About the book
From National Book Award finalist, Mitali Perkins, comes a dramatic tale about a displaced Indian family in the 1970s.
When Asha’s father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them.
But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha's promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior.
Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door—against the rules of the house. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention.
But when tragedy strikes, Asha must make a painful choice that will change their lives forever
“Well-developed characters, funny dialogue, and the authentic depiction of spunky Asha's longing for romance and female self-determination, set in a culture that restrains women's choices, make this book an attractive pick.”—School Library Journal
\"Achingly realistic.\"—Kirkus
\"An intimate and absorbing drama.”—Publisher's Weekly
\"Heartbreaking and hopeful.\" —ALA Booklist
Editions of Secret Keeper
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780385733403
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780440239550
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780385903561
- EBook
- ISBN 9780375891878
Read an Excerpt
From National Book Award finalist, Mitali Perkins, comes a dramatic tale about a displaced Indian family in the 1970s.
When Asha’s father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them.
But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha's promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior.
Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door—against the rules of the house. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention.
But when tragedy strikes, Asha must make a painful choice that will change their lives forever
“Well-developed characters, funny dialogue, and the authentic depiction of spunky Asha's longing for romance and female self-determination, set in a culture that restrains women's choices, make this book an attractive pick.”—School Library Journal
\"Achingly realistic.\"—Kirkus
\"An intimate and absorbing drama.”—Publisher's Weekly
\"Heartbreaking and hopeful.\" —ALA Booklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Secret Keeper about?
From National Book Award finalist, Mitali Perkins, comes a dramatic tale about a displaced Indian family in the 1970s.
When Asha’s father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them.
But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha's promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior.
Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door—against the rules of the house. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention.
But when tragedy strikes, Asha must make a painful choice that will change their lives forever
“Well-developed characters, funny dialogue, and the authentic depiction of spunky Asha's longing for romance and female self-determination, set in a culture that restrains women's choices, make this book an attractive pick.”—School Library Journal
\"Achingly realistic.\"—Kirkus
\"An intimate and absorbing drama.”—Publisher's Weekly
\"Heartbreaking and hopeful.\" —ALA Booklist
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Secret Keeper?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories
Where can I read a sample of Secret Keeper?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385733403
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Secret Keeper?
Mitali Perkins
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Secret Keeper is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780385733403) and paperback(ISBN 9780440239550) and altformat(ISBN 9780385903561) and ebook(ISBN 9780375891878)
Where can I buy Secret Keeper online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Secret Keeper from below
Where can I buy Secret Keeper?