Review by McKadeemd -- Elastic Girl by Olivia Rana

[McKadeemd]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Elastic Girl" by Olivia Rana.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Elastic Girl by Olivia Rana is the story of a young girl named Muthu Tikaram, who lives in a poverty-stricken town in India. Muthu’s grandmother believes she is cursed, due to an incident that occurred prior to Muthu’s birth. Her family treats her poorly, especially her grandmother who despises Muthu, blaming her for the death of her husband. Muthu doesn’t know why her grandmother believes she is cursed, or how she could be responsible for her grandfather’s death, but she’s fully aware of how differently she’s treated than her sisters. Muthu dreams of becoming famous in order to finally make her family proud.

After a near death experience, Muthu gets a small taste of fame. Muthu’s father then sells her to the Great Raman Circus of Chennai. She believes she’ll be made into a star, and is filled with hope for a better life. Unfortunately, the circus is not what Muthu had believed it would be, and she spirals into despair. After a terrible incident, Muthu and a fellow circus performer, Gloria, plan their escape from the circus. Chapter after chapter, the reader is left wondering, is Muthu actually cursed, or will she finally live the life of her dreams?

I immensely enjoyed reading Muthu’s story. Elastic Girl takes the reader on the emotional rollercoaster ride that is Muthu’s life. From her meager beginnings to her experience at the circus, I was left cheering for, and crying with Muthu the entire book. Olivia Rana did a wonderful job of immediately setting the heartbreaking scene of a child born into unfair circumstances, being treated poorly by her family due to no fault of her own. Rana writes Muthu’s character in a way that has the reader feeling protective of Muthu, and has you rooting for her from chapter one!

I specifically enjoyed the thread of hope that is laced throughout the book, despite the hardships and despair that Muthu feels. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the culture of India as well. Rana describes the clothing, foods, smells, and scenery in such detail that I almost feel as though I’ve traveled there myself! This book includes elements that are tough to swallow too, such as underage relationships, rape, and child trafficking. Although these parts of the book left me cringing, the author writes them eloquently and her message is important. There is nothing about this book that I did not like, I enjoyed Elastic Girl in its entirety.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed reading a book set in a country I am unfamiliar with and appreciated the detail the author went into to describe India and it’s Great Raman Circus. While reading Elastic Girl, I got lost in Muthu’s life and felt as though I was living it right alongside her. The character’s come to life; Muthu’s friends become your friends, her enemies become your enemies. The book appeared professionally edited, with very minor errors throughout.

In all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be immersed in the story of an unlucky little girl’s life; from her cursed beginnings to her days at the circus, from friendships to hardships, to an unexpected ending. With many twists and turns, this book captures the reader’s attention with every word. I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel, and I know you will too!

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Elastic Girl
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Like McKadeemd's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Keevan]

Wow. This truly sounds like a beautiful story. I was considering reading this one but always chose something else. Your review has convinced me to give it a try.

Great review