Tides Don't Cross

by Simar Malhotra

Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.

Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny. Deeply touching, this is an unforgettable story of thwarted desires, of love and its loss, of losing and finding oneself, and of falling and learning to rise.

Young and talented author Simar Malhotra has created yet another piercing and riveting read.

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2018

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one solely based on its cover and the title. The characters, the plot and the ending did not live up to it.

[Aakanksha Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a long time, I’ve read such a beautiful book. This book made realize there is still hope for upcoming Indian authors.
Tides don’t cross written by Simar Malhotra is a book about love, marriage, romance, dreams, passion, and ambition. It is a story of two sisters Rukmani and Mrinalini who are just opposite in nature with each other. Mrinalini is a mama’s girl who does everything her mother Neelam says and obeys her every order obediently while Rukmani, on the other hand, loves to reason and knows what she wants in her life and fight for it.
Mrinalini gets married to a guy because her mother orders her and convince her that he is the best choice for her and on the other hand Rukmani goes abroad for her studies and met a guy in Paris and eventually falls in love with him. Mrinalini is not happy in her married life but as per her nature she never says anything and obeys while Rukmani is having a wonderful time in Paris with her love.
If you think this is all this book has to offer then you are wrong my friend, this is just the beginning of a wonderful tale. What happens to the married life of Mrinalini? Does she overcome her shyness and take decisions of her life? What happens to Rukmani and her lover? What happens next in both sister’s life? For quenching your thirst of answers to these questions you will have to read the book.

I am really impressed by the storytelling skills of the author. The narration of the book and the language used is really good. The best part of the book is its cover. I would buy this book for its beautiful cover only. Go grab this book and read a wonderful tale.

[Mridula Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tides Don’t Cross is about two sisters. Mrinalini- meek, gentle and very caring, and Rukmini- fierce, independent and headstrong. Raised by a single mother under a very strict environment has shaped one into a gentle soul and the other into a rebel.

The plot is divided into three sections- each section about the life of each sister and one particular guy called Ayaan Khan. While the first two stories are independent, the third one is where paths cross and fate unravels.

Simar Malhotra has dedicated her time in giving us the perfect characters. Each character has been written down with perfection, with their flaws and mistakes intact. The plot is a bit slow, but that will help the readers understand the characters and their ways very well.

The book also explores emotions in a relationship. This relationship could be anything- friendship, marriage, mother-daughter or siblings. Each relationship has their set of troubles and happy times. The author gives equal importance to fate, especially the complex relationship among Mrinalini, Rukmini and Ayaan.

What I missed is details about places (ex. Paris) and surroundings, which was significantly lacking. The plot gives you things to love and things to hate and maybe that’s why it ends up being so good in spite of the slow pace. I found myself invested in the story and the characters, which is extremely important to me as a reader.

A light yet eccentric concoction, “Tides don’t cross” is definitely recommended.

[Bookishbong Moumita · Rating 5 out of 5]



Tides don't cross by Simar Malhotra

Total pages - 256

Genre - Fiction

Publisher - Rupa Publications

About the author :

Simar Malhotra is the author of the teen novel There is a Tide. She is studying at Stanford University and is the winner of the Bocock/Guerard Fiction Prize. Her work has been published in the Gold Man Review literary journal and Stanford’s in-house magazine Topiary. When she’s not curled up with a book, she can be found doing Muay Thai or cuddling with all things fury

About the book

This is book is devided into 3 parts . First part is mostly about Mrinalini in India . The second is about Rukamani and the third part is about both of them . Though Mrinalini and Rukamani are two daughters of Neelam they two are so different . While Rukamani lives her life in her own rules on the other hand Mrinalini tries to make herself use to be with everyone in her surrounding. Mrinalini has to marry Surya before she knew her a little . After 6 years of their marriage the death of Surya shook the life of Mrinalini and their son Rohan . They then moved to new place where they met a new person . This new person, Ayaan was deeply connected with Rukamani . Ayaan Khan is from a well known rich family of Jaipur. He wass a swimmer . After falling in love with Rukamani in Paris they both met in America again . Ayaan Khan , as the name suggest he belonged to Muslim family ,faced humiliation at the airport . Also Mrinalini was trying to make Rukamani understand that he wasn't good for him . Two religions . Two different cultures . All these thoughts poisoned Rukamani's mind . It causes separation of 3years of them .

My views

1. If you are someone who loves beautiful cover , you will definately love the book at first sight .

2. This is not a story of Romance. Author has touched every little aspects of life and even a big global issue which has given this book a great value .

3. Author has done really a great effort to build each character. Every character is unique in their own way.

4. The use of emotions and vocabulary will blow your mind .

5. Most important and the best part is the plot . The author has brilliantly concreted the plot that it is unputdownable .

There is no doubt that Simar Malhotra is an awesome storyteller . I will suggest everyone to read this book .

It's definately a 5/5 read for me !

I want to thank the publisher for giving me a chance to review this great copy .

[Chetana Thakur Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tides Don't Cross by Simar Malhotra is a beautiful book. The cover is so pretty and vibrant. Also, the plot is just perfect! Unlike regular romance novels, it will keep you captivated till the last page and the turn of events that take place are quite unpredictable.

The book tells the story of three extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Rukmani is fierce and assertive. She is completely opposite of her elder sister Mrinalini in nature. Mrinalini is meek and cannot even think of defying their mother Neelam. And on the other hand, Rukmani constantly has a tiff with her mother.
The story is divided into three parts. The first part is about Mrinalini's life. She marries Surya according to her mother's wishes and struggles to cope up with her life.
In the second part, we are introduced to the character of Ayaan. When Rukmani and Ayaan meet in the magical city of Paris, they immediately connect with each other.
We witness some mind-boggling turn of events which were completely unpredictable in the third part.
You have to read the book to know how the three lives intersect and what are the turn of events that occur in their lives.

The author has done a commendable job in addressing a serious global issue in this book. All the characters are well portrayed, unique and seem utterly real. This novel is absolutely gorgeous and written in simple and lucid language. The plot is constructed and narrated beautifully. It is indeed deeply touching and an unforgettable story.

Overall, I totally loved this book. For me, it was a great and refreshing read.

Tides Don't Cross is a perfect read for all. Definitely recommended!

[Anukriti Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sisters , poles apart from each other. Mrinalini , the dotting daughter who is always dominated by her mother Neelam and Rukmani , the rebellious and fierce who is beyond the control of Neelam. Both their lives change after Mrinalini gets married and Rukmani flies off to Paris. She meets Ayaan , a gentle guy contradictory to Rukmani's fierce nature and thus begins a new journey of love and its loss , the choppy tides of life and the common destiny they hold.


About The Book

Tides Don't Cross by Simar Malhotra revolves around the lives of two sisters Mrinalini and Rukmani. While Mrinalini is the ideal daughter , always listening to what her dominant mother Neelam says , Rukmani is the complete opposite. She is a rebel , does opposite of what her mother wants. Neelam's dominance and Mrinalini's lack of word tangles her in an arranged marriage and an early pregnancy.

Rukamani on the other hand , flies to Paris , away from her mother's dominance. There she meets Ayaan Khan, a swimmer hailing from a rich family in Jaipur , India. The two fall in love with each other but the tides built by religion washes them away.

Realistic Plot

The vivid colors of the cover and the blurb made me pick this one up. As the story unfolds , I realized that the book is not only about love between two sisters or between Rukmani and Aayan but also focuses on various aspects of life. The story of a loveless marriage and early pregnancy , the post-partum depression , the battle of religions , the dominance of family and the humiliation for a Muslim in America builds the momentum in the story and keeps you hooked.

The book is divided into three parts - the first one takes you into the life of Mrinalini and her husband Surya. Neelam's dominance binds the two in a loveless and arranged marriage. Despite Mrinalini's wishes , she conceives a child. The early pregnancy and her contrary wishes pulls her into depression.

The second part revolves around the fierce Rukamani. She is a rebel who never gave in to Neelam's wishes , contrary to Mrinalini's nature. She flies to Paris and meets Aayan , a swimmer who suffers a massive injury and has to quit for a while.

The third part is something that holds a lot in store for you , for which you must pick the book up.

Writing Style

The writing is lucid and commendable. The way the author has described the main events and characters feel connectable and you can easily connect with the characters of the book. But somewhere down the line , the story goes haywire and despite the descriptiveness , the book lacked an essence. At some points , the descriptiveness required was missing and the rebel nature of Rukamani felt a little exaggerated to fit into the requirement of the plot.


If you're looking to get a break from those heavy reads on your TBR , you must pick this up. A refreshing story with a realistic perspective , Recommended.

[Harshita Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tides Don’t Cross is an intriguing story portraying the lives of three main characters Mrinalini, Rukmani, and Ayaan. Mrinalini and Rukmani, though being real sisters are poles apart in terms of their personalities and views. Where Mrinalini is dubious and evasive, Rukmani is bold and outspoken.
The book has been split up in three parts where first part narrates Mrinalini’s story, the second part accounts how Rukmani and Ayaan met each other and eventually fell in love and the third and last part recounts how the lives of this trio cross after the span of three years.
Well, the plot is fairly predictable and unsurprising and one could easily speculate what’s next, but there was something special in the narration that urges you to complete the story irrespective of the foreseeable end. Clearly, the lucid and expressive narration puts the book in a favourable spot.
Moreover, I loved how all the three characters evolved through the story. They were real and genuine. It was a sheer delight to read the realistic sketch of their vivid personalities and distinct psyche.
All in all, Tides Don’t Cross is a good read with clear entwined characters and impressive narrative. I surely recommend it.

[Bewitchingly Paranoid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually didn’t expect this book to have such an interesting plot. A story of two sisters always makes me WANT to read it, some way or the other I might relate to it. So, if you are having an intense week and all you want to do is find a cute spot, have a cup of tea, sit and read a light book. For such scenarios, this book is the one for you. There are three sections; the life of each sister; second, one particular guy called Ayaan Khan. And the third, where their paths cross and fate go whoooosh.

To begin with, you find two sisters who are completely opposite from each other. One nicknamed (as per me) troublemaker, the other one, (again as per me) the peacemaker. This in a way is the beauty of the whole book. Every single character has been thought over, developed with their flaws in mind, giving it a feel of a natural, relatable story. For those who like fast-paced books, this one might be a bit slow, but the way it has been written, it won’t really matter much. The criss-cross of three different characters, Mrinalini, Rukmini, and Ayaan, it is rather fascinating, not everyone can write it in such a way and then that too with such simple manner.

The story talks a lot about various emotions and relationships, all sorts of relationships, about their pros and cons. For someone who doesn’t understand this aspect of life, this book might be a complete facade. Now there were a few things I found missing. The most important point for me in order to like a book, DETAILING. One book should have proper detailing, it was missing. Then comes the over-exaggeration of Rukmani’s irrational attitude, I kinda grew tired of it. With all this saying, the thing I really didn’t like was the level of predictability. After a certain point, I could easily predict the story and that kinda took away my interest.

Saying so, I would suggest this book to those who would like to pick up a light read and be happy about their day.

[Sonali Dabade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars!

I really liked a majority of the book but that ending rather skewered it for me. I thought the two sisters were so different from each other while being equally intriguing, while Ayaan is someone who I have a soft spot for. But, the thing is, while Rukmani is brash and impulsive, sure, her thoughts do NOT make her a feminazi, as her sister refers to her in her thoughts at one point. I liked how strong Rukmani is, but I also think that she makes decisions without thinking them through. And that was perhaps what made her so relatable to me.

Mrinalini, on the other hand, is soft and malleable, and sadly, too much so. It's years of conditioning from her dictatorial mother, Neelam (who I hate with a vengeance by the way). But Mrinalini still retains her humanity, her warmth, her softness. And I love that about her.

All in all, an intriguing, fast-paced read with the writing being beautiful as well. But that ending left a rather bitter taste in my mouth. I mean, I realize that I'd probably be here saying the same thing if something else had happened, but somehow, this felt weird.

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted on Sohinee Reads & Reviews

For a story which is formulaic in its plotline, ‘Tides Don’t Cross’ makes for an engrossing and captivating book to read. I believe that the final denouement which is somewhat predictable only brings out the best in the story. It is when you know the answers to “who” and “how” that it becomes more frustrating to wait for a satisfying closure (the”when”). It is the anticipation that kills you. Simar Malhotra has used this to her benefit and have turned an otherwise boring and unstimulating story into an engaging one.

The three main characters—Mrinalini, Rukmani and Aayan are your day to day life characters and hence are realistic in nature. Mrinalini and Rukmani though are sisters in relation, it cannot be rightly said that they are each other’s confidant. There’s a stark contrast between these two characters (think Jane and Elizabeth). Mrinalini is more “feminine” with her characteristic attributes of shyness, modesty, helplessness, an urge to please others and acting “like a lady” while on the other hand, Rukmani is forthright in her speech, undaunted by difficult situations, and is feisty.

Neelam, the mother of the two daughters, is a domineering lady who thinks she knows better for her daughters than they do themselves, expects them to obey her all the time and is in the habit of imposing her opinions on others (think Lady Catherine minus the financial assets). Mrinalini is obedient by nature and tries to please her mother and thus, she is often treated like a doormat (no offence to Mrinalini).

Mrinalini, upon her mother’s commandment, agrees to enter into a loveless marriage with Surya. Apparently, he is an “appropriate” match for Mrinalini according to her mother, and she knows better than to disobey her orders. Before she even has the time to process everything, she becomes a mother. The rebellious Rukmani decides that she had enough of idling at home, leaves India to study abroad in New York and dedicates a semester to Paris.

Ayaan, Ayaan, my dear Ayaan, oh why did you have to be this charming human being devoid of arrogance and vanity that almost all the romantic heroes tends to possess and flaunts them pridefully?! Thank you Simar for not following the conventional “idealistic” way of portraying the hero. Rukmani and Ayaan engages in an affair which unfortunately ends as soon Rukmani leaves Paris.

The book is divided into three separate parts. Part I committed to depicting the home life , part II for the development of relationship between Rukmani and Ayaan, and Part III focuses exclusively on demonstrating if or not the “tides” actually “cross” (linking the three main characters together) each other, the story takes place after three years. The title of the book, ‘Tides Don’t Cross’ is symbolic of the love story that brews between the pages.

The author, Simar Malhotra employed what is thought to be the most common narrative technique, that is, the third person omniscient author technique. This technique allows Malhotra to be in complete control of the story and characters, she leads us wherever she wants us to follow but withholds her prejudices against the characters as well as the story. So the decision rests upon the readers as to how they want to perceive the characters and the plot. The three main characters are introduced by the author herself and not through dialogues or other characters. As opposed to the dramatic method of narration (which is not used in the novel), the author uses more narration and description than dialogues. The plot is developed by the narrator herself and most of the personalities of the characters are brought out by her too. Though the dialogues does help in revealing the personalities of the characters to some extent, it is not necessarily the main medium for their expressions and revelations.

Malhotra’s applied diction in the narrative though lacks the sophisticated and ornamental qualities, it should be kept in mind that her style of writing accommodates elegance in its simplicity. Given the popularity of micro poems and micro tales, it can be rightly said that today’s generation of readers prefers to read materials which are short in their construction but are adept in delivering heavy meanings (of course exceptions are always there, including me). Thus, ‘Tides Don’t Cross’ can be enjoyed and appreciated by most readers of today’s generation. The realism in the novel can also be acknowledged by the readers which is another likeable factor of the novel.



If I am being honest, I am neither overawed by the novel nor would I trivialize the contents of the novel. For a story which could have easily taken a turn for the bad, the author manoeuvred the story and saved it from dissolving into an utter mess. I can truly appreciate the author’s remarkable effort and wish her the best for her future writing ventures.

Recommended to readers who enjoy reading romance books, drama and any genres to be specific.

For more reviews and bookish posts, follow my blog at www.poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.com. For review enquiries and collaborations, write to me at query.sohinee@gmail.com

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tides Don't Cross is a story of Rukmani and Meera who meets Ayaan in different phases of their life. The story revolves around the three of them. Life is full of ups and downs, it's up to you how you handle it. is what I learned from the book.

The book is divided into three parts. It has a story of Meera, Rukmani and the third part is about both of them. Firstly I loved the title and the cover of the book. It's super Interesting and attractive. The plot of the story is different and interesting. The narration is crisp and engaging. The storyline is unique with lots of twists and turns. One can relate to the story from the very first page.

The pace of the story is a bit slow. the flow of the story is good. The characters that the author developed are appealing and have a strong personality. I loved Rukmani's character the most. The chemistry between Rukmani and Ayaan was wonderful. each character is developed in a brilliant way.

Love, aggression, hate, passion and many other emotions are expressed by the author in a wonderful way. One can emotionally connect to the story and the characters. There's a lot of drama in the story and is like a complete Bollywood movie. The dialogues, Fun, humour, aggression makes the story more interesting.

Overall, It's a wonderful story with a unique plot, strong narration and simple language.

[Sarmistha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timeless love without any clauses never ceased to exist in the world.It is very much alive, there in a warm hug,the quick peck, the cute smileys at the end of message,a dried rose in the diary and in all those small moments of affection which remain imprinted on human mind till the end.

The book is about Neelam Siritya a successful businesswoman and a controlling mother,her elder obedient and people pleasing daughter Mrinalini,her younger headstrong and rebellious daughter Rukamini and Ayan, a sportsperson who is trying to find his identity under the advent of new ideologies and growing intolerance.

The author deftly explored the elements of love, friendship, sibling bond,parenthood and marriage through the story.With an engaging narration and a realistic approach, the writer breathed life into her characters.The characters are grounded, relatable and flawed but yet endearing in their own little way.The story-line is quite predictable but what made a huge difference, is its way of execution.

Loved the way, the emotions quietly seep into a reader's heart who would surely feel Mrinalini's suffocation, Rukamini's craziness and Ayan's delusion.The journey till the climax would surely set your mind thinking about love.The last few pages gives the plot a different edge and a beautiful ending.

[Navneet Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Simar Malhotra , Tides don’t cross is a story which focusses on two sisters Mrinalini and Rukmani , and a guy named Ayaan. Rukmani is an NYU student whereas Ayaan is a Stanford student and the fate makes them come across each other in Paris. On the other hand, Mrinalini deals with a loveless marriage and a pregnancy she isn’t ready for.

Starting with the cover itself, it’s one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen.

Coming next to the plot, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Even though the beginning of the story is slow , but it eventually gets super interesting and enjoyable. I really liked the way the author has divided the story into 3 parts , giving ample time to each character to develop completely . This book is one of those few books where you won’t find even a single character annoying. It’s a beautiful tale of how one finds herself overcoming all the obstacles and the issues in life. Also, how love plays an important part in a person’s life. The best part of this book is that it’s not cliche and it keeps you hooked till the last page. I could relate to characters due to them being not unrealistic .

Overall , if you’re looking for an amazing book with good characters , unique plot and non-cliche romance, this book is is 100 percent for you.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

RATING: 4.5/5

[Ashwini Ganesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Mrinalini who grew up in an environment where everything was dictated and controlled by her mother, Neelam. She respected her mother because she had single-handedly raised Mrinalini and her sister, Rukmani. While Mrinalini grew up to be much like her late father, kind, patient and accomodating, Rukmani was just the polar opposite. She was just like her mother, adamant and unyielding. The way her mother controlled Mrinalini’s life annoyed her. When it was time for Mrinalini to get married, Neelam found a suitor for her without even considering her daughter's opinion. Within two weeks and two meetings the marriage was finalised. The concept of arranged marriage was beyond Rukmani’s comprehension.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part deals with Mrinalini’s loveless marriage, her early pregnancy. In the second part we get to see how Rukmani and Ayaan fall in love in the magical city of Paris. The last part is where all three of them come together, face their fears and find their destiny. Even though it’s a short read, the author has beautifully portrayed a lot of emotions like love, loss, friendship, passion, ambition, motherhood, etc.

It is such a refreshing read in between all those heavy and hard hitting ones. Its filled with characters that are not perfect and are flawed in their own ways, and that’s what makes them relatable.

If you’re looking for a quick, one-two sitting breezy read then definitely pick this one. I’m looking forward to reading her other works.

[Gitanshi Tuteja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sisters as opposite as two persons can be. One is a troublemaker, the other is the peacemaker. One is a rebel, the other is a people pleaser.

After their father's death when all the duties and responsibilities fell on their mother... Mrinalini became the puppet with a ready yes to her mother's every demand. Where as nobody can tell Rukmani what to do, she makes her own rules.

But both the sister's love each other and share everything with each other.

When Rukmani falls in love with a guy in Paris during an exchange program, life seems beautiful but problems are waiting for them at the other side of the program.

The book deals with real life issues which are very much prevalent in our society and how pre conceived notions about a religion or a community makes life difficult.

The story flows easily and I was right their with the characters from start till the end and I absolutely loved the ending.

It's a 4/5 for me

[That Book Nerd You Know · Rating 3 out of 5]

TITLE: Tides Don't Cross
AUTHOR: Simar Malhotra
PAGES: 256
PUBLISHER: Rupa
ISBN: 978-9353047146
GENRE: Romance

THE BLURB:
Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.
Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny. Deeply touching, this is an unforgettable story of thwarted desires, of love and its loss, of losing and finding oneself, and of falling and learning to rise.
Young and talented author Simar Malhotra has created yet another piercing and riveting read.

IF I COULD REVIEW IT IN A SINGLE LINE:
Worth the read
THE REVIEW:
The story of Rukmini, Mrinalini and Ayaan divided into parts and phases and of how Rukmini and Meera each had a different share of Ayaan's life is what Simar's novella revolves around. With a beautiful cover, different and engaging plotline and rather vivid and to the point narration this book earned my interest.
The characters each had a good backdrop and build up and were very well thought after. With fresh and stark qualities, pristine formations all the protagonists were relatable and likeable.
Too much of Bollywood drama though, was put into the book and I'm never a fan of such genre and hence it didn't hold good for me but as I have maintained in each of my reviews every book appeals differently to every other reader.
What I cannot possibly un-see is the fact that the book and the plot has been written beautifully and created beyond mistakes. That is a singular quality which entitles high praise for it.
But in the end another aspect that went wrong for it was the age of the author ( which I realised later on) was way too young to get a hold on he intricacies of life and hence a lot of the plot points was rather mockish and not taken hold on subtly. Another thing was that there was too much attention to unnecessary details at places and a little or no attention to important aspects at other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Simar Malhotra is the author of the teen novel There is a Tide. She is studying at Stanford University and is the winner of the Bocock/Guerard Fiction Prize. Her work has been published in the Gold Man Review literary journal and Stanford’s in-house magazine Topiary. When she’s not curled up with a book, she can be found doing Muay Thai or cuddling with all things furry.
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Language: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Writing and Presentation: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

Disclaimer: I was sent this book by the publisher for an honest review. The review is absolutely my own and hasn’t been influenced by anyone.

[Sankalpita (bookGeeks India) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5 stars.
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookgeeks.in/tides-dont-c...

[Nikita (thebookelf_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

➶ Tides Don’t Cross – Simar Malhotra
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Ok, so let me start off by giving some really superficial feedback – I fell in love with the cover of the book and for some reason it accentuated my interest in reading this book even more. Good job by @mitrasourish
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I have been reading some Indian authors fiction-romance-love triangle genre books a lot, but this book has brought a gush of fresh breeze with it. I am so glad I read it.
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Tides Don’t Cross talks about various things – love, passion, career ambition, marriage to name a few. The book is segmented into three parts – revolving around three main characters – the two sisters Rukmani anf Mrinalini and Ayaan, the guy Rukmani meets in Paris. The lives of each of the sisters is completely opposite. While Rukmani is a fierce, driven young lady, her obedient sister Mrinalini’s life is not a very easy one. As the story unravels, we find out how their paths cross and what does life have in store for each of them.
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Though the second half of the book is better paced, I loved how the book weaves the story of relationships and bonds. The author has got that knack for storytelling and I am really wooed by her work. The characters have an identity of their own and I loved how strongly they have been potrayed. The book stirs up a lot of emotions through its characters and plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone.
4.5/5 🌟

[Khushboo Shukla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!
Synopsis: Meera and Rukmani, two sisters, raised by a strict mother are poles apart in nature. While one is docile and peacemaker, the other is bubbly and blunt. They hardly agree on the same thing but love each other endlessly. In the course of life, they meet their life partners/soulmates and a new journey with ups and downs begins for both. And as they say, tides don't cross, they dissolve into each other. Go and read this one! Totally worth it.

Review: It's a mixture of complex issues and emotions. The book deals with castism, inter-cultural relations, family pressure, society, feminism and gives a sense of self discovery. Each end tightly knotted, the story moves smoothly, to and fro, giving glimpses of what's going on in the protagonists life. With every page turned, you want to know what happens next. Though at times, it gets a little predictable. But it keeps reader's interest by adding something fresh .

[Ritika Chhabra · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

"People in true love are like tides—they never just cross each other, they dissolve into each other."
- Simar Malhotra, Tides Don't Cross

Tides Don't Cross by Simar Malhotra is the story of beginnings and endings, of trusting and forgetting, of finding oneself and losing, of right and wrong. It is the story of a beautiful roamce, of becoming who you always wanted to be but never knew, of knowing who you truly are, and of being able to find happiness despite death tailing behind your back.

When I started reading this book, I knew what I was getting myself into. It had been ages since I last read a story just for the sake of romance. I was worried how this would turn out, that what if I would have to disappoint the author by saying that I wasn't ready for it? But luckily, the book turned out to be better than I expected. And a different read from what I was reading recently. The change felt nice.

Tides Don't Cross is the story of Rukmani, Mrinalini and Ayaan and how their lives are intertwined in ways more than one. Mrinalini and Rukmani are sisters, yet poles apart. While one follows each and every order, the other rebels against everything their mother says and asks from them. And then there is Ayaan. The swimmer Ayaan who has to let go of his life's one true dream and then get on with it.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part is about Mrinalini and her marriage to Surya—the boy she did not want to marry but did nonetheless, and a little introduction to Ayaan and Rukmani. The second part is Ayaan and Rukmani's life in Paris. And the last part is the one that you need to really read. Let's just say that I did a lot of growing up while reading it itself.  Now, let's go onto why I liked this book:

1. First off, I just want to say that there were some really beautiful lines in the book that I adored. I mean, I loved reading them. Here, check this one out:
"...religious practices and societal norms, these just exist to maintain order in our world, not to disrupt it. But when those very norm repress you, then maybe they're not meant for you to follow."
Makes sense, doesn't it—why I fell in love with the book?

2. The cover of the book is really bright and colorful, matching my taste at the moment.

3. It's a light read, that anyone can finish within a day—this makes it super easy to lay hands on.

4. The plot of the story was different and new, as well as a nice change from what I usually end up reading. *smiles sheepishly*

5. More than love, the book focuses on various aspects of life like postpartum psychosis, Islamophobia, the dominance of a single person in the family and its aftereffects, etc. This interested me a lot. Especially postpartum psychosis because I really want to do something for women who go through that. 

6. I've often read stories where something or the other happens unnaturally and I'm left wondering how on earth is it even possible. This book, on the other hand, had a very realistic plot and I enjoyed reading about all of this personally. 

7. Even though the pace was slow, it had its own charm. This allowed us to explore the characters even more, especially because there were no demons coming to fight and things like that. 

8. Lastly, the writing style and the narrative. It attracted from page one and I was hooked. The author has a flair for words that is evident in her book. 

Now what's that one thing that I hated desperately in the book? I'll give you one word: RUKMANI. She was the single most irritating character in the whole book. She would never admit to her faults, always fight when someone tried to look after her. I mean, at one point—say when Ayaan went back to Stanford and she to her internship, it was too much. I just couldn't—I still can't—let's not talk about it. I'll cry out in frustration otherwise, lol.

Overall, it was a great book and I'd suggest you to go and pick it up if you're looking for a light delicious read. (Do let me know when you do!)

[Apurba Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tides Don't Cross, consisting of three subparts. is the one book on life and love that you cannot miss out at any cost. I am truly moved by the plot, and the whole book in totality. It's got to be one of my best reads of 2018.

I will begin with what I loved the most in the book. The title — Tides Don't Cross — reflects profoundness within a matter of merely three words. The concept of love being compared to the ebb and fall of the sea tides is wonderful indeed. Second; the construction of the plot of the book; while the blurb presents the first protagonist to the reader in the very fifth line itself, the plot prefers to consider her character to be secondary in the initial first part. This trait is very much appreciated; indeed an unconventional way to narrate the story. The third feature I loved in the book was the descriptive style of writing. The author must have invested timeless effort and patience in order to unleash (yes, not just unveil) through the medium of storytelling the spontaneous emotions experienced at one of the most romantic (again yes, in the layman terms) tourist spots in the world, and even at one of the most beautiful & revered religious places in India [guess the places for brownie points!]. To communicate such depth, such intense feelings is not a walk in the park. The kind of narration, here,  becomes furthermore intriguing; the instrument of objectivity is utilized to have subjective emotions ooze out from every phrase. The characterisation is excellently done. The characters, both main and supporting, are very much concrete and independently presented — each character has a strong foundation, and their emotional selves in almost all occasions is exposed in entirety to the reader. Moreover, the eventual changes in one's mind, from one second to the very next,is captured with near-perfection. Such wisdom brimming out from every page of the book is unparalleled.

Now I will switch on the limelight to illuminate the storyline itself, one of the few times when Lady Bookamore talks about the story. And yes, this will soon become a permanent feature on my blog! Till then, stay tuned! Nope, no spoilers shall be leaked in here, so you need not get overexcited! Now back to the book; for any reader and reviewer, Tides Don't Cross cannot be confined within any particular genre. Well, it is a commonality shared by almost all fiction books. However, what keeps Tides Don't Cross stand apart from other books is how it celebrates life, as well as its moments of both joy and sorrow. The very last chapters of the read will surely serve as an encouragement to the reader, in order to embrace life and to live every moment to its fullest. The desire to live, and not to merely survive, is significant in ever generation — to devote yourself some time to be you.

I cannot gather enough (and, the suitable) words to express my gratitude to Rupa Publishers for giving me the opportunity to not only read the book and share my opinion, but also to learn from it bit by bit. I convey my best wishes to the author for her future endeavours.

[Shoma Abhyankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: Tides Don't Cross
Author: Simar Malhotra
Publishers: Rupa Publications
Genre: Fiction
Occasionally you come across characters in stories that seem like you know that person. They seem believable and sometimes they resonate with your own self. Tides Don't Cross falls in that category where the two sisters Meera and Rukmini seem like real people.

It has been a while since I read a love story. Some which I did read did not much click with my liking though those were not bad stories.

Mrinalini and Rukmini, the two sisters are as different as chalk and cheese. Mrinalini, the docile one heeds everything her overbearing mother commands and decides for her while Rukmini is the rebel. Mrinalini or Meera even agrees to marry someone on her mother's insistence quashing a budding romance with her colleague in her heart. She adjusts her life according to the man she marries and gradually loses all her individuality. No one including her husband tries to gauge her heart, her aspirations, her choices...

Rukmini on other hand does everything which annoys their mother. She questions everything and is a hot headed person who doesn't cow down to anything she doesn't believe in. She falls in love with a Muslim boy, Ayan, an ace swimmer, in Paris. The bliss lasts as long as the separate ambitions do not clash. But the pain of separation and love lasts in a corner of her heart.

Ayan, a national team aspirant  finds his dreams quashed due to a shoulder injury. A perfect gentleman, he contemplates making good use of his knowledge and give back to society.

Few years down the line, Meera suddenly finds herself a widow and her struggles with bringing up her son, take her to a new house. The shy girl gradually opens up to the friendly neighbor and swimming coach of her son. She comes to rely on him and starts enjoying his company. Little by little her lost confidence and desire to live takes shape again.

The story weaves the lives of Meera, Rukmini and Ayan through various events. No where however there is slackening in the narrative. Each character is well crafted and plays important role in the story. The story flows so naturally that I did not want to put it down and enjoyed reading it late in night.

The twists in the story will keep the readers engaged no doubt. The story ends logically and with no unnecessary drama.

A well written book that I liked quite a lot.

[Priyam Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"People in true love are like tides - they never just cross each other, they dissolve into each other." - Simar Malhotra

Blurb:

Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.

Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny.

Views:

Tides Don't Cross is divided into three parts, and I just can't stop thinking about it even after finishing it two week back.

First things first, the title of the book is  catchy and perfect at the same time. The brilliance with which the author has contrasted life and life with tide is truly fantastic. The profoundness with which the plot is created and described is also praiseworthy.

The first part of the book is mostly about Mrinalini and the way she is married to Surya and the life she has after that. One will bound to empathize with Mrinalini's situation and because of the things she goes through. The second part deals with Rukmani, Mrinalini's sister and Ayaan between whom love blossoms slowly and gradually in Paris. One will be bound to fall in love with Paris and the life of Rukmani. The precision with which the author has described Paris made me feel for many a times that I was truly standing there, noticing the blooming love between Ayaan and Rukmani in front of my eyes. The thirds part is all about how their lives get interwined. This part is truly heart touching and would surely bring tears to one's eyes.

The writing is absolutely brilliant. The way the plot developed is unconventional yet it had a tinge of familiarity which made it much more interesting to read. The lyrical flow of the story increased the emotional-quotient several folds. The characters are also very well described giving the story it's backbone.

This is one of the books out there that celebrates life and love and gives the reader the hope, the motivation to accept whatever comes to one's life with open hands.

It's a brilliant book. This is probably the umpteenth time I'm telling this in the last few days. Trust me, you'll love reading every bit of it.

[Sudarshan Wagh (swish_ndflick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tides don't cross is a beautifully woven story of three souls, their life and thwarted desires and destiny.
This book has three parts, the first of which is about the life of Mrinalini, the second one is a cute account of the love blossoming between Rukmani (Mrinalini's sister) and Ayaan.
The third and the last part is a very heart-touching story, which may melt even the strongest at the heart!
With the in-depth profoundness of the plot and spectacular narration, the book takes you through a wide spectrum of emotions and places ( New Delhi to Paris to New York) and leaves to you with a memorable tale!
I personally liked the author's correlation of life with the tides.It is something new, unique and genius.
The book also presents you with beautifully curated lines which you will definitely cherish for years together. One of my personal favorite which also complies with the main theme of the book, "... People in true love are like tides, they never just cross each other, they dissolve into each other..."
The book along with the story also puts light on the some globally faced problems which really needs mention!
Coming to the elements of the book -
First of all the cover and the title-Oh God! The title is just so apt and catchy that one glance of it and you are intrigued to know what's inside.
Now, coming to the art, it represents the three protagonists of the book and is so vibrant and appealing at the same time!
The plot is realistic and vivid.
An immense work has been done to portray the characters in the best way possible. Because of this strong characterisation, the reader falls in love with the characters. They are actually relatable and likeable. So no grudges with the character development!
Special mention for the fantastic story telling skills of the author.
The narration can't be more better. The language uses is simple yet richly detailed.
Attention has been given to the intricate details of all the plots.
Storyline is indeed engaging and gripping.
Writing style is so lucid and coherent that the story flows very smoothly!
And what to say, everything is so flawless! However, will give 4 🌟 because of the extravagant detailing of unnecessary things and a tinge of immaturity which i felt in the last part!
Overall, i am refreshed on reading such a great book after a long time!

[Sruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Tides Don’t Cross’ by Simar Malhotra is a book of two women, Rukmani and Mrinalini, who are at different phases of their life. The problems, they might have are markedly similar, yet they have a difference. They are two sisters, who are quite opposite to each other.

It starts off with their mother, Neelam who is out looking for a suitable match for Mrinalini. Mrinalini, who would agree with everything her mother has to say would end up, giving up the guy, she likes just because her mother would never agree. So, she ends up marrying Surya. With Surya, she ends up living a married life, in which she has a quite a bit of everything, but never is too happy.

Rukmani, who is quite opposite in nature, cannot understand why Mrinalini would give up everything and marry Surya. Anyway, she did have a different plan. Rukamni or Rhea, as she is better known as, ends up going abroad and also, to Paris where she meets with Ayaan. Ayaan, a varsity swimmer, suffers a bad injury and has to momentarily, quit swimming.

Now for the Hindu-Muslim marriage, which comes up eventually. In the meanwhile, Mrinalini who everyone thought was leading a good life has problems which were coming up. Firstly, with her husband dying in an accident and she is kind of blank for the first few days. She picks up with time, when she is working again and loves bringing up her child.

Back to Paris, where Rhea is left to fend for herself, with Ayaan heading back to India too. Ayaan who is in India, ends up teaching the kids to swim in the apartment he lives in and which Mrinalini too, lives in. So, the meeting happens, but they do not know each other as people, who might have been closer. Rhea pops in too, to meet with her sister and nephew.

The stigma that widowed people could carry, the aspects of motherhood, which play a part in our society and eventually the Hindu – Muslim marriage factor, all of these which were going to be a problem, raise their ugly heads in to the love story and or friendship story of the three of them now.

How will they handle all these? How will Ayaan deal with his illness and his love aspect? How will Mrinalini, who probably is in like/love with Ayaan deal with her issues? And how does Rhea, who is in love with Ayaan deal with her story?

ends

[Uday Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a smart methodology, the story tends to an intense issue of the emotional meltdown. In the meantime, it likewise tosses light on the fact that it is so essential to break the shackles of society. The book likewise investigates emotions in a relationship and that too for the romantic ones as well as for a wide range of them in and beyond a family. One can candidly interface with the story and the characters.

Truly, with little an excessive number of emotions now and again it made show at a few spots changing over the book into Bollywood movie yet that can be evenhandedly disregarded on the off chance that we concentrated on the simple and fluid portrayal of the plot. Thought what I truly would have loved is the subtle elements of what was occurring around the characters, as in, the place itself with the goal that I could without much of a stretch envision the places as effortlessly I was depicting the characters in my head. The cover, I would specify here, is extremely intriguing and eye getting with a blend of hues as well as with a great deal of stuff occurring in it and it giving us a look into the story like each cover should.

In spite of the fact that I would prefer not to ruin any of that plot of the book since I got a similar affair when I made a plunge directly into it with no reading of the description. I’ll disclose to you that we get to pursue Meera and Rukmani, two sisters, raised by a strict mother. These are shafts separated with regards to their conduct. On the off chance that one is making peace other will begin a war. If one is a mender, other is a breaker yet the connection between them is extremely fascinating to me, as a reader alongside every one of the developments in their lives going in a wave simply like a sea yet since various as it were, they, despite the fact that they are associated truly well, won’t cross giving full equity to the title.

I loved the elements of details put into title, cover, characters and the plot as well. And if you are up for a very interesting and at the same time, unique type of book, this is a perfect pick for you.

[Vibhati Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK DETAILS 

Title: Tides Don't Cross

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Rupa Publications India

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9353047145

ISBN-13: 978-9353047146

Product Dimensions: 13 x 1.5 x 19.8 cm



BLURB

Sparks fly immediately when Rukmani—fierce and assertive in the best and worst possible ways—meets the gentle Ayaan in the magical city Paris. Meanwhile, back in India, her reticent sister, Mrinalini struggles to cope with the void of a loveless marriage and an early pregnancy.
Tides Don’t Cross follows these extremely interesting characters as their lives cross in surprising ways. Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani wade through choppy tides, unaware of their common destiny. Deeply touching, this is an unforgettable story of thwarted desires, of love and its loss, of losing and finding oneself, and of falling and learning to rise.
Young and talented author Simar Malhotra has created yet another piercing and riveting read.



REVIEW

Title- A beautiful name that sums up the story. It is unique and holds well.

Cover- The enchanting cover is vibrant and catchy. It is attractive and does justice with the story.

Blurb- The description of the book is short and crispy and reveals only the desired amount of information. The detailing is fine and simple which intrigues for a reader.

Plot- The story revolves around three protagonists named- Mrinalini, Ayaan and Rukmani. Their life is connected with each other but they didn't know they'll end up together for the rest if their lives. The book is divided into three parts and the incidents occurring in the story is portrayed well. The writing style is commendable.

Characters- The strong characterization is exhibited in the story and each of them is individually outshining.

Pace- The quality of the book is clean and crispy, it took time to read and so made a pace difficult because of the rich language.

Overall, it was a good-to-be read book and recommended to all the readers who wants to read something different. Since, the thought was regular but presentation was unique.

Rating - 4/5

[Sarika Patkotwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was initially published at The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go here .

Actual rating- 3.5

I haven't read many books by Indian authors this year, so when I picked up Tides Don't Cross, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. When I first saw the cover and read the summary of the book, I thought it sounded really good and unique. Prior to reading this one, however, I was in a reading slump, so all I wanted was a book that would keep me engaged and entertained. Fortunately, Tides Don't Cross was a very refreshing and wonderful read.

Tides Don't Cross is divided into three parts and follows the story of sisters Mrinalini and Rukmani who have a very strict mother which ends up making one sister very submissive, while the other lives life on her own terms. While there wasn't a lot of interaction between the two sisters, their relationship was beautifully portrayed. From being polar opposites to finding a smooth rhythm and from being far away to being emotionally connected, Mrinalini and Rukmani's relationship survived it all and made for a wonderful story.

The story also revolves around Ayaan who finds himself being a very important part of the lives of both the sisters. Ayaan's was truly the best character in the book. He just naturally brought out the best in people and seeing Mrinalini and Rukmani with him was amazing. It's hard to express how he made an impact on both their lives without giving away any spoilers. It's something that you have to read to find out and devour.

Overall, Tides Don't Cross is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to lovers of contemporary fiction. Author Simar Malholtra managed to keep me wanting to know more and more and the most awesome fact was that I wasn't able to figure out the ending, which is very rare. A different and fresh story, you do not want to miss this one!

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

[Krupa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tides Don't Cross, by Simar Malhotra, is a love story set in the present day spanning across Delhi, Paris, USA. Love is a complex emotion, and Simar sets out to explore just this in Tides Don't Cross. A romance novel at its core with some heart wrenching moments, Simar makes you question- What is pure love?

Mrinalini aka Meera is the eldest daughter of Neelam Siritya, a single mother, was brought up in a very suppressed manner. Having lost her father at a tender age of 15, she had no choice but to be follow her mother's instructions to the tee to maintain any semblance of peace at home. This peace was often disrupted by Rukmini aka Rhea,the younger headstrong daughter, who insisted on being the rebel.
Soft spoken Meera is coerced into marrying Surya Srivastava,a rich entrepreneur, because Neelam felt that love marriages were always done on a whim and did not wish that for her children. Good looking, well earning and he came from a respectable family, what more Meera want in a husband, right? Surya was a dutiful husband and showered Meera with gifts and luxury, but yet Meera always felt like her love towards him was more duty bound than anything else. 4 months into her married life, Meera finds her self pregnant and life changes beyond her control after that.

Rhea, who studies at NYU, decides to take a semester in Paris and that's where she bumps in Ayaan. Ayaan Khan, was in Paris to get over a shoulder injury that had forced him to quit swimming. His dream of representing India in the Olympics came crashing down and he felt he needed some time away to reassess what to do with his life. A chance meeting with the vivacious Rhea changes his life forever. Slowly but surely the level-headed Ayaan finds himself falling deeply in love with Rhea, but as fate would have it, a misunderstanding forces them apart. Then suddenly life throws an unexpected twist that affects Meera, Ayaan and Rhea in a way that they would never imagine.

Tides Don't Cross is definitely a very relatable story and will make you ponder about the true meaning of love.

[Karan Shevale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tides Don't Cross.
Simar Malhotra
Rupa Publications
252 pages.
Rating : 2.5/5

Tides Don't Cross is a story of two sisters who set on a voyage of life exploring shores of love, romance, ambition and passion.

It is a modern day Indian love story that deals with relatable and common issues of life and happiness. Just in time for relatable and too late after cheesy.

Mrinalini (Siritya and later Srivastava) is the obedient daughter. Rukmani is the rebel one. These two contrasting characters take their own ways on life living their own philosophy only to end up on the same crossroad in two different stories? Who gets there first? And what/where/who is this crossroad and how it changes their life? Read to know. . .

The most fascinating character of this plot is Ayaan Khaan, the quintessential north-indian good looking, sporty, charming yet reserved guy studying abroad.
Set in London, Paris, New York.
Wait, no this is not a Karan Johar movie yet

The plot is too filmy, pacy, inquisitive and positive and shows how people impact lives.
This is a book for you if you like filmy romance, magical coincidences of life. Not my cup of tea but I am myself surprised how I got through this one

The book gets weird, really WEIRD and stuck in some parts and needs to be pushed ahead, slightly repetitive and one dimensional.

The most I liked about this book is how Simar has managed to handle and accomodate touchy issues of Hindu-Muslim marriage, stigma that widowed women carry and their struggle with society. Female oppression, both personal and professional in disguise of protection and also facets of motherhood.

And most importantly, the flair and ability Simar possesess at this age. The author manages to keep the reader interested even while doling out such a common storyline with overused characters. She has capability to wound a story and I am pretty sure we'll see more promising books from her in the literature arena in the near future.

Happy Reading!