•Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along.• ~Rumi

•Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.• ~Khalil Gibran

Review:

What needs more courage – confessing a secret or keeping one? What makes us want to keep a secret- is it fear or pride?
Right from the cover, Lata Gwalani weaves a beautiful unusual story of love. A story of two souls, each with secrets that can destroy the other. Prisoners of secrets by Lata Gwalani published by Vishwakarma Publications is a journey of Meera, Manuel, Shankar and Saranya.

With an intriguing plot and descriptive narrative, the author shares the journey of two souls carrying a secret that may destroy the other.

Set in South India in the 1950s, The story starts with Meera who belongs to a typical Tamil family, wants to join college, argues with her family to Manuel who strives to fulfill his dreams, to Shankar who is trying to keep up with the expectations of parents, competing with an elder brother, being the middle child.

Divided into 9 parts, following the stories of each character and how their paths intervened. I liked how beautifully the story proceeds. The way the author described each journey, the relationship the characters share, the beauty of love.

The generous garnishing of Tamil and Malayalam words, the pleasant and engaging writing style of the author keeps the reader hooked throughout. The beautiful bond of mother and daughter, the friendship between Manuel and Mathew, Manuel’s hard work that made him what he was, Saranya’s relationship with her parents and family, everything is beautifully described.

Witness themes of love, lust, loss, hard work and secrets. Each character is well-developed by the author. Though at times the plot is a bit stretched with unnecessary descriptions.

Be it about Meera’s typical family or Manuel’s struggle and family, everything is wonderfully described. I liked how they treasured the secret to not spoil the future. Not to forget an interesting climax.

Lata Gwalani takes readers to the roller coaster ride of emotions with an astounding storyline and twists. A delightful read.