The Candid Life of Meena Dave Audiobook By Namrata Patel cover art

The Candid Life of Meena Dave

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The Candid Life of Meena Dave

By: Namrata Patel
Narrated by: Soneela Nankani
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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. Family Life Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction United States World Literature Fiction Boston

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

Editorial Review

A quest for identity
As a proud Bostonian, I love when a story is set in my beautiful hometown. Namrata Patel's debut, The Candid Life of Meena Dave, is not only a heartwarming tale about a young woman finding herself and discovering her Indian roots, it's also a love letter to Boston. Meena Dave, a nomadic photojournalist, receives an apartment as an inheritance from an unknown benefactor. Meena's first impulse is to sell it as soon as she can, and leave. But shortly after her arrival Meena starts finding ambiguous notes around the apartment, and the journalist in her just has to investigate. From insights into Indian culture, to her relationships with the aunties, and getting to know her handsome neighbor, Sam, and his dog, Wally, I devoured this story in a day. I'm left begging (with Wally's puppy eyes) for a sequel, please. — Patty C.

Engaging Cultural Exploration • Heartwarming Relationships • Incredible Narration • Intriguing Mystery Elements
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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.

Enjoyed the discovery.

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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.

Narrator a bit annoying.

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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.

One can guess the ending

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My daughter found this book worthy of giving her mother “orders” to read. I learned a lot while enjoying the read. The culture expressed in a fascinating way, has me reflecting in a manner new to me. That’s the sign of a good book if I remember correctly my literature class of 50 years ago. Thanks to the author and narrator for enriching my life. MORE, please!

Enjoyable, great narration

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This is not your normal cute story, some rough patches, everything ends great. Yet it's not a sad ended story either. this was creative, had a lot of rich culture throughout. Glad I found it!

Great story

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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!

Enjoyable Listen!

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Really enjoyed the plot line - it was unique and drew me in. The narrator sounded like a robot unless engaged in dialogue though!

Loved the story - not the narrator

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

intriguing story

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Although I felt the performance outstanding, I enjoyed the characters the most. How eac perceived the other was the best!

Day to day life

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

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

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