Dhruv: Love Story of an Alchemist-Karan Verma

Book: Dhruv: Love Story of an Alchemist

Author: Karan Verma

Publisher: Rupa Publications

While I usually start with a question that pops up while I am reading the book, the one in the blurb of the book cannot be more apt. Can love to inspire you to rise above all challenges and realize your destiny?

Dhruv-Love Story of an Alchemist is a very different story that is much more than just a love story. Set in the Ghats of Banaras, it is a witness to the story of Dhruv who is destined for greatness but faces loss and misfortune multiple times through his life. Blessed with an indomitable spirit, he stands up stronger every time he falls and never let’s go of his dream, the one aim he made when he was a child. It is a journey of an ordinary boy from Banaras, who for his love Emma and his aim, transcends the things that are humanly possible. Whether he succeeds in his aims, achieving his goal and being with the love of his life is the journey of the book.

Dhruv-Love Story of an Alchemist has a very interesting plotline. Karan is a master storyteller like his character Dhruv and there is no way the reader can walk away after starting with the story. He creates powerful visuals and enchants the reader into living the story with Dhruv and Emma and that’s the experience once craves for in a good story. A story of pain, suffering and love, it is also the story of how determination and a strong will can change one’s life. The book is a study in how minor details can change the way a story unfolds, and I loved the way in which incidents, that one might dismiss as trivial come back in the end to symbolize the circle of life. The clever and interesting use of the term Alchemist blew my mind away the moment the significance emerges. Journeying this story without getting your eyes moist is something that is not possible and there are many places where you would stop, ponder, smile and move ahead. The climax of the book is beautiful and ironical at the same time and will definitely catch any reader’s attention.

Characters in a story are as important as the plot and this story has a great set of characters. Starting with our protagonist Dhruv, who is indomitable and faces all adversities with a strength that in unparalleled. His transformation from a naughty child to a master storyteller to an entrepreneur and finally to an Alchemist is a learning in itself. Emma as a character complements Dhruv perfectly. Her carefree attitude, unconditional love and empathy is something that adds to the story. The character of Sudama and the Priest were the ones I never expected would play such a critical role in shaping the plot and more so, the life of Dhruv. For that, I bow my hat.

It is a definite recommendation from me to all who love reading love stories. Do give this book a read and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Dhruv is literally one of the brightest reads of the month, walking away with a 5-star review!

Grab your copy here.