There is something to be said about the simplicity of summer vacations with cousins – the friendly squabbles which turn to something more, the wild games and the ultimate process of growing up. It doesn’t matter where I grew up, the achingly familiar words of Aruna Nambiar strikes a chord.

I could completely relate with the blissful summers 11 year old Geetha along with her siblings and cousins enjoy at their grandparents place in Kerala. The summer is full of promise as there is a marriage in the cards.

As the connections, egos and joys between the families develop, Geetha grows up. It is a coming-of-age tale told with the touch of innocence and humour. The book brings to life the obsessions – gold, dowry, foreign exchange, master/servant class and more.

The characters are defined well and the writing flows easily without lingering behind in nostalgia. Strewn with words from Malayalam, the book is indeed a fun vacation read.

I received a free copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.