Author: Navreet Sran

Pages: 202

Whirlpool of life and emotions

Picturize a luxury yatch cruising along scenic waters before a tornado smashes into it… and therein begins survival. Navreet Sran’s ‘Diamonds and Stones’ beguiles the reader into guessing whether the plot involves a corporate slugfest, or an Indian bride propelled into NRI world or bitchy boss Namita’s murder. Instead, it veers abruptly into unexpected terrains – both emotional and geographic. Ambitious and dreamer Meera’s life goes topsy turvy once she is kidnapped.

Genre: Thriller, emotional drama

Pros – Racy pace, well etched characters that seep into the reader, a protagonist who is resilient without displaying undue bravado. Navreet Sran doesn’t spare Meera ‘certain ordeals’, even as the reader prays for her rescue. Dialogues are crisp, language is impeccable, scenes shorn of unessential adornments and seems crafted for the visual medium.

The ‘balancing of white stones’ by the river scene is in sync with the author’s personal hobbies.

Cons– The blackguard with a golden heart is a tad filmy. The incompetent investigative team and Meera’s male relatives who crumble sans a fight remain as loose ends.

Verdict: The book stays with you long after the last page is flipped. Sran’s writing has the stamp of assurance. An impressive and promising debut. Paisa vasool.