54 pages • 1 hour read
You Bring the Distant Near
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1970s
2017
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Published in 2017, Mitali Perkins’s You Bring the Distant Near is a young adult historical fiction novel. The novel tells the stories of the Das women over three generations as they navigate cultural identity, family bonds, and personal growth. From immigrating to the United States to grappling with American culture, each woman has her challenges to face, but their love for each other gives them strength. The book contains depictions of racism and colorism.
Heartwarming
Nostalgic
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
4,604 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins chronicles three generations of Indian-American women, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural identity and familial bonds. Critics applaud its engaging storytelling and nuanced character development, though some note a few pacing issues. Overall, it's praised for its heartfelt exploration of heritage and belonging.
Who Should Read You Bring the Distant Near?
Readers who enjoy You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins are typically interested in multicultural narratives, family dynamics, and female empowerment. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng will appreciate the intergenerational storylines and rich cultural exploration.
4,604 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tara Das
Tara Das
A peacekeeping and charming individual, whose beauty and personality foreshadow her career as a movie star, serving as a mediator in family conflicts and embracing her cultural identity in her own terms.
Sonia Das
Sonia Das
A brilliant and principled advocate for equal rights and an insightful journalist, she navigates her complex relationship with her mother while embracing her identity as a Bengali feminist and a Black man's wife.
Chantal Johnson
Chantal Johnson
Kind and peacekeeping, she is Sonia's daughter who excels in various extracurricular activities and bridges cultural gaps, helping to reconcile family dynamics with her mixed Bengali and Black heritage.
Anna Sen
Anna Sen
A creative and determined young woman adjusting to life in the U.S. after moving from India, she channels her passion for textile design and school projects, fostering a bond with her grandmother over shared temperaments.
320
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1970s
2017
YA
14-18 years
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