My Grandmother’s Masterpiece
by Madhurima Vidyarthi and illustrated by Tanvi Bhat
“My Grandmother’s Masterpiece” by Madhurima Vidyarthi and illustrated by Tanvi Bhat. Published by Duckbill. An adorable story filled with warmth about how Nini’s grandmother finds her identity as an artist changing the perception that a grandmother can be more than just a grandmother.
Nini lived with her parents and paternal grandparents. The story is narrated by Nini and takes place sometime between her seventh and eighth birthday. It is about her grandmother whom she fondly calls Minima who became an artist and a famous one all at once. Something which she could never have imagined her to be. After all she was her grandmother and old therefore. Also, wasn’t her first job being a grandmother? How could she show an interest in doing something new at her age?
Nini wasn’t too keen on her Minima learning art. But there was no stopping her once she started. Nini was also the biggest supporter of her Minima unknowingly. Read this beautiful and gripping story filled with warmth to follow the journey of a feisty woman who has got a chance to carve a new identity for herself. Minima knew where to be firm and where to give in. The illustrations enhance the charm of the story.
My almost eight year old just loved the story. It resonated with him in several aspects. The character of Nini was so much like him. Even the name is so similar to his :) He could very well relate to Nini’s insecurity feeling when she figures out that Minima is learning art and she isn’t allowed to meddle with that by her Ma. And he just couldn’t understand how Dada could be so mean and rude to Minima. He seemed at a loss to choose his favourite character between Ma, Nini and Minima as he loved them all. At the end of the story, he wanted to know if there was another part coming out.
Unbelievable that this is a debut book by the author. The bond between Nini and her Minima has been portrayed so well. The book drives home the message beautifully that there is no age limit for learning and grandparents, for that matter everyone, have a life of their own. There is no need to give up all their wants and desires just because they are old or are expected to play certain roles. Pursuing one’s passion and being there for the family can both happen together and one need not come at the cost of the other.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India (Duckbill), for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 8+.
Reasons to Read
Grandparents are an integral part of our childhoods and the story shows this bond so beautifully.
For the lovely message that the book gives out about the fact that learning has no age limits and it is perfectly fine for people to have their own wants or desires even if they are old and have become grandparents.
Where to buy from?
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.