A heartwarming tale about Maral, an abandon fawn and his wise and his older friend Bilge who is a gnome, whose been taking care of Maral. The tale is a journey in their forest that Maral and Bilge takes to find out what nature can teach them not only about the forest but what wisdom each tree and animal reveals. The forest and its being teach the two about love, strength, courage, friendship and endurance when you feel you can't. The tale also teaches about sharing, curiosity and that life changes for all of us, but it's ok. It's just a lovely feel good story.
This is a quick read book that can be enjoy by anyone who loves nature. The tale will also make you feel warm and cozy after you read it. This can be read by a child but an adult should be there to explain some of the forest offerings if need be.

I want to Thank Riya Aarini and NetGalley for an advance copy of this enchanting story.

Finished reading 3 April - 12 May 2022

Less than 5-word critique; Educational, compelling, and heartwarming.

"Maral and the Wisdom of the Forest: A Quest for Truth" by Riya Aarini is a beautiful tale about friendship, wisdom, and nature. One that readers of all ages can learn from, thanks to the experiences of the main characters. And it's a great book to get out of a reading slump as it is a novella less than 170 pages.

The story follows Maral, a curious deer who explores her part of the natural world along with her wise and kind mentor and best friend; a gnome as he teaches her important life lessons.

Aarini's writing is excellent.
The main characters you'll likely fall in love with instantly and root for them during their journey.
Stunning natural imagery empowered by the words.

Recommended to those who enjoy;

*"Bambi" vibes without the sad elements.
*Nature.
*Soul-searching.
*Fantasy.
*Strong and complex characters.
*Feel-good stories.

Maral and the Wisdom of the Forest: A Quest for Truth by Riya Aarini.

cI read this novella over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed. It follows Maral, an abandoned fawn who goes on a journey of self discovery with a wise gnome named Bilge. Bilge teaches Maral that you don't need to be someone else, or wish to be someone else if you can learn to be like the inhabitants of the Forest.
In each chapter Maral learns to 'Be like the...(insert plant name here)'

'Be like the Sap of the Maple Tree: abundant and sweet. Be a sweet as the maple sap but not any sweeter. By being too sweet, you lose yourself, and you never want to lose yourself.'

Be like the Willow. "Even the strongest of forest animals must learn to be gentle as the willow tree - brute fore is no match for the strength of a kind heart"

At only 106 pages this was short and sweet and has such a lovely lesson to learn.

"Sweetness from an impure place is nothing but weakness. Kindness requires inner strength and selfless intentions- and the intended recipient is sure to instantly detect both."

A lovely spiritual book which I believe deserves 5⭐ 😊

Thank you @netgalley for the review copy of this book.

Thank you Riya Aarini and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for a review.

This novella is a cute tale of learning from the wisdom of the forest, with a bit of adventure. I only wish it had been a full length novel.