Sameer Gudhate presents the book review of The Circle of Life by Sudha Murty
There are books that entertain you, and then there are books that quietly walk into your heart and stay there. The Circle of Life by Sudha Murty is one such book. Reading it felt like sitting down with an old friend over a cup of chai and talking about life — the dreams we once had, the people we met along the way, and how everything somehow comes full circle.
Sudha Murty, as we know her, is no stranger to touching lives with her words. From Wise and Otherwise to Grandma’s Bag of Stories, her writing has always been rooted in simplicity, emotion, and a deep understanding of human nature. In this novel, she returns with a story that isn’t just about five friends — it’s about all of us who’ve loved, lost, and found meaning in the bonds we cherish the most.
The story begins in 1999 at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, where five very different students — Uttara Rao, Janaki Paranjape, Arvind Shah, K. Subba Rao, and Sumitra Iyer — meet for the first time. What starts as casual camaraderie soon blossoms into a deep, unshakable friendship. Together, they navigate the pressure of academics, personal dilemmas, and the overwhelming uncertainty of the future. Before parting ways, they make a promise — to return to the campus 25 years later.
And when they finally reunite in 2024, it’s not just a meeting of old friends; it’s a quiet reckoning. Their lives, full of unexpected twists, triumphs, and heartaches, become a mirror for anyone who’s ever wondered: Did my life turn out the way I once imagined?
Sudha Murty’s writing has that rare gift — it’s simple but never simplistic. Her words don’t demand attention; they gently hold your hand and take you along. You don’t read her books; you feel them. She uses everyday language, yet her storytelling carries profound wisdom. The way she balances nostalgia with hope makes the narrative comforting, almost like revisiting an old diary filled with familiar handwriting and memories.
What makes this book shine is its characters. Uttara, Janaki, Arvind, Subba Rao, and Sumitra feel real, like the people you studied with or bumped into during a college reunion. Each one of them carries a distinct voice, shaped by their backgrounds, choices, and struggles. Through them, Murty explores universal themes — friendship, perseverance, and the bittersweet beauty of growing older.
The pacing of the novel is steady, almost reflective — like life itself. The narrative flows seamlessly between the past and present, making you feel the weight of time without ever losing its warmth. While the plot doesn’t rely on shocking twists, it thrives on quiet revelations that leave a lasting impact.
At its core, The Circle of Life is a celebration of enduring friendships. But it’s also a reminder of something we often forget in our busy lives: success, failures, and milestones may define parts of us, but it’s the people we walk with that give life its true meaning.
There were moments in this book where I had to pause — because it made me think of my own friends, the promises we made, and the laughter that still echoes in memory. It stirred nostalgia but also left me with hope.
What stands out most about this novel is its emotional honesty. Every page carries a sense of truth, and that’s what makes it so relatable — you don’t just read it, you feel it.
If there’s one thing some readers might find challenging, it’s the pacing. It’s not a book you race through. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it special — it encourages you to pause, linger, and let its quiet wisdom sink in.
or me, this book wasn’t just a story — it was a reminder. It nudged me to call an old friend, to laugh about the past, and to be grateful for the people who’ve stayed.
The Circle of Life is a warm, soul-stirring read that lingers long after the last page. If you’ve ever valued friendship or wondered how life brings us back to where we belong, this book is for you.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 — A heartwarming reminder that in the grand story of life, friendships are the chapters we return to again and again.
#BookReview #BookLovers #ReadersOfIndia #Bookstagram #Bibliophile #MustRead #ReadingCommunity #SudhaMurty #TheCircleOfLife #SudhaMurtyBooks #IndianAuthors #FriendshipGoals #LifeLessons #HeartwarmingReads #EmotionalReads #LifeComesFullCircl #BookRecommendation #BooksToRead #FictionLovers #StorytellingMagic #BooksWorthReading
67 views
Comments
Participate in the conversation.
Never miss a post from
Sameer Gudhate
Get notified when Sameer Gudhate publishes a new post.
Read More
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Common Yet Uncommon by Sudha Murty
You know those days when you're craving something comforting — not a thrill ride, but a book that feels like home? That’s Common Yet Uncommon for you. I picked it up thinking I’d read a story or two before bed, but somewhere between “just one more” and the last page, I realized I...
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Story of Imli Ka Chatkara by Dr. Yojna Sah Jain
In the fast-paced world of contemporary literature, we often overlook the quiet power of stories that speak directly to our hearts. Imli Ka Chatkara by Dr. Yojna Sah Jain is one such collection that resonates deeply, especially with those who appreciate nuanced stories about ever...
Untitled
Have you ever paused mid-read and wondered — what would I do in their place? That was me, more than once, while reading The Mother I Never Knew by Sudha Murty. Known for her simple storytelling and deep cultural insight, Sudha Murty doesn’t just tell stories — she passes on lived...
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Echoes of the Past by Uma Yoganand
Life is often a patchwork of ordinary moments strung together with perseverance, hope, and grit. It’s easy to forget that extraordinary people are often ordinary people who refuse to give up. In Echoes of the Past, Uma Yoganand beautifully reminds us of this universal truth, capt...
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Mindful March Mantras by Dr. Geetha Kariappa
At its core, Mindful March Mantras is a collection of reflections, life lessons, and gentle reminders that guide readers toward emotional and personal growth. The book isn’t just about mindfulness in the abstract sense—it’s about applying it to the most important relationships in...
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Rhyming with Life by Neelam Saxena Chandra
You know that quiet moment at the end of a long day when the world finally slows down, and you’re left alone with your thoughts? That’s exactly what reading Rhyming with Life feels like. It’s not just a collection of poems—it’s a deep, soulful conversation that gently takes your ...
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Renewal April Mantras by Dr. Geetha Kariappa
Have you ever paused in the middle of a chaotic day and just felt something crack open inside you—quietly, without drama, but deeply? That’s what reading Renewal April Mantras by Dr. Geetha Kariappa felt like for me. It’s not a book that rushes in with grandeur or promises you ea...
Untitled
Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to hit pause on life — not escape, but breathe? That’s exactly how I felt before I stumbled upon Soul Unchained. And honestly, this book felt like a deep exhale after holding in too much for too long.
Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of The World of Tagore by Debapriya Ghosh
There are books that entertain, books that inform, and then there are books that transport you to another world entirely—The World of Tagore does just that. I still remember the first time I heard a Tagore story. It wasn’t from a book, but from a Bengali friend who narrated...
