Title of the Book: The Velvet Hotline Author: Arsh Verma Genre: Mystery/Crime Thriller Pages: 295 Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Life is a roller coaster. Throughout our lives, we face many emotions, both positive and negative. It’s a cycle where we encounter different situations and emotions. Although the happier times make us feel on top of the world, the negative times bring distress and pain, plunging us into depths of despair. The burdens we carry can feel unbearable at times, pushing some to the brink of despair. No one should feel alone in their darkest moments. You don’t have to walk alone. Crisis hotlines offer a confidential space to talk openly about your struggles and find the guidance you need to move forward.’The Velvet Hotline‘ embodies this idea of offering a helping hand in times of darkness.
About the Book
This is the story of a kind and cheerful girl in her late twenties who has come from Manipur to make something of life. A simple girl, a K-drama fan, and a kindergarten teacher, she also likes to volunteer in her free time.
What started with a cheerful scene in her kindergarten classroom took a dark turn when the protagonist impulsively joined a suicide hotline during her summer holidays. The first day itself was horrific. Rushing to save a suicidal woman, she ended up encountering a terrifying scene at the deceased woman’s residence.
One would have never expected her to join another suicide hotline, but she did. From that point, her life became a puzzle, filled with confusing and upsetting mysteries she desperately wanted to unravel but couldn’t quite grasp.
Very deep topics are explored in the storyline, such as the racism faced by people in North-East India and the potential dangers of sharing nudes. It explores how a single mistake can shake your world, but also how empathy can help you overcome such a situation.
The character of Custard-Mustard serves as a powerful guide for both those struggling with suicidal thoughts due to fear of public judgment and their loved ones, demonstrating how a few supportive messages from family and friends can be a lifeline in times of crisis.
The story emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, showing how even small gestures of support can make a world of difference for someone facing despair.
We witness many relatable causes behind the pain and distress of people experiencing suicidal thoughts as Ayingbi goes on to connect with them. For example, a young boy on the verge of taking his life due to exam failure changes his decision after encountering another suicidal person. This encounter shows him that neither wealth nor academic achievement guarantees happiness or success.
His flirtatious manner, laughter, and playful pranks masked the darker thoughts swirling beneath the surface. Ayingbi remained oblivious to the storm brewing within him, unaware that he harbored thoughts of ending his own life.
Human emotions, indeed, are often complex and deeply hidden.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when the protagonist receives a call on the mysterious ‘Velvet Line,’ setting off a chain of difficult encounters.
The book captures you so much that you can’t put it down. It brims with so many interesting twists and turns that you find yourself saying, “Wow! What’s gonna happen now?” every few pages.
Secrets and surprises explode around every corner. This is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, begging to know what’s going to happen next.
One particularly spine-tingling scene involves the different fridges at Sir’s house. The way the maid mentioned them, with hushed tones and furtive glances, sent shivers down my spine. The thought of what might be lurking inside left me strangely excited about the mystery.
Captivating, thrilling, and edge of your seat suspense – ‘The Velvet Hotline‘ will keep you guessing until the end. What could be causing so many cats to jump from the roof? Who is the caller behind the mysterious line? Is Ayingbi in danger? Can she save the lives of those on the brink? More importantly, can she save herself? Dive into this gripping story to find out!
Though filled with crimes, mysteries, death, attacks, pain, and agony, ‘The Velvet Hotline‘ also offers a glimmer of hope. The ending leaves you with a profound message of gratitude for even the smallest things, reminding us to cultivate it for everything we have, big or small.
To conclude on a thoughtful note, here’s a beautiful quote:
It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.
About the Book Author:
There are 4 comments
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the review.
This looks too good. Though I m not a big fan of thriller books but after reading your review I can’t stop myself from grabbing the copy of the exciting novel
It sounds like a really engaging and interesting read! I’ll have to check it out. Thank you for sharing!
This is interesting, first time to know about this book and the author as well. I will add this to the list to check more of it. Great review!