Pashmina

Nidhi Chanani’s debut graphic novel, recounting a second generation teenage Indian-American’s quest to understand her identity is charming and sweet without being saccharine. The gentle touch of magical realism embodied in its title garment is not overdone, yet provocative. Readers are introduced to contemporary Hindu practice as it is lived, to the fast changing character of Indian society, and to varieties of family both created and inherited in a short narrative that has a serious undertone beneath its light hearted surface. Chanani’s unique, joyous illustration style shuns photorealism in favor of capturing the feelings imbued in what she depicts, and the contrast between the black and white pages and the color ones is used to great effect. Chanani is a young artist with a mission and we can expect great things from her in the years to come.

Nidhi Chanani’s debut graphic novel, recounting a second generation teenage Indian-American’s quest to understand her identity is charming and sweet without being saccharine. The gentle touch of magical realism embodied in its title garment is not overdone, yet provocative. Readers are introduced to contemporary Hindu practice as it is lived, to the fast changing character of Indian society, and to varieties of family both created and inherited in a short narrative that has a serious undertone beneath its light hearted surface. Chanani’s unique, joyous illustration style shuns photorealism in favor of capturing the feelings imbued in what she depicts, and the contrast between the black and white pages and the color ones is used to great effect. Chanani is a young artist with a mission and we can expect great things from her in the years to come.

I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. I am familiar with Nidhi Chanani’s work as an artist and have been following her career as a fan and admirer for many years. Though my expectations were high, she did not disappoint. The story is heartwarming, inspiring, funny, delightful, and thought provoking. The illustrations are beautiful, clever, and so well-executed, not only narratively, but also as works of art in their own right. It took a conscious effort to not read it in one sitting, as I wanted to prolong the experience and enjoyment of my first read. Having finished it, I can say it will definitely be enjoyed multiple times in the future. I highly recommend Pashmina, and look forward to her next project(s).

I teach third grade and bought this specifically for one of my advanced students to read.I read it first and the only potentially mature topic is the mother’s unmarried state while pregnant embarrassing her family, and while central to the resolution of the heroine’s emotional journey it’s not something dwelled on for long or presented negatively in the book and easily within a mature third graders wheelhouse., My student was born in India and said one day in reading group that there were never any stories with Indian kids in them.When I gave her this she devoured it.In the few days since I gave it to her, she has read it at least three times, carries it around, has discussed both events in the story with me and the glossary of Hindi words with both her mom and me, and is partner reading it with two friends during our reader’s workshop time. She has also told me multiple times,This book is soooo good!”

I teach third grade and bought this specifically for one of my advanced students to read.I read it first and the only potentially mature topic is the mother’s unmarried state while pregnant embarrassing her family, and while central to the resolution of the heroine’s emotional journey it’s not something dwelled on for long or presented negatively in the book and easily within a mature third graders wheelhouse., My student was born in India and said one day in reading group that there were never any stories with Indian kids in them.When I gave her this she devoured it.In the few days since I gave it to her, she has read it at least three times, carries it around, has discussed both events in the story with me and the glossary of Hindi words with both her mom and me, and is partner reading it with two friends during our reader’s workshop time. She has also told me multiple times,This book is soooo good!”

Though this graphic novel was intended for young readers, i she’d some tears while reading it. The illustrations were a delight and the message seems to resonate with believing in yourself, be independent, finding your roots.

Sadly the last two pages of this book were torn and the pieces were not included to even try to reattach. Not what should be considered a book in “Good” condition. Actually ‘unacceptable’ by Amazon’s terms. The one page was Acknowledgements, but the second was a Glossary for readers to understand various story specific terms. The rest of the book was in ‘good’ condition (worn spine and exterior, previous library markings, remaining pages seem intact).

Sadly the last two pages of this book were torn and the pieces were not included to even try to reattach. Not what should be considered a book in “Good” condition. Actually ‘unacceptable’ by Amazon’s terms. The one page was Acknowledgements, but the second was a Glossary for readers to understand various story specific terms. The rest of the book was in ‘good’ condition (worn spine and exterior, previous library markings, remaining pages seem intact).