Book Review No. 1: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

Shortlisted for the 2025 Booker, this book has received a lot of praise as well as a lot of flak. There are two main criticisms of it.

It’s too long. (650 odd pages in my edtion)
It mocks Indians and their lifestyles. And this coming from an Indian American is especially vicious.

Now, I do believe point no. 1 has some weight. The novel sags somewhat in the late middle, and could definitely do with some pruning.

Point no. 2 is not true at all. The novel gives a realistic portrait of the deracinated Indian who feels neither at home in India or in the US ( where a large proportion of the educated Indian immigrants have made their home). If the book appears to criticize Indians, it is equally critical of North America.

In my opinion, TLOSAS is a brilliant book that addresses the modern malaise of disconnect, and it does it beautifully, artistically and truthfully.

At its heart, this book is a love story about two young people, Sonia and Sunny, who know in their hearts they should be together but are separated by their own stubbornness and misunderstandings as well as by societal and family pressures. It’s a book that will stay with you as it speaks to your heart about basic human needs, of love and loneliness and the immigrant experience. What I especially love about this book are the different motifs used in it to tie it together- the kababs, the ocean, a ghost dog, and especially the mystical talisman of Badal Baba that plays such a prominent part in this novel. This touch of magical realism gives the story a new depth.

I am tired of reading clever, stylistic books that try to be different. The appeal of this book is that it is a good, old fashioned read, a Bildungsroman, a story in which you can get immersed, with an ending that is realistic, satisfying and complete.

The Italian Connection – books written by Italians or about Italy

The Italian Connection – books written by Italians or about Italy

A visit to the Sistine chapel, the roof of which was painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century — took me back to books either written by Italians or set in Italy.

Italy is the stuff of literature and romance, of intrigue and murders. So here is a round-up of all the books I’ve read that have an Italian connection.

The Agony and the Ecstasy (1960) by Irving Stone. This author was all the rage when I was growing up, and his novel about Michelangelo started off my love affair with Italy.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. (1980)This book too is about church intrigue and has got a lot of flak for being pretentious and pseudo. But I remember being hooked by it.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. (2012) – a novel about female friendship and part of the Neapolitan series. Excellent.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. (2003) Now, I may be trolled by some for putting this author with some of the greats above. He’s been criticized for his clunky prose and historical inaccuracies . But his book’s become a massive worldwide bestseller, and makes me ponder whether readers are really concerned about the ‘writerly qualities’ of a novel.
Jhumpa Lahiri- ‘Whereabouts’ (2018) This author moved to Italy in 2012 and began writing in Italian. ‘Whereabouts’, originally written in Italian, is her first self-translated work. I loved it for its spare yet poetic style and how it goes deep into the unnamed narrator’s thinking process. Btw, Lahiri happens to be one of my fave writers.

As you can see, Italy is the stuff of romance and intrigue. One of the characters in my recently published middle grade novel, Zara and the Bumbling Genie, has one Italian name. Can you tell me who it is? https://shorturl.at/9VgHF

What are some of the Italian authors you’ve read? I’d love to know in your comments.

Zara and the Bumbling Genie – a review that made my day!

In Zara and the Bumbling Genie, Padmini Sankar conjures a story that is as magical as it is moving, skillfully weaving together elements of fantasy and deep emotional truths. This is not just a children’s tale; it’s a luminous narrative that speaks to readers of all ages about resilience, compassion, and the true meaning of friendship.

At the heart of the story is Zara, a bright and courageous young girl facing the devastating challenge of losing her sight. But Zara’s world doesn’t shrink into darkness—rather, it expands with imagination and wonder when she encounters a genie unlike any other. Far from the omnipotent beings of legend, this genie is charmingly clumsy and endearingly human in his shortcomings. His magic doesn’t always work as intended, and his past is clouded with a mystery of lost powers and forgotten purposes.

Together, Zara and the genie embark on a quest that is as much internal as it is outwardly adventurous. The journey they undertake is laced with humor, danger, and tender moments of growth. Zara’s struggle with her impending blindness is portrayed with honesty and sensitivity, never descending into self-pity. Instead, her spirit of hope and determination becomes the guiding light of the story.

Sankar’s writing shines with a rare blend of simplicity and emotional depth. She captures the inner world of a child with authenticity and layers the fantasy with just enough realism to make the reader believe that genies and magic carpets might truly exist—if only we’re willing to see them with the heart.

What makes this story stand out is its unwavering focus on empathy and loyalty. The friendship between Zara and the genie is touching, built on mutual trust and the willingness to accept each other’s flaws. The genie’s arc—from a bumbling misfit to a being of renewed purpose—is subtly told, paralleling Zara’s own transformation from vulnerability to empowered agency.

The book also subtly addresses themes of disability and acceptance in a way that is uplifting rather than didactic. It doesn’t preach, but it teaches: that strength is often found in unexpected places, and that the loss of one ability can open doors to others—imagination, perception, kindness.

Zara and the Bumbling Genie is a beautiful, heartwarming tale that reminds us that true magic lies not in grand spells, but in the strength of the human (and genie) spirit. It’s a tale that lingers, inspiring young readers to be brave, to believe in second chances, and to see the world—and each other—with wonder and love.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)