The Storyteller's Secret
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
•
Indian Literature•
Modern Classic FictionIndia • 1930s
•
Social Class•
Friendship•
Gender & Feminism•
Relationships2018
Lake Union Publishing
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani follows Jaya, a woman coping with the grief of multiple miscarriages and a dissolving marriage, as she travels to India to uncover her family's hidden history. There, she learns about her grandmother Amisha, a writer who defied societal norms in 1930s and 1940s colonial India, forging a forbidden love and striving for personal freedom.
Emotional
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
185,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani is praised for its evocative storytelling and rich cultural detail. Readers highlighted its emotional depth and compelling characters. However, some found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it’s a moving tale that resonates deeply, though it may not satisfy those seeking brisk action.
Who Should Read The Storyteller's Secret?
Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman will love The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani. This novel appeals to readers who enjoy emotionally charged historical fiction with strong, resilient female protagonists and intricate family dynamics.
185,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A young woman in 1930s India who uses her passion for storytelling to transcend societal gender norms and form meaningful connections, partially through her relationship with an English teacher.
An Untouchable servant hired by Amisha who serves as a wise confidant, helping preserve her legacy and support the main characters through his cultural insights.
Jaya’s emotionally reserved mother, whose distant upbringing in India has caused her to be seen as cursed due to superstition, forming a key part of Jaya's journey to understand her family's past.
Jaya’s husband whose strained relationship with her leads to a separation that motivates Jaya’s pivotal journey to India, indirectly fostering their eventual reconciliation.
An English teacher in India with whom Amisha forms a meaningful connection, illuminating cultural and gender limitations and contributing to her personal growth.
400
Novel • Fiction
•
Indian Literature•
Modern Classic FictionIndia • 1930s
•
Social Class•
Friendship•
Gender & Feminism•
Relationships2018
Lake Union Publishing
Adult
18+ years
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