Economics, Identity and Emotional Wealth
As an economics student beginning my own professional journey, I found Fusion of Reality not only emotionally rich but intellectually engaging. The book provides an engaging dive into real-world economic trade-offs that are frequently unspoken such as the conflict between money and time, the opportunity cost of pursuing a career, and the distribution of finite personal resources like love, energy, and attention.
Aman, the main character, is a realistic representation of a successful, determined, and more stressed businessman in the twenty-first century. However, as the strain increases, he comes to understand that time and emotional ties are limited resources that cannot be easily purchased. His journey feels like a gentle critique of materialism, reminding us that true satisfaction often comes from relationships and experiences that can’t be measured.
However, the book’s careful integration of cultural references into the story was what truly caught my attention. As the child of immigrant parents, I deeply appreciated how the author highlighted the unspoken cultural expectations that often shape our choices. I felt a sense of familiarity and comfort that is uncommon in popular fiction because of the usage of Nepali terminology and customs, which also gave Aman’s trip more depth and authenticity.
The novel’s art allusions offer meaningful breaks that let the reader think and give the story time to develop. These scenes struck me as particularly significant because they provide a serene, imaginative environment that carefully counterbalances the book’s more intensely emotional passages. For someone who enjoys art, these pauses served as a kind reminder of how crucial it is to take it easy and find beauty amid life’s difficulties.
All things considered, Fusion of Reality is a moving and perceptive tale that delicately examines what it means to live a full life. It’s a reminder that in chasing success, we can occasionally lose sight of the things that truly add significance, such as self-awareness and connection.
Fatma Mehdi
The reality of balancing work life with family duties
This book offers a deep dive into the realities of balancing career aspirations alongside family obligations. Varia’s ability to capture the nuances of this complicated equation is credible.
The strongest aspect of the book is Varia’s ability to create a bond with the reader and Aman, making the character a very relatable one. Throughout the book, the reader goes on an emotional rollercoaster alongside Aman, feeling all sorts of emotions from excitement to stress to grievance.
The overarching theme of the book is finding a sense of equilibrium within one’s self. Being able to tackle the obstacles life throws, whilst still continuing the race of life, is a consistent aspect that is drawn on.
A few key story lines did seem a little rushed. The conflict between Aman and his cousin, for example, seemed to be resolved quite quickly. Maybe Varia could have gone into more detail surrounding the conflict and the complexities behind it.
There was also a lot of tension being built up throughout, however the book moved onto the next part too quickly.
Nevertheless, this novel effectively tackles the complexity of adult life, facing many challenges simultaneously whilst carrying out the duty and responsibilities of being an adult.
Overall Fusion of reality is a compelling read. It highlights the complexity of the intersections between career aspirations, family obligations and a sense of individual identity.
Saadath Ali
A Powerful Story of Identity, Expectation, and the Journey Toward Inner Harmony
The novel, Fusion of Reality by Ketan Varia, is a story of figurative rebirth. Our protagonist, Aman, leads two alternative lives, in the form of his work and private life, which conjoin and morph into one through various points of the story, tainting Aman’s life with artifice. The narrative grapples with Aman’s surfacing concern with validating his need to prove himself through results, as he internalises suffocating environmental expectations by himself. These various expectations direct Aman’s attention into clashing directions. As such, it forces him to make choices which thrust him into chaotic sequences of events in which he stumbles, recovers, and stumbles, from his mistakes and concerns, affecting his sense of self.
Fusion of Reality, as noted by the title, plays with ideas of dream and reality as a way to convey the dislocation between Aman’s unattainable image of a perfect self, with the reality of his own self-doubts and the imposition of life’s circumstances outside of his control. The latter in particular is symbolically established through Raff’s death, an omniscient fact which stays amongst Aman’s preoccupations throughout the narrative. The illusory presence of characters such as Aman’s grandfather (as a metaphor for familial expectations) and Raff (stability, which Aman yearns for), embodies Aman’s conflicted-ness.
As the narrative pushes forward, Aman’s experience of reality becomes warped, and this is particularly depicted through his increased surveillance and suspicion of individuals around him, such as Tina and George. This is effectively communicated through Aman’s description of minute details regarding time or objects around him, as well as his growing need to detail artworks that he sees. Despite this self-asphyxiation, Aman also remains grounded due to his earnestness (exemplified by his attentive attitude toward characters such as Edith and Annetta), which makes him a familiar and likeable figure to the reader. Moreover, this duality reflects the narrative’s focus on self-growth in which the individuals are multi-faceted individuals rather than caricatures.
Additionally, the story has an enthralling ability to establish a simple premise about these characters, and their relationship to Aman, whilst then subverting Aman’s (and by extension the reader’s) expectations and understanding to why the characters act in the way that they do.
The story’s greatest revelations occur within ongoing moments of tension, from which cathartic moments of relief are offered through a shift in perspective. Characters such as the elderly lady, Edith, and even Lekh’s become a trigger for Aman’s self-liberation. Ultimately, Fusion of Reality is a story that has beauty in the idea that a person’s worth is not tied to their achievements, nor capabilities, and that there is more importance in finding harmony within oneself.
Lily Bushell
A Thoughtful Exploration Heritage, of Technology and Personal Transformation
This is an enlightening and heartwarming novel about overcoming the stresses of modern-day living. The protagonist, Aman, offers a realistic portrayal of a twenty-first century businessman who is career-driven and materialistic. Dealing with the pressures of his career and family, Aman mirrors the relatable feeling of being overwhelmed. The pressure continues to build up as household chores mount and Aman realises he cannot keep throwing money at the situation – his family want to spend time with him. Raff’s sudden death brings Aman an inner conflict and marks the beginning of his steady transformation.
Aman’s Nepalese heritage is immediately referred to in the beginning of the novel, which brings another layer of depth and complexity to Aman’s situation. Aman is subject to high expectations from his family which is particularly prominent in his competitive relationship with his sister. His grandad, however, frequently returns to Aman’s consciousness as a wise and guiding light who emphasises that Nepalese heritage is not consumed by money and status which is what Aman’s father instilled, but rather hard work and family should always be prioritised. As Aman opens himself up to his grandad’s teachings, he reconnects with his family and Nepalese heritage symbolised through his increased attention towards the foods and language of his culture. Aman’s diaspora offers an interesting perspective about migrant families and expresses how to navigate between different cultures or acculturate to new ones whilst preserving your own. The setting of Kaya’s wedding is described thoughtfully and represents the blending of cultures. I thought it was very impactful how, towards the end of the novel, Aman feels comfortable attending to family phone calls and talking about his Buddhist religion in his new role – a strong indicator that he is now valued and comfortable within his working environment.
For me, a prominent technological theme emerged within the novel. Varia’s references to Aman’s use of the latest cars, devices and technology really places the novel within the modern day, reflecting his materialistic nature as well as exposing our society’s perhaps distracted ways of living. For Aman, smartphones and instant messaging become a constant reminder of the stresses within his life, whether it be work or planning his niece’s wedding, and could be a contributor towards his depressive slump. When the family go on an expensive holiday to Dubai, Aman spends a lot of time on Instagram showing others where he is whilst not being fully present within the setting nor spending much time with his family. I believe this representation of technology alludes to the artificial nature of social media and our society’s need to impress others, which I believe Varia has situated within a very suitable Dubai setting on the artificial island. I really enjoy how this theme develops as I feel that Aman learns how to remedy his situation by using technology to connect with others rather than remove himself from situations. I like the use of video calls to allow family members to ‘attend’ Kaya’s wedding and Aman’s presentation on digital Renaissance paintings at his group allows him to further enjoy his hobby and create new friends. With the theme of technology, I feel the novel urges readers to use technology as a tool to enhance relationships rather than hinder them. It is also evident that Aman recognises that money cannot buy happiness, and instead of an overpriced holiday to Egypt that his wife rejects, Aman and his family have a better time at a simpler holiday in the Lake District, touching on an important moral lesson in the novel to appreciate what you already have.
Fusion of Reality is written from Aman’s perspective in the first person. I believe that this allows readers to really dive into Aman’s emotions and perspective. This style of writing is particularly impactful to recognise Aman’s transformative journey from excessive stress and depression to tranquillity and enlightenment. The novel is written in a very logical way, I sometimes feel there may be too many references towards time and numbers, however this could also be a clever way to indicate Aman’s logical way of thinking.
Overall, I think the novel is incredibly enjoyable, offering lots of points for analysis with its many underlying themes (technology, heritage, colours, etc.). Many of the characters create more depth and complexity to the novel and contribute in similar ways to Aman’s transformation. Aman’s grief towards Raff’s tragic death is realistic and paints an impactful image.
Tesni Adams
Masculinity, Pressure, and the Search for Balance
I really enjoyed your book – it was very interesting to consider the struggles and pressures of finding a good work/life balance from the male point of view! It is usually about women trying to juggle work and motherhood! I found it very thought provoking and illuminating.
I thought you portrayed all the characters really well so that I felt I’d got to know them by the end of the book; obviously Aman in particular! I hope there’ll be a sequel so I can find out how he gets on in his new job!
Caroline Appleby
A Journey of Self-Discovery Amid Family, Culture, and Career Expectations
The story tells Aman’s search for his true self and the purpose of his life, as these really chrystallise in a short period of his life when important events about life, love and career all force him to make important choices. The story brings out those choices and how they make Aman realise what is really important to him and what are mere ideas about what one should achieve. The book brings up questions about what we think others expect of us, what we think we should be achieving in life and what we take for granted or overlook.
The story is full of very recognisable situations of life choices for middle-class educated western people who juggle family and career – with the backdrop of their family origins and expectations. In this case, the Asian family expectations and traditions give special colouring. And in this case Aman’s point of view is male, with all the expectations and ideas of that role in a family. For others of us in similar situations – the story is very relatable even in the details and examples. I believe the book could be used for self-development courses and group discussions – and in therapy situations where people are looking for their life purpose and making work and family choices.
As a novel, the story is sometimes too detailed and the storyline takes 3/4 of the struggle and fight against the situation for Aman to realise his real priorities. In my opinion, this could have been done sooner, to be able to discuss his realisations much more. In this case, the realisations come so late in the book, they are squeezed into the last chapter. Some of the descriptions are very long, like the wedding. I would also have enjoyed the perspective and thoughts of his wife as to his choices. Some chapters in her perspective would be interesting.
Jonna Byskata
Stress, Silence, Survival
This book is written in the first person by Aman, a Nepalese man living in London, but he could be named Everyman, as there is a universal quality to his story. Not every man is interested in technology, or art. Not in every culture is an uncle expected to plan his niece’s elaborate wedding, but the stress Aman experiences is experienced by many, if not all. The story was interesting to me, as one who does not possess Y chromosomes, in entering the thoughts and emotions of a man who is enduring the stresses of life and its effects. Why are men so stressed? Why do they get quiet and depressed?
Aman has a high-stress, but exciting and fulfilling job, a wonderful wife and 2 teenage children, and a lifelong best friend and confident who gives him encouragement and advice. Suddenly, in his 40’s, his best friend is killed in a car crash. Aman is overcome with grief; we are taken with him to the abyss, where misfortune continues to follow him to the edge of despair. We learn, bit by bit, how he is able to recover. Hint: it does not involve medication. This well-written book will resonate fully with all cultures, races and genders.
Just remember, add salt and chili powder last when making Tarkeri.
Sally Kimberley
Life, Loss, and the Balancing Act
Balancing work and family responsibilities is a challenge that resonates with many, and this book perfectly captures that struggle. Whilst it speaks strongly to professionals, its exploration of universal life experiences ensures its appeal extends far beyond the workplace. Each chapter delves into key milestones in Aman’s life, offering an emotionally rich narrative that explores the relationship between professional duties and personal life. The author does a fantastic job of portraying a myriad of milestones in Aman’s life through the highs of triumph and the depths of loss and grief, with each chapter unveiling layers of shortcomings and growth.
One of the standouts of this book is its realistic portrayal of the main character. The protagonist is not portrayed as perfect; instead mistakes are made and lessons are learnt. This makes the story feel authentic and relatable as readers can see themselves in the place of the protagonist through a universally experienced difficulty of navigating life’s challenges. A range of emotions have been weaved together to offer a wonderful portrayal of triumph, loss, joy and growth.
A further strength is how cultural elements have been integrated throughout this book, adding depth and context to the decisions and experiences of the protagonist. The author’s depiction of this culture is both respectful and insightful, offering readers a window into the protagonist’s world and the cultural expectations that shaped their life choices.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Chapter 6 in particular felt a bit slow-paced compared to the rest of the story. The chapter, whilst still important for the overall narrative, seemed to drag in places, in comparison to the rest of the well-maintained momentum of the book. Another minor flaw is the handling of suppressed emotions and grief. Although these themes are central to the protagonist’s journey, the book sometimes glosses over the deeper exploration of these feelings. The emotional impact could have been heightened through a more thorough exploration of confrontation of these feelings and processing the buried emotions. A more in depth acknowledgment of these struggles would have helped to add further depth to the characters growth which would make the story even more resonant.
Overall, the book is a compelling read for anyone grappling with the demands of both career and family life. It offers valuable insights into how these responsibilities can coexist, often in tension, and how they shape us as individuals. The well developed characters and cultural richness make this book a powerful read. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate stories of growth, resilience and the complexities of life.
Saima Miah
Grief, Growth, Grace
This profoundly moving novel explores the life of a Nepalese man named Aman, who grapples with the sudden death of his closest friend, Raff (SPOILER). The book intricately weaves themes of grief, resilience and the complexities of balancing work and family life. Aman’s emotional journey is heart-wrenching and inspiring as he navigates through the stress of multiple responsibilities to find himself. Ketan uses a single-person narrative and expertly portrays the emotions of different characters through the protagonist’s voice, allowing the reader to feel an array of emotions.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is the character development. Aman is portrayed with rich emotional depth, making his grief and personal struggles deeply relatable. His interactions with the lady in the park are particularly poignant. She serves as a confidante and a source of solace for Aman, providing a safe space for him to express his emotions and reflect on his life. Her presence in the story symbolises hope and the importance of finding support in unexpected places. The unexpected revelation of her being Joan’s mother (SPOILER) adds a layer of intrigue and deepens their bond, transforming their relationship from stranger to stranger no more.
The plot stands out for its relatability and authenticity. Unlike many works of fiction where unrealistic events disrupt the narrative, Fusions of Reality feels grounded in real-life experiences. The challenges Aman faces are genuine and plausible, making the story resonate even more with readers. The writing style is evocative, beautifully capturing the cultural nuances of Nepal.
The pacing was generally consistent; however, there were moments when the story slowed down. This may be to depict the weight of Aman’s grief. However, this slowing in pace made me, as a reader, lose focus at times and feel like I had to refresh my memory on events that took place. Moreover, I felt the plot jump at one point and found it difficult to understand where I was in the story.
Overall, Fusions of Reality is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that explores grief and personal growth deeply. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate emotionally resonant stories about personal struggle and resilience and those interested in Nepal’s rich cultural backdrop.
Ariba Baig
A Relatable, Humorous, and Hopeful Journey Through Corporate Burnout and Cultural Reconnection
A modern, multicultural fable set in the UK with echoes of family roots in Nepal.
One man’s emotional journey to redefine success and the elusive work/life balance.
Aman has just sealed a massive deal at the digital art company where he is climbing the corporate ladder. A top job is within reach. The exclusive holiday resort is booked. He looks slick and has the technical chops, but why does he feel so bad? Aman’s stress levels are sky high and his stomach is constantly churning.
It soon becomes apparent that all Aman’s energy and time are spent on his work, leaving precious little for his wife, children and wider family. Things might be going well at the office, but at home, it’s not only bits of the house that are falling apart.
Aman has also been asked to arrange his niece’s wedding. It’s an honour and an important family role. But his procrastination is driving a wedge between him and his niece, not to mention stirring up old wounds with his cousin, Lekh.
Watching his wife loading the dishwasher is a metaphor for standing by as she shoulders all the domestic burdens alone. And the children, fed up with all his management speak have all but given up trying to get his attention.
A crisis starts to build, sparked by the death of Raff, Aman’s best friend and mentor. Aman is plunged into grief. He throws himself even harder into work, shunning the love and support of his family. He stops exercising, neglects interests, and seeks solace in chocolate and alcohol.
But an unlikely catalyst for recovery and learning gives Aman the time to reflect and be himself. He is depressed but slowly makes connections with people and passions again.
The finale shows our hero making the most of all his personal and professional skills, while the epilogue suggests Aman is on the brink of a fresh start.
Fusion of Reality is easy to read yet thought-provoking. Its themes will resonate strongly with anyone who has worked in corporate culture. The author weaves in memories of Aman’s childhood in Nepal. And sprinkles the story with cultural references and vernacular.
It’s also a humorous read, with lots of funny moments, often centred around family dynamics. As Aman’s soul warms up again he rediscovers his passions – for his own interests, but most of all for his family.
It’s a relatable, hopeful, colourful and emotional odyssey for our times.
Lisa Cunningham
A Moving Reflection on Life’s Twists, Unexpected Encounters, and Lasting Wisdom
This book was brilliant. I read it from start to finish in only a few hours, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the life lessons and experiences it demonstrated within it.
The story demonstrated how Aman a working family man tragically loses his best friend, and starts to struggle with every day mundane life, but he is then magically saved by stumbling upon an old lady in the park. I feel as if this has great significance and correspondence to everyday life because it allowed me to see how your life may take a horrible turn, only for someone or something to turn up out of nowhere and turn it around again. Life is unexpected, and this story greatly explains this through Aman’s life.
My two favourite parts of the book are the poem at the end because it is a beautiful poem. And how Aman used his wisdom that he learnt from the old lady towards his sister when she also started experiencing work difficulties towards the end of the book. I do wish at the end of the book when we found out the old lady had tragically died, I got to know how Aman was feeling about it, but I understand that’s the point of a great cliff-hanger! Always wanting to read more!
Alicia Carchedi
Tradition Meets Today
Fusion of Reality is a great book overall which introduces readers to the importance of tradition and culture in a person’s life and decisions. The theme and storyline are something that quite a few people would relate to these days, given the minimal work-life balance. The everyday struggles highlighted— balancing work, family, and personal growth, not wanting to compromise anywhere, and the guilt that eats you up for not fulfilling your responsibilities everywhere.
Especially from an Asian perspective the protagonist Aman’s journey is a deeply relatable one given the cultural elements such as Buddhist rituals, the importance of familial pride and traditions, and the weight of cultural expectations in one’s life. For non-Asian readers, this might provide a unique perspective.
I feel the book has the potential to deeply resonate with readers at an emotional level, leading them to see a reflection of themselves in Aman. I believe it has the potential to inspire and motivate readers to reconnect with their traditions, heritage, family, and themselves.
Dhruvi Punjani
Presence Over Perfection
The story immediately took the reader with it, making it hard to put the book down – I found myself eager to return to it whenever I could. The characters felt so vivid and real that they became almost like a shadow family, accompanying me throughout the reading experience. I can easily see this book being adapted into a fantastic film.
Aman’s journey is a story of spiritual awakening, yet it feels more accessible and relatable than a traditional self-help book. So many of us live in a vacuum today, disconnected from religion, community or wider family around us. We rarely pause to reflect on what truly drives us and what is the purpose of our life, avoiding anything that could make us feel sad or uncomfortable. This book delivers a powerful message about the importance of being fully present, allowing us to appreciate all the richness of life – family, friends, birds, nature and the world around us.
Lauha Fried
Finding Balance in a Modern World: A Relatable Tale of Ambition, Heritage, and Renewal
I recently finished reading Ketan Varia’s “Fusion of Reality” and found myself nodding along with protagonist Aman Sani’s journey in a way that felt surprisingly personal. As someone in marketing, I recognized Aman’s fixation on the external markers of success—the corner office, the luxury car, the expensive vacations—and the empty satisfaction they ultimately provide.
The novel follows Aman, a British-Nepalese man working at DigiArt, digitizing Renaissance art. When his best friend Raff dies unexpectedly and a business failure leads to his demotion, Aman’s carefully constructed identity begins to crumble. Simultaneously, he’s tasked with planning his niece Kaya’s wedding, forcing him to reconnect with his estranged cousin and his Nepalese Buddhist heritage.
What makes this book stand out is how it demonstrates the quiet wisdom in everyday moments. Through encounters with an elderly woman in the park who advises him to “be attentive, even to the mundane,” Aman begins to find meaning beyond his professional title. His growing appreciation for Botticelli’s paintings parallels his developing ability to see what truly matters in his own life.
The Buddhist principles woven throughout the story offer practical guidance rather than abstract philosophy. Aman’s grandfather appears in dreams reminding him that “every morning we are born again” and “what we do today matters most”—simple but powerful reminders for anyone caught in the hamster wheel of professional achievement.
I particularly appreciated watching Aman rebuild connections with his family—fixing things around the house with his son instead of hiring someone, cooking traditional dishes with his wife, reconnecting with his cousin during wedding planning. These small moments show how our relationships ultimately define us more than our job titles.
By the novel’s end, Aman hasn’t abandoned ambition entirely but has found a healthier integration of his professional drive, cultural heritage, and family responsibilities. He takes a job at a smaller startup that better aligns with his values and begins to appreciate the beauty of nearby Peak District landscapes as much as exotic destinations.
“Fusion of Reality” offers a thoughtful reminder that we are more than what we market ourselves to be professionally. It suggests that true fulfillment comes not from perfecting our outer image but from connecting authentically with our heritage, our loved ones, and ourselves.
Though set in England with a Nepalese protagonist, this book will particularly appeal to Indians residing in westernized metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Calcutta, Hyderabad, and Pune—anyone raised in the challenging intersection of Western values and traditional culture will recognize Aman’s struggles.
What makes the novel an especially engaging read is how it touches on basic human emotions we all experience. it’s an easy, accessible read filled with emotional highs and lows that make it difficult to put down once you’ve started. I found myself completing it in just a few sittings, drawn in by Aman’s relatable journey toward finding balance in an increasingly complex world.
Sanya Sowani