How well do we truly know the people we love? That question haunted me as I read The Deteriorated, a novella that’s equal parts heartbreaking and eye-opening. Dr. Pratik Bhat, known for his evocative poetry collections, brings his poetic sensitivity into prose with this unforgettable story. Through the lens of a grieving father and the diary of his son, Dr. Bhat offers an emotional exploration of pain, love, and the connections we often take for granted.
The story begins with tragedy—Arjun, a college student, is found dead on a beach near his hostel. His father, lost in his own world of ambition, is thrust into a spiral of grief and guilt. When he discovers Arjun’s diary, he enters a realm of unspoken emotions and unanswered questions. The father retraces Arjun’s final days, unraveling a life filled with loneliness, unacknowledged dreams, and shattered friendships. What sets this story apart is its raw honesty. It’s not just about grief; it’s about rediscovering someone you thought you knew and grappling with the weight of what you find.
Dr. Bhat’s writing is stunningly evocative. He has this way of painting emotions with words, whether it’s the suffocating loneliness in Arjun’s diary or the father’s aching regret. There’s a poetic rhythm to the prose that makes it feel personal and intimate, as if you’re holding a piece of someone’s soul in your hands. The balance between the father’s reflective tone and Arjun’s diary entries keeps the narrative gripping and relatable.
Arjun is a character that will stay with me for a long time. His vulnerability, fears, and longing to be seen felt heartbreakingly real. He’s not just a character; he’s a voice for every introvert who has ever felt invisible. On the other hand, the father’s journey of self-realization is painfully raw. You can’t help but root for him as he tries to piece together the fragments of his son’s life. The story dives deep into themes of neglect, societal expectations, and the yearning for connection, making it a mirror to the lives many of us live.
What I loved about the plot was its layered approach. It’s not just about a father investigating his son’s death; it’s about uncovering layers of humanity—flaws, regrets, and hidden truths. The diary entries are the heart of the story, peeling back the layers of Arjun’s struggles while contrasting beautifully with the father’s introspections. The pacing is spot-on, giving you enough time to feel every moment without dragging.
This novella is a wake-up call. It challenges us to look beyond surface-level relationships and ask ourselves: Are we really listening to the people we care about? The societal commentary on prioritizing material success over emotional connections is powerful and painfully relevant. The title The Deteriorated feels like a reflection of not just Arjun’s life but the fractured relationships and misplaced priorities of our world.
I’m not going to lie—this book hit me hard. Arjun’s diary entries made me tear up more than once, especially when he described feeling like he was fading into the background of everyone’s lives. And the father’s regret? That was a punch to the gut. It’s one of those books that stays with you, nudging you to hug your loved ones a little tighter and ask the questions you’ve been too scared to voice.
This book’s greatest strength is its authenticity. Dr. Bhat doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of grief and love. The characters are flawed but achingly real, and the writing captures emotions so vividly that you feel them in your chest. The diary entries are especially impactful, pulling you into Arjun’s world with every word.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the emotional intensity might feel overwhelming for some readers. There’s not much respite from the heavy themes, which could be a bit much for those looking for a lighter read. That said, it’s hard to call this a true weakness because the raw intensity is what makes the story so unforgettable.
This book broke my heart in the best way possible. It reminded me to listen more, love harder, and never take connections for granted. Arjun’s story is a mirror, reflecting the silent struggles so many people face. It’s rare to find a book that can make you cry, think, and grow all at once, but The Deteriorated does exactly that.
Dr. Pratik Bhat has crafted something truly special with The Deteriorated. It’s a story that hurts, heals, and lingers. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel deeply and think critically about the bonds we share, this is it. I can’t wait to see what he writes next, but for now, I’ll be carrying this story in my heart.
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