"[N]othing is better than settling into a great read – the kind of story you can’t put down. Secret Daughter ... is a book to read and savour and then pass on to everyone you know."
— Heather Reisman, CEO & Chief Booklover, Chapters Indigo
"Tackling such themes as birth, death, adoption, poverty and immigration, Secret Daughter is eminently readable. In fact, it is hard to put down, as its two parallel storylines inevitably collide."
— Tanya Sherlock, Vancouver Sun & Ottawa Citizen
"First time novelist Shilpi Somaya Gowda arrives on the literary scene with her debut novel Secret Daughter, and scores a home run. ... a very compelling read, for its insights into Indian life, culture and customs. Gowda is definitely a talent to follow."
— Shelley Civkin, The Richmond Review
"Secret Daughter is a family saga and Gowda moves back and forth between continents and cultures effortlessly. This is a story of the endurance of hearts, marriages, women, and our heart’s need to find the place we belong. Gowda’s descriptive prose creates rich visuals ... Gowda tells a rich, interconnected story of families and of ties that never break, no matter how thinly they are stretched or how far the distance of time or geography."
— Judith Meyrick, Books and Bits, The Nova Scotian, July 11 2010
"This is the unforgettable story of two families ... movingly conveyed without a shred of sentimentality. This is a rattling good yarn taken to another notch entirely by writing that has intensity and depth, and a great cast of characters. Provocative and wonderfully real, this is the perfect book for reading clubs."
— Australian Women's Weekly Magazine, May 2010
One of Elle Magazine's Top 3 Books: "In Secret Daughter, the first novel by Shilpi Somaya Gowda, a woman gives birth to a baby girl and reluctantly sends her to an orphanage in Mumbai. There, she is adopted by an American woman and her Asian husband and taken to California. Instead of offering the baby a “better” life, this exchange conjoins the two families in an increasingly intense conflict about love, heritage and motherhood."
— Elle (Canada) - May 2010 issue, Page 76
"Some of the best contemporary novels about families and what it means to be American are being written by Indian-Americans ... I've read and admired a lot of them lately, and Secret Daughter, Shilpi Somaya Gowda's debut, is my favorite. ... her novel is captivating and ultimately very wise. ... especially vivid and heart-rending. This novel travels far in the world, and deep into the human heart."
— Pamela Miller, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"The novel is often emotionally poignant, especially when Gowda taps into the losses and fears that both mothers face, or as Asha slowly begins to appreciate what a family in all its intricacies can mean."
— Piali Roy, Globe & Mail
"This tale of birth and death, strength and weakness, gain and loss, joy and pain runs the gamut of human emotions, with characters that always astound and relationships that swing from one extreme to the other....Gowda weaves a bold, compassionate story that is difficult to ignore. ...Written in compassionate prose with a deep understanding of the complexities of motherhood, Gowda can’t help but shine as a first-time author."
— Jeanne E. Fredriksen, India Currents Magazine
"The novel does a wonderful job of narrating cultural differences and discrepancies of Indian life, the wide rift between the rich and the poor. The Book is easily readable and makes the reader emotional at several points. The novel has all the elements that attract a reader, especially women. The reader becomes captivated by the variety of characters in the story. Gowda writes the story with touching words and gives vivid descriptions."
— Siva Sivapragasam, Monsoon Journal, June edition, page 35
"[A] debut novel from [a] fresh, vibrant voice portraying a heroine straddling two cultures ... offers readers cause for celebration. ... a page-turning dual narrative."
— David Frauenfelder, Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer
"Gowda captures the pain and joy of motherhood with a fine balance between tenderness and reality, celebrating the power and impact of a mother’s love."
— The West Australian
"This is a powerful debut novel that manages to tackle infanticide, poverty and gender inequality in a heartfelt story."
— The Courier-Mail
"Twin stories run through this accomplished first novel ... [Gowda] tells them both convincingly. ... The journey towards the conclusion is well worth reading."
— Claudia Hyles, Canberra Times
“Secret Daughter is an engaging read, with its quick shifts between characters and rapid movement through 20 years of familial narrative."
— Rebecca Steinitz, Boston Globe
"[Q]uite engrossing ... Gowda is an adept tour guide, smoothly transporting readers from one continent and culture to another with a sense of authority."
— Debby Waldman, Edmonton Journal
"Dualities abound in this engrossing first novel ... Gowda weaves her tale deftly ... The sounds, scents and sights of India are vividly drawn, pulling the reader deep into a culture that most of us have only glimpsed, perhaps, in Slumdog Millionaire. Two worlds collide, then meld, in a story that intimately considers how we all are shaped, through fate or free will, nurture or nature, by the astounding power of family love."
— Joyce Sáenz Harris, Dallas Morning News
Good Housekeeping's Book Pick To Grip You: "Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. ... This wise debut moves deftly between the child's two mothers and cultures."
— Good Housekeeping, April 2010 issue, Page 202
"Shilpi Somaya Gowda's flair for detail is evident in the way she describes the clothes, food, the streets and their smells of this land teeming with people and poverty. This story about motherhood, loss, family and forgiveness is authentic in every way. ... The prose is so achingly touching, it draws the reader in with every description and emotion of the characters."
— Lisa Orkin Emmanuel, Associated Press
"In her engaging debut, Gowda weaves together two compelling stories ... Gowda writes with compassion and uncanny perception ... while portraying the vibrant traditions, sights, and sounds of modern India"
— Booklist Reviews
"Secret Daughter is spellbinding. ... Gowda sets the stage early, using lyrical prose that easily draws the reader in. Her story and characters are engaging and the setting exotic. Readers will have a hard time putting this novel down."
— Jessica Harrison, Deseret News
"First novelist Gowda offers especially vivid descriptions of the contrasts and contradictions of modern India … Rife with themes that lend themselves to discussion, such as cultural identity, adoption, and women's roles.”
— Library Journal Review
"[A] poignant and inspiring story of the strength and love of mothers everywhere. ... [Gowda's] writing is characterized by beautiful, vivid description and the story’s changing points of view enable the reader to grasp the wide range of emotions and struggles experienced by the masterfully crafted array of characters. Secret Daughter is a unified, moving and deeply satisfying novel."
— Erica Narwold, CityView
"[Secret Daughter's] gentle rhythms seduce and win the reader over to this moving look at two faces of motherhood, oceans apart."
— Texas Monthly
“[A] fable of family division and reconciliation, gaining intensity and depth from the author’s sharp social observations.”
— Kirkus Reviews
ADVANCE PRAISE
"[A] deeply moving and timeless story of an adopted daughter's long distance search for cultural identity and acceptance ... "
— Kathleen Kent, author of national bestseller The Heretic's Daughter
“Gowda has masterfully portrayed two families … linked by a powerful, painful tie that complicates their lives …. A thought-provoking examination of the challenges of being a woman in America and in India—and in the psychological spaces in between.”
— Chitra Divakaruni, author of One Amazing Thing, Sister of my Heart
“Set in California and the teeming city of Mumbai, Secret Daughter is a beautifully composed compelling story of love, loss, discovery and the true meaning of family.”
— Anjali Banerjee, author of Invisible Lives
“It’s moving and thought-provoking and informative and imaginative and beautifully executed. What a wonderful story!”
— Mary Jane Clark, New York Times bestselling author
“Secret Daughter is an unflinching yet compassionate story of mothers and daughters. In a tale that moves between Mumbai, India and Northern California, Shilpi Somaya Gowda sensitively explores the balancing acts of of international adoption and bi-cultural families. This book is a must for anyone touched by adoption, or India, or the delicate dynamic between adolescent girls and their mothers."
— Sujata Massey, author of Shimura Trouble
BLOG BUZZ
"I loved this book. Period. I read it in two days and found it very hard to put it down. ... This book is not only beautifully written but deals with many issues - sex, class, education, family and different cultures - all wrapped up in a very inviting and compelling story. ... This book is a gem and I highly recommend it." [4.5/5 stars]
— Laurie, The Baking Bookworm
"Once I started reading Secret Daughter, I didn't want to stop ... Gowda is a gifted storyteller."
— Doret, Color Online
"I was moved to tears and could feel the pain of the characters involved. Different perspectives to the same event, conflicting reactions, and transformation of relationships as priorities and attitudes change were all a part of the book. I cannot do justice ... to the powerful message behind the story..."
— Pooja Ruprell
"[D]efinitely one of the best adult fiction books I've read this year! Incredibly poignant and filled with both tragedy and hope ... Gowda brilliantly captures the incredible contrasts that mark the society and culture of India ... Gowda weaves a story of hope and possibility. I highly recommend this book, especially as a book club offering."
— LibrisNotes
"[A] riveting read ... a story about women (young and old), transformations, finding self, sacrifice, love, family. Gowda's writing draws you into the lives of two families ... I couldn't put this book down, canceled dates, skipped meals and curled up on the couch with many cups of tea ... A definite MUST READ."
— Xania Khan, VerveGirl
"A truly, riveting, amazing read ... this book transports readers into a world of heartbreak, shock and life’s unknowns. ... this is a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve put it down... This is a story of family and endurance. A debut read that will having you thinking." [5 stars]
— Mrs Q: Book Addict
"This book was a page turner and a really good story with themes about what constitutes a family, sacrifice, and coming into one's self. The characters are charming and real. I tried to think of who my favourite character is, but I can't even decide. ... Please read Secret Daughter!"
— Alli's Thoughts on Food & Books
"Secret Daughter offers a stunning cultural comparison between the fetid slums of Mumbai and a post nuclear family America."
— Amanda Shaw, Summer Read Picks, Western Libraries
"Gowda delves deeply into the issues of love and cross-culturalism, revealing raw truths about the difficulty of attempting to mesh different ideals and expectations... A lovely, deeply emotional work that stirs the imagination and soul." [5 stars]
— Astarte, Literally Booked
"This novel was incredibly moving, and I found it very hard to put down ... What I loved about this book was the way the author weaves the stories together, and the vivid, well-described emotions."
— Kate, This Mom Loves
"Gowda expertly captures the conflict of emotions felt by [the characters] ... Gowda successfully weaves the two stories together, simultaneously educating and touching the heart of the reader."
— Zoe, In The Next Room
"[Secret Daughter] provided great culture and insights on India, as well as many insights into adoption. It was well-written and kept me going all the way to the end — I highly recommend it ... there is something in this one for everyone."
— In The Pages
"Gowda paints a rich picture of the Indian culture weaving heart-wrenching emotion into each chapter as people from different sides of the world fall in love with a little orphan girl. It's a memorable read."
— CC's Bookshelf
"[T]he author has an incredible ability to tell a story. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has done a fantastic job at creating her characters, making them and the world around them come alive off of the pages. At times, the characters’ emotions seemed to come alive off the page, at times I was near tears, well done on the author’s part. I love it when you can become so involved with the characters that it plays with your emotions that you hate it when certain things happen to them. The author did a fantastic job at doing this, and making the reader emotionally involved with the characters. ... I would highly recommend this book to read, it really was a brilliant story, and a great summer read."
— Jules' Book Reviews
"Secret Daughter is such a great read. The title caught my eye but the story captured my heart. The book allowed me to gain insight into how other religions and cultures face the complexities of loss. I would recommend this book to any softy, especially those who like travel, or have an interest in adoption, loss, family dynamics or death."
— Tiffany Jade, Hole in my Suitcase
"[Gowda] has woven a beautiful story ... With wisdom and compassion, she explores life’s most complex and compelling relationships and emotions. It is a journey filled with joy and pain, and I advise mothers (as well as fathers and all other readers) to have a tissue or two handy for the times when the going gets rough. There is only one problem with Secret Daughter: you’ll be eager to keep turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next, but you’ll also want to take it slowly so the story won’t end."
— Megan Mazzocchi, Morehead-Cain
"Gowda does a beautiful job of making her readers relate to the [characters] even if we ourselves think we can’t possibly have anything in common with them. ... I know that’s the sign of a good book – if I smile and sigh when I turn the last page, it’s definitely a keeper and one that I will recommend to friends. If it makes me cry, even better. Secret Daughter did just that ..."
— Tenille, Feisty, Frugal & Fabulous
"I just finished (in less than 24 hours!), Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. It instantly went to the top of my list for Best of 2010, so far. It is set in both India and the U.S. and is the story of an Indian girl who is adopted by a couple in America. The author does a fabulous job of character development and in explaining Indian culture. I LOVED it!"
— Great Thoughts Blog
"This was an incredibly moving book. ... I loved Gowda’s writing and got completely carried away with the story she was telling. ... This was a fabulous story from a very talented debut author. Highly recommended."
— Jen, DevourerOfBooks
"First time novelist Shilpi Somaya Gowda arrives on the literary scene with her debut novel Secret Daughter, and scores a home run. ... a very compelling read, for its insights into Indian life, culture and customs. ... Gowda handles [the subject matter] with compassion and fearlessness. ... Gowda is definitely a talent to follow."
— Shelley, YourLibrary
"I moved Secret Daughter to the top of my reading pile. I just finished it a couple of hours ago, and as I was wiping the tears from my eyes, I knew I had to blog about it, no matter how much work I'm trying to juggle right now. It was wonderful. ... Trust me, this is a great book. I heartily recommend it to all of our book clubs."
— Margie, JustTheBookstore
"Definitely the best book I've read this year. A compelling and beautifully written story about two women/mothers living on different continents, bound together unknowingly by love."
— Julie, Reading BetweenTheWines
"This is a story about motherhood and all the joys, fears, accolades and disappointments that being a mother means for both Kavita and Somer. Two women in two very different countries living very different lives. It is also about defining family and finding one's self. ... I recommend this book for those of you who enjoy contemporary Indian novels, value family and don't mind going along for the ride."
— Faiza Kanji, It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day
"The story of the two families — the one in India and the one in the United States — will keep you turning pages until the amazing ending."
— Helen Snow, Book Lovers' Blog
"This is a beautifully written book that brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of India. It also carries the reader into the heart and soul of the people. One of those books that puts the reader into the story. ... This is a thought provoking study of marriage, cross cultural and inter generational connections and human potential for growth and creativity."
— Jeannette's Reading Journal
"A heartwarming story that is thought-provoking and engrossing. A perfect blend of the culture of India, and the trials of adoptions and intercultural marriage. The beautiful writing style is inviting and beautifully weaves together the multiple layers of this story. Two main threads are at the heart of this book, both are engaging and beautifully executed."
— Princeton Book Review
"Shilpi Somaya Gowda's first book is excellent. I'm already looking forward to her second. Her writing is rich and descriptive and beautiful ... the story moved me, and the characters will be with me for a long long time." [5 stars]
— Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books
"There is such a contrast of lifestyles in this book. But it’s not a story of hopelessness. Gowda touches on the children and mothers living in the slums of India, but also portrays a beautiful Mumbai."
— Lydia, The Lost Entwife
"Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s writing is powerful, her prose beautiful, and the end result an emotional read as evidenced by my tears during the final chapters of this novel. Secret Daughter is a powerful and thought provoking story about love, family, identity, hope, and above all else, a mother’s love. ... It is truly the most powerful book about mothers I have ever read." [5 stars]
— Lydia, Novel Escapes
"An intriguing and significant book that forces us to examine and compare two different cultures: western and eastern, at different levels of society by engaging us in a compelling story in which we follow the lives of these characters that are at the mercy of societal pressures."
— The Book Abyss [Australia]
"Poignant, page-turning portrait ... reading Secret Daughter was a fast-moving, satisfying experience. Gowda paints a vivid, multi-faceted portrait of life in India while also nailing the details of life in America. Her characters are palpably portrayed, and the desire to know how things will ultimately turn out for Asha on both continents will keep the pages turning."
— Patricia Woodside, Fresh Fiction
"[T]his book sets up a great cultural comparative story that is both heart wrenching, and elegant at the same time ... This is a book that really has a great story to tell — but it also has a lot of issues that require a lot of reflection and consideration. It is beautifully written, and it is a story that readers can relate to ... This is a book that I would consider an important read."
— Lisa, The Book Worm's Library
"Debut novelist Shilpi Somaya Gowda has written a beautifully-crafted story of two families intertwined ... Gowda’s storyline skillfully weaves the complex issues of marriage, parenting, and cross-cultural identity into a novel that leaves the reader intimately wrapped up the lives of the characters. She achieves pitch-perfect literary fiction ... This is a wonderful book for discussion groups."
— Caitlin Doggart, Cape Women Online
Secret Daughter is an absolutely beautiful novel. I found myself captivated by these characters and drawn into their stories right from the start. I felt so involved in their lives, so close to them, which is a testament to Gowda’s fabulous writing ... I’m being completely honest when I say that I don’t have one negative thing to say about this book. Not only was it full of beautiful writing and chapters that just flew by, but the characters were wonderfully drawn and so real to me. I truly loved Secret Daughter and I highly recommend it."
— Heather Lo, Book Addiction
"This beautifully written novel teaches so much about parenting, India, injustices to women, and true unconditional love. My words cannot adequately describe how great this book is. I know it will be one of my favorites of the year and maybe of all time. ...The characters were all wonderfully written. They each developed and matured as the book went on. It was easy to love them and hope for their success... So now I am telling you to run and get this book. [5 stars]
— Kathleen Dassaro, Mommy's Reading
"What a beautiful story. As I read the first couple of chapters, with tears pouring down my face, I thought this might be one of those depressing books. However, it wasn't. I can say it's a story of motherhood and stop there...we all know how detailed and emotional motherhood can be...but it is so much more than that. It's also a story of fatherhood, happiness, sorrow, and finding out who one really is. I really enjoyed this one and learned much from it."
— Annell, Dragonflowers and Books
"I cannot put into words how much I loved Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s Secret Daughter. ... [M]y words will not to justice to this amazing piece of literature. Gowda writes with such grace and wisdom, it is impossible to believe that this is her debut novel. Her prose is lyrical and beautiful, yet clear and precise...[R]ead this book. It’s a beautiful portrait of family, culture, and the importance of understanding your heritage, while also being a testament to the love of all our mothers. It doesn’t matter what culture or background you are—Gowda’s incredible writing and compelling story will pull you in and not let you go until the last pages of the novel are turned." [5 stars, one of the top books of 2010]
— Swapna Krishna, S. Krishna's Books
"Gowda does such a great job artfully developing the rising action, wrapping things up with a fantastic ending. Secret Daughter is a thought-provoking and emotional read spanning decades, cultural identity, redemption, and women’s roles."
— BookWormz
"Gowda's prose ... is elegant and uncomplicated. Secret Daughter is an engaging and enjoyable story ... that would go down well with a glass of shiraz at the book club."
— Xanthe Galanis, iAfrica.com
"The characters are well-drawn, and their thoughts and feelings have verisimilitude ... Best of all, it is a comedy in the Northrup Frye sense of the term: a story that starts happy, goes through sadnesses and challenges, yet ends happily with a new forward looking personal, familial, and social order."
— Chez Chiara
"Gowda’s debut novel is impressive in its descriptions, imagery, and character development. You begin to feel you personally know the characters, sympathize with them, and rejoice with them. The novel made difficult and endearing statements about South Asian culture."
— Komal Pria Acharya Ingrum, Chai Cafe Magazine
"A great, interesting story highlighting the values we place on family and identity."
— Lauren, A Flight of Minds
"[A] poignant and inspiring story of the strength and love of mothers everywhere. Gowda’s writing is characterized by beautiful, vivid description, and the story’s changing points of view enable the reader to grasp the wide range of emotions and struggles experienced by the masterfully crafted array of characters. Secret Daughter is a unified, moving, and deeply satisfying novel."
— Erica Narwold, Beaverdale Books Reviews
"Secret Daughter is a lovely read. It shows generations of two families as they make mistakes, but learn from them, and grow older and wiser. Don't miss this one."
— Hilary Williamson, BookLoons Reviews
"I loved everything about this book ... I would highly recommend this novel to book clubs and to those who enjoy the novels of Jhumpa Lahiri, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Amy Tan, and Khaled Hosseini. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes to read beautifully written stories about mothers, daughters, and families. Shilpi Somaya Gowda is an author to watch." (5 stars)
— Christina T., Reading Extensively
"This beautifully written book is one that will linger in my thoughts for a long time... The story of each woman's journey to epiphany and self-realization is very moving and satisfying. I highly recommend this book." [5 stars]
— Denise Crawford, The Book Nurse
"A vividly written description of motherhood in two compelling interwoven stories. Gowda writes with touching prose and incredible descriptions."
— The Lit Review.com
"This heartfelt story bends your thinking and gives you great insight into who you are and why it matters. Beautifully written with heartfelt prose that melts your heart."
— Maurice on Books
"[A]n extremely well crafted story. The characters are multi-faceted and they and their relationships grow throughout the book. ... Secret Daughter is a smooth, compelling and wholesome read. And if you wonder how it is going to end, or think you know how it SHOULD end, just trust the author, because it is obvious Shilpi Gowda knows what she is doing. This is a fabulous debut novel...!"
— Teresa, Vero Beach Book Center
"I loved this book. The story offers fascinating characters, especially those of the two mothers involved in the adoption and it's aftermath. ... [T]he author brought readers to different parts of the society of India in a readable way ... I would suggest this book to anyone who wants to try something about the culture and history if India... Gowda captures it beautifully." [5 stars]
— Christie, Dixie Mom's Book Blog
"[A]n engaging and captivating novel about adoption, family, and the search for self. ... It would not surprise me at all if this book becomes a best seller. It has all the elements that attract readers, especially women."
— Bonnie Brody, Mostly Fiction
"[A] powerful debut novel ...The strength of Gowda’s novel lies both in the characterization and the compelling plot line. I found it very difficult to put the book down ..."
— Stephen Hong Sohn, Asian-American Literature Fans
"Reading Secret Daughter, I was struck by how rare it is for a biological mother's story to go past the birth of the child. Gowda made a point to follow the life of Kavita, an Indian mother in the 1980s who is forced to give up her child ... Stitching together viewpoints from the biological mother to the adoptive family to the child they share and back again, Gowda highlights the oft-made mistake of separating a child's life into two quadrants: before adoption and after. A person is made of many parts, but together they are still a whole human."
— Jeanne Sager, CafeMom Blog
"[The characters'] collective and individual journeys are moving. It’s a fascinating first novel."
— Linda Hunter, Women & Children First bookstore blog (Chicago)
"... goes extremely deep into gender questions that haunt modern India as well as identity concerns that trouble the heroine ... Readers will appreciate this profound look ... " [5 stars]
— Harriet Klausner, Mainstream Fiction
"Secret Daughter has a lot to commend it; though it is Gowda’s debut novel, it is crafted with authority."
— Mrs. O'Dell's Reads
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