Nila wasn’t born beautiful and is destined to go through life unnoticed… until she becomes a saree maker. As she works, Nila weaves into the silk a pattern of love, hope and devotion, which will prove to be invaluable to more lives than her own.
From the lush beauty of Sri Lanka, ravaged by bloody civil war, to India and its eventual resting place in Australia, this is the story of a precious saree and the lives it changes forever. Nila must find peace, Mahinda yearns for his true calling, Pilar is haunted by a terrible choice, Sarojini doubts her ability to love, Madhav is a holy fraud and Marion’s understanding of the very meaning of love is challenged and transformed. Each teeters between joy and pain, and each is touched by the power and beauty of the saree.
A breathtaking story of beauty, oppression and freedom… and of an enduring love that can never be broken.
I read a lot, in fact if I dont have a good novel ‘on the go’ I feel a little lost. To me books are like people you meet when traveling, each has their own unique story, they interact with me in different ways to produce a new experience each time. I define a good book by its ability to draw me in and transport my imagination to the time and place where the action is. A great story teller should be able to leave you tasting the dust or feeling the salt spray upon your face, happy to say Su Dharmapala is indeed a great story teller. Saree was an thoroughly enjoyable read, a thoroughly enjoyable cross continental, generational and cultural journey, easily 5 stars and I eagerly look forward to her future work!
In today’s fast paced society I occasionally find myself overwhelmed by the large number of events occurring more often than not all at the same time. When you are working on a large number of projects simultaneously, whether it be work or home related, it can be nice to just give your mind a break from it all.
As a busy parent however I know that a majority of parents struggle to find that moment of time just to themselves and even when you do get a moment to yourself sometimes it isn’t all that much time or it could be at an odd time of the day which could adversely affect certain activities such as going for a walk if it’s cold, wet and miserable weather outside.
This for me is the best part about reading- you can do it almost anywhere and at any time that suits you with no time restrictions. So if all you have is five minutes to read whilst you have something warming in the microwave you can let yourself slip into another world and refresh your mind for those few short minutes.
Saree by Su Dharmapala is a book which will encourage you to take advantage of any spare minute you have because it is a book that you just can’t put down. And even when you do it gives you something else to think about other than your everyday life.
I absolutely loved Saree and I know that I have found the perfect gift to give a number of my friends and family. In fact it makes the perfect present for almost any occasion and I know that it is something they will love just as much as I have.
You know a good novel when it leaves you still questioning events and thinking about it long after you have finished reading it, Saree does that on a number of levels. This book is just so deep and engaging.
At the end of the novel Simon and Schuster have included the first chapter of ‘The Wedding Season’, also written by Su Dharmapala. It makes it so easy to choose your next novel by including a preview of a book they know the reader of Saree will truly adore.
If you visit their website (www.simonandschuster.com.au) you will find more great book recommendations as well as free chapters and author interviews. If you love reading you will definitely find many great reads at the Simon and Schuster website.
I highly recommend Saree by Su Dharmapala as it was an absolutely wonderful experience reading such a well written, truly beautiful novel and I look forward to reading ‘The Wedding Season’.
Thank you so very much to the Mouths of Mums team as well as Simon & Schuster for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and of course to Su Dharmapala for writing such an elegant piece.
From the very first page this novel had been a journey of discovery, passion and ultimate creation, anyone culturally curious or captivated by the emotional motivation that lives within us all will thoroughly enjoy this read. Superbly written the author herself is an obvious craftsman using words instead of silk to create what I believe to be a wonderfully woven tale with many dimensions and luxurious textures!
Have not yet finished the book yet, but it is every bit as good as I expected it to be. It sets the scene by allowing you to experience the struggle of a young Indian woman. Before you know it, you ar swept right into her story and can’t put the book down. Guess I know what I will be doing the rest of the weekend.
I started this one and got though Nila’s story. I thought that it was a good book until I kept going. I have been going to bed early and reading until 2am just to find out what happened. I found the stories both exhilarating and heart-wrenching all at once (I did shed a couple of tears!). Through the stories of Nila, Mahinda and Pilar I thought that there was never going to be a “happy ever after” to the stories. As you read you can see the dreadful period in history of Sri Lanka, how it affected lives and how no matter which side you were on there was a common “humanity” to all of the stories. There are Indian & Sri Lankan words used (a glossary is in the back) but I found if you just read the story the context made you understand the word without the translation. I really enjoyed this book and cannot remember the last time I read a book this quickly! I am going to hunt out Su’s first book now – a really enjoyable read.
Saree by Su Dharmapala had me captivated from the moment I read it’s book description on the Mouths of Mums site. I knew that if I was not lucky enough to be selected for this review that I would love to own and read it for myself and I immediately checked its availability through iBooks, only to learn that it would not be available until May.
Needless to say I was absolutely thrilled to discover that I was one of the lucky people selected to take part in this wonderful experience.
It might sound strange but taking part in this review is more like an actual ‘experience’ than anything else. From the moment I received Saree in the mail I have not put it down. When I am not reading it, I am talking to someone about it because the events in this beautifully written novel seem so real it is as though I am somehow part of the experience.
Through Saree, Su Dharmapala takes the reader not only on a journey though the experiences which she describes with such depth, they are so vivid you can’t help but feel the emotion in the words you are reading, but also an eye opening journey through another culture.
I am almost finished Saree, and I plan on writing another review as soon as I have, but I just wanted to let everyone that uses iBooks know that currently (as of the 16th of April 2014) Saree by Su Dharmapala is available on pre-order for $12.99).
I must admit however, there is something very different about being able to hold an actual book in your hands. I really enjoy the feeling. It takes me back to my childhood.
Thank you to the Mouths of Mums team as well as Simon and Schuster, and of course Su Dharmapala for enabling me to enjoy such a great experience. Saree is magnificent. Judging from the other fabulous reviews Simon and Schuster have some truly fascinating titles!
SAREE by Su Dharmapala is a beautifully written book. I have since shared my copy with numerous friends and family and we have all enjoy this wonderful tale. Written with depth and passion this is a saga that spans from India all the way to Melbourne. I loved the historical notes that also play a part in this story.
Saree is a novel I have already recommended to many friends, I believe everyone has the potential to draw an understanding or insight from this superbly written story. Rich in cultural history and human passion it is fast paced and like a detailed garment, superbly woven!
I loved this book. It was so very inspiring. In fact I have passed it onto my mother inlaw as I know it will inspire her also. That’s the beauty with with books as opposed to ebooks, you can pass on a great read with your personal touch and it means so much more.
I absolutely loved this book. So poetic, charming and sweet. It let me enter into a different world, it let me cry and dream, it taught me a lot about the world of sarees. I enjoyed the way all the stories entwined together. A great read I would recommend to anyone!
SAREE by Su Dharmapala is a beautifully written book. I have since shared my copy with numerous friends and family and we have all enjoy this wonderful tale. Written with depth and passion this is a saga that spans from India all the way to Melbourne. I loved the historical notes that also play a part in this story.
If you like a good saga, this book is for you. A number of stories, each uniquely told, woven together to give you a happy ending. The stories are set in Sri Lanka, India & Australia and gives the reader the unusual insight into the modern history and culture of Sri Lanka and India. It’s an entertaining and enjoyable read.
I find Nilas character so endearing, I feel almost protective of her,and with all her family ut her through it makes you want to reach out to her.
A fascinating insight into another culture so far from my own.
A really great read!
Saree is a novel I have already recommended to many friends, I believe everyone has the potential to draw an understanding or insight from this superbly written story. Rich in cultural history and human passion it is fast paced and like a detailed garment, superbly woven!
I loved this book. It was so very inspiring. In fact I have passed it onto my mother inlaw as I know it will inspire her also. That’s the beauty with with books as opposed to ebooks, you can pass on a great read with your personal touch and it means so much more.
Wow! From the heart breaking insight into aspects of the Sri Lankan and Indian cultures, to the reminiscing of the many years I lived in Melbourne, I loved this book.
Too many times of late I have really enjoyed a book, only to be left disappointed by a rushed or not thought out ending. It was wonderful to read a book that you can tell was always headed for the ending it had. I enjoyed the book even more on reflection, after reading the end, which hasn’t happened in a while.
There were no huge surprises for me, but the stories were wonderfully written and really enjoyable, especially as they all started to come together. While the chapter written phonetically was a little frustrating to start, I soon understood the reasoning behind it.
I read a lot, in fact if I dont have a good novel ‘on the go’ I feel a little lost. To me books are like people you meet when traveling, each has their own unique story, they interact with me in different ways to produce a new experience each time. I define a good book by its ability to draw me in and transport my imagination to the time and place where the action is. A great story teller should be able to leave you tasting the dust or feeling the salt spray upon your face, happy to say Su Dharmapala is indeed a great story teller. Saree was an thoroughly enjoyable read, a thoroughly enjoyable cross continental, generational and cultural journey, easily 5 stars and I eagerly look forward to her future work!
So far I’m two stories in, and wow, what beautiful and heartbreaking stories. I get the feeling this is setting the tone for the rest of the book. Captivating and with characters that I really connect with despite their very different cultures an upbringing. Can’t wait to see how the rest of the book goes and how they will all connect.
In today’s fast paced society I occasionally find myself overwhelmed by the large number of events occurring more often than not all at the same time. When you are working on a large number of projects simultaneously, whether it be work or home related, it can be nice to just give your mind a break from it all.
As a busy parent however I know that a majority of parents struggle to find that moment of time just to themselves and even when you do get a moment to yourself sometimes it isn’t all that much time or it could be at an odd time of the day which could adversely affect certain activities such as going for a walk if it’s cold, wet and miserable weather outside.
This for me is the best part about reading- you can do it almost anywhere and at any time that suits you with no time restrictions. So if all you have is five minutes to read whilst you have something warming in the microwave you can let yourself slip into another world and refresh your mind for those few short minutes.
Saree by Su Dharmapala is a book which will encourage you to take advantage of any spare minute you have because it is a book that you just can’t put down. And even when you do it gives you something else to think about other than your everyday life.
I absolutely loved Saree and I know that I have found the perfect gift to give a number of my friends and family. In fact it makes the perfect present for almost any occasion and I know that it is something they will love just as much as I have.
You know a good novel when it leaves you still questioning events and thinking about it long after you have finished reading it, Saree does that on a number of levels. This book is just so deep and engaging.
At the end of the novel Simon and Schuster have included the first chapter of ‘The Wedding Season’, also written by Su Dharmapala. It makes it so easy to choose your next novel by including a preview of a book they know the reader of Saree will truly adore.
If you visit their website (www.simonandschuster.com.au) you will find more great book recommendations as well as free chapters and author interviews. If you love reading you will definitely find many great reads at the Simon and Schuster website.
I highly recommend Saree by Su Dharmapala as it was an absolutely wonderful experience reading such a well written, truly beautiful novel and I look forward to reading ‘The Wedding Season’.
Thank you so very much to the Mouths of Mums team as well as Simon & Schuster for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and of course to Su Dharmapala for writing such an elegant piece.
I am loving this book, I find Nila’s character so endearing, I just want to hug her, and if I had a chance I would have some harsh words with her family who treat her so callously. It is a fascinating insight into another world so far from ours. Sometimes I find all the Indian words used that I am unaccustomed to, a little bit difficult to take in, but overall the story is so readable that I cannot put it down easily!
From the very first page this novel had been a journey of discovery, passion and ultimate creation, anyone culturally curious or captivated by the emotional motivation that lives within us all will thoroughly enjoy this read. Superbly written the author herself is an obvious craftsman using words instead of silk to create what I believe to be a wonderfully woven tale with many dimensions and luxurious textures!
This book took me by surprise. Being a busy mum of three (including a newborn and toddler) the size and thickness of this book was initially overwhelming, but from the very first chapter i quickly fell in love with Nila and the other characters. Su Dharmapala’s writing is evocative without being long-winded. To my pleasant surprise, this book was actually a compilation of several short stories which i found very manageable with my busy schedule.
The stories take the reader on a journey into life on the sub-continent and into Indian/Sri Lankan culture. The balance of explaining important features, without boring the reader with the minute detail, perfectly executed. But just a warning: stock up on the tissues!
I enjoyed reading this book and although i rarely reread books, i think i may revisit this one again at a later stage.
And with mothers day just around the corner, this would be an ideal gift for many mums.
I look forward to Dharmapala’s next novel. I’ll be first in line 🙂
I loved reading this novel not only because the stories and characters were interesting but because it gave me a glimpse into another culture that I previously knew little about. While it is a long book, it cracks along at a nice speed and is easy to read. Quite absorbing in some places – don’t want to give too much away. I will be keen to read other titles by this author.
I finished the book a little while ago now, and I am so leased that this is the book I was given to review. Such an amazing story with such pure moment s of love and joy and moments of indescribable hurt and pain. A book I would definately read again. Getting such an inside and personal view of another culture was really eye opening and I learnt things I had no idea about. I have seen many women in sarees but never once thought about what went into them or the whole ordeal of trying to put one on the correct way. A fabulous book with an interwoven and heart wrenching story, a book to be added to your must read pile.
What a beautiful book cover looks great displayed flat on coffee table. The scene the author creates really reminds of Sri Lanka and the quiet elegant way Sri Lankan women conduct their everyday lives no matter their economic circumstances . The saree is such a beautiful piece of clothing so colourful and alluring compared to western clothes. The author captures the characters passion and hopes with innocence and the struggle to be individuals when adults around you make your life decisions for you.
I had trouble putting this book down from the moment I picked it up. I loved the passion in the writing and the detail in the scenes. It had me experiencing a huge range of emotions. Highly recommended.
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‘They Taste Amazing, I’ll Definitely Be Stocking Up Again’
Having three young kids, juggling their commitments and her own as a school teacher means Kristie Young’s days revolve around snacking on-the-go. And she admits she’s not always reaching for the best options! So she was thrilled to try out new Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars and says she’ll be restocking next time she’s shopping.
Kristie is right in the middle of one her busiest seasons of life – juggling three kids (two at school), a job, partner and household. But this year, she’s made a commitment to herself.
“I’m always running around. Always a million things on my to do list, but wouldn’t have it any other way.” Kristie told Mouths of Mums.
“But I’m turning 40 this year and I thought I really need to start prioritising myself, because for the last seven years, I’ve been pregnant, breastfeeding, busy with the kids, I have not looked after myself at all.
“So this year, I’m really starting to get back into my own fitness journey, health journey, and eating a lot better and starting to eat more regularly and eat more protein filled meals and snacks that will fill me up. So I’m not just reaching for sugary snacks, especially around that afternoon, where I’m getting tired from being awake with the baby all night and just finding myself reaching for junk in the cupboard.”
A self-confessed snacker, Kristie says her snacking habit is worse during school holidays when she’s constantly making in-between meals for the kids. So she decided to give Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars a try, as part of the Mouths of Mums review team.
“They were actually filling. I like that they had eight grams of protein, because that’s something that I’m really trying to increase this year, having more protein. And they taste amazing, which is obviously great and I like that they have chocolate, because normally in the afternoon, I’m reaching for something sugary, something chocolatey, and this way I know I’m getting that protein hit as well. So they’re a bit more filling.
“They help me last until dinner time without reaching for all these other little snacks in between.”
“I also like that they’re easy to take out and about. So when I’m doing kinder drop off, dancing. I always pack snacks and food for the kids and forget myself. It’s been good put myself first and have something in the bag and on the go for me too.”
Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars not only satisfy those constant cravings throughout the day, they’re temptingly tasty. With layers of nuts and soy crisps and enveloped in milk or dark chocolate, it’s every sweet-tooth’s dream.
“I’ve tried quite a few different protein bars, and some of them I don’t like the aftertaste or the textures too hard. Whereas I found this had a nice amount of crunch, the flavour was really nice, and the perfect amount of chocolate too.”
With three delectable flavours to choose from, Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars make mum me-time an indulgent treat, with no artificial flavours or colours:
Salted Caramel, Cashew & Choc: Crunchy cashews, peanuts and soy crisps, topped with a delicious caramel layer and coated in rich milk choc.
Cookies & Cream Dark Choc: Crunchy peanuts and soy crisps, topped with a delicious cream layer and coated in rich dark choc.
Almond & Double Choc: Crunchy almonds, peanuts and soy crisps, topped with a delicious white choc layer and coated in rich milk choc.
How amazing do these flavours sound?! Kristie tried a couple of the flavours, and for her the Salted Caramel, Cashew & Choc was an absolute standout!
“I’ve got the Almond & Double Choc, which I love and Salted Caramel, Cashew & Choc. And at first I thought this one might be too sweet with the salted caramel, but it’s actually not. It’s perfect, the perfect balance. Probably my favourite!’
“They’re so good for having the desk draw at work, those little snacks. I’m not just reaching for sugary rubbish. I know they’ve got protein, especially in the afternoon, when I am running low on energy from being kept awake all night. It’s good to have these in the drawer and just have one each day, which I’m enjoying, something to look forward to at work.
“I’m putting them on the shopping list, so when I run out of these, I’m off to get some more for myself. My partner tried them, and he’s approved them. He wants some too. I said he can’t have my stash, so I know I’ll definitely be stocking up again at the supermarket. I’m recommending them and really enjoying them.”
Purchase Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars from Woolworths and Coles.
This Real Story was provided as part of a paid sponsorship opportunity. Kristie was chosen to share her story because she was sent out and tried Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein Bars and genuinely loved them!
I rarely snack throughout the day and have an aversion to sweet things, anyway, so would not have tried these bars off my own bat. It is good to hear these reviews and that everyone liked them, but I still doubt I would buy a pack of 5 bars in case I didn’t like the sweetness of them. I avoid cakes when going out to coffee as well.
I’ve tried these too and found them filling and satisfying . They give me that chocolate fix that I crave but are small portions. I am trying to be healthier from now on too. Swimming every day and stopping the snacking. When I do have one of these it is planned.
Ive always l9ved the nice and natural bars and buy them quite often but I’m yet to try the deluxe protein bars. After reading this review and the comments ill definitely bevtrying them out as they sound delicious. I’m a bit of a sucker for caramel and chocolate so I know which ones ill be trying first!
These bars were soo good! I was hesitant thinking the added protein would make this taste funny or have a weird flavour but they taste amazing and are so addictive! I really enjoyed the cookies & cream flavour. They are super convenient to take on the go and are more filling!
It is always so great to hear and read other mum reviews of products. I love these muesli bars, they are so delicious and perfect to keep in your handbag or laptop bag for a snack at work or if you are on the go. This brand of muesli bars is one of my favourites as they have lots of flavour.
I trust your judgement Kristie so these will be put on my shopping list for my next trip for groceries. My son runs his own shop and he is always having muesli bars. I think these ones will be so much better for him health wise as well as being tasty.
Thank you for sharing your review with us Kristie, it’s nice that your experience was such a positive one. My daughter is very much into protein rich foods currently (together with going to the gym) and I believe she has tried these bars as well. However the bars have not such high star rating and personally I consider them as not so healthy
Thank you Kristie for a very relatable and down to earth review with a lot of good detail. I found similar features with the bars when I reviewed them. The bars are not too hard and they are not too sweet which is terrific in a protein bar. These bars are now on our shopping list.
I was lucky enough to also receive Nice & Natural Deluxe Protein bars to taste and review. I was surprised with the taste and the texture of the bars. Salted caramel, cashew and choc is my favorite flavour and one of these bars with a cuppa for morning or afternoon tea is simply so satisfying.
10:53 am
Definitely worth the effort
10:35 pm
The perfect gift
11:48 am
Highly recommend
8:49 pm
Make sure you have tissues
11:05 pm
Beautiful, sad, and touching
11:35 pm
Worth staying up late to read!
1:43 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
10:32 pm
Beautifully written
12:48 pm
You will carry this tale forever
2:38 pm
Enjoyable read
1:43 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
1:41 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
11:45 am
Absolutely amazing!
10:32 pm
Beautifully written
4:44 pm
A number if stories woven together.
9:29 pm
Fascinating!
8:29 pm
Great read
12:48 pm
You will carry this tale forever
2:38 pm
Enjoyable read
12:01 am
Beautiful, heart wrenching and captivating.
10:53 am
Definitely worth the effort
2:03 pm
Saree - progress review
10:35 pm
The perfect gift
4:06 pm
Fascinating and captivating book
11:48 am
Highly recommend
5:35 pm
Captivating
3:40 pm
A wonderful glimpse into another culture
6:58 pm
This book still resonates with me
9:05 pm
What a
8:49 pm
Saree - amazing stories beautifully written
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