THE BOOK OF EVERLASTING THINGS

 

Print length: 472 pages

ISBN-10: 9356294003

Buy at Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Book-Everlasting-Things-Novel/dp/9356294003

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts on the book:

"The Book of Everlasting Things" by Aanchal Malhotra is an extraordinary work of literature that has left a lasting impression on me, earning its place as one of my all-time favorite reads. Set against the rich and vibrant backdrop of Lahore in 1938, the novel masterfully intertwines the lives of Samir Vij and Firdaus Khan in a way that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

Their journey begins with a moment of pure serendipity, as Samir, a talented perfumer, first catches sight of Firdaus through the rows of perfume bottles in his family’s ittar shop in Anarkali Bazaar. The air is thick with the heady scent of ittar, making their initial encounter as intoxicating as the fragrances that surround them. Firdaus, a gifted illuminator of manuscripts, becomes the muse to Samir’s artistry, and their connection deepens with each passing day. Their love story unfolds with the precision and beauty of a manuscript, every detail meticulously inked with both the brightness of new love and the darkness of impending sorrow.

However, the winds of change are on the horizon. As the Partition of India in 1947 looms, their world is torn apart. Samir, a Hindu, finds himself an Indian citizen, while Firdaus, a Muslim, becomes Pakistani. The novel captures their heartrending struggle as they navigate the chasm that has opened between them—pulled by their deep-seated love for each other but pushed apart by the harsh realities of their divided homelands. Bound by family obligations and the inescapable currents of history, their love becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Yet, this novel is far more than a love story. Aanchal Malhotra delves into the intricacies of perfumery, the delicate art of manuscript illumination, and the often-overlooked experiences of Indian soldiers in the British Indian Army during World War I. Her historical descriptions are so vividly rendered that they transport you not only to the bustling streets of pre-Partition Lahore but also to the romantic avenues of Paris, where the characters’ lives take them. You feel as though you are walking alongside Samir and Firdaus, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of their world.

This book is a profound exploration of culture, history, and the indelible impact of the Partition on countless lives. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Indian historical fiction, as it beautifully captures a tragic yet compelling love story while offering a vivid glimpse into the Indo-Pak culture and history of the era. Malhotra’s narrative is a testament to the enduring power of love and memory, set against one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the Indian subcontinent.