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The Sleeping Dictionary (Daughters Of Bengal, (2013)

by Sujata Massey(Favorite Author)

4.06 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Dreamscape Media, LLC

series

Daughters of Bengal

review 1: My love for Bengali Sarees wasn't enough that I had to get my hands on this one. Massey is a fantastic storyteller. Pom is so lovable and real. All her transitions of life, every new turn comes naturally. There Isn't much melodrama here still the reader is made aware of her agony and her urge to keep moving. I liked that vibrating positive energy in the book. One can't stop falling in love with the book throughout. The characters of Kamala, Simon and Kabita stayed truthful to their soul, and you can't but want to thrash Mummy. Honestly, the final letter of Kabita got my tears flowing...Your Loving daughter Kabita Zeenat Hazal Smith.
review 2: The book begins with an intriguing first sentence..."You ask for my name, the real one, and I cannot tell." And thus b... moreegins the saga of an orphaned village girl who changes names, situations and her life during the chaotic times prior to WWII in India. It is a tale of survival against terrible odds, the search for self-realization, the longing for a family and belonging, a thirst for knowledge, a love of books and literature, politics, freedom, great cruelty and a romance that crosses cultural boundaries. Ms Massey has shared part of the rich history of Indian culture while weaving a captivating tale highlighting the strength that many unsung Indian women exhibited during this turbulent period. Ms Massey's extensive research is evident, as is her love and respect for her Indian heritage. This is a beautiful book which will leave you hoping the story will continue with the engaging main characters in a sequel.Also included are many "extras" which enhance the story: A list of characters, both fictional and historic; an extensive Hindi/Bengali/English glossary which explains the mystifying title's meaning among other things; a conversation with the author and her acknowledgements; a bibliography; a reading group guide; and lastly, several recipes to try for a "taste of old Calcutta."Ms Massey has indeed flexed her literary muscles with this departure from her well-loved Rei Shimura series. As a long-time fan I look forward to the next Rei book and another Indian saga. In the meantime, I am off to try out those recipes of old Calcutta because having tried others from Ms Massey's website, I know they will be as just enjoyable as her books! Yum!! less

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