I remember when I was young, my parents would narrate stories of their childhood. Ah yes, the old “back in my day” stories. Looking back, I remember little of those tales, but I do recall they always ended with my parents claiming their time was better and our generation will never know the greatness of the good old days.
“The Colony Kid” by Meena Chatty takes a modern spin on this traditional style of storytelling, that made me yearn for the old times but also made me feel grateful for the current times.
Mayura Amarkant about The Colony Kid by Meena Chatty
The premise of The Colony Kid
The book revolves around Meena (the author) growing up in a colony in the outskirts of Bangalore with her Parents, Grandma and younger sister, and her story of growing up as a child in a middle-class family in 80s. Her charming tales of finding happiness in the smallest of things and making the most of everything they had, and her adventures with her family took me back to my childhood and revived some of my old treasured memories, and made me feel like a child again as I read along.
What I liked about the book
The author captured my imagination with vivid descriptions and detail, and the words painted a picture of every scene in my mind. Meena Chatty’s conversational style of writing makes you feel a personal connect with her and her family, like you’re a part of the family, having a pleasant talk with her over old times. She perfectly describes how the times have changed, and people have changed with it.
The author states she can’t imagine giving her daughters the childhood she and her sister had, nor would she prefer living in those circumstances today that she would’ve happily abided to when she was young, and how technological advancements have changed us on a personal level.
The author equally describes the pros and cons of both times equally and emphasises how even in non-ideal conditions, she made the most of everything she had. Her neutral, unbiased take on both eras sets this book apart from the others for me.
DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter about The Colony Kid by Meena Chatty
Downsides of the book
The animated character and millennial colours on the cover may lead a person to assume that the book is for pre-teens or youngsters. However, the book is targeted towards 35+ readers.
If Meena wishes to take this book to a larger audience, she may want to look at an editor who will help her weed out the repetitions in the narrative.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, this book is a brilliant choice for oldies like me to reminisce on our childhood. The writing is vivid, conversational and fun. It truly felt refreshing to read such a positive book, and positivity is ultimately paramount in these trying times. It shows how as kids adapted to change and found happiness in everything, and encourages us to do the same today.
This book is a brilliant choice for ‘oldies’ like me to reminisce on our childhood. The writing is vivid, conversational and fun.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Download the book from the Blogchatter Ebook Library. Trust me, you will LOVE it!
Penned by:
Mayura Amarkant
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DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter 
I was going to ask if the book is good for pre teens. glad you mentioned.
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