The Lady in the Mirror | Charu Vashishtha | Book Review

THEME: 3.5/5
STORIES: 3/5
WRITING STYLE: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5 

My musings

I love reading short stories. They are my go-to solution to come out of a reading slump. But this year, it so happened that I have not read a lot of short stories. I remember reading Juggernaut’s Love in the Times of Whatsapp and Other Stories but that was almost two months ago.

So, it was with great excitement and anticipation that I
picked up Charu Vashishtha’s The Lady in the Mirror, a collection of
short stories that are about discovering one’s true self. Read on to know more
about my thoughts on the book and how was my experience of reading it.

What to expect?

Expect a book that is written in an easy language. Expect a
book that is a collection of simple yet meaningful short stories. Expect a book
that is a short and quick read which runs a little over one hundred pages. Expect
a book that talks about life and its true meaning.

Who can read?

Owing to the easy to understand language and the simplicity
of the content, the book is best suited for a beginner level reader.

The central theme

The central theme of the book is a rather subtle one. Though
the story talks about different people, different times and different scenarios,
the invisible thread that binds them together is that of self-discovery. Look
deeper and you will find that all the stories are about discovering one’s true
self and finding peace and acceptance in face of that discovery.

What did I like?

The introduction section of the book is particularly
interesting. I simply love the way the author has dedicated this book not just to
the reader but also to herself. Those four lines that the author writes about
herself are so simple yet profound. The preface is short and crisp and aptly acquaints
the reader with what is to be expected.

My personal favourites

The Last Confession is the story of how a man’s ignorance
of his wife’s true feelings and his inability to express love leads to an
unfulfilled marriage. It is a story that is profound and the message that it
conveys is urgent and strong.

The Manifestations of God is a story that tells us
just how dangerous our mind can be if don’t reign in our desires. It is a story
of love and devotion and at the same time of greed and desire.

Another story that touched my heart is Life Goes in a Circle.
This particular story seemed a little autobiographical (at least that’s what my
hunch says) and even though it ignores conventional storytelling, what makes it
special is the honesty with which it is written.

The writing style

The writing style is simple and unlike many debut authors, it isn’t messy. I like the way the author is very clear about where she intends the story to be. This clarity of thought is commendable.

Where I find the writing to be lacking is in terms of plot
development and climax. The stories don’t rely on conventional storytelling
techniques but that can be excused if the writing is extraordinary.

However, in the case of The Lady in the Mirror, the stories don’t compensate for the lack of a good plotline and solid climax. At many levels, they fail to establish that connection with the reader which is so important for a short story collection.

What could have been better?

The book does not come without a couple of editing errors
and grammatical mistakes. Needless to state, these do pull down the reading
experience and the overall quality of the content.

It all boils down to the entertainment quotient

The book is fairly entertaining. The stories are easy to
read and since they all are so different in their scope and storyline; the
collection is a diverse one. Some of the stories are soulful and they manage to
leave a lasting impression on the reader.

In the end

In the end, The Lady in the Mirror isn’t a bad book
for a debut author. The tales it speaks of are simple yet meaningful but there
is a lot of scope for improvement especially in terms of plot development.   

The final verdict

Can be read.

Pick it up if

• You are a beginner level reader.
• You are looking for a short story collection that is quick and easy to read.
• You are looking for simple stories that talk about life and its meaning.
• You are looking for a short read (of 100 pages or so).

Skip it if

• You don’t like short stories.
• You are looking for a serious read.
• You are a voracious reader.
• You don’t like amateurish writing.

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Lady in the Mirror using the link below.