Magic in Errors by Sneha Babu
What's It About?
Sneha Babu's debut is a testament to the magic of storytelling and its ability to weave a powerful narrative in just a few pages.Magic in Errors by Sneha Babu seems to transcend both time and space as it looks into the lives of six individuals, which are linked together by a seemingly insignificant neon-colored hair tie. While this simple hair accessory may come across as insignificant, Magic in Errors reveals how important an everyday, trivial object can be, especially as it passes through the hands of strangers, friends, and even enemies. While this book is a quick read, it packs a powerful punch! Magic in Errors will take readers on an emotional and utterly engrossing journey that dives headfirst into a tapestry of human emotions and experiences.
An Intricate Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption
The novella starts off on July 14, 2023, as the world mourns the tragic loss of Evelyn Charles, a legendary celebrity ensnared by substance abuse. Dr. Irwin — whose valiant efforts in the ICU culminate in the heart-wrenching public announcement of Evelyn’s passing — and Inspector Aanjaney Iyer are pivotal in trying to find out what happened to her. A few days before, on July 11, Raahil, an eight-year-old facing adversity, crosses paths with Amina, kindling dreams of a brighter future.
Readers then jump forward in time again to watch Inspector Aanjaney Iyer embark on an investigation with pathologist Linda Mathew, unearthing unsettling clues in Evelyn’s autopsy report, deepening their connection amidst unexpected demands.
A flashback to August 22, 2020, shows Evelyn and her lover contemplating a future marked by vivacity and spontaneity. The narrative beautifully intertwines two stories of love and loss: Evelyn’s quest for love, resulting in a tearful parting with her partner, and young Raahil’s compassionate nature as he rushes to aid an injured girl.
Magic in Errors then transitions to Ayaana, a successful musician finding a glimmer of hope through a chance encounter with a cab driver. Simultaneously, Aanjaney’s past love for Evelyn resurfaces, leading to a bittersweet hospital reunion, resonating with complex emotions and understanding.
Complex Characters in a Compact Tale
Magic in Errors boasts a remarkable array of complex characters, each navigating their own challenges — from the slum boy Raahil to the celebrity Evelyn Charles. And Babu deftly paints their diverse lives, making them relatable and memorable. Readers will become immersed in the emotional turmoil of the characters, feeling their pain, love, joy, trauma, depression, and anger as they feel it.
What’s more, Magic in Errors challenges readers through these characters to consider the profound impact of what our actions have on the lives of those we come across in our day-to-day lives. It’s a stark reminder that seemingly trivial interactions and objects has an impact on others, and showcases how connected we are in this chaotic world.
A Grip on Human Connection
Sneha Babu’s debut is a testament to the magic of storytelling and its ability to weave a powerful narrative in just a few pages. The way this novella engages the reader while the tale unfolds its rich, captivating narrative is an impressive feat. The lingering idea of how actions and interactions can affect others, however, is what I found the most impactful. After all, one smile can change a person’s day …
Sneha Babu did an outstanding job with Magic in Errors because it is both engrossing and memorable. The story may prompt its readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of life, but it mostly reminds me of the spirit of Ubuntu — an African philosophy that basically means “I am because we are” — and its importance in the grand scheme of things. All in all, Magic of Errors is a compelling and thought-provoking read that is sure to leave a lasting impression, and I highly recommend taking a chance on it!
About Sneha Babu:
Born and raised in India, Sneha Babu is a 25-year-old STEM major, co-founder of a feminist media company by day and author by night. A few years ago, she plotted the trajectory of this story during a discrete mathematics class (there was a flow chart involved). Sneha did not know it then but she had created something that would go on to heal her future self. From trying to solve the climate crisis to smashing patriarchy, her life is an endless rollercoaster of daring dreams.
