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Monsoon Memories
“English rain smelt and tasted of nothing at all. It had none of the fury, the passion of the monsoons. Instead, it was weak; half-hearted.”
Exiled from her family in India for more than a decade, Shirin and her husband lead a comfortable but empty life in London.
Memories of her childhood – exotic fragrances, colours, stifling heat and tropical storms – fill Shirin with a familiar and growing ache for the land and the people that she loves.
With the recollections though, come dark clouds of scandal and secrets. Secrets that forced her to flee her old life and keep her from ever returning.
Thousands of miles away, in Bangalore, the daughter of Shirin’s brother discovers a lost, forgotten photograph. One that has escaped the flames.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts will set in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past and irrevocably change the path of the future.
An unforgettable journey through a mesmerizing, passionate land of contrasts – and a family whose story will touch your heart.
Exiled from her family in India for more than a decade, Shirin and her husband lead a comfortable but empty life in London.
Memories of her childhood – exotic fragrances, colours, stifling heat and tropical storms – fill Shirin with a familiar and growing ache for the land and the people that she loves.
With the recollections though, come dark clouds of scandal and secrets. Secrets that forced her to flee her old life and keep her from ever returning.
Thousands of miles away, in Bangalore, the daughter of Shirin’s brother discovers a lost, forgotten photograph. One that has escaped the flames.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts will set in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past and irrevocably change the path of the future.
An unforgettable journey through a mesmerizing, passionate land of contrasts – and a family whose story will touch your heart.
410 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2013
221 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
About the author
Renita D'Silva
20 books410 followersRenita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 1, 2014
Renita D'Silva makes a stunning debut with a book that has loss, longing and bittersweet memories at the heart of its story.
Shirin lives in London with her husband Vinod and yearns to go back home to India. However, she dreads being shunned by her family that cast her out after one tragic incident. Back in India, 11 year old Reena comes across an old photograph of her dad Deepak, aunt Anita and an unknown relative (who could only be an aunt) as she bears a striking resemblance to her. Reena is intrigued by the conspiracy of silence that surrounds this unknown aunt. And being an avid Nancy Drew fan, she sets about trying to discover her story. What unfolds is a family saga that is relatable and moving-- told from two points of view, Shirin's and Reena's.
Renita's storytelling is stunningly evocative and every scene is drenched with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes of India. While reading it, I was instantly transported into the Konkani culture and landscape. And yet, Renita tells a universal story about women and the crosses they bear, their unique strengths and flaws, their resilience and their ability to overcome humungous personal challenges. It's a heartbreaking story and yet a heartwarming one.
I would recommend it to those who know little about India and to those who live and breathe Indian essence. For both sets of readers, Monsoon Memories would be a wonderful journey of discoveries!
Shirin lives in London with her husband Vinod and yearns to go back home to India. However, she dreads being shunned by her family that cast her out after one tragic incident. Back in India, 11 year old Reena comes across an old photograph of her dad Deepak, aunt Anita and an unknown relative (who could only be an aunt) as she bears a striking resemblance to her. Reena is intrigued by the conspiracy of silence that surrounds this unknown aunt. And being an avid Nancy Drew fan, she sets about trying to discover her story. What unfolds is a family saga that is relatable and moving-- told from two points of view, Shirin's and Reena's.
Renita's storytelling is stunningly evocative and every scene is drenched with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes of India. While reading it, I was instantly transported into the Konkani culture and landscape. And yet, Renita tells a universal story about women and the crosses they bear, their unique strengths and flaws, their resilience and their ability to overcome humungous personal challenges. It's a heartbreaking story and yet a heartwarming one.
I would recommend it to those who know little about India and to those who live and breathe Indian essence. For both sets of readers, Monsoon Memories would be a wonderful journey of discoveries!
July 16, 2016
Heartwarming, Unforgettable, Intriguing & Endearing! A Wonderful Read! I Loved It!
April 15, 2014
Beautiful writing and storytelling that captures the sights, smells, and sounds of life in rural India and contrasts it with a more mundane existence in England. The two main characters, Shirin and Reena, are drawn with careful attention to detail. I particularly liked Reena's "detective casebook" narrative. As these two separate lives intertwine and the story unfolds, D'Silva does an excellent job with pacing that kept me engaged throughout the book. Along the way, I enjoyed a sensory feast, reliving the aromas of spices frying in the kitchen and the unmistakable, unique scent of damp earth just before the monsoon rains arrive. I highly recommend Monsoon Memories for anyone who appreciates Indian fiction.
December 6, 2016
Heart-touching story.
Good read!
Good read!
August 10, 2013
I was intrigued by the blurb when contacted by the publisher to see if I would be interested in reading this book. What follows is an unbiased review but I am really glad I was chosen to read this one as it has that unique something that makes it immensely readable.
Monsoon Memories is an evocative book describing the life of Reenu, an eleven year old girl. Reenu visits her Grandmother in Taipur and finds a picture of a girl hidden in the family photo album. Having decided to be a sleuth like her heroine Nancy Drew she is determined to find out who the girl is and why she has been erased from history. Far away in England working as a programmer is Shirin, a woman haunted by the past and torn between enjoying the happy memories of her life as a child in India and being afraid of acknowledging the events that led her to leave. Between them Shirin and Reenu tell us a painful story of a family torn apart.
The heart of this story is family relationships including all the variations. The characters are brilliant; I loved Aunt Anita, Madhau the servant and the spirited Reenu. The heat of India, the monsoons and the casual poverty that surrounds the family is well described, as is the food. In fact food seemed to be mentioned continually; illustrating how important it was to the structure of the day, I found this occasionally intrusive (possibly as I haven't eaten many of the Indian dishes described in loving detail.)
The structure of the story is measured and steady; at no point did I feel it was drawn out unnecessarily. The reader has different parts of the tale told from both Shirin's and Reenu's viewpoint which drew me in so that I was rooting for a happy ending for all the lovely characters, both minor and major bought to life in this book.
Monsoon Memories is an evocative book describing the life of Reenu, an eleven year old girl. Reenu visits her Grandmother in Taipur and finds a picture of a girl hidden in the family photo album. Having decided to be a sleuth like her heroine Nancy Drew she is determined to find out who the girl is and why she has been erased from history. Far away in England working as a programmer is Shirin, a woman haunted by the past and torn between enjoying the happy memories of her life as a child in India and being afraid of acknowledging the events that led her to leave. Between them Shirin and Reenu tell us a painful story of a family torn apart.
The heart of this story is family relationships including all the variations. The characters are brilliant; I loved Aunt Anita, Madhau the servant and the spirited Reenu. The heat of India, the monsoons and the casual poverty that surrounds the family is well described, as is the food. In fact food seemed to be mentioned continually; illustrating how important it was to the structure of the day, I found this occasionally intrusive (possibly as I haven't eaten many of the Indian dishes described in loving detail.)
The structure of the story is measured and steady; at no point did I feel it was drawn out unnecessarily. The reader has different parts of the tale told from both Shirin's and Reenu's viewpoint which drew me in so that I was rooting for a happy ending for all the lovely characters, both minor and major bought to life in this book.
June 16, 2013
Monsoon Memories by Renita D’Silva is a book for anyone who enjoys meandering through unfamiliar landscapes and discovering hidden secrets within them. The book effortlessly transports readers between England and India, painting each world with words and pulling us in with all of our senses. I found myself longing to be where “the coconut trees stood out in relief against the blanket of rain which muddied the courtyard that Madhu had diligently swept and tidied just that morning.”
Against these two very different settings, secrets are hidden deep within a family, and I spent much time curled up in the solitude of late night, devouring the pages to reach the explanation of them. The story started with a photo that Reena, a young girl had found. “Unlike the other pictures she had spent the afternoon flicking through, this one was creased and worn, as though someone had run their fingers across it many times and then folded it and tucked it away.” As I began to intimately know the characters and become comfortably calm in the story, another intriguing revelation would send me spiraling forward. D’Silva tells this story with elegance and skillfulness. I highly recommend it.
Against these two very different settings, secrets are hidden deep within a family, and I spent much time curled up in the solitude of late night, devouring the pages to reach the explanation of them. The story started with a photo that Reena, a young girl had found. “Unlike the other pictures she had spent the afternoon flicking through, this one was creased and worn, as though someone had run their fingers across it many times and then folded it and tucked it away.” As I began to intimately know the characters and become comfortably calm in the story, another intriguing revelation would send me spiraling forward. D’Silva tells this story with elegance and skillfulness. I highly recommend it.
May 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book - a moving, well paced read. I thought way the secrets in the story were gradually uncovered from two main characters pov's was a nice touch, and overall feel was very dreamy. I guessed the BIG SECRET reasonably early on, but it did not spoil the enjoyment of reading the rest of the book - in fact, I felt the references of unspoken of but implied events in the past were quite a draw. 4 stars and not 5 because for me there were too many unexplained Indian references - while it definitely gives the book authenticity and adds character, a few times I was not sure what is being referred to. All in all - great read, give it a try.
February 17, 2016
2000s: A life long ago in India – awoken with a lost forgotten photograph.
Visit the locations here - Booktrail of Monsoon memories
The contrast of countries, times and settings make for a poignant tale of homesickness and secrets. Shirin leads a rather empty life in London that she always compares to the colour and vibrancy of life in Bangalore. Even the rain is different:
“English rain smelt and tasted of nothing at all. It had none of the fury, the passion of the monsoons. Instead, it was weak; half-hearted.”
The secrets are wrapped up in the evocative and spectacular scenery and vibrancy of India. A faded photo is discovered by Reena who because of her love of Nancy Drew, is quick on the case of the mystery behind it.
And the story of Reena, the photo and Shirin’s past come to light slowly like layers of a sari, each fluttering in the warm Indian breeze. For Shirin India represents colour, exotic fragrances and warm fond memories. Oh the fabrics, the dusty streets, the children running along the dirt tracks, the humidity, and best of all the food. Food forms so many memories and home cooking in India is set out here as if you could just scratch the pages and breathe it in.
London in comparison is black and white and devoid of the heat and passion in the India scenes. As Shirin’s story of how she became an outcast come out, the lack of colours are even more pronounced. The cultural issues and traditions which are portrayed in the book are sensitively dealt with
As an overall look at India and its culture, family issues and the relationships between women, this is a table spread with delicacies of every kind.
Visit the locations here - Booktrail of Monsoon memories
The contrast of countries, times and settings make for a poignant tale of homesickness and secrets. Shirin leads a rather empty life in London that she always compares to the colour and vibrancy of life in Bangalore. Even the rain is different:
“English rain smelt and tasted of nothing at all. It had none of the fury, the passion of the monsoons. Instead, it was weak; half-hearted.”
The secrets are wrapped up in the evocative and spectacular scenery and vibrancy of India. A faded photo is discovered by Reena who because of her love of Nancy Drew, is quick on the case of the mystery behind it.
And the story of Reena, the photo and Shirin’s past come to light slowly like layers of a sari, each fluttering in the warm Indian breeze. For Shirin India represents colour, exotic fragrances and warm fond memories. Oh the fabrics, the dusty streets, the children running along the dirt tracks, the humidity, and best of all the food. Food forms so many memories and home cooking in India is set out here as if you could just scratch the pages and breathe it in.
London in comparison is black and white and devoid of the heat and passion in the India scenes. As Shirin’s story of how she became an outcast come out, the lack of colours are even more pronounced. The cultural issues and traditions which are portrayed in the book are sensitively dealt with
As an overall look at India and its culture, family issues and the relationships between women, this is a table spread with delicacies of every kind.
March 21, 2016
Alternating between the U.K. and India, the story revolves around Shirin who physically lives in London but is mentally and emotionally forever tied to her childhood and home country of India. Struggling with demons that never leave her, she is held hostage to and is held captive to secrets that haunt and threaten to consume her completely. Only the love and patience of her husband Vinod help ease her memories. In India, Shirin's young niece Reena is leading a carefree life until she discovers an old photo tucked away in a photo album. Fancying herself a detective and young sleuth in the form of a Nancy Drew, she begins to unearth the hidden secrets of her family that will bring with it consequences she could never have imagined. A novel that depicts on many levels how society fails to deal with social issues and untenable acts because of protecting a family's social standing or "face" in the community. While the story engaged and the theme was powerful, the writing didn't captivate my imagination nor beguile me, hence the three-star rating.
August 14, 2013
A great read! Told by two different characters (one woman and one 11 year old girl) in two different countries, it tells the story of an Indian family and how each of their lives were changed by one fateful day. The pacing of the story started a little slow for me, but definitely kept me intrigued once more of the plot surfaced. I had a little difficulty with all of the references to Indian food, but the descriptions of the different towns and people in India were well-done and helped me really visualize where the story was taking place. A great pick for anyone who enjoys stories of family bonds, secrets, Indian culture, and forgiveness.
September 9, 2016
Oh I've just finished reading this book and I'm struggling to find the right words to express how much I enjoyed reading it. This book is just amazing! I've read other books by the brilliant Renita D'Silva - all fabulous reads - but I hadn't yet read this book, her debut novel. Now after reading it, I can't actually believe this was her first book!!!
Through her beautiful exotic prose, this author has once again taken me on an emotional ride spanning continents. This is the story of a family divided in the name of values and honour. It is set in the UK and India - two countries that couldn't be more different.
"Her guilty secret. Her biggest regret."
Having practically escaped from her mother country, India, Shirin is now living in the UK with her husband Vinod. She has spent the last years struggling to cope with her sense of guilt and the repetitive nightmares and dreams of her past life. Overwhelmed by memories, she now longs to go back home and confront her demons. But sullying your family name is unforgivable. For her family, she's dead. What had she done to deserve this sort of punishment, to be banished away from home? Can Shirin ever be forgiven and accepted back in a family where religious and cultural values have strong roots?
"Every family has secrets... and they're there for a reason."
Back in India, we meet Reena, a young girl who finds an old photograph of a mysterious girl. Who is this girl? Why doesn't she show up in any of the other pictures? Why was the photo hidden? And why is everyone reluctant to talk about her? She's determined to find out who this girl was and so puts into practice her sharp detection skills to find this girl's identity. But Reena doesn't know that some truths are best kept hidden, buried.
The story goes back and forth in time as together with Shirin, we relive her memories. We are slowly led to one faithful night when Shirin's and all her family's lives have been turned upside down by tragedy.
All characters in the book are very realistic and I felt as if I've known them all my life. I felt sorry for Shirin, for what she has gone through. I wished I could alleviate her heartache somehow. I admired Vinod for his courage, love and determination. And I just loved little sweet Reena.
Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of visiting India, and thanks to Ms D'Silva's vivid colourful descriptions, whenever I read one of her books, it's as though my dream comes true again and again. This author brings India's tradition, culture, sceneries, its colours, sounds, smells and even its tastes to life. Everything expertly weaved within the main plot of a poignant, heartwarming story.
I could clearly imagine the coconut trees swaying in the wind by the river, the markets bustling with life, people selling and buying fresh exotic fruits and vegetables and aromatic spices. Bright coloured-sari-clad women looking for a good bargain. Stray cows milling around in the streets blocking traffic and a thousand other things. Not mentioning the mouth-watering food and recipes the author likes to add to practically every chapter... just to make me feel hungry. I actually googled some of the food mentioned and will make it a point to try some of it next time I visit my favourite Indian restaurant.
I so loved reading this book that when I turned the last page, after going through a beautiful, beautiful tear-jerking, satisfying ending, I ended up sad. I felt so part of Shirin's family that it was as though I was going away from my family home, leaving all my loved ones behind me in India.
This book is just fabulous and I highly recommend it!
Through her beautiful exotic prose, this author has once again taken me on an emotional ride spanning continents. This is the story of a family divided in the name of values and honour. It is set in the UK and India - two countries that couldn't be more different.
"Her guilty secret. Her biggest regret."
Having practically escaped from her mother country, India, Shirin is now living in the UK with her husband Vinod. She has spent the last years struggling to cope with her sense of guilt and the repetitive nightmares and dreams of her past life. Overwhelmed by memories, she now longs to go back home and confront her demons. But sullying your family name is unforgivable. For her family, she's dead. What had she done to deserve this sort of punishment, to be banished away from home? Can Shirin ever be forgiven and accepted back in a family where religious and cultural values have strong roots?
"Every family has secrets... and they're there for a reason."
Back in India, we meet Reena, a young girl who finds an old photograph of a mysterious girl. Who is this girl? Why doesn't she show up in any of the other pictures? Why was the photo hidden? And why is everyone reluctant to talk about her? She's determined to find out who this girl was and so puts into practice her sharp detection skills to find this girl's identity. But Reena doesn't know that some truths are best kept hidden, buried.
The story goes back and forth in time as together with Shirin, we relive her memories. We are slowly led to one faithful night when Shirin's and all her family's lives have been turned upside down by tragedy.
All characters in the book are very realistic and I felt as if I've known them all my life. I felt sorry for Shirin, for what she has gone through. I wished I could alleviate her heartache somehow. I admired Vinod for his courage, love and determination. And I just loved little sweet Reena.
Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of visiting India, and thanks to Ms D'Silva's vivid colourful descriptions, whenever I read one of her books, it's as though my dream comes true again and again. This author brings India's tradition, culture, sceneries, its colours, sounds, smells and even its tastes to life. Everything expertly weaved within the main plot of a poignant, heartwarming story.
I could clearly imagine the coconut trees swaying in the wind by the river, the markets bustling with life, people selling and buying fresh exotic fruits and vegetables and aromatic spices. Bright coloured-sari-clad women looking for a good bargain. Stray cows milling around in the streets blocking traffic and a thousand other things. Not mentioning the mouth-watering food and recipes the author likes to add to practically every chapter... just to make me feel hungry. I actually googled some of the food mentioned and will make it a point to try some of it next time I visit my favourite Indian restaurant.
I so loved reading this book that when I turned the last page, after going through a beautiful, beautiful tear-jerking, satisfying ending, I ended up sad. I felt so part of Shirin's family that it was as though I was going away from my family home, leaving all my loved ones behind me in India.
This book is just fabulous and I highly recommend it!
September 12, 2013
Story and Characters
A wonderfully dramatic and poignant debut novel from Renita D'Silva. I was captivated by the characters and their plight. I was intrigued by what deep secret could have torn the family apart. What caused Shirin so much grief that she was haunted by the Eyes that would follow her during her daydreams and nightmares? My heart broke for Shirin, she exiled herself to the UK but longed for her family in India but wondered if they could ever forgive her. I could empathize with young Reena, an only child in India, who stumbled on a photograph of this forgotten woman and was determined to find out more about her. I simply could not put this book down and although I figured out the secret about half way through, I had to know what would happen and if the family could resolve their issues.
I enjoyed how the author switched from Shirin's to Reena's perspective as they both inched their way closer to the truth. I was so enthralled with the book that it did not feel like a 400 page book (which I only realized when writing the review). I look forward to future novels by this promising author.
Setting
Ahhh, India, the country of my ancestry with vibrant colors, sweet tropical fruits and fragrant, melt in your mouth curries. I have only been once that I can remember, but the country, its sights, delicious food and loving, welcoming family has stayed with me. I have family from Bangalore, where Reena's story in India takes place.
Ms. D'Silva brought back delicious childhood memories of food my mom makes. I was drooling over just the mere thought of the wonderful aromas that Indian cooking produces. As diverse as India is with different regions speaking different languages and eating different foods, I was surprised to find some of our family's favorites described, idli with sambar (fat little white pancakes with lentil curry), masala dosa (Indian crepes stuffed with pan fried potato), bhel puri (crispy rice with a mint and sweet tamarind chutney, boiled potatoes, cilantro and tomatoes), and gulab jahmun (crispy, sugary doughnut holes floating in a sweet syrup). I have not learned to make these Indian favorites yet, looks like I will be hunting for some recipes and hounding my mom for hers.
Ms. D'Silva brought to light the struggle characters face upholding their culture's strong values or going with their heart. She demonstrated the emotional impact of characters who are torn between following through with an arranged marriage or falling in love with someone of their choosing (even if he was of a different religion or station in life). The story shows the political unrest between Catholic, Hindu and Muslim Indians and the social disparity between the poorest servants who, when lucky, become part of the well-to-do family for whom they care. Ms. D'Silva transported me back to India and I was sad to leave India, Shirin, Reena and their families when the book was over.
A wonderfully dramatic and poignant debut novel from Renita D'Silva. I was captivated by the characters and their plight. I was intrigued by what deep secret could have torn the family apart. What caused Shirin so much grief that she was haunted by the Eyes that would follow her during her daydreams and nightmares? My heart broke for Shirin, she exiled herself to the UK but longed for her family in India but wondered if they could ever forgive her. I could empathize with young Reena, an only child in India, who stumbled on a photograph of this forgotten woman and was determined to find out more about her. I simply could not put this book down and although I figured out the secret about half way through, I had to know what would happen and if the family could resolve their issues.
I enjoyed how the author switched from Shirin's to Reena's perspective as they both inched their way closer to the truth. I was so enthralled with the book that it did not feel like a 400 page book (which I only realized when writing the review). I look forward to future novels by this promising author.
Setting
Ahhh, India, the country of my ancestry with vibrant colors, sweet tropical fruits and fragrant, melt in your mouth curries. I have only been once that I can remember, but the country, its sights, delicious food and loving, welcoming family has stayed with me. I have family from Bangalore, where Reena's story in India takes place.
Ms. D'Silva brought back delicious childhood memories of food my mom makes. I was drooling over just the mere thought of the wonderful aromas that Indian cooking produces. As diverse as India is with different regions speaking different languages and eating different foods, I was surprised to find some of our family's favorites described, idli with sambar (fat little white pancakes with lentil curry), masala dosa (Indian crepes stuffed with pan fried potato), bhel puri (crispy rice with a mint and sweet tamarind chutney, boiled potatoes, cilantro and tomatoes), and gulab jahmun (crispy, sugary doughnut holes floating in a sweet syrup). I have not learned to make these Indian favorites yet, looks like I will be hunting for some recipes and hounding my mom for hers.
Ms. D'Silva brought to light the struggle characters face upholding their culture's strong values or going with their heart. She demonstrated the emotional impact of characters who are torn between following through with an arranged marriage or falling in love with someone of their choosing (even if he was of a different religion or station in life). The story shows the political unrest between Catholic, Hindu and Muslim Indians and the social disparity between the poorest servants who, when lucky, become part of the well-to-do family for whom they care. Ms. D'Silva transported me back to India and I was sad to leave India, Shirin, Reena and their families when the book was over.
February 25, 2019
In Taipur, a village near Mangalore, an eleven-year old girl named Reena Diaz, visiting her grandmother, stumbles across an old photograph of three children. Two she recognizes: her own father Deepak and his sister, Reena’s Aunt Anita. The third, who is the spitting image of Reena herself, is a complete stranger—until Reena, aspiring Nancy Drew-like amateur detective, eager to get to the root of the mystery, pesters the old maidservant Madhu, who tells her part of the truth. That is Shirin, Deepak and Anita’s sister. Shirin, who is an outcast and left eleven years ago, and whose name must not even be mentioned in the Diaz household.
While Reena tries desperately to unearth the truth behind what happened to Shirin, the story moves to a thirty-four year old Shirin, who now lives and works in the UK with her husband Vinod. Shirin has gone through years of counselling, and even now suffers from the occasional nightmare, the occasional near-collapse, bringing back what is obviously some extremely traumatic experience from the past…
What had happened, why Shirin left the home and the family she loved so much, is revealed slowly, with the narrative switching between Reena (who is trying to delve deeper, in whatever way she can) and Shirin, through her conversations with Vinod and her memories of those long-ago days. The layers are peeled away slowly, the clues seeming to point to one solution until suddenly there’s a twist in the tale and you realize that that wasn’t the solution.
I liked Monsoon Memories: it had an engrossing storyline, and the main characters were well-etched. At the end, when the truth is revealed (which I guessed just a little before the big reveal, not much), I thought the way people behaved was very true of just how cruel people can be. If a younger and more naïve me had read this book, I’d probably have said People don’t do that, but now that I’ve seen a bit more of the world, I agree: yes, that’s very real, very much how people behave—even towards those they love. The reactions of Reena and Shirin at the climax were very real too, and something I could identify with.
The way the mystery unfolded, the red herrings and the clues strewn all the way, were worthy of a good writer of detective fiction. And the descriptions of Taipur, and of the food, are superb (the food, especially—I read this book in a state of almost constant hunger, even just after a meal!)
What didn’t I like? One was the pace, which I thought a bit too slow in places (Shirin’s grappling with the past takes an inordinately long time to describe). The second thing was the way Anita seemed to revel in the wolf whistles and cheers and smiles of all the male population around—the feminist in me really saw red at that. Anita’s convenient arrival too seemed a little contrived, eventually, just inserted in the story to help Reena solve the mystery.
Despite that, though, overall a good book.
While Reena tries desperately to unearth the truth behind what happened to Shirin, the story moves to a thirty-four year old Shirin, who now lives and works in the UK with her husband Vinod. Shirin has gone through years of counselling, and even now suffers from the occasional nightmare, the occasional near-collapse, bringing back what is obviously some extremely traumatic experience from the past…
What had happened, why Shirin left the home and the family she loved so much, is revealed slowly, with the narrative switching between Reena (who is trying to delve deeper, in whatever way she can) and Shirin, through her conversations with Vinod and her memories of those long-ago days. The layers are peeled away slowly, the clues seeming to point to one solution until suddenly there’s a twist in the tale and you realize that that wasn’t the solution.
I liked Monsoon Memories: it had an engrossing storyline, and the main characters were well-etched. At the end, when the truth is revealed (which I guessed just a little before the big reveal, not much), I thought the way people behaved was very true of just how cruel people can be. If a younger and more naïve me had read this book, I’d probably have said People don’t do that, but now that I’ve seen a bit more of the world, I agree: yes, that’s very real, very much how people behave—even towards those they love. The reactions of Reena and Shirin at the climax were very real too, and something I could identify with.
The way the mystery unfolded, the red herrings and the clues strewn all the way, were worthy of a good writer of detective fiction. And the descriptions of Taipur, and of the food, are superb (the food, especially—I read this book in a state of almost constant hunger, even just after a meal!)
What didn’t I like? One was the pace, which I thought a bit too slow in places (Shirin’s grappling with the past takes an inordinately long time to describe). The second thing was the way Anita seemed to revel in the wolf whistles and cheers and smiles of all the male population around—the feminist in me really saw red at that. Anita’s convenient arrival too seemed a little contrived, eventually, just inserted in the story to help Reena solve the mystery.
Despite that, though, overall a good book.
July 5, 2013
This is a story told from two view points. First, we have the main protagonist Shirin. Shirin is living in London with her husband Vinod. They have a good marriage but both are homesick for India which they left 11 years ago. It is made worse by the fact that they cannot return because Shirin has been made an outcast by her family, who have declared her dead to them.
The other viewpoint is that of Reena, Shirin's niece in India. Reena's heroine is Nancy Drew and she wants to be a famous detective, just like Nancy. So, when she stumbles upon a creased, hidden family photograph showing a young girl she cannot identify, she immediately decides that her first case will be to find out who this person is, thereby opening a can of worms that her family will wish she had left safely untouched.
The parts of the book set in India are quite breathtaking. The author really gives us the whole "India experience" with her descriptions of the country and its culture, the people, the animals, the weather, the colours, fabrics, smells, even including the food. In fact, the book seems to be obsessed a little with the food! In contrast the descriptions of London seem quite bland, but that emphasises the fact that for Shirin and Vinod, India is definitely where the heart is.
It is a slow moving story, with the details of how and why Shirin came to be an outcast being revealed at a leisurely pace. As you are reading it you are trying to second guess how it could have come about but I only guessed correctly on the third or fourth attempt, not long before it was revealed in the book itself. The events themselves are pretty horrific but sensitively dealt with and whilst you cannot possibly understand how her family could have cast her out, you do gain a feel for the traditions and culture of their way of live to give you some understanding of their actions. I was glad when the events unfolded when they did; because of the pace of the book I had just started to get a little impatient to "get to the point" of the story. The casting out itself has deeply affected Shirin in the intervening years and she comes across sometimes as being very feeble and scared of everything. Because I didn't know the background for quite some time, I was tending to lose patience with her a bit, wanting to tell her to pull herself together. It was only when I had all the information that I really empathised with her 100%.
Although I felt that, for me, the story was just a little too slow moving and the narrative, particularly in India, just a little too flowery at times, I really did enjoy this read. The story is a moving one, full of characters that I wanted to read more about. Recommended read.
The other viewpoint is that of Reena, Shirin's niece in India. Reena's heroine is Nancy Drew and she wants to be a famous detective, just like Nancy. So, when she stumbles upon a creased, hidden family photograph showing a young girl she cannot identify, she immediately decides that her first case will be to find out who this person is, thereby opening a can of worms that her family will wish she had left safely untouched.
The parts of the book set in India are quite breathtaking. The author really gives us the whole "India experience" with her descriptions of the country and its culture, the people, the animals, the weather, the colours, fabrics, smells, even including the food. In fact, the book seems to be obsessed a little with the food! In contrast the descriptions of London seem quite bland, but that emphasises the fact that for Shirin and Vinod, India is definitely where the heart is.
It is a slow moving story, with the details of how and why Shirin came to be an outcast being revealed at a leisurely pace. As you are reading it you are trying to second guess how it could have come about but I only guessed correctly on the third or fourth attempt, not long before it was revealed in the book itself. The events themselves are pretty horrific but sensitively dealt with and whilst you cannot possibly understand how her family could have cast her out, you do gain a feel for the traditions and culture of their way of live to give you some understanding of their actions. I was glad when the events unfolded when they did; because of the pace of the book I had just started to get a little impatient to "get to the point" of the story. The casting out itself has deeply affected Shirin in the intervening years and she comes across sometimes as being very feeble and scared of everything. Because I didn't know the background for quite some time, I was tending to lose patience with her a bit, wanting to tell her to pull herself together. It was only when I had all the information that I really empathised with her 100%.
Although I felt that, for me, the story was just a little too slow moving and the narrative, particularly in India, just a little too flowery at times, I really did enjoy this read. The story is a moving one, full of characters that I wanted to read more about. Recommended read.
August 6, 2013
Every once in a while, comes along a newbie author who takes you by absolute surprise and transports you to a place where you stop thinking that you are reading a debut work. Monsoon Memories by Renita D’Silva was one such read for me - it mesmerised me with its poignant narration and heart-warming story and kept me hooked to the book till the last page. The story keeps oscillating between the frosty winters of London and tropical monsoons of India, between the past and the present and is yet seamlessly interwoven by the author.
The plot revolves around Shirin & Reena – Shirin, who is living a life that has crumpled and fallen apart in pieces by demons of her past and Reena, a 11-year old girl, an aspiring detective who idolises Nancy Drew. As the plot moves on we come to know that Shirin has been exiled from her family in India, literally cut out like a vestigial organ forcing her to shift to London with her husband. However, the ghosts of her past follow her around everywhere like a nightmare and her life becomes a mere shadow of her dark past. Meanwhile in Mangalore, Reena who is Shirin’s niece, discovers an old, ancient even, hidden family photo at her grandmother’s house, with a mystery girl whom Reena has never seen before. Inspired by Nancy Drew, Reena embarks on a detective hunt to find out who this woman is but instead unknowingly ends up opening Pandora’s Box.
Read complete review at: http://poojareviewer.blogspot.in/2013...
The plot revolves around Shirin & Reena – Shirin, who is living a life that has crumpled and fallen apart in pieces by demons of her past and Reena, a 11-year old girl, an aspiring detective who idolises Nancy Drew. As the plot moves on we come to know that Shirin has been exiled from her family in India, literally cut out like a vestigial organ forcing her to shift to London with her husband. However, the ghosts of her past follow her around everywhere like a nightmare and her life becomes a mere shadow of her dark past. Meanwhile in Mangalore, Reena who is Shirin’s niece, discovers an old, ancient even, hidden family photo at her grandmother’s house, with a mystery girl whom Reena has never seen before. Inspired by Nancy Drew, Reena embarks on a detective hunt to find out who this woman is but instead unknowingly ends up opening Pandora’s Box.
Read complete review at: http://poojareviewer.blogspot.in/2013...
July 12, 2015
Monsoon Memories is a beautiful uplifting story of a family torn apart. Family relationships feature as the heart of this engaging story and the characters are fully fleshed and brought to life. Exiled from her family in India for more than a decade, Shirin and her husband lead a comfortable but empty life in London. Thousands of miles away, in Bangalore, the daughter of Shirin’s brother discovers a lost, forgotten photograph. One that has escaped the flames.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts sets in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past. I loved Madhau, Aunt Anita and Reenu. This story leads you to far away lands, bringing it alive with each turn of the page. I felt as if I was there, and could smell, taste, and sense the surroundings. This unique, captivating book is a wonderful read and I recommend it to everyone. A perfect summer read, or for any time of the year.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts sets in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past. I loved Madhau, Aunt Anita and Reenu. This story leads you to far away lands, bringing it alive with each turn of the page. I felt as if I was there, and could smell, taste, and sense the surroundings. This unique, captivating book is a wonderful read and I recommend it to everyone. A perfect summer read, or for any time of the year.
February 12, 2014
I loved this book. It tells the tale of two Indian women. Shirin lives in London with her husband and has a disturbing past that she can't bear to remember. Reena is a young girl of 11 who lives in India. Reena, who fancies herself a Nancy Drew detective discovers a photograph of Shirin as a child nestled between her father and his sister. She wants to know who is this missing sister, and why she's never mentioned. The story goes between London and India,as the two stories merge. There are some surprising twists and turns,and the author does a beautiful job a weaving the two stories together. I learned a lot about the life of contemporary Indian women.
May 21, 2015
I love this book..
I'm really enjoying reading this beautifully written book that has the ability to transport you to being there watching the story unfold in front of your eyes.
The secret is there and clear for all who read the book from an early stage but the wanting to know how it plays out in the end will keep you reading, it's makes you want to read more each day.
The two main characters individual stories are both heart warming and heart wrenching at times. I find myself hoping that Shirin get to go home and that Reena can handle the truth.
I'm really enjoying reading this beautifully written book that has the ability to transport you to being there watching the story unfold in front of your eyes.
The secret is there and clear for all who read the book from an early stage but the wanting to know how it plays out in the end will keep you reading, it's makes you want to read more each day.
The two main characters individual stories are both heart warming and heart wrenching at times. I find myself hoping that Shirin get to go home and that Reena can handle the truth.
June 9, 2013
I have never read a book before based around Indian Culture but i absolutely loved it. The descriptive text makes it so easy to imagine you are right in the story with the characters. The whole story was well written and hard to believe that its the authors first book. A wonderful read and highly recommended.
June 12, 2013
'Monsoon Memories' is a story of a young woman's struggle to come to terms with her past and her aching desire to return home. Engaging and occasionally witty, I enjoyed reading Shirin's childhood memories of India and found these characters to have great depth. Very readable and highly recommended.
June 16, 2013
Thoroughly captivating book - right from the start, characters nicely introduced and the author has built up the suspense gradually and evenly.
Good reference to the culture of south India and the story line relevant to our day and age where there is aspiration to work overseas away from home with always the desire to go back to the roots where you once belong. Nice touch and a lovely ending.
Good reference to the culture of south India and the story line relevant to our day and age where there is aspiration to work overseas away from home with always the desire to go back to the roots where you once belong. Nice touch and a lovely ending.
June 22, 2013
A well written story covering the key themes which make a great story such as love, honour, truth, jealousy, loss and forgiveness; and how values such as honour are interpreted differently by children and adults. Vivid descriptions of life in India and London make the story come out alive.
July 12, 2013
Lyrically written, this is a moving and uplifting account of an Indian family torn apart by events. Highly evocative - with delicious descriptions of the scents, tastes and colours of southern India - and a gripping insight into the vulnerability of women in this very different culture.
August 11, 2016
I loved this book. Renita D'Silva didn't disappoint in anything in this book. Loved all the descriptions, emotions and the story line was fast paced. Loved the description of the food! Made me go to eat in an Indian restaurant three times while on holidays....
April 14, 2014
Compelling writing and complete page-turner through use of suspense.
October 7, 2014
From the book cover: “English rain smelt and tasted of nothing at all. It had none of the fury, the passion of the monsoons. Instead, it was weak; half-hearted.”
Exiled from her family in India for more than a decade, Shirin and her husband lead a comfortable but empty life in London. Memories of her childhood – exotic fragrances, colours, stifling heat and tropical storms – fill Shirin with a familiar and growing ache for the land and the people that she loves. With the recollections though, come dark clouds of scandal and secrets. Secrets that forced her to flee her old life and keep her from ever returning.
Thousands of miles away, in Bangalore, the daughter of Shirin’s brother discovers a lost, forgotten photograph. One that has escaped the flames.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts will set in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past and irrevocably change the path of the future.
An unforgettable journey through a mesmerizing, passionate land of contrasts- and a family whose story will touch your heart.
My take: The novel, for the major part alternates between Shirin and Reena, giving the reader ample information on both their lives. I loved the way the story was narrated, from both a woman and a eleven year old girl's perspective. Reena is at a confused stage where she is not a child anymore but on the brink of adolescence. Shirin, meanwhile though settled in London with a high flying career is still battling her own demons that refuses to leave her.
In addition to the two protagonists, there are a lot of other lovable characters, who despite their flaws have one thing in common- love for their family. Be it Shirin's husband Vinod- the patient husband, Preeti and Deepak- who are the ideal parents to Reena or Madhu- the one person who though not related to the family plays an important role in their lives.
Monsoon Memories, true to its name, ensures that you are left with a bout of nostalgia even beyond the pages. If you have grown up in India or more specifically South India, you can relate to each and every word that's written. Be it the monsoons, the mouth watering delicacies, coconut trees, the joy of discovering something old, visiting your parent's old house that they grew up in, the book has it all.
Being a debut novel, I was amazed at the way Renita has weaved the story so effortlessly. Spanning across London and India, the story is rich in prose and description. I could feel for Shirin's pain, Reena's dilemma, Vinod's helplessness. This is not just the story about a family, it is a lot more than that. The emotions evoked by the author through her words are absolutely brilliant.
I do not want to say more about the story as it would take the suspense away while reading it. But what I can say is this- you will not regret spending your time over this one. In a time when debut novels are coming out by the dozen each month, I know for sure that this is one author whose remaining works I shall look forward to. She has already written couple more books and I'm waiting to get my hands on those as well.
The sights and smells of monsoon lingers throughout the novel making you feel nostalgic for home. This one definitely deserves a four stars on five for a well edited, beautifully narrated story that is to be applauded even in its simplicity.
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
Exiled from her family in India for more than a decade, Shirin and her husband lead a comfortable but empty life in London. Memories of her childhood – exotic fragrances, colours, stifling heat and tropical storms – fill Shirin with a familiar and growing ache for the land and the people that she loves. With the recollections though, come dark clouds of scandal and secrets. Secrets that forced her to flee her old life and keep her from ever returning.
Thousands of miles away, in Bangalore, the daughter of Shirin’s brother discovers a lost, forgotten photograph. One that has escaped the flames.
Determined to solve the mystery of an aunt she never knew, Reena’s efforts will set in place a chain of events that expose the painful trauma of the past and irrevocably change the path of the future.
An unforgettable journey through a mesmerizing, passionate land of contrasts- and a family whose story will touch your heart.
My take: The novel, for the major part alternates between Shirin and Reena, giving the reader ample information on both their lives. I loved the way the story was narrated, from both a woman and a eleven year old girl's perspective. Reena is at a confused stage where she is not a child anymore but on the brink of adolescence. Shirin, meanwhile though settled in London with a high flying career is still battling her own demons that refuses to leave her.
In addition to the two protagonists, there are a lot of other lovable characters, who despite their flaws have one thing in common- love for their family. Be it Shirin's husband Vinod- the patient husband, Preeti and Deepak- who are the ideal parents to Reena or Madhu- the one person who though not related to the family plays an important role in their lives.
Monsoon Memories, true to its name, ensures that you are left with a bout of nostalgia even beyond the pages. If you have grown up in India or more specifically South India, you can relate to each and every word that's written. Be it the monsoons, the mouth watering delicacies, coconut trees, the joy of discovering something old, visiting your parent's old house that they grew up in, the book has it all.
Being a debut novel, I was amazed at the way Renita has weaved the story so effortlessly. Spanning across London and India, the story is rich in prose and description. I could feel for Shirin's pain, Reena's dilemma, Vinod's helplessness. This is not just the story about a family, it is a lot more than that. The emotions evoked by the author through her words are absolutely brilliant.
I do not want to say more about the story as it would take the suspense away while reading it. But what I can say is this- you will not regret spending your time over this one. In a time when debut novels are coming out by the dozen each month, I know for sure that this is one author whose remaining works I shall look forward to. She has already written couple more books and I'm waiting to get my hands on those as well.
The sights and smells of monsoon lingers throughout the novel making you feel nostalgic for home. This one definitely deserves a four stars on five for a well edited, beautifully narrated story that is to be applauded even in its simplicity.
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
May 10, 2021
The rain; something insignificantly significant. A sudden breach from the normal water cycle can bring drought and tears, hunger and cries. It is amazing how the one season called monsoon harbingers the arrival of something that seems to fall straight from Heaven; a representation of the Higher being's grace and blessing.
The monsoon comes with the rain; sometimes a mild drizzle, sometimes a gale, sometimes the maternal nurturer of nature and sometimes catastrophic; much like life.
Just as life's an empty canvas left for destiny to spray its colours on, Shirin's life commenced with the mild drizzle called birth. The tragedy, born physically unattractive, dark even by Indian standards and born into an interface that dangled between Fortune and misfortune.
Fortune- life and love; care. The mild drizzles and occasional thunderclaps. The lush greenery of grass, the pungent smell of fish. The oiliness of the kitchen in the household she grew up in.
Misfortune- a gale that jeopardized her life right to the foundation.
Banished from home, in a lone country with one man who never let go of her hand, the ghost of the path comes knocking her way every once in a while. Left to deal with loneliness and nostalgic melancholy, Shirin yearns to run back home, to the country she loved; to smell the freshness of the morning dew, to wake up to
the sound of the rain slapping against the ground, and to feel the warmth and love that she had left behind several years ago, miles away across the ocean.
...
Reena Diaz; a young girl in middle school, one who binges on Nancy Drew books and secretly nurtures the idea of becoming a super sleuth. Her first real case pops up in the form of a photograph, a captured memory, a known stranger’s face and a forbidden name that spearheads into her life, opening doors to the past whose locks had accumulated dust. She makes it a mission to figure out the identity of the obscure woman whose face is so like her own.
Circumstances eventually pave the way for Reena to meet the stranger woman, to figure out the relation, and to unveil the story behind the lone hidden picture which reflected the once young woman’s smile.
The rain chooses to wash away the dust that had clouded the very name in the Diaz household; Shirin.
...
Renita D’Silva delivers a story which makes you experience and introspect a simple life filled with
complexities that could beat quantum physics. The simplicity of each character has been portrayed and presented with utmost precision and beauty. The complexity of the plot that makes you want to continue.
The occult, the obscurity surrounding two different lives, a birth, and all the years that have flown by touches somewhere. The immaculately accurate descriptions make the scenes perceivable in the mind's eyes. The monsoon brings along memories that can be cherished and some that beg to be obliterated. The Monsoon Memories like the rain, descends from somewhere and touches your skin, bringing certain chill and goosebumps. The writing style and vocabulary used enthrals the reader, and captures the beauty of the plot in an inexplicably aesthetic manner.
This is a story that can be read and re-read. A perfect story of memories that can be reminisced and loved. Just as a rainbow sprawls across the horizon, meeting at an intersection between the sky and the earth, this story meets at the convergence where obstreperous convolution meets calm and quiet simplicity.
The author takes you on a perfectly wondrous journey, that is all but, perfect and wondrous.
The monsoon comes with the rain; sometimes a mild drizzle, sometimes a gale, sometimes the maternal nurturer of nature and sometimes catastrophic; much like life.
Just as life's an empty canvas left for destiny to spray its colours on, Shirin's life commenced with the mild drizzle called birth. The tragedy, born physically unattractive, dark even by Indian standards and born into an interface that dangled between Fortune and misfortune.
Fortune- life and love; care. The mild drizzles and occasional thunderclaps. The lush greenery of grass, the pungent smell of fish. The oiliness of the kitchen in the household she grew up in.
Misfortune- a gale that jeopardized her life right to the foundation.
Banished from home, in a lone country with one man who never let go of her hand, the ghost of the path comes knocking her way every once in a while. Left to deal with loneliness and nostalgic melancholy, Shirin yearns to run back home, to the country she loved; to smell the freshness of the morning dew, to wake up to
the sound of the rain slapping against the ground, and to feel the warmth and love that she had left behind several years ago, miles away across the ocean.
...
Reena Diaz; a young girl in middle school, one who binges on Nancy Drew books and secretly nurtures the idea of becoming a super sleuth. Her first real case pops up in the form of a photograph, a captured memory, a known stranger’s face and a forbidden name that spearheads into her life, opening doors to the past whose locks had accumulated dust. She makes it a mission to figure out the identity of the obscure woman whose face is so like her own.
Circumstances eventually pave the way for Reena to meet the stranger woman, to figure out the relation, and to unveil the story behind the lone hidden picture which reflected the once young woman’s smile.
The rain chooses to wash away the dust that had clouded the very name in the Diaz household; Shirin.
...
Renita D’Silva delivers a story which makes you experience and introspect a simple life filled with
complexities that could beat quantum physics. The simplicity of each character has been portrayed and presented with utmost precision and beauty. The complexity of the plot that makes you want to continue.
The occult, the obscurity surrounding two different lives, a birth, and all the years that have flown by touches somewhere. The immaculately accurate descriptions make the scenes perceivable in the mind's eyes. The monsoon brings along memories that can be cherished and some that beg to be obliterated. The Monsoon Memories like the rain, descends from somewhere and touches your skin, bringing certain chill and goosebumps. The writing style and vocabulary used enthrals the reader, and captures the beauty of the plot in an inexplicably aesthetic manner.
This is a story that can be read and re-read. A perfect story of memories that can be reminisced and loved. Just as a rainbow sprawls across the horizon, meeting at an intersection between the sky and the earth, this story meets at the convergence where obstreperous convolution meets calm and quiet simplicity.
The author takes you on a perfectly wondrous journey, that is all but, perfect and wondrous.
August 6, 2013
"Monsoon Memories" is the story of a family torn apart by secrets. The secrets are so deep that the family may not ever be able to recover from. Shirin has her life in London. She's with her husband but is desperately missing her family in India. Reena is captivated by a mysterious photo of her father, aunt, and another strange woman whose mystery Reena wants to solve. This book is a good story about family and how families can overcome just about anything through love and understanding.
I really liked this story. I love family stories and I really liked seeing how this story came together. You slowly get to find out what happened to the family and why there are so many secrets in the family. The writing is pretty good. D'Silva gives small little breadcrumbs of information so that the reader can start putting the mystery together. I was able to figure out what was going to happen before it happened but I still liked the overall outcome of the book.
One of the treats in this book was little Reena. She fancies herself the next Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy. I really enjoyed reading about how she tries to put together her family's mystery. She's definitely ambitious! She was a great, well-drawn character.
Overall, this was a really good story! This was a pretty fast read with a great family story.
I really liked this story. I love family stories and I really liked seeing how this story came together. You slowly get to find out what happened to the family and why there are so many secrets in the family. The writing is pretty good. D'Silva gives small little breadcrumbs of information so that the reader can start putting the mystery together. I was able to figure out what was going to happen before it happened but I still liked the overall outcome of the book.
One of the treats in this book was little Reena. She fancies herself the next Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy. I really enjoyed reading about how she tries to put together her family's mystery. She's definitely ambitious! She was a great, well-drawn character.
Overall, this was a really good story! This was a pretty fast read with a great family story.
November 12, 2014
I loved this book - even for someone who doesn't adore India, Renita D'Silva conjures up the colour and smells of Southern India with such warmth and attention to detail that in a way, just as the protagonist Shirin yearns for India, so too does the reader. All the descriptions of different dishes cooked by Madhu were wonderful and I disagree with a previous commenter who said that not knowing what the foods are was off-putting; for me it added extra authenticity to the prose - and spice! I thought Renita D'Silva wrote the story very well - slowly drip-feeding Shirin's past so that the reader discovers the traumatic event that caused her to flee her homeland for England. The actual scene of THE event is handled masterfully, interwoven as a present day conversation with her husband Vinod, re-living what happened with the actual day. I was moved and horrified, particularly by the way the protagonist is shunned by her family for years who chose family name over a family member. Reena was a lovely character, her 11-year old desire to be a detective was very believable - never could she have imagined what she was going to uncover though. A thought-provoking, beautifully written novel which reveals not only the darker side of India but is also a love-song to this vastly-populated, colourful and inspirational land.
June 19, 2016
I was chosen to receive this book as an ARC through Goodreads and I am very glad I was.
From the start, this story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. As Shirin and Reena's overlapping stories unfolded, they tugged at my heart and more than once I found myself in tears, sharing the emotions and struggles faced by these two. Well paced and brilliant writing about families, misunderstandings, pain, anger, self doubt and forgiveness - there is a lesson in this story that people should take to heart. A wonderful first book Renita, and thank you for choosing me to receive a copy. I look forward to future books from you.
From the start, this story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. As Shirin and Reena's overlapping stories unfolded, they tugged at my heart and more than once I found myself in tears, sharing the emotions and struggles faced by these two. Well paced and brilliant writing about families, misunderstandings, pain, anger, self doubt and forgiveness - there is a lesson in this story that people should take to heart. A wonderful first book Renita, and thank you for choosing me to receive a copy. I look forward to future books from you.
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