A Chera Adventure

I’ve been intrigued by the Girls of India series for a while, but I hadn’t read any of the books in the series until Penguin sent me A Chera Adventure to review. I enjoy historical fiction. And middle-grade historical fiction set in south India? I can’t think of a single example of a book that fits the category, so I was more than a little excited to read this one.

With a spunky protagonist at the centre, A Chera Adventure explores the diversity of medieval Kerala. Sharadha, who comes from a family of healers, knows little beyond her matriarchal family and her rule-bound world. Her strict grandmother, though affectionate, insists on decorum and discipline, neither of which sits well with Sharadha. How can a young girl fired by the spirit of adventure put curiosity aside? Inquisitiveness and good old rule-breaking lead her away from her sheltered life and family. Stowing away (accidentally) in a cart, she wakes up to find herself in Mahodayapuram, a bustling, vibrant city, a far cry from her quiet life in Marayur. And there, adventures await.

A Chera Adventure brings eleventh century Kerala to life, allowing us a glimpse of a colourful society through the eyes of a young girl. The storytelling style is slow and linear, echoing the mood of the times. Yet, it isn’t as if the element of adventure is missing. With spies, surprise attacks, secrets and the spirit of rebellion, A Chera Adventure is a gentle, enjoyable read.