Micro Review: Joy of Missing Out by Niharika Nigam

In ‘Joy of Missing Out’, author Niharika Nigam takes readers to the life of Nanki Mehta who is on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Set first in Delhi and then Rishikesh, the novel features four main characters - Nanki, her husband, her boss Jaya, and ‘soul-guru’ and a Bungy instructor named River.

The story follows Nanki, a 32-year-old Brand Strategist, as she grapples with the suffocating confines of a seemingly perfect life.

At the heart of the story is Nanki's need for happiness and meaning in a seemingly mundane, and ‘regular’ life. She has developed a sense of familiarity with her routine existence, but her heart says she wants more. Through her encounters with people like River, the Bungy Jump Master, and the noble efforts of the Dharma foundation in the face of a pandemic, Nanki starts on a transformative journey of introspection and courage.

The story beautifully blends themes of existentialism, societal expectations, and the power of human connection in the hardest times. Nanki's inner turmoil and ultimate realisation serve as reminders of the importance of being authentic to yourself and loving yourself even when life turns complex and things seem blurry.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of Rishikesh as more than just a destination but as a metaphorical bridge to self-discovery. As Nanki immerses herself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the sacred space, she finds solace and inspiration in unexpected places.

The character development in the novel is also compelling, with Nanki's journey feeling very familiar to readers as she confronts her fears, embraces change, and redefines her priorities. Her relationship with River serves as a ladder to her growth, as he is the one to provide her with fresh, out-of-the-box perspectives on courage, faith, and the pursuit of happiness. River becomes the man who helps her take her leap of faith in both the Bungy ride and her life.

Another area that the novel treads on is the concept of not being afraid when it comes to starting something new. In the novel, the news came in the form of social entrepreneurship. When Nanki finds that noble causes are becoming more and less funded owing to the viral disease, she decides to not let go of her journey and rather just tweak it a bit by sharing responsibilities. Nanki's transformation from a corporate professional to a champion of social causes underscores the transformative power of purpose-driven work.

In the end, ‘Joy of Missing Out’ is not merely a tale of physical travel but also the emotional and spiritual journey of our now beloved character Nanki towards self-realisation. As Nanki takes her leap of faith, readers are reminded of the universal longing for belonging and the enduring significance of home, wherever it may be found.



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