THE COME BACK BY ANNIE ZAIDI

    

Annie Zaidi’s The Come Back has been receiving praise both online and offline, and I couldn’t help but notice the many glowing reviews. As someone who mostly leans toward non-fiction, I usually think twice before picking up a work of fiction. At first, I even assumed this book might resemble the Madhuri Dixit starrer Aaja Nachle, where the central theme is about returning to the stage. That initial assumption kept it lingering on my TBR list for a while.

When I discovered that The Come Back had made it to the Blogchatter Book List, I finally decided it was time to read it. I rushed to the library to get a copy, only to find that it had already been borrowed. To my relief, the librarian assured me it would be returned by August 20, 2025. That promise felt like a fresh breath of air, and true to the date, I finally held the book in my hands. Interestingly, in the waiting period, I ended up reading The Book Seller of Mogga, which was a delightful interlude.

Coming to The Come Back itself, I found it to be a deeply layered and evolving narrative. At its core, it is a story about friendship, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and the quiet yet powerful theme of secrecy. Zaidi captures how one unintentional mistake can ripple through two lives, changing the course of both. The novel beautifully explores the journey of reclaiming not just a lost friendship, but also passion and purpose.

The book also highlights the places we belong to and the longing we carry when we are away from them. Performing arts, especially theatre, take center stage. The role of theatre in small towns and villages, the messages carried through plays, and the sheer dedication of artists to their craft are handled with an artistic and sensitive glance. This layer adds a cultural richness to the novel, grounding it in both place and performance.

As one reviewer observed, “the story is ultimately about a return to many things: to old friendships and true love, to the stage and the authenticity of one’s art, to lost threads of the past and the warmth of childhood homes. There’s a ‘comeback’ in here that stings too, and also surprises.” This reflection captures the spirit of the book and explains why its title feels so fitting.

What stood out most to me was the way the book portrays society’s tendency to turn away from victims, to overlook their struggles, and to question their truths. In contrast, the protagonist’s resilience, passion, and determination form the backbone of the story. The title itself — The Come Back — resonates strongly, as it is not just about returning, but about reclaiming dignity, connection, and life.

Zaidi’s storytelling is simple yet striking, making The Come Back a rewarding read. For someone like me who usually prefers non-fiction, this book turned out to be a pleasant surprise — reminding me why fiction too can hold mirrors to life, struggles, and hope.