I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In author Monita Kumari’s ” Daadi Maa’s Diary of Secrets, ” a young boy tired of his grandmother’s behavior soon discovers a hidden past that explains who she is.
The Synopsis
Seven year old Vivek thinks his Daadi Maa (Indian Grandmother) is a mean old lady until he finds her diary. Although the first few entries are hilarious to him, Vivek soon realizes it was not meant to be funny. As he reads on, he recognizes that Daadi Maa is trapped in a vicious cycle. Her obsessive pinching is a coping mechanism. Although Daadi Maa has persevered outwardly, she still suffers silently. The diary brings the issue to the forefront and light is finally shed on the death of Daadi Maa’s brother Bhola, which is the crux of the problem. It also brings attention to the guilt she feels about the death of her son – Vivek’s father. Although Vivek’s mother has forgiven her, the fact remains that the last conversation Daadi Maa had with Vivek’s father was an argument about her pinching habit – which is why she cannot forgive herself. This obsessive-compulsive behavior which Daadi Maa suffered from most of her adult life touches the issue of neurodiversity. It is only after Vivek finds the diary that Daadi Maa faces her guilt. Here, she finally realizes that she doesn’t have to do it alone. She has a smart, educated family that will support her and love her as she is. No one will think less of her. All she needs to do is open up and ask for help even if not in those exact words. Daadi Maa’s Diary Of Secrets is a beautiful tearjerker picture book for young adults with twenty-two vivid and detailed illustrations (six of which are center spreads) that make the book come alive! The story explores the delicate issue of death in the family in a gentle way that young adults can relate to.
The Review
This is a genuinely heartfelt and compelling read. The author’s ability to bridge the gap between adult and young readers through this story and the emotional connection the reader makes with Daadi Maa and her journey will stay with readers long after the book ends. The powerful imagery and thoughtful themes the author delves into create a harrowing yet poignant conversation for readers to deal with.
That conversation surrounds the topic of loss and its overwhelming nature. The book showcases the hardships and struggles that loss can have on a person and how it can dictate how they behave later in life. The book also shows the classic theme of not judging a book by its cover. The story shows the protagonist how their grandmother is not the way she is due to her just being mean but because of the experiences that life has given her.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, meaningful, and heartfelt author Monita Kumari’s “Daadi Maa’s Diary of Secrets” is a must-read illustrated young adult book. The themes of death, loss, and how to cope play a powerful role, and readers will instantly connect with and become invested in the narrative overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Born and raised in Fiji Islands, Monita is a trained medical professional, an artist and an amateur sitar player. She is a descendent of laborers brought to Fiji through the Indenture System from India, so her life has been a colorful mixture of both Fijian and Indian culture. When she has time to spare, she likes to watch her backyard birds. Monita lives in California with her family.
For more information, visit her website MonitaKumari.com
