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The Stolen Girl
‘Your mother has been arrested. She stole you.’ For as long as thirteen-year-old Diya can remember, it’s always been just her and her mum, Vani. Despite never staying in one place long enough to call it home, with her mother by her side, Diya has never needed anything else. Then, in an instant, Diya’s fragile world is shattered. Her mother is arrested, accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby… Vani has spent a lifetime looking over her shoulder, determined to make the best possible life for her daughter. Now she must fight for her child, re-opening the door to her own childhood in India and the woman who was once as close to her as a sister. Told through the eyes of Diya, Vani and Aarti, this is a heart-breaking story of friendship and betrayal, love and motherhood, which asks the question; how far would you go to protect your only child? The Stolen Girl is an emotional, culturally rich and utterly compelling read from the new must-read name in women's fiction—Renita D'Silva. What people are saying about Renita D’ ‘With a heart-breaking story, wonderful characters and such raw emotion D’Silva had me hooked. A beautiful story. Best Books to Read ‘Renita D'Silva is a genius at evoking the sounds, sights and aromas of India. A major new talent- I can't wait for her next novel.' Linda Kavanagh ‘Renita D’Silva is a wonderful author who has a natural gift at storytelling that truly impressed and awed me.’ Novel Escapes ‘Renita paints the most beautiful images with a few, perfectly chosen words’. KimTalksBooks.com ‘The Stolen Girl’ is a heart-breaking story about friendship, betrayal, possessiveness, love and motherhood.’ 5/5 A Lover of Books
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2014
236 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Renita D'Silva
21 books410 followersRenita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 28, 2014
An absolutely sublime and powerfully emotive novel. The Stolen Girl allowed me to sink into it early on and not let go until I had finished reading every single powerful word. This is beautiful story telling, written with heart and soul, a stunning novel of love, loyalties, motherhood, friendships, pacts, lies and truth.
‘Your mother has been arrested. She stole you.’
For as long as thirteen-year-old Diya can remember, it’s always been just her and her mum, Vani. Despite never staying in one place long enough to call it home, with her mother by her side, Diya has never needed anything else.
Then, in an instant, Diya’s fragile world is shattered. Her mother is arrested, accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby.
In a moment, Diya's entire world collapses, she's never thought much about why her and her mum, Vani move around so many times and so often, she doesn't care as long as she is with her mum, they have a really happy and close bond. Suddenly, mum is in prison and she feels very alone in the world.
Vani is in prison, accused of kidnapping Diya as a baby, accused of taking someone else's baby. Aarti has been looking for Vani and the baby taken from her thirteen years ago. Finally Vani has been found, and the child is now a beautiful and clever thirteen year old.
The book flashes between the past and the present (seamlessly done) and we hear the voices and memories of Diya, Vani and Aarti, this significant timeline shift is where the story builds up and the foundations of where we are at now in the present were laid.
The writing in this book is melodic almost, it's written so beautifully, highly descriptive, emotive and addictive. You can't but help to want to keep reading for more of the story.
The book shares with us the early lives of Vani and Aarti in India, two women from very different economic and family backgrounds. This is where we see the clear differences that a country like India can offer. One child raised in wealth, with servants and all she could wish for in material things. The other, raised in a small house, by a river with her parents and very little else except the love they live and breathe. What constitutes happiness? What is real treasure? The book challenges us to think on these things.
The story telling is incredible, do not underestimate this powerful book when you read it, do not be lulled into thinking it's just another nice story, this is really powerful stuff on pages. I can't share much more than I have for fear of really spoiling it for you, but stay with this book to the end, let it unravel it's mysteries and secrets to you.
Diya has lost the woman she has called mum for thirteen years, she is frightened and confused, stuck in the cog wheels of the UK social services system. She is a formidable character, the author has portrayed this young lady with so much courage and gumption, yet allowing us to see her tender side too, black and white, light and shade. Fabulous.
Moving between India and England, the book tells the story from start to finish until the present we are introduced to in the start of the book connects up and the timeline journey is complete. The book threw up some surprises and unexpected outcomes during the ride I went on with it, just when I got all complacent and comfortable - bang! Got hit with a new revelation to process and fit into the overall picture.
Honestly? It's a beautifully written book, it's a powerful and interesting story, the characters are memorable and grow (each of them) throughout the novel's progression. The ending was perfect as far as I am concerned. My heart felt so much for the women in this book, oh yes, I felt SO much, not reduced to tears but felt something physical in my chest and a lump in my throat during some powerful and special moments.
What happens to Diya now? Vani, in prison - how will her life turn out? And what of Aarti? Is she now at peace after the thirteen years of looking for Diya and Vani?
Dear readers, you must find and read the book yourself. Come listen to their story. Turn off your phone, grab some snacks for the journey, put on some comfy clothes and just enjoy the journey that is this beautiful book. I really liked this one a lot.
4.5 stars from me for The Stolen Girl. Memorable and poignant.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
‘Your mother has been arrested. She stole you.’
For as long as thirteen-year-old Diya can remember, it’s always been just her and her mum, Vani. Despite never staying in one place long enough to call it home, with her mother by her side, Diya has never needed anything else.
Then, in an instant, Diya’s fragile world is shattered. Her mother is arrested, accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby.
In a moment, Diya's entire world collapses, she's never thought much about why her and her mum, Vani move around so many times and so often, she doesn't care as long as she is with her mum, they have a really happy and close bond. Suddenly, mum is in prison and she feels very alone in the world.
Vani is in prison, accused of kidnapping Diya as a baby, accused of taking someone else's baby. Aarti has been looking for Vani and the baby taken from her thirteen years ago. Finally Vani has been found, and the child is now a beautiful and clever thirteen year old.
The book flashes between the past and the present (seamlessly done) and we hear the voices and memories of Diya, Vani and Aarti, this significant timeline shift is where the story builds up and the foundations of where we are at now in the present were laid.
The writing in this book is melodic almost, it's written so beautifully, highly descriptive, emotive and addictive. You can't but help to want to keep reading for more of the story.
The book shares with us the early lives of Vani and Aarti in India, two women from very different economic and family backgrounds. This is where we see the clear differences that a country like India can offer. One child raised in wealth, with servants and all she could wish for in material things. The other, raised in a small house, by a river with her parents and very little else except the love they live and breathe. What constitutes happiness? What is real treasure? The book challenges us to think on these things.
The story telling is incredible, do not underestimate this powerful book when you read it, do not be lulled into thinking it's just another nice story, this is really powerful stuff on pages. I can't share much more than I have for fear of really spoiling it for you, but stay with this book to the end, let it unravel it's mysteries and secrets to you.
Diya has lost the woman she has called mum for thirteen years, she is frightened and confused, stuck in the cog wheels of the UK social services system. She is a formidable character, the author has portrayed this young lady with so much courage and gumption, yet allowing us to see her tender side too, black and white, light and shade. Fabulous.
Moving between India and England, the book tells the story from start to finish until the present we are introduced to in the start of the book connects up and the timeline journey is complete. The book threw up some surprises and unexpected outcomes during the ride I went on with it, just when I got all complacent and comfortable - bang! Got hit with a new revelation to process and fit into the overall picture.
Honestly? It's a beautifully written book, it's a powerful and interesting story, the characters are memorable and grow (each of them) throughout the novel's progression. The ending was perfect as far as I am concerned. My heart felt so much for the women in this book, oh yes, I felt SO much, not reduced to tears but felt something physical in my chest and a lump in my throat during some powerful and special moments.
What happens to Diya now? Vani, in prison - how will her life turn out? And what of Aarti? Is she now at peace after the thirteen years of looking for Diya and Vani?
Dear readers, you must find and read the book yourself. Come listen to their story. Turn off your phone, grab some snacks for the journey, put on some comfy clothes and just enjoy the journey that is this beautiful book. I really liked this one a lot.
4.5 stars from me for The Stolen Girl. Memorable and poignant.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
April 11, 2015
This book is a true gem. It is mesmerising, enchanting and skilfully executed. I did not want this book to end and the characters are so real to me that I know Vani, Diya and Aarti are out there somewhere. There are so many emotions threading through this novel and I felt every one of them. It is a story of privilege, power, friendship and love. The excellent writing and intriguing story carried me along beautifully to an emotional conclusion. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2015
A stunning story. Diya has been used to life with her mum- moving around frequently. That is the sort of life she knows. She is shocked when her mum is arrested, charged with stealing her when she was a baby.
The story follows Diya, her mum Vani in prison and Aarti who has been looking for her baby since she was taken so many years ago . It is told using the present time and flashbacks and highlights the differences between the lifestyles. Lots of surprises are revealed throughout the book- as you would imagine. You can just visualise the scenes in India.
I loved the writing style and will be looking for more by Renita D’Silva.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
The story follows Diya, her mum Vani in prison and Aarti who has been looking for her baby since she was taken so many years ago . It is told using the present time and flashbacks and highlights the differences between the lifestyles. Lots of surprises are revealed throughout the book- as you would imagine. You can just visualise the scenes in India.
I loved the writing style and will be looking for more by Renita D’Silva.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
September 10, 2014
This is the third book that I have read by this author now, and I have to say she is consistently good, each one being a very fine read. I enjoyed her first book, loved her second and loved this one even more! This one has slightly darker undertones to it than the others, with a very strong start as 13 year old Diya witnesses her mother Vani being arrested on charges of stealing Diya as a baby from her rightful mother, Aarti. The author does a fantastic job of portraying the emotional effect this has on Diya, whose world is turned upside down as she is told that everything she has been led to believe is, in fact, a lie. The full story of what happened is told from the viewpoints of all three. We watch Diya struggle to come to terms with what is going on, and the back story is told alternately from the points of view of Aarti and Vani.
As the story flips back in time to India, the author really does create such a vivid picture of India that I half expected to find myself in Bangalore every time I looked out of the window. The prose is rich in colour, smells and textures as she describes the early lives of Aarti and Vani – what brought them together and what tore them apart. The story is well paced, really building up a sense of intrigue as I tried to work out what could have happened to these fantastic characters, both so different but each wonderfully portrayed. I loved the way the author managed to put little seeds of doubt in my mind about both Aarti and Vani’s stories, so I just had to keep reading to find out which one of them was telling the truth and was Diya’s mother. One thing that really grabbed my attention was the way that Diya and Vani both suffered forms of eating disorders – Diya gorges herself on chocolate and junk for comfort whereas Vani starves herself constantly.
Many thanks to the publisher for an advance review copy of a book that turned out to be a real treat of a read – but then again, I knew it would from page one.
As the story flips back in time to India, the author really does create such a vivid picture of India that I half expected to find myself in Bangalore every time I looked out of the window. The prose is rich in colour, smells and textures as she describes the early lives of Aarti and Vani – what brought them together and what tore them apart. The story is well paced, really building up a sense of intrigue as I tried to work out what could have happened to these fantastic characters, both so different but each wonderfully portrayed. I loved the way the author managed to put little seeds of doubt in my mind about both Aarti and Vani’s stories, so I just had to keep reading to find out which one of them was telling the truth and was Diya’s mother. One thing that really grabbed my attention was the way that Diya and Vani both suffered forms of eating disorders – Diya gorges herself on chocolate and junk for comfort whereas Vani starves herself constantly.
Many thanks to the publisher for an advance review copy of a book that turned out to be a real treat of a read – but then again, I knew it would from page one.
November 5, 2014
This amazing read deserves every single star that I can award it, and more. What a heart breaking situation.
You come in at the start of this story to Vani her mother and Diya her daughter.
I kind of got it right away when they were packing again to move, it was obvious they were running from something or someone. Obviously 'something' because of the title.
The abruptness of the Police turning up and Diya as tactfully as possible being told she is stolen and that her real Mother is looking for her, she's been looking for her for 13 years.
Diya is astounded and of course disturbed, disbelief and she asks her Mother, they got it wrong right?
As Vani is driving away to the cells Diya is left with the Police woman.
This is when I thought she was going to be reunited gradually with her Mother and I wondered what and how that would be after so many years, but wrong.....
Diya doesn't want to meet her Mother, she has one Mother and she has been taken away from her.
The letter that Vani writes to Diya is emotional, loving and you can see how much she loves Diya, you are wondering what, how?
Then we meet Aarti.
We get to know a little about India too. The wealthy as well as the poor.
An insight to bulimia and its devastating effects.
Abduction.
Love.
Friendships gone wrong.
Mothers love.
Its all in this book but I do warn you, its not a straight forward abduction.
Everyone needs to read this.
You come in at the start of this story to Vani her mother and Diya her daughter.
I kind of got it right away when they were packing again to move, it was obvious they were running from something or someone. Obviously 'something' because of the title.
The abruptness of the Police turning up and Diya as tactfully as possible being told she is stolen and that her real Mother is looking for her, she's been looking for her for 13 years.
Diya is astounded and of course disturbed, disbelief and she asks her Mother, they got it wrong right?
As Vani is driving away to the cells Diya is left with the Police woman.
This is when I thought she was going to be reunited gradually with her Mother and I wondered what and how that would be after so many years, but wrong.....
Diya doesn't want to meet her Mother, she has one Mother and she has been taken away from her.
The letter that Vani writes to Diya is emotional, loving and you can see how much she loves Diya, you are wondering what, how?
Then we meet Aarti.
We get to know a little about India too. The wealthy as well as the poor.
An insight to bulimia and its devastating effects.
Abduction.
Love.
Friendships gone wrong.
Mothers love.
Its all in this book but I do warn you, its not a straight forward abduction.
Everyone needs to read this.
June 28, 2016
Another beautiful book by Renita D'Silva. You can't help but be moved by this heartfelt story. I had to take a few seconds after I finished it, just to come to ground. I cannot wait to read her next offering.
June 22, 2016
Great read
This is my third book by Renita D'Silva and I enjoyed every one of them. The stories are moving and heart felt, full of smells and tastes and culture. They make me want to visit India.
This is my third book by Renita D'Silva and I enjoyed every one of them. The stories are moving and heart felt, full of smells and tastes and culture. They make me want to visit India.
October 5, 2014
This one was somewhat of a surprise for me, surprising in that I enjoyed it enough to give it five stars. It's the story of exactly what the title implies, a girl stolen and then found. When Diya is wrenched from the arms of the only woman she's ever known as her mother, her entire world as she knows it disintegrates. Everything that she knew to be true is called into question. The story is told through both alternating viewpoints and time periods. As a story alone, this book stands out for being engaging and intriguing. But the real appeal lies in the author's writing style. She's written a story that is full of such beautiful words and phrases that are full of cultural references bringing the characters and setting to life. This is one that will stick with me for awhile!
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 17, 2014
The Stolen Girl
By Renita D’Silva
Read 2nd August 2014
‘Your mother has been arrested, she stole you.’
This is the story of 13 year old Diya and the heartbreaking moment when she is told that she is not her mother’s child. Filled with raw emotion and voluptuous imagery; the sorrow, the hope, the horror and sadness spill over each page. The themes of loss, broken hearts, disappointment, hope and shock are woven throughout with overwhelming personification and powerful words. Told through the eyes of Diya, Vani and Aarti, a chapter is devoted to each character. The tension is huge, and the reader is spellbound. So many people would love this story. A great book. I award it 5 stars.
By Renita D’Silva
Read 2nd August 2014
‘Your mother has been arrested, she stole you.’
This is the story of 13 year old Diya and the heartbreaking moment when she is told that she is not her mother’s child. Filled with raw emotion and voluptuous imagery; the sorrow, the hope, the horror and sadness spill over each page. The themes of loss, broken hearts, disappointment, hope and shock are woven throughout with overwhelming personification and powerful words. Told through the eyes of Diya, Vani and Aarti, a chapter is devoted to each character. The tension is huge, and the reader is spellbound. So many people would love this story. A great book. I award it 5 stars.
June 19, 2016
Another winner from Renita D'Silva - I really enjoy the way she tells each character's story, intertwining and blending personalities. Love lost, friendship abused and the triumph of the truth. So much colour, flavour and spice in this story - you can envision the sights, smells and sounds through the descriptives. As much as I wanted to, I could not hate Aarti, only feel for what she never had...and the strength shown by Vani and Diya - such a wonderful, sad but happy story. To those who chose to pull this lovely story apart and dissect it - I'm sorry that you could not enjoy it the way it should have been read - just simply....
October 20, 2014
I almost DNF, but I’m glad I did read to the end.
the first half of the book was very confusing, trying to follow along with who’s who, and the changing perspectives, complicated by switching between now and past.
In the second half I had figured out how all the characters connected and was able to get into the actual story, and get into the emotional side of the characters.
Wow, there’s some unexpected twists and turns. The person you think is the bad one isn’t, and the good one isn’t the good one. Some crazy twists, that unfortunately could actually happen as written.
the first half of the book was very confusing, trying to follow along with who’s who, and the changing perspectives, complicated by switching between now and past.
In the second half I had figured out how all the characters connected and was able to get into the actual story, and get into the emotional side of the characters.
Wow, there’s some unexpected twists and turns. The person you think is the bad one isn’t, and the good one isn’t the good one. Some crazy twists, that unfortunately could actually happen as written.
August 5, 2014
Just finished this amazing book. I really liked the way the relationship between all the characters came to life. It also touched on bulimia & what it can do to someone's life. I enjoyed the ending with all the characters showing forgiveness, peace & healed when it could have been so different. I am going to source this fantastic authors previous books as I enjoyed this one so much. A definite read
February 12, 2015
Loved it, good read. Be good for a book club, lot of discussion possible.
March 10, 2018
Beautifully written. A story of love, loss, friendship, abuse and loyalty.
Written with beautiful language, i was transported to india to feel the love, traditions,, hardships, betrayal and ultimate loyalty. The expressions of motherly love are really special.
Written with beautiful language, i was transported to india to feel the love, traditions,, hardships, betrayal and ultimate loyalty. The expressions of motherly love are really special.
September 12, 2014
[This book was provided to me gratis by the publisher, the lovely Bookouture, facilitated in this act of goodness by NetGalley. Thanks guys!]
Renita D'Silva is a name I know although not one which has been attached to the front of any of the books I've read. Her previous two novels, Monsoon Memories and The Forgotten Daughter, have both appeared on my Amazon recommended lists and if I had slightly less to read I would likely have tried one or the other by now. Instead, I was pleasingly approved for the ARC of her new novel, The Stolen Girl, which you will be able to part with your money for from the 12th September.
Despite the cover, The Stolen Girl of the story is 13-year-old Diya who one day has an argument with her mum, strops out, goes back for her coat and finds her mum being taken away by The Rozzers. According to the police, Diya isn't Diya, she's Rupa; and Vani isn't her mother, Vani is the woman who stole her as a baby. Diya's real mother, Aarti, is at a hotel nearby, waiting to take her daughter back to India.
The book follows these three characters, Diya, struggling to adjust to this new truth, Vani, writing letters to her daughter from prison, and Aarti, desperate to finally meet the child she's been searching for all its life. It also attends to Vani and Aarti's pasts, to their childhoods and to the truth about Vani's actions.
The trouble is, despite an introduction in which the author thanks various people for aiding her with research and which I'm confident she has done, it doesn't read like it. Although I'm a pedant, I don't mind minor changes to fact, especially when they improve the flow of the book - things like (as mentioned in the introduction as being incorrect) the number of visitors a prisoner can receive in a day: absolutely fine. However, The Stolen Girl is dependent on things happening in a way other than they would and that's a problem. A big one.
As this is an ARC I don't want to go anywhere near possible spoilers (although I'm happy to provide both mild spoiler and total spoiler explanations via PM/comments) so ...
You know that song by Natasha Beddingfield, These Words? You know the way you can't quite believe that nobody, at any point between the initial rehearsal right the way through to signing off the finished track said, 'Actually Natasha, it's pronounced Hy-per-bo-lee"?
That.
That is the level of error here - the kind of basic thing you'd imagine somebody, at some point between the author writing it and the file being sent to the printer, would have picked up on. Consider the incident in Ireland last October where the Garda removed two children from their Roma families because - thanks to some racial profiling - they believed they'd been abducted; or the case in Greece also at that time which had a different outcome.
Because of this, even when things are correct, I was painfully aware that there is "technically correct" and there is "realistically likely to happen". The Stolen Girl came down far too heavily on the side of the former without reference to the things I'm thinking of.
I also have some minor complaints about the book's own continuity - tiny details like Diya commenting she's already lost weight and her clothes are looser on her after only a few days, maybe a week.
It's frustrating because I did really like a lot of this book. I'm not the biggest reader of women's fiction but I really engaged with this one - my mark of a four star read is that I'm eager to get back to reading it to find out what happens and this, despite those errors, did that. Vani and Aarti's story in particular, while veering a little close to soap-opera plotting for my taste - I liked. It's difficult to write characters who act as these do while keeping them believable, but D'Silva does a good job with the emotional side of the story.
I can't personally recommend this one, but I will emphasise that if you don't care about things being realistic, and/or you have no idea happens when you commit a crime, you probably shouldn't let this review put you off. Read the Kindle sample and if you don't spot any problems you'll likely be fine. There is a lot to like.
However, for me, the problems matter. I'm struggling to decide if this book is actively terrible or just not very good. I want to mark this higher because I did enjoy reading it, but I have to show fidelity to my other reviews. With regret, 1.5 stars.
Renita D'Silva is a name I know although not one which has been attached to the front of any of the books I've read. Her previous two novels, Monsoon Memories and The Forgotten Daughter, have both appeared on my Amazon recommended lists and if I had slightly less to read I would likely have tried one or the other by now. Instead, I was pleasingly approved for the ARC of her new novel, The Stolen Girl, which you will be able to part with your money for from the 12th September.
Despite the cover, The Stolen Girl of the story is 13-year-old Diya who one day has an argument with her mum, strops out, goes back for her coat and finds her mum being taken away by The Rozzers. According to the police, Diya isn't Diya, she's Rupa; and Vani isn't her mother, Vani is the woman who stole her as a baby. Diya's real mother, Aarti, is at a hotel nearby, waiting to take her daughter back to India.
The book follows these three characters, Diya, struggling to adjust to this new truth, Vani, writing letters to her daughter from prison, and Aarti, desperate to finally meet the child she's been searching for all its life. It also attends to Vani and Aarti's pasts, to their childhoods and to the truth about Vani's actions.
The trouble is, despite an introduction in which the author thanks various people for aiding her with research and which I'm confident she has done, it doesn't read like it. Although I'm a pedant, I don't mind minor changes to fact, especially when they improve the flow of the book - things like (as mentioned in the introduction as being incorrect) the number of visitors a prisoner can receive in a day: absolutely fine. However, The Stolen Girl is dependent on things happening in a way other than they would and that's a problem. A big one.
As this is an ARC I don't want to go anywhere near possible spoilers (although I'm happy to provide both mild spoiler and total spoiler explanations via PM/comments) so ...
You know that song by Natasha Beddingfield, These Words? You know the way you can't quite believe that nobody, at any point between the initial rehearsal right the way through to signing off the finished track said, 'Actually Natasha, it's pronounced Hy-per-bo-lee"?
That.
That is the level of error here - the kind of basic thing you'd imagine somebody, at some point between the author writing it and the file being sent to the printer, would have picked up on. Consider the incident in Ireland last October where the Garda removed two children from their Roma families because - thanks to some racial profiling - they believed they'd been abducted; or the case in Greece also at that time which had a different outcome.
Because of this, even when things are correct, I was painfully aware that there is "technically correct" and there is "realistically likely to happen". The Stolen Girl came down far too heavily on the side of the former without reference to the things I'm thinking of.
I also have some minor complaints about the book's own continuity - tiny details like Diya commenting she's already lost weight and her clothes are looser on her after only a few days, maybe a week.
It's frustrating because I did really like a lot of this book. I'm not the biggest reader of women's fiction but I really engaged with this one - my mark of a four star read is that I'm eager to get back to reading it to find out what happens and this, despite those errors, did that. Vani and Aarti's story in particular, while veering a little close to soap-opera plotting for my taste - I liked. It's difficult to write characters who act as these do while keeping them believable, but D'Silva does a good job with the emotional side of the story.
I can't personally recommend this one, but I will emphasise that if you don't care about things being realistic, and/or you have no idea happens when you commit a crime, you probably shouldn't let this review put you off. Read the Kindle sample and if you don't spot any problems you'll likely be fine. There is a lot to like.
However, for me, the problems matter. I'm struggling to decide if this book is actively terrible or just not very good. I want to mark this higher because I did enjoy reading it, but I have to show fidelity to my other reviews. With regret, 1.5 stars.
September 19, 2014
This review was first published on: Http://sassygalreads.blogspot.com
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed are my OWN and were in no way swayed by anyone.
I actually came across this book, almost by pure chance. I had seen the cover and liked it and commented about how much I liked it and was given the opportunity to review it! Sometimes, being a book reviewer can really be one of the coolest things!
This book is a little different than most of my "happy go lucky" chick-lit. In "The Stolen Girl", we meet Diya, a 13 year old girl who shortly after the book begins, discovers that her "mother" has been arrested for kidnapping her. She is "The Stolen Girl". Diya, who has always had an extremely close relationship and attachment to her mother, is devestated. The life that she's known is no more.
Of course, questions flood through her mind. She's stuck between protecting the mother she's known her whole life, and questioning the foundation of all she's ever known.
Aarti, the mom who has spent the past nearly 13 years searching for a lost child, is all at once filled with relief as well as hurt when Diya doesn't form the instant bond she always imagined they would have.
Then there's Vani, the one who has raised Diya her whole life, the one now facing kidnapping charges and deportation from England (where she fled) back to India where the crime was committed.
But things aren't always as they seem. "The Stolen Girl" bounces back from present day to the past some twenty or so years to present day.
This is a story about friendship, love, forsaking yourself. It's also a story about some bigger topics, topics that are so serious and make you realize and appreciate the freedom we all enjoy. It's a story about our possessions, the people that we hold dear and how we treat them. How sometimes those we love are the ones that we hurt the most, how we try to possess those and hold on too tight, and how sometimes that's the very thing that pushes them away. The author handled these subjects so gorgeously. Her work is beautiful and touching.
When I first opened the pages, the way that it was written took some getting used to. Like a lot of books, I read it and then put it down because I didn't think I was going to be able to "get into it". However, I'm glad I picked it back up, because this TRULY was an awe inspring book. The story was captivating. I found myself unable to pull away from the story. It's part mystery, part love, and part betrayl.
The lives of these three women will never be the same. It's a story about forgiveness, and learning how to love. This is a book I would love to just gab about and share all the delicious bits, but I can't find a way to do so, without giving the essential parts away. It's a story that has some twists and turns that you don't expect.
Renita D'Silva, this is the first time I've experienced her writing, but she truly has been blessed with the gift of story telling. She knows how to draw the reader in and keep them interested. For someone like me, who has a very hard time finding new authors and new books that can captivate my attention, I appreciate when I can find an author that is able to draw me into the story and make me forget where I am, and lose myself inside the pages of story.
I literally bawled my eyes out while reading this book. While it's different than most stories, it was a nice change of pace and sometimes I find that I need to break the monotany of what I'm used to. If you love a good and truly touching story that has some mysterious elements this would be a good book for you! I truly hope that if your reading this, you will consider giving this book a chance.
It really is a book that needs to be read. If you have read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it! What books are you usually drawn to, do you ever go beyond your normal "genre"? I find that I have a hard time wanting to leave my happy chick lit genre, but I realize if I confine myself within one genre, I can truly miss out on some exceptional writing, story telling.
This is TRULY a 5 star book.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed are my OWN and were in no way swayed by anyone.
I actually came across this book, almost by pure chance. I had seen the cover and liked it and commented about how much I liked it and was given the opportunity to review it! Sometimes, being a book reviewer can really be one of the coolest things!
This book is a little different than most of my "happy go lucky" chick-lit. In "The Stolen Girl", we meet Diya, a 13 year old girl who shortly after the book begins, discovers that her "mother" has been arrested for kidnapping her. She is "The Stolen Girl". Diya, who has always had an extremely close relationship and attachment to her mother, is devestated. The life that she's known is no more.
Of course, questions flood through her mind. She's stuck between protecting the mother she's known her whole life, and questioning the foundation of all she's ever known.
Aarti, the mom who has spent the past nearly 13 years searching for a lost child, is all at once filled with relief as well as hurt when Diya doesn't form the instant bond she always imagined they would have.
Then there's Vani, the one who has raised Diya her whole life, the one now facing kidnapping charges and deportation from England (where she fled) back to India where the crime was committed.
But things aren't always as they seem. "The Stolen Girl" bounces back from present day to the past some twenty or so years to present day.
This is a story about friendship, love, forsaking yourself. It's also a story about some bigger topics, topics that are so serious and make you realize and appreciate the freedom we all enjoy. It's a story about our possessions, the people that we hold dear and how we treat them. How sometimes those we love are the ones that we hurt the most, how we try to possess those and hold on too tight, and how sometimes that's the very thing that pushes them away. The author handled these subjects so gorgeously. Her work is beautiful and touching.
When I first opened the pages, the way that it was written took some getting used to. Like a lot of books, I read it and then put it down because I didn't think I was going to be able to "get into it". However, I'm glad I picked it back up, because this TRULY was an awe inspring book. The story was captivating. I found myself unable to pull away from the story. It's part mystery, part love, and part betrayl.
The lives of these three women will never be the same. It's a story about forgiveness, and learning how to love. This is a book I would love to just gab about and share all the delicious bits, but I can't find a way to do so, without giving the essential parts away. It's a story that has some twists and turns that you don't expect.
Renita D'Silva, this is the first time I've experienced her writing, but she truly has been blessed with the gift of story telling. She knows how to draw the reader in and keep them interested. For someone like me, who has a very hard time finding new authors and new books that can captivate my attention, I appreciate when I can find an author that is able to draw me into the story and make me forget where I am, and lose myself inside the pages of story.
I literally bawled my eyes out while reading this book. While it's different than most stories, it was a nice change of pace and sometimes I find that I need to break the monotany of what I'm used to. If you love a good and truly touching story that has some mysterious elements this would be a good book for you! I truly hope that if your reading this, you will consider giving this book a chance.
It really is a book that needs to be read. If you have read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it! What books are you usually drawn to, do you ever go beyond your normal "genre"? I find that I have a hard time wanting to leave my happy chick lit genre, but I realize if I confine myself within one genre, I can truly miss out on some exceptional writing, story telling.
This is TRULY a 5 star book.
November 4, 2014
THE STOLEN GIRL BY RENITA dsilva
THE BLURB
‘Your mother has been arrested. She stole you.’
For as long as thirteen-year-old Diya can remember, it’s always been just her and her mum, Vani. Despite never staying in one place long enough to call it home, with her mother by her side, Diya has never needed anything else.
Then, in an instant, Diya’s fragile world is shattered. Her mother is arrested, accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby…
Vani has spent a lifetime looking over her shoulder, determined to make the best possible life for her daughter. Now she must fight for her child, re-opening the door to her own childhood in India and the woman who was once as close to her as a sister.
Told through the eyes of Diya, Vani and Aarti, this is a heart-breaking story of friendship and betrayal, love and motherhood, which asks the question; how far would you go to protect your only child?
WHAT I SAY
i did enjoy this book i got to say it very much about indain and english cultures . The book told from Diya point of view what she feels now about it all . It all about love , motherhood , friendship , loyalties and truth . It a very powerful read told very much from the heart
Diya is 13 years old it all way just been her and her mum they move around a lot they never seem to stay in any place to long
I wonder why ?
Then one day Diya world is shattered her mum is arrested she been accused of abducting Diya
Now Diya world has collapse around her . Her mum was her world they were so happy she was her mum and she loved her the bond they seem to have was so special it was nice to see that love my heart when out to her you can feel her pain.
Aarti her real mum she now saying that Vani stolen her as a baby was this ture ? You will feel for both women i did like that we get to hear both sides of the story it was just heartbreaking to hear i want to tell you more but i want you to read
You will sympathy with them all my heart just when out to them all but who was telling the truth ? You do get Diya side of the story too
Aarti and vani were friend so what did happen
I did like vani but i did find Asrti very cold i did not feel she was a nice person how could they still be friends ?
As you read you will feel all what they felt it a real page turner i did enjoy how the three story were weave into each other it a very emotional story i recommend you all read this fab book i like to thank net gallery for letting me review this book
4 stars good read enjoy pass on
AS IT WHITE COVER BOOK WEEK i ADDED SONGS WITH WHITE IN TITLE OR GROUP
HOPE YOU LIKE TODAY SONG
Day 1
White wedding by billy idoel
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DyAlMU4c...
THE BLURB
‘Your mother has been arrested. She stole you.’
For as long as thirteen-year-old Diya can remember, it’s always been just her and her mum, Vani. Despite never staying in one place long enough to call it home, with her mother by her side, Diya has never needed anything else.
Then, in an instant, Diya’s fragile world is shattered. Her mother is arrested, accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby…
Vani has spent a lifetime looking over her shoulder, determined to make the best possible life for her daughter. Now she must fight for her child, re-opening the door to her own childhood in India and the woman who was once as close to her as a sister.
Told through the eyes of Diya, Vani and Aarti, this is a heart-breaking story of friendship and betrayal, love and motherhood, which asks the question; how far would you go to protect your only child?
WHAT I SAY
i did enjoy this book i got to say it very much about indain and english cultures . The book told from Diya point of view what she feels now about it all . It all about love , motherhood , friendship , loyalties and truth . It a very powerful read told very much from the heart
Diya is 13 years old it all way just been her and her mum they move around a lot they never seem to stay in any place to long
I wonder why ?
Then one day Diya world is shattered her mum is arrested she been accused of abducting Diya
Now Diya world has collapse around her . Her mum was her world they were so happy she was her mum and she loved her the bond they seem to have was so special it was nice to see that love my heart when out to her you can feel her pain.
Aarti her real mum she now saying that Vani stolen her as a baby was this ture ? You will feel for both women i did like that we get to hear both sides of the story it was just heartbreaking to hear i want to tell you more but i want you to read
You will sympathy with them all my heart just when out to them all but who was telling the truth ? You do get Diya side of the story too
Aarti and vani were friend so what did happen
I did like vani but i did find Asrti very cold i did not feel she was a nice person how could they still be friends ?
As you read you will feel all what they felt it a real page turner i did enjoy how the three story were weave into each other it a very emotional story i recommend you all read this fab book i like to thank net gallery for letting me review this book
4 stars good read enjoy pass on
AS IT WHITE COVER BOOK WEEK i ADDED SONGS WITH WHITE IN TITLE OR GROUP
HOPE YOU LIKE TODAY SONG
Day 1
White wedding by billy idoel
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DyAlMU4c...
September 13, 2014
Ever since reading Renita D’Silva’s debut novel Monsoon Memories I have been a firm follower of this author with her tales across the Indian and English cultures.
The Stolen Girl has progressed the delightful and well-structured storytelling to another level due to the huge mystery at the heart of this novel. Diya is a teenage girl, living in England with her mother Vani who works in the local Indian restaurant bringing back the smells of the spices and oils as she returns home every night. One night she tells Diya they have to move, again. Diya is far from keen having made her first proper friend but that night everything changes when Vani is accused of abducting Diya from her real mother, Aarti, as a baby.
I really enjoyed this story told from the viewpoints of Diya in the present day, Vani by letters reminiscing over her past in India and Aarti as she lays claim to the daughter she lost thirteen years before. These three narrators all build up a picture of what life was like for the two women before Diya’s birth with lavish descriptions of houses and smells, of the different ways parents express their love for their children as well as an interesting insight into how your background is critical in hierarchical India. One of the things I love about this author’s writing is that on the whole she allows her readers to infer the messages, despite Vani’s life being very different to mine, I could ‘put myself in her shoes’ not because I was told how to wear them, but rather because a picture was painted using subtle tones allowing me to empathise with the choices she made.
The plotting is superb with the pace carefully controlled with well-timed revelations from the two women placed against the confusion of young Diya who struggles to comprehend the deceptions that led her to live in England within a close-knit relationship of two with her mother. With the issue of the effects of eating disorders covered too this novel could easily have slipped into a dispiriting read with so much misery but the thread of hope that all would turn out well for Diya along with some great supporting characters meant that this was avoided.
Having now had the pleasure of reading three excellent books by this author I can’t wait to see what Renita D’Silva produces next. I’d like to thank the publishers Bookouture for the copy of this book to read in return for this honest review. The Stolen Girl was published on 12 September 2014.
The Stolen Girl has progressed the delightful and well-structured storytelling to another level due to the huge mystery at the heart of this novel. Diya is a teenage girl, living in England with her mother Vani who works in the local Indian restaurant bringing back the smells of the spices and oils as she returns home every night. One night she tells Diya they have to move, again. Diya is far from keen having made her first proper friend but that night everything changes when Vani is accused of abducting Diya from her real mother, Aarti, as a baby.
I really enjoyed this story told from the viewpoints of Diya in the present day, Vani by letters reminiscing over her past in India and Aarti as she lays claim to the daughter she lost thirteen years before. These three narrators all build up a picture of what life was like for the two women before Diya’s birth with lavish descriptions of houses and smells, of the different ways parents express their love for their children as well as an interesting insight into how your background is critical in hierarchical India. One of the things I love about this author’s writing is that on the whole she allows her readers to infer the messages, despite Vani’s life being very different to mine, I could ‘put myself in her shoes’ not because I was told how to wear them, but rather because a picture was painted using subtle tones allowing me to empathise with the choices she made.
The plotting is superb with the pace carefully controlled with well-timed revelations from the two women placed against the confusion of young Diya who struggles to comprehend the deceptions that led her to live in England within a close-knit relationship of two with her mother. With the issue of the effects of eating disorders covered too this novel could easily have slipped into a dispiriting read with so much misery but the thread of hope that all would turn out well for Diya along with some great supporting characters meant that this was avoided.
Having now had the pleasure of reading three excellent books by this author I can’t wait to see what Renita D’Silva produces next. I’d like to thank the publishers Bookouture for the copy of this book to read in return for this honest review. The Stolen Girl was published on 12 September 2014.
September 12, 2014
I would like to thank Bookouture for my approval on NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Although I like the cover of this book I feel it is a little deceiving as the child looks a lot younger than Diya actually is in the book, but don’t let this put you off reading this great book.
When we first meet Diya and Vani they are at not getting on as teenage girls tend not to with their mums. Vani wants to move again but as Diya is getting older and has finally made a friend she doesn’t want to move on and can’t understand why they need to move. Running out of the house she realises the police are there, at the time she doesn’t know that they have come to arrest her mum. When she returns home she is shattered and devasted to learn that Vani has been arrested for kidnapping her.
The book is grippingly told from Diya’s point of view, a 13 year old girl trying to get her head around what she has been told, she is placed with a loving family and even goes back to school where her friend supports her and she finally makes new friend. She is devastated at what she has been told but unable to believe her mum would do that, she is angry and wants answers.
It is also told from the point of Vani, in a series of letters to her daughter explaining how much she loves her and what had happened 13 years ago, we also go back to find out Vani’s back story and how she met Aarti.
We also see the story from Aarti’s point of view and as this is told I realized how cold and selfish she is.
The book is put together brilliantly and it takes you to the less fortunate areas of India if you want to call them and also through the lives of the more fortunate of India’s population. Also to present day England and the situation that has fallen Vani, Diya and Aarti.
I really enjoyed this book it was totally not what I was expecting when I picked it up to read and would recommend to anyone that likes a different book that isn’t all love and romance but more true to life. I’ve read somewhere that this is utterly compelling well I totally agree with that as once I picked it up and didn’t put it down and finished it one night. In some parts, I became so engrossed and I felt emotionally wrung out once I had finished it, the following night I couldn’t put my mind to read again as I kept thinking about this wonderful if sad story.
Renita kept me hoping and praying right to the very last chapters that things would work out for Vani and Diya.
Although I like the cover of this book I feel it is a little deceiving as the child looks a lot younger than Diya actually is in the book, but don’t let this put you off reading this great book.
When we first meet Diya and Vani they are at not getting on as teenage girls tend not to with their mums. Vani wants to move again but as Diya is getting older and has finally made a friend she doesn’t want to move on and can’t understand why they need to move. Running out of the house she realises the police are there, at the time she doesn’t know that they have come to arrest her mum. When she returns home she is shattered and devasted to learn that Vani has been arrested for kidnapping her.
The book is grippingly told from Diya’s point of view, a 13 year old girl trying to get her head around what she has been told, she is placed with a loving family and even goes back to school where her friend supports her and she finally makes new friend. She is devastated at what she has been told but unable to believe her mum would do that, she is angry and wants answers.
It is also told from the point of Vani, in a series of letters to her daughter explaining how much she loves her and what had happened 13 years ago, we also go back to find out Vani’s back story and how she met Aarti.
We also see the story from Aarti’s point of view and as this is told I realized how cold and selfish she is.
The book is put together brilliantly and it takes you to the less fortunate areas of India if you want to call them and also through the lives of the more fortunate of India’s population. Also to present day England and the situation that has fallen Vani, Diya and Aarti.
I really enjoyed this book it was totally not what I was expecting when I picked it up to read and would recommend to anyone that likes a different book that isn’t all love and romance but more true to life. I’ve read somewhere that this is utterly compelling well I totally agree with that as once I picked it up and didn’t put it down and finished it one night. In some parts, I became so engrossed and I felt emotionally wrung out once I had finished it, the following night I couldn’t put my mind to read again as I kept thinking about this wonderful if sad story.
Renita kept me hoping and praying right to the very last chapters that things would work out for Vani and Diya.
September 16, 2014
Diya and her mother, Vani, are happy. They're constantly moving to different towns and live in crappy apartments, but they have each other. Diya loves her mother with all her heart. Then finally something changes when she finds a friend. Her weight issues have always made things difficult for her before and she never minded leaving the bullies behind, but she's happy where she is now and she wants to stay. Before she and her mother can move again something happens that changes her entire life. Her mother is arrested, because a woman named Aarti claims that she has stolen her child. Vani wants a DNA test to prove that Diya is hers. Who is telling the truth? The two women obviously know each other. What happened between them to make them enemies and was Diya really abducted?
The Stolen Girl is a beautiful story about inequality and unconditional love. A lot of unlucky events lead to something terrible and the book starts at the end of the story. Slowly the reader gets to know the beginning, I loved that. Renita D'Silva is a great writer. I really liked the way she made the life in two different countries come to life. Diya is such a special girl. One of the main issues in this book is weight, eating too much and not eating enough. The way that was described made it credible and understandable. I felt so much sympathy for all the main characters. Because the story has been told from the point of view of Diya, Vani and Aarti the reader has a chance to understand all of them. They are each different and so well portrayed. The Stolen Girl is a beautiful and amazing story that I will never forget.
The Stolen Girl is a beautiful story about inequality and unconditional love. A lot of unlucky events lead to something terrible and the book starts at the end of the story. Slowly the reader gets to know the beginning, I loved that. Renita D'Silva is a great writer. I really liked the way she made the life in two different countries come to life. Diya is such a special girl. One of the main issues in this book is weight, eating too much and not eating enough. The way that was described made it credible and understandable. I felt so much sympathy for all the main characters. Because the story has been told from the point of view of Diya, Vani and Aarti the reader has a chance to understand all of them. They are each different and so well portrayed. The Stolen Girl is a beautiful and amazing story that I will never forget.
September 15, 2014
Well after having been out of the book reading world for so long I was so glad that this was my first read. I loved it. It kind of took over my Saturday, work? homework? grad school prep...who cares! I need to figure out what on earth is going to happen here.
Right off the bat I had fallen in love with Diya for her down to earth personality and Vani for the immense love which she wasn't afraid to show her daughter.
The story really reminded me of the work of Kate Morton. If you haven't read any of her works yet I would highly recommend The Distant Hours. Both authors have a way to make the world come alive and add a true texture not only to the characters, but I have never wanted to eat Indian food as much as I did while I was reading The Stolen Girl.
I love how the story of the past and present are woven together to help shed light on the truth. D'Silva manages to develop this empathy not only for the heroines of the novel, but also includes for the 'villain.' I was worried how she would wrap everything up - I had fallen in love with two of these women and wanted the 3rd to come out all right yet I couldn't figure out how she was going to do it. But do it D'Silva did and it was wonderfully done.
Overall I am so glad that I have found this new author, I will be running to check out her others books The Forgotten Dauther and Monsoon Memories...After I catch up on everything that was put on hold this weekend.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Right off the bat I had fallen in love with Diya for her down to earth personality and Vani for the immense love which she wasn't afraid to show her daughter.
The story really reminded me of the work of Kate Morton. If you haven't read any of her works yet I would highly recommend The Distant Hours. Both authors have a way to make the world come alive and add a true texture not only to the characters, but I have never wanted to eat Indian food as much as I did while I was reading The Stolen Girl.
I love how the story of the past and present are woven together to help shed light on the truth. D'Silva manages to develop this empathy not only for the heroines of the novel, but also includes for the 'villain.' I was worried how she would wrap everything up - I had fallen in love with two of these women and wanted the 3rd to come out all right yet I couldn't figure out how she was going to do it. But do it D'Silva did and it was wonderfully done.
Overall I am so glad that I have found this new author, I will be running to check out her others books The Forgotten Dauther and Monsoon Memories...After I catch up on everything that was put on hold this weekend.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2015
I was a little apprehensive when I started this as it sounded a little out of my comfort zone; however, I was more than pleasantly surprised. The story is told initially from a young 13 year old Diya’s point of view. The story starts out quite emotionally charged as the reader witnesses the horror that a young confused 13 year old experiences when her Mother is arrested and accused of abducting Diya when she was a baby. The first few chapters I found a little hard going as it seemed there was nothing other than a few confused ramblings of a confused young girl. Once I reached the halfway book those thoughts were long gone and I was loathed to put the book down.
D’Silva has created a wonderful read by creating layers that are slowly revealed as we learn slowly each person involved in their own element of the story. Diya’s mother Vani starts to reveal her own story much further into the book but as we see it revealed I thought I had it all figured out, to realise very quickly that I didn’t have the first clue. In addition to that we also meet Aarti who is battling her own demons. With each chapter that was written I felt myself being drawn into the story more and more.
With a heart-breaking story, wonderful characters and such raw emotion D’Silva had me hooked. A beautiful story that I think many people would love to read. Not an author I have come across before, but one that I will be looking at more closely in the future.
D’Silva has created a wonderful read by creating layers that are slowly revealed as we learn slowly each person involved in their own element of the story. Diya’s mother Vani starts to reveal her own story much further into the book but as we see it revealed I thought I had it all figured out, to realise very quickly that I didn’t have the first clue. In addition to that we also meet Aarti who is battling her own demons. With each chapter that was written I felt myself being drawn into the story more and more.
With a heart-breaking story, wonderful characters and such raw emotion D’Silva had me hooked. A beautiful story that I think many people would love to read. Not an author I have come across before, but one that I will be looking at more closely in the future.
September 30, 2014
The Stolen Girl - by Renita D'Silva is an amazing book that had me glued in, right from the first page. The story is about a young girl, Diya who lives a simple life with her mother in UK and is heartbroken when her mother is arrested for kidnapping. Diya's life changes as she is moved to foster care, interacts with her social worker and takes the DNA test to find out who her biological mother is. The turbulent emotions of this 13 year old are so well brought out.
In a well written style, the book takes you back to the past where you meet two women, Vani and Arathi in India and the author describes the places and characters so well, almost like you being there in the past and slowly moved to the present happening.
Each chapter is dedicated to a different character and there is a mystery element that keeps you wanting more. Food does play a big role in the lives of Diya and Arathi, both have eating disorders which are well highlighted in the book.The end is beautiful and unforgettable.
Renita, Keep up your good work. Your short stories, Monsoon Memories and The Forgotten Daughter have all been great reads as well.
In a well written style, the book takes you back to the past where you meet two women, Vani and Arathi in India and the author describes the places and characters so well, almost like you being there in the past and slowly moved to the present happening.
Each chapter is dedicated to a different character and there is a mystery element that keeps you wanting more. Food does play a big role in the lives of Diya and Arathi, both have eating disorders which are well highlighted in the book.The end is beautiful and unforgettable.
Renita, Keep up your good work. Your short stories, Monsoon Memories and The Forgotten Daughter have all been great reads as well.
September 14, 2014
I’ve been a fan of Renita D’Silva from her very first book, Monsoon Memories, and couldn’t wait top get my hands on her latest, The Stolen Girl.
Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. From the first page I was drawn into the story of these three, Diya, Vani and Aarti. There’s a mystery at the heart of this book that kept me turning the pages – well, clicking my screen! – to find out what comes next, and, most of all, who is telling the truth. I felt for Diya, caught as she was between two mothers, only one of whom could be the right one. I enjoyed learning the background story of how she came to be in this fix; all the characters are exquisitely drawn and you can’t help but be pulled into the story, feel its heartbeat. Renita weaves all the story threads seamlessly together into a wonderful whole that will keep you wanting more.
Renita is a true and gifted storyteller, and I heard on her radio interview that she has many more stories to tell – so keep them coming, Renita!
I was given a free review copy by the publisher.
Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. From the first page I was drawn into the story of these three, Diya, Vani and Aarti. There’s a mystery at the heart of this book that kept me turning the pages – well, clicking my screen! – to find out what comes next, and, most of all, who is telling the truth. I felt for Diya, caught as she was between two mothers, only one of whom could be the right one. I enjoyed learning the background story of how she came to be in this fix; all the characters are exquisitely drawn and you can’t help but be pulled into the story, feel its heartbeat. Renita weaves all the story threads seamlessly together into a wonderful whole that will keep you wanting more.
Renita is a true and gifted storyteller, and I heard on her radio interview that she has many more stories to tell – so keep them coming, Renita!
I was given a free review copy by the publisher.
September 18, 2014
I absolutely loved this book - the characters crawled beneath my skin, becoming living, breathing people. I loved the way the narrative unfolded through three differing viewpoints of the main female characters. Not only were the characters entirely believable (and flawed), but the sense of place, particularly the parts set in India were incredibly evocative. I thought the complicated relationship between two of the main characters, Aarti & Vani was handled with great flair - the deceit, possession, betrayal and ultimate reconciliation was believable, powerful and moving. By the time I reached the end of the novel, I was SO glad it ended the way it did. The ending was just perfect, it really couldn't have been any better.
I now can't wait to read Renita D'Silva's other two books, if they're half as good as this one, I'm sure I'll love it I would highly recommend this book to anyone, a truly memorable read.
I now can't wait to read Renita D'Silva's other two books, if they're half as good as this one, I'm sure I'll love it I would highly recommend this book to anyone, a truly memorable read.
September 30, 2014
Like a novelisation of a Bollywood movie, this entertaining read is heavy on melodrama but the engaging characters give it heart and depth. The multiple viewpoints are distinct and convincing and even the supporting characters, like the social worker and the philandering movie star husband are carefully and sympathetically drawn. It's not a genre I normally read but I couldn't put it down. The writing style seemed a little unsophisticated at the start (I can't put my finger on exactly why - too many prepositional phrases was part of it) but maybe this is deliberate to capture the voice of its thirteen-year-old narrator. I was so swept up in the plot later that I was oblivious to any stylistic issues. This is a book with potentially very wide appeal - I would recommend it equally to young teenagers or adults looking for a quick, compelling read.
January 26, 2015
The Stolen Girl is classic women's fiction done right. I don't know why women have such an overwhelming fascination with stories about kidnapped children, but we do. Write a book or make a movie about it, and we show up front and center every single time. D'Silva takes a classic story line and revamps it by telling it from three different perspectives: the mother, the thief, and the child. Don't get me wrong, while it's a classic story, it's far from predictable. The author pulls you into the expertly woven fabric of these ladies lives and you walk away with a clear understanding of why they made the choices they did. There's an element of suspense to the story and the descriptive language is rich and layered. All in all, it's a great read when you're in a sentimental mood.
September 20, 2014
Another great story from this author. I have read all three of her books and have enjoyed each of them very much. The author has a certain theme which runs through her stories but always with a fresh view. I really have enjoyed her writing style, and the use of descriptions, usually about feelings, memories or tastes, which makes me feel the scene so much more.
This is a story about complicated issues and the way each of the characters responds to them, and about their own complicated, relationships with each other. Diya, Vani and Aarti are characters you will not soon forget.
Beautifully told, and I cannot wait for her next novel.
This is a story about complicated issues and the way each of the characters responds to them, and about their own complicated, relationships with each other. Diya, Vani and Aarti are characters you will not soon forget.
Beautifully told, and I cannot wait for her next novel.
August 27, 2014
Not really sure what to say about this book, Other than WOW.
What an emotional story.
The journey one woman has to go through to save and protect her child.
How one person can be so selfish an manipulative to the point of controlling another persons life. But also amazing that when people finally realize and face up to the wrongs they have done, how others can find forgiveness.
Once you get into this book be prepared to sit up and read, because once you start you really wont want to put it down.
This is the first book i have read from this author, but i will be looking out for her other books now.
What an emotional story.
The journey one woman has to go through to save and protect her child.
How one person can be so selfish an manipulative to the point of controlling another persons life. But also amazing that when people finally realize and face up to the wrongs they have done, how others can find forgiveness.
Once you get into this book be prepared to sit up and read, because once you start you really wont want to put it down.
This is the first book i have read from this author, but i will be looking out for her other books now.
October 31, 2014
This was a very good book. It was tough to put down and very engrossing. A thirteen year old girl of Indian decent has lived her whole life in England. One day the police arrive at her apartment and arrest her mother, stating that she was kidnapped from India. The characters are well developed and the ensuing emotional roller coaster that the young girl, Diya, is on seems very appropriate for one in her position. At times the author gets a little carried away with adjectives, but that may be petty. Overall I would highly recommend this book.
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