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Secret Daughter: A Novel

4.3(3)
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About the book

On 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 issues of culture and belonging. Moving between two worlds and two families, one struggling to survive in the fetid slums of Mumbai, the other grappling to forge a cohesive family despite their diverging cultural identities, this powerful debut novel marks the arrival of a fresh talent poised for great success.

Editions (2)

ISBN9780061974304
PublisherHarper Collins, New York
Publication Date03/01/10
Pages352

Reviews & Ratings

3 ratings

1 reviews

4.3

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  • textandtunes
    textandtunes

    125 Followers

    4.0

    A story about two couples, worlds apart, but connected - a mother in India forced to give her newborn daughter up, and an Indian-American couple struggling with infertility who adopt this daughter. I learned a lot more about Indian culture, especially the struggles of women. This book also touches on the struggles of adoption, from the process to the emotional turmoil an adopted child might go through. It was definitely a book I barely put down because I was so invested in the story, especially when Asha (the daugther) goes back to India as a teenager to try to figure out where her biological parents came from. The only thing this book lacked for me was the depth and because of that, it was hard for me to build up an emotional connection of the story. And the behavior and thoughts of Somer (the American mother) felt very irrational to me, as I never read about her reasoning or motivations.

    Aug 26, 2024

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