Tall Man Small Shadow

by Vipin Behari Goyal

It is English novel based on existentialism. Salil loves a shadow which transforms into many characters to reveal the secrets of life. Aalya, his neighbor, is doing research in English literature. Her guide Seema is a childless lesbian. Paul, husband of Seema, is a drama director. I am the protagonist, who coins philosophies for day to day events and my wife Sulekha is the second protagonist who makes coincidences happen with her artful manipulations. Read on to learn what happens when....

Genres: Fiction

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2013

About the author

Vipin Behari Goyal is an Indian author with distinctive style of writing. His love for books is unparalleled making him an avid reader as well as a prolific writer.
His debut English novel "Tall man small shadow" based on existentialism was published in July 2013.
His novels"Maya in search of Tantric father" and "The old man and the nymph" are also published in paperback.
He has also dabbled in documentary film making and is the maker of award-winning short film “Mines are Mine”.
He is indie publisher of his ebooks "Burn me naked","Apsara","Untouchable's Daughter" and "Empty Cocoon".
He is presently practicing Law after retirement as Financial Advisor.
He is also country ambassador for India on free hosting website couchsurfing.org

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow..it is an amazing story..its not actually a series of events..instead feelings of 5 different human beings mentioned..the way the author has mentioned their emotions..actually creates a beautiful love story of 3 different persons..whose lives are entwined in a very beautiful way!!..yes..full of coincidences..being a software engineer..i really loved the character of Salil and his ambitious attitude..and of course who can forget Anupam!!this story will make you pause for a moment and make you wonder that life is indeed very beautiful..yes because through this story the author has taught us that life is very precious and it can be lead in a very beautiful manner by respecting the value of life!! the story is told in a very impressive manner..full of beautiful phrases!!..and the ease and clarity with which the author explains difficult situations and issues of life is really very very impressive!..
Finally recommended to all my friends!!

[Romil Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very well written and engaging book about down to earth characters. I liked the entrepreneurship of Salil who mobilizes his resources to promote his software company. Each character has depth which is so rare in contemporary Indian English novels. I strongly recommend the book for readers of all ages in all countries.

[Dr. Vipin Behari Goyal]

I think it is not only an interesting story, but also compels you to think about deeper aspects of life.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is Existentialism?
Why would anyone base his novel on it?
Whats so great about it that anyone would consider making it the core of their book?

All these and more questions I faced when I took up "Tall Man Small Shadow" by Vipin Behari Goyal for reading.
Well first of all, I hadn't heard the term "existentialism" before I came across this book and that's one reason why the book appealed to me. The other being the cover where a tall man standing projects a small shadow of a woman. Pretty intriguing..huh..

"Tall Man Small Shadow" is Vipin Behari Goyal's debut English novel and it keeps the concept of existentialism at the core of the story. The book is primarily narrated by Anupam (his name is disclosed in the later part of the book.) who is happily married to Sulekha and has a daughter, Aalya. Salil is their new neighbor.

Anupam is getting old and he is worried for his daughter's future. He wants her to marry a good man and live happily but is also afraid of his own life after his daughter's marriage. He feels that Aalya is the one who fills the vacuum in his life. She cares for his ailing wife who is unable to do the simple daily chores like cooking, mending, shopping etc. and brings youthful exuberance in their otherwise dull lives. Aalya, who is completing her doctorate under her mentor Seema, is fascinated by Salil from the first instant and is not sure of her feelings for him. Meanwhile she gets into an affair with Seema, who is a lesbian and in a unsatisfying relationship with her husband ,Paul. Seema has had lesbian relations with numerous of her students but still feels a certain responsiblity towards Aalya and doesn't wish to force her into having an affair with her. Salil is fascinated by Aalya's shadow which according to him takes many forms during the course of the story. He had loved a girl in college, Nasrin and when she got married he couldn't bear it and got depressed eventually trying to commit suicide. Later in the novel, after his introduction and friendship with Aalya, he starts understanding that he loves Aalya and that she has taken the place that once Nasrin held in his heart.

But does Aalya also love him or is her fascination to him only skin deep?
If they both love each other then can Aalya commit herself to him and finish her affair with Seema?
Will Seema let go of Aalya so easily if she wishes to finish their affair?

The characterization is very strong and each character has multiple dimensions to their nature. Example, Seema at one point is shown as a reckless, vengeful person who is ready to ruin young, naive girls for their prospective future married lives by luring them into having lesbian relations with her. But at the other time is shown as a good and considerate person when she lets go of Aalya once she tells her about her feelings for Salil.

The story takes different paths with each character having his/her own story to tell and own philosophies to follow. There is the content and deeply philosophical, Anupam who tries to make sense of each occurrence in his life and how it affects the future scenarios. His primary function in the novel is to coin existentialist philosophies for the day-to-day events that take place in his life, which centers on his wife, Sulekha, and their only child, Aalya. Aalya, his daughter is intelligent and wants to excel in her studies but is also fascinated by her neighbor, Salil. Salil is a loner who doesn't want anyone to disturb him and has therefore foregone even a nameplate outside his house. He is obsessed with shadows which transform into many characters to reveal the secrets of life in the story and is an avid reader with only books as favorable company. He is well read and has his own philosophy for life and the ever occurring circumstances. Sulekha, Anupam's wife is shown as an ailing and sensitive woman who is very punctual about her routine such as her time of tea etc. but otherwise acting as just a witness to daily events with almost no participation. This however, proves a camouflage and she is shown in her true avatar as a strong and intelligent woman and a good planner and manipulator who knows how to achieve what she desires without being too evident about it, in the later part of the book. It is she who bridges the gap between what is socially unacceptable to what is acceptable to ensure her daughter’s happiness. Seema, Aalya's mentor and teacher in college, also has a strong presence in the story as a discontent, unsatisfied wife who is neglected by her husband, Paul and therefore seeks contentment and satisfaction in her work as well as her students.

Although seeming like a simple love story, this book is unlike any other book that I have ever read. Its thought provoking and the narrator deals philosophically with various topics like relations, marriage, life, youth,society, suicide, depression, husband-wife relations etc. leaving the reader deeply affected and forced to question his inbred conceptions to everything he knows about these topics and more.

"Tall Man Small Shadow" is no leisure read but a very serious book with some well researched points made to liberate the reader and open his mind to controversial scenarios and explanations to life and human behavior. The author has experimented by taking a risk in writing such an unconventional book which deals with controversial topics also and has succeeded in making the reader wait and take notice!

The idea of giving each and every character a voice at some or the other point in the story is refreshingly new and effective though at some places the sudden change in the voice confuses the reader and one has to stop and re read that part to make sense. This could have been taken care of with some more time at editing.
I also felt that the part where Salil engages in a one-night-stand with Nasrin after her marriage just because she requests him for a son was unnecessary and also made me wonder about the point that the author wanted to make by sketching such a scene.
Why was Nasrin so sure that having physical relations with Salil would surely grant her a son and not a daughter?
And how was she so sure that having physical relations only once was enough to impregnate her? Also there was no explanation why she didn't go to her husband with her demand. Was he in some way compromised?
I seriously felt that the story could have done perfectly without it. There was absolutely no reason to include it. Also some grammatical errors present in the book could have been rectified with more editing.

There are ample twists in the story which surprise and keep the reader hooked. I was specially astounded by the ending which was pretty unexpected and will be welcomed by all readers wholeheartedly. A book for the mature and open minded, it is a complex book with multiple layers to it and which are beautifully revealed as the reader progresses with the story. I don't have enough words to explain all that is going on in my mind after reading this book but know this, it is a book that teaches as well as makes us dwell on all our beliefs and morals.

I give it a 4 out of 5 and a strong recommendation to read and dwell on it.

I was given a free copy by the author, Vipin Behari Goyal and I am very thankful to him for introducing me to this thought provoking book. The review is my personal and honest opinion and in no way influenced.

This review is also available at http://njkinny.blogspot.in/

[Jaideep Khanduja · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow: A Game of Coincidences

Tall Man Small Shadow written by Vipin Behari Goyal is a debut novel from the writer but not his first published work. Prior to this he has two good books to his credit. He has written a useful travel handbook on "TirthRaj Pushkar" which is about a holy place in Ajmer district in Rajasthan, India. After that Vipin wrote a poetry book in Hindi Tej Dhoop Ka Safar. And now his third work is a love story woven in a very different style in fiction genre. Vipin has also an award winning short film Mines are Mine to his credits.

The cover of Tall Man Small Shadow is quite neat and matches well with the theme of story. A tall male straight standing shadow in black with a small shadow of a female standing with a style. Best part of this book is multi-narrative style. Each character narrates his/ her own experience as the story goes along. The main characters of this story are Aalya and Salil who are young living in neighborhood. Aalya is the only daughter of Anupam and Sulekha. Aalya is doing her research under her guide Seema. Salil lives alone in the same vicinity where Aalya lives with her parents. Characterization is quite strongly done by Vipin.

Salil in his college days fell in love with Nasrin who was the most beautiful girl in the college. Salil is quite serious, introvert and studious kind of guy. This love, being inter caste is not well taken by Nasrin's parents and she is forced to marry with her cousin by her parents. This gives a jolt of his life to Salil who goes into deep depression and tries to attempt suicide by taking overdose of sleeping pills. But he survives due to timely medical attention. Though he could not comes back to normal even after his survival, but his life goes on as he joins a job after that.

Aalya's mother Sulekha is quite active on social networks and uses internet to connect to people of her choice to drive the story of Tall Man Small Shadow. Sulekha's husband Anupam is having a good hold in society, bearing a good amount of influence of top brass of the city. Seema's husband Paul is a well known figure in the world of Arts being a Drama writer and director. Paul and Seema, though are married for long, are childless and have some differences between them, and appear a good couple to external world around them. Aalya gets attracted to Salil and they get married with the blessings of both their parent's consent and blessings.

The story has a number of twists that keep interest alive throughout. Eventually story has two strong factors that keep it alive right since beginning till end. First is the narrative style of writing by Vipin where each character has his own chance to narrate story in its own voice. Second is the number of twists woven in the story that keeps it alive and interesting throughout.

Regarding 'characterization' of the characters of this story, there was no need to show some characters, and that too the main ones, as shabby by highlighting their dark side. 'Character' of a character of a story or a novel totally depends on the writer of that story as he is the sole creator of them. In my opinion there was no need to show Seema and Aalya as lesbians and even at some moment of time in the story, Aalya's mother, Sulekha, vetting for it. The story would have gone well in the same manner, even without this part. At some moment of time reader might get hurt by the 'looseness' of Salil (when he has sex with Nasreen after she getting married to someone else), Aalya falling pray to Seema's pull due to being lesbian, Seema herself being so successful in her carrier and being lesbian etc.

Overall Tall Man Small Shadow is an interesting read. The last twist in the story is a Pandora box for the readers of this book.

[Moksh Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent combination of eastern and western philosophies.
The book is based on two important verses. One is verse 3.1.1 of Mundaka Upnishad popularly known as "Two birds of golden plumage" . The simple translation by Swami Krishanananda says " Two birds, inseparable friends, cling to the same tree. One of them eats the sweet fruit, the other looks on without eating. On the same tree man sits grieving, immersed, bewildered by his own impotence (an-isa). But when he sees the other lord (isa) contented and knows his glory, then his grief passes away. When the seer sees the brilliant maker and lord (of the world) as the Person who has his source in Brahman, then he is wise, and shaking off good and evil, he reaches the highest oneness, free from passions."
Second verse is In Bhagavad Gita Adhyay 15 Shlok 2 to 4, has said that, that world-like tree has the branches in the form of the three gunas (Rajgun-Brahma, Satgun-Vishnu and Tamgun-Shiv), which are extended in the three loks (Heaven, Nether World and Earth) above and below. I will not be able to tell about that upsidedown hung tree of the world i.e. about the nature’s creation in this knowledge of Gita Ji, says Jagat Guru Rampal Ji.
Philosophy literally means "love of wisdom" and sage is a person who has attained wisdom.
The book is story of journey of transformation of "Philosopher Anupam" into "Sage Anupam".
His quest for seeking the Truth enlightens him.
Western philosophy of Existentialism is passimistic philosophy while author has based his book on optimistic eastern philosophy.

[Rosalind Reshma · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with, I need to confess that I cannot read a book without thinking that I am actually witnessing the events and that the characters are real. Of course, with some books it is impossible to get that feeling. I wouldn't bother to rate such books anyway. With good books it is always like that and in the process it is quite natural to fall in love with one of the characters. Though Salil is supposed to be the hero (tall, handsome and all), it was Anupam I fell for. He's wise and innocent at the same time. Of course, the love blooming between Aalya and Salil, Salil's past and the final irony of "planned coincidences" are all intriguing enough. But, it is Anupam's musings which make the book one of its kind. Not every author has the ability to blend philosophy and romance so perfectly, and that too without using the kind of language that would compel the reader to keep a dictionary and a thesaurus at hand. It's the kind of book that can entertain me during a long journey and at the same time the kind that can be used as a primary text for research. Existentialism is not so depressing after all.

[Shafa Bano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salil falls in love with muslim girl Nasrin. They could not marry. I liked the way author depicts a multicultural country like India.This book can change your way of looking at things that happen around you.This is worth reading for all those who value good literature.

I would say that main character is Anupum who has a thinking mind. Wisdom percolates through strainer of Life and settles in the dark hole of Death. In between everything, all events, all persons that you meet everything that goes around you, should compel you to ponder over the question of "meaning of life" if there is any.

Freedom to choose, absurdity of life, multiple choices, precedence of existence over essence and to take responsibility of what you are today has allegory in Indian philosophy. The quest of meaning of life leads you to the path of self realization which is only way of filling the void or emptiness , is beautifully depicted in this novel.

The hermeneutics of book are beyond an average reader, so not everybody's cup of tea.

[Vibha Hegde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is worth a Darjeeling tea! What I meant to say was, that you can sit with this book, read a few pages and contemplate its meaning for hours together. The author has created magic in his words where the magic is a mere illusion to the truth hiding behind them. Also with the metaphors its easy to relate to and understand the context. No, It's not a textbook. It's a companion guide to look at the world through the eyes of six different people who appear in the book.
The characters are unique because you can find them even in your family or with the family down the street. Too common, but that's where we make the mistake that the author has highlighted. The "common" tag can lead you to ignore a lot of people and their thoughts. When you read the book you will find that every person who is involved with other characters have their own feelings and thoughts that matters. After all, life is all about being happy!
For a detailed review, visit my blog: https://dreambookreviews.wordpress.co...

[Vipul Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about the book is how author has used a surreal concept of 'falling in love with a shadow' in a typical Indian setting. Very different & symbolic. It made me think about- 'Do we love a person or his/her perception?'

Also the use of language is simple yet classy.. One can easily find a sentence in every page which is like a quotation..Few existential angles have also been explored- but i like the part of coincidences the most. can a co-incidence be a part of the plan?? I wonder...

All in all good story line,multiple angles, multiple interpretations, good book!!

[Madhusmita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells a simple story on the outlook but has the capacity to make the reader stop and think about some finer aspects of life and thus making it thought provoking too. At no point of time the book gets boring or preachy….it simply makes you think. I would safely conclude, therefore, that it is definitely worth a read.
Full review here - http://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com/...

[Pooja Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is embedded with a very keen layer of philosophy.Its all up to the reader how much he gains from this nectar of knowledge. The end of the book is very interesting ... the series of co-incidences in the life of all the major characters inspire me to think that coincidences always occur with a meaningful messeage hidden behind.

[Jigar Doshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant writing.
controversial topics are dealt with much ease.
nice blend of philosophy and romance. also philosophically talks about various issues pertaining to life, love, relationships, youth, attitudes, society etc.

read whole review here - http://jigar-doshi.com/2013/09/tall-m...

[Ranu Singhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters of Salil and Aalya are impressive. The language is simple and interesting. Now I know why coincidences happen in real life. I am enjoying reand rading it. And this novel would be on heights in upcoming few months...really i liked the story of novel a lot

[Mamta · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Must Read" book

[Disha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only one word I would like to say "Fantabulous"!!

[Amrit Sinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tall Man Small Shadow provides a philosophical insight into the mysticism of life and existence. The novel is woven around the lives of several characters, who, quite enigmatically, are linked with each other. As a result, the happenings in their lives affect the other threaded connections as well. Vipin Behari Goyal, the author, tries to present a story with this unique concept of existentialism, and succeeds to score high in most parts.

The characterization is the highlight of this story. Each of the characters have been defined prominently, and have important roles assigned to them in the plot. Anupam is the protagonist who loves to analyse the spiritual meaning of life and existence. He is a deep thinker and tries to comprehend the journey of life, and the meaning of death. Sulekha, his wife, is a quick thinker and an intelligent woman. She is well versed in the art of manipulation and devises strategies that make events appear as mere coincidences.

Their daughter, Aalya, young and beautiful, is a student of research in English Literature. She wishes to pursue her PhD, and is guided by Seema. The student-teacher relationship gradually turns into a deep camaraderie, and they start trusting and confiding in each other. They explore the dimensions of love and relationships, often controversial, but invigorating and relaxing to them.

Seema’s husband, Paul, is a drama director. He is a perfect partner to Seema and caters to all her needs. However, his inability to provide Seema with a child had created a void in her life. Sahil is the neighbor of Aalya. He secretly likes Aalya, but is afraid to delve deep into a relationship with her. The failure of his past love had left him insecure.

Vipin debuts with an unconventional theme and succeeds in presenting the story in an easy and lucid manner. The events flow seamlessly, and the viewpoints presented by different characters for the same event provide multiple dimensions to the plot. You find yourself peeping into the minds of the characters and analyse how they perceive the world around them.

However, the storytelling style often shifts from first person to third person narrative, which again doesn't augur well for the flow that the author had intended. This doesn't hamper much since the story progresses at a regular pace, but to an avid reader like me, this does come out as a chink that should have been rectified during the editing process. Also, there are a few grammatical hiccups which again threaten to stall the pace of the tale, and care should have been taken to eradicate them.

The author tries hard to present his thoughts, and his sincerity and honesty reflect in the words. The novel is short and good for a quick read. However, to truly understand the philosophical ideas imbibed between the lines, you need to read it at a leisurely pace, perhaps only a few chapters at a time, and then replay the events in your mind with your eyes closed. You will find the characters come alive.

[Divya Nambiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal
Pages : 152, Genre: Philosophical Fiction
Published July 10th 2013 by cyberwit.net

I have always believed that no book should be stopped reading midway and this book has just further cemented my belief.

I lived every moment of my life as if that was my whole life. If it is death, I am dying every moment; if it is life, I am living every moment. - Vipin Behari Goyal, Author,Tall Man Small Shadow

'Everything is a coincidence'.

Is it ?
How much would you agree to it or how much would you disagree to it? Both parties have a good read in waiting.

To begin with, it is roughly a story of Indian parents searching for a son-in-law. Well it's just the beginning. The story takes turns in the most unexpected of moments, rises and falls with situations that would just not be expected in a normal person's life.

The narration by Aalya's father (Anupam) is in itself a matter of conflict for the reader. He speaks of feminism, existentialism and then he is describing about how he wants a good guy for his daughter ( with frequent references to the final suitor's religion and caste). Somewhere the reader is unable to agree with him because it does not fir into the character sketch he provides of himself.

This book deals with IVF, Lesbian-ism and such issues in an open-minded way. The 'shadow' has been effectively used to depict many of the thoughts rising in the minds of the characters. It can prove to be a factual pleasure for lovers of Poetry and Philosophy.

The different instances of uneven marital relationships have been brought to light by the author in a good way in the form of research done by Aalya for her thesis.

Somewhere the book does get a bit dry i.e. when Anu goes deeper into his philosophical thinking but everything gets balanced thanks to the climax of the story! It is well-crafted and worth a read.

P.S. One of the main characters has been omitted from any kind of description here. That one character has the power to change the dimensions of the story! Don't miss it.

- Divya Nambiar

Author(Mr. Vipin Behari Goyal)
Other books by the author-

[Namrota Mazumdar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadows we know are dependable creatures. Light is what they depend upon. They flicker, they skim, they behave in accordance with the manner the light falls upon its owner. Except the shadows of human souls that form or change in accord with their actions or thoughts is difficult for us to gauge. Or is it?

"What men call the shadow of the body is not the shadow of the body, but is the body of the soul." -- Oscar Wild.

Tall Man Small Shadow, a short novel, has an unconventional theme by the debut author, Vipin Behari Goyal; a financial advisor by profession in Govt of Rajasthan. (The theme here, garners an extra .5 in the rating from me) The plot showcases how every character is entwined with each other either through manipulation or coincidence.

The protagonist Salil falls for the shadow of his pretty neighbor Aalya, a PhD student. Aalya gets into a lesbian relationship with her guide, Seema who is childless and lonesome wife of an artist. Further the shadow uncovers many aspects of life and the book progresses. These and other characters, Aalya's parents and Seema's husband, struggle through their frenzied lives and in the end resolve for a harmonious life. But was is all coincidence or a well thought out plot? Tall Man Small Shadow is about how craftily the harmony is achieved.

The writing is simple yet crisp but, at times marred by lack of proof reading. The narration flows gently with occasional babbles. What impairs your reading the most here is the use of multiple voices within one chapter, and it happens through out. Its a small novel more like a novella and can be read at one go. The cover of the book works well to grab one's attention.

This could have made an exceptional read with stronger plot and characterizations along with good editing. Nevertheless, it ends up being a light read with philosophical tone and coincidences woven together.

[Sumeetha Manikandan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me congratulate the author for writing this novel. It is not a easy thing to write a novel from different POVs and he has not only managed it with aplomb but also shifts from first person to third person mode very easily.

Tall Man Small Shadow is a story that is told from different perspectives and people. Anupam a middle-aged retired man who lives with his wife and daughter ponders deeply on the meaning of life and death. His daughter Alaya, is writing a thesis and is looking for a mentor. His neighbour Salil is an introvert who keeps to himself and has little interaction with anybody. Seema is a professor who is trapped in a unhappy state of affairs due to her inability to conceive and she becomes Alaya’s mentor.

The story began slowly as all the principle characters were introduced and it gathers steam when Seema’s intent and inclinations are revealed. Each character is a multi-layered personality and the way they react to situations and choices is brought out very beautifully.

My favourite among the bunch was Anupam. He seems so innocent to the world and his quest for a meaning in life is something that I truly recognize with. By the time, we get to Sulekha’s chapter you will truly realize that nothing is a coincidence indeed.

Click here to read the rest of the review

[Shreya Goswami · Rating 4 out of 5]

We experience the shortest shadow when the sun is exactly on top of us. In our lives, we come across various incidents which might seem very simple but ideally are very deceptive. Thinking of life and its intricacies, Vipin Bihari Goyal, the author of Tall man small shadow has lucidly and simply explained various human shades. Every character of the fiction resembles one or the other known person in one’s life. Alaya, her father, and her ill mother comprises of a small family. Their lives changes when one day a new neighbor comes to their apartment. Salil, the mid-aged guy has a strange past which creates curiosity. However, with time everything comes to its shore. Every chapter enfolds the common mystery that we come across in our lives. As we do not know the end of every situation till the time comes, the novel has successfully plotted the climax and has been able to maintain the flow of the narration. Whether Alaya will change her sexual orientation, what would happen to the subtle love story of Salil and Alaya, will their family accept the changes, how would they overcome the whirlpool of their lives - Tall man small shadow brings about intricate nature of human relationships.

[Dhwani Swadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read full review here: https://thereandtheir.wordpress.com/2...

Reading this book was a very different experience for me. For one, I had to look up the meaning of the term : existentialism. For people like me, here is the definition that I found on internet:

Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.

Interesting….very, very Interesting.

The author has done a wonderful job of weaving complex human relationships in this story. The LGBT angle was very maturely handled. Even the character’s reactions to this relationship, the confusion faced…commendable.

This is a very short book, so one can finish it in one sitting.

The characterization is very strong. One could almost visualize these characters living near you. Also, it was nice to read a story where female and male character ratio is believable, and every character is treated as human.

This is a book for romance lovers as well as philosophy lovers.

[Ishani Vajpai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a nice book with very philosophical thoughts.. The description of
the surroundings, nature and the characters is beautiful... The small
prayer by the protagonist " Let everyone be happy, healthy and see
good things. Let no sorrow and pain come to anyone" is heart touching.
Initially I felt it was too philosophical as per my taste but
eventually i enjoyed the unspoken love of Aalya and Salil and even
that of Aalya's parents. The naughtiness of Chotu is well described.
Seema's gray shaded character turned out to be a total surprise. The
story tends to describe too much sensuality and eroticism. But may be
the story line needs it. Sometimes, I felt a bit of over
philosophical thoughts expressed by Anupam, Salil and Aalya. But I
did learn some things about the basic human instincts and behavior. It
helped me to dwell more into the human psychology many a times,,
especially from the angles I had never thought about. Overall,I
liked the book.. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read
something different. A nice blend of philosophy, sensuality and
fiction.

[Sonam Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is interesting but complicated novel. It deals with many unusual circumstances in the life of central character of the book .Salil is a software engineer who has a dream to open his own company. He had a unsuccessful love affair with Muslim girl when he was a student and tried to commit suicide. So he is afraid of falling in love with any other girl. When he meets Aalya he falls in love with her shadow as "escape mechanism". Aalya was intelligent research scholar in English literature and she understands Salil very well. The story has many facets. One interesting character is father of Aalya who has come out with amazing philosophies Not that anyone would agree with all issues taken up by author but it would compel you to see the things in different perspective. I think its good read for intellectuals.

[Meghant Parmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a simple yet a very deep book. The topics and subjects it covers give a whole new dimension to the story.


The characters have been carved out well keeping in mind the theme of the book. It's a sensitive book with a hidden meaning to it.

It has a fluid narration and the author has done very well to present a human psyche of all the age groups in one single book.

It's not a casual love story. It has got more to it than one can imagine. :)

It has to be handled with utmost care while reading. :)

[Anandh Sundar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book's blurb and title was a bit deceptive since I expected a much different type of book than what unfolded. This is a rare case where it turned out for the better(sorry for being so vague but any more would spill the beans on the plot!). Suffice to say that you will never get bored, especially due to that inoncuous twist during the end which upturns many assumptions built along the way. What lost the book a star was the focus on the male narrator and the overtone of lesbianism, both of whom were peripheral to the plot anyways

[Pamela Mathur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Mr. Goyal for giving me a copy of his book. Unfortunately this review took a long time in coming and I truly regret my lapse.

I should start by saying that this genre is not really to my taste. This has no bearing on the author who has come up with a unique concept and I laud him for that. The style and language is interesting, though the editing is not quite up to the mark at places. It was a good experience reading this and while I personally don't enjoy this genre, I am sure this book will be appreciated by readers who do.

[Darshita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this book, so far it is fabulous.

[Samarpita Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2013/11/...

[Milan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vipin Bihari Goyal’s first book of fiction ‘Tall Man Small Shadow’ dwells on the shadows of human life. It is a love story mixed with philosophy. The book has some strong and interesting characters that are easy to relate to. It made me think about things that we take for granted.

The story is about an old man who likes trade in the stock market, his daughter, who is doing a doctorate in English literature and a software engineer who wants to become an entrepreneur. They live in the same building. The story is about how their paths cross and circumstances and coincidences (planned or otherwise), influence the choices that you make in your life.

The book should have read better if it was edited properly and the grammatical errors were corrected. Please don't read the editor’s foreword at the beginning of the book, because it reveals too much of the plot. The second last chapter is the most surprising and makes you look at the whole story in a different way. The only part of the book which I did not like was the last chapter and how it gets its ending like a cliched Hindi movie.