Tale of Love, Loss, and Hope

Kamalika_Reads 39

Book: Turn Back Time

Author: Anagha Bailur

Publishers: Self Published

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

This book was offerred on kindle during an online promotion by Authoropod e-book carnival on Independence day 2025. I had also known the author through a common writer's group 'Ind Quill Collective' and so decided to go for a read during the long weekend.

What the book is about :

Turn Back Time by Anagha Bailur is a heartfelt exploration of love, heartbreak, and the inevitability of moving forward in life. Centered on Hridaan, his first love Vivaanta, and his wife Tamannah, the novel dives into the complexities of relationships and the bittersweet truths of human emotions.

What I loved about the book :

What makes this book stand out is the author’s candid approach. Right at the beginning, she declares: “Thousands of books on love and heartbreak, I promise you nothing different, I promise you nothing new, but I promise hope, I promise you a story you and I can identify with.” And true to her word, this isn’t a story built on grand novelty. It’s one grounded in relatability and sincerity.

As someone who loves reading romance in all its shades, I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style. The incorporation of Hindi shayari, the seamless shifts between past and present, and the alternating points of view lend freshness and vitality to the narrative. They give the story a rhythm that keeps you engaged.

What I felt could have been better :

That said, I personally do not enjoy sad endings.This book reminded me of the Korean films I watched in my college days; where lovers always seemed destined for heartbreak. While powerful, it left me a little heavy-hearted. I also felt that Tamannah’s past carried immense potential for a stronger subplot and wished for more backstory and character depth there. Also, few loose ends like friends being completely out of touch in today’s hyper-connected digital world felt slightly unrealistic, though not deal-breaking.

Why one should read or not read this book:

This book is a decent read, particularly for those who crave their share of heartbreak in love stories. It may not reinvent the genre, but it beautifully delivers what it promises: a story that feels familiar, touching, and deeply human.

Grab a copy of the book at : https://amzn.in/d/eI20EOI

Had you watched lovey dovey 'Korean films' like me before the 'Squid game' craze took over? which one was your favourite? Donot forget to mention.