STORY: 5/5 LANGUAGE: 5/5 CHARACTERS: 5/5 CONCLUSION: 5/5 OVERALL: 5/5
In the quaint fictional town of Siyaka in North India, resides Tara Taneja. In addition to managing her family’s business, Lallan Sweets, she also runs a math tuition centre. Eager to demonstrate her capabilities to her uncle Pappu and male cousins, Tara aspires to secure her share in the inheritance of the family shop.
Her quest leads her on an exciting adventure, accompanied by her childhood friend Nikku Sabharwal. The unfolding events during their journey and the discovery of the elusive secret ingredient in Lallan Sweets become the focal points of the rest of the story.
Let’s talk about the storyline
The plot is refreshingly original and unlike anything I’ve come across before. It appears deceptively simple, revolving around a woman, her family, and their sweet shop. Yet, within these everyday elements in a small town, unfolds a tale of love, second chances, family dynamics, and the search for one’s purpose.
Tara’s quest to discover a special ingredient in a sweet takes an unexpected turn, leading her to explore a world beyond Siyaka. For Nikku, who abandoned his monotonous job in Bangalore, the journey becomes a clarifying experience, helping him discern his desires and aspirations in life.
How good are the characters?
Meet Tara Taneja, our spirited and determined female protagonist, grappling to establish her presence within the sprawling joint family. Her main pillars of support are her mother and Lalaji, the family patriarch and owner of Lallan Sweets.
Pappu Uncle, her father’s brother, and his two sons, Rohit and Mohit, often find themselves in conflict with Tara, reluctant to accept a female family member claiming her rightful inheritance. On the other side of the story is Nikku, the male lead, a charming and humour-filled young man.
As the duo embarks on a journey across the northern region in search of the elusive ingredient, they encounter a diverse array of characters—some amusing, some frightening, and others shrouded in mystery. Among these individuals are those who prove to be good-hearted, friendly, helpful, and, of course, a few who pose outright dangers to their quest.
My honest opinion
This book offers an exciting and nostalgic journey tailored for those who grew up in the ’90s, cruising on Kinetic Hondas, attending offline math tuition, savoring roadside paranthe and sabzi, and rocking baggy pants with Kurtis. It captures the essence of an era where women were asserting their rights.
True to its promise, the author maintains simplicity throughout, steering clear of tear-jerking or annoying scenes, focusing instead on moments that induce laughter.
While the book carries a serious undertone, the author skillfully interweaves humor when needed. The writing style is vivid, skillfully evoking a sense of nostalgia. The language is beginner-friendly and caters well to an Indian audience, featuring catchy Hindi phrases and nostalgic Bollywood references.
After all, what would the ’90s be without radio cassettes and the charm of SRK?
What I liked
Throughout its approximately 300 pages, the book maintains a steady and engaging pace. While I didn’t read it in one sitting, I always found myself intrigued, curious about what might unfold next.
Tara and Nikku stand out as pragmatic individuals who navigate their adventures with precision. Their banter, a blend of teasing and mutual respect, adds a delightful layer to their characters.
What sets this story apart is its choice of setting—an Indian sweet shop. It breaks away from the clichés often associated with Indian tales, exploring the diverse facets of the country, including accents, towns, cultures, beliefs, and inevitable conflicts. This departure from the typical joint family drama adds a refreshing twist.
If I were to categorize this book, I’d label it as an ‘adventure’ more than a romantic comedy or family drama. I recommend Lallan Sweets to anyone looking for a relaxed, one-time read. Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of the book Lallan Sweets right away!
