Hi everyone, for those who were wondering about how diary fiction fares in contemporary diverse reads, look no further. This lovely title popped into a search just before I hit lockdown and sparked an interest. So, without giving away any spoilers, please delve in to check it out!!
Title: Dani’s diary
Author: Narinder Dhami
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Corgi Yearling Books; UK, 2007
ISBN: 9780440867289 (Paperback) | 9781448101665 (ebook)
What this book is about: Dan’s diary bears the brunt of her frustrations in her world: having to move school and her awful new stepsister, Lalita. She moans to her grandmother, who lends Dani her own diary from when she was a young girl in the 1960’s. Reading about her gran’s friendship with the mischievous Milly is fascinating and fun – and soon it becomes clear there’s even more to the story. Dani will have to delve deep to figure out what really happened to Milly. She might even have to turn to unlikely sources for help. But can discovering the past help with her future too? The author of Bindi Babes and Bend it like Beckham, brings a funny and compelling tale of stepsisters and family secrets.
My review: A delightful diverse diary read!! Although the grandmother’s diary entries are translated from Punjabi, I couldn’t help noticing how similar the personalities of Dani and twelve-year-old Asha were. There is some exceptional writing here in diary format, in two eras, the 1960’s and modern day. The differences between England in the 1960’s has been expertly described, even if they were seen from the eyes of young girls. I absolutely loved these characters and totally loved the ending!! I almost fell out of my chair when I realised it was the same author of Bend it like Beckham!! A great story for girls of all ages!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 