Introduction

•  ISBN: 978-8-184-00031-3
•  Genre Fiction
• Price: Rs. 125/- ( I got this book from the publishers for review)
• Pages:285 pages
•  Publishers: Random House Publishers

“We are all a little weird and life is a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”– Dr. Seuss. The moment I read this quote I had fallen in love with. Well, yes I would call it love and weird is how I would like to describe my feelings for this book as. I wonder if this quote describes true love to the perfection. For that matter I wonder if something like perfect true love exists in this world. If I am sounding confused – thanks to Novoneel Chakraborty! His book ‘How about a sin tonight” has left me in a daze as I contemplate various things like love, relationships, dreams, aspirations, desires and life at large.

From the most beautiful space in their souls to the most confused portion of their hearts and the dirtiest corners of their minds….Love. Took. Them. Everywhere

It is this blurb that made me choose this book. The description is so vivid that I had to grab it at the next opportune moment. 

About the author

Novoneel Chakraborty is based in Mumbai and he is currently working as a screenwrite. For more details about the author 

Me thinks 

How about a sin tonight ? is a story about 5 people and their process of learning  5 things  – love, lust, learn, like and live. With the Hindi Film industry as the backdrop we have Shahraan, Reva, Neev, Nishani and Kaash who are struggling to survive and carve a niche for themselves in this big bad Bollywood. With each one yearning for something more than just fame and success the struggle turns into a war.

It is very interesting to see the way the story develops further highlighting few lesser known aspects of the film industry. We as viewers are hardly able to judge what conspires behind the scenes as we are too blinded by the razzmatazz. This book promises to be an eye opener. As I mentioned earlier I had selected this book thinking it would be a pure gossip doled out in huge servings but this book is much more than just gossip.

In current world we have a lot of confusion around us especially when it comes to our relationships. We love someone, we love someone else too. We like someone and feel it is love. We want someone and conclude it is love while actually it is nothing by lust. This creates a lot of confusion and chaos in our already chaotic lives.

The author has dealt with this chaos very beautifully. The beautiful aspect of love, like and lust has been very nicely brought out in this book.  Out of all the five my personal favourite character would be Kaash. I am sure every girl would dream of having someone like that in her life. The depth of his love is truly awe-inspiring. It is touching to see his feelings for Nishani which are constant till the day she dies.

Though the book is full of some wonderful and touching one-liners I would like to share some of my favourite ones here: 

The best way to not complicate a relationship is not letting the other person know that you are already in one with her. Indulge, but never claim. Engage, but never claim. Even involve yourself, but never claim.

It is always good to wait for something in life. I think that increases our gravity towards it. But don’t we always end up waiting for something in life?

(P.S: I have loved so many of them that I intend to do a separate post on them altogether)

Love has been called the most beautiful emotion in this world. But as they say anything in excess turns to poison. Sometimes this beautiful emotion when served in huge quantities can turn poisonous ruining a person beyond repair. It changes the way you look at things around you. The language is very simple and easy to read – easy to connect for the readers.

I would not call this book as gripping as there is no suspense or mystery element in it. It is about love and relationships and how circumstances play a pivotal role in changing these two things, sometimes beyond repair.  The story has many points of views for narration which sometimes confuses the reader. I would definitely read it again and again only to read the beautiful, soul stirring letters written by Kaash to Nishani as I have fallen heads over heels in love with him. Some people might find this book a bit dark in terms of descriptions, but overall it promises to be a good and interesting read.

How About a Sin Tonight? by Novoneel Chakraborty is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, desire, and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies intense romantic entanglements. Known for his unique approach to romance and relationships, Chakraborty weaves a story filled with intrigue, passion, and the exploration of personal boundaries.

Overview of the Plot

The story revolves around Aarav, a successful man in his late twenties, who seems to have it all: wealth, charm, and an enviable lifestyle. However, despite his external success, he is trapped in a web of emotional loneliness and unfulfilled desires. Aarav is haunted by his inner conflicts and is unable to find peace within himself, which makes his journey of self-discovery all the more compelling.

Enter Shanaya, a mysterious and alluring woman who is different from the women Aarav has known before. She is unapologetic about her desires and is confident in her own skin. Her arrival in Aarav’s life shakes his entire worldview and sparks a passionate, yet complicated, relationship between the two.

The book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as Aarav and Shanaya navigate their tumultuous relationship, balancing their intense physical attraction with the emotional baggage they carry from their pasts. Their connection becomes increasingly complicated as they struggle with their own insecurities, unspoken desires, and the repercussions of their actions.

The title, How About a Sin Tonight?, is a metaphor for the forbidden and the impulsive nature of their connection, which feels like an escape from the constraints of society’s moral expectations. It touches on the idea of breaking free from conventional norms and exploring what happens when one dares to venture into the unknown territory of passion, guilt, and personal discovery.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Desire vs. Morality: The novel is an exploration of the conflict between desire and morality. The title itself poses a question about indulging in something considered “sinful” or “forbidden.” Aarav and Shanaya’s relationship is built on intense attraction and impulsiveness, and both characters struggle with the consequences of their actions. The book invites readers to question the idea of what is morally acceptable in relationships and where the line between passion and guilt is drawn.

2. Emotional Turmoil and Vulnerability: Both Aarav and Shanaya are deeply flawed characters who carry emotional baggage from their pasts. Aarav is a man haunted by loneliness, guilt, and the desire for something more than his material success, while Shanaya has her own secrets and complexities. The book explores how these unresolved emotional struggles affect their relationship, making it more intense but also more painful. Chakraborty does an excellent job of portraying the vulnerability of both characters, particularly as they face their inner demons while being involved with one another.

3. Intimacy and Trust: Despite the physical attraction that dominates their relationship, the book also explores the deeper aspects of intimacy—emotional and psychological. Aarav and Shanaya both find themselves in a space where trust and openness become essential for the relationship to evolve. The theme of vulnerability is strongly woven into their journey, as both characters have to decide whether they are willing to let go of their fears and embrace the possibility of emotional connection.

4. Breaking Social Norms: The novel challenges conventional norms about relationships and love. Both Aarav and Shanaya are not looking for traditional or long-term commitments but are instead exploring something raw and real in the moment. This is a breakaway from the usual societal expectations about how romantic relationships should unfold. The novel questions the idea of “traditional” love and marriage and explores what it means to live in the present and embrace desires that society might label as taboo.

5. Self-Discovery and Healing: Another key theme of the book is self-discovery. Through their tumultuous relationship, both Aarav and Shanaya go on a journey of healing and understanding their true selves. While their romance may initially seem like an escape from their inner turmoil, it ultimately serves as a catalyst for them to confront their fears and emotional scars. It is through their relationship that they learn to face their pasts, accept their flaws, and attempt to heal.

6. The Dark Side of Love: Chakraborty brings an element of psychological depth to the novel by exploring the darker, more obsessive sides of love. The relationship between Aarav and Shanaya is not just about attraction or infatuation, but also about the destructive force that an all-consuming relationship can have. There is a constant tension between love as a source of joy and liberation and love as a source of pain and anguish.

Writing Style

Novoneel Chakraborty is known for his evocative and engaging writing style, and How About a Sin Tonight? is no exception. His prose is straightforward, but he injects it with deep emotional layers that resonate with readers. The pacing is quick, and the book flows well, with chapters alternating between intimate moments and introspective reflections on the characters’ emotional struggles.

The author’s ability to create chemistry between the protagonists is one of the highlights of the book. The narrative is filled with steamy, intense moments that are juxtaposed with the underlying emotional complexities of the characters. Chakraborty doesn’t shy away from exploring difficult emotions like guilt, shame, and vulnerability, which makes the story feel raw and real.

While the novel contains elements of romance, it also has a psychological depth that adds an extra layer to the relationship between Aarav and Shanaya. The emotional conflict between the characters makes the book more than just a love story; it becomes a deep exploration of human nature, desire, and the complexities of modern relationships.

Character Development

1. Aarav: Aarav is a classic example of a man who appears to have it all—success, charm, and wealth—but is emotionally unfulfilled. His relationship with Shanaya forces him to confront the emptiness he feels and the guilt he carries from his past. As the novel progresses, Aarav’s character evolves, and he begins to reflect on what he truly wants from life and love. His journey is one of personal growth, from being emotionally closed off to learning to embrace vulnerability.

2. Shanaya: Shanaya is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. She is mysterious and unapologetically confident, but beneath her bold exterior, she also carries her own emotional baggage. Throughout the novel, Shanaya grapples with the complexities of her relationship with Aarav and her own unresolved issues. Her character development is about finding balance and understanding her true desires.

Reception

How About a Sin Tonight? has been received positively by fans of Novoneel Chakraborty’s work. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance novels with emotional depth and psychological complexity appreciate the author’s ability to craft engaging characters and intricate relationships. The themes of desire, guilt, and self-discovery resonate with those who are looking for something more than just a typical love story.

However, some readers may find the darker themes and intensity of the romance to be a bit overwhelming. The book doesn’t shy away from exploring complex emotions, which can make it a heavy read for some. Additionally, the story’s focus on passion and emotional turmoil may not appeal to those who prefer lighter, more traditional romance narratives.

Conclusion

How About a Sin Tonight? is an emotionally charged, intense romance that explores the boundaries of desire, love, and morality. Through the complicated relationship between Aarav and Shanaya, Novoneel Chakraborty offers a deep, thought-provoking look at the darker aspects of love and the complexities of modern relationships.

If you enjoy stories that tackle themes of emotional conflict, personal growth, and the unspoken depths of desire, this book is a great read. It’s for those who aren’t afraid to confront the more difficult and raw aspects of love and relationships, while still enjoying the thrill of passion and connection.

Would you like to explore any specific aspect of the book in more detail, or discuss the characters further?