#Review: Tara by Nelofar Currimbhoy

Tara: The Dream Chaser
Author: Nelofar Currimbhoy
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Rating: 3/5

Tara: The Dream Chaser traces the journey of a woman born into privilege yet starved of emotional freedom. Set against the glittering yet unforgiving backdrop of royalty and Mumbai’s glamour, the novel follows Tara as she attempts to break free from a loveless marriage and a controlling past. What makes her compelling is not merely her circumstances, but her quiet resilience. She is neither a flawless princess nor a reckless rebel; she is layered, conflicted, and painfully human.

Currimbhoy’s writing is fluid and cinematic, particularly in the romantic passages. The emotional and physical intimacy is described with tenderness rather than sensationalism, allowing the reader to inhabit Tara’s vulnerability. The love triangle—between Kabir’s gentle steadiness and Vivan Mehta’s magnetic charisma—adds tension without feeling contrived.

The novel explores multiple themes: female autonomy, emotional neglect, the burden of legacy, desire versus duty, and the difficulty of escaping one’s past. These are undeniably relevant today, especially in a world where women are still negotiating freedom within tradition. At times, the pacing falters and certain conflicts feel prolonged, but the emotional sincerity carries the story forward.

Ultimately, Tara is less about romance and more about reclamation—of voice, of choice, of self. And that makes it linger long after the final page.

Find this book here.