Reviewed by Christy H.
Priyanka is a first generation
Indian American girl living with her single mother. Though Priyanka (who
routinely asks to be called Pri) is a typical American teen she also dreams of
one day visiting her mother’s homeland of India. She wants to know all about
it, as well as her father, but Pri’s mom refuses to discuss Pri’s father or
anything relating to India.
Pri
is on the verge of giving up when she stumbles across an old suitcase tucked
away in a closet. Inside is a pashmina that Pri has never seen before. When she
wraps it around herself she is immediately transported to the colorful and
stunning land of India. She tries new foods she’s never heard of (as well as
old favorites like her beloved samosas) and dresses in vibrant saris that make
her feel beautiful. All the while a shadow lurks in the background. When Pri
catches glimpses of it and questions her guides (a talking elephant and blue
bird), they chase away the shadow and refuse to provide any answers. This
convinces Pri that she must travel to India for real to better understand her
heritage, her mother, and herself.
Pashmina is a delightful and heart-warming
graphic novel. Chanani’s art is very charming, adorable, and though I do not
read graphic novels extensively it is one of the best of the ones I have read.
Her decision to switch to color during the imagined India sections gives it an
extra punch as well. Though anyone can relate to Pri’s bumpy school life and her
tension with her mother, it’s nice to get a different perspective within these
common themes. I really loved this little book and its advocating for
discovering oneself and choosing one’s own destiny.
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