The Lights of Shantinagar is a warmhearted and relatable multigenerational family drama set in modern-day India.

The Lights of Shantinagar by Nidhi Arora

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Family Life, Multigenerational, STEM, India

***This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

My Summary:

Welcome to my stop on The Write Reads Blog Tour for The Lights of Shantinagar. Thanks @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours @UnboundSocials for a complimentary eARC of #TheLightsofShantinagar upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The Lights of Shantinagar is a warmhearted and relatable multigenerational family drama set in modern-day India. The new generation of young adults must find their own way in a modern world and respect the traditions of their families at the same time. How will they navigate the tricky path of following their dreams and living up to family expectations?

My Thoughts:

Mirror or Window?

I have heard that a reading experience can be compared to looking into a mirror or looking through a window. In other words, do we recognize ourselves in the story (the mirror) or are we observing and learning about something unfamiliar (the window). I love “mirror” reading experiences where I can make connections and exclaim, “me, too!” However, I also love experiencing a life I’ll never live. The Lights of Shantinagar was a “window” reading experience for me. Through the author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail, I gained a glimpse into the joys and complexities of family life in India.

Familiar Themes

Even though this was a “window” reading experience for me, I noticed some familiar themes: young people challenging traditional ways, family loyalty, finding your voice/following your dreams, parental/family expectations, family relationships, educational/career aspirations, and family dynamics.

STEM

Many readers will be delighted to know that STEM is a significant aspect of the story. Sumi is a quantum physicist and has moved into her new husband’s family home. Sumi uses her scientific knowledge, logic, and love to understand and navigate her new situation. I loved the application of quantum physics to family life!

Recommending The Lights of Shantinagar:

Fans of diverse reads, “own voices” authors, and stories of family will appreciate this well-told and reflective story.

Related: You might enjoy The Covenant of Water, also set (mostly) in India.

My Rating: 4 Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of The Lights of Shantinagar, Nidhi Arora

Nidhi Arora has lived in India, Singapore and now London, but she far prefers to inhabit the world of words. Her work has been featured in journals and anthologies including Best New Singaporean Short Stories, Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, Out of Print, Sonder, The Aleph Review, The Hooghly Review, Cha: An Asian Literary Journal, Litro, Pluto and Tinkle. The Lights of Shantinagar is her first novel.

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QOTD:

Which do you enjoy more: “Window” or “Mirror” reading experiences? Have you considered the difference?

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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

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