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A review by simtara
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
5.0
Told from a 12 year old girl's perspective, in diary format, this is such a good read about such a difficult topic. My maternal grandparents made similar trips at similar ages, so this resonated at a different level for me.
I appreciate how Hiranandani acknowledges that this version of the journey was both easier and harder when compared to other people's cross into "new" India. It's a good way to introduce the topic and teach new generations of the Indian diaspora about our roots and heaviness that accompanied our freedom from the British Empire.
The story was so well written, I kept moving from diary entry to diary entry and quickly finished the book. I now want to know what happens next with Nisha and her family. I also want a story about Kazi and his journey.
Given the writing style, level of information and visualization, and pacing of the story, I would recommend this book for anyone seventh grade and up. Note: there are a couple of small, not too gory, violent scenes. They definitely add to the story and are "milder" reflections of the true horrors of this time period between India and Pakistan. There is also an underlying theme of a lost loved one.
I appreciate how Hiranandani acknowledges that this version of the journey was both easier and harder when compared to other people's cross into "new" India. It's a good way to introduce the topic and teach new generations of the Indian diaspora about our roots and heaviness that accompanied our freedom from the British Empire.
The story was so well written, I kept moving from diary entry to diary entry and quickly finished the book. I now want to know what happens next with Nisha and her family. I also want a story about Kazi and his journey.
Given the writing style, level of information and visualization, and pacing of the story, I would recommend this book for anyone seventh grade and up. Note: there are a couple of small, not too gory, violent scenes. They definitely add to the story and are "milder" reflections of the true horrors of this time period between India and Pakistan. There is also an underlying theme of a lost loved one.