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A review by perfictionist19
The Forestborns by Vardhini Amin, Vardhini Amin
4.0
The Forestborns is a beautifully narrated tale that brings to life the magical world of Vriksha, where plant souls roam under the moonlight, embodying human-like resilience, vulnerability, and courage. As soon as I started reading the book, I was immediately surprised when I stumbled upon the Assamese word Deha, meaning "physical body." Later, I came to know that the word is actually derived from Sanskrit :D , but yeah the incorporation of such words and phrases adds a cultural depth that feels welcoming. Thouhtful details like these ground the story, inviting readers to consider the deep-rooted connections between humans and nature since time immemorial in an authentic way.
The narrative follows Siah, a spirited young tree soul, on a mission to protect her forest from the dangers posed by sandalwood smugglers. Along the way, she meets Avni, a girl who finds solace in nature, setting the stage for a beautiful journey. Their connection transcends worlds, emphasizing that magic can bridge the realms of humans and nature in ways both miraculous and heart-wrenching. The shared space, where plants come alive with emotion, is a potent reminder of the living world around us, its struggles, and its resilience, drawing poignant parallels to real-world issues like poaching, deforestation, and climate threats.
Beyond the external conflicts, Siah and Avni's story explores the inner battles faced by each character, including the struggle for self-acceptance and the courage to bare one’s soul. These internal challenges make their journeys feel intimate and personal. The sense of nostalgia woven into the story is powerful, reminiscent of cherished childhood tales—of beloved folklore and fairy tales—while imparting lessons important for today's world.
The illustrations in the book bring the magical realm of Vriksha to life in a way that feels both enchanting and immersive. This is a book I would recommend to readers regardless of their age, for it’s a tale as relevant as it is timeless, proving that magic lives within us all.
The Forestborns is a story with purpose, where each character has their own unique journey, yet they all come together in the end to remind us that nothing is impossible if we stand united for the greater good.
The narrative follows Siah, a spirited young tree soul, on a mission to protect her forest from the dangers posed by sandalwood smugglers. Along the way, she meets Avni, a girl who finds solace in nature, setting the stage for a beautiful journey. Their connection transcends worlds, emphasizing that magic can bridge the realms of humans and nature in ways both miraculous and heart-wrenching. The shared space, where plants come alive with emotion, is a potent reminder of the living world around us, its struggles, and its resilience, drawing poignant parallels to real-world issues like poaching, deforestation, and climate threats.
Beyond the external conflicts, Siah and Avni's story explores the inner battles faced by each character, including the struggle for self-acceptance and the courage to bare one’s soul. These internal challenges make their journeys feel intimate and personal. The sense of nostalgia woven into the story is powerful, reminiscent of cherished childhood tales—of beloved folklore and fairy tales—while imparting lessons important for today's world.
The illustrations in the book bring the magical realm of Vriksha to life in a way that feels both enchanting and immersive. This is a book I would recommend to readers regardless of their age, for it’s a tale as relevant as it is timeless, proving that magic lives within us all.
The Forestborns is a story with purpose, where each character has their own unique journey, yet they all come together in the end to remind us that nothing is impossible if we stand united for the greater good.