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Finding Utopia
Finding Utopia is a one act play that revolves around the life of a young girl Jiya who is on the verge of graduating from college. It explores her inner life as she struggles with demons and wrestles with her fears, confusions and insecurities. The play follows her from her graduation party where she meets a young boy, a stranger, Arjun. What happens after that night is a heartwarming tale of how Jiya finds herself and discovers beliefs that make her feel on top of the world. Along the way she falls in love but does everything work out like she wants it to? Has she truly found utopia?Enjoy a deep and profound conversation as together Jiya and Arjun delve into the mysteries of life, the world and the universe. Discover for yourself answers that might just make you feel on top of the world too. About the Author : The author Ruhee Advani is from Bombay, India. The very first story she wrote was when she was just eight years old and since then writing has been one of her favorite ways of letting out the thoughts and feelings and creativity contained within her. Apart from short stories for children, she’s written a collection of poems, a bunch of novels for children and grownups, plays and a massive amount of philosophy. For Ruhee writing is therapy, passion, a hobby and a survival tool all rolled in one.After completing her ICSE from Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School in Bombay, Ruhee did the IB Diploma Program from Dhirubhai Ambani International School and then a BA from St. Xavier’s College with a major in Sociology. Post that she attained a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from Mumbai University. After completing her formal education, she worked as a teacher in many nurseries and kindergarten schools all over Bombay. She also did a stint at an Event Management Company called Groovetemple. Finally she decided that she wanted to turn her favorite hobby that is writing, into a career and attempt to get some of her written work published.You can find her on Facebook as Ruhee Advani and on Twitter as @ruheeadvani.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
2 people want to read
About the author
Ruhee Advani
5 books5 followersRuhee Advani is a gifted and prolific writer, and her talent was recognized when she published her first set of poems at the age of fourteen. Her collection of short stories for children, written at the age of eight, has now been published as Girls and Boys, in the year 2018. Her other books include Finding Utopia, a play, Strangers in the Night, a novel and Growing Up, a poetry collection.
She still has a large volume of unpublished literature, including a play, sixteen fully completed novels and a multitude of poems that she has been compiling since she first learned how to write. She currently has another close to sixty stories in the works.
She still has a large volume of unpublished literature, including a play, sixteen fully completed novels and a multitude of poems that she has been compiling since she first learned how to write. She currently has another close to sixty stories in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 10, 2019
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Finding Utopia is a short and sweet play written by Ruhee Advani. The idea of the play is simple and is very well depicted through the title - to find utopia, to find a place where one doesn't have to be so stressed out over everything, a place where people can be happy with no worries pulling them down. Needless to say, utopia is not a place that is easily achievable so to read a play about a character trying to achieve it was beautiful.
The play is mainly about Jiya and how she finds her utopia, the place where she doesn't have to be so upset anymore with the help of a stranger she meets at a party, a stranger named Arjun. Jiya and Arjun are strangers. They meet randomly at a party and just happen to talk to each other. And soon they are explaining their tensions and worries to the other one. It is as if they just "clicked". It was beautiful, really.
The book is very short - really, a little over 50 pages. And yet, it talks about the confusion, fear and the trauma of a youngster. Through the character of Jiya (even though Jiya was a little irritating), Advani has shown us a typical college graduate - someone trying to find some meaning of his/her life.
It was a nice play, really and the only reason why I happen to take away two stars from it is because of the character of Jiya. Although Jiya perfectly stands for the worries of a twenty something year old, she is still very much an irritating character. She speaks a lot. And by that I mean, A LOT. She overthinks a lot. That wouldn't have been a problem because everyone overthinks but there were things about her that bugged me to no end. She indulges herself in a lot of self-pity and although that self-pity helps her find utopia, it gives out a very wrong message. I mean, I get it that Advani was trying to show a typical youngster with all of his/her doubts about life and all of its craziness but it just felt as if she took the stereotype of a youngster and indulged herself by stereotyping it a little too much.
Finding Utopia is a short and sweet play written by Ruhee Advani. The idea of the play is simple and is very well depicted through the title - to find utopia, to find a place where one doesn't have to be so stressed out over everything, a place where people can be happy with no worries pulling them down. Needless to say, utopia is not a place that is easily achievable so to read a play about a character trying to achieve it was beautiful.
The play is mainly about Jiya and how she finds her utopia, the place where she doesn't have to be so upset anymore with the help of a stranger she meets at a party, a stranger named Arjun. Jiya and Arjun are strangers. They meet randomly at a party and just happen to talk to each other. And soon they are explaining their tensions and worries to the other one. It is as if they just "clicked". It was beautiful, really.
The book is very short - really, a little over 50 pages. And yet, it talks about the confusion, fear and the trauma of a youngster. Through the character of Jiya (even though Jiya was a little irritating), Advani has shown us a typical college graduate - someone trying to find some meaning of his/her life.
It was a nice play, really and the only reason why I happen to take away two stars from it is because of the character of Jiya. Although Jiya perfectly stands for the worries of a twenty something year old, she is still very much an irritating character. She speaks a lot. And by that I mean, A LOT. She overthinks a lot. That wouldn't have been a problem because everyone overthinks but there were things about her that bugged me to no end. She indulges herself in a lot of self-pity and although that self-pity helps her find utopia, it gives out a very wrong message. I mean, I get it that Advani was trying to show a typical youngster with all of his/her doubts about life and all of its craziness but it just felt as if she took the stereotype of a youngster and indulged herself by stereotyping it a little too much.
April 9, 2019
Finding Utopia is a play wonderfully written by Ruhee Advani.
On the graduation day Jiya meets Arjun. Jiya doesn’t know Arjuns name but started a conversation which goes on to different topics. Jiya - having lot of hesitancy about future life, God, faith, religion. Arjun beautifully explains the relatedness between God and faith. What did Jiya found out about God and Religion? Can Arujun inspire Jiya thru his advice. Finding Utopia is all about these aspects.
The characters are well defined and the 'forwards,' the moments in the play which keep the reader wanting to know what happens next, are muscular.
Play advance wonderfully and kept me engrossed in it. There are existential thoughts in the play and the main character try to find out the purpose of her live and during such conversation a reader finds the true meaning of this play and every character felt like a real person not just the ones who were, like Arjun and Jiya. It's stunning, truly, how well they're fleshed out despite the short length of the play (far too short! I want more!) and the fact that they all have to share the spotlight. They transcend stereotypes in beautiful ways, their words are powerful but human, and the conversations they have are anything but easy and pleasant...
So, what did I get out of this rereading of Finding Utopia? We spend far more time killing our life than living it. We murder our own enjoyment through a lack of self-awareness. In in the end, the love you receive is equal to the love you give.
This play having 3 scenes. The story is very uncomplicated, and the writing of the play is elegant. It's a fascinating and prescient play, no doubt, the conclusion, I think, retains much of its provocation today.
Of course, plays are mostly meant to be seen and not read, but if you are going to read any play, I really recommend this one. It's one that has heavily influenced my thinking and my approach to drama, and one that will stick with me for a long time.
On the graduation day Jiya meets Arjun. Jiya doesn’t know Arjuns name but started a conversation which goes on to different topics. Jiya - having lot of hesitancy about future life, God, faith, religion. Arjun beautifully explains the relatedness between God and faith. What did Jiya found out about God and Religion? Can Arujun inspire Jiya thru his advice. Finding Utopia is all about these aspects.
The characters are well defined and the 'forwards,' the moments in the play which keep the reader wanting to know what happens next, are muscular.
Play advance wonderfully and kept me engrossed in it. There are existential thoughts in the play and the main character try to find out the purpose of her live and during such conversation a reader finds the true meaning of this play and every character felt like a real person not just the ones who were, like Arjun and Jiya. It's stunning, truly, how well they're fleshed out despite the short length of the play (far too short! I want more!) and the fact that they all have to share the spotlight. They transcend stereotypes in beautiful ways, their words are powerful but human, and the conversations they have are anything but easy and pleasant...
So, what did I get out of this rereading of Finding Utopia? We spend far more time killing our life than living it. We murder our own enjoyment through a lack of self-awareness. In in the end, the love you receive is equal to the love you give.
This play having 3 scenes. The story is very uncomplicated, and the writing of the play is elegant. It's a fascinating and prescient play, no doubt, the conclusion, I think, retains much of its provocation today.
Of course, plays are mostly meant to be seen and not read, but if you are going to read any play, I really recommend this one. It's one that has heavily influenced my thinking and my approach to drama, and one that will stick with me for a long time.
April 14, 2019
"Isn't it love and freedom that everyone craves deep down?"
Author: Ruhee Advani
Publisher: Wordit Content Design & Editing Services Private Limited
Pages: 53
I received a copy of the book through The Book Genie review program (https://instagram.com/thebookgeniepr )
It is a one act play revolving around Jiya who is trying to find answers to some unanswered questions which will help her gain inner peace. While she was out partying with her friends before graduation she meets Arjun and pours her heart out to him. Without even knowing his name she tells him about all her insecurities and fears which are disturbing her. Arun understands her feelings and comforts her telling to believe in God and life would be simple. He points out that nobody in this world is without flaws and answers to all our questions lie within us. We just need to keep faith in God and everything will fall in place. But after the party she is unable to find Arjun and she did not even know his name. Will Arjun’s word be helpful to Jiya?Will Jiya be able to find Arjun? Will she able to find to find eternal happiness?
The book is a short and easy read which can be finished within an hour. The language used is simple and easily understandable. Though Jiya seems to be little whiny and is not the girl I would root for but the questions she asks about life are relevant and many of us at some point of time have had such thoughts. The book motivates you and guides you to preach self love. We need to accept ourselves as we are which will eventually lead to peace and happiness. Also the book portrays that sometimes you can fel more connected to a stranger than your close friends. Maybe they have gone through the same phase so they can understand you better and guide you through the right part. Thus if you are up for a light quick read then go for this book.
Author: Ruhee Advani
Publisher: Wordit Content Design & Editing Services Private Limited
Pages: 53
I received a copy of the book through The Book Genie review program (https://instagram.com/thebookgeniepr )
It is a one act play revolving around Jiya who is trying to find answers to some unanswered questions which will help her gain inner peace. While she was out partying with her friends before graduation she meets Arjun and pours her heart out to him. Without even knowing his name she tells him about all her insecurities and fears which are disturbing her. Arun understands her feelings and comforts her telling to believe in God and life would be simple. He points out that nobody in this world is without flaws and answers to all our questions lie within us. We just need to keep faith in God and everything will fall in place. But after the party she is unable to find Arjun and she did not even know his name. Will Arjun’s word be helpful to Jiya?Will Jiya be able to find Arjun? Will she able to find to find eternal happiness?
The book is a short and easy read which can be finished within an hour. The language used is simple and easily understandable. Though Jiya seems to be little whiny and is not the girl I would root for but the questions she asks about life are relevant and many of us at some point of time have had such thoughts. The book motivates you and guides you to preach self love. We need to accept ourselves as we are which will eventually lead to peace and happiness. Also the book portrays that sometimes you can fel more connected to a stranger than your close friends. Maybe they have gone through the same phase so they can understand you better and guide you through the right part. Thus if you are up for a light quick read then go for this book.
May 12, 2019
I was very intrigued with the title of the book. 'Finding Utopia': Utopia means an imaginary state of mind where everything is perfect. We all have some dreams, struggles, insecurities, questions about life, about our future and we are always in search of a peaceful state of mind where we are happy about everything we have and everything that we are doing.
Same is the case with Jiya, a young girl who is soon about to graduate, is trying to find answers to many questions in life. The book is a very small read. In around 50 pages the author has given a very effective and important message. The play is divided into 3 different scenes.
The first one is where we get an insights about Jiya's state of mind through her friends and her converstation with a stranger (Arjun) who answers all her questions.
The second part is where Jiya realises the meaning of all the things that Arjun said to her and how she finds her way and clears off her confusion.
The third one is where she shares her experience with her parents.
I loved the way the story ended. I think, in very compact and minimal words the author has covered a very important topic of self love and also importance of clarity of thoughts, good guidance, being open about our feelings, having understanding parents and a compatible partner everything very effectively.
This is definitely a must read!!
I will recommend it to everyone:)
Happy reading :)
Same is the case with Jiya, a young girl who is soon about to graduate, is trying to find answers to many questions in life. The book is a very small read. In around 50 pages the author has given a very effective and important message. The play is divided into 3 different scenes.
The first one is where we get an insights about Jiya's state of mind through her friends and her converstation with a stranger (Arjun) who answers all her questions.
The second part is where Jiya realises the meaning of all the things that Arjun said to her and how she finds her way and clears off her confusion.
The third one is where she shares her experience with her parents.
I loved the way the story ended. I think, in very compact and minimal words the author has covered a very important topic of self love and also importance of clarity of thoughts, good guidance, being open about our feelings, having understanding parents and a compatible partner everything very effectively.
This is definitely a must read!!
I will recommend it to everyone:)
Happy reading :)
April 8, 2019
Book Review – Finding Utopia by Ruhee Advani
This is a short book so I would keep this review fairly short.
Undeniably love the cover and the blurb – makes me pick this book to start reading. The book deals with glaringly one or two thoughts which Jiya finds through the philosophical and profound conversation with a stranger Arjun in one of the pre-graduation parties.
What does Arjun say that makes Jiya feel alive again is the heart of this small thought-provoking book.
A dramatical version of a conversation so deep with background music that helps Jiya find her long-lasting Shangri-La – Utopia
Only let down is that there are some Hindi phrases in the book that may be a bit bothersome to Non-Hindi readers. If not, this is what I call a cute little book 🙂
Someone once said, a novel is an evolution and a short story is a revelation.
The authors are all storytellers in the best sense writers who know how to echo the truth and make it richer. They use fiction as a mirror to highpoint facets of our own lives. That is the revelation of short stories.
Product details
Paperback
Publisher: Wordit Content Design & Editing Services Pvt Ltd (2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9386487756
ISBN-13: 978-9386487759
Find the complete review here: http://www.merrybrains.com/book-revie...
This is a short book so I would keep this review fairly short.
Undeniably love the cover and the blurb – makes me pick this book to start reading. The book deals with glaringly one or two thoughts which Jiya finds through the philosophical and profound conversation with a stranger Arjun in one of the pre-graduation parties.
What does Arjun say that makes Jiya feel alive again is the heart of this small thought-provoking book.
A dramatical version of a conversation so deep with background music that helps Jiya find her long-lasting Shangri-La – Utopia
Only let down is that there are some Hindi phrases in the book that may be a bit bothersome to Non-Hindi readers. If not, this is what I call a cute little book 🙂
Someone once said, a novel is an evolution and a short story is a revelation.
The authors are all storytellers in the best sense writers who know how to echo the truth and make it richer. They use fiction as a mirror to highpoint facets of our own lives. That is the revelation of short stories.
Product details
Paperback
Publisher: Wordit Content Design & Editing Services Pvt Ltd (2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9386487756
ISBN-13: 978-9386487759
Find the complete review here: http://www.merrybrains.com/book-revie...
March 21, 2019
Finding Utopia is a play which would keep you captivated til the end. It's been aged since I read a play and when I saw the title, I immediately grabbed it.
Why did I do it?
Firstly, it was the title which was a real intriguing one
Secondly, it was a play
What more can I ask for?
Jiya was a happy go girl. She had a wonderful group of friends and just before they all could graduate, she meets Arjun. Though, they both weren't aware of who they were, they meet as it was decided by the destiny. That night, they indulge in a long conversation and by the time, it comes to an end, something strange has happened in the life of Jiya.
She felt that she got cleared of all the doubts that has clouded her thoughts all these days.
What did Jiya and Arjun converse about?
What doubts got clarified?
Read this one act play which would give some clarity in your life as well....
Why did I do it?
Firstly, it was the title which was a real intriguing one
Secondly, it was a play
What more can I ask for?
Jiya was a happy go girl. She had a wonderful group of friends and just before they all could graduate, she meets Arjun. Though, they both weren't aware of who they were, they meet as it was decided by the destiny. That night, they indulge in a long conversation and by the time, it comes to an end, something strange has happened in the life of Jiya.
She felt that she got cleared of all the doubts that has clouded her thoughts all these days.
What did Jiya and Arjun converse about?
What doubts got clarified?
Read this one act play which would give some clarity in your life as well....
June 10, 2019
The toughest questions addressed at their very root, the author finds meaning that makes her life beautiful. Very interesting take on the issues that we and our society are grappling with all the time! A must read for simple profound philosophy.
July 23, 2019
Play is beautifully written by the author, I felt like the play was just happening in front of me as I read.
April 14, 2019
There are few books which can’t be judged on the same parameters as others because of the way they are presented and written. How can you judge a book of 50 pages with an average size of book with 250 pages, right? This Sunday, I completed reading a book named “Finding Utopia” written by a young authoress named, Ruhee Advani. This book is of around 50 pages which is written in a format of a play which has around 3 different acts with distinct themes.
Ruhee has very cleverly kept this book short with an interesting concept for youngster which speaks about the trauma and confusion they go through when they are in their teens and about to pass-out from college. The insecurities of the children about their present and future, their questions about life, their fear about what they are doing is morally right or wrong is all discussed in this book in a very lighter note.
The 1st act speaks about how Juhi’s friends are discussing about her state of mind which is not going great and seems if she has lost her way. Then a great conversation between Juhi and Arjun is kept in the focus where this stranger gives answers to all the questions Juhi had about life, herself and circumstances which were disturbing her mind.
The 2nd act is very short where the realization of all what the stranger Arjun discussed with Juhi is discussed. The 2nd act describes about Juhi’s life getting back on the way as her inner thoughts are stable and she has got all the answers she was searching for.
The 3rd act is about Juhi sharing her experiences with her parents where she gets to understand a new dimension of life where you need to search for your soulmate in a person who has capabilities to change and transform your life. The way book ends with a romantic angle to the whole act is a sweet and perfect way how this book could have ended. Overall, this book is a good light read of 30-45 minutes in between of thick books that we are usually indulged in. I give this one 3.25* out of 5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA
Ruhee has very cleverly kept this book short with an interesting concept for youngster which speaks about the trauma and confusion they go through when they are in their teens and about to pass-out from college. The insecurities of the children about their present and future, their questions about life, their fear about what they are doing is morally right or wrong is all discussed in this book in a very lighter note.
The 1st act speaks about how Juhi’s friends are discussing about her state of mind which is not going great and seems if she has lost her way. Then a great conversation between Juhi and Arjun is kept in the focus where this stranger gives answers to all the questions Juhi had about life, herself and circumstances which were disturbing her mind.
The 2nd act is very short where the realization of all what the stranger Arjun discussed with Juhi is discussed. The 2nd act describes about Juhi’s life getting back on the way as her inner thoughts are stable and she has got all the answers she was searching for.
The 3rd act is about Juhi sharing her experiences with her parents where she gets to understand a new dimension of life where you need to search for your soulmate in a person who has capabilities to change and transform your life. The way book ends with a romantic angle to the whole act is a sweet and perfect way how this book could have ended. Overall, this book is a good light read of 30-45 minutes in between of thick books that we are usually indulged in. I give this one 3.25* out of 5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA
April 8, 2019
I got the opportunity of receiving this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Finding utopia is a short play in which the protagonist jiya is a troubled girl over thinking about life and its deepest secrets. After one single drunk conversation with Arjun, she finds all her answers. Throughout the play Jiya is delved into self pity like nothing is right in her life. Which doesn't seems to be the case. But by the end she could feel her freedom and 'found utopia'.
The play was quick but very repetitive. I kinda could not connect much to the protagonist. The dialogues were very unrealistic. For me a drama means when many people are involved in a conversation not when the single character keeps on talking to herself. Anyhow, the idea behind the play was very nice but it could have been executed in a better version.
Finding utopia is a short play in which the protagonist jiya is a troubled girl over thinking about life and its deepest secrets. After one single drunk conversation with Arjun, she finds all her answers. Throughout the play Jiya is delved into self pity like nothing is right in her life. Which doesn't seems to be the case. But by the end she could feel her freedom and 'found utopia'.
The play was quick but very repetitive. I kinda could not connect much to the protagonist. The dialogues were very unrealistic. For me a drama means when many people are involved in a conversation not when the single character keeps on talking to herself. Anyhow, the idea behind the play was very nice but it could have been executed in a better version.
August 11, 2019
The cover is really pretty with matt finish splash of colours . Nice title . Very short story in play dialogue style narration. Something new to indulge in. Revolves around Jiya a college girl who is pretty worried dyring her grad party about her thoughts, unclear about society , god , religion , etc . She is somehow worried finds unsatisfaction. Arjun arrives and makes her thoughts get clarity and untagles them that freedom of thoughts is main thing that uncages us . It turns into a normal love relationship . A book of 50 pages. Quick read.
April 16, 2019
I received a copy of this book through the BOOK GENIE REVIEW PROGRAM.
This is a play that talks about deep stuff in one’s life. The characters talk about God, religion, and the power of faith that can change one’s life. There is an immense focus on the importance of oneself. There is a corny discussion about self-love and self-discovery. The longing of tranquility and simplicity in life is deeply expressed. There have been various aspects of life, in general, that has been the point of understanding.
The language is very simple and the pace is very fast. This is a very short play ( 3 Scenes, to be precise) trying to deliver a lot from it. I encountered no more than 2-4 mistakes of grammatical errors.
I felt a little irritated with the protagonist, Jiya, as she keeps being this self-pity person in the starting. The ending was a little underwhelming for me and honestly, I wasn’t into it to that extent.
This is a play that talks about deep stuff in one’s life. The characters talk about God, religion, and the power of faith that can change one’s life. There is an immense focus on the importance of oneself. There is a corny discussion about self-love and self-discovery. The longing of tranquility and simplicity in life is deeply expressed. There have been various aspects of life, in general, that has been the point of understanding.
The language is very simple and the pace is very fast. This is a very short play ( 3 Scenes, to be precise) trying to deliver a lot from it. I encountered no more than 2-4 mistakes of grammatical errors.
I felt a little irritated with the protagonist, Jiya, as she keeps being this self-pity person in the starting. The ending was a little underwhelming for me and honestly, I wasn’t into it to that extent.
June 5, 2019
Go To http://www.diaryofabookgirl.in/2019/0... for full review
This is a very short and crisp play where two young people lost in their ways are seeking to find comfort with one another. They author's view about religion and love and duty through Jiya and Arjun's viewpoints are worth a read. Their conversation was mature and showed how differences in opinions can be respected. The book doesn't really have a strong story but I liked the book because of the healthy and wholesome conversation.
This is a very short and crisp play where two young people lost in their ways are seeking to find comfort with one another. They author's view about religion and love and duty through Jiya and Arjun's viewpoints are worth a read. Their conversation was mature and showed how differences in opinions can be respected. The book doesn't really have a strong story but I liked the book because of the healthy and wholesome conversation.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews