Title of the Book: 17, Morris Road Author: Parul Sharma Genre: Fiction / Literary Pages: 310 Publisher: Hachette India
About the Book: 17, Morris Road
17, Morris Road is a nostalgic exploration of Gaya’s life.
Gaya whose heart remains forever tethered to the place she called home as a teenager. It’s a journey back to a time when the simple beauty of a garden filled her days with wonder and joy. Its towering trees and fragrant herbs stand as a timeless symbol of her youth and the memories it holds.
The place where she made lifelong friendships, experienced the fluttering of heart for the first time, and created memories that would last a lifetime.
The story of Arbour House is a poignant exploration of emotions, connections, nostalgia, loss, unfulfilled dreams, and longing.
Step into Gaya’s world and relive her past in this heartwarming tale. A seemingly ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when a phone call from an old friend, or perhaps her first crush, stirs up a whirlwind of emotions.
Gaya’s character is so relatable that you feel parts of her life in yourself, and many other characters are drawn such that you can relate them to someone around you. Whether it’s the tough granny, or the oh-so-full-of-life Munni Masi, or the headstrong Suggi.
Book Quotes: My Musings
- “Purpose is overrated. I never had any. And when I did try it, I found it to be tiring and quite unnecessary.”
I couldn’t agree more. Isn’t it enough to simply enjoy life? Why do we need a grand purpose to find happiness? As long as we’re living in the moment and content with our experiences, isn’t that purpose enough?”
I’ve always been drawn to the BTS song ‘Paradise.’ There’s a particular line that translates to:
- “It’s alright to not have a dream
If you have moments where you feel happiness for a while
It’s alright to stop”
This lyric resonated with me deeply, especially during a time when I felt misunderstood. It was comforting to know that someone else understood the importance of finding joy in the small moments, even without a grand purpose, and the above quote from the book delivers the same thing.
- “How memory is such a funny thing and how it allows the past to live within us.”
The past is a part of our identity, woven into the fabric of who we are.Whether we embrace it or resist it, it remains a constant presence. It’s as if our past is stubbornly attached, a reminder of the journey that has brought us to this point.
- “Are some of us misfits, just meant to live in a constant urge to go back in time? And should we, with all our best intentions, try to resurrect the past?”
This question constantly occupies the thoughts of many of us. While the allure of the past can be powerful, it’s important to remember that the past is a fixed point in time, a moment that can never be replicated. While nostalgia is a natural human emotion, it’s crucial to strike a balance between cherishing the past and living fully in the present.
- “Sometimes, the right choice is neither this one nor that.”
It’s a reminder that life is rarely a simple equation and that creative solutions often lie beyond the obvious.
- “I am filled with the kind of happiness that is only allowed to small children, that threatens to burst out of our hearts and colour the whole world with it.”
Oh, I wish everybody were able to laugh like this, irrespective of their age or the burdens they carry, and once in a while forget all their worries.
- “All three of us mirror each other’s expressions of loss for times gone by.”
I couldn’t help but envision myself in that scenario. What if I were to encounter an old friend or someone I once had feelings for? Could I find the words to express myself? I suspect that our eyes would do the talking, and the shared silence would be enough to understand each other’s emotions, a connection rooted in our shared history.
- “I guess it is better to let go of the umbilical cord before it forms a noose and hangs us.”
A lesson for overbearing parents: Giving space and freedom to adult children is crucial. By allowing them to grow independently, you’ll strengthen your bond rather than pushing them away.
- “There is much capacity for joy in this old life still.”
Even in the face of age and life’s inevitable challenges, there is a wellspring of joy waiting to be tapped. The old life, often characterized by wisdom, experience, and a slower pace, offers unique opportunities for contentment.
As we age, we may find ourselves letting go of some of the pressures and expectations that once defined our lives. This can open the door to true joy and satisfaction. We may discover a renewed passion for hobbies, reconnect with old friends, or simply savor the quiet moments of reflection.
Key Takeaways from 17 Morris Road
While seemingly a straightforward tale of the past and moving forward, this book offers valuable insights that will resonate long after you’ve finished reading. As you reflect on these pointers, you’ll likely find parallels in your own life or the lives of those close to you.
Through the diverse characters and their personal journeys, this book offers valuable life lessons. Story of Inder shows how People are often more complex than they appear, like the uncharted depths of the ocean.
The story explores the devastating consequences of a troubled marriage, highlighting how it can diminish a person’s vitality and how it can drain the life out of a person.
The book uncovers the profound effects that loss can have on a person’s life.We get to know the effects of loss on somebody’s life. Dealing with loss is a complex process and grief is a personal journey. People cope with loss in different ways and we can’t judge them for that.
Life is full of unexpected endings. We may not realize the significance of our daily interactions until they are gone. We often don’t realize when we’re experiencing something for the last time, whether it’s a simple act or a significant encounter. As the author points out, this is a blessing in disguise, as if we know it beforehand it would be unbearably painful.
There is learning for everyone in the book. Sometimes, it’s necessary to release the past. Closure is essential for moving forward but while life moves on, the weight of certain experiences remains, a constant reminder of our journey.
Ultimately, this is a book about the complexities of life, the hidden depths of human emotion, and the enduring nature of our experiences. It is a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of existence. It is a garden of memories and fragrance of what once was and what could have been.
P.S. – If you’re a Nature enthusiast, you’re gonna find immense pleasure as this book’s vivid descriptions of various plants and trees will leave you enchanted.
About the Author: Parul Sharma
Parul Sharma, a native of India’s small towns, has found inspiration in their unhurried pace, dusty streets, and quirky people. Her writing often features these places as quiet characters, reflecting her deep connection to them. A devoted admirer of classical literature, Parul employs sharp humor and beautiful language to craft her stories. In addition to her current novel, she has also penned “Bringing Up Vasu: That First Year,” “By the Water Cooler,” and “Tuki’s Grand Salon Chase.” An alumna of MICA, Ahmerdabad Parul continues to work in research and insights while living with her family in Singapore.
This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. You can buy the book from Amazon
