Review:

“It is never the butterfly, it is the fluttering or maybe something else. But not the butterfly, because you can have the butterfly.”

~ from the book Never the Butterfly by Ankur Ashta.

These lines, underlined in my copy of the book, continue to resonate with me. Love, don’t you think, is also about that fluttering sensation? Those fleeting moments of realization and goosebumps? Ankur Ashta’s, “Never The Butterfly” is a captivating tale that explores Love, Loss, Friendship and love for the English language. With layers of Romance, Nostalgia and Friendship goals, Ankur with this story takes readers down the memory lane.

The story revolves around Mohan, who falls in love with Saanjh. However, when he confesses his feelings, something between them changes as she rejects him. In the midst of it all, he encounters Aaradhya, and they share a memorable coffee together. Little does Mohan know, that would be the last time he sees her. Where did Aaradhya disappear to? Mohan documents this fleeting memory in his diary.

College life is in full swing, and Mohan continues to struggle with his feelings for Saanjh. Each time he confesses, he watches her slip further away. Amidst the hustle and bustle of college, one day the phone rings, and it’s Aaradhya again. As Mohan seizes the opportunity to connect the missing dots, something within him changes as he embarks on a project with her. How will life unfold from here? The story delves into confessions, chaos, and a myriad of emotions. The novel beautifully captures the essence of love, showcasing the fluttering feelings and moments of realization that stir emotions in readers’ hearts. 

With its mesmerizing plot and gripping narrative, Never the Butterfly transports readers back to their college days, evoking memories of working with various communities in college and experiencing life in a hostel, far from home. Beginners will find this story particularly exciting as they discover Mohan’s life, while others may find themselves reliving their own college days through his experiences. Mohan’s love for the English language fascinated me, and his habit of gently correcting others will bring smile to your face.

With every event, the story grows more compelling, intertwining with Mohan’s chaotic life, leaving readers eager to uncover what happens next. Ankur’s captivating writing style draws readers deep into the story, allowing us to walk in Mohan’s shoes. The friends Mohan makes, his approach to tackling various situations, and the way he records his feelings and poems endeared him to me. His diary becomes a faithful companion, witnessing his darkest moments. This story is brimming with drama and entertainment.

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Although the pacing may be slow at times with too many details and descriptions which makes it a bit tedious for the readers. The characters are well-developed by the author. While Mohan’s and Burkha’s characters stand out for me, I found myself disliking Saanjh from the very beginning. Aaradhya, on the other hand, carved a special place in my heart.

The story flows smoothly with a seamless blend of words. The last few chapters tie up loose ends, although the climax remains unpredictable. You will enjoy the way the story was taking shape. You may feel sad for Mohan and at the same time, you’ll connect to Aaradhya more and more.

It’s a story that makes us understand how unpredictable life is, how each one of us goes through various situations in life and how we overcome them. How sometimes we are “Too Good” for someone only to be taken for granted. There’s fun, little moments of joy, and a strong friendship which sums up this book as a good read. In all, Ankur Ashta’s, “Never the Butterfly” is a light, intriguing read that you will enjoy over a cup of coffee. Recommended for all those who love reading light stories.

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