What are school friends for? Shared lunches, secrets, movies and studies. And if there is a best friend, you want to share everything with him. But do things really work out the way you want them to? Is life really fair? Shyamita and Jai know they have to go different ways once school is over. Shyamita is going to pursue dance and Jai is off to Cardiff for further studies. What happens when they meet after several years? Sparks fly, shocking them both. Before they can figure out what is happening, love strikes.
The author, Priyanka Menon, sent me a copy of the book - The One That Got Away - in return for an unbiased review. I received the book yesterday and finished it in about three hours; three, because I had to break for sustenance and stuff.
Half-way through the second paragraph I discovered that Ms Menon can write. She can dole out humour; she can create meaningful dialogue; she can handle the hot stuff!
And she's made her hero drool-worthy - Jairam Nair, successful author of several best-sellers (*sigh*), is fabulous - he is gentle yet forceful; kind, yet sometimes cruel; conflicted, but so clear-headed the rest of the time! Shyamita, or Mithi as she is better known, is a lucky lass indeed, to have him all over her - literally and figuratively! Hah!
I don't much like the cover because I cannot see Jai's face!
The trope - from estranged friends to lovers - has been nicely worked and the transition is fluid, flowing well up to the moment of the Happily Ever After.
This is a lovely debut and I am glad to own an author-autographed copy. When you do get your own copy, be sure to read the acknowledgement page - it's a peach!
The reason I picked up 'The One that Got away' was that it had a storyline similar to the novel I am currently writing. But I should say I am relieved that the stories are as different as Chalk is to Cheese though both deals with best friends meeting after a long time.
This is Priyanka Menon's debut novel and nowhere does it feel that way. The narration flows beautifully even though it flits between the past and the present. The characters are portrayed intricately and both the protagonists are immensely likable. Jai with his quirks, Shyamita with her talent, Geet the one who screams like a supersonic, Karan, the faithful friend... everyone is painted differently. And I loved it that Shyamita is an artist because I am one.
The characters mature in the course of the story and you find them transforming from the carefree teenagers to the strong persons through the experiences that they live through. The book will make you fall in love with both Jai and Shyamita.
I should say it made me all mushy mushy... :) I even shed a few tears. :D
Writing is good. The author has portrayed the characters nicely. The essence of love and friendship reflects. The discomfort between Jai and Shyamita is done skilfully, it seems natural.
Overall, it was a nice quick read. If you enjoy reading about love and friendship, it would be an interesting read on a lazy afternoon or if you are traveling (I was travelling when I read this book! :). I did not like the cover. It could have been more interesting.
Time to welcome another Indian author to the Harlequin fold. A sparkling debut by Priyanka Menon whose "The One that Got Away" gives the friends-turned-lovers trope a lovely Indian touch and some sexy sizzle. The writing is fresh and has an easy flow. And, the resolution is one of the cutest I have read in a long time. Looking forward to many more books from this talented writer.
Accidentally ended up reading this book twice in 3 years at a library. I didn’t even realise that untill I reached the end on the second time. Regardless it is a really nice read. Gives you a cozy warm feeling. Cliche but cute.
Priyanka Menon is new ‘Princess’ on block who has a novel ‘The One That Got Away ’ published by Harlequin India .She is also an artist @Pune Poetry Slam.Her Book ‘The One That Got Away ’ is brilliant book to read .She has penned ‘Jai Nair’ and ‘Shyamita Bose’ the main protagonist in a very nice manner .Priyanka has also penned her supporting characters like ‘Geet Chadda’ ,‘Karan Walia ’and their wedding in an articulate manner .
The things that made feel awful.
1. After having sex with her male protagonist Shyamita feels like she has done ‘A Mistake’ ,if she was so confused about him then.....she should give herself a little time.
2.Every now and then , the supporting female protagonist wants to punch the main male protagonist .Even though ....Punjabi′s are hot-headed people , I wish Priyanka could have made the bride look a little sombre.
Overall , The book is the recommended to all .
Especially for beach lovers !.
Priyanka Oh Priyanka ,
Your book ‘That One Got Away ’ book is wonder ,
Which I marvel ,
Because somewhere down the memory lane I have seen this stories happening too,
I guess it was destined that I would start and finish a book that starts and ends on a train in a train. It was a great way to spend my train journey from Chennai to Bengaluru! I loved the supporting characters as much as the hero and heroine! Loved the description of Jai but Shyamita's bff Geet was my favourite character. Loved the description of the big fat Punjabi wedding and the Marine drive and it's street food descriptions! The smallest of misunderstandings can cause quite a chasm in relationships and secrets can get in the way of a happy ending unless there are friends who come to the rescue. Another highlight is the fact that Priyanka made a match"saver" of the "moral" police! Enjoyed this book about second chances!
Even though this story was a typical Indian live story (right down to the climax), I rather found it quite interesting. It surely did want me to keep turning the pages.