The Story of Long-Distance Marriage is the story of a liberal couple.
PLOT: 2.5/5
CHARACTERS: 3/5
WRITING STYLE: 3/5
CLIMAX: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5
My Musings
Blame it on the cover or the riveting title, my excitement for reading this novel turned out to be quite disproportionate to the actual content of the book.
I mean, look at the cover – isn’t it gorgeous? It’s subtle yet symbolic. And I believe not many readers would be able to resist its charms.
So, it was with great expectations that I started listening to the audiobook of “The Story of a Long-Distance Marriage”. I had found the audiobook on Storytel, a platform that I have been using for more than a year.
Read on to know more about my thoughts on the book.
What to expect?
Expect a book that is light and fluffy and is mostly meant for beginners. Expect a book that tells us a simple story of a married couple separated by distance.
Expect a story that is told in easily comprehensible words. Expect a book that will subscribe to the tastes of urban individuals and that will easily relate to Yuppie couples.
Who can pick?
Since the language is kept simple and easy-going, the book can be picked by every type of reader including beginners.
Let’s talk about the storyline
Rohan and Ira have been married for fifteen months and things ahead are looking smooth. But their life takes an unexpected turn when Ira gets a chance to study at a prestigious New York school.
This seems like a golden opportunity; something that is too good to be ignored. And so, Ira decides to pursue her dreams while Rohan stands by her decision.
He decides to stay back in Delhi where his career might soon take a turn for the best. He is strong and supportive. And is hopeful that his group of friends – Alisha, Tanuj, and Yusuf will help him carry on in Ira’s absence.
As time flies by, Rohan starts getting comfortable in his new-found bachelorhood. But he is also looking forward to Ira’s return. Though he misses her immensely, he is sure that it’s all for the best.
His dreams are shattered when finally, Ira reveals the real reason for leaving both Delhi and Rohan. And this, my dear readers, is the story of Rohan and Ira’s long-distance marriage.
How good is the writing style?
The writing is at best mediocre. The plot is quite simple and monotonous, with the foreign studies angle thrown in for some necessary escape from monotony.
The book mostly reads like a regular story of an urban couple except for the long-distance marriage twist.
I was looking for substance but what I got were just a few episodes of half-hearted romance and a personal diary-like narrative.
The language fails to maintain a steady pace. Some beautiful quotes will stay with you for a long time but most of the book is just plain language hinting on boredom.
Some monologues seem tedious and impractical and the romance is just missing.
What about the characters?
When it comes to characters, there is no chemistry between Ira and Rohan. The readers don’t feel it and the characters don’t show it.
This is rather unfortunate because the success of the story depends on the intensity of Ira and Rohan’s love for each other.
Also, both characters lack depth and layering. It thus comes as no surprise that the reader fails to establish a connection with the characters.
One thing that I liked about the character portrayal was how Inamdar’s writing goes against traditional gender stereotypes and creates characters that celebrate equality.
In “The Story of a Long-Distance Marriage”, we see a woman who respects her freedom and career and is ready to fight for it.
More importantly, we see a man who respects the woman’s decisions and stands by it. Even if it means running an entire household in her absence.
Is the climax good enough?
There is some light at the end of the tunnel and the climax manages to marginally redeem the story. It gives a decent end to the story of Ira and Rohan. But does so in a predictable way.
It all boils down to entertainment
The book provides entertainment albeit in small irregular doses. And many things could have been better.
The ‘hook’ that lures a reader to keep turning pages after pages were missing. And so was a sense of satisfaction at having read a fulfilling read.
In the end
“The Story of a Long-Distance Marriage” is a book that tells us a simple story of a married ‘once-happily-in-love’ couple who are separated by thousands of miles between them.
It is a story that will most resonate with young urban readers, who will find a lot of things that they can easily relate to.
The final verdict
It can be read by beginners.
Pick the book if
- You are looking for a light and fluffy read.
- You are looking for a story that speaks to Yuppie couples.
- You are not a regular reader.
- The idea of a story about a long-distance marriage appeals to you.
- You are looking for a book with simple language.
- You like reading about characters that break gender stereotypes.
Skip the book if
- You are looking for a serious and literary read.
- You are a regular reader.
- You are looking for an intense read.
- You are only looking for a 4 or above star entertainer.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of “The Story of a Long-Distance Marriage” using the link below.
