My Name Is Cinnamon

102 Rating

Author: Vikas Prakash Joshi Category: Fiction, Young Adults ISBN: 9789394613188 Binding: Paperback Dimensions: 8.5 X 5.5 inch Number of Pages: 220

Both a captivating chronicle and an endeavour of remarkable depth and ambition, My Name Is Cinnamon provides a richly textured narrative of a boy trying to find his roots and place in the world. On each part of his journey, he encounters new people, new cuisines, and new adventures as he learns a lot about himself and the world around him.

While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in ­children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love.

With his perceptive observations, vivid descriptions, and an authentic voice, the author, Vikas Prakash Joshi, weaves an immersive plot with fully realised environments and characters that are sure to stay with you for a long time. Above all, My Name Is Cinnamon is about finding your own people and accepting who you are.

Reviews

‘A richly textured narrative of a “heart-baby” born of a mixed marriage who grows up and goes in search of his roots. An interesting and uplifting read in a time of social schisms.’

—Jug Suraiya

Author, journalist, and former associate editor, The Times of India

‘With gentle humour and empathy, Vikas Prakash Joshi has taken on the rites of passage of an adopted child. A book to read by adults and children in order to broaden horizons.’

—Dr Paro Anand

Author, Bal Sahitya Puraskar winner, and former head, National Centre for Children’s Literature and National Book Trust

‘Cinnamon is a heart-warming story that is bound to make you smile and tear up, and it will definitely suck you into its innocent world, which will make you reminisce about your own childhood and smile once again.’

—Anirban Bhattacharya

Bestselling author, producer, actor, stand-up comedian, and public speaker

‘My Name Is Cinnamon is a fun journey, delivered with astute observations, witty humour, and life lessons. I am sure children will love it.’

—Dr Manjiri Prabhu

Bestselling author, screenplay writer, and founder-director, Pune International Literary Festival

‘It evokes Pune with its vada pav, football matches, Shrewsbury biscuits, and mist-shrouded winter mornings.’

—Dr Easterine Kire

Winner of the Bal Sahitya Akademi prize, Tata Literature Live! prize, and Hindu Literature prize

‘My Name Is Cinnamon is Vikas Joshi’s promising debut novella. Vikas has managed to address a very sensitive issue with a lot of humour, irony, and understanding which makes the book a useful tool for families of adopted children and professionals working in these areas without taking away the enjoyable reading experience for the general audience.’

—Irina Papancheva

Award-winning author and head of EU advocacy and campaigns, Lumos Foundation

‘It is a real pleasure to read a story set in a world so culturally different from my own, yet so recognisable in its underlying emotions. It’s proof that we are all part of the same world family, even if we are continents apart.’

—Mandy Hager

Bestselling author, recipient of Margaret Mahy Medal, and president, New Zealand Society of Authors

‘In the present society, where self-interest and solitude are highly promoted, Vikas portrays a new avenue enriched with humour, adventure, and wonder, displaying the talent of an experienced painter.’

—Chulananda Samaranayake

Award-winning poet, and head of translators pool, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government

‘My Name Is Cinnamon takes us on an interesting journey full of adventure and emotions, while introducing the reader to the Indian culture. People of all ages will enjoy reading this lovely book.’

—Samar Mahfouz Barraj

Award-winning writer, playwright, lyricist, poet, and winner of four Etisalat awards for Arabic children’s literature

‘From the first pages of the book, the story gets you sucked into its plot with its vivid descriptions. This intimate and well-turned writing style continues throughout the story that unravels, approaching the delicate subject of adoption in a very sensitive, straightforward, and serious way.’

—Giorgos Vlachakis and Eliza Neophytou

Founders, Eat Dessert First Greece

‘Reading Vikas Joshi’s My Name Is Cinnamon in Cairo was a delight. Vikas is a gifted storyteller. His storytelling is intelligent, heartfelt, and witty and his style is one of companionship and evokes trust.’

—Karim-Yasin Goessinger

Founder and director, Cairo Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences

‘When I read it, I was picturing it as clips from a movie. It has a strong cinematic quality.’

—Dr Gulnara Mursalimova

Assistant professor and researcher, Kazakh National Academy of Arts

‘My Name Is Cinnamon is heartwarming, like a rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon, a deeply touching story to savour and remember.’

—Aylin Oney Tan

Columnist, Hurriyet Daily News and Cumhuriyet