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For the Love of Apricots by Madhulika Liddle

The novel is a familiar stance in romance
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For the Love of Apricots by Madhulika Liddle. Speaking Tiger. Pages 219. Rs 399
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What ‘For the Love of Apricots’ lacks in originality, it compensates with the comforting charm of a good old-fashioned love story. True to the classic formula, it features an independent heroine, Nandini, and an ‘outsider/stranger’ hero, Vikas. Set against the romantic backdrop of Mukteshwar, a quaint town nestled in the Himalayas, the story unfolds with the usual misunderstandings that eventually lead to love that conquers all, culminating in a heartwarming ending.

The story is straightforward and focuses on the emotional journey of Nandini and Vikas rather than exploring complex subplots. Nandini, a 40-year-old divorced woman, lives with her absent-minded father, who is enthusiastic about bird-watching. Fiercely independent and entrepreneurial, she has organised the village women into a cooperative that produces pickles retailed in several stores in nearby cities. Currently, she is experimenting with an organic line of pickles, offering these exclusive varieties in addition to the regular ones. Originally hailing from the city, she has embraced country life and is a beloved and valued member of the community.

Vikas has shifted out of his home in Delhi and reclaimed his family apricot orchards. He is not a practical fellow and is finding agricultural life alien and challenging. In a nice twist to the typical romantic tale, it is Nandini who is the stronger and practical of the two. Not only is she a successful businessperson, but also produces organic manure, is an accomplished cook and runs the house for her father. She also happens to be elder to Vikas by some years.

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The story follows a linear progression. Even when Nandini and Vikas delve into their past, recounting their failures, angst and losses, the narrative fails to evoke any deeper thought or a greater range of emotions. The conclusion feels inevitable.

Although Madhulika Liddle establishes that Vikas and Nandini have been emotionally hurt in the past, it is perplexing why she would repeatedly take offence at simple utterances or inconsequential misunderstandings, only to run away and return. Vikas, on the other hand, is portrayed as unidimensional and somewhat dull, coming across as a helpless puppy. In fact, only the characters of Nandini, and to some extent, Vikas and Mr Mathur, are well-developed. The villagers, who play a crucial role in the romance’s conclusion, remain an amorphous group.

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Additionally, while the story revolves around two individuals attempting to find love again after failed relationships, the chemistry and frisson between Nandini and Vikas are inexplicably restrained, which undermines the romantic tension that should drive the story.

Retaining the romantic theme of the transformative power of love, Liddle’s amorous couple overcomes the apprehensions about committing to a new relationship and reluctance to trust love again. ‘For the Love of Apricots’ delves into the idea that love can heal wounds and bring out the best in people. The book is a pleasant read, but would have gained immensely by conflict or obstacle, whether emotional or any other, to give momentum to the narrative.

— The writer is based in Chandigarh

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