Book Review (4 stars) – The Lost Daughter of India, by Sharon Maas

Blurb:

One woman. One impossible choice. Her daughter or her happiness …

When Caroline meets Kamal the attraction is instant. He’s enchanting, charismatic and she can’t wait to set up a new life with him in India. Both their families are against the union but Caroline is convinced they’ll come round, especially when she gives birth to a beautiful daughter, Asha.

Asha is an adorable child but Caroline, homesick and beginning to hate the remote Indian village they live in, struggles with motherhood. Kamal is hardly ever there and she feels more and more isolated. In the grips of severe depression Caroline flees back to America, leaving Asha behind.

Ten years later …

Caroline recovered from her illness, is consumed by thoughts of the daughter she abandoned. Desperate to find Asha, she reunites with Kamal, intent on tracking her down. Will they ever be able to find their lost daughter? If they have any chance, they must confront the painful truths of the past and a terrible secret that has been kept for many years, until now.

A heart-breaking and beautifully written story of loss, secrets and the strength of a mother’s love against all odds. If you enjoyed Diane Chamberlain and Lucinda Riley then this book will find its way into your heart and stay there.

My Review:

The Lost Daughter of India is a beautifully written tale about love, loss, the lure of a foreign country, and the struggles of childhood and motherhood.

Normally when I read about India in novels, it is with more of an exotic focus on the country. This book shows a much darker side, usually hidden by India’s vibrant colours and seductive beauty. This was a real eye-opener!

Although this story does cover a heavy subject, one that is very real, it is approached with sensitivity and not sensationalised in any way, so although difficult to imagine at times, it is one that we need to open our eyes to, as not everyone is lucky enough to be born into a secure, loving family with the wealth to keep them safe.

The Authors Note is a must read. It helped answer questions I had while reading this book, and brought home just how real this problem is. I’m aware I’m being rather vague about the plot, but I’m trying not to include any spoilers, as certain things aren’t mentioned in the blurb.