Book Review: Dhruv by Karan Verma

Dhruv
Author: Karan Verma
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 3.5/5

When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Love is that intangible object that lures you into a world where everything seems possible. Viewing the world with rose-tinted glasses becomes a habit. And when things begin to fall apart, it is love that keeps you afloat. Love is all about smelling the roses and taking pleasure in whatever the destiny has to offer. The only catch here is to be ready to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and keep the chase on!

Dhruv by Karan Verma is a novella that highlights the importance of the little things in life and encourages the readers to go on a self-exploration journey. Using metaphorical connotations, the author deftly puts across the message that each one of us should be grateful for the little pleasures we have in our life. Even when the days are bad and things turn topsy turvy, the will to go beyond our limitations shouldn’t deter us from snatching success from the jaws of death. The protagonist, Dhruv, possesses glittery dust of magic that spreads positivity all around him. His indomitable spirit, benevolent nature and virtuous-self set an example for the readers. Opposite to him is Emma, a compassionate and selfless woman, who is always solicitous about the welfare of others. Dhruv’s story is an ill-fated expedition. He loses his mother immediately after his birth under unfavourable circumstances, he loses his father to illness and the stress caused by all the debts and loans. As if that is not all, he loses the love of his life to another man. Furthermore, his own people betray him. Destiny doesn’t leave any stone unturned in pushing him to succumb to his circumstances. But Dhruv is an alchemist. No, not the one who can transform one metal to another but the one who can change the course of his fate. The story describes his journey through all odds and evens.

Dhruv is the Santiago from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. He is driven by his love for Emma and his passion for storytelling. Running after what is difficult to get comes naturally to him and that is what makes him likeable. On the contrary, not much has been explored about Emma. The author misses a beat here by not delving deep into her character. The taut plot, impressive narrative and a good story- all these make Dhruv worth a read. I wouldn’t deny that the story became predictable at many junctures. Consequently, I missed the twists! There are typing errors but they can be easily ignored. I applaud the author for his vocabulary, the usage of idioms and symbolism. It made my reading journey enjoyable.

Overall, Dhruv is every other individual who is a victim of vicissitudes of fortune. Dhruv’s story inspires and urges us to keep moving.

Best wishes to the author!

Buying link: Amazon