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The Alchemy of Secrets
There is no turning back now. I cannot afford to wonder if I am strong enough. I have to be, and it is time.’
Mira’s beloved grandmother is on her deathbed in Bangalore, a city she fled from seven years ago. She has no choice but to return.
But it also means having to face what she has tried to forget all these years. Memories of a lazy summer come flooding back, when she and her best friend Anisa wandered the tree-lined streets in Bangalore. All was not as idyllic as it seemed to them, however: a mosque had recently come down in another part of the country, and its after-effects rippled all around them. As unscrupulous small-time politicians used the rise in religious fervour to grow their own careers, those ripples were soon to engulf these young girls, with tragic consequences.
Back now in Bangalore, in a city even more polarised by religion, Mira untangles the threads—of love, jealousy, political ambition, friendship and family—and finds that they go far back. Not just to when she was a young girl, but further, to the mystery of her mother’s death during the Emergency, and beyond.
A vivid, unforgettable story, as relevant today as the time in which it is set, The Alchemy of Secrets explores how the simplest of acts can have the most far-reaching consequences.
Mira’s beloved grandmother is on her deathbed in Bangalore, a city she fled from seven years ago. She has no choice but to return.
But it also means having to face what she has tried to forget all these years. Memories of a lazy summer come flooding back, when she and her best friend Anisa wandered the tree-lined streets in Bangalore. All was not as idyllic as it seemed to them, however: a mosque had recently come down in another part of the country, and its after-effects rippled all around them. As unscrupulous small-time politicians used the rise in religious fervour to grow their own careers, those ripples were soon to engulf these young girls, with tragic consequences.
Back now in Bangalore, in a city even more polarised by religion, Mira untangles the threads—of love, jealousy, political ambition, friendship and family—and finds that they go far back. Not just to when she was a young girl, but further, to the mystery of her mother’s death during the Emergency, and beyond.
A vivid, unforgettable story, as relevant today as the time in which it is set, The Alchemy of Secrets explores how the simplest of acts can have the most far-reaching consequences.
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2020
7 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Priya Balasubramanian
3 books14 followersPriya Balasubramanian is an alumna of Christian Medical College, Vellore, and is now a gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Sacramento, California. The Alchemy of Secrets is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
January 15, 2020
Just finished reading The Alchemy of Secrets by Priya Balasubramanian and I'm speechless. What a story and with what beauty it's told.
The story gripped me from the very beginning - there's a grandma's love for her grand daughter, sisterly affection between friends, a teenage crush and lazy days spent reading and hanging out. Slowly the rhythm changes and it gets intense. The intensity and suspense sizzles and crackles until the story reaches its darkest part where everything is revealed.
The secret about Radhika is written so simply yet with such perfect choice of words and tone that it chilled by bones as I read along. I cried as I read what happened to her and how Ajji and Vimala change afterwards. The ending gives perfect closure to the mayhem the events of the story caused - Vimala, Ajji, Radhika, Rehana, Farid.... Even Sitara's part ends on a happy note.
I finished the book in 3 days and it stayed with me even when I wasn't reading it. The prose is beautiful and the language flows effortlessly, painting vivid images of Bangalore and Malehalli. The way the characters and story comes alive in your eyes, you forget it's a debut novel.... it's too good.
Loved the last para. Will not be able to look at a glittery blue saree without remembering Radhika. The cover image of the Gulmohar in black against the saffron background makes sense now... very well thought!
Really really enjoyed the book and will highly recommend it.
The story gripped me from the very beginning - there's a grandma's love for her grand daughter, sisterly affection between friends, a teenage crush and lazy days spent reading and hanging out. Slowly the rhythm changes and it gets intense. The intensity and suspense sizzles and crackles until the story reaches its darkest part where everything is revealed.
The secret about Radhika is written so simply yet with such perfect choice of words and tone that it chilled by bones as I read along. I cried as I read what happened to her and how Ajji and Vimala change afterwards. The ending gives perfect closure to the mayhem the events of the story caused - Vimala, Ajji, Radhika, Rehana, Farid.... Even Sitara's part ends on a happy note.
I finished the book in 3 days and it stayed with me even when I wasn't reading it. The prose is beautiful and the language flows effortlessly, painting vivid images of Bangalore and Malehalli. The way the characters and story comes alive in your eyes, you forget it's a debut novel.... it's too good.
Loved the last para. Will not be able to look at a glittery blue saree without remembering Radhika. The cover image of the Gulmohar in black against the saffron background makes sense now... very well thought!
Really really enjoyed the book and will highly recommend it.
November 23, 2020
Debut novels are always interesting. No expectations, clean slate. I did not expect this book to blow me away so much - I ended up staying up way past 1 am to read this! And also dreamt about the characters.
AoS is a delicious book set in bangalore about a family from malleswaram. Their story goes back to the independence like many of ours and I absolutely love the zooming in of the personal against the backdrop of the nation's events - independence, emergency, rise of hindu nationalism and the right wing. Told entirely in flashback by multiple characters, the plot moves swiftly and charmingly. All along, politicalpersonal mishmash of themes are explored.
- read this if you're from bangalore. The book is full of kannada phrases and references that will make your heart sing.
- read if you like exploring fresh Indian writing in contemporary settings.
- read this if you are a 80s/ 90s kid who grew up in India. Much of this will be nostalgic.
- read this if you're a fan of domestic / family books.
AoS is a delicious book set in bangalore about a family from malleswaram. Their story goes back to the independence like many of ours and I absolutely love the zooming in of the personal against the backdrop of the nation's events - independence, emergency, rise of hindu nationalism and the right wing. Told entirely in flashback by multiple characters, the plot moves swiftly and charmingly. All along, politicalpersonal mishmash of themes are explored.
- read this if you're from bangalore. The book is full of kannada phrases and references that will make your heart sing.
- read if you like exploring fresh Indian writing in contemporary settings.
- read this if you are a 80s/ 90s kid who grew up in India. Much of this will be nostalgic.
- read this if you're a fan of domestic / family books.
April 2, 2020
This assured debut book weaves a potent story of a family in the backdrop of political events happening around them. The narrative goes back and forth, taking readers through a myriad landscape of emotions and sub contexts:young friendships, a small town that feels the pressure of politics and religion brought upon by events unfolding far yet come near.
Mira returns to Bangalore from the US after being told that her grand mother, her Ajji is on her death-bed. Mira is loath to return, for heading back means coming face to face with painful memories from her childhood. As it turns out, it not just Mira who has to find solace from confronting a painful past: there is Ajji who has been bearing her own burdens. We are taken through Ajji’s life, starting out as a young woman married to an idealist who worshipped a Mahatma and who placed his nationalism over his family and himself, becoming a young widow who brings up her two sons Girish and Kishore single handedly, only to see them going on different paths and then her ties to her two daughters in law– Vimla and Radhika.
Each character has a part in the larger narrative that looks at how personal ties are intertwined with the politics of religion and the quest for power and how it impacts women as targets and victims. When the resolution comes, you will have to try hard not to cry. I strongly recommend this book as much for the story and characters but also for the way it takes you to a slice of what Bangalore was like in the 70s.
Detailed review on my blog: https://bookandconversations.wordpres...
Mira returns to Bangalore from the US after being told that her grand mother, her Ajji is on her death-bed. Mira is loath to return, for heading back means coming face to face with painful memories from her childhood. As it turns out, it not just Mira who has to find solace from confronting a painful past: there is Ajji who has been bearing her own burdens. We are taken through Ajji’s life, starting out as a young woman married to an idealist who worshipped a Mahatma and who placed his nationalism over his family and himself, becoming a young widow who brings up her two sons Girish and Kishore single handedly, only to see them going on different paths and then her ties to her two daughters in law– Vimla and Radhika.
Each character has a part in the larger narrative that looks at how personal ties are intertwined with the politics of religion and the quest for power and how it impacts women as targets and victims. When the resolution comes, you will have to try hard not to cry. I strongly recommend this book as much for the story and characters but also for the way it takes you to a slice of what Bangalore was like in the 70s.
Detailed review on my blog: https://bookandconversations.wordpres...
May 30, 2024
Riveting saga spanning three generations of women, the politics of the time and how it impacts their lives. Unputdownable page turner. The difference between the inclusive times of the 80’s and the fanaticism of present day religion is highlighted beautifully and makes one long for those olden days…as someone who’s lived in both these time periods, the author understands it perfectly and is able to illustrate the changing mindset of people brought about by politicians, religious leaders and such. Was thrilled to read the Kannada thrown in, it now being my adopted language. The description of the karavalli coastline during the monsoon is impeccable..and Ajji , Mira, Vimala will stay on my mind for days.
January 18, 2020
Congratulations Priya
I could not put it down once I started. Absolutely gripping till the end . Story telling at its best with an incredible eye for detail, connecting the dots effortlessly.
Skillfully woven with the past and present meeting over a narrative from a dying contrite Ajji courageously telling the truth, reaching out to make peace in Mira’s life. Beautifully written Priya. The Alchemy of Secrets is going to take you places and more. Well done . So proud of you. Good luck and God Bless.
I could not put it down once I started. Absolutely gripping till the end . Story telling at its best with an incredible eye for detail, connecting the dots effortlessly.
Skillfully woven with the past and present meeting over a narrative from a dying contrite Ajji courageously telling the truth, reaching out to make peace in Mira’s life. Beautifully written Priya. The Alchemy of Secrets is going to take you places and more. Well done . So proud of you. Good luck and God Bless.
February 13, 2020
The Alchemy of secrets.
There are few books which stir your soul when you read them. They can bring forth the deepest of our emotions and leave the reader helpless and crying in pain. Such is the power of words, and author Priya Balasubramanian uses them full fledged in her brilliant debut novel, The Alchemy of secrets.
Oh, the beauty of words, the pages glide through your hand so effortlessly. Every emotion is so beautifully presented and packaged, be it the tender romance between two teens or the inconsolable loss of a dear one.
The charm of Bangalore runs as an undercurrent throughout the book. The language, rituals and customs are very vividly portrayed. Being a Kannadiga, it was a walk down the memory lane for me.
Set in the backdrop of the murky politics, the story shifts back and forth in a span of seven decades. Throughout the book, the political background is prevalent, first the Indian Independence, later the emergency during Indira Gandhi’s rule and the recurring religious divide between Hindus and Muslims in our country.
A lower middle-class family is forced to deal with this changing political landscape and the extent of the impact of the politics on their own kith and kin forms the crux of the novel. The book also describes the relationships between the different characters in great detail. An egoistic conservative mother-in-law, a spoilt son who has lost his conscience, a resigned husband and an immoral sly politician cause havoc in a life of an innocent woman and her daughter. A kind neighbor and a dutiful aunt give us hope that there is still good in this world. But their tender hearts are no match to the creepy venom of greed, lust, ego and power. They also end up, hurt and bruised.
I loved the book, every bit of it. I cannot believe that this book is a debut novel. I hope this book and the author get all the accolades it deserves.
There are few books which stir your soul when you read them. They can bring forth the deepest of our emotions and leave the reader helpless and crying in pain. Such is the power of words, and author Priya Balasubramanian uses them full fledged in her brilliant debut novel, The Alchemy of secrets.
Oh, the beauty of words, the pages glide through your hand so effortlessly. Every emotion is so beautifully presented and packaged, be it the tender romance between two teens or the inconsolable loss of a dear one.
The charm of Bangalore runs as an undercurrent throughout the book. The language, rituals and customs are very vividly portrayed. Being a Kannadiga, it was a walk down the memory lane for me.
Set in the backdrop of the murky politics, the story shifts back and forth in a span of seven decades. Throughout the book, the political background is prevalent, first the Indian Independence, later the emergency during Indira Gandhi’s rule and the recurring religious divide between Hindus and Muslims in our country.
A lower middle-class family is forced to deal with this changing political landscape and the extent of the impact of the politics on their own kith and kin forms the crux of the novel. The book also describes the relationships between the different characters in great detail. An egoistic conservative mother-in-law, a spoilt son who has lost his conscience, a resigned husband and an immoral sly politician cause havoc in a life of an innocent woman and her daughter. A kind neighbor and a dutiful aunt give us hope that there is still good in this world. But their tender hearts are no match to the creepy venom of greed, lust, ego and power. They also end up, hurt and bruised.
I loved the book, every bit of it. I cannot believe that this book is a debut novel. I hope this book and the author get all the accolades it deserves.
July 13, 2020
Full disclaimer, I know the author for years. Nevertheless, my praise for the book and the author is untainted by my affection towards her. If at all, familiarity was only an impediment as it leads to presuppositions. But anything like that was shattered within the first few pages and what was left was wonderment on how Priya channeled diverse characters from diverse backgrounds so accurately and kept the reader absorbed into a story that spans 65+ years. The Alchemy of Secrets is a befitting name to this book. It is storytelling at its best. Both the reader and the protagonist are desperate to know the truth. Despite the urgency and desperation there is a sweetness in the narration. The reader is transported to different eras and different continents, from the 1930s to the late 1990s. Priya Balasubramanian portrays not just those times, places authentically but also people’s behavior and thinking reflecting those times. The book is a page-turner not only because the story is fast-paced but also the characters are so alive. Readers develop an affinity to each character be it Mira, Ajji, Vimala, Kishore, Radhika, Adhil, Anisha, her parents, and freedom fighter Murti. I think it is because the author provides a glimpse into their soul. The transformation of Anisha’s parents in the last few chapters were described so casually and realistically. The atrocities committed by ordinary humans reminds me that there are no evil men, but just evil. These are some examples in the novel that highlights the professionalism of the author. Truly a good read!!
August 13, 2020
What worked for me: Beautiful and evocative descriptions of Bangalore in the 90s. A friendship that was heartwarming, not obsessively playing up the differences in religion between the two girls, but not ignoring it either. My absolute favourite: Ajji, who was loving, lovable, flawed and repenting, all in her own ways. I thought the author's done an excellent job describing a woman whose caste matters to her but who is able to slowly undo some of her dogmatic beliefs. It felt very relatable. Masterful writing there!
What didn't work for me: The multiple plot points (religion, post-Independence, politics, caste, a missing parent) - it all got a bit cinematic for me, even though they've been connected together well - and the jumps in timelines that sometimes I had to take a few minutes to follow.
What didn't work for me: The multiple plot points (religion, post-Independence, politics, caste, a missing parent) - it all got a bit cinematic for me, even though they've been connected together well - and the jumps in timelines that sometimes I had to take a few minutes to follow.
August 13, 2020
3.5 stars.
I was recommended this book by a few friends and I needed a light read after multiple heavy reads last month. Little did I know that this would end up being yet another heavy read.
I loved the 80s and 90s nostalgia about Bangalore that this book had to offer. The The initial parts of the book seem like a narrative from the life of a neighbour. The initial part of the book also seemed like ‘Before we meet the Goddess’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The book really got heavy in between and That is when I realised the book could have taken a different path than becoming one of the 80s potboilers.
For a debut, this is an extremely well written book. It could have done with some tighter editing, lesser jump between the timelines and perhaps timeline for each of the chapters.
I was recommended this book by a few friends and I needed a light read after multiple heavy reads last month. Little did I know that this would end up being yet another heavy read.
I loved the 80s and 90s nostalgia about Bangalore that this book had to offer. The The initial parts of the book seem like a narrative from the life of a neighbour. The initial part of the book also seemed like ‘Before we meet the Goddess’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The book really got heavy in between and That is when I realised the book could have taken a different path than becoming one of the 80s potboilers.
For a debut, this is an extremely well written book. It could have done with some tighter editing, lesser jump between the timelines and perhaps timeline for each of the chapters.
February 3, 2022
I find debut novels fascinating, even more so when it's a book I chance upon at a local bookstore that highlights lesser-known Indian authors.
Vivid imagery, skilful storytelling, deeply human characters, Indian history through independence and beyond, corruption, race and religion, diversive politics and Bangalore in the 70s, all woven together to make an engrossing page-turner.
It's a pity that the publishing company Westland Books was shut down by Amazon today, hopefully the title will find a new publishing home and reach more people.
Vivid imagery, skilful storytelling, deeply human characters, Indian history through independence and beyond, corruption, race and religion, diversive politics and Bangalore in the 70s, all woven together to make an engrossing page-turner.
It's a pity that the publishing company Westland Books was shut down by Amazon today, hopefully the title will find a new publishing home and reach more people.
February 6, 2020
I can't recollect the last time I read a book, cover to cover and that too in two straight days. So I was pleasantly surprised when I did so with The Alchemy of Secrets. It's a sweet and heart-wrenching story about friendship and family, set in the garden city of yesteryear Bangalore. And being a Bangalore girl myself it felt so real and brought to life so beautifully the sights, sounds and smells of the city. But what kept me hooked was the manner in which the plot unfurls. Going back and forth in time, parallel storylines draw you in, keeping you on tenterhooks until they all come together seamlessly to reveal shocking secrets that shatter families and alter lifelong friendships, all the while questioning our cultural idiosyncrasies and social biases.
A truly refreshing and suspenseful read. One that makes you smile one instance, cringe the next and then breaks your heart. Author Priya Balasubramanian definitely knows how to tug at one's heartstrings while managing to keep it believable and relevant. Cuz Mira, the protagonist here, could be any one of us.
So if you're looking for an interesting read this weekend I'd definitely recommend you get a copy today!
A truly refreshing and suspenseful read. One that makes you smile one instance, cringe the next and then breaks your heart. Author Priya Balasubramanian definitely knows how to tug at one's heartstrings while managing to keep it believable and relevant. Cuz Mira, the protagonist here, could be any one of us.
So if you're looking for an interesting read this weekend I'd definitely recommend you get a copy today!
February 7, 2020
A gripping novel on the religious harmony that exists in India, despite the nefarious designs of politicians, using religious divide for their existence and hold on power.The nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and religious leaders are subtly brought to the fore through The secrets of Alchemy.
Switching smoothly between the past and the present, the author has managed to keep the narrative simple and engrossing at the same time.
A good and worthy read.
Switching smoothly between the past and the present, the author has managed to keep the narrative simple and engrossing at the same time.
A good and worthy read.
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March 8, 2020The Alchemy of Secrets, a debut novel by Priya Balasubramanian
A dark story that begins in the late 70s in the suburb of Malleshwaram in Bangalore, India. A family that pays the price of hate emerges gradually
We watch Meera being brought up in the traditional Havyaka family by her watchful Ajji, a Gandhians wife. So, that's a double whammy of discipline for Meera, who has lost her Mother. The learning from Ajjis temple visits, Madi(physical purity), traditional recipes & their life in Mallehalli are beautifully inclusive.
Born of intellectual parents professors Radhika & Kishore, its amazing how compassionate the father is & how he ends up in the US. It leaves you wanting to know more about the strong forward thinking mother.
It's Miras friendship with Anisa that brings a breath of spring like the magnolia flowers of Malleshwaram. Sharing aches & pain of loss with the girls. The angst of teenage love nipped too soon.
The quiet Aunt, Vimala is quite a heroine for her caring ways & putting up with the insolent Uncle, Girish.
The sense of wonder the author writes with is clearly an emotion she feels strongly & that's exactly what communicates with you. The history through independence to date is extensively researched & brought alive. Petty politics to the communal riots are vivid.
A multi faceted book, that leaves you wanting more. You stay embroiled in Meera life, long after you finish.
A dark story that begins in the late 70s in the suburb of Malleshwaram in Bangalore, India. A family that pays the price of hate emerges gradually
We watch Meera being brought up in the traditional Havyaka family by her watchful Ajji, a Gandhians wife. So, that's a double whammy of discipline for Meera, who has lost her Mother. The learning from Ajjis temple visits, Madi(physical purity), traditional recipes & their life in Mallehalli are beautifully inclusive.
Born of intellectual parents professors Radhika & Kishore, its amazing how compassionate the father is & how he ends up in the US. It leaves you wanting to know more about the strong forward thinking mother.
It's Miras friendship with Anisa that brings a breath of spring like the magnolia flowers of Malleshwaram. Sharing aches & pain of loss with the girls. The angst of teenage love nipped too soon.
The quiet Aunt, Vimala is quite a heroine for her caring ways & putting up with the insolent Uncle, Girish.
The sense of wonder the author writes with is clearly an emotion she feels strongly & that's exactly what communicates with you. The history through independence to date is extensively researched & brought alive. Petty politics to the communal riots are vivid.
A multi faceted book, that leaves you wanting more. You stay embroiled in Meera life, long after you finish.
January 27, 2021
A while ago, i had the amazing opportunity to review Priya Balasubramanian's first book, The Alchemy of Secrets. From a small, sleepy village to the bustling streets of metropolitan Bangalore, the book captures the lives of three generations of women, whose fate and destinies are intertwined with each other.
I was truly honored to have my review published on Atta Galata's website, Bangalore's go-to place for inspiring and aspiring literary artists.
Here's a teaser for all my dear readers -
...The author unmistakably creates a visually vibrant scene in front of your eyes. Even the minutest details, which we usually ignore in our mundane activities, are so accurately captured and presented to you in words that you feel you’re not just reading the book, but also living it. It is not easy to describe the frenzy look of a person who’s in a hurry or the simple aroma of coffee, but the author accomplishes this task effortlessly.
... From Ajji’s Malehalli and her gandhian husband, to Vimala’s Bangalore and her ambitious husband, to Mira’s California and her hyperactive pet, the story beautifully shows how our traditions and customs, our culture and society, metamorphose from one generation to the next. One moment in particular where I realized how much things have changed in our society over the recent decades, is when I found a young girl feeling extremely guilty for having a simple crush on a boy, which is something unimaginable for us today, where teenagers are quite accustomed to having girlfriends and boyfriends. The transformation in society’s views on freedom and values is very visible throughout the book.
You can read the complete review at https://attagalatta.com/booksmart/the....
Cheers!
I was truly honored to have my review published on Atta Galata's website, Bangalore's go-to place for inspiring and aspiring literary artists.
Here's a teaser for all my dear readers -
...The author unmistakably creates a visually vibrant scene in front of your eyes. Even the minutest details, which we usually ignore in our mundane activities, are so accurately captured and presented to you in words that you feel you’re not just reading the book, but also living it. It is not easy to describe the frenzy look of a person who’s in a hurry or the simple aroma of coffee, but the author accomplishes this task effortlessly.
... From Ajji’s Malehalli and her gandhian husband, to Vimala’s Bangalore and her ambitious husband, to Mira’s California and her hyperactive pet, the story beautifully shows how our traditions and customs, our culture and society, metamorphose from one generation to the next. One moment in particular where I realized how much things have changed in our society over the recent decades, is when I found a young girl feeling extremely guilty for having a simple crush on a boy, which is something unimaginable for us today, where teenagers are quite accustomed to having girlfriends and boyfriends. The transformation in society’s views on freedom and values is very visible throughout the book.
You can read the complete review at https://attagalatta.com/booksmart/the....
Cheers!
October 26, 2020
A clever plot holds the reader in suspense though the unputdownable page turner. The story glides back in time with ease bringing back vivid memories of a bygone era. It unflinchingly portrays a time when the caste system and religious sentiments overpowered thought and yet was better than the worsening fundamentalism wrought by politicians. There are some beautiful moments, like the Brahmin grandmother who follows Madi with great caution but does not hesitate to show Ganesha to a little Muslim girl, and a Muslim cooking rice separate to the meat for their HIndu guest. It is difficult to explain the depth of these lived experiences to those unfamiliar with the culture. There is a political commentary that runs subtly parallel to the story. It is interesting how the author, a practising Specialised Physician managed not to bring in any medical theme to the story. My only criticism is perhaps the use of too many narrators, especially new ones at the end. It is nevertheless a very good read.
December 28, 2020
Absolutely brilliant - both the book and the author. My last read for 2020 and it has left me sad and angry and fascinated and hopeful. Read it and you will understand why! And the gracious author directs all book proceeds to good causes. I travelled that part of India through the pages of the book, experienced the injustices and witnessed the dark ugly side of human beings, all the while knowing this is not just fiction, this is how some of the world probably is and can be at times. And I close the book with sheer gratitude that I most probably escaped that written about fate through some sheer divine force in the course of history of my own Indian heritage. Can’t wait for more from this gifted author.
May 8, 2023
NEW FAVOURITE!!
June 22, 2023
Loved the book
June 3, 2020
When Mira receives word that her grandmother, Ajji, is sick, she is forced to confront her past from 7 years ago. Will Mira be able to make peace with that past, will she get the answers she was harshly denied?
Mira, once full of life and laughter, was a shell of a young woman who was forced to leave her home in Bangalore after a fateful night that changed her life. Mira lost her mother when she was a baby and her father lives in California. She is raised by her grandmother and her aunt, Vimala and lives in their house along with her uncle, Girish. Mira's world consisted of Anisa and vice versa. From Ganesha hopping during the festival of Ganesh Chathurthi to sharing mangoes in the summer to Ramadan biryani, they spent almost all their time with each other - until that fateful night. Having left her home at the age of 17, Mira returns 7 years later to say goodbye to Ajji and finds herself facing the past that she ran from all those years ago.
Narrated through multiple perspectives, the story is intricately woven and crafted in a way that makes the reader understand each character's actions even if they don't agree with it. One of the strengths of this novel lies in the intergenerational story-telling where we get to see Ajji's past, her dreams as a young girl and wife. We see Vimala and her subtle strengths that come across in unexpected ways and we see in Girish how "hell hath no fury like a [son] scorned".
The resolution that is reached left me in tears and gave me a new found appreciation for the stories of the women in my life, who carry so much and whose stories were captured in snippets through the characters of this novel.
Set in a post Babri Masjid Bangalore of the 90s and early 2000, with themes of young love, religious divides, sisterhood, and family, The Alchemy of Secrets is a stunning debut!
Lyrical and shattering. Definitely recommend you get yourself 2 copies - one for you and a friend!
Mira, once full of life and laughter, was a shell of a young woman who was forced to leave her home in Bangalore after a fateful night that changed her life. Mira lost her mother when she was a baby and her father lives in California. She is raised by her grandmother and her aunt, Vimala and lives in their house along with her uncle, Girish. Mira's world consisted of Anisa and vice versa. From Ganesha hopping during the festival of Ganesh Chathurthi to sharing mangoes in the summer to Ramadan biryani, they spent almost all their time with each other - until that fateful night. Having left her home at the age of 17, Mira returns 7 years later to say goodbye to Ajji and finds herself facing the past that she ran from all those years ago.
Narrated through multiple perspectives, the story is intricately woven and crafted in a way that makes the reader understand each character's actions even if they don't agree with it. One of the strengths of this novel lies in the intergenerational story-telling where we get to see Ajji's past, her dreams as a young girl and wife. We see Vimala and her subtle strengths that come across in unexpected ways and we see in Girish how "hell hath no fury like a [son] scorned".
The resolution that is reached left me in tears and gave me a new found appreciation for the stories of the women in my life, who carry so much and whose stories were captured in snippets through the characters of this novel.
Set in a post Babri Masjid Bangalore of the 90s and early 2000, with themes of young love, religious divides, sisterhood, and family, The Alchemy of Secrets is a stunning debut!
Lyrical and shattering. Definitely recommend you get yourself 2 copies - one for you and a friend!
December 11, 2020
Received this as a birthday gift from a friend and fjnished it before the day was over. I was invested in finding out what happened to one of the characters, but even the deep dark foreboding tone and my own visceral feelings couldn't have prepared me for what came to pass.
Can't wait for the next book by Priya, whenever that might be. Meanwhile, thank you for penning this one.
Can't wait for the next book by Priya, whenever that might be. Meanwhile, thank you for penning this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews