31 Miles - Book Review

From social entrepreneurship to being the Chief Architect of a literature and cultural festival; from being the director of the National Institute of Jewellery in Delhi to penning down a novel, Vinita Bakshi has quite a multi-faceted personality.

31 Miles is her debut foray into writing. Does it work? Let’s check it out.

The blurb goes like this –

Mansa has the perfect family life—a husband, two daughters and a big house. But she feels that something is missing. After shifting to a major city, she decides to take the reins of her life in her own hands, she decides to step out and seek a career.

While enjoying the new-found freedom and confidence, she completely immerses herself in her work and her new life. Till one fateful day when she finds herself embroiled in a passionate affair—with an online lover. And then everything falls apart!

31 Miles is the story of a woman who rediscovers herself after marriage, and works towards self-emancipation. Will she give it all up for the elusive mirage created by the stranger? What turn will her life take next?

Vinita’s portrayal of Mansa’s world is so life-like. She’s had an arranged marriage and is happily settled as a homemaker with two daughters. Or is she really ‘happily settled’? Though her husband is really supportive and caring, she feels that there’s something missing in her life. We hear about so many Mansa’s around the world day in and day out, don’t we?

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