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‘Shadow in the Mirror’ by my friend Deepti Menon, published by Readomania is a cliff-hanger in which myriad lives come together. Here, as you read on, you will find many eras colliding, as they are all connected by threads in a tapestry that needs to be unraveled, one thread at a time,
As I interacted with her for this post, I liked her confidence about the book. She feels that through its language, pace and interesting theme her book will engage and sustain the interest of her readers. And as I went through the book “Shadow in the Mirror”, it seems to be true.
“I have always been a staunch supporter of the English language, If my creation ‘Shadow in the Mirror’ stands up like a beacon as an example of good creative writing and a story well told, that will be purpose enough for its existence.” - Deepti Menon
She writes with aesthetic enthusiasm as well as for the sheer love of the written word. She says, “My writing may not have an overt tinge of social value, but it does subconsciously highlight social issues, in its own way.”
“Shadows in the Mirror’ was twelve years in the making. Though she completed writing it in two years, she kept rewriting, editing till it got published in October this year.
BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deepti Menon is the author of two books, ‘Arms and the Woman’ and ‘Deeparadhana’. She has worked as a journalist with several publications, and is now a freelance editor. Short stories with deft twists and tongue-in-cheek articles that tickle the funny bone are her forte. She is working on her next book plan to be published by next year.
Deepti Menon lives with her family in Chennai.
HER INSPIRATIONS
Life itself inspires me to write. Ideas throw themselves at me wherever I am – during a walk in the park, while watching a movie, reading a book, talking to friends, sometimes even during a bout of shopping. Anything that makes me think, smile or shake my head gives me inspiration.
HER CHALLENGES
As I have mentioned above, I love the English language deeply. My biggest challenge was to write a thrilling story that would keep my readers on the edge of their seats, without taking away from the beauty of the language, and without stooping to debase the language in any manner whatsoever.
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
“Suddenly the descending darkness entered her heart, as the moon went behind a cloud. Just like the cloud hanging over our lives, she thought with a shudder.”
“Well-meaning elders would give dollops of good advice to all young couples. “Name your child ‘Krishna’ and ‘Rama’. If they are naughty and you end up calling out their names a thousand times, you might end up attaining moksha.”
THE STORY
It all begins with a death. Nita, a pregnant woman falling from a balcony becomes the string that unravels the plot. Her death casts a shadow over many lives; her heartbroken father, her husband, and Vinny, a young journalist drawn in by the whiff of foul play and murder.
What follows are stories within stories, eras and worlds colliding with each other, leaving behind splintered relationships and mesmerizing slices of lives that appear to be drawn together and driven apart by the whimsical strings of destiny.
As events cast their shadows ahead to link the stories of Vinny, Kavita, Roma, Krish and Nita in an unrelenting knot, a journey starts to uncover the truth. What is the secret that links Nita’s death to the other characters? Will Vinny be able to unravel the mystery?
From intimate diary entries, letters, to bantering over a meal, and sharing memories while spring cleaning, this novel de-familiarizes the ordinary, presenting a kaleidoscope of our own pasts, broken edges and pulsating hearts.
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Deepti’s favorite spot for writing is a comfortable armchair in her drawing room, with a little white table on which sits her laptop. She finds it an apt spot because of her books in the shelves all around her. The nearby television set serves the purpose of a much-needed break besides being the heart of her home.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DEEPTI
a. I wear rose-colored spectacles that help me to see the world as a beautiful place. I am a die-hard optimist!
b. I love humor in all its avatars, which is why I enjoy reading PG Wodehouse.
c. I am a proud daughter, mother and grandmother, and enjoy all these roles equally.
d. Being a Sagittarian, I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth at times.
She considers herself lucky to be in a space where she’s doing exactly what she loves i.e. writing full time. She considers teaching for many years as an achievement of her life as well - interacting with young minds, influencing them, and being influenced by them.
HER FAVORITE
GENRE:
Drama, Literary Fiction and Mystery.
BOOKS:
1. ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ has always been a favorite ever since my mother first narrated it to me. I love the grandeur of the plot, the pace of the action and the realistic characterization. The theme of revenge has also been played out magnificently.
2. Another wonderful book is ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, which brings out the lofty ideals of humanity, equality and the bane of racism. The book is a masterpiece as it reveals how one strong man can uphold his ideals and come out triumphant.
– Written by Shashi
CEO & Partner ICUBE Projects
Speaker | Author of “Songs of the Mist” | Haiku Poet
Writes India’s #1 Spiritual Blog “Shadow Dancing With Mind”
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ॐ नमः शिवाय
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