My first book of 2012, and also a book club pick, was Secret Daughter by Shipli Somaya Gowda. A woman in India gives birth to a daughter, and is forced to give her up for adoption. A couple from the United States (husband is from India, wife is an American) adopts the little girl. The book intertwines the story of the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the daughter.
This story goes from heartbreaking, to moving, to frustrating, to heart-warming. There seems to be a "coming of age" theme to it, even though the characters have a wide age range. The importance of family is definitely central to the story, as are love and hope.
I really enjoyed this book as I was reading it, but for some reason I didn't have a problem putting it down for long stretches. Has anyone else read this book and felt the same way? I can't put my finger on it.
For that reason, I'm giving the book a 3.5/5.
This story goes from heartbreaking, to moving, to frustrating, to heart-warming. There seems to be a "coming of age" theme to it, even though the characters have a wide age range. The importance of family is definitely central to the story, as are love and hope.
I really enjoyed this book as I was reading it, but for some reason I didn't have a problem putting it down for long stretches. Has anyone else read this book and felt the same way? I can't put my finger on it.
For that reason, I'm giving the book a 3.5/5.
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I'm not quite done the book, but getting very close. My experience has been different since I haven't had to put it down for long stretches. Supply teaching gives me a ridiculous amount of time to read :) But I know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of the book really drew me in and I think if the focus had stayed the same, just alternating between Kavita and Somer, it would have been a more powerful and memorable book. I feel like throwing in all of the other perspectives dilutes that a bit. But then maybe it would have ended being a totally different story. I did still enjoy it.
Hmm...I see what you mean, though I did like hearing the point of view of Jasu about the event talked about at the beginning of the book. It was interesting to hear his side.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I liked the perspective of Asha, especially how her views change over time.