When Life Gives You Mangoes by Kereen Getten
Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books
Pages:224
Price: Rs. 757 INR(paperback), Rs. 315 INR(Kindle edition)
ISBN: 978–1782692645
Buy here: https://amzn.to/3ikvzAD
My take on the book:
Clara a twelve-year-old girl lives on the island of Sycamore with her parents, a place where no one new ever comes in, except the visiting tourists who find it ‘exotic’. A new girl arrived this summer, but Clara is skeptical of the first impression she would make as all the kids in the island assume Clara changed from last summer.
Clara seems to have forgotten everything that happened last summer, though the memories keep coming in as flashes. From dreaming to become a surfer and go surf the whole world, Clara is now dead scared to even put her feet in water. What happened last summer, did Clara really lose her memory of the past and how does the new girl Rudy change Clara’s life form the rest of the story.
The backdrop of the island, the close knitted neighborhood, the innocence of the kids, especially the simple and silly games they keep playing, the way they fight, form groups — every single nuance is captured beautifully by the author. The hill, sea, banana grove, the entire island’s picturesque backdrop is exquisitely described by the author making the reader yearn to go on a beach holiday.
Clara and Rudy’s pretend games are impressive as they replay a variety of scenarios. From page one the reader would be curious to know the reason for Clara’s lost memory and as the truth is unveiled it will shock the reader, the twist is the most unexpected, though there are very few clues dropped.
Middle grade fiction can be tricky, and the author succeeds in spinning a narrative that appeals to all age groups. The cover is extremely well-designed. Pick this one to read a warm story about friendship and loss.
My rating:
4/5.
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Ranjini
This sounds like a very interesting book. I’ve been looking for easy and fast moving fiction to read. Is this one of them?
Modern Gypsy
Sounds like an interesting – and intriguing – read. I wonder what happened to Clara! Recommending it to some of my friends with young kids.
Roshan Radhakrishnan
This is a unique genre when you think of it… Haven’t seen many like this. Am definitely curious.
Chinmayee Gayatree sahu
your review has made it clear for me to read this book now. the book seems interesting and I am sure it will be a fun ride to read the book.
Shalini
Oooo, that’s definitely an intriguing plot. I think I will pick it up. Loved the beautiful cover and your review too.
Paresh Godhwani
The cover got my attention. Considering your review it looks like a great book for children. Will recommend it to my niece.
Jenifer
The story is intriguing & even am excited to know the truth.
Will buy this book.
Deepa Gandhi
This looks like a book that I will enjoy. Thanks for the detailed review. I will check it out.
Aesha Shah
It seems like an interesting book, also one which both I and my 11 year old can read. Thanks for the review.
Swiddle D'Cunha
I am curious to know why Clara lost her memory.Very intriguing book review.Thanks
Richa Mina
the plot actually seems interesting. I’m going to read this one. Thanks for the review.
Lancelot Quadras
Clara’s story is very intriguing.
I am interested to know what made her forget everything and her love for surfing as well.
Kavita Singh
The cover of the book looks quite interesting and your review has left me intrigued to read more. Adding this to my TBR list 🙂
Neha Jain
This book seems really amazing. I am going to read this one for sure.
Radhika Acharya
Lovely. Simple but clear review. And the book sounds good too.
It’s always difficult to write for a target audience as young as that. But from your review it looks the author has achieved that.
Dr Bushra
The book sounds light hearted and refreshing tales from your review. #dewreads
#MyFriendAlexa
Ramya DRozario
What a brilliant cover, and the way you’ve written the review really makes me want to pick the book and read it.
Preeti Talwar
The review sounds good and I would love to read this book
Amritha Srinath
This book sounds like my kind of read. I am so curious to know what happened to Clara. I am heading to buy it from amazon
Tina Sequeira
Thanks for the recco, Kiranmayi! Been looking out for some good fiction for my daughter. This review helps. 🙂 #MyFriendAlexa #TinaReads
Ghazala Naseem
This is an interesting plot , kids would love reading such stories 🙂
Poonam
The title is so good. Quite an interesting plot.
I am a big fan of books on friendships. Have you read books by Morgan Matson? She captures friendship amazingly.
Leha
This sounds fascinating, the title is intriguing too.
Upasna
Seems like an interesting read. Loved the detailing of island. Will check it out for my Son.