The Candid Life of Meena Dave

By: Namrata Patel

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

A woman embarks on an unexpected journey into her past in an engrossing novel about identity, family secrets, and rediscovering the need to belong.

Meena Dave is a photojournalist and a nomad. She has no family, no permanent address, and no long-term attachments, preferring to observe the world at a distance through the lens of her camera. But Meena’s solitary life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits an apartment in a Victorian brownstone in historic Back Bay, Boston.

Though Meena’s impulse is to sell it and keep moving, she decides to use her journalistic instinct to follow the story that landed her in the home of a stranger. It’s a mystery that comes with a series of hidden clues, a trio of meddling Indian aunties, and a handsome next-door neighbor. For Meena it’s a chance for newfound friendships, community, and culture she never thought possible. And a window into her past she never expected.

Now as everything unknown to Meena comes into focus, she must reconcile who she wants to be with who she really is.

©2022 Namrata Patel (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Finalist

“A thoroughly entertaining rendition of one woman’s search for belonging.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Full of lively characters who will win readers’ hearts and keep them thinking long after the book is finished, this book is a genuine, charming debut. Long-buried secrets and a journey of self-discovery will keep the pages turning.”—Booklist

“[A]n inherently fascinating and impressively scripted novel…”—Midwest Book Review

Enjoyed the discovery.

Enjoyed meenas story of discovering who she is and where she came from. Wanted her birth mother to care just a little bit but meena also formed bonds with her aunts.

Narrator a bit annoying.

Story was fun - the mystery and setting in Boston.Unfortunately the narrator made the main character sound as if she was whining most of the time.

One can guess the ending

I am Indian and I love Indian authors as it makes me feel right at home & so relatable. However this story was long drawn and how I wished there was more about the London chapter which could have been more descriptive. I’m disappointed with Audibles few choices of Indian authors.

Really enjoyed this lovely story. It causes one to look back at their own unique life and friends and family.

Well written and beautifully executed. Really enjoyed it and caused me to look back at how my family and friends influenced my life.

Enjoyable

I am happy I took a step from my regular reads to try this. The storyline and telling was great. I’m happy with the ending. I do believe it could have been shorter. Towards the end I kept checking how much longer. However, I highly recommend it because I thoroughly enjoyed the aunties & learning about the culture.

Marvelous and multi-layered!

Brilliantly written, I found myself in the places, spaces, hearts, and minds of the characters. Thought-provoking story and highly recommend.

Hope you do sequel

I enjoyed from the beginning to end i think this would make a great movie

The journey

I really enjoyed this book! The story of found friends, fractured relationships, ambivalence, and ultimately a healing journey for Meena. The characters evolved and matured throughout the story. It was hard to put down!

intriguing story

I loved the narration! it made the story cone alive. The characters are rich and complex. I enjoyed learning more about Indian culture.

Enjoyable Listen!

A cute “coming of age but I’m in my twenties” story. Found family and lost family and a good dash of romance, I loved reading Meeks’s story. Her character had depth, and sense, and love and kindness! I’ll be waiting for more from Patel!