The Night Diary

The novel The Night Diary, by Veera Hiranandani combines spunk, thrills, and a great character story. This book follows Nisha, who describes what life is like to be a Hindu in 1947 in India, through writing letters to her dead mother. India has split in two based on religion, and the whole country is in uproar. Since Nisha and her family are Hindu, they have to trek across the dangerous border. This novel was one of the best books I have ever read because of the complicated characters, the interesting plot, and the beautiful and creative writing. 

First, the characters in The Night Diary were super well thought out and conflicted. For example, Nisha feels that she is half Muslim (from her mom) and half Hindu (from her dad) and, therefore belongs in both countries of Pakistan and India. All of the characters in the novel are like this: well-developed with intricate and complicated personalities.

Additionally, the plot was super interesting and pleasurable. From the first page of the exposition to the last page of Nisha’s last letter, the reader will keep turning pages until the end. She uses plot twists, kindness, and betrayal to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, the story arc of this novel was super creative and entertaining. 

Finally, The Night Diary was beautifully written with a creative twist. I’ve never read a book like this before, because it was completely in letters from Nisha to her dead mother. Also, Veera Hiranandani used figurative language and descriptive words to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. 

Overall The Night Diary is a beautiful, creative, and heartwarming novel that has strong and realistic characters, an entertaining plot, and a great use of language. The reader yearns for Nisha and her family to get across the border safely. This novel was amazing and I would hundred and one percent recommend this book to everyone. For me, it was a 5 out of 5.