In a Time of Fools by Kelly Unger is a compelling thought-provoking YA romance with cross culture as its major theme. It throughout the plotline explores the complexities and uncertainties of love, imagination and perception of naïve hearts. If love is unquenchable, undefeatable, and undefiled, but how’s that tested by fate? Get to know all of this – you must follow Lena and Aakash. The story centers around them–students pursuing a musical degree in Madison, Wisconsin, the USA.

For them it is ‘liking at first sight’. It happens, so common during college days. Lena is free from local cumbersome issues, while Aakash is rooting for Indian friends and amiable hospitality in a foreign country. Lena comforts him psychologically and emotionally. However, love is in the air. They forget their past for while being together in the college, bloom in love, enjoying the moments, the days of college campus… but their destiny is seeking them?

Aakash’s father is unwell in Bangalore, India. He is aware of the situation. He might go back and never return. Thus, soon they sink beneath the weight of their different world’s realities; they cling harder to their uncertain relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie for them. Cultures and families begin to infiltrate their tethering love, posing new challenges. Will they realize the heat of distance in countries, families, beliefs, and cultures? 

The writing style of Kelly gives readers a unique and persuasive perspective into the inner workings of Lena and Aakash and the way they both perceive the world when together in Madison and way with their families. Silently, there run elements of contrast and imagination and the reality of life. The farrago of feelings in such type of diversified romance is well-crafted and this adds depth to characterizing.

Broodingly, this was a bitter sweet pragmatic YA cross-cultural romance. Dual POV! Great representation of the college community in Madison, United States. Love, friendship, and music is a nice celebration of all these clubbed up themes. You will love the music it discussed throughout the first part. And in the second part depth-dealing with a single parent with a mental health condition, and another character dealing with the pressure and trauma of the Indian society and family’s restraining values. Loved the themes and writing style.

The ending pinpoints that spell of loneliness and aloofness bring tears. The author depicts the complexity of love and highlights the difference between one’s beliefs and actions based on culture and family upbringing. The novel stays relevant even now as things haven’t changed much in today’s age with love and marriage.