{"product_id":"9788198507266","title":"The Pretenders","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a contemporary work of fiction designed for readers who love intimate, character-driven storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic-era Asia, it explores love, freedom, and human connection in the face of fear, secrecy, and loss. The intended reader is adults who appreciate lyrical, multi-city narratives and morally complex journeys.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe book unfolds through interconnected episodes across Delhi, Beijing, Bangkok, and Jakarta, tracing lives pressed by death and desire. A privileged young man confronts long-buried insecurities; a mother in Jakarta navigates isolation and parental paranoia; a relative in Beijing negotiates demanding family loyalties; in Bangkok, a gesture of unexpected kindness reveals the quiet power of empathy. The reading experience is immersive and character-driven, with story-led, scene-rich writing that shifts viewpoints and weaves intimate moments into sweeping urban portraits.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eInterwoven narratives set in Delhi, Beijing, Bangkok, and Jakarta\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMulti-voice perspectives that explore love, fear, resilience, and truth\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLyrical, cinematic writing that pairs personal introspection with vivid city life\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThemes of mortality, dignity, deception, and the slow emergence of hope\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReflective pacing and accessible prose that invites contemplation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eReaders finish with a deeper sense of human connection and a renewed optimism about the possibility of kindness and truth finding a way through even the darkest times. The experience builds empathy, broadens worldview, and leaves a lasting impression of resilience and wonder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Crossword.in","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48516803985625,"sku":"9788198507266","price":570.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0648\/3066\/9017\/files\/81Qv9nzW6ML._SL1500.jpg?v=1776681890","url":"https:\/\/www.crossword.in\/products\/9788198507266","provider":"Crossword.in ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}