Book Review: The Whole Story of a Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani

Title: The Whole Story of a Half a Girl
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Pages: 224
ISBN: 0385741286
Source: Netgalley

 

 

After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia’s mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn’t always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren’t part of the “in” crowd.

At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she’s dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parent—it’s hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia’s father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends are—and whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.

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REVIEW

The idea behind The Whole Story of a Half a Girl seems to be generic since this angle has been done a lot of times. Parents (in this case it’s Sonia’s dad) loses job, kid goes to change but eventually accepts things wouldn’t be the same and makes the most out of it. It’s been done in other books, movies, etc. Regardless of that, I still went ahead and was really curious how the author would put a spin to this.

Sonia is half Indian and Jewish. She goes to a great school and she seems content until her father loses his job. All of a sudden, Sonia and her sister needs to transfer and adjust to their new status to get by. Sonia is an ok lead for me. There were times that she came out strong and times that I was pissed at her attitude. It seems like Sonia is mainly confused of what she needs to do or what is expected of her but as her character develops, you’ll see a different and mature Sonia in the end. Kate was actually confusing. Kate is shallow yet halfway through the story she seemed ok. Nothing to complain about her character but I had a lot of questions though.

Alisha was a character I would love to have read more about – if the author played with her character I think the story would have been much better, gave it more dimension. The whole idea and message was delivered though I would have enjoyed it more if the author fine tuned a couple of loose cords here and there like the lack of exploration as to Kate’s character and family. She seemed rich from what I have read but her parents doesn’t have stellar jobs so I was thinking how they manage.

This book doesn’t just talk about what life is in high school. We all know what it is like to be in that (high school) situation. The Whole Story of a Half a Girl isn’t just that but rather it is a novel that gives us an insight of what a person feels to be part of the minority. It discusses issues that are sensitive and very important to give awareness to. This is actually a great book for young readers BUT for me, needed a little improvement in some areas. Regardless the minor issues, The Whole Story of a Half a Girl has good potential. A good book to give your kid or gift to your friends.

Rating: ★★★★