Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: March 2013
Categories: Family Life, Coming of Age, India
Description:
Orphaned at birth, seventeen-year-old Korobi Roy has enjoyed a sheltered childhood with her adoring grandparents. But she is troubled by the silence that surrounds her parents’ death and clings fiercely to her only inheritance from them: the love note she found in her mother’s book of poetry. Korobi dreams of one day finding a love as powerful as her parents’, and it seems her wish has come true when she meets the charming Rajat, the only son of a high-profile family.
But shortly after their engagement, a heart attack kills Korobi’s grandfather, revealing serious financial problems and a devastating secret about Korobi’s past. Shattered by this discovery and by her grandparents’ betrayal, Korobi undertakes a courageous search across post-9/11 America to find her true identity. Her dramatic, often startling journey will, ultimately, thrust her into the most difficult decision of her life.
My Thoughts:
I love stories about India. I love coming of age stories. I love rich and luscious tales that take you somewhere you wouldn’t otherwise go. This book contained all of that and more.
Korobi’s life is seemingly headed in a happy, though predictable, direction. A family secret comes to light that throws her onto a different path. Her desire to learn more about her parents sends her on a journey of self-discovery that compelled me to keep reading.
The subplots and minor characters in Oleander Girl were captivating. There is Rajat’s mother who is desperately trying to hang on to a way of life that might be finished. Korobi’s grandmother is ashamed of her role in keeping secrets from Korobi. Asif, a driver, finds himself in a position to help and/or harm the relationships around him. Sonia, a girl from Rajat’s past is as dangerous as she is beautiful.
I highly recommend this book. Highly.
The Relentless Reader 
Chitra Divakaruni is one of my favorite authors! I'll be sure to pick this one up.
LikeLike
I'll absolutely be looking for more of her work. This book is simply gorgeous 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like a family secret to uncover. Multi ethnic stories are always interesting to read.
LikeLike
I read one of her books a few years back. The name escapes me, but it was excellent. I'll be looking forward to this one now.
LikeLike
This sounds awesome, there are so many themes I enjoy – coming of age, Indian stories etc. Added to the wishlist!
LikeLike
I agree Harvee. I always love reading about other cultures!
LikeLike
I really have to read her other books. I have a feeling I've found a new (to me) author to love 🙂
LikeLike
Yes yes and yes! If you like those themes you will adore this book 🙂 I almost guarantee it!
LikeLike
I added it to my wishlist, it sounds fantastic.
LikeLike
This is the first I've heard of this book but I am totally interested in it. I haven't read many books based in India but I think I would like it. Thanks for the recommendation!
LikeLike
It comes out next month, watch for it 🙂 I think you'll like it!
LikeLike
It's a fascinating culture, I think you'll like it too! 🙂 This book comes out in March, I hope you'll find time to read it!
LikeLike
Reading books about India and China and other cultures that are so different is always so fascinating to me!
LikeLike
This one would be a great book for you then!
LikeLike
I still haven't found a book that I like set in India, so thanks for the recommendation, I will try sooner or later with this one!I don't know why, but I always find myself reading about magic and evil ghosts in the books about India I choose 😦
LikeLike
I'm so bad about reading books set outside of the US, but I love books where the subplots are just as well-written as the main story line. I'm off to see if my library will be getting this one!
LikeLike
This sounds great! And I've heard nothing but good things about this author.
LikeLike
This one is a good one Isi. Another fantastic book is Behind the Beautiful Forevers 🙂
LikeLike
I have a good feeling that you'll like this one Lindsey 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you find time for this one, it's a gem 🙂
LikeLike
I will have to check this out – I would love to visit India one day. If I can make a suggestion, middle grade book wise, Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan is a fantastic kids book.
LikeLike
I'd love to visit India too. It sounds like a place of such contradictions!
LikeLike
I find myself reading a lot about China, which I love… But I want to visit another country, um, bookishly. This sounds like a great start into my journey through India. Thanks for the recommendation!
LikeLike
Traveling through books is the way to go! I hope you do read this one, it's a delight!
LikeLike
Oh, lovely review! Another one to add to my list….
LikeLike
Thank you Laurel 🙂 It's a lovely book too!
LikeLike
Yay! My family is from India but I was born and brought up in America. I LOVE reading about India, it's my way to reconnect to my heritage when traveling there is not yet an option for my family and I. I have put this on my to-read list as well.
LikeLike
Oh! I find that so fascinating! I love reading about India. I don't know exactly why but I'm so interested in the culture, etc. I do hope you get to this book, it's a gem 🙂
LikeLike
I just got this and I can't wait to read it. I've always been fascinated about India and I think I will enjoy reading this a lot. Glad you liked it!
LikeLike
I loved this book as well. I'm with you on stories about India, set in India. Good stuff!
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy it, I definitely did! I'm glad that the paperback release is garnering more attention for this book.
LikeLike
It's been a while since I've read something set in India now. I need to find another! 😀
LikeLike
Dear Jennifer,going by your comments…wanting to read about Indian culture & love for this particular author(Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni) you will immensely enjoy the works of same author- \”Sister of my heart\” ..After reading this would you get a feel one gets after quickly finishing a favorite dessert. And with it's sequel \”The Vine of Desire\” you will explore an entire new avenue of thought process.Enjoy Reading 🙂
LikeLike