Being a huge fan of Ruskin Bond, I
have always been fascinated by the charm of the hill stations in North India. For
the Love of Apricots by Madhulika Liddle takes us to the Uttarakhand
foothills—a setting equally captivating, where nature, people, and stories come
alive with quiet beauty. The allure of these foothills is irresistible, pulling
readers into a world that feels both serene and joyful.
Adding to this scenic charm is
food—fruits, pickles, and jam—that almost leap off the page with their sensory
delight. One cannot help but feel hungry while reading, as though the tang of
apricots and the sweetness of preserves were right within reach. This sense of
flavor is seamlessly tied to the unfolding romance, where love comes quickly
but never feels sudden. The relationship between Nandhini Mathur and Vikas
Joshi grows gently, wrapped in affection and tenderness, making the story feel
both relatable and heartwarming.
The story unfolds with a gentle
charm, and the courtship is portrayed with endearing subtlety. The character
sketches of the village locals are both amusing and engaging, adding color and
personality to the narrative. What stands out even more is the delightful way
the entire village participates in a quiet, collective effort at matchmaking—an
element that brings warmth and community spirit to the tale.
The author’s descriptive style
beautifully complements the storytelling. The hills are described with the
depth of a travelogue, the food with the relish of a cookbook, the books with
the passion of a bibliophile, and the romance with the tenderness of a perfect
love story. Fruits, books, and nature wrap around the narrative like trusted
companions, making the reader feel instantly at home wherever they are reading.
Even the cover illustration and design echo the same warmth, offering a
cheerful “pick me up” even before the first page is turned.
What more can a reader ask for
from a single book? Hills, fruits, books, and romance—all packed into one
charming tale. This is a novel that can impress even a nonfiction reader with
its immersive storytelling, while fiction lovers will be swept away by its
tenderness and richness. It awakens a love for life’s little joys—be it jam,
books, or the pull of a hill station waiting to be explored.
For those who have enjoyed Preeti
Shenoy’s depictions of life in a coffee estate, Liddle’s orchard farm setting
offers an equally mesmerizing experience, filled with awe at nature’s bounty. For
the Love of Apricots is not just a romance—it is a celebration of the hills, of
food, of books, and above all, of love itself.
Do grab a copy of the book and enjoy reading it. Don't miss it.
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