Book Title: Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino
Author: Manu Kumar Lal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Part I
“Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” is Manu Kumar Lal’s first literary venture. It is a masterfully crafted fiction with its share of many high points and tad lows. Unlike most first-time authors, Manu’s writing is confident with evident storytelling instincts. However, like most first-time authors, the language has some unflattering undertones with its choice of phrases and voice in certain instances.
With my need for perfection and cynicism out of the way, it’s time to focus on the book and everything it has to offer. And, OH. MY. GOD! What a riveting story!
What I love about this book’s execution is the journey it takes a reader on. When one embarks on the trail, it seems like a simple, straightforward book of “miracles.” There are no twists and turns or anything to keep the reader biting their nails. And then, with no foreplay or build-up whatsoever, the axe drops to reveal the motherlode of twists.
Part II
“Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” by Manu is a literary journey that seamlessly blends the power of hope, the enchantment of miracles and the resilience of the human spirit in a story so convoluted and yet direct. The narrative unfolds through the lens of its protagonist, Aryamann. The plot is woven into a tapestry of unconnected and equally interconnected stories that will leave readers wondering about the plot’s direction.
The story begins with a microchapter that is almost instantly forgotten until it comes into play at the very end. Then begins the story of Aryamann—a man who has lost everything dear to him—his wife, daughter, reputation and money. He’s constantly accompanied by despair, leading him to seek solace in the corners of a quaint book cafe. His refuge, the self-help section, provides a glimmer of hope in the form of written words. Little did he know that he would encounter the most extraordinary tales in the book cafe that would become his new lease of life. His life would soon intertwine with the stories of strangers, forever altering the course of his life.
Part III
The beauty of Manu’s “Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” lies in its slow-to-none build-up. The author crafts a vivid picture of Aryamann’s emotional turmoil, making readers empathise with his struggles. The book cafe becomes a sanctuary, a place where Aryamann escapes the shadows of his past, finding solace in the wisdom of self-help books and the stories of strangers from all over.
The narrative takes a riveting, goosebump-inducing turn halfway through the book, transforming what initially appears as a straightforward tale into a multifaceted exploration of miracles and misfortunes alike. The major twist is a literary masterstroke, leaving readers gobsmacked at the most unexpected point in the story. This massive twist is followed by subsequent smaller twists sprinkled strategically in the story, keeping the narrative unpredictable and thoroughly engaging.
The real charm of “Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” lies in the diverse characters Aryamann encounters. Each day brings a new story and a life-altering miracle. These tales are intricately woven, creating a mosaic of human experiences that span love, loss, redemption and the extraordinary moments that change lives forever, mostly for the better.
Part IV
Manu’s depiction of Aryamann’s life is both hope-inducing and nail-biting. Readers will find themselves torn between the eagerness to uncover the next twist and the desire to savour the profound lessons embedded in each miracle.
The thing that struck a chord with me about this book is the fact that although Aryamann is the chief protagonist, its stories give other people (of all ages and backgrounds) a chance to become protagonists of their life’s tales.
One thing that stood out about Manu’s storytelling is that the story rests on Aryamann’s shoulders only for the first half. From there on, no one person is carrying the story forward. This kind of literary treatment is rare and is not usually successful in its undertaking. I believe the only thing this book falls a little short of is a complex narrative technique. Although the narrative itself is unbelievably complex, the narration could have been tighter. The author seems to have deployed an oral style of storytelling, while it could have been more nuanced if it was executed to suit more written sensibilities.
While the author’s writing style is in no way an impediment, this might be a reflection of what I prefer as a reader and hopeful author.
Part V
Meet Aryamann—a lost soul with nothing more to lose but his life. He is in search of meaning and direction. Unsure where to turn, he befriends the self-help book section of a nearby book cafe. Books had always been his friends. So, now when he needed some place to go to, the book cafe welcomed him with arms open wide.
Meet the other mini protagonists sprinkled along the book, across various chapters. While none of them last over a few pages, their impact stays on. Their stories help Aryamann to get back on his feet and face life with new vigour, or so he thought.
Is Aryamann sane? Is he insane? Is he true? Is he fiction—a figment of the reader’s imagination? Is he there? Is he a ghost? One wouldn’t know until they were nearly three-fourths through the narrative.
Don’t let the simplicity of the depiction fool you. It’s a mere misdirect from what is truly a complex story spun simply. One could be flabbergasted when the twist reveals itself in the most unpredicted manner at a never-expected point in the story.
The micro tale at the start plays out at the end in yet another unexpected manner. It is possible that as you embark on the story indulging in “miracles,” you can forget the intriguing start. It is only when the story begins to tie up this loose end that you are reminded of the conniving beginning.
Part VI
Manu Kumar Lal is an Indian businessman and first-time author with a powerful story to tell. “Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” is an easy read, employing a simple narrative style. The author’s narrative technique, however, is quite complex. It has the ability to keep you on the edge of your seat in multiple instances.
Here are some keywords to watch out for: diary, cappuccino, miracles, movie, angel, printer, resort, friends, family, failure, loser, success, love, Wall Street and murder (or is it?) Are you intrigued yet?
Part VII
In reality, “Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” is a literary piece that transcends genres. It’s a fictitious tale of resilience, redemption and the extraordinary moments that define the human experience. It, however, seems to be inspired by the personal experiences of the author, where he seems to have also drawn inspiration from the lives of those around him.
The author’s ability to seamlessly blend hope with suspense makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking a transformative and unforgettable literary experience, even if momentarily. This book is a testimony that miracles do happen (can you be sure, though?)
Part VIII
All you aspiring authors who think they have a story to tell but are unsure if there is an audience for it, you can take a leaf out of Manu’s life. All the NOs from publishers could not keep him from sharing Aryamann’s amazing story with the world. He kept at it until he met a publisher who saw his potential and recognised that he had a story worth sharing with the world.
Just like Aryamann had to find his way around his problems and losses, so did Manu have to navigate around several hurdles to finally give his voice of hope a public face. I am grateful to the universe for bringing this book into my life. It walked in at the right time when I was getting pulled down by a mire of unmanageable problems. This book of miracles and twists gave me hope that a miracle and, probably, a happy twist was around the corner.
This book has proved that literature and fiction are not always about complex storytelling. What matters most is the relatability of the story/stories! “Miracles Over a Cup of Cappuccino” is not just Aryamann’s story. It is ours—yours and mine. It is the story of our failures and our successes. It is the story of our hopelessness and our moments of hope restoration. It is our story. And that is Manu Kumar Lal’s genius.
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