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_askthebookbug 's review for:
Bena's Summer
by Shibal Bhartiya
• r e v i e w •
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Few novels have an innate ability to invoke nostalgia and Bena's Summer was one such book. Very often I feel like aging backwards and revisiting the days when I had very little worries. To have the ability to speak our minds and not get into much trouble, to the days when we weren't burdened with all the things that were set aside only for the adults. Bena's life reminded me of the summers I spent all those years ago at my grandparents house, a memory that I'll always cherish. Written in simple language, Shibal connects with the readers with ease through Bena. How is it even possible to not adore a child who has a unique sense of humour and unmatched wit?
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The story begins with Bena playing along the banks of the river Phalgu with her father watching over lovingly. Bena's thoughtfulness soon becomes evident as she watches her father mourning for his mother near her grave and decides not to disturb him. Her summers are split between Gaya with her paternal family and then in Sultanpur where the maternal side spoil her immensely. Bena's parents are clearly different from that of her cousins' because they encourage her to speak her mind rather than shushing her for being a child. Her days are spent by playing games with her cousins, gorging on delicious food and being pampered by everyone for being the youngest of all. In Sultanpur, her lovely grandparents and aunt treat her with much love and affection, whipping up exotic dishes for her and narrating stories for the hundredth time without a hint of annoyance. Bena, notices a zillion unsaid things between the adults and in her own way, addresses it. Albeit her actions seem hilarious, they somehow make perfect sense.
There are a lot of serious issues that the book addresses be it the Hindu-Muslim riots or lost love and even abuse. I loved how well Shibal created Bena to carry such a heavy part but it comes off effortlessly. There were many instances that made me laugh and admire Bena's sharp tongue. This was a breezy read, perfect with a cup of coffee. I was however, disappointed to see few grammatical errors.
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4.3/5
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Few novels have an innate ability to invoke nostalgia and Bena's Summer was one such book. Very often I feel like aging backwards and revisiting the days when I had very little worries. To have the ability to speak our minds and not get into much trouble, to the days when we weren't burdened with all the things that were set aside only for the adults. Bena's life reminded me of the summers I spent all those years ago at my grandparents house, a memory that I'll always cherish. Written in simple language, Shibal connects with the readers with ease through Bena. How is it even possible to not adore a child who has a unique sense of humour and unmatched wit?
.
The story begins with Bena playing along the banks of the river Phalgu with her father watching over lovingly. Bena's thoughtfulness soon becomes evident as she watches her father mourning for his mother near her grave and decides not to disturb him. Her summers are split between Gaya with her paternal family and then in Sultanpur where the maternal side spoil her immensely. Bena's parents are clearly different from that of her cousins' because they encourage her to speak her mind rather than shushing her for being a child. Her days are spent by playing games with her cousins, gorging on delicious food and being pampered by everyone for being the youngest of all. In Sultanpur, her lovely grandparents and aunt treat her with much love and affection, whipping up exotic dishes for her and narrating stories for the hundredth time without a hint of annoyance. Bena, notices a zillion unsaid things between the adults and in her own way, addresses it. Albeit her actions seem hilarious, they somehow make perfect sense.
There are a lot of serious issues that the book addresses be it the Hindu-Muslim riots or lost love and even abuse. I loved how well Shibal created Bena to carry such a heavy part but it comes off effortlessly. There were many instances that made me laugh and admire Bena's sharp tongue. This was a breezy read, perfect with a cup of coffee. I was however, disappointed to see few grammatical errors.
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4.3/5