Book review: Maria just Maria by Sandhya Mary

by - October 16, 2024

 Title: Maria just Maria 

Author: Sandhya Mary 

Language: English, translated from Malayalam by Jayasree Kalathi

Genre: Fiction 

Pages: 232

Publisher: Harper Perennial (Harper Collins)



Alright so this book looks very intriguing from its cover. A collage of bright impressions (with the mention of a toddy shop too) and the title of course. As you start reading, you realise that Maria is the single most name that is easy to pronounce. Just joking. Actually being a Bengali who has been brought up in the North, most of the names of the characters are difficult for me to memorize because they are typical South Indian names.

Originally written in Malayalam, the translation has been done by the award winning author, Jayasree Kalathi, who currently lives in England.

This is a very different kind of story. Maria, the protagonist has stopped speaking after the death of her grandfather. And this book traces all the incidents happening, leading to this huge life change. Her muteness is not neurological or underlying any pathology but is simply because she doesn't want to speak. 

The story has dedicated chapters on the main characters of the book, how all these shape up over the years or rather generations. From Maria's great grandparents to her ex husband and brother, there is a detailed account of every one and the reader is made thorough with all the life changes that is underwent by her.



Maria is brought up in her grandfather's house, from her childhood and that pretty much explains why she is so attached to him. Her brother is an established doctor practicing in the States, and he is the one who is paying for her mental hospital fees.

The characters are very intriguing. From her childhood dog Chandipatti, who has a substantial role in the story to side characters like Kali and all, there are grey shades to all of them (of course including her grandfather, who's a drunkard; remember the toddy shop illustration on the cover?). Chandipatti is an extremely intelligent dog with some serious powers because he can speak to Maria and think like a mortal. He has to be my favourite character from the book because even if you are not a canine lover, you are definitely going to get impressed by this four legged companion of hers.



What I love about this book are the details. The way each character is etched and described. What I found not so likeable (highly personal opinion) is the myriad of difficult names of the characters. Sometimes I had to go back and forth because the names were a challenge for me to remember and connect.

It's not ordinary story book. The meaning is deep and you will be thinking about the plot way longer after it's finished.

Rating: 3.5/5

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program 


This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ 
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla 
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.

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24 comments

  1. If I am not too wrong I am reading a book review by you Mandira after a long long time as I know you more of your travel blogs than a reviewer. What impressed me is you crisp yet detailed review of the book to give me a clear idea about the book being worthy or not for my read. Glad to know you much as an excellent book reviewer.keeo going and love you 😍

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  2. The book has made it to the JCB shortlist. I like the cover ad now that I have an idea of the story, I have bookmarked it for my long #TBR list.

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  3. One may decide not to speak, not necessarily due to shock, because they may take a vow not to speak I'll of others. May be Maria is silent because of her vow after her grandfather passed away.

    In many ancient literature from this land of Bharatavarsh, a communication has been shown to exist between humans, animals and tree. Many a time we may understand without verbal communication. The talk between Chandipatti and Maria my reflect that.

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  4. I left reading about the book halfway because not only the colourful and impactful detailed illustrations drove my curiosity but also your finely written review has made me decide to get this one.I hear it ha salso been getting rave reviews.
    That part about names , that is a tough one though , I face that all the time when I watch Korean dramas!

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  5. The review is crisp and gives the idea of the story clearly.

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  6. Cover is indeed intriguing. and story seems to be interesting. I am thinking of adding this to my TBR!!!

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  7. I usually know you for your travel blogs, so it was a nice surprise to see you doing a book review! I really appreciated how you provided a clear and detailed summary that helps me understand whether the book is worth my time. The cover looks really intriguing, and the story you described seems like it would be an enjoyable read. I’m excited to check it out.

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  8. Crisp review leaving me in doubt as to what I can expect from the book. I'm not sure I have the gumption to read through it though. Yet, I will put it aside for a later time.

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  9. It sounds like an interesting book. I am very curious to know why she stopped talking. I will sure pick up the book.

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  10. Reading a book review from you for the first time. It is nice and crisp. The cover is interesting and so is the tale. Will surely look it up, thank you.

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  11. What a captivating review!

    Your insights into the characters and their depth really highlight the uniqueness of the story. I especially love how you mentioned Chandipatti—the idea of a dog with such intelligence and a special bond with Maria sounds both heartwarming and intriguing. It's interesting to see how the complexity of names can sometimes enhance or challenge the reading experience. Your rating gives me a sense of what to expect, and I appreciate your honest perspective on the book.

    I can't wait to dive into this one and see how Maria's journey unfolds!

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  12. This is my first pick for jcb longlist l. And now after reading your detailed review i want to pick asap

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  13. Thanks for the honest review, Mandira. A dog that's intelligent and thinks like a human, that's what intrigues me about this book.

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  14. Lovely review. Honestly, I struggled with the book. Maybe it wasn't the right time to pick it up. Chandipatti is my favorite too. What a smart and a no-nonsense dog.

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  15. I love reading reviews, and I like how real you keep it! I sometimes will just get stuck in the pronunciation! Lol!

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  16. What an amazing storyline. saw this book being featured in jcblist and has been on my TBR, needed the push and I have it now

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  17. This sounds like a captivating read! A book with a dog is always bound to tug at the heartstrings, and Chandipatti seems like an extraordinary character who adds depth to Maria’s journey. Thanks for sharing this lovely review!

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  18. I heard readers saying that the story could've been more compelling and that it loses grip/focus somewhere midway which made me hesitant to check out the book. But your review. despite that 3.5/5 rating has put me in double minds again

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  19. Well, etched characters in stories are always a worthy read. Difficult names make it hard to remember and slow down the flow of the story.

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  20. My lovely traveller who always brings me to places I never imagined I'd get to explore (even just in photos) makes me work my imagination on this book review! The storyline for me isn't that of my cup of tea but despite that, I loved how you wrote your review. - MommyWithAGoal

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  21. I was asking the Blogchatter folk about this book.

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  22. I wished to read this book but missed my chance. After reading your view point, I am adding This Book to my Tbr. The detailed characters and descriptions add to my curiosity to read the book.

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  23. Your post has offered a completely different perspective from the others I've read about the book. Your post makes it sound a bit sunny and nice, rather than focus on the gloomy parts of the book.

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  24. I have read very polarising opinions of this book but I'm intrigued and wouldn't mind picking it up.
    Noor

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