Dr. Adarsh, a senior doctor abandoned by his wife and daughter, leads a lonely life with his cousin’s son. His mundane existence changes when he starts seeing glimpses of a woman he once knew in his hometown of Ilathang. Meanwhile, Smriti, a new teacher at Ilathang Government School, forms a bond with her PG owner’s teenage son, a drug addict, fulfilling her desire for a brother. However, in the summer of 2007, a dramatic event reveals a devastating secret that turns her life upside down. As Adarsh seeks to uncover the mystery of the woman he keeps seeing, Smriti struggles to cope with the traumatic secret that will change her life forever.

“Some people come into our lives like angels, stitching together our torn pieces and thus keeping us from falling apart. They bestow upon us the gift of companionship, mend broken relationships, and bring divergent lives together.”

Characters

Dr. Adarsh, Savitri (his patient), and young Smriti are the central characters in this story. Meena (Adarsh’s wife) is a less likeable character owing to her portrayal of a staunch woman who cares more about her personal preferences and least regard for others’ feelings. The constant tug of war that Adarsh faces due to the rising conflicts between his mother and his wife is something most readers will find harrowing.

The characters grapple with universal themes of love, loss, aspiration, redemption and their tribulations offer a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships. Yet somehow they seem inadequate in stirring the reader; character development could’ve been better. The depth of emotions that each of these characters bring to the table however, makes the story rich on relevance.

“Sometimes in life, you lose someone- someone you loved but couldn’t get. Then you look up at the stars,
one of which you think is that person, and wish that someday, they come back, and you can continue what was left incomplete, live the life you always dreamed of. What if a miracle occurs, and the person reappears in your life?
What would you do?”

Settings

The story unfolds in Sikkim, India. The author paints vivid pictures of Sikkim through its beautiful landscapes – the quaint lanes, the picturesque Himalayan views, architectural diversities, etc. The cultural nuances of North-east India with regards to food and folks, add more joy to the overall reading experience. The settings play an important role in creating an atmosphere of emotional high. Settings perhaps, is the best part about this book yet!

Writing and Language

The book is written from dual perspectives; of Dr Adarsh and Smriti, and follows two different timelines – 1982 and 2007. The simple language and vocabulary makes it easy to grasp the story; eliminating cerebral taxing. However, the lack of a glossary for local lingo rendered the dialogues confusing, consistently. While the smooth narration keeps you glued to the page without offering too many diversions, it renders the prose devoid of any intrigue or excitement. The overly streamlined structure enabled smooth transition between past and present, ensuring that emotional resonance remained palpable. Having said that, had the prose been crisper and the language richer, this could’ve been a literary marvel!

Final Verdict

‘The Unforgettable Woman’ is a contemporary novel reflecting on modern families with complex familial issues, where emotional calm and chaos reign simultaneously, giving one a fair account of what it takes to maintain relationships in this social age. With trite but troubled characters at the heart of it, this book surprises readers by lingering in their minds longer than they expected. Secrets when hidden too long have catastrophic effects upon revelation and that’s something the book manages to shed light on, brilliantly.