MY REVIEW:

First things first. Sonia Rao’s foreword and the second one by Dola Basu Singh paint a vivid picture of the amazing woman behind Knitted Tales ― Rubina Ramesh. She is ‘a wife, a mother, a businessperson and a citizen of the world, a person with an inquiring mind and strong opinions.’ All these facets of Rubina’s personality are revealed in ‘Knitted Tales – A collection of emotions.’

The book opens with a bang. You are intrigued, petrified and agog as you read A Secret in Their Closet, the story of ten-year old Payal, her nightmares, and the sordid tale behind it all. There is a glimpse of the paranormal and a frightening insight into what people will do to escape the repercussions of their actions. Beware of the consequences if you read this story at night!

Betrayal: The title cues the violent emotions that animate the story – rage, jealousy and cruelty. Rubina tells the story from the point of view of Sudesh who is abusive towards everyone: his sister, his mother, his brother Harsh and his porcelain doll of a wife, Shweta. Like his father before him, he believes that a woman’s duty is ‘for serving in the kitchen during the day and warming the bed at night’. Rubina takes us on a searing journey and ends it on a stunning note. Hold your breath, reader!

Chiclets: ‘Chiclet! Yes, that is what we ‘fresh out of the boat Indians’ are called by the desi Americans.’ This tale talks of the plight of a schoolgirl who faces name-calling and bullying at school for no fault of hers. ‘Take me back home’ says Sunaina to her mother, but where is the home of the immigrant? A heartwrenching story about the many schisms that divide people, leaving us to wonder if there is any hope for humanity. Read the story to find out the author’s fascinating take on this painful issue.

Forgive Me, For I Have Sinned: Successful movie director, Abhijit Kumar. His wife Sharda. Her rich father Nana. Abhijit’s cousin, the beautiful Maya. His mother, who thinks Bollywood represents sex and scandals. What will happen if the Pandora’s Box in their lives should open? How do these people react to the horrors trapped within? This story will haunt you for a long time after you have finished reading it.

Lolita: She is picture perfect, a diva who thrives in all the attention and the lust directed her way. She leaves behind broken hearts and homes and smiles secretly within. And cries too ― for no one knows the price she had to pay to get here. This story beautifully juxtaposes the contradictions between the hype and the reality.

No Regrets: A love marriage between a Bengali girl and a Tamil groom. The euphoria followed by ego clashes. Doubt, suspicion, anger, agitation… What happens when Arvind snoops into Raima’s laptop and discovers a secret? ‘No Regrets’ is a delightful tango of love!

Suvarnarekha, The Little Godmother, The Missing Staircase, The Other Woman ― the cascade continues. Each tale is like a gorgeous gem glowing pink and green and aquamarine. I have given you just a glimpse into the treasure chest. Download your copy now and enjoy the brilliant variety that characterizes life itself.

THE BLURB: What forces an innocent girl to become a sex symbol? Her desires? Or cruel fate?

Is a lifetime enough—for avenging a betrayal? How do you hide secrets that never stopped haunting you?

Can vengeance and secrets of your past devastate your present? How can long-buried crimes of yours suddenly raise their head? Can sinning be saving?

Is your spouse your soulmate? What if they never understood your feelings? Can you still live with them?

Lastly, does life give only two options? Live or die? What if there is a third?

In her debut anthology, Rubina Ramesh tries to find answers to these questions that are often from the heart and yet makes the mind ponder over the solution. Or is it the other way round? Either way, Knitted Tales is a bouquet of emotions that is bound to touch both your head and your heart.

Here’s where you can buy Rubina’s book:

Amazon.in
Amazon.com
Amazon.uk