Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Too Good To Be True by Prajakta Koli

A charming debut that blends modern love with deep emotional complexity

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The novel is a promising debut that establishes Koli as a fresh voice in Indian literature, suggesting an exciting future ahead for her writing career. It's a perfect choice for readers seeking a romance that balances light-hearted moments with meaningful emotional exploration.

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Prajakta Koli’s debut novel Too Good To Be True is a refreshing addition to the contemporary Indian romance genre. The story follows Avani, a law student and part-time bookstore employee, whose life takes an unexpected turn when the impossibly perfect Aman Raina walks into her workplace. What follows is a touching exploration of love, trust, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

Writing Style & Narrative Voice

Koli brings her considerable storytelling experience as a digital content creator to the page with remarkable success. Her writing style is conversational and engaging, peppered with witty observations and relatable inner monologues that feel authentic to contemporary young Indian voices. The prose strikes a delicate balance between humor and emotional depth, particularly in Avani’s first-person narrative sections.

Key strengths of Koli’s writing include:

  • Natural, flowing dialogue that captures modern Indian English perfectly
  • Skillful use of humor to balance heavier emotional moments
  • Strong sense of place and contemporary cultural context
  • Authentic portrayal of friendship dynamics

Character Development

Avani: A Complex Heroine

The protagonist, Avani, is wonderfully crafted—flawless, funny, and deeply human. Her struggle with trust issues stemming from childhood trauma feels genuine rather than manufactured for plot purposes. Her passion for romance novels and tendency to overthink provide both comic relief and deeper character insights.

Aman: The Perfect Love Interest?

Aman Raina is initially presented as the archetypal romance hero—successful, attractive, and unfailingly kind. However, Koli gradually reveals more layers to his character, making him feel real despite his seemingly perfect exterior. His patience with Avani’s hesitation and his own vulnerabilities make him a compelling romantic lead.

Supporting Cast

The secondary characters are particularly well-drawn:

  • Martin: The sassy best friend whose humor masks deep emotional intelligence
  • Maya: The steady, wise presence Avani needs
  • Rhea: The romantic optimist balancing Avani’s skepticism
  • Aaji (Grandmother): A beautifully written character who provides both comfort and wisdom

Plot & Pacing

The story moves at an engaging pace, though some readers might find the middle section slightly drawn out. Koli effectively uses flashbacks to reveal Avani’s backstory without disrupting the main narrative flow. The structure works well in building both romantic tension and emotional depth.

Themes & Depth

While marketed as a romantic comedy, Too Good To Be True tackles several serious themes:

  • The impact of parental loss and childhood trauma
  • Fear of vulnerability in relationships
  • The balance between independence and intimacy
  • The role of chosen family versus biological family
  • Processing grief and guilt

Cultural Context & Representation

The novel offers an authentic portrayal of contemporary urban Indian life, neither exoticizing nor oversimplifying the cultural context. Koli seamlessly integrates elements of modern Indian society—from family dynamics to career pressures—creating a world that feels genuine and lived-in.

Technical Elements

Structure

The novel’s structure is well-crafted, alternating between:

  • Present-day romance
  • Character backstory
  • Internal monologue
  • Friend group dynamics

Dialogue

The dialogue is a particular strength, capturing the natural code-switching and cultural references common in urban Indian conversation.

Areas for Improvement

While generally strong, there are some aspects that could have been enhanced:

  1. The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
  2. Some conflicts feel slightly repetitive
  3. Certain side plots could have been more fully developed
  4. The resolution might feel rushed to some readers

Target Audience & Appeal

This book will particularly resonate with:

  • Young adult and new adult romance readers
  • Fans of contemporary Indian fiction
  • Readers who enjoy emotional depth in their romance
  • Those who appreciate strong friendship dynamics in their stories

Comparison to Similar Works

The novel sits comfortably alongside contemporary romance works by authors like Sandhya Menon and Anuja Chauhan, while maintaining its own distinct voice. It brings fresh perspective to familiar tropes in the romance genre.

Impact & Significance

Too Good To Be True marks an impressive literary debut from Koli, successfully transitioning her storytelling skills from digital media to the novel format. The book contributes meaningfully to the growing body of contemporary Indian romance literature, offering authentic representation and emotional depth.

Final Thoughts

Despite some minor flaws typical of debut novels, Too Good To Be True is a compelling read that promises to resonate with its target audience. Koli has created a story that works both as a charming romance and a deeper exploration of healing and trust.

Strengths:

  • Authentic voice and relatable characters
  • Strong emotional depth
  • Well-developed friendship dynamics
  • Natural dialogue and humor
  • Cultural authenticity

Opportunities for Growth:

  • Pacing consistency
  • Plot resolution
  • Secondary plot development

Recommendation

Too Good To Be True is highly recommended for readers who enjoy:

  • Contemporary romance with emotional depth
  • Strong friendship narratives
  • Modern Indian settings and characters
  • Stories about healing and growth
  • Witty, conversational writing styles

The novel is a promising debut that establishes Koli as a fresh voice in Indian literature, suggesting an exciting future ahead for her writing career. It’s a perfect choice for readers seeking a romance that balances light-hearted moments with meaningful emotional exploration.

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The novel is a promising debut that establishes Koli as a fresh voice in Indian literature, suggesting an exciting future ahead for her writing career. It's a perfect choice for readers seeking a romance that balances light-hearted moments with meaningful emotional exploration.Too Good To Be True by Prajakta Koli