Author: Rasil Ahuja
Released: November 23, 2020
Pages: 183
Publisher: Penguin
By Neil Binoy
The swelteringly hot environment of the Delhi suburbs seems like an unlikely setting for an epic 183-page drama to unfold, but it is what it is.
Rasil Ahuja has outdone herself bringing her real-life twelve-year-old dilemma with a bottle of fairness cream to justice with this sweet, sweet fictional realization.
Told through commentary bouncing between Meher and Lina, through texts, snatches of conversation and online video calls, this book has been set to music – quite literally – that left me craving more.
Despite its short size, the words flew off the pages in a delectable blend of a cracking friendship, a tub of fairness cream, annoying elder brothers (As always), and a very strong, yet simple, underlying message: Be fair.
It is a message that resounds strongly throughout the book, highlighting the various racial prejudices that still exist in a diverse country such as India, through examples of bullying at school, discrimination by teachers.
However, despite the seemingly dark topics taken in hand by this book, it is quite a cheerful, relatable book, smashing in the homeruns. An enjoyable read, and something I would definitely recommend.
The bouncing commentary between friends makes it easy to see both sides of a story of desperation and drama, of friendships and ire. The wording and easy conversation in this book has made it easy to pick up and read. I only wish it were longer. A clear 10/10.