Monsoon Memories in Around the World

Aug 11, 2013 Lilisa rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: around-the-world-2016-lilisa-s-chal, 2016, india, trez-read, march-ylto

Alternating between the U.K. and India, the story revolves around Shirin who physically lives in London but is mentally and emotionally forever tied to her childhood and home country of India. Struggling with demons that never leave her, she is held hostage to and is held captive to secrets that haunt and threaten to consume her completely. Only the love and patience of her husband Vinod help ease her memories. In India, Shirin's young niece Reena is leading a carefree life until she discovers a ...more

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Sep 02, 2013 Tanya (mom's small victories) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, around-the-world-in-80-books-challe, england, india

Story and Characters
A wonderfully dramatic and poignant debut novel from Renita D'Silva. I was captivated by the characters and their plight. I was intrigued by what deep secret could have torn the family apart. What caused Shirin so much grief that she was haunted by the Eyes that would follow her during her daydreams and nightmares? My heart broke for Shirin, she exiled herself to the UK but longed for her family in India but wondered if they could ever forgive her. I could empathize with youn Story and Characters
A wonderfully dramatic and poignant debut novel from Renita D'Silva. I was captivated by the characters and their plight. I was intrigued by what deep secret could have torn the family apart. What caused Shirin so much grief that she was haunted by the Eyes that would follow her during her daydreams and nightmares? My heart broke for Shirin, she exiled herself to the UK but longed for her family in India but wondered if they could ever forgive her. I could empathize with young Reena, an only child in India, who stumbled on a photograph of this forgotten woman and was determined to find out more about her. I simply could not put this book down and although I figured out the secret about half way through, I had to know what would happen and if the family could resolve their issues.

I enjoyed how the author switched from Shirin's to Reena's perspective as they both inched their way closer to the truth. I was so enthralled with the book that it did not feel like a 400 page book (which I only realized when writing the review). I look forward to future novels by this promising author.

Setting
Ahhh, India, the country of my ancestry with vibrant colors, sweet tropical fruits and fragrant, melt in your mouth curries. I have only been once that I can remember, but the country, its sights, delicious food and loving, welcoming family has stayed with me. I have family from Bangalore, where Reena's story in India takes place.

Ms. D'Silva brought back delicious childhood memories of food my mom makes. I was drooling over just the mere thought of the wonderful aromas that Indian cooking produces. As diverse as India is with different regions speaking different languages and eating different foods, I was surprised to find some of our family's favorites described, idli with sambar (fat little white pancakes with lentil curry), masala dosa (Indian crepes stuffed with pan fried potato), bhel puri (crispy rice with a mint and sweet tamarind chutney, boiled potatoes, cilantro and tomatoes), and gulab jahmun (crispy, sugary doughnut holes floating in a sweet syrup). I have not learned to make these Indian favorites yet, looks like I will be hunting for some recipes and hounding my mom for hers.

Ms. D'Silva brought to light the struggle characters face upholding their culture's strong values or going with their heart. She demonstrated the emotional impact of characters who are torn between following through with an arranged marriage or falling in love with someone of their choosing (even if he was of a different religion or station in life). The story shows the political unrest between Catholic, Hindu and Muslim Indians and the social disparity between the poorest servants who, when lucky, become part of the well-to-do family for whom they care. Ms. D'Silva transported me back to India and I was sad to leave India, Shirin, Reena and their families when the book was over. ...more

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