The Reviews are in for Keeping Corner.....

2007 Parents' Choice Gold Winner

"This powerful and enchanting novel juxtaposes Leela's journey to self-determination with the parallel struggle of her family and community to follow Gandhi on the road to independence from British rule. Among the vivid and appealing characters is India itself."
Starred Review, Kirkus

"Sheth (Blue Jasmine, 2004) sets up a thrilling premise in which politics become achingly personal as Leela’s brave, tumultuous coming-of-age plays out in intimate detail against the backdrop of her nation’s independence. Idealistic teens will be caught up in the human-rights issues, and the vivid cultural specifics, memorable characters, and the bold adolescent’s challenge to tradition will attract a wide readership."
Starred Review, Booklist

"……absorbing, atmospheric novel…. Sheth expertly weaves rich descriptions into the day-to-day activities (“Ideas sank into my mind like monsoon rain into soil”)."
Starred Review, Publisher’s Weekly

 

As in Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet (Hyperion, 2006), Sheth provides a first-person narrative with a strong protagonist and rich sense of place, with the added bonus of an unusual historical perspective.

Starred review, School Library Journal

Comments

[Pooja]

Hi Kashmira,

I sent you an email, but I want to say this publicly somewhere!

I LOVED Keeping Corner. The writing is beautiful; I enjoyed the historical bits; I even cried when Leela's father agreed to her departure.

Many, many congrats on your starred reviews. They are truly well-deserved.

Pooja

[Hathery]

Wow, great reviews!

[Kashmira Sheth]

Hi Pooja,

Thanks for you lovely post. I had fun doing historical research but it was challenge to weave them into the story. I'm happy that you enjoyed those details.
Best,
Kashmira

[Faith]

I can't tell you how much this book touched me. As much as an author imagination has inspired me, compelled me, moved me and engulfed me, I cannot say that it has very often made me cry. This is one book that did make me cry. Each painful experience and thought conveyed by Leela is compounded by the sudden realization of her age - a child. After borrowing one of your books from my local library, I purchased all of them at BN. These are keepers and Keeping Corners is one I know I will read again and recommend to others.

[Kashmira Sheth]

Hi Faith,
Thank you so much for writing such a lovely, heartfelt note. It is exciting and satisfying to hear about one of my books connecting with a reader. I appreciate your support and enthusiasm.
You're right about Leela's suffering compounded by realization of her age! Because of that it was a tough book to write.
Hope you enjoy my other books.
Best,
Kashmira

[DEOWASHNI PATEL]

Perhaps I should have read "Keeping Corner" and "Blue Jasmine" before we came back from our first trip to India December 2007. Meeting all the family members in India for the first time and spending time with them all has taken me back to our trip when I was reading your books. Very well written book and I will definately buy them for a gift to our family friend who will enjoy reading your books. Keep writing.

[Kashmira Sheth]

Dear DEOWASHNI
It is nice for me to know that my stories touched you and took you back to India. Thanks for your support and I hope your friends and relatives enjoy the novels too.
Kashmira

[harleen]

hi kashmira,
how can i tell you about how much i love your books. i have read blue jasmine and koyal dark mango sweet and they were truly amazing. i love reading asian american books and you are the author that wrote the books just the way i like them. i am reading keeping corner right now and i was wondering if you could tell me about what inspired you to write this book?
thank you
harleen
P.S-looking forward to reading boys without names :)

[kashmira Sheth]

Hi Harleen,

So wonderful to read your note. Thanks! Keeping Corner was inspired by my great-aunt who was a child widow. Once you finish the book you may want to read author's note.
Let me know how you like KC and Boys without Names.
Best,
Kashmira