Books For Beginners
Tara Saldanha
TANYA AUR USKA BEST FRIEND by Maria Parr A & A Books, 2018, 282 pp., 300
November 2018, volume 42, No 11

Books often serve as a bridge to another world. Maria Parr’s book does just that. It takes us into the world of Tanya (Tonje, in the original)—the pluckiest girl in the Glimmer Dale Valley—and her life full of innocent pranks, speed and self-confidence, and a friendship with a seventy something neighbour called Gunnvald.

The plot is beautifully woven through 32 chapters—with the main story unfolding gradually—with multiple layers and sub-stories building up as we move ahead. The first section packed with fun and frolic, innocent prankiness and humour—got me hooked instantly. As the plot thickened in the second section with the arrival of Heidi, I went through a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Two parallel strains of emotional experience unfolded—one was nostalgic memories of childhood pains and joys, and the second was a deep insight into the possible questions, thoughts, fears and doubts that my twelve-year old daughter may be going through every single day. Finally, the third part got something melting inside me—the music in it rang in my ears, the peace after the initial turmoil settled.

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