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The Candid Life of Meena Dave

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The Candid Life of Meena Dave

By: Namrata Patel
Narrated by: Soneela Nankani
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A woman embarks on an unexpected journey into her past in an engrossing novel about identity, family secrets, and rediscovering the need to belong.

Meena Dave is a photojournalist and a nomad. She has no family, no permanent address, and no long-term attachments, preferring to observe the world at a distance through the lens of her camera. But Meena’s solitary life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits an apartment in a Victorian brownstone in historic Back Bay, Boston.

Though Meena’s impulse is to sell it and keep moving, she decides to use her journalistic instinct to follow the story that landed her in the home of a stranger. It’s a mystery that comes with a series of hidden clues, a trio of meddling Indian aunties, and a handsome next-door neighbor. For Meena it’s a chance for newfound friendships, community, and culture she never thought possible. And a window into her past she never expected.

Now as everything unknown to Meena comes into focus, she must reconcile who she wants to be with who she really is.

©2022 Namrata Patel (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction United States World Literature Comedy
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Critic reviews

Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Finalist

“A thoroughly entertaining rendition of one woman’s search for belonging.”Kirkus Reviews

“Full of lively characters who will win readers’ hearts and keep them thinking long after the book is finished, this book is a genuine, charming debut. Long-buried secrets and a journey of self-discovery will keep the pages turning.”Booklist

“[A]n inherently fascinating and impressively scripted novel…”Midwest Book Review

All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed this book and the way that the characters developed. The secrets of who was the mother was guessed early in book .

Great Book!

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This is a whole 'nothingness' book. Literally just the ramblings of an adopted woman wondering about her birthday mith
Very obvious love story
Very obvious who the mother is.
Boring narration, had to put the speed up.
At one point I realised I'd jumped 4 chapters by mistake - it didn't matter one but, Meena was still navel gazing and self obsessed.
Apart from the fact that the narrator is very American (Horrrrr, Mirrr) she also emphasises the wrong words occasionally, and can't pronounce 'rifles' correctly
Irritating.

There is no story

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