Fear and Lovely

Mallika is a shy young woman growing up in a New Delhi colony, surrounded by love but plagued by secrets and a mental illness. After suffering a trauma, she loses three days of her memory and spirals into depression. The story unfolds elliptically from the perspectives of Mallika and her seven closest people, revealing their struggles, secrets, and silences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2023
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Growing up in the vibrant and bustling New Delhi colony, Mallika, a young woman plagued by painful shyness, navigates a complex web of secrets and complexities. Despite being surrounded by love, her life is intricately intertwined with the efforts of her mother, aunt, and herself to conceal deeply held secrets. However, a traumatic experience at the age of nineteen leads to Mallika losing three days of her memory, plunging her into a profound depression. Faced with the daunting task of reclaiming her identity and reuniting with the people she cherishes, Mallika must also conceal her mental illness from her community, fearing the stigma and judgment it may bring.

The narrative unfolds in an elliptical manner, alternating between Mallika's perspective and that of the seven individuals closest to her. Within this tapestry of lives, the astonishing story of these characters emerges, revealing the intricate web of secrets, struggles, and silences that they harbor. Mallika's family, childhood friends, and the two men she loves are all complicit in hiding truths, each grappling with their own demons and confronting the consequences of their actions. As they openly share their struggles, the veil of secrecy is gradually lifted, unveiling the raw and vulnerable essence of their lives.

Through this captivating and emotionally charged story, the novel explores the profound impact of secrets and the toll they take on individuals and relationships. It sheds light on the complexities of human behavior, the power of communication, and the importance of seeking help and support when faced with personal challenges. The characters' journeys are filled with pain, resilience, and redemption, reminding us of the human capacity for growth and transformation.

In conclusion, "The Secret Lives of Others" is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, offering a poignant and thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of life and the choices we make. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the hidden corners of our existence.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857308320