These fairy tales shall interact with the readers where an iconic character like Snow White can be hearing impaired and communicates through sign language; story reading can in itself be re-invented to make it more inclusive for all hearing-impaired children. Shabdo, the trusted hearing aid, magnifies sounds and enables hearing through varying frequencies and at times the disturbing whistles.
There are twists and turns, and the final destination back to India across the border seems close yet far away, fraught with danger at every step. The author shows how nothing is black and white, and even a hidebound Pakistani intelligence agent lets his humanity peep through his tough exterior. To say more would be a spoiler.
For this realization to dawn she is helped by a small time ‘newbie’ influencer Sameer. They both make mistakes and come out better human beings, thanks to unexpectedly meeting each other.
There are several authentic dialogues between characters that feel natural. It is a book of approximately 220 pages which makes for a quick and enjoyable read. The story is divided into chapters which helps in connecting all the ongoing processes in the story. Some illustrations could be added in every chapter for connectivity. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel.
When Leela’s meshtru, her teacher at school, tells them about how powerful Gandhiji’s speeches are, she can’t help but wonder, how powerful his voice be. Thus starts the journey of interaction with her community on the freedom struggle tidbits (psst– it is worth reading to find how she describes MK Gandhi’s voice)
The Henna Start-Up is the coming-of-age story of a girl from a conservative family who struggles, makes mistakes and has to overcome many threats and challenges for the simple freedom to study what she wants and to have the friends she likes. It is also a romance in which a young adult has to face her feelings for someone whom she both likes and distrusts. The book, though, is not just about Abir; it also is about her family and friends,