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

In the ever-growing landscape of Indian contemporary romance fiction, Can We Be Strangers Again? by Shrijeet Shandilya positions itself as an emotional, bittersweet story about love, friendship, betrayal, and the choices that change everything. Published by Penguin in March 2025, the book has already caught the attention of young readers, especially those who are drawn to stories that mirror real-life emotional complexities.

At its core, this is not just a love story—it is a tale of how love can complicate the deepest friendships and how people cope when the bonds they once thought unbreakable begin to fracture.

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🌟 Plot Overview

The story revolves around Dev, Avantika, and Tanishka, three college friends whose relationship feels warm, effortless, and unshakable. They share countless moments together—late-night conversations, inside jokes, and an unspoken bond that seems eternal. For a while, life feels perfect, until love creeps into the equation.

When two of the three cross the delicate boundary between friendship and romance, everything changes. The triangle that once symbolized companionship becomes a space filled with unspoken jealousy, betrayal, and heartbreak. Dev finds himself at the center of the storm, caught between holding on to what once was and letting go of the relationships that defined his youth.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are invited to ask the same questions as the characters: Can friendship survive when tested by love? Is it possible to return to being strangers once the innocence of friendship is lost? Or does love, once confessed, leave permanent scars that time cannot erase?

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✨ Strengths of the Novel

1. Relatable Emotional Core
   Shrijeet Shandilya understands the emotional turmoil of young adulthood well. The book speaks to anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a friend to love, the ache of unrequited affection, or the confusion of blurred boundaries. This relatability is perhaps its strongest point.
2. Simple and Accessible Writing
   The language is straightforward and conversational, making it an easy read even for those who are new to romance novels. Short chapters and crisp dialogues keep the pace moving, ensuring the reader stays engaged.
3. Nostalgic College Setting
   The backdrop of college life—late-night talks, carefree banter, and the innocent joy of friendships—adds a layer of nostalgia. Readers who have lived through similar experiences will find themselves smiling at the familiar details before the narrative takes a heavier turn.
4. Themes of Vulnerability
   Unlike fairy-tale romances, this book is more raw and imperfect. The characters are flawed, they make mistakes, and their choices often cause pain. This sense of vulnerability makes the story feel closer to real life than a sugar-coated romance.

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⚠️ Weaknesses of the Novel

1. Predictability
   At times, the story follows familiar tropes common in college romances. Readers of Ravinder Singh, Durjoy Datta, or similar authors may feel they’ve read versions of this before.
2. Character Depth
   While the emotions are vivid, the characters occasionally lack depth. Dev, in particular, sometimes appears inconsistent—his actions don’t always align with his emotional arc, leaving readers questioning his accountability.
3. Closure and Ending
   The ending is bittersweet but may feel unsatisfying to some. Instead of a neatly tied-up conclusion, the book leans into realism, leaving questions open. Some readers may appreciate this honesty, but others might feel it cuts the story short.

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🎯 Overall Impression

Can We Be Strangers Again? is not about perfect love; it’s about real relationships—messy, complicated, and sometimes heartbreaking. Shrijeet Shandilya captures the emotional turbulence of young adulthood with honesty, even if his narrative occasionally stumbles on clichés.

The novel is best suited for readers who enjoy emotional storytelling over complex plots. It’s a quick, heartfelt read for those who want to relive the intensity of college friendships, the sting of betrayal, and the bittersweet nature of love lost.

If you are a fan of writers like Colleen Hoover, Ravinder Singh, or Durjoy Datta, you will find this book familiar yet engaging. On the other hand, readers who prefer layered characters, unpredictable plots, or literary depth may find it too light.

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⭐ Final Rating

4 out of 5 stars

• ★★★★☆ for relatability, emotions, and accessibility
• ★ deducted for predictability and lack of character depth

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✅ Verdict:

If you’re looking for a book that speaks to your heart rather than your intellect, Can We Be Strangers Again? is a worthy addition to your reading list. It may not break new ground in the romance genre, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do—make you feel, remember, and reflect on the relationships that shape us.