Review by Booklist Review
This tapestry of stories follows Pavi from ages 8 to 10 in Tamil Nadu, South India, in the 1970s. From cousin squabbles to school drama to living with grief, Pavi's journey will still be relatable to many readers today. Pavi struggles with uncertainty about her father's job, wonders why so many adults shy away from her questions, and yearns for greater independence. Pavi and her intergenerational family--including her paternal grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousin--live intertwined lives, visiting her maternal grandparents and going to her deceased uncle's grave on his birthday each year. Though the book is primarily linear, Pavi's flashbacks and memories are interspersed. The result is an almost vignette-style novel, allowing readers to leisurely experience Pavi's journey to adolescence. Heavier moments, such as the pain of grief, uncertainty, and pregnancy loss, are countered with humorous romps via Pavi's games with her friends and cousin, a mango-theft spree, and tender family scenes. Reddeppa seamlessly incorporates Tamil language and the ripple effects of colonialism into her debut. A glossary and an author's note complete the back matter.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Though her uncle Selva died five months after she was born, nine-year-old Pavi--who lives in 1975 Madras, South India, now called Chennai--has always felt linked to him. Her extended Tamil family often compares Pavi to Selva, which makes her feel unsure of her own identity. This feeling of uncertainty worsens as she navigates cliques at her British private school, a new sibling on the way, and her parents' decision to move the family to the U.S. Following an embarrassing incident with a teacher and a startling revelation from her aunt, Pavi's physical and mental health take a turn, leading to an unpredictable and dangerous situation. The historical setting skillfully illustrates the tension between British and Indian cultures as well as colorism and the caste system, and how these variables impact Pavi's understanding of her family and herself. Sometimes extraneous detail and an abrupt resolution aside, a sizable, fully drawn cast includes empathetic renderings of mental health challenges surrounding suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression, and schizophrenia. Lighthearted moments between Pavi and her family members--particularly cousin Ruku and younger brother Arun--impart a cheerful undercurrent to Reddeppa's emotional debut. An author's note and glossary conclude. Ages 9--13. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--Feisty nine-year-old Pavi tells a compelling story of life, culture, and self-discovery. Set in 1975 Madras (now Chenai), this is an intimate glimpse into the vibrant Tamil culture that tackles universal themes of identity and belonging. Pavi's insatiable curiosity about life's big questions, such as birth, death, and her family's traditions, drives the narrative forward. Her determination to uncover the truth highlights the themes of resilience and the importance of confronting difficult facts. The inclusion of Pavi's family tree and notes on Tamil culture in the introduction set the stage for readers to immerse themselves in her world. The family dynamic, rich with love, humor, and occasional tension, is authentic and relatable. Pavi's most poignant exploration surrounds the mysterious death of her Uncle Selva, a family secret that the adults are reluctant to discuss. This thread serves as a vehicle for deeper conversations about truth, memory, traditions, and intergenerational storytelling. The story's strength lies in its vivid portrayal of South Asian culture. From the bustling streets, traditional foods, and educational system to the close-knit family dynamics, every detail immerses readers in a world that is both specific and universal. The book also addresses important social themes, such as how societal perceptions of children's abilities, appearances, and futures shape their experiences. The extensive glossary at the back enriches understanding. VERDICT This beautifully crafted, culturally rich story celebrates diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi's journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections.--Lynne Stover
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The shadow of death looms over a girl's life in this coming-of-age tale set in 1970s Chennai in Southern India. Reddeppa's debut follows an eventful year in Pavithra Ramachandran's life as she negotiates the ups and downs of her intergenerational Tamil family. Beloved though Pavi is, her birth is always mentioned in the same breath as her maternal uncle Selva's untimely death at 26, just a few months later. Pavi, who's almost 9, feels a strong connection to Selva Uncle, and to Chanki, her paternal granduncle, who's the black sheep of the family with a flair for storytelling. When a grieving relative lays the blame for Selva's death on Pavi's shoulders, saying that her birth came with a sign of a curse, Pavi's actions set in motion a chain of events that lead to danger and unearth troubling family secrets. Strong-willed, impetuous Pavi is an intriguing character, though her words and actions sometimes feel much older than her years. The initially sunny narrative takes a dark turn and includes incidents with predatory men, threatened violence from an exorcist summoned to rid Pavi of her grief, and graphically described injuries resulting from her own rash actions. The plot sags in the second half but effectively tackles themes including unquestioning faith and the power of words to uplift or crush a child's psyche. A poignant, visceral story about superstition, unresolved grief, and the wounds they can inflict. (family trees, Tamil culture note, author's note, glossary)(Fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
