'The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance' by Niranjan Navalgund: Book Review

By Ila Garg


Hi lovelies,

So here I am with a new book that I recently read. I am still in awe of the wonderful book. Haven’t read a book of this potential in a long time. This book is called The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance and it is written by Niranjan Navalgund.

Book: The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance

Author: Niranjan Navalgund

Price: Rs. 105/-

Where To Buy: Amazon

My take on the book ‘The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance’: 

The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance, a novel by Niranjan Navalgund, is published by Readomania. The cover is in an apt sync with the title as it shows a glimpse of a library. I loved how the books are personified on the cover, especially the sight of the book with a walking stick on the back cover. The book on the front side reminded be of peek-a-boo. I was excited to read the book.

The book throws light on the mysterious world that breathes inside a library. It is a surrealistic description of a library where the books come to life when it is all dark. It reminded me of a short story that I read during my graduation days—‘Squirrel’ by Ambai.

Being a bibliophile, I was intrigued. For every book lover out there, books are the best friends, libraries are the places where they feel calm and with books around they don’t feel alone or any need of a real friend. And imagine, if the books actually come to life and start talking back; I don’t think I would ever need a friend again if that happens! Anyway coming back to the book, when I read about the books coming to life in darkness, I was amazed.


That library is inherited by Nayan from his father. He got it revamped and gave it a grand opening. During the day time, he took care of the entire library and during the night, the books came to life. Soon, Nayan got suspicious and tried to figure out the mystery while taking care of the library in the morning. He however, remains unsuccessful. 

Some of the main characters in the library are HiriyaHalepu (Senior Old Book), Kapshi (Book Man), MookBonk (Philosopher) and Helmine (Resolute Protector). These books are guided by book rules. It is through the conversations that these books have among themselves that the readers get to learn so many lessons. The author surely has a wonderful imagination to be able to create such intricate details.

The descriptions in the book are quite detailed and therefore the readers will feel very much connected to the book characters. The language is simple and easy to comprehend. Nowhere will a reader feel any disconnect. It’s so well-written that once you pick up, you cannot keep it down without finishing it off. I found it quite engaging. The subject is tackled beautifully by the skillful author.

How the books come to life, how they have book rules that they follow, how they have problems that they discuss with each other, how they fell in love with each other and so much so that they actually go on dates, how the books are personified, will Nayan find out the truth are some of the many reasons why you will keep turning the pages to find out what happens in The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance.

Further, this 96-page book is one of its kind in the market as much as I have read so far. It’s a compelling book that gives you enough to reflect on and be in the awe of the author’s unique and innovative idea and approach.

Rating: 4.5/5

I really hope you enjoyed reading my review on the book ‘The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance’. Have you read it? Do share your views and experiences in the comments below.

As always thank you so much for taking out time and reading my blog.

Always keep smiling, it makes you look beautiful!

Disclaimer: Images taken from www.google.com

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