Book Review - What We Carry Back by Shubham Bhardwaj

This is a story of four friends.

Aariv, who is struggling under the weight of a goodbye that never came.

Maya, who is confused about her orientation towards love, and struggles quietly not just for acceptance but also for clarity.

GDR, whose MO is facts and careful planning, micro-managing even.

And then there is Rohan, who is about to get married and for ten days, he wants to live a life where nobody needs him for any work. 

Rohan calls for a trip, and the rest agree with lots of speculation, plans and ideas. 

Four countries and ten days later, each one gets what they were seeking (and sometimes didn't know that that's what they wanted!).

The narrative is breezy and casual with lots of good and clean humor. The camaraderie between the four is typical of people in their mid to late twenties, trying to find humor when life shocks them with events they didn't accept. The narration of places has been kept to bare minimum, just enough to present a clear picture of the scene. The conversations are funny, breezy and many a times poignant but not overly. There is an emotional touch to the story, yet it is not overdone. 

This story took me on a nostalgic trip, reminding me of all the happy moments spent with friends. Although the planned trip never did happen, I still have memories of thorough planning and many, many vetoes, something that the story has too. I found myself smiling, laughing and thinking wistfully of my friends, now scattered in various parts of the country. 

I would recommend this book to all those looking for casual, breezy and nostalgic reads. But beware, it might induce a severe longing and yearning for your friends, not to mention an intense urge of wanderlust!