bathtubbookworm 's review for:

Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti

4.75

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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🎧🛁 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🛁🎧

Dava Shastri’s Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti 

Narrated by Soneela Nankani

“Death takes so much, but it never will rob you of your memories.”

Synopsis: Dava Shastri is the matriarch of her family. She has gathered them all together for Christmas at their vacation home - but there’s something her family doesn’t know. Dava is sick, this is to be her last Christmas, and she’s ending her life on her terms.

This was such a lovely listen. A family drama I love, but this family drama had so much heart behind it, and you could feel it throughout the book. The narration was amazing - kudos to Soneela Nankani.

One of the major themes at play during this book is learning your parents aren’t perfect people and coping with that. Davas children and grandchildren struggle with this reality while also struggling with their mothers decision of assisted suicide. Being someone who is very close with their headstrong mother, this hit really close to home for me. The dynamics at play with the siblings, their children, and their significant others felt very genuine. The way everyone grappled with finding out secrets about their mother before she’s gone was handled extremely well and played out like real life. 

I suggest listening to this on audio, as there’s a special surprise at the end that really got me. The takeaway is that memories will always last even if those you made them with are gone, good or bad. I give Dava Shastri’s Last Day 9.5/10 bubble baths!📚🛁✨