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ล่องหน
สิ่งของที่ล่องหนได้ในนิทานมักเกิดจากเวทมนตร์ที่ใครสักคนเสก ทว่าในโลกแห่งความจริงที่ไม่มีคาถา
สิ่งของที่ล่องหนได้ในนิทานมักเกิดจากเวทมนตร์ที่ใครสักคนเสก ทว่าในโลกแห่งความจริงที่ไม่มีคาถา ของที่ล่องหนหายวับไปย่อมไม่ใช่เรื่องอภินิหารใดๆ และคงมีที่มาที่ไปมากกว่านั้น โดยเฉพาะของ (ที่เชื่อกันว่า) มีค่า
"วีณา" เครื่องสายพื้นเมืองของอินเดียในเรื่องนี้ประกอบจากวัสดุชั้นเลิศ ประดับอัญมณี ให้เสียงไพเราะกว่าวีณาตัวไหนๆ และที่สำคัญคือประวัติความเป็นมาอันน่าสนใจ ดึงดูดให้ใครต่อใครอยากครอบครอง แม้มันจะขึ้นชื่อว่าเป็นวีณาต้องคำสาปให้ล่องหนหายวับไปเสมอก็ตาม มีผู้คนจำนวนมากพยายามทำทุกอย่างเพื่อให้ได้เป็นเจ้าของวีณาตัวนี้ ไม่ว่าสิ่งนั้นจะผิดมหันต์สักแค่ไหน
น่าแปลกที่หลายครั้งมนุษย์ก็อยากได้ของล้ำค่ามาครอบครองเสียเหลือเกิน ทั้งที่ความจริงเมื่อได้มาแล้ว ความสุขส่วนอื่นในชีวิตกลับล่องหนหายไปจนหมด
สิ่งของที่ล่องหนได้ในนิทานมักเกิดจากเวทมนตร์ที่ใครสักคนเสก ทว่าในโลกแห่งความจริงที่ไม่มีคาถา ของที่ล่องหนหายวับไปย่อมไม่ใช่เรื่องอภินิหารใดๆ และคงมีที่มาที่ไปมากกว่านั้น โดยเฉพาะของ (ที่เชื่อกันว่า) มีค่า
"วีณา" เครื่องสายพื้นเมืองของอินเดียในเรื่องนี้ประกอบจากวัสดุชั้นเลิศ ประดับอัญมณี ให้เสียงไพเราะกว่าวีณาตัวไหนๆ และที่สำคัญคือประวัติความเป็นมาอันน่าสนใจ ดึงดูดให้ใครต่อใครอยากครอบครอง แม้มันจะขึ้นชื่อว่าเป็นวีณาต้องคำสาปให้ล่องหนหายวับไปเสมอก็ตาม มีผู้คนจำนวนมากพยายามทำทุกอย่างเพื่อให้ได้เป็นเจ้าของวีณาตัวนี้ ไม่ว่าสิ่งนั้นจะผิดมหันต์สักแค่ไหน
น่าแปลกที่หลายครั้งมนุษย์ก็อยากได้ของล้ำค่ามาครอบครองเสียเหลือเกิน ทั้งที่ความจริงเมื่อได้มาแล้ว ความสุขส่วนอื่นในชีวิตกลับล่องหนหายไปจนหมด
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
23 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Sheela Chari
10 books114 followersI'm the author of VANISHED (Disney Hyperion) and FINDING MIGHTY (Abrams) and THE UNEXPLAINABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF MAFS PATEL series (Walker US), based on the award-winning hit podcast. My upcoming tween novel, KARTHIK DELIVERS (Abrams), will be available spring 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 25, 2011
I loved this book so, so much! Music and mystery, international adventure and a touch of magic...kids are going to eat this up. I read it as an e-galley but cannot wait to buy my own copy for lots of re-readings.
Eleven-year-old Neela, who lives near Boston and dreams of becoming a professional musician one day, loves playing the beautiful old veena (a traditional Indian instrument) that her grandmother has sent her from India. But there's a story behind that veena that the adults in her life have hidden from her, and when it's stolen from Neela, she discovers rumors of a curse laid upon the instrument. As she works to find her stolen veena, she makes new friendships, struggles with her changing relationship with her mother, and discovers the strength and confidence that had been hidden inside herself all along.
The story of VANISHED is fabulous and fun, but what I really loved most were all the little details of Neela's family life. All of her family members were real and believable, from four-year-old Sree to their parents and grandmother, and I recognized so many little details of family dynamics from when I was eleven - Neela's shifting relationship with her much-younger brother, her struggles to define herself against her mother and find a new balance in their relationship...one of my favorite bits was this little moment between the two of them:
"Mrs. Krishnan reached over to stroke the ends of Neela's hair. Neela had always loved this since she was small, but lately it had begun to annoy her, too, because it felt like her mother was secretly trying to arrange her hair at the same time."
It's such a perfect encapsulation of the shifting mother-daughter relationship near the teenage years, where even the most loving relationships can run into so much conflict and strain without anyone being a "bad guy". And that's true of the adventure in this book, too, which I admired so much - it's exciting, there's danger, there's deception and real menace - but it's all believably done by real people who think they're in the right.
Despite the fact that this isn't a fantasy novel, VANISHED felt truly magical to me, and it also had the classic tone of a children's novel that could last a long, long time. I absolutely loved it.
Eleven-year-old Neela, who lives near Boston and dreams of becoming a professional musician one day, loves playing the beautiful old veena (a traditional Indian instrument) that her grandmother has sent her from India. But there's a story behind that veena that the adults in her life have hidden from her, and when it's stolen from Neela, she discovers rumors of a curse laid upon the instrument. As she works to find her stolen veena, she makes new friendships, struggles with her changing relationship with her mother, and discovers the strength and confidence that had been hidden inside herself all along.
The story of VANISHED is fabulous and fun, but what I really loved most were all the little details of Neela's family life. All of her family members were real and believable, from four-year-old Sree to their parents and grandmother, and I recognized so many little details of family dynamics from when I was eleven - Neela's shifting relationship with her much-younger brother, her struggles to define herself against her mother and find a new balance in their relationship...one of my favorite bits was this little moment between the two of them:
"Mrs. Krishnan reached over to stroke the ends of Neela's hair. Neela had always loved this since she was small, but lately it had begun to annoy her, too, because it felt like her mother was secretly trying to arrange her hair at the same time."
It's such a perfect encapsulation of the shifting mother-daughter relationship near the teenage years, where even the most loving relationships can run into so much conflict and strain without anyone being a "bad guy". And that's true of the adventure in this book, too, which I admired so much - it's exciting, there's danger, there's deception and real menace - but it's all believably done by real people who think they're in the right.
Despite the fact that this isn't a fantasy novel, VANISHED felt truly magical to me, and it also had the classic tone of a children's novel that could last a long, long time. I absolutely loved it.
November 23, 2015
I have had this book to read for a couple years and was eager to finally sit down and read it. It ended up being an okay middle grade mystery.
Neela dreams of being a professional veena (traditional Indian stringed instrument) player. Her dreams are one step closer to reality when she receives a beautiful veena (a famous Gudo original) from her Aunt in India. When this famous veena goes missing it is up to Neela to unravel the strange past behind this veena, which may involve a curse.
I enjoyed some of the Indian culture in here, but thought the pacing of the story was pretty slow. This is a neat history and story behind the veena Neela receives, but to be honest I just didn’t find it all that interesting or engaging.
I honestly don’t have a ton to say about this book. It wasn’t a bad book, but it was also completely forgettable. It’s decently written and the subject matter is unique. However I never really engaged with the story or the characters all that much.
There are some good messages in here about not judging people by their appearance and about how playing music has to be for you before it can be for the audience.
Overall an okay middle grade mystery. The book is decently written, it was just kind of boring. While not a bad book I also found it to be a forgettable one.
Neela dreams of being a professional veena (traditional Indian stringed instrument) player. Her dreams are one step closer to reality when she receives a beautiful veena (a famous Gudo original) from her Aunt in India. When this famous veena goes missing it is up to Neela to unravel the strange past behind this veena, which may involve a curse.
I enjoyed some of the Indian culture in here, but thought the pacing of the story was pretty slow. This is a neat history and story behind the veena Neela receives, but to be honest I just didn’t find it all that interesting or engaging.
I honestly don’t have a ton to say about this book. It wasn’t a bad book, but it was also completely forgettable. It’s decently written and the subject matter is unique. However I never really engaged with the story or the characters all that much.
There are some good messages in here about not judging people by their appearance and about how playing music has to be for you before it can be for the audience.
Overall an okay middle grade mystery. The book is decently written, it was just kind of boring. While not a bad book I also found it to be a forgettable one.
July 20, 2021
"Vanished" - written by Sheela Chari and published in 2011 by Disney Hyperion Books. Neela, a sixth-grader of Indian heritage living in Boston, has grown to love playing her veena, a large stringed instrument almost as long as a bass viol. The veena has a strong connection to her Indian roots and the one her grandmother has mailed to her from India is special to Neela. Then it's whisked away from a church hall closet and the mystery sets off. This was a fun middle-grade story with intrigue, interesting characters including school-mates who help or hinder, and a strong musical focus. The Author's Note taught me more including the existence of a ten-day festival of Indian music held annually right here in Cleveland, Ohio. I'd recommend this fun novel especially to music lovers, but also those looking for a good mystery.
August 9, 2011
Review to come but for now I will say it's very good and an excellent debut. My fingers are crossed that this will be the first adventure for Neela.
Merged review:
Neela brings her instrument, a veena to her sixth grade class for the around the world unit. On the way home there's a very bad rainstorm. Neela is offered shelter from the rain by an old man in a church. She's very uneasy about not being able to take her valuable veena straight home. Also the old man is a little strange. The two have an odd conversation in the kitchen. When Neela goes to leave her veena is missing and the man has disappeared.
The veena is very special and rare it was a gift from Neela's grandmother in India. Neela is determined to find her instrument even after her parents tell her to stop.
I enjoyed Vanished a lot and loved Neela's voice. It was also nice to see Neela's parents and younger brother, Seri were a part in the story.
"Like strep throat or the chicken pox, or the Great Plague which Neela read about in social studies, bad luck was one of those things are one of those things are mother tried at great length to avoid. She was training to be a pharmacist, and it was her belief that all human experience was the result of chemistry and luck, good and bad. But mostly bad. Neela's father would always exclaim that's so unscientific. But there was no changing her mother's opinion. Bad luck was an impenetrable force working against them all. Worst of all it was contagious."
Since the suspect list is small, I liked that the other doesn't throw in too many red herrings. The mystery lies more in the how and why the veena was stolen. The story moves along at a great clip. There's a nice hint of creepy and unexplained darkness. The age old curse on the missing veena adds to this feeling. Neela slowly connects the clues and everything comes together in India.
Neela reminded me of Glida Joyce. Both characters have a certain similar quailty that I love. Vanished was a well layered story that was simply a lot of fun. An excellent debut and one of my favorites of the year. I hope this is the first of many books starring Neela Krishnan. 3.5 out of 5.
Merged review:
Neela brings her instrument, a veena to her sixth grade class for the around the world unit. On the way home there's a very bad rainstorm. Neela is offered shelter from the rain by an old man in a church. She's very uneasy about not being able to take her valuable veena straight home. Also the old man is a little strange. The two have an odd conversation in the kitchen. When Neela goes to leave her veena is missing and the man has disappeared.
The veena is very special and rare it was a gift from Neela's grandmother in India. Neela is determined to find her instrument even after her parents tell her to stop.
I enjoyed Vanished a lot and loved Neela's voice. It was also nice to see Neela's parents and younger brother, Seri were a part in the story.
"Like strep throat or the chicken pox, or the Great Plague which Neela read about in social studies, bad luck was one of those things are one of those things are mother tried at great length to avoid. She was training to be a pharmacist, and it was her belief that all human experience was the result of chemistry and luck, good and bad. But mostly bad. Neela's father would always exclaim that's so unscientific. But there was no changing her mother's opinion. Bad luck was an impenetrable force working against them all. Worst of all it was contagious."
Since the suspect list is small, I liked that the other doesn't throw in too many red herrings. The mystery lies more in the how and why the veena was stolen. The story moves along at a great clip. There's a nice hint of creepy and unexplained darkness. The age old curse on the missing veena adds to this feeling. Neela slowly connects the clues and everything comes together in India.
Neela reminded me of Glida Joyce. Both characters have a certain similar quailty that I love. Vanished was a well layered story that was simply a lot of fun. An excellent debut and one of my favorites of the year. I hope this is the first of many books starring Neela Krishnan. 3.5 out of 5.
July 13, 2011
If you've ever lost a prized possession, you will instantly sympathize with eleven-year-old Neela, who loses a valuable musical instrument in the mystery novel VANISHED. The instrument -- an intricately carved wooden veena, a gift from her grandmother in India -- goes missing in a church outside of Boston, despite its large size and unwieldy carrying case. Strange clues begin to appear, and a fascinating history emerges. The veena, with its history of disappearing from all its owners, may have had a curse placed on it. From Boston to India, this expertly plotted mystery will keep readers guessing as they follow its twists and turns.
There's just so much to love about this mystery, including its precise details about veenas, about Indian culture, about dragons and wyverns. The novel certainly stands in good company with CHASING VERMEER and other great middle grade art mysteries. It is also exceptionally rich in characters, portraying people and situations that feel real and age-appropriate. Sometimes the biggest mysteries are the people in our day to day lives, and this is absolutely the case in VANISHED. Neela's family dynamic is shifting, as she ventures out into the world in search of the veena, pushing boundaries and causing her parents worry. She realizes that adults, including parents, are capable of deception. Her childhood friendships are also shifting and evolving. In addition, Neela is trying to gain confidence as a young musician and to overcome her stage fright. While I invested in Neela's search for the veena and wanted to see it found, I was equally invested in her personal journey.
A very satisfying read. Intricate and sophisticated, but never inaccessible. Highly recommend!
There's just so much to love about this mystery, including its precise details about veenas, about Indian culture, about dragons and wyverns. The novel certainly stands in good company with CHASING VERMEER and other great middle grade art mysteries. It is also exceptionally rich in characters, portraying people and situations that feel real and age-appropriate. Sometimes the biggest mysteries are the people in our day to day lives, and this is absolutely the case in VANISHED. Neela's family dynamic is shifting, as she ventures out into the world in search of the veena, pushing boundaries and causing her parents worry. She realizes that adults, including parents, are capable of deception. Her childhood friendships are also shifting and evolving. In addition, Neela is trying to gain confidence as a young musician and to overcome her stage fright. While I invested in Neela's search for the veena and wanted to see it found, I was equally invested in her personal journey.
A very satisfying read. Intricate and sophisticated, but never inaccessible. Highly recommend!
June 11, 2011
Vanished, by Sheela Chari is a fabulous mystery that grabs you from the first page. The story follows a sixth grade student Neela as she searches for her missing instrument, a veena. Neela had no idea that the instrument that she inherited from her grandmother was cursed. She also had no idea that brining her instrument to school one day would set in motion a chain of events where she would lose her instrument, investigate mysteries, make new friends,and travel half way around the world all in an attempt to discover the truth behind an ancient curse.
Chari's mystery had me from the opening lines. From there I was hooked on solving this mystery with Neela. The author keeps the mystery moving with clues and red herrings all throughout the story, giving just enough information to encourage the reader to reason it out themselves. In addition to the smartly plotted art mystery though, is a rare kind of hero in children's literature. The smart girl who isn't necessarily the most popular or gorgeous. In fact, Neela is an Indian American girl, who sometimes feels like she is is torn between her two cultures. It was great to read a story that gave a window in to a modern Indian family dealing with issues that were not related to stereotypes. Instead it was a regular family, dealing with life's events. This is a culture that is growning in United States and it is great to see that begining to be reflected in children's literature. I liked getting to know Neela, and I'd love to know more about her story. This author's debut is a must read for mystery lovers, and kids who love school stories.
Chari's mystery had me from the opening lines. From there I was hooked on solving this mystery with Neela. The author keeps the mystery moving with clues and red herrings all throughout the story, giving just enough information to encourage the reader to reason it out themselves. In addition to the smartly plotted art mystery though, is a rare kind of hero in children's literature. The smart girl who isn't necessarily the most popular or gorgeous. In fact, Neela is an Indian American girl, who sometimes feels like she is is torn between her two cultures. It was great to read a story that gave a window in to a modern Indian family dealing with issues that were not related to stereotypes. Instead it was a regular family, dealing with life's events. This is a culture that is growning in United States and it is great to see that begining to be reflected in children's literature. I liked getting to know Neela, and I'd love to know more about her story. This author's debut is a must read for mystery lovers, and kids who love school stories.
July 3, 2011
Rarely do I find a book that both entertains and teaches me something new. Vanished is the story of a young girl named Neela who has received a musical instrument as a gift from her grandmother. The musical instrument is an Indian instrument known as the veena. When the instrument disappears, Neela begins an investigation to get it back. What she doesn't know is that the veena may not only be cursed, but might also be more valuable than she thinks.
One of the things I liked the most about this book is the characterization of Neela. She is very realistic, wanting both to please her parents and also struggling against their ideals. She has complicated friendships and rivalries at school. Most of all she is struggling to learn about herself and where she fits in the world.
Layered throughout the book is the Indian/American culture that makes up Neela's world. While her grandmother still lives in India, her parents encourage her to embrace her American upbringing. While Neela's school friends are mainly American, she also has close friend who shares her Indian/American descent. The author uses these relationships to mix in the Indian culture that colors Neela's world. Neela is still learning which parts of which culture she wants to embrace. This makes for some of the best parts of the book.
All in all, this book is a satisfying journey. While you may feel like you know where it is headed and how it will turn out, the book has its share of twists and turns. Where this book really shines is the portrayal of Neela. Her journey from unsure, nervous girl to self confident musician makes this book a great read.
One of the things I liked the most about this book is the characterization of Neela. She is very realistic, wanting both to please her parents and also struggling against their ideals. She has complicated friendships and rivalries at school. Most of all she is struggling to learn about herself and where she fits in the world.
Layered throughout the book is the Indian/American culture that makes up Neela's world. While her grandmother still lives in India, her parents encourage her to embrace her American upbringing. While Neela's school friends are mainly American, she also has close friend who shares her Indian/American descent. The author uses these relationships to mix in the Indian culture that colors Neela's world. Neela is still learning which parts of which culture she wants to embrace. This makes for some of the best parts of the book.
All in all, this book is a satisfying journey. While you may feel like you know where it is headed and how it will turn out, the book has its share of twists and turns. Where this book really shines is the portrayal of Neela. Her journey from unsure, nervous girl to self confident musician makes this book a great read.
August 6, 2011
Neela has a talent for playing the veena. What is a veena you may ask? It is a famous Indian instrument that has been around for centuries, and is often used in traditional Indian ceremonies. Neela’s particular veena has been passed down for generations, and has a mysterious history of disappearing from its owners, including Neela. Neela needs to crack the code of her missing veena if she ever wants to see it again.
In addition to her veena problems, Neela is facing fierce pressure to be a normal American tween from both of her parents. They want her to give up the Indian culture that she so dearly loves and embrace America. The problem is, Neela feels connected to both her Indian and American roots, despite her parents’ wishes. I felt bad for Neela, having to choose who she really was at such a young age. I felt that she was equally American and Indian, and it made her unique and special.
The mystery of Neela’s veena was intriguing, with plenty of clues and hints along the way to keep the reader interested. I was caught up in the history of the veena, and how it played into Neela’s current problem. It was so interesting how the veena would disappear, only to reappear later. Did I mention there is a dragon too? I loved how the dragon’s story fits in with that of the veena.
I enjoyed this mystery complete with Indian culture and American tween issues.
RATING
4 Liked
COVER COMMENTS
I really like this cover and its simplicity. I am drawn to the pretty starry sky.
In addition to her veena problems, Neela is facing fierce pressure to be a normal American tween from both of her parents. They want her to give up the Indian culture that she so dearly loves and embrace America. The problem is, Neela feels connected to both her Indian and American roots, despite her parents’ wishes. I felt bad for Neela, having to choose who she really was at such a young age. I felt that she was equally American and Indian, and it made her unique and special.
The mystery of Neela’s veena was intriguing, with plenty of clues and hints along the way to keep the reader interested. I was caught up in the history of the veena, and how it played into Neela’s current problem. It was so interesting how the veena would disappear, only to reappear later. Did I mention there is a dragon too? I loved how the dragon’s story fits in with that of the veena.
I enjoyed this mystery complete with Indian culture and American tween issues.
RATING
4 Liked
COVER COMMENTS
I really like this cover and its simplicity. I am drawn to the pretty starry sky.
April 5, 2011
Neela searches for her grandmother's stolen veena - an heirloom Indian instrument- and stumbles upon quite a mystery, and maybe even a curse. I wanted to like this one. I really wanted to be able to recommend it to my students as a smart middle-grade mystery along the lines of Chasing Vermeer. I was interested to read more about the Indian-American culture, as well. The intro was interesting and promised a great story, but it didn't deliver. The writing is so muddled that I highly doubt any of my kids would bother to finish it. I struggled to finish myself, but I kept hoping it would get better. There are entirely too many characters and too many veenas to keep up with! There was nothing intriguing about the "mystery" and the writing just fell flat for me. I read this as an e-galley with plans to purchase it for our library if it was good, but I don't know that I'll bother, because I don't know if I can find an audience for it. If kids are looking for a smart mystery, I would recommend Chasing Vermeer instead. If they are looking for magical realism, I'd recommend Savvy instead. Both are much better bets.
July 20, 2011
Review of an advance copy:
I really enjoyed reading this one. I had never heard of a veena before, so it didn't take me long before I was online looking at photos. I am also interested in listening to some recordings, now that I have been introduced to this fascinating instrument. The mystery and the actions of various perpetrators may strain credibility at times, but this doesn't really get in the way of enjoying the story. I liked that the mystery and the chase spanned two different countries and that the book dealt with the cultures of India and of Indian Americans. Neela shows rather than tells about her culture through her music, her family, and her friendship with Matt. I especially liked her growing relationship with her young brother, as well. I would definitely enjoy reading further stories featuring Neela, Pavi, Lynne, and Matt, and I would recommend this story for all 4th-6th grade readers.
I really enjoyed reading this one. I had never heard of a veena before, so it didn't take me long before I was online looking at photos. I am also interested in listening to some recordings, now that I have been introduced to this fascinating instrument. The mystery and the actions of various perpetrators may strain credibility at times, but this doesn't really get in the way of enjoying the story. I liked that the mystery and the chase spanned two different countries and that the book dealt with the cultures of India and of Indian Americans. Neela shows rather than tells about her culture through her music, her family, and her friendship with Matt. I especially liked her growing relationship with her young brother, as well. I would definitely enjoy reading further stories featuring Neela, Pavi, Lynne, and Matt, and I would recommend this story for all 4th-6th grade readers.
August 5, 2015
This mystery in this story was enjoyable and was less predictable than many middle grade mysteries, but the book still lacked any real suspense. The characters were underdeveloped and some conclusions and relationships between clues were a little too convenient. And there were far too many extraneous characters who we only knew were important because the author told us they were important. The main character, Neela, had 5 friends where she could have had just 2 and the story would have been cleaner. I think kids will enjoy trying to solve the mystery as they read along, but I'm surprised that this book has been touted as one of the best middle grade books of 2011. I didn't feel any magic here. The writing was made up of a lot of telling, not showing. All in all I was underwhelmed.
June 13, 2011
Neela is a young musician who has lost her veena, and stringed, Indian instrument. Not only is the veena missing, but it is also cursed, which only adds to the intrigue. I liked the element of mystery added with the cultural ties of the veena. I felt like the two worked well together and were never in competition. With the long list of children's mysteries about missing painting and instruments, this will fit right in. Give this to fans of the Red Blazer Girls and Chasing Vermeer.
July 16, 2019
I would rate this book 4.5 . One thing I really liked was the plot twist. It killed me! I would reccomend this book if you are interested in instruments and music. It honestly made me want to play an instrument! No kidding. It is also kind of slow at the middle but the ending made up for it. It is also full of mystery.
By the way, there was no romance. So if you like romance books then I would recommend not reading this one. But who knows? You might end up liking it.
By the way, there was no romance. So if you like romance books then I would recommend not reading this one. But who knows? You might end up liking it.
July 24, 2011
This was such a smart, fun read. I enjoyed following Neela on a chase that involved international intrigue, ancient curses, well defined characters. It taught so much but was seamlessly entertaining at the same time. Very clever! A perfect addition to any classroom library.
September 5, 2011
Mystery, culture, and adventure. Complex and realistic characters. And veenas. I do love to learn as I read.
Read
August 21, 2011A wonderful debut novel. A well crafted mystery that simultaneously gives fascinating insight into other cultures. I really loved how real Neela was--exactly how a girl her age would behave.
October 17, 2012
Not my sort, I am afraid. A mysterious instrument, a mystery and nothing that held my attention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
This book was a bout a girl named Neela who never gave up in trying to find her lost instrument. Neela plays the veena and she brought it to school one day for her school project. But when Neela goes home, it starts to rain and Neela goes inside a church to wait it out with a man who tells her to come in but actually ends up stealing the veena. Neela learns about many things including a curse on the veena and that her friend is actually related to a famous musician who once owned that same veena. Neela finds herself in a tough situation and she has to collect clues to try to find her way back to her veena.
July 20, 2020
What a cute middle grade book! The author made the South Indian instrument, the Veena, look incredibly cool (an instrument I grew up playing just like the main character, Neela). As I was reading, I actually felt this novel was written about me...A South Indian girl growing up in Boston, playing the veena (with accompanying stage fright) and loves potato chips. Where was this book when I was growing up? The author even consulted my former veena teacher (what a small world).
The importance the author gives this beautiful instrument makes me want to pick up playing again. I can't wait til my kids are old enough to read and appreciate this thrilling adventure!
The importance the author gives this beautiful instrument makes me want to pick up playing again. I can't wait til my kids are old enough to read and appreciate this thrilling adventure!
May 4, 2019
An exciting tale of a girl's missing instrument it was stolen from her, and it's back where it began. Neela's grandmother had given her the musical object, and there's a "curse" on the instrument. During this adventure, she makes a couple new friends and a couple surprising facts.
October 23, 2020
This was a very good book! It was middle grade, so not YA like I usually read, but I found it interesting all the same. It was also very fascinating to learn about the veena, an instrument that I and I'm sure many other people were not aware of.
November 23, 2020
สนุกดีนะ การตามหาวีนาที่หายไป
เรื่องเกี่ยวกับเด็กเชื้อสายอินเดียในเมกา
ชอบตอนท้ายของเรื่องมีการหักมุมมากพอสมควร
แต่ไม่ชอบความคลีเช่ ที่มาสอนกันตรง ๆ ในช่วงบทสุดท้าย
บทเรียนน่ะเค้าได้ จากการอ่านผ่านตัวละครอยู่แล้ว ไม่จำเป็นต้องบอกย้ำอีกรอบหรอก
เรื่องเกี่ยวกับเด็กเชื้อสายอินเดียในเมกา
ชอบตอนท้ายของเรื่องมีการหักมุมมากพอสมควร
แต่ไม่ชอบความคลีเช่ ที่มาสอนกันตรง ๆ ในช่วงบทสุดท้าย
บทเรียนน่ะเค้าได้ จากการอ่านผ่านตัวละครอยู่แล้ว ไม่จำเป็นต้องบอกย้ำอีกรอบหรอก
September 20, 2021
This was a unique mystery set around a vanishing instrument and the people who won't stop until they've found it. Wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was interesting and engaging and when paired with some veena music in the background, made for an enjoyable read.
July 21, 2017
Superb!!!!
I loved how it included my culture and heritage since the main character's name is Neela Krishnan,she is a south Indian like me.
I loved how it included my culture and heritage since the main character's name is Neela Krishnan,she is a south Indian like me.
August 11, 2017
Lovely, CLEAN mystery for young adults and adults alike. Loved it
November 1, 2018
Very boring for quite a bit but gets better.
December 28, 2018
It got better towards the end but still not my favorite
Read
July 31, 2019DNFed at 100 pages. Nothing wrong with the book really that I saw, simply was not getting very interested in the story.
December 28, 2019
Incomplete. If you have not read the earlier books in the series, this book makes little to no sense. I give it a giant thumbs down.
December 27, 2021
I fell in love with all of the characters immediately, and this book was one of my favorite mysterys.
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