Book Review : "Dawn at Dusk" by Gaurav Sharma

I had a firm belief that contemporary love-stories under the popular fiction genre, come in rigid frames. I thought that there couldn’t be anything beyond a hero, a heroine, a villainous or favourable plot and a happy or tragic ending. With the impact being more on the characters and their development, I believed that these love-stories are destined to have nothing more to offer in terms of script and story development.

And here, I gleefully wonder at this shattered belief of mine after reading “Dawn at Dusk” by Mr. Gaurav Sharma. Not only the characters, but the development of the story itself left me in awe. What more to say about the narration which gives rapturous feelings for those hungry readers who starve for the beauty of words. And as if the book in itself wasn’t charismatic enough, the writer’s profile mind-blowing. Yes, Mr. Sharma is a Mathematics teacher. This book, which is adorned with the beauty of literature, has come from a mind full of integers. Yes, the wizard of numbers creates magic with words.

I wonder how ecstatic it would be to have Mathematics lessons from a teacher who writes. Elaborating theorems and axioms couldn’t have been easier. Sir, if you were my Mathematics teacher, I would never have been that poor in Calculus and Algebra. 

About the Author

Besides everything, a formal introduction of the writer is necessary. After devoting more than twenty years in teaching mathematics, Mr. Gaurav Sharma turned to a long cherished dream of being a published author. Half the day, he plays with numbers and for the other half, he is a puppet in the hands of his stories. A diehard optimist, lively and a lover of life, he wants his stories to stir the consciences.

“Dawn at Dusk” is his third book after “Lova@AirForce” and “Rapescars”. Besides, he writes magnificent prose and poetry in Hindi. His Hindi works can be read at http://gauravkipotlise.blogspot.in/

Storyline and Plot-Structure

“Dawn at Dusk” has a straight and evolving storyline. After losing his parents and being ditched by his wife, Aaradhya’s emotionally disturbed soul finds solace in Sambhavi’s intellectual and balanced company. He wants to take the relationship to another level but Sambhavi wants him to prove himself first. Aradhya takes it as a challenge and embarks himself on a journey which not only changes his views about life but also unleashes his stronger self. The story may not be called unique but the treatment of the storyline and technique is flawless. It is not the curiosity of the fate of their relationship which keeps the readers glued to the book, but the introspective journey of Aradhya which enhances the beauty of reading.

“Dawn at Dusk” is an unusual romance. In spite of having all the general characteristics of a romance fiction, it cannot be termed normal. In a straight plot, it is the intricacy of the story development which appeals. After long time, I have across such beautiful story development. The plot structure is technically straight and well configured. Instead of scene breaks, Mr. Sharma has considered small chapters which is quite a positive change.

However, the book ends sooner than expected. Some more twists and thrills in the plot could make the book more interesting.

Narration and Dialogues

Now, here comes the best feature of the book. Mr. Sharma is, undoubtedly, incredible in terms of narration. I don’t know what words use to describe his narrative skills. Lucid, vivid, beautiful, marvelous, amazing… all words fall short to describe his prowess. His words do not create a book, but paint a picture on the canvas on reader’s mind. The proverb ‘A picture speaks a thousand words’ can prove to be wrong in his condition because his words can subside the finest elegance of a picture. The usage of Scottish and Latin origin words is a feast to literature hungry readers.

Dialogues are relative and just. They are not glossy but articulate enough to go with the story. The blend of narration and dialogues is perfect in the book. Mr. Sharma takes some references of Indian literature studies and uses dialogues to create beautiful scenes which mark the progress of the story and also the characters.

Characterization

Characterization is another feature which makes “Dawn at Dusk” remarkable in treatment. The protagonists Aradhya and Sambhavi complement each other. Aradhya plays the role of an emotionally unstable youth who falls in love with Sambhavi and rises in life. He discovers that true love never harms, instead adds meaning to life. Sambhavi is a mature woman with composed personality. She helps Aradhya in introspecting himself and discover his worthiness.

Mr. Sharma has been quite technical with his characters. In this book, he touches almost every aspect of life and stratum of society through his characters. Through the life story of Sambhavi he depicts the hostility of the society for women. Aradhya represents the enthusiastic youth of India who can do wonders under proper guidance. Meera is the jovial and bubbly girl who, with the deep understanding of life, learns to live it to the fullest. Meera could be a role model for those people for whom intellect and liveliness become simultaneous characteristics. Shekhar represents an ideal friend who stands with his friend in all ups and downs. Devyani represents evilism. All other characters such as Uma, Sudesh, Deda Baba, Ravinder etc. play significant roles in their respective frames.

Treatment of Love and Romance

“Dawn at Dusk” has the elements of an epic love story. The love-story of Aradhya and Sambhavi germinates and proliferates slowly. It takes its own time and grows within its circumference. Love fills Aradhya with internal energy. With the power of love, he breaks open the cocoon of his personality and emerges as a crusader. Mr. Sharma instills sensitive strings of emotions in the guitar of love and plays this melody of a novel a lovelorn heart longs to cherish. “Dawn at Dusk” such a soothing tale of romance that it can inculcate the belief of love even in most rigid heart. Even the passive love of Meera is as vibrant as the notes of Sitaar. “Dawn at Dusk” manifests all the virtues of love – devotion, care, nurture, value and respect.

“Dawn at Dusk” is the novel version of Jagjit Singh’s famous ghazal – ‘Na umr ki seema ho na janm ka ho bandhan…’

If you wish to know what love is, “Dawn at Dusk” by Mr. Gaurav Sharma is your perfect guide.