Vikram Dutt

In 31 miles Vinita has given a fresh dimension to the definition of an affair. In our current understanding, an affair is linked with physicality. She has very creatively and imaginatively, explored the realm of the psyche getting involved, through an online affair. Very interesting. And what is more invasive? Body or the mind? A love affair involves both body and mind. But an affair? Only the body. And an online affair? Only the mind? Or thoughts? Or psyche! Vinita becomes an explorer in the book where the protagonist, a loving wife and mother, learns computers to better utilise her time; and gets into an online affair, across the globe. She, here in New Delhi and the 'online-lover' in California. Does she give an answer? Read it, experience it, live it out in your thoughts... 31 miles is one of the most amazing books I have read in the recent past, comparing favourably with 'The girl on the train' for the unusual quality of the plot. In today's digital world with computers and tablets and smartphones and internet ruling our lives, Vinita takes us a step forward...into our psyche, in such a digital world. Without defining it, she subtly (and maybe unknowingly) differentiates between the mind and the psyche. Dr. Wilder Penfield, a leading neurologist and considered the father of micro-neurosurgery, wrote the epochal 'Mystery of the Mind' about half a century ago, where he made the distinction between the mind - a metaphysical entity - and the brain...a totally definable physical organ of the human body. The brain is in the skull. And the mind? In the brain? Or does it share residential space within the heart? So too does Vinita force the reader to explore emotions. Are they a synonym for the Psyche? Or is it entirely metaphysical... It is intriguing. Especially when she introduces a spiritual guru as a possible solution to the protagonist's troubled emotions (or psyche?) when a 31 miles drive, to give a physical add-on to the virtual friendship, is not taken in the verdant romantic Switzerland, leaving her disturbed, almost shattered. Disturbed enough to seek a metaphysical or spiritual guru...on the recommendation of a friend who relates her 'chilled-out' attitude to this Guru Ma. The protagonist, and some aspects of her life are such that almost every reader can identify with them: she is a conventionally successful person, with a doting husband, loving daughter, transitioning to a successful business person and entrepreneur, yet with voids within her. Where do these voids occupy their abode? Heart, soul, mind, even body, psyche, emotions? Read 31 miles and make your personalized judgement. This is the beauty of Vinita's mind and creativity, transcreated through her words, that it encourages every readers' personal response. Highly recommended... teenagers upwards!