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Before the Sunset
Before the Sunset is the story of Raju and how his life completes a full circle.
An unemployed youth, he begins his life with a romantic relationship that results in elopement. A period of bliss is followed by the loss of his wife, where Raju resigns from life to deal with his grief. His resentment and uncaring attitude towards life and relationships thereafter form the crux of the story. His children who had got separated 25 years ago, meet again at the same place. Will they recognize each other? Will their father recognize his daughter?
An unemployed youth, he begins his life with a romantic relationship that results in elopement. A period of bliss is followed by the loss of his wife, where Raju resigns from life to deal with his grief. His resentment and uncaring attitude towards life and relationships thereafter form the crux of the story. His children who had got separated 25 years ago, meet again at the same place. Will they recognize each other? Will their father recognize his daughter?
219 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Lakshmi Menon
27 books28 followersI have been writing since my teenage days. So far I have published 4 novels - The Second Choice, Cherished,Before the Sunset and Vanished Girl. I have also contributed to 3 anthologies.
Apart from writing and reading, I also enjoy travel and explore new places, as and when time permits. I also enjoy writing about some of those travels as blog posts and travel guides.
Presently, I am busy with writing a children's book and a travel book.
I love meeting other writers and getting connected.
I have also written a novel in Malayalam - Veendum yaatra, which was published as a serial novel years ago in a popular magazine, and I have recently got it published as a book.
Apart from writing and reading, I also enjoy travel and explore new places, as and when time permits. I also enjoy writing about some of those travels as blog posts and travel guides.
Presently, I am busy with writing a children's book and a travel book.
I love meeting other writers and getting connected.
I have also written a novel in Malayalam - Veendum yaatra, which was published as a serial novel years ago in a popular magazine, and I have recently got it published as a book.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 7, 2017
I authored this book, obviously I loved it.
July 13, 2017
The story of two couples and thereafter. One couple eagerly awaiting the birth of their second child unaware of the storm brewing right around them; another couple waiting earnestly to become parents since forever. Before the Sunset by Lakshmi Menon is a beautiful take on human relationships, emotions, the harsh decisions one is forced to take, due to circumstances, and so on and so forth.
Written in simple language with no hint of usage of an extraordinary vocabulary, this book drives home the point of decisions taken in the heat of the moment which may have positive or negative repercussions later in life.
What happens to the lives of both these couples with the passage of time is what forms the crux of the book. An overall easy read, Before the Sunset can be comfortably read in one sitting. Anyone interested in and intrigued family and relationships surrounding the family will find this to be a good read.
Written in simple language with no hint of usage of an extraordinary vocabulary, this book drives home the point of decisions taken in the heat of the moment which may have positive or negative repercussions later in life.
What happens to the lives of both these couples with the passage of time is what forms the crux of the book. An overall easy read, Before the Sunset can be comfortably read in one sitting. Anyone interested in and intrigued family and relationships surrounding the family will find this to be a good read.
July 14, 2017
Book Review: Before the Sunset
“Before the Sunset” by Lakshmi Menon delves deep into the abyss of human psyche although on an apparent note it echoes the poignant account of a poor man Raju and his children Deepthi and Tarun, who were separated in childhood due to a stoke of bad luck when Raju was young and full of bouncy spirit. On an imminent note, it fights sensitive issues concerning societal norms. Children make the world go round for their parents, adoption turns out to be the apple of discord to some people and they bear an ingrained aversion to the fact. Tarun goes through the whims of hatred for not being related to his father’s wife by blood and on the contrary, his sister Deepthi never discovers about her originators.
The Woman characters namely Viji, Raju’s dead wife; he is forever stuck with her memories and on the flip-side Janaki, Raju’s second wife appears to be a woman of benevolent nature as she looks after young Tarun as her own, but reveals her true colors after the birth of her daughter Bindu. However, Tarun fights against all odds to become a doctor, and he confirmed to his duties like an ideal son, and got his sister Bindu married off to a decent household without much difficulty.
Mrs. Shobha, Dr. Manoj’s wife, who was unable to bear a child of her own completely, dismantled the idea of bringing up an adopted child. Destiny let her rejoice in the joys of motherhood by bringing the infant Deepthi into her lap, and she raised her as her own.
Raju and his son bring to focus a sharp contrast to each other. Raju eloped with his lover Viji when he was young without bothering much about his own family whereas Tarun adhered to all his responsibilities like an ideal son and a brother. He always either looked for his father’s nod of approval or denied blatantly because he had a sense of responsibility and he was under constant impression that except for Raju, he was left with none to call his own. Raju before witnessing the last sunset could trace down the whereabouts of his daughter whom he gave away at birth and repented all throughout his life for this act.
The intricate nexus of the novel revolves around the tragic life of Raju and his children and the way everyone reacted in the given circumstances. Other minor characters play their role either by manipulating Raju and Janaki to act in favor of their benefit or criticize Shobha and Doctor Manoj for adopting a child and bringing her up as their own.
Although a pensive mood overshadows the novel, it gives the readers a hint about the happiness that is about to embark in Deepthi’s life through her alliance with her childhood friend. A third-person omniscient narrative technique has been employed which helps the reader to glide along with plot and move in the shoes of the characters that justify their act. The initial episode dates back to 1985, the debunking of the stereotypical belief opens the floodgates to the influx of knowledge and gives way to nourishing thoughts much ahead of its time. The best part of the novel is that without fail it captures a space in the readers mind especially the fictional character of Tarun. Despite the strenuousness life presented, he did not give up and with backbreaking efforts; he finally managed to reach his goal and even adhered to all his responsibilities that life had thrown at him. Tarun, although a fictional character, stands out to be a source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to youngsters and help them overcome their handicaps and look beyond narrow domestic walls. Coincidentally both the siblings in the novel Tarun and Deepthi take up the noble profession of a medical practitioner to serve humanity.
This novel can serve as an excellent read for all those who want to experience an avalanche of emotions, with unexpected twists and turns throughout the plot. Especially the conclusion when destiny plays its part with utmost accuracy by bringing in Raju at the nick of time to stop the families from committing an impending disaster that would have ruined harmony of the siblings Deepthi and Tarun. The life-like characters breathe life to this novel that captures and at the same time alters the idea of motherhood for biology is the least of what makes a woman a mother.
“Before the Sunset” by Lakshmi Menon delves deep into the abyss of human psyche although on an apparent note it echoes the poignant account of a poor man Raju and his children Deepthi and Tarun, who were separated in childhood due to a stoke of bad luck when Raju was young and full of bouncy spirit. On an imminent note, it fights sensitive issues concerning societal norms. Children make the world go round for their parents, adoption turns out to be the apple of discord to some people and they bear an ingrained aversion to the fact. Tarun goes through the whims of hatred for not being related to his father’s wife by blood and on the contrary, his sister Deepthi never discovers about her originators.
The Woman characters namely Viji, Raju’s dead wife; he is forever stuck with her memories and on the flip-side Janaki, Raju’s second wife appears to be a woman of benevolent nature as she looks after young Tarun as her own, but reveals her true colors after the birth of her daughter Bindu. However, Tarun fights against all odds to become a doctor, and he confirmed to his duties like an ideal son, and got his sister Bindu married off to a decent household without much difficulty.
Mrs. Shobha, Dr. Manoj’s wife, who was unable to bear a child of her own completely, dismantled the idea of bringing up an adopted child. Destiny let her rejoice in the joys of motherhood by bringing the infant Deepthi into her lap, and she raised her as her own.
Raju and his son bring to focus a sharp contrast to each other. Raju eloped with his lover Viji when he was young without bothering much about his own family whereas Tarun adhered to all his responsibilities like an ideal son and a brother. He always either looked for his father’s nod of approval or denied blatantly because he had a sense of responsibility and he was under constant impression that except for Raju, he was left with none to call his own. Raju before witnessing the last sunset could trace down the whereabouts of his daughter whom he gave away at birth and repented all throughout his life for this act.
The intricate nexus of the novel revolves around the tragic life of Raju and his children and the way everyone reacted in the given circumstances. Other minor characters play their role either by manipulating Raju and Janaki to act in favor of their benefit or criticize Shobha and Doctor Manoj for adopting a child and bringing her up as their own.
Although a pensive mood overshadows the novel, it gives the readers a hint about the happiness that is about to embark in Deepthi’s life through her alliance with her childhood friend. A third-person omniscient narrative technique has been employed which helps the reader to glide along with plot and move in the shoes of the characters that justify their act. The initial episode dates back to 1985, the debunking of the stereotypical belief opens the floodgates to the influx of knowledge and gives way to nourishing thoughts much ahead of its time. The best part of the novel is that without fail it captures a space in the readers mind especially the fictional character of Tarun. Despite the strenuousness life presented, he did not give up and with backbreaking efforts; he finally managed to reach his goal and even adhered to all his responsibilities that life had thrown at him. Tarun, although a fictional character, stands out to be a source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to youngsters and help them overcome their handicaps and look beyond narrow domestic walls. Coincidentally both the siblings in the novel Tarun and Deepthi take up the noble profession of a medical practitioner to serve humanity.
This novel can serve as an excellent read for all those who want to experience an avalanche of emotions, with unexpected twists and turns throughout the plot. Especially the conclusion when destiny plays its part with utmost accuracy by bringing in Raju at the nick of time to stop the families from committing an impending disaster that would have ruined harmony of the siblings Deepthi and Tarun. The life-like characters breathe life to this novel that captures and at the same time alters the idea of motherhood for biology is the least of what makes a woman a mother.
July 9, 2017
Lakshmi Menon’s new novel, Before The Sunset, is a heart-touching page turner, while being a hard-hitting and realistic slice of life. The plot mainly deals with the fortunes of two families, that of Raju and Dr. Manoj, which are interwoven by Fate. It is only at the end that the two threads come together.
The story starts as a heart-stopper, the experience being akin to plunging one’s hand into ice-cold water. Raju, the protagonist, returns home from office to find his wife, Viji, critically ill. She passes away giving birth to a baby girl, whom Raju hands over to the childless Dr. Manoj. The story then follows two separate bit interrelated plots, following the fortunes of Raju, his second wife Janaki and his son Tarun, on the other hand, and Dr. Manoj, his wife Shobha and adopted daughter Deepthi on the other. The revelation of the truth about Deepthi’s origin comes at the end when Raju confesses that Deepthi is his own daughter.
The main strength of the novel lies in its characterization. Menon has sketched well-fleshed out characters. From the archetypal common man Raju, to his increasingly belligerent wife, Janaki, to the kind Dr. Manoj and charming Deepthi – these characters remain etched in our minds long after we have finished reading the novel. There are humorous touches in the depiction of Paru Amma, the servant, and the child Kiran’s innocent love for baby Deepthi add a light touch to the plot. Menon shows remarkable knowledge of human psychology in the changing relationship between Janaki and Tarun after Bindu is born: the depiction of jealousy and resentment between the two is sad, but realistic. On the other hand, the love between Deepthi and Kiran in Chapter Forty is wholesome and heartening, and leads to a happy marriage that brings much relief to the readers.
The author also has a remarkable eye for details. For instance, she describes vividly how Shobha puts eyetex on baby Deepthi’s eyes, ‘pottu’ on her forehead and a black dot on the cheek “to wade off any evil eye.” The setting of the novel is South India, and the author’s skilful use of language carries the flavour of South Indian culture and tradition.
Before The Sunset is a beautiful, realistic novel that is definitely worth a read. The author takes her readers on a journey into the lives of some really unforgettable characters.
The story starts as a heart-stopper, the experience being akin to plunging one’s hand into ice-cold water. Raju, the protagonist, returns home from office to find his wife, Viji, critically ill. She passes away giving birth to a baby girl, whom Raju hands over to the childless Dr. Manoj. The story then follows two separate bit interrelated plots, following the fortunes of Raju, his second wife Janaki and his son Tarun, on the other hand, and Dr. Manoj, his wife Shobha and adopted daughter Deepthi on the other. The revelation of the truth about Deepthi’s origin comes at the end when Raju confesses that Deepthi is his own daughter.
The main strength of the novel lies in its characterization. Menon has sketched well-fleshed out characters. From the archetypal common man Raju, to his increasingly belligerent wife, Janaki, to the kind Dr. Manoj and charming Deepthi – these characters remain etched in our minds long after we have finished reading the novel. There are humorous touches in the depiction of Paru Amma, the servant, and the child Kiran’s innocent love for baby Deepthi add a light touch to the plot. Menon shows remarkable knowledge of human psychology in the changing relationship between Janaki and Tarun after Bindu is born: the depiction of jealousy and resentment between the two is sad, but realistic. On the other hand, the love between Deepthi and Kiran in Chapter Forty is wholesome and heartening, and leads to a happy marriage that brings much relief to the readers.
The author also has a remarkable eye for details. For instance, she describes vividly how Shobha puts eyetex on baby Deepthi’s eyes, ‘pottu’ on her forehead and a black dot on the cheek “to wade off any evil eye.” The setting of the novel is South India, and the author’s skilful use of language carries the flavour of South Indian culture and tradition.
Before The Sunset is a beautiful, realistic novel that is definitely worth a read. The author takes her readers on a journey into the lives of some really unforgettable characters.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews