I picked up L o v e is NOT Child’s P L A Y expecting a short, stage-ready story and that is exactly what it is. The book is written as a play and meant to be performed, so the whole thing reads like scenes on a stage rather than a traditional novel.
What the story is about
At the centre is Satbir, raised by his single mother Mimi, and surrounded by neighbours and a few close friends who shape his childhood. The play uses a simple beach-and-sand image to talk about how love can be soft and coarse at the same time, and it moves through different moments of Satbir’s life as adults return and choices about love and loyalty take shape. The story is told in dialogue, so scenes focus on moments and conversations rather than long descriptions.
Characters and relationships
I liked how the characters feel lived-in even in short scenes. Mimi, the neighbours Mr and Mrs Balsara, Satbir’s friend Harry and the helpful uncle Freddy all add pieces to Satbir’s world. Because the play is compact, every interaction counts and the supporting cast helps explain why Satbir is the way he is without heavy exposition.
Style and stagecraft
The writing is lean and meant for performance. That gives the book a natural rhythm that works well if you imagine it onstage. Lines land quickly, emotions are shown rather than explained, and the beach metaphor keeps returning in small, effective ways. The playlike structure is its strength if you prefer scenes and dialogue over long internal monologue.
How it made me feel
Reading this felt like watching a quiet play where small moments add up to something tender and a bit sad. I found myself caring for Satbir and wanting the people around him to be kinder or clearer. The emotional beats stayed with me after I closed the book, which for me is a sign it worked. No flashy twists, just honest small scenes that add up.
A very small critique
If I must be picky, sometimes I wanted one or two scenes to be stretched a little more so I could stay longer in them. That is a tiny wish because the focused, theatrical style is clearly intentional. Overall the storytelling felt complete, but a little extra room in a couple of scenes would have made me happier.
Final takeaway
If you enjoy short, stageable dramas told through dialogue and honest moments, this is a gentle, effective read. It does what it sets out to do: explore the shape of love and truth through a few strong characters and a simple, repeatable image. I recommend it to anyone who likes plays or short, character-driven stories.
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