‘Knitted Tales’ by Rubina Ramesh brings to fore the varied emotions knitted inside us humans, like never before. Exactly why I’d like to call this book ‘Knitted Tales’ as a mélange of emotions, and here is the review for the same.
Another book of Rubina Ramesh that’s worth a read would be Destined for sure.
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Book Review: Knitted Tales
Browse through the blurb
What forces an innocent girl to become a sex symbol? Her desires? Or a cruel fate?
Is a lifetime enough—for avenging a betrayal? How do you hide secrets that never stopped haunting you?
Can vengeance and secrets of your past devastate your present? How can long-buried crimes of yours suddenly raise their head? Can sinning be saving?
Is your spouse your soulmate? What if they never understood your feelings? Can you still live with them?
Lastly, does life give only two options? Live or die? What if there is a third?
In her debut anthology, Rubina Ramesh tries to find answers to these questions that are often from the heart and yet makes the mind ponder over the solution. Or is it the other way round? Either way, Knitted Tales is a bouquet of emotions that are bound to touch both your head and your heart.
A peek into the book cover of Knitted Tales
The book cover serves as a two-way mirror. On one hand, it shows a spider’s web- spun in the dark woods imparting an eerie feel, all the while camouflaging the face of a lady. On the other hand, it gives a visual peek into what to expect from the book. Maybe the web is symbolic of a knit of stories and the lady symbolizes human emotions.
I would say, a very interesting and clever book cover!
The theme and storyline of Knitted Tales
‘Knitted Tales’ is an anthology of varied stories, a string of pearls, and a potpourri of emotions named ‘Chiclets’, ‘Forgive Me, for I have sinned’, Daddy, Hear me out, ‘No Regrets’ et al.
Some of the stories are open-ended while others make the readers introspect if the doings of the characters are morally right or wrong. Having started the book with the first story, if you think that the rest of the stories will follow suit, then you are wrong!
The beauty of the book lies precisely in evoking varied emotions through its stories, for which the writer has to be commended.
Through her versatility in weaving varied storylines, Rubina has exposed readers to myriad emotions and responses and one can never get bored while reading these stories in Knitted Tales, as each one is different.
The characterisation in Knitted Tales
Each of the stories borrows a slice from our everyday life and so do the characters. None of the characterisation is exaggerated. You are taken on an emotional journey throughout the book.
I especially could relate to the character of ‘Jaspreet’ and understand the series of flutters she experiences in the examination hall.
The underlying sentiments of ‘The Missing Staircase’ resonated with me, as I too have fond memories of walking up a flight of stairs to my grandfather’s room to deliver his daily dose of newspapers. In return, I used to be gifted with two ‘Marie’ biscuits!
I am sure every reader is bound to identify with these sorts of heart-tugging stories.
Rubina Ramesh’s use of language in the book
The language used by Rubina Ramesh is lucid and extremely sublime. I am completely floored by Rubina’s writing style. So subtle, yet so powerful!
The writer makes sure to stimulate our senses with the language and the words used, corresponding to human feelings and perceptions.
A reader is bound to feel that he or she is actually a part of the story and instinctive responses are sure to be kindled effortlessly. The editing is again commendable.
Overall take on the book Knitted Tales
In conclusion, let me confess that I enjoyed reading the book but felt let down upon reaching the last page. For once, I wished there were more pearls in the string! Rubina, please add double the number of stories in your next anthology.
Buy or borrow a copy of this anthology of Knitted Tales, to savour the varied flavours offered across the pages. (Please don’t steal, though!)
I give this book a rating of 5 / 5!
Dear Meenakshi, “Marie Biscuit” and “Tiger” Biscuit is what I would get too! If my stories have touched your heart, your review of my book has made me decide on what form to take in terms of my writing. Thank you Meenakshi. Your review gave me my direction for my next novel.