House of stars by Keya Ghosh

"House of stars" by Keya Ghosh - It's different!

This book is published by Penguin Metro Reads in 2019 and has 240 pages. 

Kabir is following a beautiful girl, Diya. She enters a mall, Kabir follows her there. Terrorists take over this mall and take them hostage. Diya is terrified of her autocratic father even in the hostage situation. Kabir is working up courage to approach her. 

Why does Kabir follow Diya? What are his real intentions? Can they survive the hostage situation? What is House of Stars?

This is not a boy meets girl love story, but it has a lot of love in it. For the first part, reader is unclear about where the story is going. Is it a love story? Is it a hostage story? Is it something else? It remains so until Aman's entry. Then it suddenly becomes interesting and things start to fall in place. 

Characters of Diya and Kabir are good, though Diya appears to be underdeveloped. However, character of Aman is complete. He is an unusual individual with convictions and resolve. A rare character in today's age. Your heart goes out for him. 

The story is delivered by Kabir and Diya alternately. Author has an interesting style. Every time the narrator changes, he/she narrates a tiny portion already narrated from other's view point as a cue. 

The story also raises a few questions, which when unanswered, look like flaws. Why go to a mall? Tactically it's a nightmare for terrorists. Large space, multiple egress, lot of hiding spots, large crowd to control. Why they did not choose a smaller establishment? Why is Diya called Diya? How come Kabir does not know Diya's name but still manages to find her in Mumbai?

So what is house of stars? House of stars is a metaphor for free, open, natural abode without limitations, without boundaries, free of shackles. An ideal abode. Something Kabir dreams and strives for. 

Keya was a teacher and took early retirement for this new career. She deserves praise for imagining this tale. It's different!

Why did I read this book? By chance

What did I like? Concept and story. 

What I didn't like? Kabir's love and very fast end. 

Recommend reading.