The Lies We Live by Ruchira Bisi : Book Review

Summary

Looking for an emotionally gripping Indian fiction read? In this blog, we dive into The Lies We Live by Ruchira Bisi—a women-centric novel that explores betrayal, resilience, and emotional healing. You’ll find a detailed, spoiler-free review covering its key plot points, themes, character depth, and why it resonates with so many readers. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple prose or a fan of character-driven stories, this review helps you decide if this book belongs on your shelf. And reasons why The Lies We Live is a must-read in the world of Indian contemporary fiction. Start reading with clarity and confidence—only on Read Traverse.

Introduction

Have you ever trusted someone so completely, only to have that trust shattered in an instant? If your answer is yes—or even a hesitant maybe—The Lies We Live by Ruchira Bisi might just hit you right in the gut.

This isn’t your typical love triangle or college romance. It’s an emotionally intense, women-centric novel that digs deep into betrayal, emotional survival, and the complex fabric of relationships. And what makes it stand out? It’s written in a language so simple and accessible that even beginners in Indian fiction can dive right in without feeling overwhelmed.

At Read Traverse, we’re always on the lookout for books that go beyond the surface—and The Lies We Live does just that. It explores the chaos that follows betrayal but never forgets to offer a quiet thread of strength and healing.

If you’re looking for an emotionally driven Indian fiction book with realistic female characters and relatable situations, this review might just help you find your next great read.

About the Book & Ruchira Bisi

Ruchira Bisi isn’t a household name yet—but if The Lies We Live is anything to go by, she’s well on her way. With a writing style that feels refreshingly real, Bisi avoids flowery metaphors and highbrow language. Instead, she focuses on clarity and emotional resonance. This is the kind of prose that doesn’t try too hard—it just works.

The book follows Aparajita, a high-achieving woman whose life flips upside down when her husband, Anirban, dies under shocking circumstances. But the real twist? His sudden death isn’t the only thing she’s left to deal with. There’s betrayal. There’s a mistress. And there’s a whole emotional storm that follows.

What makes The Lies We Live different from many Indian fiction books is how it centers around a woman’s quiet strength rather than loud revenge. This isn’t a revenge drama—it’s a survival story. If you’re into women-centric novels or searching for books about betrayal and healing, this one’s a strong contender.

For readers who prefer beginner-friendly books in India, this novel ticks all the boxes:
✔️ Simple prose
✔️ Realistic storytelling
✔️ Emotional but easy to follow

Plot Summary of The Lies We Live

The story kicks off with a jolt—Aparajita receives a call from the hospital. Her husband, Anirban Chatterjee, met with an accident. Confused, angry, and filled with racing thoughts of betrayal, she rushes to the hospital with her best friend Neel by her side. But by the time she gets there, it’s too late. Anirban is gone.

That’s already enough for one woman to process—but within just 24 hours of uncovering his affair, he dies, leaving behind a life full of unanswered questions. The pain doesn’t end there. A few weeks later, the woman he was allegedly involved with shows up—pregnant—and asking for help. And just like that, Aparajita’s life becomes a whirlwind of grief, confusion, and emotional reckoning.

But The Lies We Live isn’t just about a betrayal or a woman scorned. It’s about emotional survival—about how one woman tries to piece herself back together in the face of public shame, private grief, and the weight of secrets she never asked to carry.

The book also offers a rich ensemble of family, friends, and loved ones, each playing a meaningful role. Her friends, especially, stand out as one of the story’s strongest elements. Their constant support becomes a cushion for Aparajita, and their presence is portrayed with authenticity and warmth—something rarely done well in fiction.

This isn’t a love triangle. It’s not a college romance. It’s a character-driven story rooted in emotional truth and life’s harsh curveballs. If you’re someone who appreciates realistic female characters in fiction or Indian contemporary fiction that doesn’t sugarcoat pain, this book delivers exactly that.
It mirrors the quiet chaos so many people go through but rarely talk about.

Writing Style & Readability

Let’s talk about one of the biggest strengths of this book—its writing style.

Ruchira Bisi doesn’t overcomplicate things. Her prose is clean, direct, and emotionally aware. No fancy metaphors, no unnecessary literary gymnastics—just simple storytelling that hits the heart. And that’s what makes this book incredibly beginner-friendly.

Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone just exploring the world of Indian women-centric novels, The Lies We Live is approachable. The vocabulary is easy to follow, the pacing is smooth, and the chapters are structured in a way that keeps you curious about what’s next—without overwhelming you.

Another thing worth appreciating? The emotional depth isn’t sacrificed for simplicity. You’ll still feel every heartbreak, every moment of hesitation, and every silent breakdown—but without having to reread a paragraph five times to “get it.”

If you’re someone who often finds literary fiction too dense, or you’re looking for books suitable for beginners in Indian fiction, this one belongs on your TBR. It’s the kind of book you can finish in one or two sittings—and still feel like it stayed with you long after.

At Read Traverse, we always recommend stories that are as easy to read as they are emotionally impactful. This book checks both boxes—without trying too hard. And If you more into romance novels than you should explore my romance book reviews to find your next read.

Who Should Read This & Why It Resonates

So, who exactly should pick up The Lies We Live?

Honestly—anyone who’s ever been blindsided by someone they trusted. If you’ve experienced betrayal, heartbreak, or even just the slow unraveling of a relationship you thought was rock solid, this book will speak to you.

It’s especially ideal for:
🔹 Readers who enjoy women-centric fiction
🔹 Fans of emotional storytelling over fast-paced thrillers
🔹 Beginners looking for accessible yet powerful Indian novels
🔹 Anyone who values friendship and family dynamics in fiction

But what really makes this book resonate is how real it feels. There are no dramatic outbursts or revenge-driven tropes. Instead, we get a story of quiet endurance—how a woman processes grief and betrayal in silence, and how, slowly, she starts to find her voice again.

The book reminds us that strength doesn’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is simply survive—and keep moving forward.

What elevates this book beyond just another emotional read is how relatable and grounded it is. The situations feel like something that could happen to anyone—your friend, your cousin, your neighbor, or even you. That universal connection is what makes The Lies We Live more than just a story.

And here at Read Traverse, we believe those are the books that matter most—the ones that understand your silence and remind you that you’re not alone in it.

Final Thoughts & Read Traverse Recommendation

The Lies We Live isn’t here to shock you with plot twists or sweep you away in a whirlwind romance. Instead, it offers something far more meaningful—emotional truth. It’s the kind of book that peels back the layers of everyday heartbreak and lets you sit with it, feel it, and eventually, heal from it.

What makes it stand out is how quietly powerful it is. The simplicity of the writing, the relatability of the characters, and the rawness of Aparajita’s journey all blend to create a story that lingers long after the final chapter.

For us at Read Traverse, this book fits right into our belief that stories should reflect real emotions and real people, not just idealized versions of them. Whether you’re reading it during a slump, seeking comfort, or just in need of something emotionally grounded, The Lies We Live is a solid pick.

And if you’re new to Indian fiction or just dipping your toes into women-centric narratives—start here. It’s beginner-friendly, heartfelt, and worth every page.
Sometimes the most unforgettable stories are the ones that don’t scream—but whisper truths you’ve been trying to say yourself.

 The book is like a full package movie that has family, friends, love, romance, college life, ambitions, drama, mystery, grief and there are some twists that can easily mess with your head. 

Before you analyse or summarize your thoughts while reading you will end up thinking more. 

Some questions might be left unanswered but still gives you chills. And In the Ending of the book you’ll know the most asked questions is the one that never comes with answers or it’s stays unanswered. Bye see you again with another remarkable book. Till then enjoy your reading journey and Traverse the world of reading with Read Traverse.

Reader FAQs – The Lies We Live by Ruchira Bisi