18 August, 2018

Table for One by Neha Bindal - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Table for One

Author: Neha Bindal
Genre: Travel, Women Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Source: A free e-review copy from the author for review through half baked beans





Blurb:


Taara Maheshwari, a single woman in her thirties and a successful lawyer, is tough from outside but a die heart fan of romantic movies from inside. 

She grew up seeking her “happily ever after’ but amid various heartbreaks and culture of modern age short term relationships, her believe in “true connections" got replaced by the comfort of being “emotionally disconnected.” 
After she turned 31, her parents persuaded her into meeting a guy for marriage who sounded just perfect for her. Acting on impulse, she told her parents that she would meet him only if they let her go on a trip to Europe. 

As Taara went on to explore the world, she experienced what actually happens when a single Indian girl travels to Europe all by herself. Is it only about dancing, singing or falling in love? What happens after you fall in love? Does love conquer all? 

Only her story would tell. 


Purchase Links:
Amazon India

My Review:

This is the story of Taara, a confused single woman when it comes to relationships. She breaks her heart in one or two relationships with her insecurities and builds a wall around her completely to avoid another heartbreak. She completely loses trust in love and life and doesn't know what to look forward to in her life. At this juncture, when her father suggests an arranged marriage, she agrees with one condition that he should allow her to do a solo Europe trip before marriage. When she thinks of this trip as an escape from marriage, it completely transforms her soul. This story is her journey of transformation and more than that, understanding herself by accepting her negatives and appreciating all good things.

What I liked?


I loved the details of places in Europe, its cuisine, and cultures. It was as if I am on a trip to Switzerland, Italy, and France. Being a lover of travel, I loved this part first.

Taara meets different people and learns something about her life through the conversations with people. There is always something to learn from others. I liked that these lessons were not preachy but practical. Taara learns to fight hard and never give up when she faces extreme weather conditions while hiking Alps. She struggles hard and enjoys her success. She learns what it is to be to love and be loved unconditionally. 


I loved these lines from the book



"May be life wasn’t about trying to fix something broken, maybe it’s about starting over and creating something new."

"Life is strange, so illusionary and still so real, I thought. Why do we live? I asked myself. We love and want to be loved."
The book cover is good and the title is apt. 

What might have been better?


I couldn't understand Snigdha and her purpose in Europe trip. Being a married woman, she loves another man who disappoints her and starts another fling with a Srilankan during her trip. I didn't get a clarity on what she wants or what Taara thinks of her. It was also unclear why Ashwin disappears without any explanation. Characterization might have been better.

I felt that the ending was abrupt and of course, I didn't like it. I understand that Taara now wants to live in the present and do whatever she likes but I felt bad for Fred. Maybe , the story will have the next part where both meet 🙂

My Rating: 4/5

I recommend to the readers who love traveling and want to read a single woman's journey.

PS: I have received a free e-review copy of the book from the author in exchange of my review and this is my honest option on the book.

I rate books by the 5-star rating system. 
1/5: I hated it
2/5: Below average, I don't like it.
3/5: It is ok with some faults.
4/5: I liked it and I recommend it to others though it has slight imperfections.

5/5: It is awesome and I will definitely recommend it to others.


About the Author:
Neha Bindal is a Chartered accountant & PGDBA and has changed four companies in her six years of corporate career. She takes life with a pinch of salt and a pitcher of margarita. She is an impulsive traveler, avid reader, part time writer and a full time dreamer.

Until next time,




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