Metro Diaries - Book Review

Title: Metro Diaries 

Author: Namrata

Publisher: Revelation House Books

Type: eBook

ASIN: B00UAIBAPG

Number of Pages: 162

Price: 187.25 [INR]

Genre: Romance

The Blurb:

Love is one of the most amazing feelings on this earth, one that makes you the most powerful person or the most helpless person in a split second. These stories capture those feelings of despair, longing, love, lust, desire, want, dejection and admiration to create deja vu. Hold onto your hearts as you flip through these pages and take a walk down the memory lane as "Metro Diaries" will revive your innermost feelings and imbibe in you the magic of love. Touching, amusing and deeply moving, Metro Diaries - Love Classics are tales that will hold you from start till end.

My Review:

Metro Diaries is a collection of 20 short stories, all of which are so well narrated that they leave you asking for more. The author, Namrata says that these stories are the stories she witnessed during her various trips. They are all real life incidents, which makes it all more interesting to read. Here is what you can expect in this book:

1. Once in a Lifetime: 
       Nitya, a writer, who is hurt from a past relationship, has built a wall around herself, determined to not let anyone inside. But all determination begins to waver when Ansh Malhotra starts courting her, trying his best to melt her heart. His messages surely melt the readers' heart but will Nitya give in? 

2. Then, Now and Forever:
       Ron who has been through a breakup recently with Anna, has come to pick up his grandmother. There the old lady's words and her love for her husband leaves an impact on him. 'There is only heart that could sing back the song our heart wants to listen' she says. Will Ron be able to realize it before its too late?

3. Love Thy Dreams:
       Being number one is studies as well as sports, Abhi has everyone impressed by his charms. But when Kavya arrives, he is in for some competition, for she is equally brilliant. What seeme like rivalry in the beginning soon turns into something different, due to the turn of events. This was one of my favorite stories.

4. The Wait:
       A beautiful tale of love with a shocking ending! I was wondering why Rhea had run away all through the story but the ending left me shocked. A brilliant piece of narration.

5. A Secret Revealed:
       How would you feel if you had a secret buried inside you that you cannot reveal to anyone? This story is about one such secret, very different from what you and I can think of. The journey of isolation, pain, need for acceptance and joy when it is finally found.

6. A Promise of a Lifetime:
       Ranjith was the casanova of their college and Tamanna, the shy girl. But they were always tongue tied in each other's presence, though they didn't acknowledge it. But when they meet at a friend's wedding years later, their feelings are rekindle. Will they be able to speak their heart this time? (PS: If only someone said to me what Ranjith said, I will be completely blown away ;) Loved the dialogues in this one)

7. Will You?:
       A proposal scene with loads of emotions. The way he proposes, you cannot stop yourself from begging the girl to say yes!

8. Love Beyond Words:
      As the protagonist recalls the three special days of her life with someone she felt special with, you just can't stop wondering who he was and what had happened that they weren't together anymore. I just wish there was more to this story!

9. Imperfectly Perfect:
       The definition of love explained from two different point of view. This imperfect, yet perfect love story will have you reconsider the definition of love. I especially loved scene where he will describe the praise for poetry as the praise for author.

10. A Thing Called Love:
       He was a dreamer and she was the gentle hand which nudged him in that direction. But a night had changed it all. Three years later, when he had realized his dream, he still wasn't happy because she was not there by his side. Two people, pining for each other, yet separated because of those unsaid words. I wish the ending was different! Sigh!

11. The Sole Soul Mate:
       Sometimes love is right in the reach of our arms but we fail to recognize it. We go searching for it elsewhere and that is what Saahil did before he realized that his heart belonged to the girl, his best friend, who had stood by him all these while, even through his break ups. Will he be able to confess it?

12. The Yellowed Diary:
       There are times when we fall for the wrong person. We know we are not meant to be and it would be foolishness to hold on but the heart doesn't listen. This is a similar story, where the girl is trying to forget the love from past three years but failing miserably. The description makes you feel so sorry for her. I especially loved the flower analogy in this one.

13. You, Me and Love:
       'Madly in Love' label fits perfectly for this couple. Their love for each other, even after 5 years of marriage will leave you believe in the magic of love. Some of the dialogues of this story are my favorite.

14. Unlocked:
       Sometimes, we realize the value of things or people when we lose them. Salil is at the verge of losing her, their convenience based arrangement was over. But he feels a pang when he thinks he couldn't meet her again. Would he realize her role in his life before it is too late?

15. Memories:
       This is a really short story, a letter actually, that will tug your heart strings.

16. A Message of Love:
       A beautiful story about how a letter found in a random book, makes our protagonist realize the worth of love. Loved how the story describes the equation 'You + Me = We'.

17. Her:
      When you are in love, even the shortest period of separation can feel like an eternity. One more simple yet beautiful story.

18. Love Revisited:
      Having lived in a abusive marriage for a year, Rhea has been through a lot. But there was one person who was there for her all through this, Shubh - her childhood best friend. He was there when she was broken and he was there to make her smile. But when he is about to relocate to Singapore, will Rhea be able to stop him? Will she ever confess her love? This one was my favorite story among the 20. A brilliant one.

19. The Last Letter:
      A heart warming story of 85 year Sarayudevi, who is living in the memory of her late husband. He, being an army officer, had been to fight in the war of 1947, never to return back. Sarayudevi is living ever since in his memory, holding on to the last letter he had written to her. This one is sure to move the readers.

20. You & I:
       When you really love someone, what others' think doesn't matter. This story is a perfect example of that. Zahir and Radhika, both who have suffered from a broken marriage, feel instant attraction towards each other. But Rahika is scared of committing to marriage again, having suffered enough in the previous one. But Zahir wouldn't lose her, for she is THE one for him. Where this love will take them?

      All the 20 stories have been narrated beautifully. The language is brilliant and so are the stories. You just can't help but wish there was more. I would suggest this for romance lovers. It makes a perfect read in between your busy schedule.

My Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Until the next Review,
Keep Reading :)

Love,
Swathi :)