52 pages • 1 hour read
Nidhi ChananiA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Published in 2017, Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani follows Priyanka, a teenage girl in California, who discovers a magical pashmina in her mother’s suitcase that transports her to a fantastical version of India, sparking her curiosity about her family's history and cultural heritage. Her journey leads her to visit her aunt in real India, where she uncovers family secrets and embarks on a path of self-discovery. Descriptions of racist and xenophobic bullying appear in the book.
Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina is celebrated for its vibrant artwork and authentic portrayal of cultural identity and womanhood. Readers appreciate its magical realism and engaging narrative. However, some find the plot too simplistic and the resolution hurried. Overall, it’s a well-received graphic novel offering a meaningful exploration of heritage and self-discovery.
Readers who would enjoy Nidhi Chanani's Pashmina are typically fans of graphic novels that blend heartfelt storytelling with cultural exploration, much like Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese or Raina Telgemeier's Smile. They appreciate themes of identity, family, and heritage, and enjoy visually engaging narratives.
Recommended
Lexile Level
GN240LIdentity: Race
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Relationships: Family
Children's Literature
Magical Realism
Indian Literature