Pyjamas are Forgiving | Twinkle Khanna | Book Review

Pyjamas are Forgiving

PLOT: 3.5/5
CHARACTERS: 3.5/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4/5

My Musings

I had read and enjoyed Twinkle Khanna’s very first venture into books. Mrs Funnybones was a book that resonated with me and I happily gave it 4 stars in rating. I somehow did not pick up her second – The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad – but landed straight onto her third, which is Pyjamas are Forgiving. Read on to know my thoughts about this book.

What to expect?

Pyjamas are Forgiving is a drama whose story revolves around love, marriage, infidelity, longing and divorce. There is a good message to be learned from the book especially when it comes to falling and giving yourself in love. Love is a beautiful thing but when it comes at the price of losing oneself, it’s never worth it.

What is the story all about?

The book is an unusual story set in an equally unusual location. Pyjamas are Forgiving takes us to a remote ayurvedic holistic ashram in Kerala where a forty-something Anshu comes in search of freedom from the doshas that plague her.

Her fast-paced Mumbai life with its own struggles, and topped with generous amounts of calorie-loaded food and poisoned air doesn’t help much when it comes to keeping her body ailment free.

Shanthamaaya Sthalam with its quaint but highly efficient Dr. Menon is Anshu’s goto place whenever her heart seeks peace and her body seeks rejuvenation.

Over the years, she has been a regular face amongst the multitude of people who flock together seeking Dr. Menon’s legendary Ayurvedic therapies.

This time, however, there is just a slight twist. Amongst her inmates in the 28-day cut-off-from-the-outside-world course are her ex-husband Jay and his unnaturally young ex-mistress-now-turned-wife, Shalini.

Shalini is everything that Anshu isn’t – young, plastic, beautiful and thin. Shalini who took her husband when she was starting to get used to marriage and its many eccentricities.

Even though it has been more than a decade that the two separated, Anshu cannot help but notice how her heartbeat still takes a leap every time Jay looks at her or comes in close proximity. This is the story of Anshu and her tryst with a past which refuses to go away.

Let’s talk about the characters

From the main characters including Jay, Anshu and Shalini to other side characters like Lalit, Vivaan, Javed, Dr. Menon and Jenna, each character is beautifully imagined and developed.

There is a kind of depth in each of them and I like how the characters are so practical and realistic.

The author’s writing style

Twinkle Khanna writes in an effortless manner. She makes good use of wit and humour and sprinkles them generously throughout the narrative.

She has a way with words. Her English is impeccable, melodious and yet effortlessly so. Even though the book uses a fancy language, reading it after the first few pages become as natural as breathing.

There isn’t an iota of pretentiousness in her writing and that is what I liked the most in this book. For me, it is her writing rather than her storytelling abilities that make this book a good read.

How good was the climax?

The climax of Pyjamas are Forgiving was quite satisfactory. It would be unfair to suggest that it was unpredictable. On the contrary, way before the story was nearing its conclusion, it was pretty obvious as to how the book might end. This doesn’t mean that it wasn’t good. In my opinion, it gave a befitting end to the story of Anshu and that is what matters to me as a reader.

What I liked the most?

If one chooses to carefully read the book, there is a good chunk of information about doshas, Ayurveda and Ayurvedic therapies that one can learn just from reading this book.

Also, I particularly enjoyed the unique setting of the ashram and the vivid and meticulous details of running a holistic healing centre.

Also, as already stated, Twinkle has a way with words and her flawless writing is undoubtedly the best thing about this book.

What I did not like?

The story doesn’t have a lot of excitement going on. Towards the middle, Pyjamas are Forgiving sinks into monotony and the story almost comes to a standstill.

Anshu’s many escapades and encounters with her ex-husband become dull, repetitive and lacklustre. I am glad the book is a short read because had it been any longer, I suppose the part that would have been stretched to accommodate the increasing pages would have been the one I disliked the most.

There are also a few instances where Twinkle Khanna takes a jibe at the various aspects of Hindu religion and its customs.

Unfortunately, cultural sensibilities are still not considered while penning books meant for mass readers. I could not help but feel a tad disappointed with the author.

It all boils down to the entertainment quotient

Pyjamas are Forgiving doesn’t lack in entertainment quotient. It is a short, quick and easy read that is equal parts entertaining and equal parts inspiring. Anshu’s story has a lesson for everyone and it will be shame to not witness the beauty of Twinkle’s writing first hand.

Pick up the book if

  • If you want to read a light and refreshing read
  • If you enjoy dramas

Skip the book if

  • If you don’t enjoy dramas

Can’t wait to read it? Buy Pyjamas are Forgiving using the link below.

Amazon

1 thought on “Pyjamas are Forgiving | Twinkle Khanna | Book Review”

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