Aanchal Malhotra

"Imagine this plot of skin as an island. Isolated from all smells, a brief interlude, a patch of renewal."

The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra is a touching story of love amidst partition. The plot is fragrant with ittar and slowly touches your heart. It moves and makes way to capture the emotions of each character. I was mesmerized by the amount of detailing, which sits like jewels in the plot. And as the author defines "ittars," you can literally feel each fragrance lingering around you. I felt a personal connection to this, as I also love "Ittars" so much. But the book is not only about fragrance; it has pain and separation, which makes your heart cry out. I would like to applaud the author for her efforts in relating all the characters in such a minute thread. And, that is not all; the plot captured my heart with its artistic imagery, which creates in your mind while reading it. To inhale the full essence of the book, you need patience and love.

I do not know whether my words can do full justice to the book or not. But this is one of the best pieces of literature I have read this year. It is one of those books that will remain unfaded in a reader's memory and will urge readers to revisit it again and again.… (mere)