Not to be Overlooked

By Nayisha Patel, Gurnish Kaur and Vidruma Chaavali

Not to be Overlooked introduces a variety of wonderful but lesser-known books to assist readers in finding their next great reads. This week’s column covers a review of Breathless by Jennifer Niven, Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi and Devilish Deal by Jenna Wolfhart.

Breathless by Jennifer Niven 

Review by Nayisha Patel

Breathless by Jennifer Niven is a moving examination of perseverance and self-discovery. The book's protagonist is a teenage girl named Claudine “Claude” Henry, whose life is turned upside down after her parents divorce shortly before she graduates high school. Claude and her mother go to a secluded island off the coast of Georgia to get away from the mayhem. This remote location serves as the backdrop for Claude's self-reflection and journey of personal development. The story revolves around the island setting, whose solitude and beauty reflect Claude's inner landscape, and Niven’s evocative narrative fully draws readers into the island's sights, sounds and surroundings.

Niven’s honest and open writing style allows readers to empathise with Claude and her challenges and victories. The story does a fantastic job of capturing the turbulent feelings of adolescence and the nuanced dynamics of family relationships, especially the link between mother and daughter that develops when Claude faces her parents' divorce and her mother's secrets.

Claude's trip is shaped mainly by her friendship with Jeremiah, a local lad with an enigmatic past. Their passionate yet gentle romance acts as a spark for Claude's introspection. Niven handles the realities of teenage sexuality with sensitivity and authenticity, never holding back. 

Breathless is a coming-of-age story, but it's also an example of the strength of the human spirit; readers will find resonance in Jennifer Niven's profoundly emotional and thought-provoking novel. It's a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of growing up and finding their place in the world.

Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi 

Review by Gurnish Kaur 

Debut novelist Avni Doshi has created a compelling exploration of memory, identity and the complexities of familial love. Burnt Sugar was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, has been translated into twenty-six languages and has been longlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize.

Through the eyes of Antara, we delve into her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Tara, who is grappling with Alzheimer’s disease. The narrative oscillates between past and present, illustrating the duality of Antara’s feelings – deep love intertwined with resentment. Doshi’s prose is raw and evocative, capturing the chaos of Antara’s upbringing and the lingering impact of her mother’s unconventional parenting style. The depiction of Tara’s decline is both heartbreaking and haunting as it forces Antara to confront the poignant memories of a troubled childhood. The novel does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, interrogating the often messy duality of love and obligation. 

Doshi's sharp observations and skilful character development render the mother-daughter dynamic both relatable and profoundly unsettling. As Antara wrestles with her past, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of care and the weight of expectation. Burnt Sugar ultimately poses questions about forgiveness, loss and the shadows cast by those we love. The writing is poignant and intimate; the emotional resonance lingers long after the final page. This novel is not just a story of familial ties but also a meditation on the struggle for autonomy and understanding amidst the chaos of memory – making it a worthy read for anyone seeking a deep and thought-provoking narrative.

Devilish Deal by Jenna Wolfhart

Review by Vidruma Chaavali

What’s a good paranormal romance without the integration of demons, angels and werewolves? Devilish Deal by Jenna Wolfhart, the first book in her Covenant series, is the perfect concoction. Published in July 2021, Wolfhart introduces readers to an intriguing fantasy world set in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. 

The book's protagonist, Mia, shares her best friend, Serena’s studio apartment after struggling to find work. To get out of Serena’s hair, she applies for a job as a dancer in Infernal, a nightclub in Hell’s Kitchen, but the owner is only willing to offer her the role if she pretends to be his girlfriend and moves in with him. Mia agrees to do so, not realising she’s been tricked into making a deal with a demon, and breaking their contract could mean her soul being sent straight to hell. 

Wolfhart’s writing is gripping. Her fantastic worldbuilding allows the reader to focus on multiple characters and their dynamics, while twists and turns ensure the reader doesn’t want to put the book down. Her integration of small details, such as Hendrix the Pigeon, makes the plot more engaging. Wolfhart has also structured the novel to make the reader consistently question their own stance. 

Mia is a determined character and fights against the odds. Her ability to pull things off by herself makes her an intriguing and strong protagonist. Devilish Deal is a well-paced paranormal romance with a fake dating trope where the author takes her time to reveal the romance, tension and world of Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and paranormal romance.