“Every adoption starts with a loss.” Meena Dave has seen more than her fair share of loss. Given up for adoption at an early age, only to experience the unexpected deaths of her adoptive parents in a tragic accident. Meena has learned to live a lonely life, traveling around the world for work, with no place to call home. Until she’s bequeathed a condo in the will of a woman she’s never even heard of. The woman has also left Meena notes, hidden in unexpected places, to help Meena piece together her past…and her future.
In The Candid Life of Meena Dave, Namrata Patel brings to life the culture and history of the Indian community in Boston. As I read, I found myself craving the traditional Indian dishes and chai teas Patel describes her characters making throughout the novel – I even convinced my husband to take me to a date night this week at a local Indian restaurant he loves! I am also intrigued by sense of community and family developed between these characters in this unique condo building. Their shared history and lifelong connection leaves Meena feeling like the outsider. As a woman given up for adoption at birth myself, I can understand Meena’s hesitancy to let the other residents in to her life.
I give The Candid Life of Meena Dave 5 out of 5 stars. Patel writes this character from a very relatable place for most adoptees – from searching the faces and habits of others in hopes of any similarities, to the emotional pendulum swing of wanting to know and then not caring about the identity of birth parents. The work/life details Patel includes for each character develop their individual stories masterfully. I did find myself wanting a little more character development and less pettiness from Meena as she processes news about her birthparents and her relationships with the other residents – it felt out of sync with the character Patel had spent most of the book developing.
I recommend this book to readers who love romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. The romance that develops between Meena and her neighbor is refreshing and realistic. The novel has an investigation angle has Meena searches for the location of these notes left for her, as well as their meaning. The story is lighthearted with some weighty moments to discuss the difficult moments but can be enjoyably read in one weekend.
What I’m reading
- Current print book: Dark Angel, John Sandford
- Current audio book: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin
- Book I’m most looking forward to: China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan
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