Book Review #36: The Naani Diaries by Riva Razdan

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There is something nostalgic about this book, which surely might have dragged me unconsciously to complete it in one go. I am honestly not into the kind of genre where there are words similar to “romance” or “Indian wedding”, but the title has my heart. It is the sole reason to form the perfect mood to unravel the journey of old times and an experienced opinion.

“The Naani Diaries'' by Riva Razdan is a perfect blend of family bond and patriarchal thinking for women. It has raised an accurate concern for all the women out there, who somewhere slide by societal rituals and perceptions. The author has not only shown the side of a girl’s dreams but also revealed the realities of those fantasies. 

This is a romantic story. No doubt. But hear me out, this is not a regular-boring-cheesy-with-evergreen-scripted-line type of romantic story. If I have fallen for this, any non-romantic person can read this at least for once. Giving you a very brief narration - there’s an independent Indian girl, born and brought up in NewYork. After having a heartbreak, she couldn’t bear the pain of being single in her thirties and decided to go all the way to old-fashioned ceremonies of arranged marriage, just like her grandparent’s tale. Little did she know that everything was just a mirage, and when she personally encountered all the dos and don'ts of this fat event, she discovered something new and powerful in herself. Her picture perfect Naani and slightly imperfect mother have presented solid life experiences in front of her, which led her to prioritize significant things in life. The boy next door - Zain, has also contributed an unexpected pattern to this imaginary story-line, who already has so much to struggle with his childhood traumas.  What I loved about all this, that the author has not made a happy ending of a fairy tale by introducing a prince charming for the girl, instead she has shown the practical side and acceptance of realities with brave hearts. The author has gracefully embraced the actual meaning of love through Birdy and Gayatri. If you want to know more, you must dive in.

Talking about the writing style, for me it is the major factor. Because Riva has collaborated the literal essence with Indian touch. I like the way she personalized many instances like the corporate world, Delhi-Mumbai tug of war, romanticization of fairy worlds, Indian arranged marriages and the beauty secrets of Naani. She has literally lived the life of Radhika and shewed everyone her true feelings. I agree that somewhere she has exaggerated the conversation about independence and mail-chain-therapy, but I think that is the original recipe she is showcasing the world. 

So, if you are looking for a light mood book with perfect collaboration of unblemished writing style, just go for it. “The Naani Diaries” will make you more desirous for your childhood memories with grandparents and also the adulting phase realities. 


This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

Click here to buy this book on Amazon.

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