Title: Beyond the Fields
Author: Sharin Bhatti
Publication Date: July 3, 2026
Publisher: Independently Published
Format Read: Kindle e-book
Genre: Literary Fiction
Authors put a ton of effort into their craft, so I try to include some independently published and self-published titles from time to time. That’s how I came to read Beyond the Fields by Sharin Bhatti.
It’s the story of Dipti, who has always dreamed of a life beyond her village. She starts a small business and finds love, and everything seems to be going just right… until it isn’t. One tragic event, in particular, sends her reeling and forces her to begin again. Although the road ahead is difficult, Dipti discovers the courage, and the support, to rebuild her life.
The story is told through a close third-person perspective centered on Dipti. I could tell the author felt a strong connection to her during the writing process, as she’s easily the most well-developed character in the novel. I was invested in her journey and eager to see how she would overcome the hardships she faced. That said, I would have liked to see more complexity from Dipti herself, as well as from the supporting cast.
I love reading books set in India. It’s such a vast country with incredible diversity, and I usually come away having learned something new while feeling immersed in the setting. I didn’t quite get that experience here. The foundation of the story is strong, but it felt a bit thin in its execution. Richer descriptions of the setting and deeper character development would have made the world feel more vivid.
The prose is accessible and emotionally grounded, making it easy to connect with Dipti’s journey. While the storytelling is sincere and engaging, I noticed a few recurring sentence patterns that became somewhat repetitive over the course of the novel.
At fewer than 200 pages, Beyond the Fields is an easy one or two-sitting read. Dipti is a genuinely likable protagonist whose hardships stirred my empathy, and her resilience is impossible not to admire. This story is best suited for readers who enjoy uplifting stories of resilience and second chances, appreciate hopeful novels about rebuilding after loss, or are simply looking for a quick, heartfelt read.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓— hopeful and heartfelt
Click here to learn more about Beyond the Fields and Sharin Bhatti.
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I read a digital copy made available by Sharin Bhatti, and this review reflects my honest opinion.