Book Review: “Voyagers into the Unknown “ by Ruchira Khanna

Voyagers Into The Unknown by Ruchira Khanna

Synopsis
The story is about Raj, the owner of a tourist firm who believes he can change the lives of his clients for the better. So he only takes on those clients who have suffered some personal loss or trauma and need emotional healing. It is the story of six people’s journey from pain to living life again. The group is a motley bunch. We have Carl who is a divorced workaholic who realises that money is a cold bed fellow, Ira who is suicidal after her husband leaves her, Darci and Lennard who love each other but can’t get past the trauma in their lives, and Asha who still mourns her dead husband. As the story unfurls, Raj realises that he too is in need of healing.
While the plot is not new, the story is told well enough to hold your attention till the end.
What I liked
The way the characters come alive. Each one of them is different and the author’s understanding of human nature is pretty good. The book talks of the frailty of human nature and deals with the mistakes we make without being judgemental. It speaks of hope and redemption; of finding strength within oneself without talking on a lecturing tone.
What I didn’t like
The book seems to cater to western readers. Things like puri bhaji are described as “spicy potato with gravy and puffed whole wheat bread” and “flowy tunic and pants also known as salwar khameez”. I mean, there are a lot of Indian readers who read in English don’t you think so?
Also, the solutions she offers are very simplistic, very fairy tale like, a sort of “And they all live happily ever after”.
All in all
An enjoyable and comfortable read with a cup of chai. Something you can relate to and mull over for a while.
The Author

Ruchira Khanna is a Reiki Master who passes out information about channeling universal energy and conducts sessions . She says she is just another soul trying to make a difference in this life time. Her two other books are, “Choices” and “The adventures of Alex and Angelo”