The Candid Life of Meena Dave

De: Namrata Patel

Narrado por: Soneela Nankani

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

Enjoyable, great narration

My daughter found this book worthy of giving her mother “orders” to read. I learned a lot while enjoying the read. The culture expressed in a fascinating way, has me reflecting in a manner new to me. That’s the sign of a good book if I remember correctly my literature class of 50 years ago. Thanks to the author and narrator for enriching my life. MORE, please!

Great story

This is not your normal cute story, some rough patches, everything ends great. Yet it's not a sad ended story either. this was creative, had a lot of rich culture throughout. Glad I found it!

Enjoyable Listen!

A cute “coming of age but I’m in my twenties” story. Found family and lost family and a good dash of romance, I loved reading Meeks’s story. Her character had depth, and sense, and love and kindness! I’ll be waiting for more from Patel!

Loved the story - not the narrator

Really enjoyed the plot line - it was unique and drew me in. The narrator sounded like a robot unless engaged in dialogue though!

intriguing story

I loved the narration! it made the story cone alive. The characters are rich and complex. I enjoyed learning more about Indian culture.

Narrator a bit annoying.

Story was fun - the mystery and setting in Boston.Unfortunately the narrator made the main character sound as if she was whining most of the time.

Enjoyed the discovery.

Enjoyed meenas story of discovering who she is and where she came from. Wanted her birth mother to care just a little bit but meena also formed bonds with her aunts.

One can guess the ending

I am Indian and I love Indian authors as it makes me feel right at home & so relatable. However this story was long drawn and how I wished there was more about the London chapter which could have been more descriptive. I’m disappointed with Audibles few choices of Indian authors.

Really enjoyed this lovely story. It causes one to look back at their own unique life and friends and family.

Well written and beautifully executed. Really enjoyed it and caused me to look back at how my family and friends influenced my life.

Enjoyable

I am happy I took a step from my regular reads to try this. The storyline and telling was great. I’m happy with the ending. I do believe it could have been shorter. Towards the end I kept checking how much longer. However, I highly recommend it because I thoroughly enjoyed the aunties & learning about the culture.