In this insightful interview, author Preeti Shenoy takes us deeper into the world of Alka, the complex and compelling protagonist from her previous novel A Place Called Home, with the release of its sequel, The Homecoming. As Alka’s journey continues, Shenoy explores the intricacies of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, unraveling the emotional and moral dilemmas that define her character. With her signature storytelling style, Shenoy delves into the themes of buried secrets, the weight of responsibility, and the search for identity, all set against the evocative backdrop of a coffee estate. In this conversation, she shares her creative process, her approach to developing Alka’s character, and the inspiration behind the narrative that resonates so deeply with her readers.
1. “The Homecoming” delves deeper into Alka’s life after ‘A Place Called Home’, continuing Alka’s journey. What inspired you to revisit her story, and how did you approach developing her character further in this sequel?
Some love stories don’t end—they linger, evolve, and grow deeper. Alka and Krish’s story is one such tale. Alka’s decision to walk away from Krish and marry his brother, Subbu, was poignant, yet provocative. It was a choice that tied her even closer to Krish, making her life an intricate web of love, duty, and suppressed emotions.
To understand Alka’s choices, we need to delve into her past—the insecurities of being a maid’s daughter with no financial stability, her deep yearning for ‘a place to called home’, and the price she had to pay to achieve it set the tone for a very complex story. Her struggles shaped her into a fascinating character– ruthless in her ambitions yet deeply empathetic, loving and efficient as a mother, loyal as a wife, and yet deeply human in her own unspoken needs and desires.
What happens to love when it is buried under the weight of responsibility? Can it truly be silenced, or does it lie dormant, waiting for the right moment to emerge? These questions compelled me to revisit her story. Alka is one of the most layered characters I’ve written—her dualities, conflicts, and desires needed to be explored further. With The Homecoming, I was able to dive deeper into her world, bringing her journey full circle while uncovering new dimensions of her character.
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2. This novel highlights intricate human emotions and relationships, particularly Alka’s bond with Subbu and her feelings for Krish. How did you balance the themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal to keep the story relatable and emotionally impactful?
All of us navigate similar choices in life. Being married to someone doesn’t mean you’ll never feel attracted to someone else—it’s a human reality that many of us silently grapple with. In India, especially, family often takes precedence over everything else. It can be incredibly challenging to maintain your individuality while fulfilling familial expectations. In doing so, we sometimes lose a part of ourselves, and this quiet sense of loss is what I wanted to explore through Alka’s journey.
At the same time, human desires don’t simply disappear. We yearn for what we want, and at some point, we’re faced with a critical question: when do we start listening to our own hearts, even if it means embracing a love that feels forbidden? Alka’s choices are born not only from this inner conflict but also the situations she goes through and the curveballs life throws her.t. Her journey is a reflection of the push and pull between duty and desire. It makes us realise as universal truth –that in the end, we are all flawed, imperfect beings.
When Alka makes her choices, we understand her. We don’t judge her, because life often places us in situations that make us do things we never thought we were capable of. That’s the beauty of being human—the unpredictability, the vulnerability, and the way circumstances shape our decisions. I wanted to capture this complexity in a way that felt honest and relatable, and I’m glad that Alka’s story resonates with these emotions.
3. The book addresses the weight of buried secrets and how they shape lives. How did you approach writing about the consequences of these revelations, and what message do you hope readers take away about love and forgiveness?
Secrets are fascinating because they have the power to protect and destroy in equal measure. In The Homecoming, I focused on how these buried truths impact the characters’ relationships and their sense of self. Writing about their consequences required a lot of introspection, empathy and getting into my own head in a way I never have done before. I wanted to show not just the pain but also the liberation that can come from facing the truth and accepting what we truly feel. I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves and I hope it makes them reflect on the choices they gave made in the lives, and that they have gained from it. I also hope they see how love and acceptance can heal even the deepest wounds.
4. The coffee estate and its surroundings play a significant role in the story, almost becoming a character. What was your creative process for bringing the setting to life, and why was it important to the story?
I’ve always been fascinated by coffee estates. Growing up, my father’s job in Karnataka often involved traveling to small towns, and some of my fondest childhood memories are from those journeys. During our summer vacations, he would take us along. My brother and I would sit in the back seat of the Ambassador car while my mother sat in the front. With no seat belts back then, we’d gleefully slide from one end of the seat to the other, shouting “Wheee!” as he expertly navigated the hairpin bends. Those vivid memories left a deep impression on me, with the lush greenery and serene beauty of the coffee estates becoming an indelible part of my happy memories. For The Homecoming, I revisited these estates many times to bring authenticity to the story. I travelled to places like Sakleshpur and Chickmaglur, where the novel is set, spoke to coffee planters, and immersed myself in their world. I made extensive notes, observed the daily life on the plantations, and incorporated small details that I learned through conversations with people who’ve lived and worked there for generations.
The biggest compliment I received was from the grandfather of one of my daughter’s friends—a seasoned coffee planter—who told me the depiction felt incredibly authentic. Hearing that reassured me that the effort I put into researching, traveling, and understanding this world truly paid off.
The setting was more than just a backdrop; it was integral to the story. The isolation of the estate mirrored Alka’s emotional journey, while its beauty and tranquillity contrasted with the turmoil within her. Thus, the coffee estate became a character in its own right, shaping the narrative and adding depth to the themes of belonging, escape, and introspection.
Also Read: Book Review: The Homecoming by Preeti Shenoy
5. Your readers often praise how your writing makes them feel part of the story. How do you ensure that even minor details—like interiors or daily life on the estate—resonate so deeply with your audience? And how does reader feedback influence your work?
For me, the details make all the difference. Whether it’s the texture of a curtain swaying in the breeze or the rhythmic sound of coffee beans being sorted, I have always strived to create scenes that feel vivid and immersive. It requires careful observation and weaving sensory elements into the narrative in a way that enhances the story without overpowering it.
I’m also an artist—I paint and sketch scenes from life, a practice that demands immense focus. Without realizing it, this habit has deeply influenced my writing, sharpening my ability to notice and capture the small yet significant details that bring a story to life. I’ve always been a naturally observant person, even as a child, and this trait has probably played a role in shaping my storytelling.
As for reader feedback, while I’m crafting a narrative, I don’t consciously think about it. When I’m immersed in writing, my sole focus is on making the story as authentic and true to the characters as possible. But once the book is out, I’m always deeply moved by how much it resonates with readers. Their connection to the story and their love for my work mean the world to me. Therefore it is not so much that reader feedback influences my writing directly, but it does so indirectly as it fills me with immense gratitude. My readers are incredibly supportive—they wait eagerly for my books, bring thoughtful gifts, and shower me with love. Knowing that my words have touched their lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer, and I feel truly blessed to have such a loyal and loving audience.
6. What is the most recent book you’ve read, and what are your thoughts on it?
I read a lot and share book reviews on my Instagram highlights, where I’ve reviewed over 200 books so far. Instead of the most recent book, I’d love to mention my top five reads of the year:
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle: A powerful exploration of breaking free from societal expectations.
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: A beautiful story of friendship and creativity.
- Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent: A dark and gripping tale that stayed with me.
- Rabbit and Squirrel and The Last Song of Dusk by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi: Both are poignant, lyrical, and deeply moving.
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami: As I’ve recently taken up running, this resonated with me on many levels.
