Book Review - Thinking of Winter by Shantanu Naidu

Thinking of Winter by Shantanu Naidu

While studying in Ithaca, Shantanu adopted a puppy. He named him Winter. And life was never the same again for the human and the pet.

In this book, Shantanu takes us on a beautiful trip down memory lane, showing us glimpses of his early days with Winter. The efforts of the puppy to stuff himself into every little gap he could find in the room, the potty-training days, hiding the puppy's existence (because the complex where Shantanu lived had a no-pets rule), the guilt of leaving the puppy behind while Shantanu left for the university, the happiness of re-uniting with him at the end of the day - Shantanu has woven a beautiful tapestry of memories and images through his nostalgic narrative.

Talking about narrative, this book feels like a monologue by Shantanu. A gripping, engaging monologue that holds your attention and doesn't let it waver anywhere. He has been at his candid best here, sharing moments of self-doubts, guilt, despair and sheer love for a pet that isn't just a pet but the love of his life.

Shantanu has also given brief glimpses into the lives of the rescues he has been blessed with, and what a difference these gentle souls made to his days and his life. A cat named Yobo, another one named Sir Charles, a husky named Shadow - these gentle beings made a lasting impact on me.

Winter is - what can you say about a being that is pure love and resilience? That lives in the moment and does it full justice? That both heals and breaks your heart all at once? I have no words to express what the narrative made me feel for Winter.

Which is why, no matter how much I love the idea of pets, I can never be a pet-parent. It takes another level of courage to be the recipient of unlimited and unconditional love, knowing that while the love is unlimited, the pet's time on earth is not. I know for sure that, that kind of goodbye will destroy me forever.

Pet-parents, I am sure you will relate to this book! I loved the narrative, I loved Winter and I loved all the beautiful moments that Shantanu and Winter gave me through this book. And I am sure that, long after you finish reading this book, like me, you too will be.

Thinking of Winter!