Review of Fresh Beginnings

[Aleena Augustine]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Fresh Beginnings" by Leela Dutt.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Fresh Beginnings by Leela Dutt is an anthology of eleven short stories, commencing with the poignant narrative of Jennifer, who grapples with the recent loss of her father. Each story within this collection possesses the essential elements that contribute to its engaging nature—diverse characters, a robust plotline, and a blend of mystery, excitement, and heartbreak. These stories skillfully capture facets of the real human experience, each offering a unique perspective. To enrich the reading experience, each story is paired with an illustration at the beginning, showcasing an item that captures the essence of that particular narrative. Additionally, the book includes two epistolary stories, adding a distinctive touch. Concluding with the story of a woman celebrating her 90th birthday amid confusion, Fresh Beginnings promises a varied and compelling exploration of the human experience through its diverse tales.

Notably, the book stands out for its variety. From a bonobo narrating human behavior to a tale involving time travel to Copenhagen, Dutt's storytelling prowess shines through. Her ability to breathe life into characters within the confines of short stories is commendable, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a diverse range of themes.

What I liked about the book was the portrayal of authentic characters that breathed life into each story. Whether it was the portrayal of the overbearing mother, the tactless parent, or the affectionate grandparent, Leela Dutt skillfully crafted characters that felt real and relatable. One of my favorites was the story titled "A Royal Wedding," which showcased Dutt's adept use of intertextuality by making references to classic fairytales. I particularly admired how the author seamlessly wove a lighthearted narrative with a profound underlying meaning.

There wasn't anything I disliked about the book. The stories were meaningful, the writing style was captivating, and the book was well edited with no typos or mistakes. Therefore, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate diverse short stories, as well as those who enjoy exploring the complexities of the human experience through rich and engaging narratives.

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Fresh Beginnings
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[Gerry Steen]

Hi, Aleena, thank you for your concise review of this book. I added it to my bookshelves because I enjoy short stories with well developed characters and plots. According to your review, this 5-star book has both elements. I look forward to the diversity of journeys I can take as I read all of the stories.