About the author: Siddharth Roy is undoubtedly a human, author of 2 Books, TEDx Speaker, and sports lover. He was born and brought up in Nagpur and is currently pursuing BBA in media and mass communication from Whistling Woods International, Mumbai.
Siddharth’s first book The Special Fish was published in November 2016. His second book Rise in Love, winner of ‘Manuscript of the year’ by Lit O Fest Mumbai, was released in Sept. 2018.
Siddharth Roy has spoken at three TEDx events and many other events including Lit O Fest Mumbai. Mostly his speeches are on society, humanity and basic concepts of life as he believes that it is our thinking that makes us what we are. Also, he has won a silver medal in State Badminton Championship.
This young author became the youngest head of creativity in the subject of In-house Book editing and Scripting at the age of 17. He has got much more appreciation but I think this profile/Intro is enough to pick up his book and start reading.
Rise in Love is the story about two modern-day teenagers dealing with tough career choices and how they rise in love when they cross each other’s paths. The book is written in third person point of view, narrating the story of two distinct characters Adhira and Abhiraj. At the starting you imagine a young author is narrating the story but as the story develops you would refuse to consider that. That’s a good point. The writing style is really good, not missing any details that any reader would ask for. Well, at first the pace is a bit slow as you don’t see where it is going but after a few chapters it fits just perfect.
The story sets in two cities of Maharashtra, Mumbai and Nagpur. Adhira is a Mumbaiker while Abhiraj is from Nagpur. There are mentions of lavish places of Mumbai like hotels and malls and peaceful places of Nagpur also. The book depicts the lifestyle of a teenager in Mumbai and also of a teenager who is fighting for making his name in a career of his choice.
Characters are very strong and clear, all having a visible purpose. Abhiraj is trying to stay away from love and stuff, for concentrating on his writing career to prove himself to his father. Tulika is his best friend. Adhira is a gorgeous and extremely career-oriented girl, wants to take over her mother’s boutique and dealing with grievous past. Rashi is her best friend and her protector too, most fun and smart character. Adhira falls in love with Shubham who is a cool dude and son of a rich man.
The genre of this novel is romance made of pure love and emotions. When Abhiraj meets Adhira, he could not stop thinking about such a beautiful girl with sad eyes. Then they all become really good friends. Over the span of what little time they got, Adhira and Abhiraj shares their emotions and build a unique connection that they’ve never encountered and learn what is the true meaning of love.
The plot is all about how Abhiraj enters Adhira’s life and make her realize the difference between love and lust just when she needed to know. And Abhiraj who believed that love can only be a distraction, he found that it’s not true.
I loved how the author has depicted the teenage lives who are struggling along with family issues. Adhira, the strong is holding a traumatic past, whereas Abhiraj, the writer is making efforts to show his father that he can make his career as a successful writer. Also, there is humor that made me laugh. After the slow-paced part of the book when all characters get along, I could do nothing but finish reading it. It also reports some serious issues that deal with teenagers who get trapped with infatuation and ruin their lives. The author also speaks his opinions on a serious matter like rape through Abhiraj’s voice.
Apart from all the seriousness, the book is fun. It got me that Mumbai vibes and reminded me of those teenage years. The pure friendship and those moments with them. Making friends and creating the most beautiful and precious memories. Last but not least, the epilogue is the most satisfying part of the novel.
I recommend this book to everyone, teenagers, parents, readers of course.
Thank you to the author Siddharth Roy for creating Abhi, Adhira, Ra, Tulika. Also, for recommending Rise in Love to me.