Secret Daughter: A Novel

I can't finish The Secret Daughter. It sucks. I can't stand it. As an adoptive mother, I am put off that the author did not do her homework and bother to use any proper adoption language. She leaves the reader, thus far, assuming that adopted children are incomplete. That they do not find satisfaction or fulfillment in being adopted. That they will always wonder who they are. Well ... politely put, PISH POSH!

There's the feeling that an adoptive mother will always long for their "real" child and that the adoptive child will always long for their "true" family.

And I really don't like that the adoptive mother pretty much doesn't even allow anything culturally related to that of her husband and adoptive daughter into her life, or even her home. Talk about self centered.

I like to read to relax in the evening. I've been avoiding reading for weeks because I hate this book. I'm not finishing this book. So perhaps the ending is something worth reading to, but at this point in my very busy life, I'd rather forget about it and read something else more fulfilling to me.

This book has an awesome story line!! I loved every page of the book and I have to admit that I am sad that it's over.
The story was heartbreaking at times but WOW was it good! Great story ---- I would definately recommend it.

This is a truly an amazing story! I could not put this down and completely enjoyed it from the first page to the last. Wonderfully written with rich details of India and it's culture - made me feel like I was there!!
Donna Sood

I really enjoyed this book, but alike others that touches on poverty, abuse and the realistic and horrible experiences that women experience, I feel torn. I enjoyed the closeness of family that people of India have. I enjoyed the discussion of Indian tradition. It was beautiful. Then on the other side of the scale was the wide spread poverty, pollution and absolute devastation that the main character has to endure throughout her life as a mother, wife and a strong woman living in India.

This book was great! I loved reading about the relationship between mother and child, how this mother stopped at nothing to give her family all she could, and it was also interesting to have two completely different worlds contrasted so severely and yet somehow they overlap making it seem like they are not so different after all. This book definately made me realize how good i've got it!

The story of Asha and her journey to discover where she belongs was deeply moving. This is a story about women and their love for their children. A love that sometimes leads to painful sacrifices, denial, difficult choices and hopefully forgiveness and redemption.

This is definately a great read. The story follows two families on two different continents and spans decades. I loved watching Asha grow up and attempt to find out where she belongs. The scenery is rich and the characters well developed.

One of the best books I have read in a long time that incorporates so much without overwhelming the reader. The story revolves around 2 couples and the child that shares a bond with both. One couple, the biological parents are in India, the adoptive parents are in the US.
This novel which spans over 25 years gives us great insight into many experiences involving family, Indian culture, interacial relationships,search for one's own identity and the peace that comes from finding one's own identity.There is so much more to this novel that I can possibly say .We are graced with excellent writing, some great characters and a story that flows seamlessly
throughout the book.. Highly recommended!!!!

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about Indian culture. I have read some disappointing books lately, this book was great. It made me cry, and it made me think about the circle of life. Ms. Gowda writes with such detail that you feel like you are living within the lives of the characters. They become a part of you. I didn't want it to end. I am anxiously waiting for Ms. Gowda to write her next novel. Buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

This is truly one of the best books I have read in a long time, and one I will recommend widely. I find that most books I enjoy fall into one of two categories: either they have a compelling, well-paced story that keeps me very engaged and looking forward to the next time I read; or they are beautifully written and keep me thinking about the issues raised for a long time afterwards. It is rare for a book to do both, but this one manages to do so.
On the surface, this is the story of a child born in terrible circumstances, the twist of fate that changes her life, and her adolescent search for self that creates ripples with the people who surround her. Yet there are many more layers to this novel. There is great complexity in the relationships between parent and child, and husband and wife, making them both realistic and heartbreaking. There are the questions of class, education, gender and culture in our globalized society, so beautifully illustrated through two seemingly opposite families. The characters are imperfect, but they all learn and grow through their experiences.

The author's style is one of simple, elegant prose. There is no melodrama here (though that would be easy to do with this story): each and every emotional reaction garnered from the reader (and there are many) is thoughtfully-crafted and deserved. To me, it was as compelling and vivid as The Kite Runner, but better written. I found it similar in style to Jhumpa Lahiri's books, but with a more interesting plot.

The ending is beautiful, satisfying and unexpected. I had tears in my eyes for the last several chapters. Even though this book is geared towards women, I encouraged my husband to read it, which he did, straight through one weekend, and loved it. I plan to share it with both my parents and my children, and I know it will make a great discussion for my book club. Highly recommended.

As a first novelist I'm impressed with the tapestry built around the main characters as their stories unfold and intertwine throughout two continents. A beautifully written story on personal and cultural identity.A great personal and book club read!