Of Dogs and Meaning: Riddhi Sanyal's Heartbreaking and Hopeful Novel

Riddhi Sanyal's debut novel, Of Dogs and Meaning, is a poignant and moving story about love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. The novel follows the lives of two women, Aparna and Meera, who are brought together by their shared love of dogs.

Aparna is a young Indian woman who has recently moved to New York City. She is struggling to adjust to her new life and feels isolated and alone. Meera is an older, wiser woman who has lived in the city for many years. She is a kind and caring person who loves dogs and takes in strays.

When Aparna adopts a stray dog named Lucky, she and Meera's lives become intertwined. Lucky is a loyal and loving companion who helps Aparna to feel more connected to her new city. Meera becomes a mentor to Aparna, teaching her about the importance of community and the power of love.

However, tragedy strikes when Lucky is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Aparna is devastated by the loss of her beloved dog, and Meera is there to support her through her grief.

Of Dogs and Meaning is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complex relationship between humans and animals. Sanyal's novel is a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is always hope. We can find meaning in our lives by loving and caring for others, both human and animal.

Themes

Of Dogs and Meaning explores a number of important themes, including:

• The power of love: Love is a powerful force that can sustain us through even the most difficult times. Aparna and Meera's love for their dogs helps them to cope with loss and find joy in life.
• The importance of community: We are all connected to each other, and we need each other to survive. Aparna and Meera's friendship is a source of strength and support for both of them.
• The search for meaning: We all need to find meaning in our lives. Aparna and Meera find meaning in their love for their dogs and in their work to help others.

Characters

The characters in Of Dogs and Meaning are complex and well-developed. Aparna is a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is lonely and isolated, but she finds solace in her dog, Lucky. Meera is an older, wiser woman who has lived in the city for many years. She is a kind and caring person who loves dogs and takes in strays.

Setting

Of Dogs and Meaning is set in New York City. The city is a backdrop for the novel's themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The city is a place of both beauty and danger, and it is a place where people from all over the world come together to find a new life.

Writing Style

Sanyal's writing is beautiful and lyrical. She has a gift for language, and she uses it to create a vivid and emotionally resonant story. Of Dogs and Meaning is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Quotes

"The dog is a creature that lives in the present. He has no memory of the past, and no anxiety about the future. He lives only in the moment, and he loves unconditionally." - Riddhi Sanyal, Of Dogs and Meaning

"We are all connected, and we need each other to survive. We need to love and care for each other, both human and animal." - Riddhi Sanyal, Of Dogs and Meaning

"Even in the face of loss, there is always hope. We can find meaning in our lives by loving and caring for others." - Riddhi Sanyal, Of Dogs and Meaning

Of Dogs and Meaning is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complex relationship between humans and animals. Sanyal's novel is a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is always hope. We can find meaning in our lives by loving and caring for others, both human and animal.