points are still relevant today ▶️A reserved family, with the so called head of the family decides the fate of the remaining family members where the decisions taken by the women or the children are not taken into consideration where they are expected to keep quiet & blindly follow what has been dec8ded for them ▶️Girl child education is still not taken much importance as is shown in the story
▶️Marriages are still fixed or arranged as per the wishes of the elders & the so-called aunties who poke their noses in the matters of every family known or unknown to them
▶️Matters of choosing our own profession & life partners - for that matter , any major life decisions- are still taken for granted ▶️In short, we cannot have a mind/life of our own and in order to show 'respect' we have to follow the so called rules of the society till the end.
But what happens when we try to break the rules?
Veda, though a very intelligent & beautiful woman, wants to study more & who wants to become a professor in a reputed college,has been married off in a haste so as to lessen the burden of having so many daughters to 'marry off'.
She is the ultimate rule follower & even of her husband turns out to be really supportive of her career choices, she cannot enjoy her marital life; especially with an overbearing, controlling mother-in-law.
Ultimately, she has to give up on her dreams, her career and sacrifice her love for because she obeyed all the rules made for her by others.
Then, there is her sister Vidya who never misses a chance to speak up & act against when her rights get threatened.
Even though she gets the burnt of it from time to time from her own parents, she endures it but in a different way her elder sister does.
But in the end, whose life turns out better with no regrets?
*Some notable points:
▶️When parents decide everything for their children, does it mean that everything will turn out the best for them?
▶️Does the mother-in-law knows the sexuality of her own son?
Will she be able to acknowledge it?
Whose fault is it that her own son cannot reveal such an important issue to his own parents?
▶️A daughter-in-law is not the house maid or someone you can use for your own convenience. She is not a doormat bought for the mother-in-law to rub her anger on like a dirty shoe needs to get harshly scrubbed on.
▶️ Daughters are not the burden in the family. Why don't you answer who is being the burden on the lives of the daughters?
▶️'Sankalp' as mentioned in the book is very encouraging. It is a nonprofit organization meant to teach the underprivileged children of the slum areas to help ease their education and for them to score better marks in the actual board examination.
Innovative yet there are still manipulating such organization for their own benefit.
▶️The characters of Veda, Vidya, Kanika(my fav character!) & Ron are applaudable.
They are working for a good cause. And ends up doing that no matter what comes their way.
The story seems a bit dragging in between but it is realistic and relatable.
The handwritten letter times, the landline times have been brought in well as had happened in the 1990s.
Ultimately Veda chose to become a rule breaker and change her life as much to the appreciation of her rule breaker sister, Vidya, in the end.
Overall, it was a very good read.
▶️ Recommended for those girls/women who feel their lives are governed by your own people and injustice is being done to you.
Even though I can understand how difficult it is to stand up against your own family and relatives, I still feel like we should all try to stand up for ourselves before any situation goes worse👍
The story centers around Veda, a girl residing in Joshimath, a sleepy mountain town, with her siblings - Vidya, Vandana, Vaishali & Animesh along with their strict father and meek mother.
*Highlights:
Even though the story is set in the 1990s, some points are still relevant today ▶️A reserved family, with the so called head of the family decides the fate of the remaining family members where the decisions taken by the women or the children are not taken into consideration where they are expected to keep quiet & blindly follow what has been dec8ded for them ▶️Girl child education is still not taken much importance as is shown in the story
▶️Marriages are still fixed or arranged as per the wishes of the elders & the so-called aunties who poke their noses in the matters of every family known or unknown to them
▶️Matters of choosing our own profession & life partners - for that matter , any major life decisions- are still taken for granted ▶️In short, we cannot have a mind/life of our own and in order to show 'respect' we have to follow the so called rules of the society till the end.
But what happens when we try to break the rules?
Veda, though a very intelligent & beautiful woman, wants to study more & who wants to become a professor in a reputed college,has been married off in a haste so as to lessen the burden of having so many daughters to 'marry off'.
She is the ultimate rule follower & even of her husband turns out to be really supportive of her career choices, she cannot enjoy her marital life; especially with an overbearing, controlling mother-in-law.
Ultimately, she has to give up on her dreams, her career and sacrifice her love for because she obeyed all the rules made for her by others.
Then, there is her sister Vidya who never misses a chance to speak up & act against when her rights get threatened.
Even though she gets the burnt of it from time to time from her own parents, she endures it but in a different way her elder sister does.
But in the end, whose life turns out better with no regrets?
*Some notable points:
▶️When parents decide everything for their children, does it mean that everything will turn out the best for them?
▶️Does the mother-in-law knows the sexuality of her own son?
Will she be able to acknowledge it?
Whose fault is it that her own son cannot reveal such an important issue to his own parents?
▶️A daughter-in-law is not the house maid or someone you can use for your own convenience. She is not a doormat bought for the mother-in-law to rub her anger on like a dirty shoe needs to get harshly scrubbed on.
▶️ Daughters are not the burden in the family. Why don't you answer who is being the burden on the lives of the daughters?
▶️'Sankalp' as mentioned in the book is very encouraging. It is a nonprofit organization meant to teach the underprivileged children of the slum areas to help ease their education and for them to score better marks in the actual board examination.
Innovative yet there are still manipulating such organization for their own benefit.
▶️The characters of Veda, Vidya, Kanika(my fav character!) & Ron are applaudable.
They are working for a good cause. And ends up doing that no matter what comes their way.
The story seems a bit dragging in between but it is realistic and relatable.
The handwritten letter times, the landline times have been brought in well as had happened in the 1990s.
Ultimately Veda chose to become a rule breaker and change her life as much to the appreciation of her rule breaker sister, Vidya, in the end.
Overall, it was a very good read.
▶️ Recommended for those girls/women who feel their lives are governed by your own people and injustice is being done to you.
Even though I can understand how difficult it is to stand up against your own family and relatives, I still feel like we should all try to stand up for ourselves before any situation goes worse👍
September 18, 2018
Watch my detailed VIDEO review of The Rule Breakers here: https://youtu.be/fuDjkUtsX60
I love Preeti Shenoy’s novels and I had high expectations for this book, which is probably why the book disappointed me. Her books are usually character driven, but this story became more plot driver in the second half. Also, the personalities of the characters are also not consistent so it was hard to connect with the protagonist. However, the first half is nice and the author talks about some key issues we face in the Indian society. Overall, this was an average book for me, and I thought the author had the potential to deliver something better.
I love Preeti Shenoy’s novels and I had high expectations for this book, which is probably why the book disappointed me. Her books are usually character driven, but this story became more plot driver in the second half. Also, the personalities of the characters are also not consistent so it was hard to connect with the protagonist. However, the first half is nice and the author talks about some key issues we face in the Indian society. Overall, this was an average book for me, and I thought the author had the potential to deliver something better.
September 20, 2018
Rules should not be your crutches....
A beautiful sensitive book. One of my fav lines in this book is ...become wings and not crutches in someone else..things happen to us and we change as persons...if the changes makes us stronger wiser and kinder we should learn to embrace the change...another beautiful heart touching story by my fav author Preeti shenoy..the exchange of letters is an interesting way the story has taken way. I liked the relationship between Vidya and Veda. The detailed description of sankalp has moved something within me to join something like this..kanika's character is a strong one and so is that of Vidya. My fav character is Vidya. Would recommend one read at least of this book...
A beautiful sensitive book. One of my fav lines in this book is ...become wings and not crutches in someone else..things happen to us and we change as persons...if the changes makes us stronger wiser and kinder we should learn to embrace the change...another beautiful heart touching story by my fav author Preeti shenoy..the exchange of letters is an interesting way the story has taken way. I liked the relationship between Vidya and Veda. The detailed description of sankalp has moved something within me to join something like this..kanika's character is a strong one and so is that of Vidya. My fav character is Vidya. Would recommend one read at least of this book...
November 5, 2025
The Rule Breakers follows Veda, a young woman from a traditional family who struggles between societal expectations and her desire for independence. Preeti Shenoy captures the emotional tension of small-town India beautifully — the pressure to conform, the yearning to live life on one’s own terms, and the courage it takes to choose differently.
While the premise is powerful and relevant, the story at times feels predictable, especially in the second half. Still, Shenoy’s strength lies in her empathy for her characters — she makes you feel their dilemmas and root for their small acts of defiance.
If you enjoy stories of self-discovery, courage, and breaking stereotypes, this one makes for a thoughtful weekend read.
While the premise is powerful and relevant, the story at times feels predictable, especially in the second half. Still, Shenoy’s strength lies in her empathy for her characters — she makes you feel their dilemmas and root for their small acts of defiance.
If you enjoy stories of self-discovery, courage, and breaking stereotypes, this one makes for a thoughtful weekend read.
October 4, 2018
A very sensetive read, Completely intriguing. Could imagine the whole plot. Another masterpiece by the Author Preeti Shenoy.
September 22, 2018
Queen of Fiction yet again conquers the reader’s hearts with a Unique Story and Powerful messages of Life.
Outstanding Story with a thrilling experience.
It conveys to speak your mind, have the courage to go for what you want and stand up for it.
I loved the book cover. Red dupatta in the cover is symbolic and explains the rule breakers as a pictorial very well.
Book divided into 4 parts: THE RULES, PLAYING BY THE RULES, BENDING THE RULES and THE RULE BREAKERS. Each Part Begins with apt meaningful quotes about Rules.
Characters in the book are well portrayed which makes you feel connected to them and give us a strong message.
Each Part Begins with apt meaningful quotes about Rules.
Beautiful description of the Joshimath and Pune which makes us feel the scenic beauty of the Cities.
Heart- touching story deals with Siblings Bond, Societal Issues, Love, Friendship, Marriage, Relationship Goals, Hard work, and Education with interesting twists and turns.
It takes us back to the year 1990’s where the only medium of communication is through letters. Loved the exchange of letters between sisters Veda and Vidya.
Well researched everything about the Rules, the events happenings in year 90’s, NGO organizations, Printing Press, Rural areas and historical places.
Inspiring words of wisdom on how to deal with life to crave one’s own path motivates the readers.
She describes the life situations which a woman goes through in her life in reality and how society does expect women to conform to certain norms.
Grips the readers with all the emotions. You can experience happy, sad, tragic, emotional, magical, laughter, mystery, thrill, suspense, and shocking moments within you while reading the book.
Amazing read.
Will you be a Rule Breaker or a Rule Follower in your life? Find out more about it by reading this book.
Outstanding Story with a thrilling experience.
It conveys to speak your mind, have the courage to go for what you want and stand up for it.
I loved the book cover. Red dupatta in the cover is symbolic and explains the rule breakers as a pictorial very well.
Book divided into 4 parts: THE RULES, PLAYING BY THE RULES, BENDING THE RULES and THE RULE BREAKERS. Each Part Begins with apt meaningful quotes about Rules.
Characters in the book are well portrayed which makes you feel connected to them and give us a strong message.
Each Part Begins with apt meaningful quotes about Rules.
Beautiful description of the Joshimath and Pune which makes us feel the scenic beauty of the Cities.
Heart- touching story deals with Siblings Bond, Societal Issues, Love, Friendship, Marriage, Relationship Goals, Hard work, and Education with interesting twists and turns.
It takes us back to the year 1990’s where the only medium of communication is through letters. Loved the exchange of letters between sisters Veda and Vidya.
Well researched everything about the Rules, the events happenings in year 90’s, NGO organizations, Printing Press, Rural areas and historical places.
Inspiring words of wisdom on how to deal with life to crave one’s own path motivates the readers.
She describes the life situations which a woman goes through in her life in reality and how society does expect women to conform to certain norms.
Grips the readers with all the emotions. You can experience happy, sad, tragic, emotional, magical, laughter, mystery, thrill, suspense, and shocking moments within you while reading the book.
Amazing read.
Will you be a Rule Breaker or a Rule Follower in your life? Find out more about it by reading this book.
September 26, 2018
Simple easy and quick read. Yet powerful in the storyline and content. The story reflects stories that one finds around us. Enjoyed reading for its narrative style. Definitely a 360 degree shift in her earlier works.
May 24, 2020
I have been waiting since the last year to read this book and finally I finished this one that has lots of things to offer you, whether it's in telling stories of heartbreak and crushing the dreams in swank high-rises or the breaking rules to go what you want for!
In fact the story is something beyond what its blurb says. It had four parts and each part discusses the real obstacles facing by Veda, giving a roller coaster ride of a strong emotional core. Author brings a delicious twistedness to her plots and characters, and yet manages to make them relatable.
The only things I didn't like are the slow pace of the storyline and the predictability of the whole plot. Also, I don't think it's a great read at a time when most of her contemporaries are whipping up fresh ideas. So, I developed a mix feeling for this book and in my opinion, this one is absolutely apt only for beginners.
In fact the story is something beyond what its blurb says. It had four parts and each part discusses the real obstacles facing by Veda, giving a roller coaster ride of a strong emotional core. Author brings a delicious twistedness to her plots and characters, and yet manages to make them relatable.
The only things I didn't like are the slow pace of the storyline and the predictability of the whole plot. Also, I don't think it's a great read at a time when most of her contemporaries are whipping up fresh ideas. So, I developed a mix feeling for this book and in my opinion, this one is absolutely apt only for beginners.
October 9, 2018
Loved the book like every book of Preeti Shenoy. I was super excited when I received Rule Breakers of her, who is always my favourite author.
Rule Breakers is really realistic, it won’t waste your time, It gives you a wonderful experience if you read it. When I started reading , It reminds my own life moments … when I realised it, It brings smile to my face. You will start thinking after reading this..whether you are a rule follower or rule breaker .. Thats a super feeling.
It keeps you engaged throughout the book and shows you the real aspects of life.. And its not dramatic , the readers really felt it.The style of describing was superb.. On of her biggest quality showing here… And it is must read like every book of Preeti Shenoy.
Rule Breakers is really realistic, it won’t waste your time, It gives you a wonderful experience if you read it. When I started reading , It reminds my own life moments … when I realised it, It brings smile to my face. You will start thinking after reading this..whether you are a rule follower or rule breaker .. Thats a super feeling.
It keeps you engaged throughout the book and shows you the real aspects of life.. And its not dramatic , the readers really felt it.The style of describing was superb.. On of her biggest quality showing here… And it is must read like every book of Preeti Shenoy.
August 16, 2025
It pays to speak up. Your tolerance decides how you are treated. you need to set your own boundaries in your relationships, be it with your kids, parents, spouse or colleagues. That's the message the book effectively puts across, even with a typical plot background of an MCP Dad with 4 daughters and a son, a gay husband who got married for appearance sake, and everybody but the wife knows the truth and a painful mother in law.
But inspite of all that, the story is not negative, and that's a big deal. There is always a way out, if you look for it, and for that you need to shed the negativity that so easily overwhelms you, if you let it.
But inspite of all that, the story is not negative, and that's a big deal. There is always a way out, if you look for it, and for that you need to shed the negativity that so easily overwhelms you, if you let it.
April 15, 2020
The book is all about a girl breaking her rule of being traditional woman role. How she is overcoming her problems.
Read
September 22, 2018Read this book in one sitting. Preeti has written a very absorbing story keeping it simple and heartwarming. The relationships she talks about endears you to the characters. The plot is a present issue and a very real one and she has handled it beautifully and interspersed it with her protagonist and the storyline...
September 29, 2018
When I started reading I felt that the book is really ok. Not something you expect from an author like her. However when you finish the book, it hits you hard. One of those really really good books.
August 11, 2021
Not a must read which is a rarity from Preeti Shenoy. The beginning was superb but later on the story deviated from it's main plot with a bleak ending.
January 25, 2025
The husband being gay felt like a way to clear Veda’s conscience that she wasn’t exactly cheating on him by loving Suraj and her loving Suraj cleared her husband’s conscience that him not loving her didn’t break her heart since she loved someone else anyways
Anddd you’re telling me her husband married her knowing it won’t go well?? Like wow u are ok with spoiling someone else’s life coz u don’t have the guts to open ur mouth in front of ur parents?
Also Bhuwan,veda, and Bhuwan’s “friend” went on trips together…that seemed wholesome in the start but becomes so disgusting in the end knowing Bhuwan and the other guy were dating behind his WIFE’S back and have the audacity to hang out with her together
Also Padma devi the MIL grabs her by the hair and then what? Does she even realize what she has done to Veda? Would’ve preferred if there were at least a few lines where she was “atoning for her sins or smth ig”
.
Apart from this it was soooo good to read one of the best books from Indian authors I have personally read
Captures the subtle details of the indian “roz marra” beautifully
Anddd you’re telling me her husband married her knowing it won’t go well?? Like wow u are ok with spoiling someone else’s life coz u don’t have the guts to open ur mouth in front of ur parents?
Also Bhuwan,veda, and Bhuwan’s “friend” went on trips together…that seemed wholesome in the start but becomes so disgusting in the end knowing Bhuwan and the other guy were dating behind his WIFE’S back and have the audacity to hang out with her together
Also Padma devi the MIL grabs her by the hair and then what? Does she even realize what she has done to Veda? Would’ve preferred if there were at least a few lines where she was “atoning for her sins or smth ig”
.
Apart from this it was soooo good to read one of the best books from Indian authors I have personally read
Captures the subtle details of the indian “roz marra” beautifully
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
'There are two kinds of people in the world- those who follow the rule and those who do not think twice about breaking them'.
.
The Rule Breakers by Preeti Shenoy revolves around a girl Veda, eldest of 5 children of a family based in hilly town Joshimath. She is smart, studious and have ambitions for life. But things take a turn when her conservative father sought alliance for her marriage. As her father's wish, Veda was married to Bhuvan and then she moved to Pune. .
.
Her marital life was empty, gloomy because of her enduring mother in law. As a result she was unable to concentrate on her studies. Amidst this She joins Sankalp, a non-profit organization to teach under privileged children. Her experiences there made her to develop courage and speak strongly about her choices and ultimately become a rule breaker.
.
.
The book clearly portrays the issues faced by a girl bought up in a conservative family. Overall it is good read.
May 22, 2021
The book is about a small town girl who gets married way too early and inspite of the initial difficulties makes it in the big city! The plot moves at a breakneck pace and it is ideal for a Bollywood movie. Veda is the main protagonist and she has been written fairly well. Her struggles are portrayed realistically. The other characters seem to get shortchanged a bit. I didn’t get a real sense of Suraj or Bhuvan or even Kanika. I am mainly disappointed that we never got more of Bhuvan’s story. They seem to be there only to service the plot. The language is simple enough and I think it has the capacity to reach a wider audience. Overall a very fast read and much much better than Chetan Bhagat.
April 7, 2019
Quite disappointed especially because Preeti Shenoy has written it and I have loved so many of her books. It suffered from being directionless. A lot happened and it felt like it did not belong in one book. Yet, it felt too long probably because it was predictable and had a concept we have read and seen so many times. The major twist at the end seemed forced as well. But that's just my opinion.
PS, I have never spent so many days reading any of her other books. It felt too long and dull!
Read my full review here:
https://www.anmolrawat.com/the-rule-breakers-book-review/
PS, I have never spent so many days reading any of her other books. It felt too long and dull!
Read my full review here:
https://www.anmolrawat.com/the-rule-breakers-book-review/
January 4, 2019
Oh,yes! It's absolutely the kind of book that'll keep you away from sleep and make you read it cover to cover in a single sitting and not let you keep track of time till the early hours of the morning!
Full review coming soon.
Full review coming soon.
September 23, 2018
Absolutely brilliant!
Like every other PS book, this one too motivates the reader, in a beautifully subconscious way.. It gives us the courage to explore ourselves, to find ourselves and to put our thoughts into words..
Enjoyed reading every bit of it..
Like every other PS book, this one too motivates the reader, in a beautifully subconscious way.. It gives us the courage to explore ourselves, to find ourselves and to put our thoughts into words..
Enjoyed reading every bit of it..
March 16, 2020
It is a story about the girls in early 90's. How they were bound to forget their dreams and obey the rules set by their parents. The book clearly portraits the life of rule breakers & rule followers.
November 13, 2018
The Rule Breakers - Preeti Shenoy
An interesting read.
The story revolves around the protagonist Veda...her relationship with her strict parents and her closeness to her younger sister, her sudden marriage and the usual differences between MIL - DIL relationship of Indian culture and her relationship with her husband.
I love the way the sisters write letters to each other and express their feelings and thoughts. Art of writing letters is lost now a days. This book kindled the thought in me..hope I can revive my letter writing.
The main story is about "SANKALP" a school for underprivileged and how Veda's life changes when she comes to know about SANKALP. The new friends she makes at this school and the children and what she learns from them. How it makes her strong and makes her speak her heart boldly. I thoroughly enjoyed this portion as the athour has surely done justice to pen elobrately about such organisations and how a good organisation should function.
The one part I liked most on the Sankalp topic was "Thinking Questions" where the students are given set of questions and made to think out of the box.. Two such questions I liked the most.. Why do birds build their nest on trees and how would we write if we did not have paper.
The author has briefly touched LGBTQ. I felt justice was not done when this topic was handled and how the protagonist reacted still surprises me. Since the story is set in the 90's this topic is totally new those days and the protagonist coming from a small town and how she reacts to LGBTQ is something I am still puzzled.
Carve your own path is what the author conveys through the protagonist. I liked the author's style of writing and will pick her other books in future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
An interesting read.
The story revolves around the protagonist Veda...her relationship with her strict parents and her closeness to her younger sister, her sudden marriage and the usual differences between MIL - DIL relationship of Indian culture and her relationship with her husband.
I love the way the sisters write letters to each other and express their feelings and thoughts. Art of writing letters is lost now a days. This book kindled the thought in me..hope I can revive my letter writing.
The main story is about "SANKALP" a school for underprivileged and how Veda's life changes when she comes to know about SANKALP. The new friends she makes at this school and the children and what she learns from them. How it makes her strong and makes her speak her heart boldly. I thoroughly enjoyed this portion as the athour has surely done justice to pen elobrately about such organisations and how a good organisation should function.
The one part I liked most on the Sankalp topic was "Thinking Questions" where the students are given set of questions and made to think out of the box.. Two such questions I liked the most.. Why do birds build their nest on trees and how would we write if we did not have paper.
The author has briefly touched LGBTQ. I felt justice was not done when this topic was handled and how the protagonist reacted still surprises me. Since the story is set in the 90's this topic is totally new those days and the protagonist coming from a small town and how she reacts to LGBTQ is something I am still puzzled.
Carve your own path is what the author conveys through the protagonist. I liked the author's style of writing and will pick her other books in future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
February 26, 2020
The Rule Breakers
So, I finished reading The Rule Breakers and it saddens me to say that I am deeply disappointed with this work of Preeti Shenoy. I vividly remember the winter night some ten years ago, when I had spent reading 'Life Is What You Make It'... and being completely enthralled by it. So, for me Preeti Shenoy was THE WRITER.
However, this book to my utter disappointment was a complete disoriented upside down ride to absolutely NOWHERE... The story I personally feel, lacked cohesion and failed to have an underlying recurrent theme. Rather with each passing chapter, the theme kept bouncing from one to another, leaving me grasping for straws.
The writing, I felt got too lost in description which took away the all the attention needed to build the character arcs. The characters were shallow and stereotypical, adding almost nothing to the story.
So, to sum it up, I would just like to end by saying that as some stories are lost in translation, THIS STORY WAS LOST IN DESCRIPTION...
So, I finished reading The Rule Breakers and it saddens me to say that I am deeply disappointed with this work of Preeti Shenoy. I vividly remember the winter night some ten years ago, when I had spent reading 'Life Is What You Make It'... and being completely enthralled by it. So, for me Preeti Shenoy was THE WRITER.
However, this book to my utter disappointment was a complete disoriented upside down ride to absolutely NOWHERE... The story I personally feel, lacked cohesion and failed to have an underlying recurrent theme. Rather with each passing chapter, the theme kept bouncing from one to another, leaving me grasping for straws.
The writing, I felt got too lost in description which took away the all the attention needed to build the character arcs. The characters were shallow and stereotypical, adding almost nothing to the story.
So, to sum it up, I would just like to end by saying that as some stories are lost in translation, THIS STORY WAS LOST IN DESCRIPTION...
December 25, 2018
I would have given it 5 if not for the last few pages.
The story was very compelling and I almost lived as Veda. I loved her work on the letter writing part. The narration stops and the letters start to tell you the story - That was intelligent !!
And the way you described Sankalp - Hats off :)
The story was very compelling and I almost lived as Veda. I loved her work on the letter writing part. The narration stops and the letters start to tell you the story - That was intelligent !!
And the way you described Sankalp - Hats off :)
December 30, 2019
Predictable story
It was obvious that the relationship between the protagonist and her husband would lead to the "twist" that the author displayed. The book kept me occupied but then that's just me. I find it hard to keep fiction down. The ending was rushed and the story overall was not different from a regular soap opera from a TV channel.
It was obvious that the relationship between the protagonist and her husband would lead to the "twist" that the author displayed. The book kept me occupied but then that's just me. I find it hard to keep fiction down. The ending was rushed and the story overall was not different from a regular soap opera from a TV channel.
February 22, 2022
"There are two kinds of people in the world”. A cliched, yet effective way of beginning a book. The two kinds by our author were the ones who follow the rules diligently, and the ones who don’t blink twice before breaking them. Am I willing to be the latter in order to read this book again? Did I find it this amount of enticing? Lets find out.
Veda, the main character is a twenty-year-old woman from the small town of Joshimath, situated around the majestic hills of the Himalayas. Being the eldest among the five siblings and belonging to the India of mid-nineties, she has been raised to have a sense of responsibility and meekness, that only belonged to the small town Indian women of that time. Having to settle in Pune (which was another world within this world for her), she had to build new relationships that were deemed painfully forced and burdening. In between finishing her graduation, ironing out the kinks in her new world, getting ignored by a workaholic partner, and tolerating the torture of her sadistic mother-in-law, she found solace in the letters by Vidya (her sister) and Suraj (her college friend), and in Kanika, Ron and her students from Sankalp foundation.
The book began with a soothing and serene tone of hills and calm amalgamation of innocence of a naïve girl with ingrained honesty of the world around her. She is somehow made clear of what is expected out of her, and she goes with the flow. Bending the knee is much easier than bending the rules for her.
The first half of the book is compelling, engaging, and the illustration of the mid-nineties. The transition of Veda from playing badminton with her younger brother to brewing tea for her mother-in-law is organic and instinctive. It is the second half, where the plot begins drowning. The twists and turns to finding the voice, they all seemed bristly. Many characters were unseen from the first half of the book, and Veda’s point of view seemed non-existent for a long period in between.
One plot twist after another and rapid change of scenarios made the characters less coherent and more cluttered. It was difficult to stick to one particular character to empathise with them.
WHAT I LIKED THE MOST?
The honest portrayal of feminism in mid-nineties where a woman was asked to “adjust” and rule-breakers were the black sheeps of the family. Veda is intelligent and so flawed that a woman of this era would scream time and again, “SPEAK UP YOU FOOL”, and that was the reaction, perhaps, the author wanted from her readers, and successfully so. There were strong and weak women in both small and big towns, all stated as “bad girls” or “good girls” respectively according to how many rules they bend to break-free. I also loved how an arranged marriage is described. Sharing a bed with a stranger did not come naturally, nor did the “happily ever after” depiction. The consequences of division of wealth and the lives of unprivileged have been described so realistically that the author has not made an attempt to soften the blow. That is what I am proud of the most.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE?
The bleak familiarity of characters because of a clutter in the second half. While the relatability was not enough, the intent was evident and intelligible. I wish the second half was more sorted.
FINAL VERDICT
It is not Preeti Shenoy’s best work, but read it for the first half if you like her. If this is your first book of Shenoy’s, then you can sit this one down and pick her better books.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Remember, we are teaching them to fly. So do not be their crutch. Be their wings,”
“You are remembered for the rules you break. – Douglas MacArthur”
“Clutter is negative energy. We hold on to it, and it is bad because it does not allow new things to come into our lives. Only if we let go of the old, can we make place for the new,”
Veda, the main character is a twenty-year-old woman from the small town of Joshimath, situated around the majestic hills of the Himalayas. Being the eldest among the five siblings and belonging to the India of mid-nineties, she has been raised to have a sense of responsibility and meekness, that only belonged to the small town Indian women of that time. Having to settle in Pune (which was another world within this world for her), she had to build new relationships that were deemed painfully forced and burdening. In between finishing her graduation, ironing out the kinks in her new world, getting ignored by a workaholic partner, and tolerating the torture of her sadistic mother-in-law, she found solace in the letters by Vidya (her sister) and Suraj (her college friend), and in Kanika, Ron and her students from Sankalp foundation.
The book began with a soothing and serene tone of hills and calm amalgamation of innocence of a naïve girl with ingrained honesty of the world around her. She is somehow made clear of what is expected out of her, and she goes with the flow. Bending the knee is much easier than bending the rules for her.
The first half of the book is compelling, engaging, and the illustration of the mid-nineties. The transition of Veda from playing badminton with her younger brother to brewing tea for her mother-in-law is organic and instinctive. It is the second half, where the plot begins drowning. The twists and turns to finding the voice, they all seemed bristly. Many characters were unseen from the first half of the book, and Veda’s point of view seemed non-existent for a long period in between.
One plot twist after another and rapid change of scenarios made the characters less coherent and more cluttered. It was difficult to stick to one particular character to empathise with them.
WHAT I LIKED THE MOST?
The honest portrayal of feminism in mid-nineties where a woman was asked to “adjust” and rule-breakers were the black sheeps of the family. Veda is intelligent and so flawed that a woman of this era would scream time and again, “SPEAK UP YOU FOOL”, and that was the reaction, perhaps, the author wanted from her readers, and successfully so. There were strong and weak women in both small and big towns, all stated as “bad girls” or “good girls” respectively according to how many rules they bend to break-free. I also loved how an arranged marriage is described. Sharing a bed with a stranger did not come naturally, nor did the “happily ever after” depiction. The consequences of division of wealth and the lives of unprivileged have been described so realistically that the author has not made an attempt to soften the blow. That is what I am proud of the most.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE?
The bleak familiarity of characters because of a clutter in the second half. While the relatability was not enough, the intent was evident and intelligible. I wish the second half was more sorted.
FINAL VERDICT
It is not Preeti Shenoy’s best work, but read it for the first half if you like her. If this is your first book of Shenoy’s, then you can sit this one down and pick her better books.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Remember, we are teaching them to fly. So do not be their crutch. Be their wings,”
“You are remembered for the rules you break. – Douglas MacArthur”
“Clutter is negative energy. We hold on to it, and it is bad because it does not allow new things to come into our lives. Only if we let go of the old, can we make place for the new,”
November 18, 2018
Book Name : The Rule Breakers
Author : Preeti Shenoy
Genre : Fiction
Format : Paperback
Pages : 336
Price : ₹350/-
Publisher : Westland
Publication Date : 17 September, 2018
ISBN : 9789387578678
My Rating : 4.5/5
Blurb :
There are two kinds of people in this world—those who follow the rules and those who do not think twice about breaking them.
Studious, smart and sincere, Veda harbours big dreams for the future. But her parents arrange a marriage for her, and the twenty year old discovers that she has no say in the matter. Forced to leave behind an idyllic life in the hill town of Joshimath—filled with conversations and pleasurable times with her siblings, and her best friend, the handsome Suraj—she puts aside her ambitions and moves into a flat in Pune with an indifferent husband and a mother-in-law from hell. Though brought up to be quiet and obedient, Veda chafes at the meaninglessness of her existence and struggles to cope with the unexpected loneliness she is engulfed in. Then, amidst the dark clouds of stagnation and despondency, Veda carves out the unlikeliest of silver linings. How does she do this? By breaking the rules? Or by following them? In this emotional roller-coaster of a novel, Preeti Shenoy treads bold new ground yet again.
Plot : Veda, a college student hails from the beautiful hills of Joshimath and is very passionate about her studies and reading. She has 5 siblings and her family is quite orthodox. Their economical condition isn't so well so her father decides to marry her off when she's in her last year of college. Suraj, who studies in the same college as Veda has moved from Mumbai and is Veda's colleague. There is a certian spark between them but since Veda's marriage has been fixed, they decide not to take things further. Bhuvan, the one whom Veda is suppose to get married is from Pune. Veda shifts to Pune post marriage and suffers the cruelty of her mother in law for a while because of which she fails in her last year of college. She communicates with her sister Vidya and Suraj by letters. She isn't happy in Pune. Her marriage with Bhuvan is tasteless and empty. Later on, she comes in contact with an organisation called Sankalp, which works on educating the children of the slums. She starts working there and then it's almost as if her life takes a u-turn. Veda starts loving what she does which gives her life a new meaning. But, Sankalp then lands in a big trouble. The story that follows then is the amalgamation of drama, emotions, truth, boldness, freedom, happiness and acceptance.
Review : Firstly, the way the plot opens up is just beautiful. Every little thing has been described intricately. The characters have been built in detail and it's those details that kept me hooked to the book. The plot of the book has been laid down in a way that will never make the reader want to leave the story even for a second. The way Preeti Ma'am has weaved the social issues of India along with the story is admirable. Letters have been used as a way of communication and story telling which was a first for me. The storyline is gripping. Its like you never know what lays ahead. I imagined this book to be slightly similar to A Secret Wishlist by Preeti Ma'am but boy oh boy, the ending has just left me speechless. The social issues like poverty and illiteracy, marriage at an early age, homosexuality, women empowerment etc have been explored very well. Also, I feel as if my emotions just went on a rollercoaster ride. I never wanted the book to end to be honest but it did and when it did, it felt complete. At the end, if anything, I will say that this book certainly left me empowered and happy because Preeti Shenoy never disappoints.
Thanks to the author for sending me the review copy in exchange of an honest review.
Author : Preeti Shenoy
Genre : Fiction
Format : Paperback
Pages : 336
Price : ₹350/-
Publisher : Westland
Publication Date : 17 September, 2018
ISBN : 9789387578678
My Rating : 4.5/5
Blurb :
There are two kinds of people in this world—those who follow the rules and those who do not think twice about breaking them.
Studious, smart and sincere, Veda harbours big dreams for the future. But her parents arrange a marriage for her, and the twenty year old discovers that she has no say in the matter. Forced to leave behind an idyllic life in the hill town of Joshimath—filled with conversations and pleasurable times with her siblings, and her best friend, the handsome Suraj—she puts aside her ambitions and moves into a flat in Pune with an indifferent husband and a mother-in-law from hell. Though brought up to be quiet and obedient, Veda chafes at the meaninglessness of her existence and struggles to cope with the unexpected loneliness she is engulfed in. Then, amidst the dark clouds of stagnation and despondency, Veda carves out the unlikeliest of silver linings. How does she do this? By breaking the rules? Or by following them? In this emotional roller-coaster of a novel, Preeti Shenoy treads bold new ground yet again.
Plot : Veda, a college student hails from the beautiful hills of Joshimath and is very passionate about her studies and reading. She has 5 siblings and her family is quite orthodox. Their economical condition isn't so well so her father decides to marry her off when she's in her last year of college. Suraj, who studies in the same college as Veda has moved from Mumbai and is Veda's colleague. There is a certian spark between them but since Veda's marriage has been fixed, they decide not to take things further. Bhuvan, the one whom Veda is suppose to get married is from Pune. Veda shifts to Pune post marriage and suffers the cruelty of her mother in law for a while because of which she fails in her last year of college. She communicates with her sister Vidya and Suraj by letters. She isn't happy in Pune. Her marriage with Bhuvan is tasteless and empty. Later on, she comes in contact with an organisation called Sankalp, which works on educating the children of the slums. She starts working there and then it's almost as if her life takes a u-turn. Veda starts loving what she does which gives her life a new meaning. But, Sankalp then lands in a big trouble. The story that follows then is the amalgamation of drama, emotions, truth, boldness, freedom, happiness and acceptance.
Review : Firstly, the way the plot opens up is just beautiful. Every little thing has been described intricately. The characters have been built in detail and it's those details that kept me hooked to the book. The plot of the book has been laid down in a way that will never make the reader want to leave the story even for a second. The way Preeti Ma'am has weaved the social issues of India along with the story is admirable. Letters have been used as a way of communication and story telling which was a first for me. The storyline is gripping. Its like you never know what lays ahead. I imagined this book to be slightly similar to A Secret Wishlist by Preeti Ma'am but boy oh boy, the ending has just left me speechless. The social issues like poverty and illiteracy, marriage at an early age, homosexuality, women empowerment etc have been explored very well. Also, I feel as if my emotions just went on a rollercoaster ride. I never wanted the book to end to be honest but it did and when it did, it felt complete. At the end, if anything, I will say that this book certainly left me empowered and happy because Preeti Shenoy never disappoints.
Thanks to the author for sending me the review copy in exchange of an honest review.
August 29, 2019
Short Review:
Rules are made for a purpose but is it mandatory to follow all rules blindly? Or break some rules for one's own good? The book talks about the society norms that women had to follow back in 90's, the difficulties faced by them, child education and functioning of NGO activities, friendship, and love.
Brief Review:
It was little disappointed or maybe because i had high expectation from author like Preeti Shenoy and they were not met. Although the concept of the book was maintained same throughout the book but the whole story line changes in mid way, the first half was lovely whereas the second half was not a page turner.
The book is divided into 4 parts:
1. THE RULES
2. PLAYING BY THE RULES
3. BENDING THE RULES
4. THE RULE BREAKERS
The protagonist Veda lives in a village Joshimath near Himalayas with her 4 siblings and parents. Veda (Rule follower) being the eldest daughter and Vidya (Rule breaker) being the second daughter are very close to each other as best friends. Veda is a very obedient girl following the path laid by her parents, taking care of her younger siblings, telling them bed time stories. Suraj enters into Veda's life as her college classmate, as time flies they both make a very good bond of friendship. But veda is worried thinking she might break some rule by keeping in touch with a boy and then her rule breaker sister Vidya encourages to follow her heart and gives some tips on how she can secretly maintain her friendship with Suraj. Suddenly one day Veda's parents start making arrangements for her marriage without her concern even though she had her final year of studies left. Being a rule follower she sacrifices her wishes of being a lecturer post studies and gets hitched with Bhuwan and moves into Pune with her husband and a mother in law from hell. Preeti Shenoy had done a great job here describing the tortures and difficulties faced by women in early marriage issues. Veda, Vidya and Suraj starts communicating in letter henceforth and the author once again makes us to relive the days back in 90's like How easy it was to pour out our heart into words in a sheet of paper, her description of the places, ancient Bunglows, etc the author had taken every minute details in consideration which we easily tend to forget. Until this part of the book was a true page turner while the rest half of the book, the story line changes completely. I liked the character of Vidya, how determined she is in choosing her life the way she wants it to be, not caring whether she is following the rule or breaking it. The character of Kanika (a volunteer in a NGO) is very strong, following her passion, volunteering in a NGO, looking after the childrens of a slum, educating them both studies wise and way of life. The second half of the books mostly talks about social issues, faults in education system, importance of NGO, many such things in a detailed manner. The climax of the book changes the whole plot, something which i didn't expected yet it made sense, added beauty to the characters
Things I took away from book:
1. Appreciation for the work done is very important as it keeps one to do more, achieve more.
2. Not all rules are to be followed just to please the elders, some rules are meant to bend a little if there is even little good in it for you.
3. Follow your inner conscience and stand for justice.
4. Importance of child education and allowing girls to follow their dream, freedom to choose their spouse.
Overall good and simple read. Recommendable for anyone.
Rules are made for a purpose but is it mandatory to follow all rules blindly? Or break some rules for one's own good? The book talks about the society norms that women had to follow back in 90's, the difficulties faced by them, child education and functioning of NGO activities, friendship, and love.
Brief Review:
It was little disappointed or maybe because i had high expectation from author like Preeti Shenoy and they were not met. Although the concept of the book was maintained same throughout the book but the whole story line changes in mid way, the first half was lovely whereas the second half was not a page turner.
The book is divided into 4 parts:
1. THE RULES
2. PLAYING BY THE RULES
3. BENDING THE RULES
4. THE RULE BREAKERS
The protagonist Veda lives in a village Joshimath near Himalayas with her 4 siblings and parents. Veda (Rule follower) being the eldest daughter and Vidya (Rule breaker) being the second daughter are very close to each other as best friends. Veda is a very obedient girl following the path laid by her parents, taking care of her younger siblings, telling them bed time stories. Suraj enters into Veda's life as her college classmate, as time flies they both make a very good bond of friendship. But veda is worried thinking she might break some rule by keeping in touch with a boy and then her rule breaker sister Vidya encourages to follow her heart and gives some tips on how she can secretly maintain her friendship with Suraj. Suddenly one day Veda's parents start making arrangements for her marriage without her concern even though she had her final year of studies left. Being a rule follower she sacrifices her wishes of being a lecturer post studies and gets hitched with Bhuwan and moves into Pune with her husband and a mother in law from hell. Preeti Shenoy had done a great job here describing the tortures and difficulties faced by women in early marriage issues. Veda, Vidya and Suraj starts communicating in letter henceforth and the author once again makes us to relive the days back in 90's like How easy it was to pour out our heart into words in a sheet of paper, her description of the places, ancient Bunglows, etc the author had taken every minute details in consideration which we easily tend to forget. Until this part of the book was a true page turner while the rest half of the book, the story line changes completely. I liked the character of Vidya, how determined she is in choosing her life the way she wants it to be, not caring whether she is following the rule or breaking it. The character of Kanika (a volunteer in a NGO) is very strong, following her passion, volunteering in a NGO, looking after the childrens of a slum, educating them both studies wise and way of life. The second half of the books mostly talks about social issues, faults in education system, importance of NGO, many such things in a detailed manner. The climax of the book changes the whole plot, something which i didn't expected yet it made sense, added beauty to the characters
Things I took away from book:
1. Appreciation for the work done is very important as it keeps one to do more, achieve more.
2. Not all rules are to be followed just to please the elders, some rules are meant to bend a little if there is even little good in it for you.
3. Follow your inner conscience and stand for justice.
4. Importance of child education and allowing girls to follow their dream, freedom to choose their spouse.
Overall good and simple read. Recommendable for anyone.
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