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Missy
She’s chosen her own future.
Madras, The orphaned girls of St Ursula’s convent are destined to be nuns or servants but seventeen-year-old Savi dreams of escape. Responsible and good with languages, she’s taken on as governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate.
The horrific events of a single night force Savi and her love, Ananda, into a dangerous journey, re-emerging in America under new identities, their homeland forever in their rearview.
But the past is never far away.
Forty years later, Savi, known to all as Missy, is the embodiment of the American dream – successful business owner in Chicago, pillar of the South Asian community, and mother to two brilliant, stubborn young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
Until Varun, a charming doctor, enters their lives, setting off a chain of events that puts Missy’s carefully constructed world in jeopardy with the revelation that you can never truly outrun your secrets…
A spellbinding, heartbreaking debut with a main character who will capture your heart - fans of Monica Ali, Bernadine Evaristo and Brit Bennett will adore this.
Madras, The orphaned girls of St Ursula’s convent are destined to be nuns or servants but seventeen-year-old Savi dreams of escape. Responsible and good with languages, she’s taken on as governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate.
The horrific events of a single night force Savi and her love, Ananda, into a dangerous journey, re-emerging in America under new identities, their homeland forever in their rearview.
But the past is never far away.
Forty years later, Savi, known to all as Missy, is the embodiment of the American dream – successful business owner in Chicago, pillar of the South Asian community, and mother to two brilliant, stubborn young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
Until Varun, a charming doctor, enters their lives, setting off a chain of events that puts Missy’s carefully constructed world in jeopardy with the revelation that you can never truly outrun your secrets…
A spellbinding, heartbreaking debut with a main character who will capture your heart - fans of Monica Ali, Bernadine Evaristo and Brit Bennett will adore this.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2024
28 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Raghav Rao
1 book11 followersRaghav Rao is a Chicago-based writer. Born in Mumbai, he grew up in London, Los Angeles, and Southern India. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His debut novel, MISSY, is forthcoming in September 2024 with Penguin Random House (India) - Vintage Books and Hera Books (UK & Commonwealth). He enjoys bird-watching, biking, and playing squash. His newsletter on information saturation is available on substack
To all North American readers -- please make an effort to purchase MISSY from Northwestern University Press either directly from them or on Amazon or B/N or Bookshop.org. Please don't give your money to resellers. It was very kind of Northwestern University Press to acquire the North American rights and publish Missy after it had already come out internationally and if we want to support a culture of arts and letters, we need to support institutions like NUP.
How do you know that you're buying the American edition? Easy. It's got Chicago on the cover!
To all North American readers -- please make an effort to purchase MISSY from Northwestern University Press either directly from them or on Amazon or B/N or Bookshop.org. Please don't give your money to resellers. It was very kind of Northwestern University Press to acquire the North American rights and publish Missy after it had already come out internationally and if we want to support a culture of arts and letters, we need to support institutions like NUP.
How do you know that you're buying the American edition? Easy. It's got Chicago on the cover!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 5, 2024
Missy’s life is divided into two unequal pieces. There is her youth in India and there is her much longer adulthood in the United States. The boundary between the two is a horrific crime and misunderstanding that sends Missy across the ocean. Raghav Rao’s entertaining and heartfelt novel, Missy, shows us both pieces of her life—the long shadow of past secrets and Missy’s determination to reinvent herself. Rao’s characters are lively, often funny, and incredibly headstrong...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
November 3, 2024
A story that had me hooked all the way through. Following Missy’s early life in service at home in India and catching up with her and her family in current day America. The culture was rich and colourful with female characters who were strong and fought for their beliefs. Highly recommend this fantastic debut.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book
October 28, 2024
Missy is the tale of a seventeen years old girl, Savi who is an orphan. As the time passes, she gets a job as a governess for a wealthy family. Incidents of one horrific night forces savi to leave her current life and take on a new identity as Missy. Years later she is leading a normal life but when past confronts her again, her whole life might shatter. Will she be able to overcome it?
The author has crafted the story very skill fully, considering this is his debut novel. The way story flows effortlessly is commendable, the transition over time is seamless. The story being women centric is just cherry on top.
The characters are built very precisely and the supporting characters are written well as well.
The story speaks of struggles of migrants. The resilience and courage shown by the characters through the time of struggle is something to learn from the story.
The story felt slow sometimes and unnecessary details were there at few points which could have been skipped. Otherwise it’s a great read, pick it up if you’re in the mood to read some thriller.
The author has crafted the story very skill fully, considering this is his debut novel. The way story flows effortlessly is commendable, the transition over time is seamless. The story being women centric is just cherry on top.
The characters are built very precisely and the supporting characters are written well as well.
The story speaks of struggles of migrants. The resilience and courage shown by the characters through the time of struggle is something to learn from the story.
The story felt slow sometimes and unnecessary details were there at few points which could have been skipped. Otherwise it’s a great read, pick it up if you’re in the mood to read some thriller.
October 24, 2024
“𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞!”
• Maybe this statement can summarize the whole meaning of Raghav Rao's “𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐘”. A sense of dignity and identity runs through my thoughts. This nearly made me happy when I got to know that the plot is set in India.
• In St Ursula's Convent, Madras, Savi, an orphan, was given a chance to make herself Nun or Servant. But she chose to be free. Her life, sometimes seeming absurd and full of misery, gives her that opportunity to stay alive and remain hopeful. She accepted her fate - actually she grabbed it. And makes her own fortune.
“𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐰-𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡”
• What she lost in 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 was revived through 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚. The dramatic transitions that give her the destination, is something unbelievable and also hypnotizing. Not everything happens for a reason, maybe you become the reason. And Savi becomes the reason for her own happiness by changing her identity as Missy. It's also a controversy who's the protagonist or who is the victim - the situation, Savi or to be precise Missy, or Varun.
• Oh, you have to know about Varun. He constructs the plot. With his arrival, most of the themes like identity, sacrifice, mystery, motive, love, politics - all involved at once. After forty years, Savi still can't leave India by herself. “𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬” - the author gives this note to me or maybe to the women like us.
“𝐌𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐢𝐭… 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥.”
• I feel jealous of how the situation healed her. How the author represents the situations in a gorgeous manner and with a short twist. From the first few pages, I was somehow feeling the novel instead of reading it. The surviving story has a potential part to hold on your heart.
“𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.”
• Maybe this statement can summarize the whole meaning of Raghav Rao's “𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐘”. A sense of dignity and identity runs through my thoughts. This nearly made me happy when I got to know that the plot is set in India.
• In St Ursula's Convent, Madras, Savi, an orphan, was given a chance to make herself Nun or Servant. But she chose to be free. Her life, sometimes seeming absurd and full of misery, gives her that opportunity to stay alive and remain hopeful. She accepted her fate - actually she grabbed it. And makes her own fortune.
“𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐰-𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡”
• What she lost in 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 was revived through 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚. The dramatic transitions that give her the destination, is something unbelievable and also hypnotizing. Not everything happens for a reason, maybe you become the reason. And Savi becomes the reason for her own happiness by changing her identity as Missy. It's also a controversy who's the protagonist or who is the victim - the situation, Savi or to be precise Missy, or Varun.
• Oh, you have to know about Varun. He constructs the plot. With his arrival, most of the themes like identity, sacrifice, mystery, motive, love, politics - all involved at once. After forty years, Savi still can't leave India by herself. “𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬” - the author gives this note to me or maybe to the women like us.
“𝐌𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐢𝐭… 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥.”
• I feel jealous of how the situation healed her. How the author represents the situations in a gorgeous manner and with a short twist. From the first few pages, I was somehow feeling the novel instead of reading it. The surviving story has a potential part to hold on your heart.
“𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.”
October 20, 2024
In a world where life’s struggles can feel too big to handle, "Missy" by Raghav Rao shines as a touching story about strength and the unstoppable human spirit. This compelling narrative follows a young girl, Missy, whose dreams of a normal life are constantly blocked by a series of relentless challenges. Yet, it is precisely this struggle that shapes her into a remarkable character who captivates readers from the very first page.
Rao masterfully weaves a tale of strength and perseverance, illustrating how one can confront adversity with courage and wit. Missy’s journey of starting over many times shows not only her determination but also the simple truth that life often pushes us to change and grow. Each chapter is a fresh canvas, painted with her experiences, struggles, and victories, making her story both relatable and inspiring.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding rich layers to the narrative. Their connections to Missy transcend the bounds of blood, showcasing the profound impact of chosen families and friendships. The skillful character development ensures that readers feel invested in each individual’s journey, amplifying the emotional stakes of the story.
Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. The cover, smartly designed to resonate with the plot, serves as an apt introduction to the beauty and complexity of Missy’s life. It invites readers into a world where pain and triumph coexist, and where every setback is a stepping stone to greater strength. For those who appreciate the depth and nuance found in the works of Indian authors, "Missy" is a must-read. It’s not just a story about survival, it is a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to find light in the darkest of times. Raghav Rao has crafted a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned, making "Missy" an unforgettable addition to contemporary literature. Don’t miss out on this beautifully told tale of hope, resilience, and the power of love.
Rao masterfully weaves a tale of strength and perseverance, illustrating how one can confront adversity with courage and wit. Missy’s journey of starting over many times shows not only her determination but also the simple truth that life often pushes us to change and grow. Each chapter is a fresh canvas, painted with her experiences, struggles, and victories, making her story both relatable and inspiring.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding rich layers to the narrative. Their connections to Missy transcend the bounds of blood, showcasing the profound impact of chosen families and friendships. The skillful character development ensures that readers feel invested in each individual’s journey, amplifying the emotional stakes of the story.
Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. The cover, smartly designed to resonate with the plot, serves as an apt introduction to the beauty and complexity of Missy’s life. It invites readers into a world where pain and triumph coexist, and where every setback is a stepping stone to greater strength. For those who appreciate the depth and nuance found in the works of Indian authors, "Missy" is a must-read. It’s not just a story about survival, it is a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to find light in the darkest of times. Raghav Rao has crafted a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned, making "Missy" an unforgettable addition to contemporary literature. Don’t miss out on this beautifully told tale of hope, resilience, and the power of love.
October 20, 2024
"Missy" by Raghav Rao is a gripping tale that delves deep into themes of survival, identity, and the haunting power of the past. The story centers on Savi, a resilient orphan from Madras, whose life takes a dramatic and perilous turn following a tragic event that forces her and her lover, Ananda, to flee India. As they embark on this dangerous journey, Savi adopts a new identity, reinventing herself as Missy. She builds a successful life in the bustling city of Chicago, striving to leave her traumatic past behind.
However, the arrival of a charming doctor named Varun disrupts the fragile stability she has created. His presence not only adds a layer of romantic tension but also serves as a catalyst for the secrets that Savi has worked so hard to conceal. As the narrative unfolds, the author brilliantly explores the idea that the past never truly stays buried, no matter how fiercely we attempt to escape its shadows.
" Missy " emerges as a powerful and complex character, grappling with the weight of her hidden truths while simultaneously trying to embrace the life she has fought so valiantly to establish. The supporting characters enrich the narrative, with Varun playing a pivotal role that propels the suspense and tension throughout the story.
Rao's writing is fast-paced and emotionally charged, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as secrets resurface and Missy faces the ultimate test of survival. Each twist and turn reveals the intricate layers of her character, making the reader invested in her journey.
If you enjoy stories about reinvention and the inescapable pull of the past, "Missy" is a must-read. It's a captivating page-turner that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page, prompting reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of our choices.
However, the arrival of a charming doctor named Varun disrupts the fragile stability she has created. His presence not only adds a layer of romantic tension but also serves as a catalyst for the secrets that Savi has worked so hard to conceal. As the narrative unfolds, the author brilliantly explores the idea that the past never truly stays buried, no matter how fiercely we attempt to escape its shadows.
" Missy " emerges as a powerful and complex character, grappling with the weight of her hidden truths while simultaneously trying to embrace the life she has fought so valiantly to establish. The supporting characters enrich the narrative, with Varun playing a pivotal role that propels the suspense and tension throughout the story.
Rao's writing is fast-paced and emotionally charged, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as secrets resurface and Missy faces the ultimate test of survival. Each twist and turn reveals the intricate layers of her character, making the reader invested in her journey.
If you enjoy stories about reinvention and the inescapable pull of the past, "Missy" is a must-read. It's a captivating page-turner that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page, prompting reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of our choices.
October 28, 2024
'Missy' is a tale of resilience, family ties, search for identity and belongingness in the world.
It chronicles the story of Savi, who at 7 years of age, stumbled upon the steps of St.Ursula's convent, while escaping a raging drought in her village, after her father abandoned her.
Orphan Savi lives a life of humbleness in the convent, trying to make sense of orthodox Christianity being drilled into the minds of young girls, with the only choices to become a nun or house-help once they grow older. The nearby oceans call to her, promising of distant lands with sparkling adventures.
Then one day, a rich publisher's wife swept her away to their sprawling estate. As the caretaker of Nadiyar's younger son, she reads to him books, and dutifully attends the chores assigned to her.
Life was flowing until she fell in love, and elopes to America.
In Chicago, Savi has assumed an alias 'Missy' and was living an American dream as a businesswoman and a head of the immigrants' community. Life is well, until certain things happen that threaten to expose secrets and a painful past.
I loved the imagery and powerful messages the author tried to convey. This book is indeed a journey of someone's life and felt like a biography at times. The writing is beautiful and evocative, which often puts the readers into a trance with vivid descriptions. It is an enthralling novel that made me emotional too, the characters are realistic and their feelings are raw. It's a story about finding strength in the face of difficult circumstances and overcoming them with grace.
It chronicles the story of Savi, who at 7 years of age, stumbled upon the steps of St.Ursula's convent, while escaping a raging drought in her village, after her father abandoned her.
Orphan Savi lives a life of humbleness in the convent, trying to make sense of orthodox Christianity being drilled into the minds of young girls, with the only choices to become a nun or house-help once they grow older. The nearby oceans call to her, promising of distant lands with sparkling adventures.
Then one day, a rich publisher's wife swept her away to their sprawling estate. As the caretaker of Nadiyar's younger son, she reads to him books, and dutifully attends the chores assigned to her.
Life was flowing until she fell in love, and elopes to America.
In Chicago, Savi has assumed an alias 'Missy' and was living an American dream as a businesswoman and a head of the immigrants' community. Life is well, until certain things happen that threaten to expose secrets and a painful past.
I loved the imagery and powerful messages the author tried to convey. This book is indeed a journey of someone's life and felt like a biography at times. The writing is beautiful and evocative, which often puts the readers into a trance with vivid descriptions. It is an enthralling novel that made me emotional too, the characters are realistic and their feelings are raw. It's a story about finding strength in the face of difficult circumstances and overcoming them with grace.
November 9, 2024
Missy tells the compelling story of Savi, a young girl raised in a convent in India who escapes to America, where she reinvents herself as Missy. Starting her journey in St. Ursula’s Convent, Savi’s life is filled with challenges and resilience. Her dreams were always bigger than her circumstances, and this ambition pushes her to leave her life in India behind. Once in America, she faces new struggles but finds her identity in a world far from her roots.
The narrative paints Savi’s character arc beautifully. From a hopeful orphan to a determined woman, the journey of Savi to Missy is realistic and emotional. The relationships she builds, especially with her children Mansi and Shilpa, add depth to her character. The connection with her past—especially through her time in the Nandiyar household, where she first tasted love and heartache—creates a sense of nostalgia, reminding her of who she once was.
The writing brings her journey vividly to life. Readers will find a balance of past and present as Missy explores her identity in America. The book gives readers insight into the themes of migration, self-discovery, and the everlasting pull of one's homeland. It’s a moving tale of survival, love, and the courage it takes to start over.
The narrative paints Savi’s character arc beautifully. From a hopeful orphan to a determined woman, the journey of Savi to Missy is realistic and emotional. The relationships she builds, especially with her children Mansi and Shilpa, add depth to her character. The connection with her past—especially through her time in the Nandiyar household, where she first tasted love and heartache—creates a sense of nostalgia, reminding her of who she once was.
The writing brings her journey vividly to life. Readers will find a balance of past and present as Missy explores her identity in America. The book gives readers insight into the themes of migration, self-discovery, and the everlasting pull of one's homeland. It’s a moving tale of survival, love, and the courage it takes to start over.
October 28, 2024
Raghav Rao’s debut novel, "Missy," is a courageous and heartfelt story of survival. It follows Savi, a seventeen-year-old orphan who dreams of living a better life. She starts as a governess for a wealthy family in India, but after a tragic event, she is forced to flee to America with her love, Ananda. Years later, Savi, now known as Missy, is a successful entrepreneur in Chicago with two lovely daughters. But when a doctor named Varun enters their lives, her world is put to the test, forcing her to confront her hidden past.⠀
⠀
I really enjoyed how Missy’s character evolves from a humble governess to a strong immigrant, making a new life in America. Her deep love for her daughters and determination to give them a better life is beautifully portrayed. The book also touches on important themes like class differences and societal struggles.⠀
⠀
I loved the way first half of the book flows, but the second part seemed to flow at a slower pace as it has some complex writing. And not to miss out, the book beautiful cover adpt to the plot.⠀
⠀
Overall, the story’s emotional depth makes it a worthwhile read.⠀
⠀
I really enjoyed how Missy’s character evolves from a humble governess to a strong immigrant, making a new life in America. Her deep love for her daughters and determination to give them a better life is beautifully portrayed. The book also touches on important themes like class differences and societal struggles.⠀
⠀
I loved the way first half of the book flows, but the second part seemed to flow at a slower pace as it has some complex writing. And not to miss out, the book beautiful cover adpt to the plot.⠀
⠀
Overall, the story’s emotional depth makes it a worthwhile read.⠀
September 20, 2024
Missy is an orphan at St Ursula’s convent in Madras. When she is 17 she is engaged as a governess for a wealthy family who live in the country. There she meets a young man called Ananda who works at the local bronzeworks and their relationship blossoms. After a horrific incident which ends in tragedy, Missy and Ananda take flight and end up on a boat leading eventually to a successful life in America. However, the past comes back to haunt them.
I thought this was a fabulous story. It’s vividly and evocatively told with the contrast between India and America being very apparent. The characters are wonderfully realistic and came alive on the page. I was totally immersed in Missy’s life and loved spending time with her family. It took me to a different world and the writing just made me feel as if I was there living alongside Missy and her daughters. I read this via the Pigeonhole app over ten days and I eagerly looked forward to each stave. A family saga with a difference which I can highly recommend. I loved it!
I thought this was a fabulous story. It’s vividly and evocatively told with the contrast between India and America being very apparent. The characters are wonderfully realistic and came alive on the page. I was totally immersed in Missy’s life and loved spending time with her family. It took me to a different world and the writing just made me feel as if I was there living alongside Missy and her daughters. I read this via the Pigeonhole app over ten days and I eagerly looked forward to each stave. A family saga with a difference which I can highly recommend. I loved it!
October 19, 2024
“Missy” is an orphaned girl who lives at a convent when she would either become a nun or servant. She ends up as a servant and after a night of events must flee India. At an older age, we meet her in the US and her daughter finds love. As her daughter finds herself in her identity, her mother feels a certain way. As her daughter moves forward with boyfriend, she finds her way back in India in surprising circumstances.
Wow. What a read! The characters and conflict were so engrossing. I love to see how the characters reflect on themselves change as the story goes. You can really feel how their emotions play into situations, and scenes are described so well you feel there. This will be a best seller I am sure & a great book club read!
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Wow. What a read! The characters and conflict were so engrossing. I love to see how the characters reflect on themselves change as the story goes. You can really feel how their emotions play into situations, and scenes are described so well you feel there. This will be a best seller I am sure & a great book club read!
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
This is a decent book about a young woman's journey of immigrating from India to US. However, it is really slow.
I enjoyed the portion set in India. It gave Kareena Kapoor in Shimla in Jab We Met vibes. Not all orphanages operate as per the intentions they were set up for, so it was interesting to read about this girl outgrowing the system and moving into a family that "kept her in her place." The discrimination isn't anything new to read about, but it is obviously very jarring and holds the reader's attention.
The second setting is American, where she takes an alias (with an interesting backstory), but towards the end she is back to square one because of an event that is the suspense factor in the book. I feel this is not written very well, or maybe the characters are half-cooked because I couldn't connect to it.
The FMC lives out the big old American dream, and that is the highlight of the plot. The writing is flowy, but it should have been edited better to have a stronger pace.
Readers who prefer to savour one book over the course of many days are the ideal audience for this.
I enjoyed the portion set in India. It gave Kareena Kapoor in Shimla in Jab We Met vibes. Not all orphanages operate as per the intentions they were set up for, so it was interesting to read about this girl outgrowing the system and moving into a family that "kept her in her place." The discrimination isn't anything new to read about, but it is obviously very jarring and holds the reader's attention.
The second setting is American, where she takes an alias (with an interesting backstory), but towards the end she is back to square one because of an event that is the suspense factor in the book. I feel this is not written very well, or maybe the characters are half-cooked because I couldn't connect to it.
The FMC lives out the big old American dream, and that is the highlight of the plot. The writing is flowy, but it should have been edited better to have a stronger pace.
Readers who prefer to savour one book over the course of many days are the ideal audience for this.
February 20, 2025
Raghav Rao’s debut novel, "Missy," is nothing short of spellbinding. I was HOOKED from page one and found myself utterly immersed not only in Missy's story, but in the vivid, bubbling atmospheres through which she moves. Some scenes left me speechless, others laughing –– but all wove together beautifully into a narrative that had me contemplating the power of the past, the lives of my own parents and the quiet, enduring imprints they’ve left on my present. Don’t miss this one!
November 5, 2024
Lovable characters, engrossing prose, and page-turning plot. Missy’s story is one of trauma, survival, and rebuilding. It explores the impact of intergenerational secrets, the courage of truth, and the division of caste. It holds two countries with equal tenderness. I couldn’t put it down.
November 8, 2024
Raghav Rao's MISSY is an electrifying novel that melts our heart with its extraordinary story telling and creates an enchanting , inescapable world around us.
It's the story of Savi, an orphan, whose life in the convent seems like imprisonment. Her anxiety comes to an end when she gets a job of governess. But fate carries us to the United States, when she gets a new identity, 'Missy', that's the end of Savi and beginning of 'Missy', A new life in the new world.
In Chicago, Missy gets the popularity as a rich entrepreneur and a happy family. But it's the past that always haunts a person. The sudden appearance of an old acquaintance shatters her world as someone threatens her to reveal her concealed past. Through this game of past and present, right and wrong, we go along with the story.
The novel's theme is experimental, the storyline is compelling, the characterisation is bold, the language is lucid and the narration is explicit. Overall the storytelling precious and exquisite.
The characters, authentically portrayed with depth, heightening the impact of every twist and turn. 'Missy' is more than a mere page-turner; it evolves into a literary journey that lingers in the reader's consciousness.
Raghav Rao has not only crafted a masterpiece but has also gifted readers with a work that beckons them to delve into the profound themes interwoven throughout the narrative. The novel invites ongoing reflection, solidifying its place as a compelling and enduring contribution to the literary landscape.
It's the story of Savi, an orphan, whose life in the convent seems like imprisonment. Her anxiety comes to an end when she gets a job of governess. But fate carries us to the United States, when she gets a new identity, 'Missy', that's the end of Savi and beginning of 'Missy', A new life in the new world.
In Chicago, Missy gets the popularity as a rich entrepreneur and a happy family. But it's the past that always haunts a person. The sudden appearance of an old acquaintance shatters her world as someone threatens her to reveal her concealed past. Through this game of past and present, right and wrong, we go along with the story.
The novel's theme is experimental, the storyline is compelling, the characterisation is bold, the language is lucid and the narration is explicit. Overall the storytelling precious and exquisite.
The characters, authentically portrayed with depth, heightening the impact of every twist and turn. 'Missy' is more than a mere page-turner; it evolves into a literary journey that lingers in the reader's consciousness.
Raghav Rao has not only crafted a masterpiece but has also gifted readers with a work that beckons them to delve into the profound themes interwoven throughout the narrative. The novel invites ongoing reflection, solidifying its place as a compelling and enduring contribution to the literary landscape.
November 9, 2024
How would you deal a situation if you were to abandon the land you were brought up into and escape into a foreign land and create a new identity for yourself? Well “Missy” by Raghav Rao takes us through the life journey of Savi who transforms herself into Missy. What made Savi to abandon her homeland? How does she transform herself to Missy and crave a niche for herself in the foreign land? Will she able to find her peace or will the past again haunt her? To find out more about Savi alias Missy, do grab a copy of “Missy”.
The story is all about Savi an 17 year old girl who is orphaned at an young age. Soon she finds work as a governess in a wealthy family. However one traumatic night changes Savi’s world forcing her to abandon her homeland and get a new identity as “Missy”. Few years down the line, Missy is now leading a peaceful life with her daughters. However the arrival of Varun a charming doctor haunts her past again. How the storyline unfolds further forms the crux of the story.
Even though this is Raghav’s debut novel, the writing is crisp and the storyline is so engrossing that it keeps the readers hooked to the book. The book is not a short read but it has a brisk pace which makes the read more interesting. Overall a book about struggle, immigration, resilience, transformation, courage, confidence this book is surely a warm read which will also motivate a lot of women.
The story is all about Savi an 17 year old girl who is orphaned at an young age. Soon she finds work as a governess in a wealthy family. However one traumatic night changes Savi’s world forcing her to abandon her homeland and get a new identity as “Missy”. Few years down the line, Missy is now leading a peaceful life with her daughters. However the arrival of Varun a charming doctor haunts her past again. How the storyline unfolds further forms the crux of the story.
Even though this is Raghav’s debut novel, the writing is crisp and the storyline is so engrossing that it keeps the readers hooked to the book. The book is not a short read but it has a brisk pace which makes the read more interesting. Overall a book about struggle, immigration, resilience, transformation, courage, confidence this book is surely a warm read which will also motivate a lot of women.
October 28, 2024
Do you believe in Karma? That your past life always catches you no matter what!!
Missy by Raghav Rao is one such gripping thriller. It's a story of a orphan girl, Savi who dreams of a different life and how she embarks on a dangerous journey to achieve her American dream. But it's also a story about how your actions will always catch you no matter what. Maybe not rightnow, even if you move away, how it all comes back at right time.
Character Development:
Author Raghav has portrayed the characters of all the main protagonist females be it Savi, her daughters, her companion as very strong, spirited and relatable ladies
Plot Development: Its a gripping thrilling and you can't put it down. It's a page turner and the plot keeps you hooked till the end.
Quality of Writing: Although it's a debut novel by the author, writing is compelling and engaging. He has captured the struggles of immigrants aptly.
Entertaining:
It's 110% entertaining. Once you start it becomes really difficult to put it down. Pick it up over a free or relaxing weekend and you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Recommended read for anyone who loves Thrillers and drama. Highly recommended if you are in reading slump, it will instantly pull you out. Kudos to the author for such a gripping novel even as a debutant!!!!
Missy by Raghav Rao is one such gripping thriller. It's a story of a orphan girl, Savi who dreams of a different life and how she embarks on a dangerous journey to achieve her American dream. But it's also a story about how your actions will always catch you no matter what. Maybe not rightnow, even if you move away, how it all comes back at right time.
Character Development:
Author Raghav has portrayed the characters of all the main protagonist females be it Savi, her daughters, her companion as very strong, spirited and relatable ladies
Plot Development: Its a gripping thrilling and you can't put it down. It's a page turner and the plot keeps you hooked till the end.
Quality of Writing: Although it's a debut novel by the author, writing is compelling and engaging. He has captured the struggles of immigrants aptly.
Entertaining:
It's 110% entertaining. Once you start it becomes really difficult to put it down. Pick it up over a free or relaxing weekend and you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Recommended read for anyone who loves Thrillers and drama. Highly recommended if you are in reading slump, it will instantly pull you out. Kudos to the author for such a gripping novel even as a debutant!!!!
October 28, 2024
Missy by Raghav Rao is a captivating and inspiring novel. The story revolves around Savi, who dreams to escape from her current life. In St Ursula’s Convent, Madras, the girls are destined to be nuns or servants, but Savi, intelligent and with a gift for languages, dreams of escape. Luckily, she’s taken on as a governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family. But a tragic incident changes her fate, and she escapes with her lover Ananda to America.
Forty years later, Savi, now known as Missy, is living in Chicago. She is the pillar of the South Asian community and mother to two brilliant young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
The story is intriguing with a fast-paced plot. The language used is simple and easy to understand. There are many twists and turns which keep us hooked till the end. This is a well written story with relatable characters. I adore the mention of Tamil words.
I loved Savi's character. The story explores the themes of sacrifice, tragedy, struggles, immigration identity and dealing with your past. Such a good woman centric book and I loved it.
Overall, I loved this heart-wrenching novel and would strongly recommend it to all.
Forty years later, Savi, now known as Missy, is living in Chicago. She is the pillar of the South Asian community and mother to two brilliant young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
The story is intriguing with a fast-paced plot. The language used is simple and easy to understand. There are many twists and turns which keep us hooked till the end. This is a well written story with relatable characters. I adore the mention of Tamil words.
I loved Savi's character. The story explores the themes of sacrifice, tragedy, struggles, immigration identity and dealing with your past. Such a good woman centric book and I loved it.
Overall, I loved this heart-wrenching novel and would strongly recommend it to all.
November 8, 2024
"Pain for one could not mean good things for the other."
Missy is the story of a girl who wants to live a normal life. But life has other plans for her. From her childhood itself her life is filled with challenges. But she always chose to accept the challenges and come out stronger. And yet, life came up with a new challenge, dangerous than before.
Starting life from a new chapter, not just once, but multiple times is not an easy thing to do. Especially from a tender age. Yet with her quick-wit Missy manages to win the hearts of the people who are not connected to her by blood, but by heart.
If you are someone who loves to read good books by Indian Authors, Missy will not disappoint you. The character of Missy is portrayed beautifully and the supporting characters are also strong.
Extra points for the beautiful cover that is designed very smartly that matches the plot of the story.
Missy is the story of a girl who wants to live a normal life. But life has other plans for her. From her childhood itself her life is filled with challenges. But she always chose to accept the challenges and come out stronger. And yet, life came up with a new challenge, dangerous than before.
Starting life from a new chapter, not just once, but multiple times is not an easy thing to do. Especially from a tender age. Yet with her quick-wit Missy manages to win the hearts of the people who are not connected to her by blood, but by heart.
If you are someone who loves to read good books by Indian Authors, Missy will not disappoint you. The character of Missy is portrayed beautifully and the supporting characters are also strong.
Extra points for the beautiful cover that is designed very smartly that matches the plot of the story.
September 27, 2025
I truly enjoy reading books by Indian writers, and Missy by Raghav Rao is a wonderful example. The story beautifully weaves family secrets with the contrasting experiences of life in India and the USA—showing both the challenges and the opportunities that come with each. What stood out to me most is how the novel reminds us that no life is without problems, but we always have choices in how we face them. A heartfelt, engaging read.
November 8, 2024
Raghav Rao’s 'Missy' brings readers into the life of a Savi, an orphan raised in a convent in Madras whose dreams have no relevance other than to dream themselves free from servitude. She is appointed governess to the wealthy Nandiyar family, and when happiness looks to be at hand, a terrible tragedy seperates her from the man she loves, Ananda, and sends them fleeing to America. She reinvents herself as "Missy," starts a home in Chicago and becomes a champion of South Asian community. But when a doctor named Varun enters Missy’s world she’s haunted by the shadows of her past.
The book is not a small book; it has themes of assimilation, identity, trauma and resilience. The author crafts a compelling, layered story, the book’s execution doesn’t always match its potential.
This is a story of transformation and survival spanning continents and cultures. The author’s choice to portray a young Indian woman’s journey from Madras to America provides an interesting backdrop for exploring the immigrant experience, cultural assimilation, and the enduring power of one’s past. The dual life of Savi/Missy as both a governess and a respected community figure adds an intriguing complexity to her character.
His precise evocations of settings—either the austere convent walls, or the day to day of 1980s Chicago—feels immersive and paints the world of the story with real vividness. His portrayal of Savi’s life in the Nandiyar household and the way he works to conceive of these spaces and cultures is clear in how he portrays Savi’s interactions with the American South Asian community.
He touches on timeless themes of self-identity, the cost of assimilation, and the inescapable pull of one’s origins. The emotional depth of the book arises from Missy’s ongoing struggle to make sense of her past, which has been so traumatic, from being able to imagine a future that might be acceptable to her. He effectively conveys that, despite her success in America, her past remains a powerful and disruptive force.
While the book's narrative is generally engaging, the pacing fluctuates, with certain segments feeling rushed or overly prolonged.
• The narration of the book is quite interning except for the pace which is somewhat inconsistent; some chapters appear quite hurried while others are exceedingly drawn out.
• The plot of the drama of Madras progresses through most of the thrust by creating suspense but ultimately it has a terrible denouement. It is hard to build tension and excitement dominating the story and in its turn, main points are revealed quite contrived.
• Missy is rounded and believable while the rest of the characters are pretty one dimensional like Ananda, Mansi, Shilpa and Varun. Their driving forces are as well underskill when it comes to sucking inner contradiction given their participation in Missy’s life.
• To a certain extent, some aspects in this book are somewhat uncreative and feels derivative, relying on tropes that weaken the story’s originality.
• There is no deep insight into such issues more than the moral dilemmas and cultural clash of Missy most of the time come up with very basic situations which might not be very original in terms of immigrant’s novel.
• Moreover, as the book plunges deeply in telling the plot it at times feels like watching a soap opera with elements of a mystery movie, which in turn makes the reader shift between the two modes of conflicts.
I think that the climax of the book is poorly coordinated and underdeveloped. He creates different subplots about Missy’s secret but he deals with them too briefly so he offers lots of answers but many questions remain unanswered. The story's tension fizzles rather than builds, leaving readers with a somewhat anticlimactic and left readers feeling unfulfilled.
In conclusion, it has a powerful premise and a charismatic protagonist, it suffers from uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on predictable narrative tropes. His writing holds promise, especially in his ability to paint vivid settings and weave in cultural elements. However, the book would benefit from tighter pacing, richer character development, and a more consistent tone to achieve its full potential.
The book is not a small book; it has themes of assimilation, identity, trauma and resilience. The author crafts a compelling, layered story, the book’s execution doesn’t always match its potential.
This is a story of transformation and survival spanning continents and cultures. The author’s choice to portray a young Indian woman’s journey from Madras to America provides an interesting backdrop for exploring the immigrant experience, cultural assimilation, and the enduring power of one’s past. The dual life of Savi/Missy as both a governess and a respected community figure adds an intriguing complexity to her character.
His precise evocations of settings—either the austere convent walls, or the day to day of 1980s Chicago—feels immersive and paints the world of the story with real vividness. His portrayal of Savi’s life in the Nandiyar household and the way he works to conceive of these spaces and cultures is clear in how he portrays Savi’s interactions with the American South Asian community.
He touches on timeless themes of self-identity, the cost of assimilation, and the inescapable pull of one’s origins. The emotional depth of the book arises from Missy’s ongoing struggle to make sense of her past, which has been so traumatic, from being able to imagine a future that might be acceptable to her. He effectively conveys that, despite her success in America, her past remains a powerful and disruptive force.
While the book's narrative is generally engaging, the pacing fluctuates, with certain segments feeling rushed or overly prolonged.
• The narration of the book is quite interning except for the pace which is somewhat inconsistent; some chapters appear quite hurried while others are exceedingly drawn out.
• The plot of the drama of Madras progresses through most of the thrust by creating suspense but ultimately it has a terrible denouement. It is hard to build tension and excitement dominating the story and in its turn, main points are revealed quite contrived.
• Missy is rounded and believable while the rest of the characters are pretty one dimensional like Ananda, Mansi, Shilpa and Varun. Their driving forces are as well underskill when it comes to sucking inner contradiction given their participation in Missy’s life.
• To a certain extent, some aspects in this book are somewhat uncreative and feels derivative, relying on tropes that weaken the story’s originality.
• There is no deep insight into such issues more than the moral dilemmas and cultural clash of Missy most of the time come up with very basic situations which might not be very original in terms of immigrant’s novel.
• Moreover, as the book plunges deeply in telling the plot it at times feels like watching a soap opera with elements of a mystery movie, which in turn makes the reader shift between the two modes of conflicts.
I think that the climax of the book is poorly coordinated and underdeveloped. He creates different subplots about Missy’s secret but he deals with them too briefly so he offers lots of answers but many questions remain unanswered. The story's tension fizzles rather than builds, leaving readers with a somewhat anticlimactic and left readers feeling unfulfilled.
In conclusion, it has a powerful premise and a charismatic protagonist, it suffers from uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on predictable narrative tropes. His writing holds promise, especially in his ability to paint vivid settings and weave in cultural elements. However, the book would benefit from tighter pacing, richer character development, and a more consistent tone to achieve its full potential.
October 10, 2024
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/10/bo...
1974 India — Young Savitri and her mother are abandoned by her father when drought hit their village in Rayalaseema. Left with no choice, Savi and her mother set on foot in search of livelihood and reach Madras where Savi’s mother died on the steps of St Ursula convent. The nuns are kind enough to take in orphans like Savi, educate them along with providing food and accommodation.
Girls like Savi ended up as nuns in other convents or sent as servants/mistress in wealthy households once they reached adulthood. Savi felt lucky when the Nandiyar family chose her to stay with them in their estate and to take care of their younger son Aditya. Renuka, the landlady, promised Savi a monthly salary and a higher education in the future. Savi also met Ananda, the stapathi or sculptor who made idols for the estate’s garden, with whom love blossomed soon.
Savi thought her life is finally peaceful and content, until one night she is forced to run away with Ananda, leaving behind two dead men. Years later Savi is now Missy in the United States, running her own driving school and a help center for immigrants. When her elder daughter Shilpa’s Indian boyfriend Varun enters their life, how Missy is forced to confront the demons she assumed she left behind, forms the rest of the story.
The story has two parts — Savi’s young-adult years first at the convent, later at the Nandiyar’s estate and as Missy in the United States with her daughters Shilpa and Mansi. The first part of Savi’s life in India impressed me the most — the prose has a classic, lyrical feel, the twists are unexpected, life in the 70s and 80s in Southern India, especially in the estate is presented amazingly by the author.
The story has the underlying theme of what we call “Home” and how Savi yearned for a home and identity during her stay in the convent or next in the Nandiyar’s estate or her shorter stays in the Middle East and finally after assuming a new name in the US. Along the way how Savi added these memories into her life is also interesting — taking Royce as their last name, the dancing Shiva from sculpture garden in the estate used as a family symbol.
The regret Missy harbors for how she left India and how she constantly links that to anything tragic happening in her life is realistic and showcases her humane and vulnerable side. The second half of the story showcases Missy’s life as a migrant in a country that welcomed her and gave her a deserving second chance to build a beautiful life, while highlighting how her life once as a domestic servant is a never forgotten past.
Missy’s resilience and passion to achieve more in life despite the circumstances is a slow transition. Missy using words like kanna and bidda add to authenticity of how her origins are depicted in the story.
Shilpa and Mansi’s characters also have their own graph, especially Shilpa when she visits India and tries to relate everything she encounters with what she heard about her parents’ home country — culturally and otherwise. To the extent of trying to find similarity between her facial features and the Indians she sees around; Shilpa represents the ethnic and cultural dilemma kids face when parents are immigrants in a new country.
Through minor details like — the group photo clicked with Savi and family is what Aditya uses decades later to express his grief, the author highlights how every person we meet, every memory we leave behind are forever a part of our life. While the ending is predictable and could have been better, the book overall keeps the reader engaged through out.
Highly recommended.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/10/bo...
1974 India — Young Savitri and her mother are abandoned by her father when drought hit their village in Rayalaseema. Left with no choice, Savi and her mother set on foot in search of livelihood and reach Madras where Savi’s mother died on the steps of St Ursula convent. The nuns are kind enough to take in orphans like Savi, educate them along with providing food and accommodation.
Girls like Savi ended up as nuns in other convents or sent as servants/mistress in wealthy households once they reached adulthood. Savi felt lucky when the Nandiyar family chose her to stay with them in their estate and to take care of their younger son Aditya. Renuka, the landlady, promised Savi a monthly salary and a higher education in the future. Savi also met Ananda, the stapathi or sculptor who made idols for the estate’s garden, with whom love blossomed soon.
Savi thought her life is finally peaceful and content, until one night she is forced to run away with Ananda, leaving behind two dead men. Years later Savi is now Missy in the United States, running her own driving school and a help center for immigrants. When her elder daughter Shilpa’s Indian boyfriend Varun enters their life, how Missy is forced to confront the demons she assumed she left behind, forms the rest of the story.
The story has two parts — Savi’s young-adult years first at the convent, later at the Nandiyar’s estate and as Missy in the United States with her daughters Shilpa and Mansi. The first part of Savi’s life in India impressed me the most — the prose has a classic, lyrical feel, the twists are unexpected, life in the 70s and 80s in Southern India, especially in the estate is presented amazingly by the author.
The story has the underlying theme of what we call “Home” and how Savi yearned for a home and identity during her stay in the convent or next in the Nandiyar’s estate or her shorter stays in the Middle East and finally after assuming a new name in the US. Along the way how Savi added these memories into her life is also interesting — taking Royce as their last name, the dancing Shiva from sculpture garden in the estate used as a family symbol.
The regret Missy harbors for how she left India and how she constantly links that to anything tragic happening in her life is realistic and showcases her humane and vulnerable side. The second half of the story showcases Missy’s life as a migrant in a country that welcomed her and gave her a deserving second chance to build a beautiful life, while highlighting how her life once as a domestic servant is a never forgotten past.
Missy’s resilience and passion to achieve more in life despite the circumstances is a slow transition. Missy using words like kanna and bidda add to authenticity of how her origins are depicted in the story.
Shilpa and Mansi’s characters also have their own graph, especially Shilpa when she visits India and tries to relate everything she encounters with what she heard about her parents’ home country — culturally and otherwise. To the extent of trying to find similarity between her facial features and the Indians she sees around; Shilpa represents the ethnic and cultural dilemma kids face when parents are immigrants in a new country.
Through minor details like — the group photo clicked with Savi and family is what Aditya uses decades later to express his grief, the author highlights how every person we meet, every memory we leave behind are forever a part of our life. While the ending is predictable and could have been better, the book overall keeps the reader engaged through out.
Highly recommended.
November 4, 2024
“Missy” by Raghav Rao isn’t your regular suspense thriller. As much as it builds on the suspense right till the end, it isn’t a thriller at all. It is a tale of grit and survival. It is one of strong women who know what they want from life. It is a tale of men who tried the best they could, and yet it was the women who triumphed in the end. It is a story of mothers who did it all to ensure their children get the future they choose and they deserve. What I liked the most about Raghav Rao’s writing is that even for his debut, he has a knack for building a visual. He stimulates your imagination and makes you place yourselves in scenarios that are only words on paper, and yet you feel like you are standing right there with those characters, living it all - be it Chicago, Mumbai or the Nadiyar estate.
Throughout the story, I felt that Missy was my absolute favourite character for building a life practically out of nothing single-handedly, while also building a man she saved in every sense and yet received nothing except for two daughters in return; daughters, who became the true blessings and the driving forces of her life. But Renuka Akka actually turned out to be the true hero for me. As you read every character’s story, you understand how easy it is to be vulnerable for your family. That’s all we have, after all. And yet, when I read whatever little there is in Renuka Akka’s story, I feel she is perhaps the bravest and strongest of them all. Because it is only the brave who can read a person for who they truly are and not what you hear of them from others.
It is extremely unusual for male authors to write female characters the way Raghav Rao has. Usually, I find more misogynistic and sexual references to their character arcs. But the women written by Raghav are strong, independent, powerful and visioned. It takes knowing a woman truly, from up close, to be able to describe one so well. One might feel that men in this story are weak, but no, they are, in a sense, vulnerable, honest, and real than any male character I have read so far. The world doesn’t allow men to express emotions, but Raghav Rao has, and I really like that about “Missy”. He has done a wonderful job with his debut novel, and I really look forward to reading more of his work in the future. I will forever remember Missy and her bravery when I pick up his books again.
Throughout the story, I felt that Missy was my absolute favourite character for building a life practically out of nothing single-handedly, while also building a man she saved in every sense and yet received nothing except for two daughters in return; daughters, who became the true blessings and the driving forces of her life. But Renuka Akka actually turned out to be the true hero for me. As you read every character’s story, you understand how easy it is to be vulnerable for your family. That’s all we have, after all. And yet, when I read whatever little there is in Renuka Akka’s story, I feel she is perhaps the bravest and strongest of them all. Because it is only the brave who can read a person for who they truly are and not what you hear of them from others.
It is extremely unusual for male authors to write female characters the way Raghav Rao has. Usually, I find more misogynistic and sexual references to their character arcs. But the women written by Raghav are strong, independent, powerful and visioned. It takes knowing a woman truly, from up close, to be able to describe one so well. One might feel that men in this story are weak, but no, they are, in a sense, vulnerable, honest, and real than any male character I have read so far. The world doesn’t allow men to express emotions, but Raghav Rao has, and I really like that about “Missy”. He has done a wonderful job with his debut novel, and I really look forward to reading more of his work in the future. I will forever remember Missy and her bravery when I pick up his books again.
January 25, 2025
The book opens in Madras (which comes to be known as Chennai in 1996) in 1974. Savi has grown up in a convent, having lost her mother, and now that she is 17 years old or so, it is time for her to go and live with a family in the capacity of home help/servant. She is paired with the Nandiyar family to look after their youngest son, Aditya, and soon she becomes part of the buzzing household where servants cater to the needs of the owners.
She finds herself growing closer to a young man, Ananda, but serious trouble soon heads their way and they have to flee to safety, first to the Middle East and then to Chicago.
In the blink of an eye, Part 2 transports the reader to present day and the chapter opens with Missy, entrepreneur and owner of the Dancing Shiva Driving School in Chicago. Two young women feature, Shilpa and Manis, who turn out to be Missy’s daughters and we learn that Missy is now the pseudonym for Savi. It felt as though the author was in a hurry to get his characters to Chicago, 50 years later, and the intervening years leave a bit of a narrative hole.
Varun, a young man also originally from India, takes driving lessons at Missy’s school and finds himself falling for Shilpa, they become very close. We soon discover more about Varun and his heritage. At this point Missy is clearly growing uneasy having any contact with her homeland. Varun’s parents are displeased by the liaison and had someone else in mind for their son.
The author cleverly juxtaposes the different cultures between the two countries in both overt and subtle ways and has his characters straddling the cultural divide.
The writer has created a good story, but I felt there were a couple of elements that undermined the sense of whole. Clues are dropped liberally, which are so obvious that it kills the sense of pathos and anticipation – it is sometimes more than obvious where the storyline is inevitably going, it was too predictable; the transition between chapters sometimes felt jerky and disconnected, which then left me slightly floundering until clarity was provided later in the chapter. This kind of penmanship can make for a fractured and uneven trajectory. But nevertheless there is enough in the story to make this an enjoyable, quick read and gives a particularly good sense of India and Indian values.
She finds herself growing closer to a young man, Ananda, but serious trouble soon heads their way and they have to flee to safety, first to the Middle East and then to Chicago.
In the blink of an eye, Part 2 transports the reader to present day and the chapter opens with Missy, entrepreneur and owner of the Dancing Shiva Driving School in Chicago. Two young women feature, Shilpa and Manis, who turn out to be Missy’s daughters and we learn that Missy is now the pseudonym for Savi. It felt as though the author was in a hurry to get his characters to Chicago, 50 years later, and the intervening years leave a bit of a narrative hole.
Varun, a young man also originally from India, takes driving lessons at Missy’s school and finds himself falling for Shilpa, they become very close. We soon discover more about Varun and his heritage. At this point Missy is clearly growing uneasy having any contact with her homeland. Varun’s parents are displeased by the liaison and had someone else in mind for their son.
The author cleverly juxtaposes the different cultures between the two countries in both overt and subtle ways and has his characters straddling the cultural divide.
The writer has created a good story, but I felt there were a couple of elements that undermined the sense of whole. Clues are dropped liberally, which are so obvious that it kills the sense of pathos and anticipation – it is sometimes more than obvious where the storyline is inevitably going, it was too predictable; the transition between chapters sometimes felt jerky and disconnected, which then left me slightly floundering until clarity was provided later in the chapter. This kind of penmanship can make for a fractured and uneven trajectory. But nevertheless there is enough in the story to make this an enjoyable, quick read and gives a particularly good sense of India and Indian values.
October 28, 2024
MISSY | RAGHAV RAO
★★★★
"She had her own house, her own fleet of cars, her own name. She was Missy Royce now. No way she would run again."
"She’s chosen her own future. But the past is never far away."
"Disaster is only ever one lane change away."
"....lived in a world where the wind tended to their needs."
The prologue is very intriguing, the mystery of that moment. The book is divided into two parts — the past & the present.
The development which Missy goes through, the situations which she faced are so difficult. The way she handled them shows how strong she really is.
The difference between Missy in the starting of the book and the end is vast & realistic. The changes she went through to get where she is at the end.
Her being a self made business women >>>
The idea around her driving academy — Dancing Shiva Driving School, the way it creates a safe space for immigrants, to have a place to build connections.
The concept of CSABWA — Chicagoland South Asain Businesseomen's Association, was so interesting, her being in it. Giving something back to the society, was inspiring to read about.
There were also different kinds of women in it, how their priorities and lifestyle was so different.
Missy was stubborn about her views about the world, and how she wanted to be seen was an admirable trait. Her adjusting to the world in various phases of her life, making connections, learning language.
I really enjoyed reading the contrasting lives, as well as the differences in the Indian and American setting.
The book wasn't only focused on Missy but her daughters — Shilpa and Mansi as well, which showed her in a different light. And helped to see how her daughters perspective are, their own lives, and the one they were brought up in. Mansi loves riding motorcycle, and later on decided to do a program in paramedics after an incident. Shilpa is a lawyer, who does want to know more about India, how she can integrate her life there.
Many times the parents of the immigrants are not given the right representation, their struggles are ignored till a point, but this book showed everything the right way.
★★★★
"She had her own house, her own fleet of cars, her own name. She was Missy Royce now. No way she would run again."
"She’s chosen her own future. But the past is never far away."
"Disaster is only ever one lane change away."
"....lived in a world where the wind tended to their needs."
The prologue is very intriguing, the mystery of that moment. The book is divided into two parts — the past & the present.
The development which Missy goes through, the situations which she faced are so difficult. The way she handled them shows how strong she really is.
The difference between Missy in the starting of the book and the end is vast & realistic. The changes she went through to get where she is at the end.
Her being a self made business women >>>
The idea around her driving academy — Dancing Shiva Driving School, the way it creates a safe space for immigrants, to have a place to build connections.
The concept of CSABWA — Chicagoland South Asain Businesseomen's Association, was so interesting, her being in it. Giving something back to the society, was inspiring to read about.
There were also different kinds of women in it, how their priorities and lifestyle was so different.
Missy was stubborn about her views about the world, and how she wanted to be seen was an admirable trait. Her adjusting to the world in various phases of her life, making connections, learning language.
I really enjoyed reading the contrasting lives, as well as the differences in the Indian and American setting.
The book wasn't only focused on Missy but her daughters — Shilpa and Mansi as well, which showed her in a different light. And helped to see how her daughters perspective are, their own lives, and the one they were brought up in. Mansi loves riding motorcycle, and later on decided to do a program in paramedics after an incident. Shilpa is a lawyer, who does want to know more about India, how she can integrate her life there.
Many times the parents of the immigrants are not given the right representation, their struggles are ignored till a point, but this book showed everything the right way.
October 28, 2024
Book Review: Missy by Raghav Rao
Missy is an intimate and evocative account of the experience of migrants as it plunges into the layers of pain and transformation that accompany it in creating a new life. Missy is her protagonist, who has to face challenge after challenge, each greater than just a hurdle and a lesson in resilience and adaptation, which molds her into a more complex and dynamic individual with a multilayered identity.
Raghav Rao weaves Missy's personal struggles with broader themes of forced migration, cultural dislocation, and an intense desire to belong. This makes the novel both deeply personal and universally relatable, and it resonates with the reader who understands the nuances of striving to make a place for oneself in an unfamiliar world. It really shows the journey of Missy, how she went with each trial, showing her perseverance and at the same time giving a view into the more general often untold stories of many migrants.
Perhaps the most impressive quality of Rao's writing, however, is the smooth ease with which Missy navigates and negotiates through all the worlds in which she finds herself, trying to pursue the elusive American Dream. The very manner in which the author unfolds this interaction leaves the reader immersed in the gravity and hope with which each of the interactions carries. Dialogue by the characters adds a realism of the depth of human emotions that feels both raw and honest.
Though the novel is not a short read, it still has a brisk pace. The transitions from one chapter to the next are quite smooth, making the book almost cinematic in its unfolding. Rao has indeed created a story which is thought-provoking yet gripping enough to enthrall readers fully about Missy's world.
Missy is an engaging read for those interested in the plot on themes of resilience, transformation, and survival. It stands as a very richly layered novel that vividly presents the migrant experience with lasting effects on the reader.
#bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #books #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #bookworm #book #bookish #booknerd #bookaddict
Missy is an intimate and evocative account of the experience of migrants as it plunges into the layers of pain and transformation that accompany it in creating a new life. Missy is her protagonist, who has to face challenge after challenge, each greater than just a hurdle and a lesson in resilience and adaptation, which molds her into a more complex and dynamic individual with a multilayered identity.
Raghav Rao weaves Missy's personal struggles with broader themes of forced migration, cultural dislocation, and an intense desire to belong. This makes the novel both deeply personal and universally relatable, and it resonates with the reader who understands the nuances of striving to make a place for oneself in an unfamiliar world. It really shows the journey of Missy, how she went with each trial, showing her perseverance and at the same time giving a view into the more general often untold stories of many migrants.
Perhaps the most impressive quality of Rao's writing, however, is the smooth ease with which Missy navigates and negotiates through all the worlds in which she finds herself, trying to pursue the elusive American Dream. The very manner in which the author unfolds this interaction leaves the reader immersed in the gravity and hope with which each of the interactions carries. Dialogue by the characters adds a realism of the depth of human emotions that feels both raw and honest.
Though the novel is not a short read, it still has a brisk pace. The transitions from one chapter to the next are quite smooth, making the book almost cinematic in its unfolding. Rao has indeed created a story which is thought-provoking yet gripping enough to enthrall readers fully about Missy's world.
Missy is an engaging read for those interested in the plot on themes of resilience, transformation, and survival. It stands as a very richly layered novel that vividly presents the migrant experience with lasting effects on the reader.
#bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #books #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #bookworm #book #bookish #booknerd #bookaddict
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November 2, 2024
This book got me hooked right from page one! I was immediately drawn into Missy's journey, beginning her life as a young girl named Savi at St. Ursula Convent. From her early days in the convent to her experiences as a governess and eventually her move to the US, Savi’s life is a tapestry of events that build a compelling narrative.
The characters are richly developed, from Savi herself to a vibrant supporting cast that adds depth to her story. I was particularly captivated by the portrayal of rebellious Mansi, whose spirited personality adds a unique layer to the story. Varun, who wrestles with the dilemma of sharing Missy’s past with Shilpa, brings added complexity, while the resolution between Renuka and Missy is both poignant and satisfying.
Savi’s dream of leaving the convent for a brighter future is beautifully captured, reflecting the emotional highs and lows that mark her journey. Her transition to life as a governess and her adaptation to new surroundings are well-crafted, making her growth authentic and relatable.
Just as Missy’s life seems to settle with her move to the US, Varun’s entrance brings fresh intrigue. His presence prompts new questions, sparking curiosity about how things will unfold as he slowly unveils secrets that add rich layers to the narrative. The twists and turns kept me engaged until the very end.
The author thoughtfully explores themes like the immigrant experience, the ache of separation, and the emotional turmoil of having to leave the homeland in haste are handled with sensitivity. The story also highlights the contrast between the parents' past lives and the ones they built in a new country.
Though there was a slight lull in the middle, the story overall was an enjoyable read.
The cover perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book, and the language is straightforward and accessible. Tamil and Telugu words appear naturally, with translations, so readers unfamiliar with the languages can fully engage with the story.
If you’re searching for an engrossing novel with memorable characters and a layered plot, this book is a fantastic choice!
The characters are richly developed, from Savi herself to a vibrant supporting cast that adds depth to her story. I was particularly captivated by the portrayal of rebellious Mansi, whose spirited personality adds a unique layer to the story. Varun, who wrestles with the dilemma of sharing Missy’s past with Shilpa, brings added complexity, while the resolution between Renuka and Missy is both poignant and satisfying.
Savi’s dream of leaving the convent for a brighter future is beautifully captured, reflecting the emotional highs and lows that mark her journey. Her transition to life as a governess and her adaptation to new surroundings are well-crafted, making her growth authentic and relatable.
Just as Missy’s life seems to settle with her move to the US, Varun’s entrance brings fresh intrigue. His presence prompts new questions, sparking curiosity about how things will unfold as he slowly unveils secrets that add rich layers to the narrative. The twists and turns kept me engaged until the very end.
The author thoughtfully explores themes like the immigrant experience, the ache of separation, and the emotional turmoil of having to leave the homeland in haste are handled with sensitivity. The story also highlights the contrast between the parents' past lives and the ones they built in a new country.
Though there was a slight lull in the middle, the story overall was an enjoyable read.
The cover perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book, and the language is straightforward and accessible. Tamil and Telugu words appear naturally, with translations, so readers unfamiliar with the languages can fully engage with the story.
If you’re searching for an engrossing novel with memorable characters and a layered plot, this book is a fantastic choice!
September 18, 2024
What a wonderful book. It’s not only a tale of courage and resilience, it’s also a love story, an insight into India’s culture, and a philosophical tome. The poverty in India is extreme – poor people age faster than in the West – and the servants are often treated worse than the animals. But Savi, later known in America as Missy, is different, and her journey is miraculous.
We first meet Savi when she and her mother have been abandoned by Savi’s father, and then walk miles in bare feet to find a better life. But Savi’s mother dies and the orphaned Savi is taken into St Ursula’s convent. It is obvious she is clever and good at languages, so the nuns secure for her a position with the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate. She will be governess to their young son Aditya.
Though she knows she wants more, she is happy in her work, but one member of staff is always stalking her and making her life a misery. Then she meets Ananda – a talented sculptor from the nearby metalworks – and their secret romance begins. And that is where the story takes a more sinister turn.
Fast forward 40 years and Missy runs a successful driving school in America. She and Andy – they both had to change their names, having entered the country illegally – are separated. I felt very sorry for Andy, though I don’t really know why. He never had Missy’s courage or sass. They have two daughters Shilpa and Mansi. two strong women who are carving their own paths.
And all is well until Varun, a well respected young doctor from a wealthy family, turns up for driving lessons, and Missy’s life is about to be turned upside down.
I adored this book. The characters have such depth, the vivid descriptions of India put us right there, and the differences between life in America and India are brought firmly to the fore.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
We first meet Savi when she and her mother have been abandoned by Savi’s father, and then walk miles in bare feet to find a better life. But Savi’s mother dies and the orphaned Savi is taken into St Ursula’s convent. It is obvious she is clever and good at languages, so the nuns secure for her a position with the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate. She will be governess to their young son Aditya.
Though she knows she wants more, she is happy in her work, but one member of staff is always stalking her and making her life a misery. Then she meets Ananda – a talented sculptor from the nearby metalworks – and their secret romance begins. And that is where the story takes a more sinister turn.
Fast forward 40 years and Missy runs a successful driving school in America. She and Andy – they both had to change their names, having entered the country illegally – are separated. I felt very sorry for Andy, though I don’t really know why. He never had Missy’s courage or sass. They have two daughters Shilpa and Mansi. two strong women who are carving their own paths.
And all is well until Varun, a well respected young doctor from a wealthy family, turns up for driving lessons, and Missy’s life is about to be turned upside down.
I adored this book. The characters have such depth, the vivid descriptions of India put us right there, and the differences between life in America and India are brought firmly to the fore.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
September 19, 2024
“She’s chosen her own future.
Madras, India: The orphaned girls of St Ursula’s convent are destined to be nuns or servants but seventeen-year-old Savi dreams of escape. Responsible and good with languages, she’s taken on as governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate.
The horrific events of a single night force Savi and her love, Ananda, into a dangerous journey, re-emerging in America under new identities, their homeland forever in their rearview.
But the past is never far away.
Forty years later, Savi, known to all as Missy, is the embodiment of the American dream – successful business owner in Chicago, pillar of the South Asian community, and mother to two brilliant, stubborn young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
Until Varun, a charming doctor, enters their lives, setting off a chain of events that puts Missy’s carefully constructed world in jeopardy with the revelation that you can never truly outrun your secrets…”
I read this book on the Pigeonhole app, one stave per day over ten days, commenting along with other readers. The synopsis sounded interesting and this book more than met my expectations. The author is so eloquent and has a wonderful way with words; the writing is beautiful and is so evocative. The book is at times heartbreaking yet also full of joy, love and warmth. The book follows Missy’s life as an orphan in India, where she is at the mercy of other's until events lead her to Chicago where Missy makes a full and rewarding life for herself and her daughters. Missy is a strong and resilient woman and I enjoyed following her story.
My favourite quotes from the book which I highlighted on the Pigeonhole app:
“How must it be to be so powerful and yet powerless?”
“Vigour and youth are not ours to keep.”
“But if our two families are to coexist, the secret must come out. Secrets always come out.”
“You’re here to bring the truth to light, not to hide in the dark.”
This is a wonderful story that will stay with me.
Madras, India: The orphaned girls of St Ursula’s convent are destined to be nuns or servants but seventeen-year-old Savi dreams of escape. Responsible and good with languages, she’s taken on as governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family at their country estate.
The horrific events of a single night force Savi and her love, Ananda, into a dangerous journey, re-emerging in America under new identities, their homeland forever in their rearview.
But the past is never far away.
Forty years later, Savi, known to all as Missy, is the embodiment of the American dream – successful business owner in Chicago, pillar of the South Asian community, and mother to two brilliant, stubborn young women, Mansi and Shilpa.
Until Varun, a charming doctor, enters their lives, setting off a chain of events that puts Missy’s carefully constructed world in jeopardy with the revelation that you can never truly outrun your secrets…”
I read this book on the Pigeonhole app, one stave per day over ten days, commenting along with other readers. The synopsis sounded interesting and this book more than met my expectations. The author is so eloquent and has a wonderful way with words; the writing is beautiful and is so evocative. The book is at times heartbreaking yet also full of joy, love and warmth. The book follows Missy’s life as an orphan in India, where she is at the mercy of other's until events lead her to Chicago where Missy makes a full and rewarding life for herself and her daughters. Missy is a strong and resilient woman and I enjoyed following her story.
My favourite quotes from the book which I highlighted on the Pigeonhole app:
“How must it be to be so powerful and yet powerless?”
“Vigour and youth are not ours to keep.”
“But if our two families are to coexist, the secret must come out. Secrets always come out.”
“You’re here to bring the truth to light, not to hide in the dark.”
This is a wonderful story that will stay with me.
October 28, 2024
St. Ursula's Convent in Madras is a place where destinies are written long before the girls set foot within its walls. The girls here either take vows to become nuns or servants to wealthy families. But seventeen year old Savi has other dreams. Sharp-witted and fluent in multiple languages, she yearns for a life beyond the convent’s iron gates, a life that takes her far from the constraints of her world, perhaps even overseas. She takes on as a governess for the wealthy Nandiyar family. All was well until one horrific night compelled Savi and her lover Ananda to embark on a dangerous journey, at the end of which they re-emerged in America in new indentities. Now after forty years, Savi is known as Missy, but after so many years as her past collides with the present, a chain of events threatens to unravel Missy's carefully crafted life, a life she’s fought so hard to protect.
'Missy' is a women's fiction, narrating a beautifully, poignant tale of pain and courage. As soon as I started reading this book, I found a striking similarity between Missy and the women in our society. Missy being a fictional character, represents women in our society so well. Her journey encourages us to take a step back and look at the scenario with much attention. This book explores a plethora of themes, some of them are harsh living conditions, immigrant life, pain and grief, with a provocative and emotionally tantalizing narrative. We get to see many character arcs. The characters are well fleshed out, each depicting the dynamic nature of their existence.
Coming to the writing, the narration is excellent. The book slowly develops the story, delivers the point and flows beautifully. It is about three hundred pages long but never have I ever felt bored thoughout the book. The narration is noteworthy, it is immaculate and bejewelled. The style of writing is good and accessible, so a beginner can read this book too. I would recommend this book to everyone.
'Missy' is a women's fiction, narrating a beautifully, poignant tale of pain and courage. As soon as I started reading this book, I found a striking similarity between Missy and the women in our society. Missy being a fictional character, represents women in our society so well. Her journey encourages us to take a step back and look at the scenario with much attention. This book explores a plethora of themes, some of them are harsh living conditions, immigrant life, pain and grief, with a provocative and emotionally tantalizing narrative. We get to see many character arcs. The characters are well fleshed out, each depicting the dynamic nature of their existence.
Coming to the writing, the narration is excellent. The book slowly develops the story, delivers the point and flows beautifully. It is about three hundred pages long but never have I ever felt bored thoughout the book. The narration is noteworthy, it is immaculate and bejewelled. The style of writing is good and accessible, so a beginner can read this book too. I would recommend this book to everyone.
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