India, Nov. 30 -- Ever wondered how the buildings we inhabit mirror the ghosts we carry? In The Architect's Dream, author Nikhil Kumar delivers a haunting, emotionally charged narrative that blurs the very boundaries between the real, the imagined, and the lost. The plot follows the tale of protagonist Vidhu Mirani - a renowned, award-winning architect - as he returns to India after four decades when the Prime Minister commissions him to design a grand public library in New Delhi. What begins as a high-profile creative assignment quickly morphs into a reckoning with the past overpowering the present. In a lullaby like tone, with its dull and macabre nature of themes, the author explores a gamut of emotions. Spanning from old, decaying friendships to betrayals, and the damning weight of unmade choices. There is much that works despite the slow pace of this novel, which has some strategic turns with just the right amount of melodrama. Some may disagree here for certain sections come out as the book's strongest suit, allowing the emotional tension to simmer. This, infact, makes the final reveal all the more delicious! That being said, it's important to point that patience is indeed a virtue for those reading this. Its interwoven layers and complex emotions, as well as the general wind of the book is capable of tiring some. But, if you are willing to lean into its complexity then the pay-off is immensely gratifying. Quite a compelling read, this is one of those books that you pick up on a whim and put it down deeply while being pleasantly surprised. Beyond its pros and cons, it does leave one question unanswered: How haunted are we by the secrets of others? Well, this is exactly the kind of question that many grapple with, and also the one that's necessary for a piece of good literature to leave a lasting imprint. Title: The Architect's Dream Author: Nikhil Kumar Publisher: Penguin Random House Price: Rs.499...