CHARACTERS: 3.5/5
WRITING STYLE: 3/5
CLIMAX: 2.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3/5
Essentially a college romance
After a long time, I picked up a college romance; after 12 books precisely because the last college romance that I read was Our Story Needs No Filter by Sudeep Nagarkar.
“This Can’t Be Happening” is the story of Lavanya (lovingly addressed as Luv) who is pursuing a doctoral degree in biotechnology from a reputed institute in Punjab.
Lavanya leads a simple life and does not believe in love; at least not until she comes across the charming and geeky Sid who is everything that Lavanya could have ever hoped for in a guy.
Lavanya’s troubles
Though sometimes Sid seems inclined towards Lavanya, there are times when he gives mixed signals.
Poor Lavanya has no clue about Sid’s intentions and the depth of her own feelings towards him. But there are situations which make it difficult for their love story to bloom.
As if that isn’t enough Lavanya is also perpetually worried about her friend Shreya whose love story is as fragile as hers.
Will love bloom between Lavanya and Sid? Will Shreya get the love of her life? How will things work out for Lavanya?
To know this and much more, read this cute little love story today!
How good is the plot?
The plot of “This Can’t Be Happening” is decent. Though the book, in the end, proves to be a good read, it isn’t the plot that is responsible for it.
The premise is a simple college love story with an element of mystery which keeps the reader hooked till the end.
But though the mystery element is conceptualized brilliantly, its delivery is at best mediocre.
The characters
I loved the character of Lavanya. She is a simple girl with a big heart and that is her most appealing quality.
Sid is another charming character – a guy whom you would want to fall in love with.
What I liked the most about this couple was that there was this innocence about their love which makes you relive old memories of first love. I also enjoyed the other characters.
Writing Style
The writing style of the author is decent for a first-time writer.
If I think about the issues with the writing style, I cannot pinpoint anything in particular.
However, it does well to say that there is a lot of scope for improvement in Neha’s writing.
I liked the way she explores feelings; going in deep and describing them beautifully. I also liked how at the end of many passionately written paragraphs, there was a poem to complement the writing.
All the poems were beautifully written and they added a positive dimension to the author’s writing.
Was the end good enough?
For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I refrain from delving deep into this aspect. But it suffices to say that the book had a decent ending.
There was not much in terms of unpredictability but it did end on a happy note.
Writing style
“This Can’t Be Happening”, in the end, proved to be a happy read.
I enjoyed reading the latter half because it kept the intrigue element on. It was fun reading about the cute and innocent love of Lavanya and Sid.
The writing style of the author is simple and breezy. The language could have been richer but keeping it simple helps the book in reaching out to a large number of English readers.
Final Verdict
“This Can’t Be Happening” is a good read for anyone who enjoys college romances. It will especially appeal to people who are getting initiated into English literature and are looking for books with easy language and simple stories.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy from the link below.
