"Book Review: Can We Be Strangers Again? by Shrijeet Shandilya"

 


As  a  debut  novel,  Can  We  Be  Strangers  Again?  is  a  heartfelt  and  simple  read  —  especially  for  beginners  stepping  into  the  world  of  fiction.  Shrijeet’s  writing  flows  easily,  making  it  accessible  for  anyone  just  starting  their  reading  journey.

The  story  revolves  around  Dev  and  his  two  female  best  friends,  and  the  tangled  emotions  of  love,  friendship,  and  loss.  It’s  a  classic  love  triangle  —  but  told  with  a  quiet,  emotional  intensity.  The  narrative  weaves  between  past  and  present,  slowly  revealing  how  someone  once  close  can  slowly  turn  into  a  stranger.

While  the  storyline  is  straightforward,  some  readers  may  feel  a  sense  of  something  missing  —  maybe  more  emotional  depth  or  clarity.  But  considering  it’s  a  debut,  the  attempt  is  honest  and  promising.

Usually,  when  we  read  a  novel  especially  one  that  deals  with  love  and  friendship  —  we  expect  the  ending  to  give  us  something:  either  closure,  a  happy  resolution,  or  even  a  heartbreaking  tragedy  that  leaves  us  moved.  But  in  Can  We  Be  Strangers  Again?,  the  story  ends  exactly  where  it  began  —  with  the  characters  becoming  strangers  once  more.  For  me,  that  ending  felt  a  little  unsatisfying.  It  wasn’t  a  compromise,  nor  a  climax  —  just  a  quiet  return  to  distance.  Maybe  that  was  the  point,  to  show  how  some  stories  simply  fade  without  drama…  but  as  a  reader,  I  craved  a  little  more  emotional  closure.

What  stands  out  is  how  relatable  it  feels  —  especially  for  teenagers  or  college  students  who’ve  experienced  messy  friendships,  unspoken  feelings,  or  the  ache  of  drifting  apart.  It  reminds  us  that  sometimes,  the  hardest  heartbreak  isn’t  in  a  breakup...  it’s  in  becoming  strangers  with  someone  who  once  felt  like  home.

A  decent  one-time  read  for  young  hearts  and  budding  readers.


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