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Did You Ever Love Me? Book Review: Can Rithvik singh turn heartbreak into a homecoming?

Did You Ever Love Me? by Rithvik Singh is a tender contemporary poetry collection about love, heartbreak, longing, self worth and learning to let go. Its greatest strength is emotional accessibility: Singh writes directly to readers who feel intensely and care deeply. The collection offers comfort without pretending heartbreak is simple, though its simplicity may occasionally feel familiar to seasoned poetry readers. Did you Ever Love Me? Have you ever loved someone so completely that, after they left, you were left wondering whether they had ever understood what they had been given? Not merely whether they loved you, but whether they ever noticed how much you loved them, how much patience you offered, how many small things you remembered, or how often you chose to stay when leaving might have been easier. There is a particular loneliness in that question because it rarely arrives at a dramatic moment. More often, it finds you while you are doing something completely ordinary. Yo...

Hush a Bye Baby - Deepanjana Pal- Book Review

Summary 

Dr. Nandita Rai is a celebrated gynecologist, revered for her work in promoting women’s rights. However, when accusations of sex-selective abortions at her clinic surface, her reputation is put under the microscope. As the police investigation intensifies, it uncovers a disturbing connection between Dr. Rai and the city's elite, raising the question: Is Dr. Rai a champion of girl power or a cold-blooded murderer?

Deepanjana Pal in her book Hush a Bye Baby ( the title is inspired from a lullaby of similar name) brings out a story of abortions, police procedures and how abortions are carried over in Mumbai. The case baffles the police for lack of a motive and the accused being a high profile member of the society. 

Dr Nandita Rai is the gynecologist for the celebrities and rich people. She is on television and radio every week talking about women empowerment and issues. She is from South Mumbai and a proud feminist. Every woman wants her to be their doctor. Until the Mumbai Police raid her Hope Clinic when they get complaints that she does sex selective abortions from the Health Ministry. Is the celebrity doctor aborting female fetuses? If yes, then why? 

If she is, then the police team headed by Inspector Hadpude of CAW wing, need to build a watertight case. Dr Rai's husband, a construction magnate has friends in high places, including the Police Commissioner who is his golf buddy. Her patients refuse to co-operate and her paperwork provides them with no answers. The case seems to be going nowhere until Sub-inspector Reshma Gabuji begins to investigate Dr Rai 's secret online presence and uncovers a vigilante setting which is manipulative and ruthless. Reshma’s character is well fleshed out as an ambitious woman establishing her identity beyond her family name.

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About the Author

Deepanjana Pal is a journalist and critic with experience in writing about culture, gender and society. She has worked at Time Out Mumbai and Firstpost, and was the managing editor of Newslaundry. Her writing has appeared in magazines such as Wallpaper*, Caravan, India Today and Vogue. She also blogs, tweets and Instagrams, but has admitted defeat to decoding Snapchat (even though its filters are way more fun). Deepanjana 's first book was a critically acclaimed biography of Raja Ravi Varma titled The Painter. She is also the author of A Book for Puchku, a children 's book.

Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Juggernaut
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2018
Pages: 264
Price: 350

 Quote Unquote 

*"The fight for women's rights doesn't end at the clinic doors; it starts there. But what if the protector becomes the predator?"

**FAQs:**

1. **Is *Hush A Bye Baby* based on real events?**

- While the novel is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real societal issues, particularly the ongoing battle against sex-selective abortions and the gender bias prevalent in many cultures.

2. **What genre does the book fall under?**

- *Hush A Bye Baby* is a psychological thriller with strong elements of social commentary.

3. **Is this book a good fit for readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers?**

- Absolutely. The book is stylish, fast-paced, and full of suspense, making it a great read for thriller enthusiasts.

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Did You Ever Love Me? by Rithvik Singh is a tender contemporary poetry collection about love, heartbreak, longing, self worth and learning to let go. Its greatest strength is emotional accessibility: Singh writes directly to readers who feel intensely and care deeply. The collection offers comfort without pretending heartbreak is simple, though its simplicity may occasionally feel familiar to seasoned poetry readers. Did you Ever Love Me? Have you ever loved someone so completely that, after they left, you were left wondering whether they had ever understood what they had been given? Not merely whether they loved you, but whether they ever noticed how much you loved them, how much patience you offered, how many small things you remembered, or how often you chose to stay when leaving might have been easier. There is a particular loneliness in that question because it rarely arrives at a dramatic moment. More often, it finds you while you are doing something completely ordinary. Yo...