Under the Mistletoe & Other Stories | Manali Manan Desai | Book Review

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Under the Mistletoe & Other Stories by Manali Manan Desai

The Book Blurb


Diana is all set to welcome her loved ones for Christmas. An unexpected (and uninvited!) guest shows up at her door, spoiling her festive mood. All her attempts to thwart Dylan’s intrusion go in vain as he keeps dropping in, again and again, insisting that she join his family for Christmas Eve dinner. Against her better judgment, she finally gives in, just to get him off her back. As they stand under the mistletoe after the dinner, Diana and Dylan know things have changed for the better for both.

A group of passengers is stranded at the airport together on New Year's Eve. Their plans were to celebrate the last day of the year and then ring in the new year with their loved ones by their side. But a delayed flight mars their plans and their happiness. They end up talking to each other, exchanging their New Year's Eve plans and how they celebrated it these many years so far. As they all welcome the new year together at midnight, their combined resolutions are to stay in touch with each other. They also resolve to make the best out of whatever life throws their way. Because as they have seen and experienced, not all things go as planned, always.

Samantha is visiting her native, Benakatti, after many years. Even though it’s Christmas time, it's not a happy occasion in the family. As friends and family drop in for a visit, Samantha recalls the many winter breaks she spent in this village as a child. An unexpected guest shows up one day, bringing forth a cherished memory they had made on a foggy winter day many years ago.

Rating - 4 /5 ★★★★


My Review


This book contains 12 short stories and six poems that revolve around Christmas Eve to New Year's festivals. Every tale is well written and immediately links you to the characters, and the use of music lines in the stories adds to their attractiveness and closeness. Despite the fact that it is a short story, it manages to evoke a wide variety of raw feelings such as love, acceptance, memories, loss, forgiveness, innocence, and many others. Manali crafted the storyline in a way that piques your interest in learning more about their lives.

When I was reading the first two stories, I decided that this one was my favorite, and then another one I read, and then I lost count because every story is unique and holds different emotions. One festival, yet how diverse it is for everyone, and how simply this message is conveyed. The poems are very well-written while capturing the complexities of the emotions.

Even if you are not close to any festival, you must read this one to read such deep emotions in one place. This book swiftly explains the happiness, hopes, and pains that festivals bring.


Recommendation

  • A wonderful collection for short story lovers with romance, drama, and some poetry thrown in for good measure.
  • It is a perfect book for new readers.
  • If you want to read a festival-based book, this one is a good choice.

Read this book here!

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