The book is a collection of seven stories that are written in a superbly simple manner. The complexities of each character in the seven fables are remarkable, as each one induces a sumptuous amount of awe. The stories pull out an array of emotions that fluctuates with every turned page.

The first story of Percy underlines that everyone, at some point in life, finds the one thing that liberates him or her. Percy feels that way about music ­- it leaves a soul-stirring effect on him and helps him to break through his cocoon. The titular chapter Passion Flower shows how, in the hustle and bustle of life, Anand chooses the allure of the mysterious over his real problems.

Each plot has its own eccentricity and after a few pages, it gives the reader a sense of kinship with the characters, which is entirely due to the way these characters grow. This kind of prose makes the book a fresh read, though I did feel like a few stories ended too soon. Take the chapter Two Angry Men – the plot seemed to have been just building up, but then it just ends – so very abruptly, leaving me wondering what would have happened next.

But out and out, this piece of literature is well balanced and offers up a mixed bag of emotions.

Searching for stories that you can finish in a jiffy but still relish? Look no further than our list here!