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The Second Choice - A Review

by Vimala Ramu
(Bangalore)

Already popular in its serial form, ‘The Second Choice’ by Lakshmi Menon is a well-knit, highly focused intense tale of human relationships. The struggle that the protagonist undergoes is delineated with the honest, sympathetic and humane pen of the author without any distractions. With minimum number of characters, Lakshmi has woven a complex tapestry comprising of several highly relevant issues such as widow remarriage and the attitude of the old in-laws towards it, problems faced by working housewives, repressed sex and male ego, teenage insecurities and finally the supreme sacrifice by Pavitra which makes the novel difficult to put down.

The novel has such a tight, dramatic ambience throughout that I would not be surprised if the film makers approach the author for filming rights. The story retains its interest till its unexpected end, which leaves the reader with a satisfied feeling that justice had been done all around. The magnificent finale to the intense story is like the plum on the pudding. The novel has been written in a very simple, ‘straight from the heart’ style.

Congratulations, Lakshmi on a tremendous debut. All the luck for your future novels.

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Read more about this here.

Flipkart Reviews

Goodreads Reviews

Moutshut - Review by Geetashree

Interview - Museindia.com

Lakshmi's Blog

Comments for The Second Choice - A Review

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Oct 24, 2013
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My view
by: KP Gopalakrishnan

The novel itself is a tribute to womanhood in her roles as daughter,husband, mother, step mother and her responsibilities to the world at large. It deals with the struggles Pavithra has to undergo to achieve her life's goals (where fate also plays a major part) in present day society.When her efforts ultimately leads to fruition she surprises everybody by her rather weird choice of an untrodden path. By now the lessons of life has transformed her to a woman of strong will for whom the mundane pursuit of worldly pleasures has lost all meaning. A very serious theme deftly handled in lucid,fast paced style that compels readers' attention till the very end .A 'must read' for all lovers of fiction at its best.

Nov 28, 2011
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review
by: vimala

You are welcome,Lakshmi. How are the sales?

Nov 28, 2011
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Always welcome
by: Sneha

You are always welcome, Lakshmi. Looking forward to reading your next novel.

Nov 27, 2011
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Thanks to all
by: Lakshmi

Thanks Vimala for taking time to write a review for my book in iww.

Thanks Geeta for finding time to write such a detailed review about the book in a major review site like Mouthshut.com

My thanks are also due to Sneha for your prompt action in interviewing me and sending it to a major literary journal like Museindia.com

I sincerely appreciate all your help.

Nov 27, 2011
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Thanks
by: vimala

Thank you, Sneha

Nov 27, 2011
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Beautiful
by: Sneha

True, Vimala. It was an excellent debut. Only, film makers today - - the majority of them; in my very personal opinion -- do not go beyond candy floss.

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