BOOK REVIEW: THE SPEAKING STONE

This book starts with the Protagonist, Saikat finding and buying a mysterious half stone from a roadside vendor in Colaba street, Mumbai. Saikat, being the curious one who loves to know about history, tries to decode the Sanskrit inscriptions on the stone. Since it's a half stone, he plans to go in search of the other half. Through his research, he learns it must be from the Northeastern parts of India and finally concludes that it's Tripura.
Shuvashini, a History enthusiast who wants to do her doctorate under one of the reputed professors. But she rejects Shuvashini's proposal saying that's not good enough and it's so unconventional. Shuvashini wants to do her best and she finds a book named 'Rajmala' in a library. Rajmala is a book about the history of Tripura. Shuvashini is very fascinated by that, But as she couldn't able to find the book the next day in the library. She decided to visit Tripura by herself.
Saikat and Shuvashini meet in the airport and due to their same interests, they eventually end up together and search the other half. During their journey, they come across Tripura Museum. The head of the museum is so curious to know what they are up to, as they are visiting too often. He also uses his two colleagues for this.
A parallel story about the King of Tripura, his followers, enemies, his wealth, A beautiful dancer and her Mysterious lover, a phenomenal painter and few others, which was happening in 1900 is also written along with the book. This helps us understand the events happening in the present better.
The language of the book is simple yet engaging. A really fast-paced historical fiction, with few elements of mystery and romance too. The writing style can make the readers hooked on to it. The descriptions are also beautiful to read. There are only limited characters, but each of them is well developed by the author. Especially the characters, who are in parallel with both timelines. The minute details about the characters are making it more interesting. The way the past and present is connected is so nice to read. The mystery element of this book is quite predictable at times. But the way in which Saikat and Shuvashini decode is interesting to read. The romance between Saikat and Shuvashini could've been better. The ending is one of the favorite things about this book. Overall, a good fast-paced Historical fiction!