
Karma First Edition is a deeply moving and intense young adult verse novel set against the backdrop of 1980s India, specifically during the tumultuous period following Indira Gandhi's assassination and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots. The story follows Maya, a Canadian teenager grappling with the recent suicide of her mother. She travels to India, her father's homeland, where she experiences first love, navigates her bicultural identity, and embarks on a desperate search for her missing father amidst the escalating civil unrest. The book tackles heavy themes of grief, political violence, cultural identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Parents should be aware of the mature themes, including suicide, assassination, and widespread violence, which are handled with sensitivity but without shying away from their impact. It's a powerful read for mature young adults ready for a challenging and emotionally rich story.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepictions of riots, civil war, and political unrest.
Protagonist is in dangerous situations during civil unrest and searches for missing persons.
Deals with the suicide of a parent and its aftermath.
Explores civil war and political conflict in India.
Parental death and a father going missing are key plot points.