Ripples

The Stories Grandma Forgot And How I Found Them by Nadine Aisha Jassat is a charming contemporary novel that is perfect for ages ten years and over. I am considerably older than the target market but I loved it.

The novel is about family, roots, love and grief. A twelve year old searches for her father whom she was told had died, but she is not convinced. With a new found friendship, she pieces together the clues of his life.

Children can be cruel. We witness the antics of Harry who bullies the lead character. She shows a maturity beyond her years in her approach to him.

Grief can last a lifetime. We witness a mother who is carrying on life for the sake of her daughter, after her husband died. The family unit is still made up of three members as they now look after the grandmother who has Alzheimer’s. “Alzheimer’s … it feels like… the person is slowly walking away.” The twelve year old has the ability to care for her grandmother and draw her out of herself as we glimpse who she once was. “It’s like having her fully back. Like she’s left Alzheimer’s in another time.” Grandmother and granddaughter are united by a secret.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn, likable and realistic. Nadine Aisha Jassat has constructed a beautiful novel that spoke to my heart. I hope to read much more by her.

I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON