Review of "The Old Rose Villa" by Tuula Pere

Score: 93/100 (9.3 out of 10)

There are seasons to life.
We grow, we evolve, we change.
We see loved ones grow older, decrease in health, and eventually pass away.

But some things remain: lasting memories, influences, and impacts.
And, sometimes, something sentimental and special like a car, a painting, a necklace, or a house.

The Old Rose Villa is a beautiful children's book that explores the flow and seasons of life. It reflects on how, despite how much things might change, some things will always last and remain the same.

The book follows Mihir. As a young boy, Mihir saw how hard his parents worked and struggled just to make ends meet. His dad, a bricklayer, often had sore hands and gradually developed a hunched back. Due to how much Mihir's parents worked, it seems as though Mihir spent a lot of time by himself studying and occasionally roaming. During one of these roaming times, while crossing a bridge, he seems to have an existential moment: If I fall, will anyone notice?

But he's soon reminded how hard his parents are working to put him through school and allow his freedom.

In time, Mihir graduates from engineering school and becomes rather wealthy (or, at least, well to do). He pays it forward to his parents and purchases an old rose villa for them to live in. He even hires servants for them, Satvant and Satuya, who come with their son, Barak.

Over the time, the house becomes a home—and more. It becomes a symbol of the memories and time these loving people get/got to spend together. It becomes a gathering place, a place where Mihir and the others can retreat to and find sanctuary/comfort when they're tired and weary.

The villa also represents having made it and having lived the dream of providing a home and a good life for the parents who gave their all to give you yours.

Gradually, time takes its course. Love ones age and pass away in the house.

And a lingering question keeps returning: what should Mihir do with the house? Should he sell it? Keep it?

We have a suspicion that this book may be based on real events and real people. And just like real events and real people, they don't necessarily take a linear or expected course. Yes, there are patterns, but a lot of this book seems to skip around. It can feel a little unmoored and unfocused, especially when the servants are introduced. They become characters unto themselves, becoming difficult to follow for a little while.

However, that doesn't detract from the positive things we felt about this book. If anything, this book really made us feel a sense of appreciation. It made us think about our parents and what they went through to keep us afloat. It made us value being able to provide for ourselves and our loved ones.

For that, this book deserves a lot of credit.

Check it out on Amazon!