Wish I Could Tell You Review: Synopsis, Themes, Writing Style, and More

Is it possible to love someone wholeheartedly, you’ve never even met? This intriguing question is what lies at the heart of the novel Wish I Could Tell You by Durjoy Datta. However, a book by Datta can never be a typical romance story; for me, it’s always about expecting the unexpected. 

This love story of Anusha and Ananth unfolds in the most unusual way, which kept me invested from start to end. With the turning pages, I find this novel to be emotional and refreshing from Datta’s earlier works. Although I finished this in one sitting, it has stayed with me. In this Wish I Could Tell You review, I present my unbiased opinion about the novel, where it sits right, where it falls short, and whether this book deserves a place in your to-be-read pile or not. 

A Quick Synopsis of Wish I Could Tell You By Durjoy Datta 

“The world doesn’t run on moral logic”. Wish I Could Tell You by Durjoy Datta centres on two characters: Anusha, a deeply heartbroken individual and aspiring writer who views the world through a cynical lens due to her past trauma, and Ananth, formerly Gautam, the most hated boy on Twitter, who believes that no life is unworthy of saving. 

Anusha, who was soon transferred from the entertainment department to the medical department, was given her next big project of raising funds for Gautam/Ananth. While researching about him, she discovers that Gautam suffers from emotional repression caused by childhood trauma, which affects his behaviour online and offline. 

Despite her efforts, the fundraising campaign for Gautam faces backlash as a result of his negative public image. What happens afterwards leaves their lives completely entangled. What happens to Gautam? Will Anusha be able to raise funds for him? 

What I Loved About the Plot?

Personally, I loved the plot because, unlike many cheesy romance novels, the idea of romance here is interesting. The characters are playing double roles, and the mention of social media, online trolling, and fundraising makes it altogether more interesting. 

The presence of social media and its consequences resonates deeply with the young-adult audience, continuously learning how to navigate this sensitive world. It cannot be more accurate in today’s world.

Themes and Emotional Depth in Durjoy Datta’s Wish I Could Tell You 

Although Durjoy Datta is known for his contemporary romance writing, the true Datta fans know that with romance, he raises multiple ethical questions about the contemporary world and the society we inhabit today. 

Here are the themes I find emotionally resonating: 

1. Digital Charity, Modern Philanthropy, and Empathy 

Like many of Datta’s novels, this one also raises ethical questions about sensitive topics, such as fundraising and how much of digital charity nowadays relies on performative storytelling, rather than raising genuine issues. Similarly, a lot of ongoing social media trolling blurs the line between truth and illusion, while individuals are highly influenced by judgments in this virtual world. 

2. Love That Goes Beyond Physical Presence 

The novel features multiple transitions of characters, which intertwine their lives. Being fully committed to a person, despite never truly knowing each other, I believe this emotional intimacy is presented beautifully in the novel through the characters of Anusha and Ananth.

Thoughts on the Protagonists of Wish I Could Tell You: Anusha and Ananth 

Anusha and Ananth, the protagonists of Wish I Could Tell You, have been my favourite Datta characters, so far. Being opposites yet complementing each other, flawed but relatable, are certain qualities that I truly cherish and resonate well with me. 

The aspects I liked about the protagonists of Wish I Could Tell You: 

1. Polar Opposites 

Although Anusha and Anantha are quite opposite to each other, one has an almost cynical point of view, while the other is kind and believes that everyone deserves help, they complement each other really well. Throughout the novel, they never met each other, but their lives are entwined by the circumstances beyond their control. Personally, this unconventional narrative and romance feel more psychological and personal.   

2. Flawed yet Relatable 

One thing that I truly cherish about Durjoy Datta’s writing is his solid presentation of characters that are flawed yet relatable. He does not sugarcoat situations or characters; rather presents them with their reality. 

Here, Anusha was a flawed character; she was unapologetic in her means of raising funds, and similarly, Gautam was a character who was inherently insensitive in his tweets. However, both characters were shaped by their past traumas. Their flaws make them believable and allow readers to witness a genuine character development rather than an idealized romance. 

Durjoy Datta’s Writing Style in Wish I Could Tell You 

Durjoy Datta is known for his simple and conversational writing style that resonates with most of the audiences. His simple yet meaningful dialogue, fast-paced narrative, and relatable, practical characters enable his writing to go beyond the clichéd idea of romance and explore multiple contemporary themes, such as the virtual and real worlds, modern dating, relationships, mental health, Indian society, and more. 

What impressed me the most about the writing style in this novel is: 

• The language is simple, conversational, and flowy, rather than dictionary-heavy. 
• The novel follows a multi-POV structure, which means the novel shifts between Ananth and Anusha’s perspectives, enabling the audience to get counter viewpoints. 
• Emphasises the character’s raw emotions and internal struggles. 
• Focuses on contemporary issues of the digital age, morality, social media interactions, and fundraising campaigns. 

Final Verdict: Is “Wish I Could Tell You” Worth Reading 

Yes, the novel “Wish I Could Tell You” definitely deserves a place in your to-be-read list. Unlike many other cliched romance novels, the plot here is unconventional. The characters have double roles to play, although they truly never meet each other, their lives become deeply intertwined. While Anusha is cynical and looking for a big cause to support, there stands a polar opposite character, Ananth, who believes no life is unworthy of saving. 

If you’re someone tired of cheesy and glorified romance, then Wish I Could Tell You definitely deserves your time because the characterisation is solid, their transition in the book is perfect and seamless, which does not confuse the readers, it’s completely non-chaotic, perfect for beginner readers, and for someone looking for a fresh concept in Indian romance. 

Readers Who Will Enjoy Wish I Could Tell You: 

• Fans of Durjoy Datta’s fast-paced writing and romance fiction. 
• Readers looking for new and uncovered themes in romance fiction. 
• Beginners
• Young-adult audience navigating social media, trolls, and more. 

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