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When secrets set sail
Secrets from the past are the keys to the future...if two children can find them. Bold adventure, timely themes and breath-taking writing from award-winning author, Sita Brahmachari.
Usha is devastated when her grandmother Kali Ma passes away. Then straight-talking Imtiaz arrives - her new adoptive sister - and the two girls clash instantly. They both feel lost. That is until Kali Ma's ghost appears...with a task for them.
Immy's and Usha's home is full of history and secrets. Many years ago it was The House of the Ayahs - for those nannies who couldn't return to their Indian homeland - and Kali Ma made a promise she couldn't keep. She can't pass on to the other side until the girls fulfil it.
Today, Usha and Immy's over-worked parents run the house as a home for refugees, but eviction threatens. The precious documents that could save them are lost. As the house slowly fills up with ghosts, that only Usha and Imtiaz can see, the girls realise they have more to save than just one grandmother's ghost.
With help from their new friend Cosmo, Usha and Immy must set off on a quest through London, accompanied by two bickering ghosts, working together to find a series of objects that shine a magical light on their family's past and hold the clues to securing their future.
If they can set the secrets of generations free, will they be in time to save their home?
Usha is devastated when her grandmother Kali Ma passes away. Then straight-talking Imtiaz arrives - her new adoptive sister - and the two girls clash instantly. They both feel lost. That is until Kali Ma's ghost appears...with a task for them.
Immy's and Usha's home is full of history and secrets. Many years ago it was The House of the Ayahs - for those nannies who couldn't return to their Indian homeland - and Kali Ma made a promise she couldn't keep. She can't pass on to the other side until the girls fulfil it.
Today, Usha and Immy's over-worked parents run the house as a home for refugees, but eviction threatens. The precious documents that could save them are lost. As the house slowly fills up with ghosts, that only Usha and Imtiaz can see, the girls realise they have more to save than just one grandmother's ghost.
With help from their new friend Cosmo, Usha and Immy must set off on a quest through London, accompanied by two bickering ghosts, working together to find a series of objects that shine a magical light on their family's past and hold the clues to securing their future.
If they can set the secrets of generations free, will they be in time to save their home?
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2020
9 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Sita Brahmachari
32 books97 followersSita was born in Derby in 1966, to an Indian doctor from Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Arts Education. Her many projects and writing commissions have been produced in theatres, universities, schools and community groups throughout Britain and America. ARTICHOKE HEARTS is her first novel for young people. Sita lives and works in North London with her husband, three children and a temperamental cat.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 15, 2020
When Secrets Set Sail is a wonderful story of friendship, sisterhood, and finding where you belong. Brahmachari blends magic and reality to bring the past into the present.
Ghosts and secrets collide when Immy is adopted by Usha's family. Both girls struggle to adjust to the new dynamic, and they're not helped by the presence of ghosts, long neglected bargains, and the threat of the closure of the community space they live above. If they are going to save their home and help their ghosts to move on, they will first have to learn to work together and trust each other.
When Secrets Set Sail is beautifully written and filled with history, community and family. Immy and Usha's relationship is at the very heart of the novel and it was lovely to see them grow closer and accept each other. I especially loved their moments on the tandem bike!
I really enjoyed this novel's exploration of history, particularly overlooked stories. I learnt a lot about a group of people I didn't previously know anything about and I will keep their stories with me long after the novel's final page. This story stresses the importance of passing stories down, to keep the past alive.
Community, both its history and the way it brings us together and supports us, is another important theme within the novel. Immy and Usha learn a lot about how the way they live affects others. They discover the importance of honouring promises, and the way it can conflict with our own wants and desires.
But, above all, When Secrets Set Sail is an uplifting story which will leave readers smiling, their hearts full.
I was provided with an early copy of this novel to review on NetGalley.
Ghosts and secrets collide when Immy is adopted by Usha's family. Both girls struggle to adjust to the new dynamic, and they're not helped by the presence of ghosts, long neglected bargains, and the threat of the closure of the community space they live above. If they are going to save their home and help their ghosts to move on, they will first have to learn to work together and trust each other.
When Secrets Set Sail is beautifully written and filled with history, community and family. Immy and Usha's relationship is at the very heart of the novel and it was lovely to see them grow closer and accept each other. I especially loved their moments on the tandem bike!
I really enjoyed this novel's exploration of history, particularly overlooked stories. I learnt a lot about a group of people I didn't previously know anything about and I will keep their stories with me long after the novel's final page. This story stresses the importance of passing stories down, to keep the past alive.
Community, both its history and the way it brings us together and supports us, is another important theme within the novel. Immy and Usha learn a lot about how the way they live affects others. They discover the importance of honouring promises, and the way it can conflict with our own wants and desires.
But, above all, When Secrets Set Sail is an uplifting story which will leave readers smiling, their hearts full.
I was provided with an early copy of this novel to review on NetGalley.
December 27, 2020
This was a very unusual but enjoyable story. I would recommend it for year 6 and above, as the story was a little complicated in places, although it all tied together really well. Set in London, Imtiaz is adopted by a family that run a refugee community centre, and is going to live in a beautifully described top floor room decorated as a ship. However, her new sister is struggling to accept her, made worse by the fact that her grandmother, who she used to share with, had recently died. The grandmother, Kali Ma, comes back as a ghost or spirit, but only her granddaughter can see her, although Immy soon begins to see ghosts twisted to the house too.
There are a number of themes about family and history in this book, and I really enjoyed the details of the first female Asian NHS GPs which is linked to the house. However, there was almost too much history crammed into the story! Immy's social worker tells us about Windrush, the house was used as a home for Indian ayahs, and the house's history comes to light with the help of a Roma family living on a barge nearby. These were all fascinating stories, and a great reflection of London's history, but I almost wanted a book about each set of characters.
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I had, I was very invested in the sisterly relationship between the girls, and how they would help lay the ghosts to rest.
There are a number of themes about family and history in this book, and I really enjoyed the details of the first female Asian NHS GPs which is linked to the house. However, there was almost too much history crammed into the story! Immy's social worker tells us about Windrush, the house was used as a home for Indian ayahs, and the house's history comes to light with the help of a Roma family living on a barge nearby. These were all fascinating stories, and a great reflection of London's history, but I almost wanted a book about each set of characters.
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I had, I was very invested in the sisterly relationship between the girls, and how they would help lay the ghosts to rest.
August 24, 2021
This is a very unusual story that admittedly took me a long time to get through - it was definitely a slow burner. I tend to prefer a book that keeps me gripped at all times but I really appreciated how Brahmachari pieced the story together slowly and I’m glad i finished the book. This book is beautifully written and tells the story of two girls journeying to save their home by revealing the truth of their home, at the same time learning to live with each other. I would recommend but if giving to a child to read, would not give it to a child who doesn’t like reading as it’s not the most gripping book.
September 20, 2020
Highly recommended.
Ghost story which delves into the history of the Ayahs who were stranded in England by their employers.
It’s really nice to find a story set in the East End of London. There aren’t all that many.
Ghost story which delves into the history of the Ayahs who were stranded in England by their employers.
It’s really nice to find a story set in the East End of London. There aren’t all that many.
August 20, 2020
When Secrets Set Sail is a truly beautiful, haunting book that brought tears to my eyes more than once. Aimed at children aged 9 to 11 it tells the story of Imtiaz and Ushmi and their search for pieces of a secret which will right wrongs and redress the past.
The story's heart lies back in the past where an Englishman met and married an Indian woman whom he loved very dearly. Sadly she died and he was left to return to England with his baby daughter and her Aya. How their story ties in with that of Imtiaz and Ushmi is part of the tapestry that has been so perfectly woven by Sita Brahmachari, a truly wonderful and prize winning author.
Exceptional and very, very highly recommended. Publication is on 20 August but you can pre-order it now.
The story's heart lies back in the past where an Englishman met and married an Indian woman whom he loved very dearly. Sadly she died and he was left to return to England with his baby daughter and her Aya. How their story ties in with that of Imtiaz and Ushmi is part of the tapestry that has been so perfectly woven by Sita Brahmachari, a truly wonderful and prize winning author.
Exceptional and very, very highly recommended. Publication is on 20 August but you can pre-order it now.
August 20, 2020
Have you hear of the ayahs that travelled to the UK from India to look after children? Do you know their story? I didn't, and neither did Usha and Immy until ghosts turned up in their home, insisting that their story be told.
Along the way, Usha and Immy find friendship and family, a true sense of belonging and fascinating details of a story that affects the present and the future, as well as the past. They learn how secrets can change everything and, while learning their own history, they learn the value of honesty, kindness and being themselves.
This is perfect for lovers of adventure, reality and history. If you enjoy books by Onjali Rauf and Lisa Thompson, you should definitely read this.
Along the way, Usha and Immy find friendship and family, a true sense of belonging and fascinating details of a story that affects the present and the future, as well as the past. They learn how secrets can change everything and, while learning their own history, they learn the value of honesty, kindness and being themselves.
This is perfect for lovers of adventure, reality and history. If you enjoy books by Onjali Rauf and Lisa Thompson, you should definitely read this.
September 29, 2020
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book to review; it was a perfect book to read for South Asian Heritage Month, as it delves into a history that many of us know nothing about.
Synopsis:
Imtiaz has been adopted by the Joseph family, who live in an interesting house consisting of a community hub for refugees on the ground floor called the Hearth, and a whimsical home on the 'Top Deck', designed like a ship. She isn’t sure what to make of her new sister, Usha, who seems distracted and withdrawn after the death of her grandmother, Kali Ma. But when their Hearth and home are threatened by locals who don’t want refugees in the area, the two girls are drawn into a journey to uncover the hidden history of the house - and of the ayahs of long ago who once took refuge there.
Review:
In this middle-grade historical mystery with a sprinkling of the supernatural, Sita Brahmachari takes you on a wonderful odyssey of secrets, unravelling mysteries of the past and bringing forgotten histories to light. Before I read this book I had no idea that ayahs – Indian nannies employed to look after British children - were often abandoned by the families of their charges, once they reached Britain. Learning about them through this book even inspired me to go and do some more research of my own, so I was extremely thankful for the list of excellent sources included at the end.
It’s a story of grief, loss, and searching for a place to belong. I particularly loved the subtle way Brahmachari links xenophobic attitudes towards different groups of people, referring to historic attitudes towards Indians and Romany people, and the recent policies towards the Windrush generation and asylum seekers.
I found the beginning of the book a little confusing in trying to keep track of everyone’s relationships to each other, but soon found myself immersed in the girls’ quest to find out the truth. It was lovely to see Usha and Imtiaz’s relationship develop from tension and ambivalence to understanding and friendship. And wonderful to see multicultural/multi-ethnic families portrayed in children’s books as an everyday fact.
I found it striking that although the girls give the ayahs a voice we never actually hear any of them speak. Kali Ma’s ghost is always chattering which makes her seem larger than life, but Lucky and the other ayahs never utter a word, making them seem a step removed and somehow more ghostly. I understand this may have been reflective of how they are effectively silent in historical records and to allow the space for Imtiaz and Usha to discover their stories – but I would have liked to have heard Lucky find her own voice and tell at least part of her own story directly.
The story builds up to a compelling climax and a satisfying resolution, with a complex mystery at its heart. The descriptions of the ship-house are delightful and the various visual motifs running through the narrative help to draw the different threads together. This is a beautifully-conceived tale, steeped in history and emotion, and a fantastic resource for a decolonised curriculum.
Thanks @netgalley and Dominic at Hachette Children's for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review first appeared on my blog www.thebrownbronte.com
Synopsis:
Imtiaz has been adopted by the Joseph family, who live in an interesting house consisting of a community hub for refugees on the ground floor called the Hearth, and a whimsical home on the 'Top Deck', designed like a ship. She isn’t sure what to make of her new sister, Usha, who seems distracted and withdrawn after the death of her grandmother, Kali Ma. But when their Hearth and home are threatened by locals who don’t want refugees in the area, the two girls are drawn into a journey to uncover the hidden history of the house - and of the ayahs of long ago who once took refuge there.
Review:
In this middle-grade historical mystery with a sprinkling of the supernatural, Sita Brahmachari takes you on a wonderful odyssey of secrets, unravelling mysteries of the past and bringing forgotten histories to light. Before I read this book I had no idea that ayahs – Indian nannies employed to look after British children - were often abandoned by the families of their charges, once they reached Britain. Learning about them through this book even inspired me to go and do some more research of my own, so I was extremely thankful for the list of excellent sources included at the end.
It’s a story of grief, loss, and searching for a place to belong. I particularly loved the subtle way Brahmachari links xenophobic attitudes towards different groups of people, referring to historic attitudes towards Indians and Romany people, and the recent policies towards the Windrush generation and asylum seekers.
I found the beginning of the book a little confusing in trying to keep track of everyone’s relationships to each other, but soon found myself immersed in the girls’ quest to find out the truth. It was lovely to see Usha and Imtiaz’s relationship develop from tension and ambivalence to understanding and friendship. And wonderful to see multicultural/multi-ethnic families portrayed in children’s books as an everyday fact.
I found it striking that although the girls give the ayahs a voice we never actually hear any of them speak. Kali Ma’s ghost is always chattering which makes her seem larger than life, but Lucky and the other ayahs never utter a word, making them seem a step removed and somehow more ghostly. I understand this may have been reflective of how they are effectively silent in historical records and to allow the space for Imtiaz and Usha to discover their stories – but I would have liked to have heard Lucky find her own voice and tell at least part of her own story directly.
The story builds up to a compelling climax and a satisfying resolution, with a complex mystery at its heart. The descriptions of the ship-house are delightful and the various visual motifs running through the narrative help to draw the different threads together. This is a beautifully-conceived tale, steeped in history and emotion, and a fantastic resource for a decolonised curriculum.
Thanks @netgalley and Dominic at Hachette Children's for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review first appeared on my blog www.thebrownbronte.com
October 1, 2020
I was soon totally absorbed in this family and heritage focussed story that references history and is focussed on London's Ayahs Home' in Jewry Street. I enjoyed the slow relationship growth of Usha and newly adopted Imtiaz and their contrasting personalities helped give each character a strong identity. The quality of the writing is superb as always with Sita Brahmachari and there are many moments in the book that tugged at my heart strings and encouraged me to find out more about this slice of history.
August 11, 2021
This is the third Brahmachari novel that I have read and I have enjoyed them all for different reasons. This is the transition novel we have given to all Year 6 students joining us in September to read over summer and complete a set of associated activities.
What I particularly liked about this story were the way it brought together a patchwork of cultural references interwoven with a detective story format. There is a magical realism about this story that I really enjoyed - Spirit the cat reminded me of the cat in Murakami’s ‘Wind up bird chronicle’. Lovely story
What I particularly liked about this story were the way it brought together a patchwork of cultural references interwoven with a detective story format. There is a magical realism about this story that I really enjoyed - Spirit the cat reminded me of the cat in Murakami’s ‘Wind up bird chronicle’. Lovely story
July 7, 2020
Usha and Imtiaz are about to become sisters when Usha’s family adopt Imtiaz, abandoned at birth. Although they have previously met, they haven’t quite overcome their reluctance to trust one another. The timing is made more difficult by the death of Usha’s beloved Grandmother Kali Ma. Plus, the family are being hounded out of the business premises and home they have made for themselves because they are unable to locate the paperwork they are sure exists to allow them to stay.
But Imtiaz arrives and the pair have to ‘get on with it’. Each misunderstand the other due entirely to the ghosts they each can see, but not one another’s. These ghosts are part of the fabric of the house which has history. It is up to the two girls to work together to discover that and set the ghosts free as well as give the family rights over their own home.
This is a book of traditions, of history affecting the present and ultimately of trust.
But Imtiaz arrives and the pair have to ‘get on with it’. Each misunderstand the other due entirely to the ghosts they each can see, but not one another’s. These ghosts are part of the fabric of the house which has history. It is up to the two girls to work together to discover that and set the ghosts free as well as give the family rights over their own home.
This is a book of traditions, of history affecting the present and ultimately of trust.
July 19, 2024
Such a beautiful and poignant story. This story captures what life was like and is probably is still like for people of South Asian descent in the UK. I loved the two protagonists; feisty Imtiaz and quiet Usha. The story about ayahs being abandoned and mistreated was heartbreaking.
I also love mysteries especially ones with ghosts and digging up stories from the past. Very cosy read but sad a deeply moving too.
I also love mysteries especially ones with ghosts and digging up stories from the past. Very cosy read but sad a deeply moving too.
October 1, 2023
Not what I expected at all!
This was worth the wait. It really is a patchwork of stories: Ayahs, Racism, Roma, Refugees, Adoption, Windrush, Community.....Ghosts
Yes, ghosts. I was not expecting this at all. Dealing with loss and grief Sita weaves in the mystic. I found it hard to put down as I didn't know what to expect next and it opened my eyes to areas of history that I know nothing about.
This was worth the wait. It really is a patchwork of stories: Ayahs, Racism, Roma, Refugees, Adoption, Windrush, Community.....Ghosts
Yes, ghosts. I was not expecting this at all. Dealing with loss and grief Sita weaves in the mystic. I found it hard to put down as I didn't know what to expect next and it opened my eyes to areas of history that I know nothing about.
March 26, 2024
I like this book because it’s about how Usha and Imtiaz work together to set the secrets of generations free, and save their home. I would like to thank the author of this book because it has helped me to write my personal story better and it has given me some great ideas for the book that I will write.
April 20, 2021
I loved the book and its quirky ways but also the heartfelt narrative at its core. I knew very little of the ayahs' story and thought it was amazing how their history was woven in to contemporary London. What a voyage!
November 28, 2020
I had this in my book pile but in the end I struggled to get into the book
January 1, 2021
Outstanding! I strongly recommend this and the author. Superb writing that has you absorbed immediately, I really did not want this to end.
December 10, 2022
I love the story line! What I really liked about it is how it has a Hindu twist to it! This book hooked me into it and I also felt connected to this story somehow since I'm a Hindu myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
A heartwarming tale, suitable for teens 💖
February 19, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
An intriguing mix of ghost story, mystery and history. The story of the treatment of stranded ayahs, who did not have the funds to return to India once the families they travelled with no longer needed them, is shameful and has echoes of the Windrush scandal.
I would recommend it for confident readers in Year 6 and Years 7 & 8 as it is quite complex.
An intriguing mix of ghost story, mystery and history. The story of the treatment of stranded ayahs, who did not have the funds to return to India once the families they travelled with no longer needed them, is shameful and has echoes of the Windrush scandal.
I would recommend it for confident readers in Year 6 and Years 7 & 8 as it is quite complex.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews