Fearful Pleasure

The undercurrents of life and living beneath the vicissitudes of incidences. Events either chosen or thrust upon them. That’s how ‘Fearful Pleasure’ by Poonam Chawla grabbed me. I recalled Richard Bach’s famous quote from his magnum opus-Jonathan Livingston Seagull; "Every person, all the events of your life, are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.”As I devoured the book and observed wide-eyed, the motley lives of Sami, Kamla, Babuji, Atal, Khushi, Maya, Bali, and Radha buffeting around, I questioned the accuracy of Bach’s observations. Could Poonam’s pen have allowed the characters a choice in how they were tossed together in the maelstrom? Could each have marshalled their emotions to steer the narrative differently?The author etches sharply delineated and well-developed characters and allows their conflicts to drive the plot. She uses externalization and conversations to establish motivation rather than internal reflection. Poonam is unafraid to create either her flawed protagonist or the other players, with shades of grey, lending her narrative a raw realism.Poonam’s command over her craft singularly enchanted me. This, she had by the scruff of its neck with a rich style, cynical and irreverent but entirely captivating. Sample this one: “He saw, all of his wife’s anxieties, her lack of self-esteem, her narrow domestic upbringing coalesce into tiny beads of sweat dampening her upper lip,” or “Optimism is the ambrosia of youth, It may grow rancid with war, with illness, with extreme old age. You had not earned the right to give up on this world!”That most achieve closure in some manner or a semblance thereof of the horrific event that upended their lives will offer consolation to the reader. If there was a flaw, it was in the awkward and hurried treatment of Bali’s nemesis.If you love the intricacies of an engaging human drama, the fatuity of the self-importance that we often bestow upon ourselves, ‘Fearful Pleasure’ is a must-read. Looking forward to Poonam’s next!

I was in India and bought Poonam Chawla’s latest book “Fearful Pleasure” because I have read all her books and thoroughly enjoyed them.I read the book non stop although I was sick but couldn’t put it down.Sami (Samar) spends a happy but self conscious youth when her aunt Maya and cousin Khushi come to live with them. What happens after that leaves Sami very sad and disturbed and she leaves for USA for her post graduate studies.She returns to India after 6 years - married now- as her aunt visits her to tell her she needs to visit her parents! To forgive and be forgiven!The story is so riveting and leaves you wanting for more!Poonam is a great story teller and has done a fantastic job of creating a nice and warm feeling around her family relationship. Her sense of humor and understanding of each character is wonderful.I felt that I was part of the story and right there as it happened!Great job Poonam! Can’t wait for your next book already! A sequel to continue the story with her husband Martin would be great idea!Good luck!

A wonderful, thought- provoking read that is an absolute must for parents and young adults.Superbly crafted with well- rounded imperfectly perfect characters.

Hey there, bookworms! Are you ready for a wild ride through the highs and lows of love, loss, and everything in between? Because "Fearful Pleasure" by P.A. Chawla is about to take you on an unforgettable journey. Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even snort with laughter as you dive into the lives of some seriously quirky characters.Let's start with the basics: the plot. This book isn't your typical love story. Nope, it's a tangled web of romantic dreams, rude awakenings, and enough dysfunction to make your own family look normal. But hey, that's what makes it so darn entertaining! Follow Samar, our fearless protagonist, as she flees to New York City to escape her past and start fresh. Spoiler alert: things don't exactly go according to plan.Now, let's talk characters. Trust me when I say you've never met a more eclectic bunch. From Samar's quirky best friend to the mysterious stranger who catches her eye, each character brings something unique to the table. Sure, they might be a little messed up, but hey, who isn't? It's their flaws that make them so relatable and endearing.But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Chawla sprinkles in plenty of humor and warmth to balance out the heavy stuff. You'll find yourself chuckling at the characters' antics one minute, and reaching for the tissues the next. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but trust me, you won't want to get off.And let's not forget about the writing itself. Chawla's prose is like a breath of fresh air—lyrical, evocative, and utterly captivating. You'll find yourself swept away by the sights and sounds of New York City, feeling every emotion as if it were your own. It's storytelling at its finest, folks.It's a gripping read that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. So grab yourself a copy, buckle up, and get ready for the emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime!

Just finished reading this very complex and interesting book. It honestly led me to empathise with every single character! In truth, the more flawed the character, the more real, more human they became for me.For example, I tried hard to dislike Sami and Aunt Maya for their horrible transgressions but could only see the wounds and bruises that led them towards those acts. Again, I was forced to walk in Kamla's and Khushi's shoes and understood their motivations as well.And that, I feel, is the real triumph of the book.Finally, some of your descriptions, insights and analogies were so lyrical, they took me completely by surprise!Kudos to P.A.Chawla on writing this nuanced and complex saga of a family that is so real, they could be your next door neighbours!