Review: Star Daughter

Posted by Marzie's Reads August 14, 2020

Review: Star Daughter

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author Shveta Thakrar's debut novel is the story of Sheetal, a teen who is a child of two worlds. Her father is an astrophysicist and her mother is a star who came to earth, had a child, and eventually returned to the heavens, leaving Sheetal with her father and aunt. One the one hand, Sheetal doesn't really feel like she fits into the human world. She's perpetually having to dye her silver hair and she gradually is starting to look more and more unworldly. Her maternal heritage is a secret that forms a barrier from friends and boyfriends. On the other hand, when she inadvertently starburns her father after a disagreement and has to seek her mother and grandmother's help. Only in the heavens, with mythical night markets, and continual political intrigue, Sheetal doesn't fit in either- she is disparaged as a mere mortal. How is she going to fit into the Star Court? How will she obtain the help she needs to heal her father? Filled with Desi cultural references and Hindu mythology, Thakrar has created a rich world.

I have waited several days and reread/listened the story again on audio. The worldbuilding and rich descriptions in the novel are truly lovely. I just wished I had connected more with Sheetal and felt/cared more about her relationship with Dev, which just felt awkward for a good fraction of the book. Sheetal herself is very much a teen, with the moods and frustrations of one. Overall though, I enjoyed the book and look forward to whatever Thakrar writes next.
Be sure to see more about the Night Market on Shveta Thakrar's website!