Review SAREE by Su Dharmapala – Simon & Schuster book review

SAREE by Su Dharmapala – Simon & Schuster book review
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SAREE by Su Dharmapala - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.28 out of 5 based on 40 reviews.
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SAREE

by Su Dharmapala

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.

Find out more here

$29.99 paperback, $17.99 eBook

Available as eBook or paperback from your prefered book retailer.

Published 25th March 2014

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  • Definitely worth the effort

    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!

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  • The perfect gift

    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.

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    book?
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  • Highly recommend

    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!

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Make sure you have tissues

    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.

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  • Beautiful, sad, and touching

    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.

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  • Worth staying up late to 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!

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  • sounds awesome and looks great

    it s awesome exellent

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  • Beautifully written

    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.

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • You will carry this tale forever

    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!

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    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Enjoyable read

    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.

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • sounds awesome and looks great

    it s awesome exellent

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • sounds awesome and looks great

    sounds awesome and looks great

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Absolutely amazing!

    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!

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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  • Beautifully written

    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.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • A number if stories woven together.

    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.

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  • Fascinating!

    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!

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  • Great read

    I enjoying reading books and this was every enjoyable

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • You will carry this tale forever

    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!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • Enjoyable read

    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.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • Beautiful, heart wrenching and captivating.

    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.

    Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended!

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    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Definitely worth the effort

    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!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • Saree - progress review

    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.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • The perfect gift

    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.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Fascinating and captivating book

    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!

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    by this author?

  • Highly recommend

    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!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • Captivating

    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 :)

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  • A wonderful glimpse into another culture

    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.

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  • This book still resonates with me

    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.

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  • What a

    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.

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  • Saree - amazing stories beautifully written

    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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