‘Not So Grave’ is the debut novella of Aparna Salvi Nagda. This story narrated from the perspective of Robinhood Singh aka Robu who is unfortunately dead, is sure to make one ponder deeply and laugh at the same time. Robu’s family consists of his mother Beeji who is a widow, wife Pushpakala and daughter Dimple. The story set in Delhi gives one a glimpse of a Punjabi household and the many things that happen following a close one’s death.

This story inserts those nuggets of wisdom like dealing with grief, acceptance, love, relationships, sexuality and moving on in life, without sounding preachy. The vocabulary, metaphors and idioms made the reading delightful and highly engaging. Also, a foodie will definitely love this story. The mention of Punjabi and South Indian cuisines in the story is drool-worthy.

One thing that stood out for me was the bond between the mother-in-law Beeji who is a punjabi and daughter-in-law, Pushpakala, a Tam- bram. I loved their conversations and how they learn to cope up with life.

This story with the central theme that Death, in fact need not be grave, will make one laugh more, think loud and give a fresh perspective of death.

I highly recommend this novella to everyone. This story is highly entertaining and at the same time makes one introspect about the greater truths in life.

Here’s the link for the kindle edition;

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0BDYS6RKP?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ts_JFNXXXPQCYAQABK82P26