The Direction of the Wind

A Novel

By: Mansi Shah

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A heartfelt story that spans continents and generations, about a young woman who searches for answers about a mother she barely remembers.

Sophie Shah was six when she learned her mother, Nita, had died. For twenty-two years, she shouldered the burden of that loss. But when her father passes away, Sophie discovers a cache of hidden letters revealing a shattering truth: her mother didn’t die. She left.

Nita Shah had everything most women dreamed of in her hometown of Ahmedabad, India—a loving husband, a doting daughter, financial security—but in her heart, she felt like she was living a lie. Fueled by her creative ambitions, Nita moved to Paris, the artists’ capital of the world—even though it meant leaving her family behind. But once in Paris, Nita’s decision and its consequences would haunt her in ways she never expected.

Now that Sophie knows the truth, she’s determined to find the mother who abandoned her. Sophie jets off to Paris, even though the impulsive trip may risk her impending arranged marriage. In the City of Light, she chases lead after lead that help her piece together a startling portrait of her mother. Though Sophie goes to Paris to find Nita, she may just also discover parts of herself she never knew.

©2023 Mansi Shah, all rights reserved. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The Direction of the Wind is an unexpected and compelling exploration of the way culture shapes us. This is a gritty, lyrical, heartbreaking, and deeply moving novel. I found myself reading far into the night, unable to leave behind the quest of these two women, a generation apart. Mansi Shah writes with a fresh voice and clear eyes.”—Barbara O’Neal, USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids

“A tender novel about the push and pull between families and independence, obligation and freedom, and the past and the future. The Direction of the Wind will both break your heart and send it soaring. Bravo, Mansi Shah!”—Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind

“Mansi Shah’s second novel, The Direction of the Wind, is an absorbing exploration of the price of passion and blazing one’s own path despite the weight of convention, family obligations, even motherhood. Using interlocking mother-daughter perspectives spanning decades and continents, Shah gives an unflinching portrayal of lost innocence, addiction, and misplaced romance. Despite heavy losses, this is a hopeful novel set in the city of light, where love prevails in unlikely friendships and the unbreakable bond of chosen family. Perfect reading for travelers and journeys of the heart.”—Yoojin Grace Wuertz, author of Everything Belongs to Us

good listening

I was thinking there would be more revealed in the end but still good. I also wanted to play matchmaker.

Wonderful story

Attention keeping from start to finish. Informative along the way. Brilliant story and narration. Perfection

Touching story

This story was weaved in a enjoyable epic way. going back and forth as necessary between mother and daughter experiences and choices ending was touching and well done. recommend it

Fabulous

I enjoyed the story. The reader was very good. I hope to hear more from both the author and the reader.

Good book

I enjoyed this book very much. Interesting story. I particularly liked hearing about the Indian culture which I know very little about

LOVE LOVE LOVE

This is my second Shah book, I love her writing. My favorite parts of her books are the details about Indian culture. Nita and Sophie were both very likable characters and I loved the heart portrayed in Rajiv, he wasn’t bound by expectation and encouraged his only daughter in so many ways. Sophie needed this journey and I’m glad she had the courage to make it.

Loved it!!

Another beautiful story written by the author!
I absolutely adore this story. It’s told in dual timelines and I loved every minute of it. It has its twists and turns and I loved learning more about the Indian culture. Just beautiful and very moving. A story that touches on addiction and mental health but it leaves us with hope.
The narrator, Soneela Nankani is amazing!! I felt like I was on the journey alongside Nita and Sophie. She truly brought the characters and scenes to life. Loved every second of it.
This is really a must read book!

“all families are dysfunctional in their own way but still find a way to love each other somehow.”

Wonderful story

I recommend this book for everyone. It is a great story of a woman searching for her mother across time and continents. It is very emotional and gripping. The narration is great too.

Great

The narrator was very good! Some of the story was so sad and emotional I had a hard time with Nita. But wanted to see how the story ended

Beautiful and unexpected

This was not what I was expecting and I love it for that! The ending was not contrived but real feeling with disappointment and loss and love and all that should be. Sophie’s journey gives her so much insight into herself as well as her mother’s history that it is impossible not to be moved by her experience. A beautiful book.