From the book coverOn the eve of the monsoons, in a remote Indian village, Kavita gives birth to Asha. But in a culture that favours sons, the only way for Kavita to save her newborn daughter's life is to give her away. It is a decision that will haunt her and her husband for the rest of their lives, even after the arrival of their cherished son. Halfway around the globe, Somer, an American doctor, decides to adopt a child after making the wrenching discovery that she will never have one of her own. When she and her husband Krishnan see a photo of baby Asha from a Mumbai orphanage, they are overwhelmed with emotion for her. Somer knows life will change with the adoption, but is convinced that the love they already feel will overcome all obstacles. Interweaving the stories of Kavita, Somer, and Asha, "Secret Daughter" poignantly explores the emotional terrain of motherhood, loss, identity, and love, as witnessed through the lives of two families - one Indian, one American - and the child that indelibly connects them.
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Secret Daughter was recommended by one of my former coworkers. It was suppose to be the July book for our book club, sadly our club didn't make it past February. I'm really glad I decided to keep it on my personal reading list because Author Shilpi Somaya Gowda's first novel is all-consuming. From the first page to the last, every word is written with such care. The food, the stifling humidity and congestion of Mumbai, the stench of the Dharavi, the opulence of an upscale Indian wedding - Ms.Gowda's descriptions are so vivid one can't help but feel like a fly on the wall.
Secret Daughter touches on a lot of controversial topics while avoiding the pitfalls of sermonizing. On the surface this novel is about motherhood but under a very thin cover it's about India. At the midway point of the novel, Asha takes over the narration, and provides an honest look at India. I found myself falling in love with the country described as "a five-star pile of contradictions."
In terms of the plot and dominate themes, Secret Daughter examines the fear, desires and hopes that govern the decisions we make and the reality of having to live with our choices. In addition to the obvious theme of motherhood, the novel explores the contrast between Indian and American culture (specifically gender relations), the contrast between wealth and poverty in India and what it means to be a family.
Hands down, Secret Daughter is one the best books I've read this year. I highly recommend this novel to all of female readers.
5
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Secret Daughter was recommended by one of my former coworkers. It was suppose to be the July book for our book club, sadly our club didn't make it past February. I'm really glad I decided to keep it on my personal reading list because Author Shilpi Somaya Gowda's first novel is all-consuming. From the first page to the last, every word is written with such care. The food, the stifling humidity and congestion of Mumbai, the stench of the Dharavi, the opulence of an upscale Indian wedding - Ms.Gowda's descriptions are so vivid one can't help but feel like a fly on the wall.
Secret Daughter touches on a lot of controversial topics while avoiding the pitfalls of sermonizing. On the surface this novel is about motherhood but under a very thin cover it's about India. At the midway point of the novel, Asha takes over the narration, and provides an honest look at India. I found myself falling in love with the country described as "a five-star pile of contradictions."
In terms of the plot and dominate themes, Secret Daughter examines the fear, desires and hopes that govern the decisions we make and the reality of having to live with our choices. In addition to the obvious theme of motherhood, the novel explores the contrast between Indian and American culture (specifically gender relations), the contrast between wealth and poverty in India and what it means to be a family.
Hands down, Secret Daughter is one the best books I've read this year. I highly recommend this novel to all of female readers.
5
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