Title of the Book: Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik Author: Dr Aparna Ajith Genre: Food and Travel Pages: 246 Publisher: Writers International Edition
About the Book
Whenever you pick up a book, you usually have a preconceived notion of what lies within. Based on its title, Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik appears to be a standard travelogue. Through the firsthand experiences of Dr. Aparna Ajith, we are transported to various destinations; however, is this merely a travelogue? Perhaps not.
To me, it feels more like the story of a mother—one who is deeply connected to her young son. She is a mother captivated by her son’s journey into life, wanting to cherish every single moment with him. Through her eyes, we experience the magic of Anvik’s “firsts”—his first flight, his first friends, and the milestones in between. From these early social bonds to a special birthday gift from his father, the book captures not only beautiful moments with people but also the stunning landscapes they explored together. The true beauty of this book lies in the immense, unwavering love of a mother wanting to freeze time.
Surprisingly, parts of her story felt like a reflection of my own. We even share the same Silver Grey car! Like her, we were yearning for a meaningful getaway after the pandemic, which eventually led us to the Andamans. We traveled there with our little one when he was just two and a half, so as I turned the pages, I felt as though someone had lived my own memories just a year before me. Since our visit to the islands is still fresh in my mind, I felt the pulse of every word she wrote—the thrill of the dive, the ferry rides, and early sunsets. (You can read our full Andaman story here).
Yet another point of connection—and one that mirrors my life with surprising precision—is the author’s relationship with her most cherished student. Just as she shares a profound bond with her student, Amal, I have a very dear student named Aadil. He has become more of a friend over the years and even arrives on a Royal Enfield, just like Amal. When she wrote, “One Amal is more than enough in this life, and I don’t intend to create any more Amals in my career,” I couldn’t help but smile—I feel exactly the same way about Aadil; some people are simply irreplaceable.
A book is often a mirror, reflecting the soul of the person who wrote it. After reading this journey, it is clear that the author is a person of deep emotion—someone with roots firmly planted in her culture and a heart full of immense love and dedication for her family. This book is a celebration of life’s small, beautiful moments. What I loved most was how the author remembers every person who showed her kindness—from neighbors and teachers to her students and even a local Momo vendor. It reveals her true persona: a soul full of gratitude who deeply values human connection. Although I couldn’t fully grasp the essence of some festivals or temples, having spent my life in North India, her writing was so evocative that it didn’t stop me from appreciating the cultural greatness she describes.
The book is filled with quiet, observant moments that bring a lingering warmth. For instance, the author shares a touching scene where her parents—who once carried her to Palani as a three-year-old girl—were now carrying her own three-year-old son to the same sacred destination. It is a beautiful reflection on the timing and nature of life’s blessings, illustrating how the circle of life unfolds with such poetic symmetry.
This sense of peace radiates throughout the narrative, serving as a gentle reminder that “everything happens for a reason, and some things happen only in a season.” These lines perfectly capture the essence of her journey—a series of perfectly timed moments shared with her family. She writes, “Some of the best things in life don’t come with fanfare; they come quietly with grace.” Reading this, I realized that such grace can only be truly experienced when we slow down to appreciate the everyday moments and the people who walk beside us.
Who Should Read This?
This book is a perfect fit for parents or anyone who resonates with the deep emotional bond between a mother and child. It will also appeal to those who enjoy exploring new destinations through the lens of a personal travelogue. However, it may not suit younger readers seeking high-octane thrills or direct “life lessons.” Instead, it offers something much more grounding: a simple, honest, and heartfelt window into a family’s life.
All in all, it is a wonderful read that celebrates the magic of childhood and offers an honest look at the everyday moments shared across different places.
About the Author: Dr. Aparna Ajith
Dr. Aparna Ajith, born in Kollam, India, holds a Ph.D. in English Literature. A writer, translator, and freelance journalist with the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala, Dr. Ajith has authored three poetry collections—Musings of Venus, Little Anvik in the Tides of Time, and Little Anvik in the Realm of Rhymes.
This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. You can buy the book from Amazon
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Interesting.
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