78 pages • 2 hours read
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272
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
2018
YA
8-12 years
700L
In The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani, 12-year-old Nisha journals her family's perilous journey from Pakistan to new India during the 1947 partition. As tensions rise between Hindus and Muslims, Nisha’s family faces violence, displacement, and loss, but also remnants of hope and unity. Themes of identity, family, and resilience are poignantly explored from Nisha's perspective. The book includes references to violence and trauma.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Hopeful
21,148 ratings
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Veera Hiranandani's The Night Diary is praised for its captivating portrayal of India's partition through a young girl's perspective, offering a tender and educational view on the era. The diary format effectively engages readers, though some find it predictable. Despite minor predictability, it remains an evocative, valuable read for young audiences.
A reader who would enjoy The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is typically a middle-grade student interested in historical fiction, particularly about the 1947 Partition of India. Fans of The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis or I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will appreciate the book’s compelling narrative and cultural significance.
21,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amil
Nisha's intelligent and artistic twin brother, known for his confidence and sense of humor despite struggling with dyslexic behaviors and school. He maintains a loving and intuitive relationship with Nisha, supporting her as her voice in difficult times.
Papa
The father of Nisha and Amil, a serious and highly-respected doctor who navigates his family's challenges with a secular perspective. He struggles with accepting Amil's school difficulties but deeply cares for his children.
Dadi
Nisha’s paternal grandmother who lives with her family and is more religious than her son, Papa. Although not physically affectionate, she shows love and care for her grandchildren through her actions and plays a key role in supporting the family.
Kazi
The family's Muslim cook, who has formed a strong bond with Nisha and Amil and stands as a nurturing figure since their mother's passing. Despite the religious divide caused by the partition, he remains an integral part of the family.
Rashid Uncle
Mama's younger brother, living in the family’s ancestral home and running the family’s business. He is an artist like Amil and maintains a quiet demeanor, creating a connection with Nisha through their shared love for cooking and their reserved nature.
272
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
2018
YA
8-12 years
700L
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