Shobhaa De's first novel for children makes for an interesting read, if you can overlook the cliches.
Shobhaa De's first novel for children makes for an interesting read, if you can overlook the cliches.
What would a regular 14-year-old girl scribble on her diary? The insensitive answer would be nothing beyond mini skirts, studies and boyfriends. But today's teens go much more beyond mini skirts and school socials. There are far more problems to be taken care of. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are no such struggle in S's Secret, Shobha De's first novel for kids.
As far as the story line goes, it is as simple and predictable as it gets. Sandhya hates everything about her life including her relatively Indian name, her younger sis Pia and her parents, whom she thinks don't spend much time with her. Life for her is a rollercoaster ride as she lives and relives the agony of her first crush, her fixation for the perfect dress for the school party and most importantly, that one big secret of her life which she is hidingu00a0-- one that has the power to turn her life upside down once it is revealed.
As the story progresses, different facets of Sandhya's life come to the forefrontu00a0-- her best friend Asavari's childhood, her elder brother's on-off smoking habits and her maid cum foster mother Gauri Tai's story. But none of it is captivating enough to hold you throughout the novel, except that one big secret which she is hiding from the family. What will be the consequences if the secret is out? This seems to be the utmost concern of Sandhya, who spends sleepless night thinking about the same.
And herein lies the problem. There is absolutely nothing that would make you go onto the next page with utmost interest, and even if you manage to keep your interest intact, Sandhya's big secret turns out to be a damp squib. The characters are undoubtedly real, while Sandhya is your typical fourteen-year-old from the neighbourhood. It's a simple read and will be enjoyed by children who can entertain themselves with the ordinary. Shobhaa De sticklers, stay away.
Author: Shobhaa De
Published by: Popular Prakashan
Price: Rs 99
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