Reva

by Priya Gadagkar

Enamored by the elegant life and progressive ideas of the white colonists in British India, fourteen-year-old Reva dreams of learning the English language, of getting an education and a smidgeon of empowerment that might come with it. When a hasty and peculiar marriage arrangement uproots Reva from her childhood in the plains to a village in the mountains, Reva’s dream falters under the conflicting demands of her new family and her own need to belong. Reva’s new home in the idyllic mountains also puts her in close proximity with the 'firangi', foreigners, and the harsh reality of foreign rule. As Reva navigates through a maze of risky decisions and deceptions, she is forced to examine the prickly issues of dominance, identity, and acceptance. She is forced to rethink her loyalties. Falling in love along the way with her much-older husband, a firm British loyalist, only complicates matters further. “REVA is a touching and triumphant coming-of-age story of a progressive-minded young woman struggling to balance her dreams for an education with family demands and traditions. Readers will cheer for Reva as she embraces her own power and potential.” - Julie Tibbott, independent editor

292 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2020

Reviews

[Vasudha Ramanarasiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is set in British India and is about Reva and her journey. The author elegantly weaves the character who is determined to get an education and all the hurdles she faces as she pursues that passion. I started reading the book and could not keep it down as I got so involved with Reva and was curious as to how everything will turn out for her. The setting of the story is described so well that it transports you to that place. I was cheering for Reva all the way through as she learns about herself and her inner strength.
There are so many little details sprinkled throughout the book that evoked so many memories of life in India. Even though the book is set in the 1900's there are some traditions, customs and sentiments that continue till this day. The author uses clear, concise and familiar language which made it so relatable and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to everyone and look forward to reading more of Priya Gadagkar's books.

[Michael Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting life ways . Keep your interest.

Book was recommended very interesting, learned ways of another society, a colorful read, educational, thoughtful, beautifully written about different lifestyles, but not so different maybe.