Born in grief
Born in grief
Author : Shilpa Suraj
Book Reviewed By - Sameeksha Manerkar
A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Trauma, and Healing
There are romance books that make your heart flutter with chemistry and charm, and then there are stories that go beyond the swoon-worthy moments to explore the raw, unfiltered reality of love. Born in Grief is one such novel—a deeply emotional and vulnerable journey that showcases love not just in its romanticized form, but as a force of healing, resilience, and redemption.
This book takes readers through the pain, suffering, and chaos endured by Dhriti Gokhale (formerly Dhriti Sahay), a woman who barely escapes her abusive marriage only to find herself at the mercy of a dark past that refuses to let go. Rushed to the emergency room after a desperate escape, she finds herself face-to-face with Dr. Amay Atre—the one man who once loved her unconditionally but was shattered in the process.
As Dhriti grapples with the shocking revelation of her husband’s death and an ongoing police investigation that threatens to bring down the powerful Gokhale family, she struggles with both physical injuries and emotional scars that refuse to heal. Amidst all this, the most painful wound remains being misunderstood by the only person she truly finds solace in—Amay.
While Amay is determined to focus on her recovery, he soon realizes that her toxic family and in-laws pose an even bigger challenge. Seeking support from his closest friends, Ish and Virat—his pillars of strength—he navigates a complicated journey of healing, justice, and confronting his own traumatic past.
As the story unfolds, the novel raises powerful questions:
- Why did Dhriti marry a man who was nothing but a monster?
- What emotional baggage do Amay and his friends carry from their past?
- Why is Amay unable to bring justice to his mother, who was brutally murdered by his father?
- What secrets does Dhriti’s late husband take to his grave?
With a compelling narrative that balances intense themes like abuse, trauma, patriarchy, and healing, Born in Grief delivers a story that is both poignant and gripping. The author’s writing style is simple yet deeply evocative, making every page flow with raw emotion. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book masterfully maintains a sense of grace, wit, and warmth, ensuring an engaging yet impactful read.
A special mention to the camaraderie between the characters—especially Ish and Dhriti, whose bond is an absolute delight. If you love stories that highlight friendship, resilience, and the real meaning of love beyond the fairytales, Born in Grief is a must-read!