What do you think?
Rate this book
Кураж
1929 г.
Когато страстна любовна афера заплашва да опозори Луси, тя избира благопристоен брак пред живота в срам и изоставя болезненото минало, заминавайки с новия си съпруг – собственик на кафеена плантация – към новия си дом в непозната Индия. Всичко в Индия е ново за Луси – от обсипаните с мъниста и шевици платове, до екзотичните подправки. Когато съдбата пресича пътя ѝ с Гори – младата жена, която се грижи за храма в плантацията, Луси е любопитна да научи повече за нея и събитията, принудили я да живее откъсната от семействoтo си.
В НАШИ ДНИ
Със съсипана кариера и разбито сърце Кавя бяга от пренаселения Мумбай в родното си градче. В покрайнините на близкото село е открит разпадащ се храм, а в него – молитвените писма на страдаща млада жена, наречена Гори. Колкото повече научава за болезнената съдба на Гори и Луси, толкова по-добре Кавя разбира непосилните жертви и трудните решения, които двете жени са били принудени да направят, за да променят живота си завинаги. Дали тайните от миналото ще помогнат на Кавя да подреди живота си в настоящето?
„Спиращо дъха приключение през планините на Индия, до самото сърце на неподозирани семейни тайни.
Препоръчително четиво за всички почитатели на Санта Монтефиоре, Диана Джефрис и Виктория Хислоп.“
Publishers Weekly
Когато страстна любовна афера заплашва да опозори Луси, тя избира благопристоен брак пред живота в срам и изоставя болезненото минало, заминавайки с новия си съпруг – собственик на кафеена плантация – към новия си дом в непозната Индия. Всичко в Индия е ново за Луси – от обсипаните с мъниста и шевици платове, до екзотичните подправки. Когато съдбата пресича пътя ѝ с Гори – младата жена, която се грижи за храма в плантацията, Луси е любопитна да научи повече за нея и събитията, принудили я да живее откъсната от семействoтo си.
В НАШИ ДНИ
Със съсипана кариера и разбито сърце Кавя бяга от пренаселения Мумбай в родното си градче. В покрайнините на близкото село е открит разпадащ се храм, а в него – молитвените писма на страдаща млада жена, наречена Гори. Колкото повече научава за болезнената съдба на Гори и Луси, толкова по-добре Кавя разбира непосилните жертви и трудните решения, които двете жени са били принудени да направят, за да променят живота си завинаги. Дали тайните от миналото ще помогнат на Кавя да подреди живота си в настоящето?
„Спиращо дъха приключение през планините на Индия, до самото сърце на неподозирани семейни тайни.
Препоръчително четиво за всички почитатели на Санта Монтефиоре, Диана Джефрис и Виктория Хислоп.“
Publishers Weekly
310 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2017
279 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Renita D'Silva
20 books410 followersRenita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 29, 2017
This won Book of the Month on my blog for May 2017:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
Renita D’Silva has done it again. After reading A Mother’s Secret last year, I thought nothing could impact on me like that again. I even went into this book feeling confident that I know this author’s writing style. I know what to expect and I know this book will make me cry. Yet, even though I knew all those things and tried to prepare myself for what was to come, including having a packet of tissues near me at all times, I am still sat here completely heart broken and in tears over what this truly sensational story has put me through emotionally over the last few days.
A Daughter’s Courage is stunning, in that it is both remarkable and overwhelming. How a story can be so beautiful yet harrowing at the same time, shows the true talent of this author. Renita’s words are like liquid gold, trickling down the pages, enriching them with precious prose.
While part way through this book I ended up crying proper ugly tears. My few minutes in the shower each morning is my quiet relaxation time before my day of work begins. But a couple of days ago I spent that time crying my eyes out, my tears washed away by the water from the shower, only to be replaced with more, as my heart broke for one of the characters in this book. I desperately wanted to save her and take away her loneliness. My soul wanted to travel to India and bring her back here. How can a fictional character feel so real, and cause such strong emotions within me?
This book even took over my dreams. My mind was completely mesmerised by the cottage, temple and its enchanting surroundings. The vivid dreams on the first night of reading this book were both magical yet unnervingly haunting. I woke up the following morning feeling strange, like I had really been in India all night instead of sleeping in my bed. In hindsight, it was as if my subconscious was warning me of things to come. Allowing me to be enticed by the magic of the Indian location, but at the same time warning me I was about to give my heart and soul to this place, and will not escape until the end of the book. I felt trapped, like a bird that has had its wings clipped, unable to fly away to a safe place.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It gripped me emotionally and psychologically. My heart physically ached at the sadness and loss that was experienced by these wonderfully strong and determined characters. However, through it all is perhaps the one emotion that has kept the human race going, and that is one of hope. No matter what happens to you, always hold on to hope, because you never know where destiny may take you.
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
Renita D’Silva has done it again. After reading A Mother’s Secret last year, I thought nothing could impact on me like that again. I even went into this book feeling confident that I know this author’s writing style. I know what to expect and I know this book will make me cry. Yet, even though I knew all those things and tried to prepare myself for what was to come, including having a packet of tissues near me at all times, I am still sat here completely heart broken and in tears over what this truly sensational story has put me through emotionally over the last few days.
A Daughter’s Courage is stunning, in that it is both remarkable and overwhelming. How a story can be so beautiful yet harrowing at the same time, shows the true talent of this author. Renita’s words are like liquid gold, trickling down the pages, enriching them with precious prose.
While part way through this book I ended up crying proper ugly tears. My few minutes in the shower each morning is my quiet relaxation time before my day of work begins. But a couple of days ago I spent that time crying my eyes out, my tears washed away by the water from the shower, only to be replaced with more, as my heart broke for one of the characters in this book. I desperately wanted to save her and take away her loneliness. My soul wanted to travel to India and bring her back here. How can a fictional character feel so real, and cause such strong emotions within me?
This book even took over my dreams. My mind was completely mesmerised by the cottage, temple and its enchanting surroundings. The vivid dreams on the first night of reading this book were both magical yet unnervingly haunting. I woke up the following morning feeling strange, like I had really been in India all night instead of sleeping in my bed. In hindsight, it was as if my subconscious was warning me of things to come. Allowing me to be enticed by the magic of the Indian location, but at the same time warning me I was about to give my heart and soul to this place, and will not escape until the end of the book. I felt trapped, like a bird that has had its wings clipped, unable to fly away to a safe place.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It gripped me emotionally and psychologically. My heart physically ached at the sadness and loss that was experienced by these wonderfully strong and determined characters. However, through it all is perhaps the one emotion that has kept the human race going, and that is one of hope. No matter what happens to you, always hold on to hope, because you never know where destiny may take you.
June 1, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This book used the type of narrative that I really enjoy, there were several different viewpoints, that at first glance were only linked tenuously, I kept wondering how two women from the 1920’s and two other women from present day would all fit together?! D’Silva weaved these threads together in a breathtaking manner and crafted four amazing characters that I couldn’t help but root for.
The writing style was gorgeous and lyrical, D’Silva paints such a stunning picture using vivid, rich imagery. I could clearly envision the landscape of India; the bright colors, the scent of exotic spices, the women swathed in bold saris, it was a very immersive read.
Along with a superbly crafted setting, the characterization was outstanding as well. The four women depicted had distinct issues and troubles, but they were all strong, courageous and inspiring. I especially felt a connection to Gowri, she was a young teenager who was a devadasi, which means she had to dedicate her entire life to worshiping and servicing a temple and goddess statue called Yellamma. This was so interesting to learn about the traditions and cultural customs practiced in India back in the 20’s. It was also heartbreaking and disturbing reading her story of sacrifice, but her resilience was amazing.
I was mesmerized by this book and I experienced a wide variety of emotions from deep sadness and compassion to gentle smiles through my tears. It was really touching and poignant, just a really beautifully told story that left an impact on me. This was my first D’Silva book but it most definitely will not be my last.
This book used the type of narrative that I really enjoy, there were several different viewpoints, that at first glance were only linked tenuously, I kept wondering how two women from the 1920’s and two other women from present day would all fit together?! D’Silva weaved these threads together in a breathtaking manner and crafted four amazing characters that I couldn’t help but root for.
The writing style was gorgeous and lyrical, D’Silva paints such a stunning picture using vivid, rich imagery. I could clearly envision the landscape of India; the bright colors, the scent of exotic spices, the women swathed in bold saris, it was a very immersive read.
Along with a superbly crafted setting, the characterization was outstanding as well. The four women depicted had distinct issues and troubles, but they were all strong, courageous and inspiring. I especially felt a connection to Gowri, she was a young teenager who was a devadasi, which means she had to dedicate her entire life to worshiping and servicing a temple and goddess statue called Yellamma. This was so interesting to learn about the traditions and cultural customs practiced in India back in the 20’s. It was also heartbreaking and disturbing reading her story of sacrifice, but her resilience was amazing.
I was mesmerized by this book and I experienced a wide variety of emotions from deep sadness and compassion to gentle smiles through my tears. It was really touching and poignant, just a really beautifully told story that left an impact on me. This was my first D’Silva book but it most definitely will not be my last.
May 27, 2017
Alternating between the 1920's and today . A breath taking journey through India . All the descriptions of India, the people and their customs are new to me. I haven't read about this country and it's people before. From the lush coffee plantations with the heavy foliage in the fields and the silk fabrics of the clothing and heavy scents of spices. India also has a great diversity in terms of weaves, fibers, colours and material of clothing. Colour codes are followed in clothing based on the religion and ritual concerned. Some of the book features very strong,courageous women and parts of the book are absolutely heartbreaking. This really opened my eyes to a different cultural way of life. Very interesting!
Pub Date 31 May 2017.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Pub Date 31 May 2017.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 30, 2017
Every time I read a book by this author I feel that it's her best yet and A Daughter's Courage is no different. From the very first page I was swept away to 1920's India to follow the fate of 'devadasi' Gowri. The chapters alternated with present day moments and to strong, independent women facing today's problems. Immediately I wanted to know how these women were connected. This stunning book has given me characters that will stay with me for a very long time and I'm still thinking about the stories and journeys this morning after finishing the book last night. I am not ashamed to admit that this author has the ability to inspire such emotion in me for her expertly drawn characters that I rarely finish without an eye malfunction of some kind. The imagery and narrative is as stunning and captivating as ever and I now have a total book hangover. If you haven't read one of Renita's books yet you are definitely missing out.
June 4, 2017
Heartrending... beautiful... a dream...
Oh my! Having just finished reading this fabulous book, my emotions are all over the place and I fear that no combination of words can express exactly my thoughts and feelings, how much I enjoyed being immersed in this story. I did not just love this book, I actually LIVED it. 'A Daughter's Courage' is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
This book is set mostly in India with a few chapters set in the UK. The main characters are four women unknowingly bound together across time and continents.
How much hurt and suffering can a person endure?
Everything starts with the discovery of an old temple in ruins, having lain hidden by overgrown vegetation in a jungle and forgotten for many decades. A child's bones are discovered on site too. Whose bones are they? For how long have they been there undisturbed? What secrets lay hidden within the temple's crumbling walls?
1920s. India. Gowri is a teenage girl whose dreams of becoming a teacher are shattered for ever when her younger brother falls seriously ill. After much prayer, the brother heals, but in exchange, following an old tradition, it is agreed that Gowri becomes a 'devadasi'. She's 'dedicated' and offered to the goddess Yellamma. A temple and a cottage are built by the landlord in honour of the goddess in a field and Gowri is practically imprisoned in this cottage alone to worship the goddess, take care of the temple, but also to serve the lecherous landlord and his friends for the rest of her life.
1920s. England. After almost bringing disgrace upon her family, Lucy is forced by her parents to marry a respectable coffee plantation owner, in order to safeguard the family's name. She leaves England to join her new husband in India starting a new life with a man she doesn't love.
Present day. India. Gavya is returning back home to her family, leaving behind her a flourishing acting career in Mumbai's Bollywood. Why is she renouncing her dream career, the most important thing in her life? What happened to her?
Present day. England. Sue is a journalist who's just lost her beloved husband. She's living in limbo at home, not knowing what to do with herself and the news she's just received.
Four different women, four different lives racked with suffering and loss, almost a century and half a world apart. Nothing seemingly common between them. And yet, through her strikingly beautiful, colourful, evocative prose, Renita D'Silva weaves a heartrending, touching story, bringing past and present together as one and mingling the lives and stories of these women together.
All characters in this book are very realistic and with the exception of one (who I wanted to murder with my bare hands) I loved them ALL. Of the four women, Gowri's is by far the most heart-wrenching story. How could someone do that to another human being? I wished I could hold her and ease her pain somehow, and believe me when I say that I suffered and cried and could almost feel her anguish.
Colours, smells and sounds burst out of each page of this book. The past and present, landscapes and people are brought to life in vivid colours and splendour. Through her flawless writing, this author always gives wings to my imagination, taking me back in time across decades and continents. India is a beautiful exotic country full of colours, magnificent landscapes, glorious food, sacred sites and rituals and honestly thanks to Ms D'Silva's magical prose, I felt as if I were there, enjoying all this. I could clearly visualise Mumbai's crazy, busy, buzzing streets full of cars and pedestrians. And closing my eyes I could almost see and hear the market place heaving with life, the vendors of fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers along the sides of the roads shouting their wares, women clad in colourful saris, cows passing languidly by, the chaotic crush of humanity in the streets. I could almost feel the oppressive heat that sticks clothes to bodies and then the relief and freshness brought by the monsoon rains.
Nature, family, food, love, passion, colours but also heartache, loss, sorrow, regrets and shattered dreams are the pillars of this fantastic read. All strong elements exquisitely portrayed by the author through her beautiful, unique prose. Some of my favourite quotes:
"Silence spreads through the gathered crowd like waves pushing outward from a stone rippling a still pond."
"In the distance dusk gently kisses the horizon, wrapping it in a rosy caress, a shawl of twilight the shade of romance, the blush on a maiden's cheek."
"Blue dress to match eyes the undulating turquoise of the lake reflecting the sky in its depths. Skin the rose-tinted cream of dawn."
'A Daughter's Courage' is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story that made me dream with my eyes open and experience all sorts of emotions. I really loved and enjoyed it and I'm sure Gowri and the other characters will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommended!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read and review this book through NetGalley.
Oh my! Having just finished reading this fabulous book, my emotions are all over the place and I fear that no combination of words can express exactly my thoughts and feelings, how much I enjoyed being immersed in this story. I did not just love this book, I actually LIVED it. 'A Daughter's Courage' is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
This book is set mostly in India with a few chapters set in the UK. The main characters are four women unknowingly bound together across time and continents.
How much hurt and suffering can a person endure?
Everything starts with the discovery of an old temple in ruins, having lain hidden by overgrown vegetation in a jungle and forgotten for many decades. A child's bones are discovered on site too. Whose bones are they? For how long have they been there undisturbed? What secrets lay hidden within the temple's crumbling walls?
1920s. India. Gowri is a teenage girl whose dreams of becoming a teacher are shattered for ever when her younger brother falls seriously ill. After much prayer, the brother heals, but in exchange, following an old tradition, it is agreed that Gowri becomes a 'devadasi'. She's 'dedicated' and offered to the goddess Yellamma. A temple and a cottage are built by the landlord in honour of the goddess in a field and Gowri is practically imprisoned in this cottage alone to worship the goddess, take care of the temple, but also to serve the lecherous landlord and his friends for the rest of her life.
1920s. England. After almost bringing disgrace upon her family, Lucy is forced by her parents to marry a respectable coffee plantation owner, in order to safeguard the family's name. She leaves England to join her new husband in India starting a new life with a man she doesn't love.
Present day. India. Gavya is returning back home to her family, leaving behind her a flourishing acting career in Mumbai's Bollywood. Why is she renouncing her dream career, the most important thing in her life? What happened to her?
Present day. England. Sue is a journalist who's just lost her beloved husband. She's living in limbo at home, not knowing what to do with herself and the news she's just received.
Four different women, four different lives racked with suffering and loss, almost a century and half a world apart. Nothing seemingly common between them. And yet, through her strikingly beautiful, colourful, evocative prose, Renita D'Silva weaves a heartrending, touching story, bringing past and present together as one and mingling the lives and stories of these women together.
All characters in this book are very realistic and with the exception of one (who I wanted to murder with my bare hands) I loved them ALL. Of the four women, Gowri's is by far the most heart-wrenching story. How could someone do that to another human being? I wished I could hold her and ease her pain somehow, and believe me when I say that I suffered and cried and could almost feel her anguish.
Colours, smells and sounds burst out of each page of this book. The past and present, landscapes and people are brought to life in vivid colours and splendour. Through her flawless writing, this author always gives wings to my imagination, taking me back in time across decades and continents. India is a beautiful exotic country full of colours, magnificent landscapes, glorious food, sacred sites and rituals and honestly thanks to Ms D'Silva's magical prose, I felt as if I were there, enjoying all this. I could clearly visualise Mumbai's crazy, busy, buzzing streets full of cars and pedestrians. And closing my eyes I could almost see and hear the market place heaving with life, the vendors of fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers along the sides of the roads shouting their wares, women clad in colourful saris, cows passing languidly by, the chaotic crush of humanity in the streets. I could almost feel the oppressive heat that sticks clothes to bodies and then the relief and freshness brought by the monsoon rains.
Nature, family, food, love, passion, colours but also heartache, loss, sorrow, regrets and shattered dreams are the pillars of this fantastic read. All strong elements exquisitely portrayed by the author through her beautiful, unique prose. Some of my favourite quotes:
"Silence spreads through the gathered crowd like waves pushing outward from a stone rippling a still pond."
"In the distance dusk gently kisses the horizon, wrapping it in a rosy caress, a shawl of twilight the shade of romance, the blush on a maiden's cheek."
"Blue dress to match eyes the undulating turquoise of the lake reflecting the sky in its depths. Skin the rose-tinted cream of dawn."
'A Daughter's Courage' is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story that made me dream with my eyes open and experience all sorts of emotions. I really loved and enjoyed it and I'm sure Gowri and the other characters will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommended!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read and review this book through NetGalley.
May 31, 2017
I confess that before I had read Renita's work I was always a little put off. I don't know why but the synopsis always seemed a little too 'not my thing'. However, after reading the first book by her I was smitten. I always love it when an author and their book surprises me. Since then I have goine on to read and loved her tales, because that what they are. Cleverly woven stories which literally take you on a journey. When I saw she has a new book out I have to admit I was apprehensive. When you fall in love with an author and their work, I always get a little bit scared that their following books won't live up to my expectations. Thankfully I was wrong and this book swept me away as much as her others have, if not more.
I confess when the synopsis indicated we would be reading about Lucy and Gowri in the 1920's my heart sunk a little. I have never been big on historical settings however by the time I had finished the book I was literally blown away. This story is tragic, emotional and so compelling I literally didn't want to put it down, something I never thought I would say when it comes to historical stories.
Lucy lives in England and Gowri in India. Their lives could not be further apart and their stories end up being completely interweaved in a tale that swept me away to tyhe wilds of India. Gowri is a young woman who was given as a Devadasi when she was a young girl. Upon finishing this book I googled and read a lot more about this sad and sorry tradition where young girls become a servant of God and essentially nothing more than a mans toy. My heart wept for Gowri but the story was told with such passion and heart that I didn't just imagine this story, but felt like I was right there with her. On the opposite side of the world Lucy is an entitled young British woman who seems to have it all. Her story takes a turn when she makes a huge mistake in her life which leads her into the arms of James, a young eligible Bachelor who owns a plantation in India.
In addition to Lusy and Gowri we meet Kavya who is living in the present day and who has had to make the decision to return to her village after failings in her personal life. We also briefly meet Sue, a widow who is working through the grief of lsoing her husband whilst recently discovering she was pregnant. Although Gowri and Lucy stole the show for me, both Kavya and Sue were pivotal to the story towards the end. The book started a little slower than her usual books but with perfectly good reason. The background is all important as these girls lives are laid out before us.
This book was a sheer joy to read and I am putting myself out on a limb by saying this is the best book I have read in this genre this year. Please do not make assukmptions like I once did by either teh synopsis, or cover not being the style you would read. This is true storytelling at it's best and transporting you to another time and another world. One that had me absorbed to the end. A truly outstanding book that I hugely reccomend to everybody. This is by far the best work Renita D'Silva has written and a book that I absolutely LOVED!
I confess when the synopsis indicated we would be reading about Lucy and Gowri in the 1920's my heart sunk a little. I have never been big on historical settings however by the time I had finished the book I was literally blown away. This story is tragic, emotional and so compelling I literally didn't want to put it down, something I never thought I would say when it comes to historical stories.
Lucy lives in England and Gowri in India. Their lives could not be further apart and their stories end up being completely interweaved in a tale that swept me away to tyhe wilds of India. Gowri is a young woman who was given as a Devadasi when she was a young girl. Upon finishing this book I googled and read a lot more about this sad and sorry tradition where young girls become a servant of God and essentially nothing more than a mans toy. My heart wept for Gowri but the story was told with such passion and heart that I didn't just imagine this story, but felt like I was right there with her. On the opposite side of the world Lucy is an entitled young British woman who seems to have it all. Her story takes a turn when she makes a huge mistake in her life which leads her into the arms of James, a young eligible Bachelor who owns a plantation in India.
In addition to Lusy and Gowri we meet Kavya who is living in the present day and who has had to make the decision to return to her village after failings in her personal life. We also briefly meet Sue, a widow who is working through the grief of lsoing her husband whilst recently discovering she was pregnant. Although Gowri and Lucy stole the show for me, both Kavya and Sue were pivotal to the story towards the end. The book started a little slower than her usual books but with perfectly good reason. The background is all important as these girls lives are laid out before us.
This book was a sheer joy to read and I am putting myself out on a limb by saying this is the best book I have read in this genre this year. Please do not make assukmptions like I once did by either teh synopsis, or cover not being the style you would read. This is true storytelling at it's best and transporting you to another time and another world. One that had me absorbed to the end. A truly outstanding book that I hugely reccomend to everybody. This is by far the best work Renita D'Silva has written and a book that I absolutely LOVED!
September 20, 2021
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book by Renita D’Silva, now I’m asking myself why.
I know why.
I had other book commitments that got in the way so….that aside, I need to catch up on her books because I love how heartfelt, compelling and inspiring plus heartbreaking her stories can be.
If you’ve not read one of her books, you are missing out.
August 25, 2017
I have had the fortune of interacting with Renita D'Silva, author of this book, ever since I met her on Twitter while reading her book, The Forgotten Daughter. And with time, by the grace of God, we have developed a wonderful camaraderie. She sent me a paperback copy of A Daughter’s Courage all the way from the UK, and I was deeply moved by her gesture. I am honored and privileged to be one of the few fortunate ones to receive such a special signed copy. And of course, Renita is one of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve ever met in my life. However, let me be clear that our friendship doesn’t in any way affect this honest review of this book.
When I read her second book, The Forgotten Daughter, I thought it was a near flawless book with exceptional language and a moving story, but this being her sixth book, time has matured her writing skills even more, and now, it has achieved perfection. From the very first page, the writing gripped me, and the brilliant, delectable prose ushered me along a journey brimming with intrigue.
I have never encountered a book where the characters are developed with such care and intricacy. Brilliant would be a sheer understatement. Bolstered by excellent, moving back stories, the characters are weaved with complex threads of emotions and laced with unique, adorable traits. Kavya, the feisty, young wannabe actress, Sue, the sad pregnant widow, Lucy, the immature, adventurous woman, and Gowri, the brave, unfortunate Devadasi. However, it is not just about the women. Even the men play an important part in this memorable epic. Renita has the knack of producing exceptional male characters, who are so lovable, despite having flaws. I will never forget Mr. Bell and the Market Boy. Even the smaller characters, especially Vandana Ma’am, are drawn beautifully and given their due importance. The complex bonds among family members are also portrayed with exceptional skill.
The story is structured with such careful intricacy that you always wonder what will happen next, thus preventing you from keeping the book down despite its longer length. Although the narrative alternates between present and the past, you never feel overwhelmed as it is so easy to connect with the characters. And as always in Renita’s case, the descriptions are so vivid and enticing that you feel as if you are right there in the scene along with the characters. The reason for it is that Renita not only shows you what is happening (sense of sight), she also activates your other senses: touch (e.g. the caress of the breeze), smell (e.g. the air filled with aroma or stench or a mixture of them), and hearing (all the sounds and noises that the characters experience), thus immersing you totally in the scene. Whether it is describing the clean, green meadows of England or the crowded, noisy streets of India, Renita does a stellar job. One more subtle thing I noticed was that depending upon the characters, Renita even adjusts her language and the dialogues. During Lucy’s scenes, the language takes a distinct English tone with a few typical idiosyncrasies followed by the British, and while dealing with Indian characters, Indian English takes over seamlessly.
The editing is flawless, and the language is luscious. Line after line, page after page, the prose strikes you with punches of beauty. Despite dedicating a full two weeks for this book, when I didn’t do anything else, the tasty sentences forced me to go back and re-read them until my thirst was fulfilled, thus lengthening my read. Renita, a best-selling author of six books now, is at the height of her powers in this book, wielding weapons of unique metaphors, wonderful similes, a perfectly-fitting vocabulary, and a variety of non-cliched idioms. Trust me, try this book out and you will understand the power of grand, masterful prose. This is literary fiction at its VERY BEST.
Not only is the story and language remarkable, it also lends you spurts of motivation, not by preaching about it as some immature authors do, but by showing the determination and the fighting spirit of the characters. I finished the book yesterday, and for a few hours, I couldn’t sleep. The characters appeared before my eyes, haunting me. They have etched themselves in my mind, and I’m sure they will stay with me for a long, long time.
The emotional quotient of the book is again remarkable. You feel for all the characters, despite their flaws and mistakes. I cried several times in the book, especially towards the climax. The dialogues are placed expertly in perfect places, wrenching your heart and pushing you down the lake of tears. The only two well-written books which I can call truly emotional are The Kite Runner and The Forgotten Daughter (the first book of Renita’s that I read), and although The Kite Runner was a devastating read, I can’t say that this book moved me any less. In particular, I think the depth of the characters in this epic, sprawling, unforgettable novel edges it slightly ahead to take the top spot. So, let me reiterate.
THIS IS, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ — A MUST READ FOR ALL FANS OF FICTION. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT IT STILL WOULDN’T DO JUSTICE TO THE QUALITY OF THIS GEM OF A BOOK. READ IT NOW, OR YOU WILL BE MISSING OUT ON SOMETHING REALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD. 100 STARS FROM MY SIDE.
When I read her second book, The Forgotten Daughter, I thought it was a near flawless book with exceptional language and a moving story, but this being her sixth book, time has matured her writing skills even more, and now, it has achieved perfection. From the very first page, the writing gripped me, and the brilliant, delectable prose ushered me along a journey brimming with intrigue.
I have never encountered a book where the characters are developed with such care and intricacy. Brilliant would be a sheer understatement. Bolstered by excellent, moving back stories, the characters are weaved with complex threads of emotions and laced with unique, adorable traits. Kavya, the feisty, young wannabe actress, Sue, the sad pregnant widow, Lucy, the immature, adventurous woman, and Gowri, the brave, unfortunate Devadasi. However, it is not just about the women. Even the men play an important part in this memorable epic. Renita has the knack of producing exceptional male characters, who are so lovable, despite having flaws. I will never forget Mr. Bell and the Market Boy. Even the smaller characters, especially Vandana Ma’am, are drawn beautifully and given their due importance. The complex bonds among family members are also portrayed with exceptional skill.
The story is structured with such careful intricacy that you always wonder what will happen next, thus preventing you from keeping the book down despite its longer length. Although the narrative alternates between present and the past, you never feel overwhelmed as it is so easy to connect with the characters. And as always in Renita’s case, the descriptions are so vivid and enticing that you feel as if you are right there in the scene along with the characters. The reason for it is that Renita not only shows you what is happening (sense of sight), she also activates your other senses: touch (e.g. the caress of the breeze), smell (e.g. the air filled with aroma or stench or a mixture of them), and hearing (all the sounds and noises that the characters experience), thus immersing you totally in the scene. Whether it is describing the clean, green meadows of England or the crowded, noisy streets of India, Renita does a stellar job. One more subtle thing I noticed was that depending upon the characters, Renita even adjusts her language and the dialogues. During Lucy’s scenes, the language takes a distinct English tone with a few typical idiosyncrasies followed by the British, and while dealing with Indian characters, Indian English takes over seamlessly.
The editing is flawless, and the language is luscious. Line after line, page after page, the prose strikes you with punches of beauty. Despite dedicating a full two weeks for this book, when I didn’t do anything else, the tasty sentences forced me to go back and re-read them until my thirst was fulfilled, thus lengthening my read. Renita, a best-selling author of six books now, is at the height of her powers in this book, wielding weapons of unique metaphors, wonderful similes, a perfectly-fitting vocabulary, and a variety of non-cliched idioms. Trust me, try this book out and you will understand the power of grand, masterful prose. This is literary fiction at its VERY BEST.
Not only is the story and language remarkable, it also lends you spurts of motivation, not by preaching about it as some immature authors do, but by showing the determination and the fighting spirit of the characters. I finished the book yesterday, and for a few hours, I couldn’t sleep. The characters appeared before my eyes, haunting me. They have etched themselves in my mind, and I’m sure they will stay with me for a long, long time.
The emotional quotient of the book is again remarkable. You feel for all the characters, despite their flaws and mistakes. I cried several times in the book, especially towards the climax. The dialogues are placed expertly in perfect places, wrenching your heart and pushing you down the lake of tears. The only two well-written books which I can call truly emotional are The Kite Runner and The Forgotten Daughter (the first book of Renita’s that I read), and although The Kite Runner was a devastating read, I can’t say that this book moved me any less. In particular, I think the depth of the characters in this epic, sprawling, unforgettable novel edges it slightly ahead to take the top spot. So, let me reiterate.
THIS IS, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ — A MUST READ FOR ALL FANS OF FICTION. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT IT STILL WOULDN’T DO JUSTICE TO THE QUALITY OF THIS GEM OF A BOOK. READ IT NOW, OR YOU WILL BE MISSING OUT ON SOMETHING REALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD. 100 STARS FROM MY SIDE.
May 14, 2017
I enjoyed this booked based in separate time periods with it's own characters How could life be so different for each one but their struggles to live a happy and fulfilled life the same.
July 17, 2017
I started reading A Daughter’s Courage by Renita D’ Silva on Tuesday morning before work. I read a few more chapters at lunch time and then a few more before bedtime. At 2:00am, I was woken up by the sound of dogs barking and couldn’t sleep again. So I decided to read a few more chapters and that is how I ended up staying up until 4:30am on a work night until I finished this book. It’s the kind of book that draws you in slowly such that when you aren’t reading it, you are thinking about it. It haunts you and occupies your thoughts. I thought about the characters throughout the day and even now that I have finished reading the book, I am still thinking about it.
The setting was magical. Anyone who knows me knows that I like books set in India. This country has such a rich culture and I have always been curious about it and its people. One thing that you need to know about Renita D’Silva is that she has a way with words. She can paint a picture with her words. She described India in a way that I have never read before. Everything came alive from the scents, sounds and the people. She even describes language in a way that gives it life. I have never heard of Kandhala but she made it hear it. I could see the characters and hear them. And India, my goodness. The bad and the good were captured in this book. The lush greenery , wild animals with elephants roaming the streets and tigers prowling the jungles, it felt magical.
However, not everything is magical and beautiful at the setting. There are a lot of ugly things going on. The story begins with Gowri, a young Indian girl full of dreams. She was smart, one of the best performing students at her school. Gowri had dreams of becoming a teacher. Her life drastically changed when a statute of a goddess was discovered in her father’s land. Gowri ends up being dedicated to the goddess. She lives in seclusion near the temple built for the goddess and spends her days serving the goddess and the priest at the temple. What is even worse, she has to serve the man who owns the land in which the goddess was found. The landlord buys Gowri and she becomes his property. He sleeps with her, gives her to his friends for their entertainment and pays her a sum of money which she gives her parents. At fourteen, Gowri is now a prostitute.
The other main character is an English lady, Lucy who ends up in India after marrying her new husband. Lucy has her own struggles but nothing compares to the havoc brought into her life after meeting Gowri. There are other two characters who are also narrators. Sue, an English woman who is recently widowed and Kayla, an Indian woman who is going through a difficult period. Other minor characters include Kayla’s mother and grandmother.
The story is narrated through the alternating POVs with Gowri and Lucy as the main characters. Gowri’s narrations are written as letters to the goddess. There are few chapters by Sue and Kayla. In addition, there are different timelines; Sue and Kayla are in the now. Gowri begins her narrations in 1928 and so did Lucy although at some point, alternating chapters had narrations of Gowri in 1928 and Lucy in 1929. All these elements are masterfully interwoven to create the masterpiece that this book is.
There are a number of heavy themes in the book including child prostitution and grief. Religion is also a theme and in this case, it is used to explain the circumstances around Gowri. The author did a fantastic job in explaining this religion. It is something unusual and hence not easy to understand. However, we don’t have to understand it. Instead, we just need to understand the impact that it had on the characters. We get to experience it through Gowri and in this way, what may otherwise seem ridiculous starts to make sense.
There is a lot that I can say about this beautiful story and the women at the heart of it. All the MCs were female hence making it even more special. They covered so many different aspects of a woman’s life such as mother and daughter relationships (the complicated kind), husband and wife, friendships between women. I feel like it was a relatable although quite emotional read. A Daughter’s Courage by Renita D’Silva is the kind of book that I recommend to everyone. I wish my book-club could read it so that we can discuss the beauty of this book. I just want everyone to experience the book especially all women.
The setting was magical. Anyone who knows me knows that I like books set in India. This country has such a rich culture and I have always been curious about it and its people. One thing that you need to know about Renita D’Silva is that she has a way with words. She can paint a picture with her words. She described India in a way that I have never read before. Everything came alive from the scents, sounds and the people. She even describes language in a way that gives it life. I have never heard of Kandhala but she made it hear it. I could see the characters and hear them. And India, my goodness. The bad and the good were captured in this book. The lush greenery , wild animals with elephants roaming the streets and tigers prowling the jungles, it felt magical.
However, not everything is magical and beautiful at the setting. There are a lot of ugly things going on. The story begins with Gowri, a young Indian girl full of dreams. She was smart, one of the best performing students at her school. Gowri had dreams of becoming a teacher. Her life drastically changed when a statute of a goddess was discovered in her father’s land. Gowri ends up being dedicated to the goddess. She lives in seclusion near the temple built for the goddess and spends her days serving the goddess and the priest at the temple. What is even worse, she has to serve the man who owns the land in which the goddess was found. The landlord buys Gowri and she becomes his property. He sleeps with her, gives her to his friends for their entertainment and pays her a sum of money which she gives her parents. At fourteen, Gowri is now a prostitute.
The other main character is an English lady, Lucy who ends up in India after marrying her new husband. Lucy has her own struggles but nothing compares to the havoc brought into her life after meeting Gowri. There are other two characters who are also narrators. Sue, an English woman who is recently widowed and Kayla, an Indian woman who is going through a difficult period. Other minor characters include Kayla’s mother and grandmother.
The story is narrated through the alternating POVs with Gowri and Lucy as the main characters. Gowri’s narrations are written as letters to the goddess. There are few chapters by Sue and Kayla. In addition, there are different timelines; Sue and Kayla are in the now. Gowri begins her narrations in 1928 and so did Lucy although at some point, alternating chapters had narrations of Gowri in 1928 and Lucy in 1929. All these elements are masterfully interwoven to create the masterpiece that this book is.
There are a number of heavy themes in the book including child prostitution and grief. Religion is also a theme and in this case, it is used to explain the circumstances around Gowri. The author did a fantastic job in explaining this religion. It is something unusual and hence not easy to understand. However, we don’t have to understand it. Instead, we just need to understand the impact that it had on the characters. We get to experience it through Gowri and in this way, what may otherwise seem ridiculous starts to make sense.
There is a lot that I can say about this beautiful story and the women at the heart of it. All the MCs were female hence making it even more special. They covered so many different aspects of a woman’s life such as mother and daughter relationships (the complicated kind), husband and wife, friendships between women. I feel like it was a relatable although quite emotional read. A Daughter’s Courage by Renita D’Silva is the kind of book that I recommend to everyone. I wish my book-club could read it so that we can discuss the beauty of this book. I just want everyone to experience the book especially all women.
May 24, 2017
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Every now and again a book comes along that I can't stop thinking about long after I've turned the last page. A Daughter's Courage was one of those books for me. It was an absolutely beautiful story of four different women from different times and places who's lives were intermingled in a breathtaking and tragic story. Weaving back and forth from 1929 to present and told from each woman's perspective, a connection so profound was uncovered that linked each and every one of them.
Whenever a story weaves between past and present I always find myself drawn to the events of the past. This was definitely the case in A Daughter's Courage. Gowri captivated me and I was gutted by her story. Having read a few books that are set in India and having a sister (my co-blogger) that lived there briefly, I was aware of some of the cultural differences of past and present. However, it did nothing to lessen the shock and disbelief of what happened to her. As a mother I wanted to reach into the pages and give her the love, comfort and friendship that she craved and deserved. My heart ached for her. Lucy got to me as well and even though I was unsure of her initially she won me over in the end.
I would say that this book was simply written and I'm glad for that. Renita D'Silva let the story do the talking instead of burying it in overly elegant words. Her description of the setting made me feel like I was there. I could feel the heat and taste the spices. She made 447 pages feel more like 200, that's how fast I finished it.
I really can't say anything that will adequately describe how much I enjoyed this book so I will just say that I highly recommend it. It was most definitely a story of love, courage and resilience unlike anything I could possibly imagine. I loved every minute of it.
** I received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Every now and again a book comes along that I can't stop thinking about long after I've turned the last page. A Daughter's Courage was one of those books for me. It was an absolutely beautiful story of four different women from different times and places who's lives were intermingled in a breathtaking and tragic story. Weaving back and forth from 1929 to present and told from each woman's perspective, a connection so profound was uncovered that linked each and every one of them.
Whenever a story weaves between past and present I always find myself drawn to the events of the past. This was definitely the case in A Daughter's Courage. Gowri captivated me and I was gutted by her story. Having read a few books that are set in India and having a sister (my co-blogger) that lived there briefly, I was aware of some of the cultural differences of past and present. However, it did nothing to lessen the shock and disbelief of what happened to her. As a mother I wanted to reach into the pages and give her the love, comfort and friendship that she craved and deserved. My heart ached for her. Lucy got to me as well and even though I was unsure of her initially she won me over in the end.
I would say that this book was simply written and I'm glad for that. Renita D'Silva let the story do the talking instead of burying it in overly elegant words. Her description of the setting made me feel like I was there. I could feel the heat and taste the spices. She made 447 pages feel more like 200, that's how fast I finished it.
I really can't say anything that will adequately describe how much I enjoyed this book so I will just say that I highly recommend it. It was most definitely a story of love, courage and resilience unlike anything I could possibly imagine. I loved every minute of it.
June 27, 2017
A new novel by Renita D'Silva is always a huge treat -- I look forward to it for weeks before it's available, and I've never been disappointed. So it was too with A Daughter's Courage. I won't go into the plot here as it has been adequately described in the blurb and in other reviews; I'll just say that it's a story that has touched me to the core as I already knew about the Devadasi situation and have even written about it. But Renita took me right into the soul of such a dancer and made me weep for her and for all the other real-life girls caugt up in this evil tradition that has nothing to do with the Hindu religion. Just knowing that there are young girls so trapped makes me ill inside. But Renita has tempered horror with hope and has skilfully woven the fates of these four women into a wonderful braid, so that though there's a bitter aftertaste, the reader knows that there is redemption. A particularly loved the brilliant way in which the stories are brought to a wonderful climax at the end -- I never guessed, and this just shows what a wonderful hand Renita has for story telling with a twist. I can't wait, now, for the next book!
September 17, 2017
A Daughters Courage by renita di silva.
1929. When a passionate love affair threatens to leave Lucy in disgrace, she chooses a respectable marriage over a life of shame. With her husband, coffee-plantation-owner James, she travels to her new home in India, leaving her troubled past behind her. Everything in India is new to Lucy, from the jewel-coloured fabrics to the exotic spices. When her path crosses that of Gowri, a young woman who tends the temple on the plantation’s edge, Lucy is curious to find out more about her, and the events that lead her to live in isolation from her family…
Now. With her career in shatters and her heart broken by the man she thought was her future, Kavyaflees from bustling Mumbai to her home town. A crumbling temple has been discovered in a village nearby, and with it letters detailing its tragic history – desperate pleas from a young woman called Gowri. As Kavya learns of Gowri and Lucy’s painful story, she begins to understand the terrible sacrifices that were made and the decision the two women took that changed their lives forever. Can the secrets of the past help Kavya to rebuild her life?
a lovely heartwarming read with brilliant characters. lucy was my favourite character. renita books. 5*. Tbc on fb.
1929. When a passionate love affair threatens to leave Lucy in disgrace, she chooses a respectable marriage over a life of shame. With her husband, coffee-plantation-owner James, she travels to her new home in India, leaving her troubled past behind her. Everything in India is new to Lucy, from the jewel-coloured fabrics to the exotic spices. When her path crosses that of Gowri, a young woman who tends the temple on the plantation’s edge, Lucy is curious to find out more about her, and the events that lead her to live in isolation from her family…
Now. With her career in shatters and her heart broken by the man she thought was her future, Kavyaflees from bustling Mumbai to her home town. A crumbling temple has been discovered in a village nearby, and with it letters detailing its tragic history – desperate pleas from a young woman called Gowri. As Kavya learns of Gowri and Lucy’s painful story, she begins to understand the terrible sacrifices that were made and the decision the two women took that changed their lives forever. Can the secrets of the past help Kavya to rebuild her life?
a lovely heartwarming read with brilliant characters. lucy was my favourite character. renita books. 5*. Tbc on fb.
January 24, 2018
A Daughter's Courage has to be the most utterly heartbreaking book I have ever read, I literally sobbed my way through parts of this book and yet I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I cared so much for these characters who were breaking my heart. I found myself picking my book up earlier each evening and putting it down later each night to hear more about these character's fate and when I wasn't reading about them I found myself thinking about them. I enjoyed Renita D'Silva's writing style, her descriptions are incredibly vivid, I felt as if I was in India, sat in the tree alongside Gowri and Lucy waiting for that tiger to pass by.
My only very small criticism of the book, (and not sure I would go as far as calling it a criticism) would be about the character Sue, we met her quite late in the story so I struggled to care about her as much as the other characters - but really that is me being nit-picky and by the end of the book I did want to know of her fate too. The ending rounded off the book really well.
A Daughter's Courage was both thought provoking and a thoroughly good read. I would highly recommend to other readers.
My only very small criticism of the book, (and not sure I would go as far as calling it a criticism) would be about the character Sue, we met her quite late in the story so I struggled to care about her as much as the other characters - but really that is me being nit-picky and by the end of the book I did want to know of her fate too. The ending rounded off the book really well.
A Daughter's Courage was both thought provoking and a thoroughly good read. I would highly recommend to other readers.
May 31, 2017
Another wonderful book from one of my favourite authors. Recommended 5 star reading.
November 8, 2017
One of my favorite authors
You are sure of good read when you pick up one of Renita’s books.
Well researched and with historical detailed plot line
LOVED IT.
You are sure of good read when you pick up one of Renita’s books.
Well researched and with historical detailed plot line
LOVED IT.
May 25, 2020
Прекрасна история!В началото се обърквах от тези различни гледни точки,в различно време,но после така се преплетоха съдбите на всички и стана толкова интригуващо.Много ми хареса.
May 15, 2017
Another stunning story from Renita D'Silva. Set in the late 1920's and today in both India and the UK. The vivid descriptions of India make you feel you are there. You can sense the surroundings, colours and aroma's and picture the scenes clearly as it is so beautifully written. I loved finding out the connection between a variety of strong women coming together as the story continues. A strong theme of loss, heartbreak and love throughout the generations. Truly wonderful characters - I particularly loved Market Boy! An educational read also about a set of society I never knew about worshiping Goddesses and the religion and how it can break a family. A wonderful read. Thank you NetGalley for my review copy.
June 2, 2017
A Daughter's Courage is the second book I have read from Renita D'Silva and once again she has written another stunning story which showcases the deep passion she has for the country of India. In this story she has highlighted the customs and traditions which bound the people that live there and in doing so has written a book full of family secrets, heartbreak and tragedy. All these elements combined to make for a read that once you got started it was hard to leave out of your hands unless really necessary to do so.
I will admit there were a lot of characters for the readers to familiarise themselves with and without the chapter headings saying what character would be featured I would have become very confused. This was only in the initial stages of the book as once I felt the book had found it's rhythm and the story was starting to develop I could keep the characters, their settings and the different time frames clearer in my head. I found myself trying to establish connections between the characters far too early on and grasping at dropped hints but I was playing the guessing game far too soon and was glad I had not guessed the eventual outcome until the author herself felt it was time for the reveal and to tie the loose ends together.
Each chapter alternates between four different women's viewpoints and at different time frames and places, stretching from the 1920's right up to the present day. The settings vary too from that of Mumbai to a more rural Indian setting and for a short while England. Having four different women it was inevitable I was going to prefer one or two over the others and that turned out to be the case. It must be challenging for any author to keep four strands separate until the pivotal moment of connection and realisation but here the author carried it off easily, yet still at the same time I found myself wanting to read more about some characters than others. I suppose some elements of the story really grabbed me and held me in their thrall whereas at other points I was racing through some chapters to return to the person I really was intrigued by.
As with Renita's previous book I found A Daughter's Courage to be a really visual story and also a feast for the senses. Right from the subtle prologue as the author created a picture for the reader of a temple long ago abandoned and now overrun with vines and trees as well as the little cottage beside it. I could easily visualise this scene in my head and brief though the prologue was it provided many questions which I desperately wanted the answers too.
Kavya is living in Mumbai, a busy city where she worked in a café while attempting to launch herself onto the Bollywood scene. She is a woman who lives life on her own terms but recent events have caused her stress and strain. She has admitted to herself that she has to return home to her family, to concede defeat even though she has tried so hard. Underneath it all Mumbai has seriously wounded her and although she attempts to keep things secret you can tell all is not well and she has been scarred by what she has gone through. Having a pushy mother who never wanted her to go away in the first place doesn't help matters. Kavya's life had long been mapped out for her so to go against the grain caused plenty of upset. Kavya's mother seems almost gleeful that she will return home but an event which makes national headlines on the television and in the newspapers takes the matriarch’s eye off her daughter's life. An elephant has gone on the rampage near a small village and in doing so has unearthed something near a long forgotten temple and cottage. National outcry abounds but just what connection has Kavya's grandmother to the area so recently thrust into the spotlight? I did wonder were there too many female lead characters in this book. Yes Kavaya's story was heartbreaking but I felt it could have been explored in greater detail, that we barely scratched the surface as to what was going on with her. In the end I realised she was essential in joining the dots so to speak but I never fully warmed to her.
In the modern day as Sue is in London grieving for her husband, she receives some unexpected news which at any other time would be most welcome but now she doesn't know how she should feel about things. How can you fully enjoy happiness when you are so mired in grief and everyday is a battle just to keep yourself going? I felt every bit of the pain Sue was experiencing through such honest, heartfelt writing. She did pop up quite suddenly midway through the story and I thought not someone else but again I was quite surprised by the role she would play. The incident in India catches her eye and sparks something within her and maybe this is what will help her emerge from the cloud of grief she is in. Maybe it will not heal her but help her along the way.
We meet Lucy living in England in 1927. She has had a privileged upbringing and is embarking upon her début season with best friend Ann. Ann has quickly become engaged and Lucy feels put out that she will be left on the shelf and the closeness and the bond she has with Ann will disappear. Lucy seemed quite flighty and was not going to venture along the path her mother had all neatly planned for her. Lucy dreams of travel, of going to far flung destinations to see the complete opposite to her world. Unfortunately an event sees Lucy in disgrace and marriage to anyone who would take her is the only option. What exactly went on in shrouded in secrecy but one can read between the lines. How on earth could Lucy be connected to a temple in India? It's only the more we move forward in the story it becomes clear and Lucy in my opinion became a much better character to read about. She is taken from all her comforts and everything that is familiar to her and transported to a very different exotic world, one in which tradition and respect play such a vital role. Lucy has been through an awful experience and the reader can clearly see moving to India and marrying someone you virtually just met is very very difficult but something or someone may provide what she didn't even know she was looking for.
The main female character who stands apart from the rest and who was my favourite to read about was that of Gowri. We first encounter her aged 14 in 1924, her family don't have an easy life yet Gowri herself has big dreams and aspirations and her teacher Vandana Ma'am would love to see her fulfil them. The discovery of a golden statue by her father whilst ploughing is believed to be fate, good luck, the fortunes of the family will transform. Unfortunately for Gowri this is not the case, she is almost like an animal being sacrificed. Everything she has so desperately wanted for herself is gone in an instant and all due to tradition and custom. A new temple is constructed and Gowri is forced to forever leave her family and leave in the cottage alongside. Gowri will be the devotee to the goddess of the temple. Her life will never be her own again. Every hope and aspiration has vanished. I found this custom of devada's fascinating and appalling in equal measure. It's a side to India's history we don't hear about yet the author has brought it to life on the pages and provided such a balanced viewpoint. How can it be right for women to be kept from their families and then left to dedicate their lives to a goddess. Through this system they became pariahs and isolated and were treated with absolute disdain. The landlord character was abhorrent and treated Gowri like a piece of meat.
It's through the letters Gowri writes to the goddess that we became familiar with how she is feeling and how she copes on a day-to-day basis with the situation she finds herself in. This was an excellent means of getting inside Gowri's head as she cannot interact with many other characters bar the landlord and one other male character at some points. Her loyalty to her family prevents her from running away for fear of what may happen to them if she does so. Time and time again I felt such pity for Gowri but in my mind she was the strongest of all the female characters, she showed such spirit, courage and tenacity. The lonely lifestyle she led would have driven anyone else mad but there was something deep inside her that was driving her on and if she left go of this she may not have continued on. I enjoyed the fact that at later points in the story she began to have elements of happiness and though if something similar would occur in today's society I would not necessarily approve of it yet back in the Gowri's time because of everything she was experiencing I felt she deserved some happiness no matter how big or small.
What ties the four women together? Well at times I thought I had figured everything out when in fact I was grasping at things and making far too big assumptions without concrete facts on which to base them. The twist when it came wasn't as mind blowing as I had hoped for but I think that's simply because I had built everything up so much in my head. Will all the family secrets come to light or will it even be possible to find resolution and some acceptance. Or has the rediscovery of the temple just opened a can of worms best left closed? All the answers await you in A Daughter's Courage and through such wonderful, elegant and deeply captivating and emotive language Renita Di'Silva has written a thoroughly enjoyable book that historical fiction fans will love and those who love the country of India will love too.
I will admit there were a lot of characters for the readers to familiarise themselves with and without the chapter headings saying what character would be featured I would have become very confused. This was only in the initial stages of the book as once I felt the book had found it's rhythm and the story was starting to develop I could keep the characters, their settings and the different time frames clearer in my head. I found myself trying to establish connections between the characters far too early on and grasping at dropped hints but I was playing the guessing game far too soon and was glad I had not guessed the eventual outcome until the author herself felt it was time for the reveal and to tie the loose ends together.
Each chapter alternates between four different women's viewpoints and at different time frames and places, stretching from the 1920's right up to the present day. The settings vary too from that of Mumbai to a more rural Indian setting and for a short while England. Having four different women it was inevitable I was going to prefer one or two over the others and that turned out to be the case. It must be challenging for any author to keep four strands separate until the pivotal moment of connection and realisation but here the author carried it off easily, yet still at the same time I found myself wanting to read more about some characters than others. I suppose some elements of the story really grabbed me and held me in their thrall whereas at other points I was racing through some chapters to return to the person I really was intrigued by.
As with Renita's previous book I found A Daughter's Courage to be a really visual story and also a feast for the senses. Right from the subtle prologue as the author created a picture for the reader of a temple long ago abandoned and now overrun with vines and trees as well as the little cottage beside it. I could easily visualise this scene in my head and brief though the prologue was it provided many questions which I desperately wanted the answers too.
Kavya is living in Mumbai, a busy city where she worked in a café while attempting to launch herself onto the Bollywood scene. She is a woman who lives life on her own terms but recent events have caused her stress and strain. She has admitted to herself that she has to return home to her family, to concede defeat even though she has tried so hard. Underneath it all Mumbai has seriously wounded her and although she attempts to keep things secret you can tell all is not well and she has been scarred by what she has gone through. Having a pushy mother who never wanted her to go away in the first place doesn't help matters. Kavya's life had long been mapped out for her so to go against the grain caused plenty of upset. Kavya's mother seems almost gleeful that she will return home but an event which makes national headlines on the television and in the newspapers takes the matriarch’s eye off her daughter's life. An elephant has gone on the rampage near a small village and in doing so has unearthed something near a long forgotten temple and cottage. National outcry abounds but just what connection has Kavya's grandmother to the area so recently thrust into the spotlight? I did wonder were there too many female lead characters in this book. Yes Kavaya's story was heartbreaking but I felt it could have been explored in greater detail, that we barely scratched the surface as to what was going on with her. In the end I realised she was essential in joining the dots so to speak but I never fully warmed to her.
In the modern day as Sue is in London grieving for her husband, she receives some unexpected news which at any other time would be most welcome but now she doesn't know how she should feel about things. How can you fully enjoy happiness when you are so mired in grief and everyday is a battle just to keep yourself going? I felt every bit of the pain Sue was experiencing through such honest, heartfelt writing. She did pop up quite suddenly midway through the story and I thought not someone else but again I was quite surprised by the role she would play. The incident in India catches her eye and sparks something within her and maybe this is what will help her emerge from the cloud of grief she is in. Maybe it will not heal her but help her along the way.
We meet Lucy living in England in 1927. She has had a privileged upbringing and is embarking upon her début season with best friend Ann. Ann has quickly become engaged and Lucy feels put out that she will be left on the shelf and the closeness and the bond she has with Ann will disappear. Lucy seemed quite flighty and was not going to venture along the path her mother had all neatly planned for her. Lucy dreams of travel, of going to far flung destinations to see the complete opposite to her world. Unfortunately an event sees Lucy in disgrace and marriage to anyone who would take her is the only option. What exactly went on in shrouded in secrecy but one can read between the lines. How on earth could Lucy be connected to a temple in India? It's only the more we move forward in the story it becomes clear and Lucy in my opinion became a much better character to read about. She is taken from all her comforts and everything that is familiar to her and transported to a very different exotic world, one in which tradition and respect play such a vital role. Lucy has been through an awful experience and the reader can clearly see moving to India and marrying someone you virtually just met is very very difficult but something or someone may provide what she didn't even know she was looking for.
The main female character who stands apart from the rest and who was my favourite to read about was that of Gowri. We first encounter her aged 14 in 1924, her family don't have an easy life yet Gowri herself has big dreams and aspirations and her teacher Vandana Ma'am would love to see her fulfil them. The discovery of a golden statue by her father whilst ploughing is believed to be fate, good luck, the fortunes of the family will transform. Unfortunately for Gowri this is not the case, she is almost like an animal being sacrificed. Everything she has so desperately wanted for herself is gone in an instant and all due to tradition and custom. A new temple is constructed and Gowri is forced to forever leave her family and leave in the cottage alongside. Gowri will be the devotee to the goddess of the temple. Her life will never be her own again. Every hope and aspiration has vanished. I found this custom of devada's fascinating and appalling in equal measure. It's a side to India's history we don't hear about yet the author has brought it to life on the pages and provided such a balanced viewpoint. How can it be right for women to be kept from their families and then left to dedicate their lives to a goddess. Through this system they became pariahs and isolated and were treated with absolute disdain. The landlord character was abhorrent and treated Gowri like a piece of meat.
It's through the letters Gowri writes to the goddess that we became familiar with how she is feeling and how she copes on a day-to-day basis with the situation she finds herself in. This was an excellent means of getting inside Gowri's head as she cannot interact with many other characters bar the landlord and one other male character at some points. Her loyalty to her family prevents her from running away for fear of what may happen to them if she does so. Time and time again I felt such pity for Gowri but in my mind she was the strongest of all the female characters, she showed such spirit, courage and tenacity. The lonely lifestyle she led would have driven anyone else mad but there was something deep inside her that was driving her on and if she left go of this she may not have continued on. I enjoyed the fact that at later points in the story she began to have elements of happiness and though if something similar would occur in today's society I would not necessarily approve of it yet back in the Gowri's time because of everything she was experiencing I felt she deserved some happiness no matter how big or small.
What ties the four women together? Well at times I thought I had figured everything out when in fact I was grasping at things and making far too big assumptions without concrete facts on which to base them. The twist when it came wasn't as mind blowing as I had hoped for but I think that's simply because I had built everything up so much in my head. Will all the family secrets come to light or will it even be possible to find resolution and some acceptance. Or has the rediscovery of the temple just opened a can of worms best left closed? All the answers await you in A Daughter's Courage and through such wonderful, elegant and deeply captivating and emotive language Renita Di'Silva has written a thoroughly enjoyable book that historical fiction fans will love and those who love the country of India will love too.
December 5, 2017
It's the 1920s and Gowri wants to become a teacher. She's intelligent, loves to read and studying is her passion. She has a bright future ahead of her and her favorite teacher is helping her to achieve her goals. However, one day fate decides otherwise. To save her brother's life Gowri finds herself trapped by an evil landlord in a cottage next to a temple serving a goddess in a way she could never have imagined. Will her dreams ever come true or will the landlord have power over Gowri forever?
After a shameful incident in England Lucy should get married as quickly as possible. It's 1929 and her options are limited. That's why she marries a plantation owner in India, James. Lucy has to start a new adventure in a country she doesn't know anything about. Will she make friends and will she and her husband fall in love eventually? When Lucy explores her new surroundings she meets Gowri and she's immediately curious. What are the secrets the young woman is hiding and can Lucy do anything to help her?
Kavya's dream job is becoming an actress, but something went terribly wrong and now she can't get any work and her heart is broken. She doesn't know if she can manage to live on her own any longer and is facing a shameful return to her family. However, something else is keeping them occupied and this is making Kavya curious as well, a story about a temple many years ago. Will Kavya's return be as bad as she thought it would be? Will her family discover their connection to the temple and what has happened in the past that still holds much power over the present?
A Daughter's Courage is a beautiful heartbreaking story. Gowri is an admirable girl. She has to deal with so much awfulness on a daily basis and still remains strong. I admired her spirit and her love for others. Reading about what she's going through put tears in my eyes and I sometimes had a hard time continuing her story because it's such a heavy topic. Renita D'Silva describes her situation in a raw and honest way and makes her characters come to life incredibly well, so Gowri's story certainly shocked me.
Lucy has done something she regrets. She was young and foolish and that made her do things she doesn't feel good about. I loved to see the growth in her personality. She slowly starts to understand how things work in life and learns how to put herself in other people's shoes. I started to like her more and more throughout the story. I loved her determination to make the best of her situation and with each chapter about her my respect for her increased. I love it when I feel so involved in a story.
Kavya is a kindhearted girl. She had a big dream and pursued it, but had to pay a steep price. She's again a spirited person with a lot of strength. She faces the consequences of her actions and takes responsibility for the mistakes she's made. I loved that Renita D'Silva writes about strong women in both the past and the present and I was curious to find out more about her main characters and their connection. She regularly alternates between them and this kept me on the edge of my seat.
Renita D'Silva has a gorgeous way with words. Her stories are vibrant and colorful and I enjoyed reading about her settings, which she makes as real as possible with plenty of detailed descriptions. It was easy to lose myself in her story. I often felt so close to the main characters that it almost became overwhelming and absolutely love how she skillfully makes her readers get to know them. A Daughter's Courage is an impressive emotional story filled with many surprising twists and turns. It's a book that has left quite an impression and will stay with me for a very long time.
After a shameful incident in England Lucy should get married as quickly as possible. It's 1929 and her options are limited. That's why she marries a plantation owner in India, James. Lucy has to start a new adventure in a country she doesn't know anything about. Will she make friends and will she and her husband fall in love eventually? When Lucy explores her new surroundings she meets Gowri and she's immediately curious. What are the secrets the young woman is hiding and can Lucy do anything to help her?
Kavya's dream job is becoming an actress, but something went terribly wrong and now she can't get any work and her heart is broken. She doesn't know if she can manage to live on her own any longer and is facing a shameful return to her family. However, something else is keeping them occupied and this is making Kavya curious as well, a story about a temple many years ago. Will Kavya's return be as bad as she thought it would be? Will her family discover their connection to the temple and what has happened in the past that still holds much power over the present?
A Daughter's Courage is a beautiful heartbreaking story. Gowri is an admirable girl. She has to deal with so much awfulness on a daily basis and still remains strong. I admired her spirit and her love for others. Reading about what she's going through put tears in my eyes and I sometimes had a hard time continuing her story because it's such a heavy topic. Renita D'Silva describes her situation in a raw and honest way and makes her characters come to life incredibly well, so Gowri's story certainly shocked me.
Lucy has done something she regrets. She was young and foolish and that made her do things she doesn't feel good about. I loved to see the growth in her personality. She slowly starts to understand how things work in life and learns how to put herself in other people's shoes. I started to like her more and more throughout the story. I loved her determination to make the best of her situation and with each chapter about her my respect for her increased. I love it when I feel so involved in a story.
Kavya is a kindhearted girl. She had a big dream and pursued it, but had to pay a steep price. She's again a spirited person with a lot of strength. She faces the consequences of her actions and takes responsibility for the mistakes she's made. I loved that Renita D'Silva writes about strong women in both the past and the present and I was curious to find out more about her main characters and their connection. She regularly alternates between them and this kept me on the edge of my seat.
Renita D'Silva has a gorgeous way with words. Her stories are vibrant and colorful and I enjoyed reading about her settings, which she makes as real as possible with plenty of detailed descriptions. It was easy to lose myself in her story. I often felt so close to the main characters that it almost became overwhelming and absolutely love how she skillfully makes her readers get to know them. A Daughter's Courage is an impressive emotional story filled with many surprising twists and turns. It's a book that has left quite an impression and will stay with me for a very long time.
August 28, 2017
Wow! This author certainly knows how to transport you! I'm not very good at writing reviews and cannot say how much I adored this book. The story of Gowri and all the people in her life, her courage and strength really moved me. It's been a while since I couldn't put a book down and I read this one in 3 days! Well written, beautiful descriptions and great characters- I absolutely cannot wait to read another!
February 10, 2018
You really visit India when reading this book. India and the families really come alive with this captivating story. The detailed descriptions are amazing and you can feel and smell the surroundings. So well-written. I have enjoyed reading this wonderful book and have been absolutely engrossed in the story. It's a journey of cultural beliefs with a rollercoaster of emotions. Thank you, Renita for such an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2017
I loved this book so much. The writing is beautiful and takes you away to a a far away land in the 1920s. It's one of those books that you can get lost in for hours. The descriptions of India and the lives of Lucy and Gowri are wonderful and the way it's all wrapped up at the end is just lovely. This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
September 15, 2017
A big, fat five stars from me. I absolutely adored this brilliant book, it gripped me from the first few pages and even now after finishing it has a firm grip on me. This is one book that I feel will stay with me for a long time to come.
I'm fascinated by books about India, especially ones that are set in the past. I'm also a huge fan of the alternate timelines of books so all in all this book is shaping up to be an amazing read.
At first we're introduced to completely different characters set across India and England and it took me a little while to get to grips with who was who. When I'd established that, I was in awe of Renita's writing style and how she seamlessly drifts between the different voices of the characters. Sometimes books with different characters and timelines get confusing however at the start of each chapter we get a date and who the character is in the chapter.
I felt so much emotion whilst reading this, my heart broke into a million pieces many times throughout the book and at the end I was choking back sobs as it came to an end. I was sad to have left the little village in India, I really felt like I was there with the way Renita described the setting.
I admired all the characters in different ways - Gowri for her passion for knowledge even when her circumstances meant she had to hide her learning. Lucy for her determination to move to India and see the world. Kavya for her boldness to not be a traditional Indian female. And Sue for her love for her husband.
The chapters were all fairly short so you couldn't get bored of one character, however the chapters were usually left so you want to read "just one more chapter" which eventually turns into the whole book!
This was my first book by Renita D'Silva and all I can say is wow, where have you been? Now I'm off to Amazon to grab all her other books!
Thank you to TBC on Facebook and Renita D'Silva for allowing me to read and review. All views are my own.
I'm fascinated by books about India, especially ones that are set in the past. I'm also a huge fan of the alternate timelines of books so all in all this book is shaping up to be an amazing read.
At first we're introduced to completely different characters set across India and England and it took me a little while to get to grips with who was who. When I'd established that, I was in awe of Renita's writing style and how she seamlessly drifts between the different voices of the characters. Sometimes books with different characters and timelines get confusing however at the start of each chapter we get a date and who the character is in the chapter.
I felt so much emotion whilst reading this, my heart broke into a million pieces many times throughout the book and at the end I was choking back sobs as it came to an end. I was sad to have left the little village in India, I really felt like I was there with the way Renita described the setting.
I admired all the characters in different ways - Gowri for her passion for knowledge even when her circumstances meant she had to hide her learning. Lucy for her determination to move to India and see the world. Kavya for her boldness to not be a traditional Indian female. And Sue for her love for her husband.
The chapters were all fairly short so you couldn't get bored of one character, however the chapters were usually left so you want to read "just one more chapter" which eventually turns into the whole book!
This was my first book by Renita D'Silva and all I can say is wow, where have you been? Now I'm off to Amazon to grab all her other books!
Thank you to TBC on Facebook and Renita D'Silva for allowing me to read and review. All views are my own.
June 4, 2017
Renita D'Silva is a talented writer evoking a deep storyline that interconnects her characters throughout the pages. Her use of adjectives lets your imagination see, feel, smell the scene in play. Keep up the great stories as I have read every one of them except one which is in my library marked "to be read soon".
August 8, 2017
I loved this book. Its a real page turner could not possible put it down. It kept me guessing right to the end.
July 2, 2017
Check out my book blog for more book reviews and other bookish posts!
I received an ARC of A Daughter’s Courage through NetGalley. I requested this ARC because of the beautiful cover and because the story seemed intriguing.
A disgraced Lucy chooses to marry James and moves to India, where she meets Gowri, a woman tending to the local temple. In the present, Kavya and Sue are coming to terms with their choices and how the past has influenced their life.
This book is #ownvoices.
__
The idea behind this book is fascinating but I didn’t enjoy the writing at all. We have four different perspectives, and each of the women who tell the story through their perspective don’t mention crucial facts through ommission. It felt like the author was trying to force surprise in the reader, surprise that I wouldn’t have had if the character just stated exactly what was going on, instead of talking around the topic. For example, we never really find out why Lucy was in disgrace until around halfway around the book, even though she keeps mentioning that she is.
I was glad that one of the characters mentioned what it originally meant to be a devadasi and how the position has been distorted through oppression, however, I found that this explanation was too late in the book.
Also, all the important white characters in this book are not racist and are especially kind to the Indian people in the village and those working at their plantation. None of them had any misconceptions or racist opinions. They were all good. This was rather unbelievable. The Indians, however, were nuanced, some of them being awful, and some of them being good, some of them in between.
I found the biggest plot-twist rather unconvincing, namely that
The last few chapters were quite interesting as the puzzle pieces that the reader hadn’t been given, finally fell together.
__
I didn’t enjoy A Daughter’s Courage that much, as I found the author was keeping too many secrets from the reader and it stopped the flow of the story. It did become an interesting story after around 75 % of the book but if I were the person to DNF a book, I would never have got this far.
Trigger warnings: rape, physical abuse.
I received an ARC of A Daughter’s Courage through NetGalley. I requested this ARC because of the beautiful cover and because the story seemed intriguing.
A disgraced Lucy chooses to marry James and moves to India, where she meets Gowri, a woman tending to the local temple. In the present, Kavya and Sue are coming to terms with their choices and how the past has influenced their life.
This book is #ownvoices.
__
The idea behind this book is fascinating but I didn’t enjoy the writing at all. We have four different perspectives, and each of the women who tell the story through their perspective don’t mention crucial facts through ommission. It felt like the author was trying to force surprise in the reader, surprise that I wouldn’t have had if the character just stated exactly what was going on, instead of talking around the topic. For example, we never really find out why Lucy was in disgrace until around halfway around the book, even though she keeps mentioning that she is.
I was glad that one of the characters mentioned what it originally meant to be a devadasi and how the position has been distorted through oppression, however, I found that this explanation was too late in the book.
Also, all the important white characters in this book are not racist and are especially kind to the Indian people in the village and those working at their plantation. None of them had any misconceptions or racist opinions. They were all good. This was rather unbelievable. The Indians, however, were nuanced, some of them being awful, and some of them being good, some of them in between.
I found the biggest plot-twist rather unconvincing, namely that
The last few chapters were quite interesting as the puzzle pieces that the reader hadn’t been given, finally fell together.
__
I didn’t enjoy A Daughter’s Courage that much, as I found the author was keeping too many secrets from the reader and it stopped the flow of the story. It did become an interesting story after around 75 % of the book but if I were the person to DNF a book, I would never have got this far.
Trigger warnings: rape, physical abuse.
June 2, 2017
I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Bookouture, Renita D'Silvas publisher. This is something I'm more than happy to do.
This is the first book I've read of Renita's and now I've got to go back and read all her others. This was such a beautiful read with characters that you can't help rooting for. The story is set between the 1920's and the present day and is told from the viewpoint of four very different women - Lucy, Gawri, Kavya and Sue. Each from different backgrounds and upbringings, each with a reason to want to escape to another life. Each thought they had it all before life puts them on a different path.
I particularly loved reading about India, a country that is on the top of my must visit places. So many different cultures and traditions played out across the pages, some uplifting and vibrant like the beautiful silks and sari's and some dark and tragic - I found it very moving and humbling to read about Gowri in particular.
This was more than just a good read for me, the words Renita wrote painted a picture so vivid I literally flew through the pages, a very thought provoking, emotional read. I sat for a long while after finishing the book just contemplating how very different peoples lives can be - we all have hopes and dreams of living happy lives and sometimes the tiniest thing can shatter them. A Daughter's Courage is a wake-up call, nothing should ever be taken for granted because in the blink of an eye it can all change.
I highly recommend A Daughter's Courage on so many levels, family, friendship, love, hope, tragedy, travel and characters who have the greatest grit and determination - a must read.
This is the first book I've read of Renita's and now I've got to go back and read all her others. This was such a beautiful read with characters that you can't help rooting for. The story is set between the 1920's and the present day and is told from the viewpoint of four very different women - Lucy, Gawri, Kavya and Sue. Each from different backgrounds and upbringings, each with a reason to want to escape to another life. Each thought they had it all before life puts them on a different path.
I particularly loved reading about India, a country that is on the top of my must visit places. So many different cultures and traditions played out across the pages, some uplifting and vibrant like the beautiful silks and sari's and some dark and tragic - I found it very moving and humbling to read about Gowri in particular.
This was more than just a good read for me, the words Renita wrote painted a picture so vivid I literally flew through the pages, a very thought provoking, emotional read. I sat for a long while after finishing the book just contemplating how very different peoples lives can be - we all have hopes and dreams of living happy lives and sometimes the tiniest thing can shatter them. A Daughter's Courage is a wake-up call, nothing should ever be taken for granted because in the blink of an eye it can all change.
I highly recommend A Daughter's Courage on so many levels, family, friendship, love, hope, tragedy, travel and characters who have the greatest grit and determination - a must read.
June 5, 2017
The lure of India – can it heal a broken heart?
Visit the locations in the novel A Daughters Courage
India:
What a visual and evocative novel! I do love this writer and she never disappoints. The locations might be fictional but boy are they exotic – There’s a line which says that the soundtrack to India is the chickens in the street and the rickshaws weaving in and out of the tourists -and having been in this novel, I quite agree.
A story of hope and redemption in many ways – the threads of several women’s stories woven together delicately like ribbons on a sari. I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of this story – the elephant rampage, the role and cultural identity of the Devadasis, the pride of the family’s ancestral home, the plantation…ah the plantation was the backdrop to the biggest mystery of them all and I felt the mood and story envelop me. The characters were well formed and the quotes from the Goddess added another layer of magic.
Visit the locations in the novel A Daughters Courage
India:
What a visual and evocative novel! I do love this writer and she never disappoints. The locations might be fictional but boy are they exotic – There’s a line which says that the soundtrack to India is the chickens in the street and the rickshaws weaving in and out of the tourists -and having been in this novel, I quite agree.
A story of hope and redemption in many ways – the threads of several women’s stories woven together delicately like ribbons on a sari. I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of this story – the elephant rampage, the role and cultural identity of the Devadasis, the pride of the family’s ancestral home, the plantation…ah the plantation was the backdrop to the biggest mystery of them all and I felt the mood and story envelop me. The characters were well formed and the quotes from the Goddess added another layer of magic.
June 6, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Renita and certainly won't be my last. After reading rave reviews from Joseph Calleja over at relax and read reviews I felt very intrigued to read Renita’s latest novel after seeing that beautiful book cover. A cover that I just want to jump into!
So after reading the prologue I was like WOW I am loving Renita’s writing. Now that I have finished it I am like OMG what a mesmerizing beautifully written story, nothing like I have read before which has totally blown me away.
Renita transports us back to 1920 in India and the UK where we follow a story written from four women's point of view over a time scale from then until now. Keeping the reader guessing what the connection between the characters is. Telling a story about heartache and family secrets.
Everything about this story felt so real including the characters.
This is one truly captivating, breathtaking emotional read that will pull on your heartstrings with descriptions that will make you feel right there in the story they are simply stunning.
What more can I say but I loved this book which I cannot recommend enough giving it 5 massive stars.
So after reading the prologue I was like WOW I am loving Renita’s writing. Now that I have finished it I am like OMG what a mesmerizing beautifully written story, nothing like I have read before which has totally blown me away.
Renita transports us back to 1920 in India and the UK where we follow a story written from four women's point of view over a time scale from then until now. Keeping the reader guessing what the connection between the characters is. Telling a story about heartache and family secrets.
Everything about this story felt so real including the characters.
This is one truly captivating, breathtaking emotional read that will pull on your heartstrings with descriptions that will make you feel right there in the story they are simply stunning.
What more can I say but I loved this book which I cannot recommend enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews