A family in Pune, trying to find a new source of income. An empty room with a separate entrance that still smells of the balm used by the now dead grandparents. A young, handsome paying guest. A closeted young man and his sister in love with the same man.⠀
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I finished this book less than an hour ago. But I am still half immersed in that world. Cobalt Blue is a beautiful, lyrical story of love and heartbreak, of passion and betrayal.⠀
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The book is divided into two parts. The first, narrated by the brother, Tanay, is addressed to the unnamed paying guest. It is a monologue, fluid and repetitive, trying to make sense of why his lover eloped with his sister. The second, narrated by the sister, Anuja, is in the form of diary entries. It begins six months after she ran away with the elusive paying guest, who has not left her without any reason or warning. She deals with her depression and suicidal thoughts by writing in her diary, as suggested by her psychiatrist.⠀
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While both the siblings went through heartbreaking betrayals, Anuja still has the support (somewhat) of her family. Tanay, on the other hand, has to deal with his feelings on his own because he is not out to his family. To them, he is just sad that his sister ran away.⠀

This book is about love and heartbreak, passion and betrayal. But more than that it is about self discovery, it is about family and society, it is about hiding your identity from your loved ones, it is about depression and self love. ⠀
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The book gives no neat ending, rather it leaves you with more questions than answers. For me this was an added charm that made the characters and their story more real and thus more painful.⠀
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It is a beautiful coming of age story that deals with homosexuality in such a mature way. The prose will sweep you off your feet. Special mention for the amazing translation done by Jerry Pinto. It is eloquent and refined, and keeps the delicate emotions intact. Highly recommend!