The Helpline
Title: The Helpline
Author: Uday Mane
Publisher: Frog Books
ISBN: 978-93-83562-88-6
Number of Pages: 252
Price [INR] : 145
Genre: Fiction
Samir is suicidal. Rachael works for a suicide helpline. Fate connects them through a phone call. And so begins Samir’s story of love, longing, errors, regret and a girl who changed his life.
As his story reaches its conclusion, Rachael will know the true reason behind his suicidal tendencies. But this suicide helpline is not any ordinary service. There is more to the mysterious and yet so convincing voice of Rachael. As this new mystery begins to unfold, Samir is going to discover three things:
What is The Helpline?
Who is Rachael?
What is Samir’s own identity?Every year, several teenagers in India attempt suicide because of failing relationships, dwindling careers, parental pressure or the competitive world.
This story is about one such teenager, his early problems and the hurdles to cope with them. This story is about finding hope in the struggle. This story is about fighting for what you believe in and discovering your true identity. This is not a story about falling in love. This is a story of rising from a failed love story.
The Helpline is a story of a 20 year old Samir who suffers from depression and harbours suicidal thoughts. His good friend, Neha tries to help him to come out of this state of hopelessness but the pain and death seemed more appealing to him, till he decides to call a suicide Helpline. Rachel takes his call at the Helpline and listens patiently and shows him the path that leads towards self discovery and realization. As Samir talks to Rachel, we get to know Samir’s story, his childhood, his love for Riya, his talent for writing stories and his guilt.
The story in The Helpline is a simple one which has a narrative that flows effortlessly and keeps you glued to the book. In fact the narrative is a bit descriptive but that makes the sub-plots very vivid, the case in point, the early morning swimming at the lake scene or the activities of children in the Heartsprings, the good-will foundation for Handicapped children. And it helps you to understand the characters better and even empathize with them. The book has some spectacular moments. I loved the two short stories which showcases Samir’s flair and love for writing in the book. There are two climaxes , one leaves you totally stunned. I mean I didn’t see that coming at all and other one is simply heart-warming! I liked Rajesh’s character and the truths of life that he shared with Samir, especially about Indian parents. The message Samir gives to Riya through spines of the book (Spine Poetry) is fabulous too.
At a few places, I spotted some errors and perhaps the editing could have been a bit tighter. Despite that The Helpline is a book that you’d like to read it at one go, because once you pick it up you wouldn’t feel like keeping it down.
A very steady book and a sure page turner The Helpline is a very engrossing read.
Rating : [usr 3.75 text=”false” size=20]
“Proceedings of Rs. 5 per book will be used for child welfare through The Rotary Foundation” Here’s the link for buying the book at Flipkart.
This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com
Linking this to July 2014 Ultimate Blogging Challenge and NaBloPoMo
July 7, 2014 7:53 pm|
The theme seems interesting, will check it out sometime 🙂
Destination Infinity
July 8, 2014 9:08 am|
Do that, Rajesh. I am sure you’ll enjoy it too 🙂
July 7, 2014 8:32 pm|
Sounds like a very good book for young people and anyone interested in the difficult topic of suicide. And it sounds like it has a really good story, too. Good review.
July 8, 2014 9:11 am|
It makes for a very interesting read and yes, it has a great social message too. So, am sure it can inspire and motivate to start living in the present and face the challenges boldly in life! Thanks Cathy 🙂
July 7, 2014 11:20 pm|
I am amazed at the talent people posses and the stories they write so effortlessly. This book looks to be very interesting and its title itself is catchy and brilliant. Your review is spot on as always 🙂
July 8, 2014 9:42 am|
Agree and isn’t it amazing that so many people are able to explore their creative talent easily now-a-days! The Helpline is a gripping story and an enjoyable read. Thanks Sulekha 🙂
July 8, 2014 4:43 am|
This sounds like a really interesting book – I will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
July 8, 2014 9:43 am|
Go for it, Laurel. I am sure you’ll enjoy reading it too 🙂
July 8, 2014 7:22 am|
Sadly, teenage suicide is widely known everywhere. This is a good book for young people to read and learn from and it also sounds like an intriguing story.
July 8, 2014 10:06 am|
Yes, am sure, if it can change the perspective for somebody out there, that would be so fabulous. The Helpline is a pretty engaging read with some great twists too 🙂
July 8, 2014 8:30 am|
Another one added to the to read list. More than everything else, this seems to me a contemporarily relevant topic. So many of our children are being drawn to suicide these days !
July 8, 2014 10:10 am|
True, a pretty relevant subject and a sad reality too. Hope you get to read it soon, Sreeja 🙂
July 8, 2014 10:21 am|
That’s a good review, Shilpa! I might like to read the book
September 22, 2014 2:25 pm|
Thanks Vidya! And hope you get to read this book soon too! 🙂
July 8, 2014 10:45 am|
it sounds very interesting actually. I will give this a read
September 22, 2014 2:25 pm|
Go for it, Tina and do share your feedback 🙂
July 8, 2014 7:27 pm|
Objective and crisp review!
Suicide helplines are busiest in June-July when board exam results are announced followed by admissions, rejections, etc..
September 22, 2014 2:27 pm|
Oh yes. So many young lives are lost because of mismatched expectations and failures. Sad and tragic! Thanks PI!
July 9, 2014 6:16 am|
wow there’s a spine poetry too … wonderful review Shilpa.
September 22, 2014 2:27 pm|
Yes, a spine poetry in a book! And I was so thrilled to see it, considering that I do it on my blog too. Thanks Raj 🙂
July 9, 2014 6:03 pm|
Sounds like a good read and wonderfully reviewed Shilpa…
September 22, 2014 2:28 pm|
Thank you Nabanita 🙂
July 10, 2014 10:29 am|
Seems like a good book but most of the books that i have marked from your reviews are not available in my library. Where do you get your books from? Do you buy them all?
September 22, 2014 2:29 pm|
These are the recently launched books, sent by authors, PR companies, Publishing houses, free of cost! 😀