The Forgotten Daughter by Renita D'Silva

The Forgotten Daughter by Renita D’Silva– 400 pages

Book Blurb:

Three simple words, in a letter accompanying her parent’s will, tear Nisha’s carefully ordered world apart. Raised in England, by her caring but emotionally reserved parents, Nisha has never been one to take risks. Now, with the scrawled address of an Indian convent begins a search for the mother and family she never knew and the awakening of childhood memories long forgotten. The secrets, culture and people that Nisha discover will change her life forever. And, as her eyes are opened to a side of herself she didn’t know existed, Nisha realizes that she must also seek answers to the hardest question of all – why?

My Review: 4.5 stars

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What a beautiful tribute to mothers, daughters and sisters, both adopted and biological. Set in England and India, this book is told from 3 women’s interwoven and unique perspectives. The author writes lyrically and knows how to tell a story that will keep you flipping the pages. I love that all three women used written words as their coping mechanisms by writing diary entries, letters or lists. Ultimately, it was through these lines of communication that the plot unfolds with their secrets, dreams and absolutions. Food also plays a large role in the book, and the author included the recipes, which I always appreciate. It would be fun to make some of the dishes for a book club discussion. I know its a petty issue, but I really didn’t like the cover. The quote, “You were adopted.” seemed like a negative aspect (although it’s absolutely not portrayed that way in the book) and the having the girl on the cover made is seem like a memoir. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Quotes I liked:

For me, food doesn’t just taste sweet, sour, spicy, what have you—it tastes of feelings, it invokes memories.”

-“Remember, you will never get back this moment in time.”

-“I love you best when you’re asleep, Ma, when I don’t have to see the naked love in your pleading eyes, when you mouth is not working overtime administering endearments and admonishments in equal measure.”

– “Finding succor in words. You with your diary, Ma. Me with my letters to you, and my sister with her lists. Words that brought us all together in the end.”