Summary: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is a coming-of-age novel that revolves around the life of a 12-year-old girl named Nisha, set in India during the 1970s. Nisha, who is of Indian and American descent, navigates her way through cultural identity and family struggles after her mother's tragic death. With the support of her loving father and grandmother, Nisha finds comfort in her late-night bicycle rides through the streets of her neighborhood, where she feels a deep connection to her mother's spirit and gains a sense of freedom and self-discovery. The novel explores themes of grief, loss, belonging and resilience.
Opinion: The most compelling aspect for me was the way the author created together themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the healing power of self-discovery. Nisha's journey was so relatable and touching. It felt like I was right there with her on those late-night bike rides, experiencing her emotions and growth firsthand. There were some moments in the book where it was predictable and the plot twists were also not that surprising. However, it still has many good scenes. I would recommend The Night Diary to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories filled with heartfelt emotions and cultural exploration. It's a book that will resonate with anyone, as it deals with themes that are relatable. If you're looking for a good book that will leave you feeling uplifted and thoughtful, this is definitely the book to read. I give this book a ⅘.