An emotional saga of teenage complexities

Kamalika_Reads 02

Book: Loved or Ruined?

Author: Radhika Anand

Publishers: Paper Towns

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3/5

How I came to know about this book:

I received this book as a giveaway gift at an event organised by another author.

What the book is about :

"Loved or Ruined?" by Radhika Anand is a young adult fiction novel that delves into the intricate world of teenage complexities through the eyes of its protagonist, Kridha. This coming-of-age story explores Kridha's life as a posthumous child who tragically loses her mother in an accident during her teenage years, leaving her emotionally vulnerable and seeking love and connection.

The heart of the narrative revolves around Kridha's discovery of true love in the form of Krishi, a relationship that promises happiness but is fraught with its own troubles and challenges. As readers follow Kridha's journey, they are taken on an emotional rollercoaster filled with the ups and downs of teenage life.

What I have loved about the book :

Radhika Anand weaves poignant lines throughout the narrative, with one standout being, "If the sun in you burns, let it shine in you." This line encapsulates the theme of resilience and self-discovery that Kridha undergoes throughout the story, making it a memorable takeaway for readers.

Despite its emotional twists and turns, the novel ends on a positive note, emphasizing the idea that no matter what challenges life throws at us, it goes on. This message of hope and resilience resonates strongly with the book's overall theme.

What I felt could have been better :

One notable aspect of the book is its use of short chapters. While this style can create a sense of quick pacing, it may also disrupt the reader's ability to fully invest in each scene before moving on to the next. These rapid scene changes may leave readers craving more depth and detail in certain moments.

Some readers may also be distracted by typos in 2-3 places where paragraphs change abruptly, which can disrupt the reading experience. Additionally, the plot point of Kridha getting forcibly married at the age of 19 to a classmate raises a loophole, as the legal minimum age for men to marry is typically 21 years in India. This aspect might leave readers questioning the realism of the story.

One area where the book could have improved is in the elaboration of death scenes and their aftermath. The moments surrounding death are pivotal in Kridha's life, and a more detailed exploration of these emotions and experiences could have added depth to the narrative.

Why one should read or not read this book:

"Loved or Ruined?" by Radhika Anand is a young adult fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous teenage years of its protagonist, Kridha. While it explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, it does have some shortcomings, including the use of short chapters, typos, and certain plot inconsistencies. Nevertheless, it leaves readers with a positive message about the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The book is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/9aJkTeZ

In this book, Kridha loses her mother. I had also lost my father years back and miss him a lot but I guess that is what life is all about. Did you lose someone dear in your life? Mention in comments...