A Distant Heart

A story that is told in two voices, both of which tell their side of the story in a mix of flashbacks to past and distant past events, using these voices and the concept of ‘love’ to explain, justify, share and provide pivot points on which the story moves forward, sideways and occasionally halting as the layers are uncovered. The cornerstone on which the story pivots is Kimi and her friend (only friend) Rahul – both from very different levels in society and both caught in the trap of love, loss and unspoken dreams. Set in India, one has to understand that even in this day, the class system is fairly rigid - not only a function of birth and professions handed down over generations, but limited further by employment (or lack of), housing, and general financial stability. Rahul is from a family who lives a hardscrabble life – with his father working long and hard to become an officer in the police – steps up from constable. Kimi was born to Bollywood royalty – with money and privilege, a large mansion overlooking the sea, and an immune system that endangers her life and requires she live in isolation between medical treatments. Dev created an intriguing story that takes a bit to adjust to as the points of view alternate in past, distant past and present form: readers have to take the story as it comes in bits and pieces and wait for them to fall into place to create the full picture. Underlying the entire story is the mystery and at its core – love. What is true love, and to what lengths would you go to for that love: and can you really (even with concerted effort) deny love when it is there. I’ll have to say that the ultimate antagonist in the story was clear to me early on, and it was his own cover-up and manipulations of situations and people that showed his determination and desperate need to achieve his own ends, no matter the cost. I still needed to read on and see if I was right, not to mention just how the revelations would affect Kimi, Rahul and their own relationship that has a repeated ‘testing’ theme – she demanding he leave and never return, then waiting for him to come back – nine times (they both count). I love Dev’s writing – it brings a sense of the difference that is India while presenting the people and situations as one that is accessible and easy to visualize. From the colors and scents that are vibrant and slightly tangy to the integral human emotions of fear, love, anger and even desire that bring it all to light. Easily read on its own – this is the third in this loosely connected series that I’ve read – and each comes with moments that put me in the center of the place, with the emotions being easy to access and reach without difficulty. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

WOW!!! Words alone cannot express how much I loved this book, A Distant Heart by Sonali Dev. From the beginning, this book pulled me into a story of friendship, romance, struggles, mystery, and secrets. Kimi and Rahul are unforgettable characters as we learn their stories, both now and ago. The manner in which Ms. Dev went back and forth with time as she told this love story was very well done. This reader felt as if these two were friends of her. Sonali hit home in showcasing the dilemma a parent faces when their child faces death and choosing the “right” options to keep them alive. This was truly a heart-wrenching love story that still allowed the main characters to reach their happy ever after despite lots of detours and obstacles. I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Dev held me captive, drawing me into her book, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go even after I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I was surprised how much I liked it it reminded me of a man who has brought out the best in me...🙂