Lucky Boy

My book review: 

Lucky Boy, by Shanthi Sakaran. The heart of this fiction book is about two women: Soli, a young woman who immigrates illegally from Mexico to the United States. Her journey is very hard but she eventually finds herself living in California with a cousin and cleaning houses for the well-to-do. She also becomes pregnant. Her son, Ignacio, is her life and she is willing to do anything to protect him. However, after an accident Soli finds herself in an immigration detention facility and Ignacio is taken by social services and placed in foster care.

Intertwined with Soli’s story is another about a young couple, Kavya and Rashi who are desperately trying to have their own child. Because they are unable to conceive they look towards fostering. Ignacio is placed in their care. He is a perfect fit with this couple and above all they desperately want to adopt him.

This book is about two mothers who above all deeply love one lucky boy. Without giving away the ending you know that this is a bittersweet book and that it cannot end with a win-win. What will be the fate of this sweet boy?

I love this book because it has given me a better understanding and compassion about illegal immigration and couples experiencing infertility. We all need more compassion in our lives, especially for those who have not had the opportunities we have had.

I highly recommend this book. Moreover, it will stay with you long after you have finished. Isn’t that what a good book is all about?

My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

If you like this book you may also like:

The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer.

Published reviews:

1. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/72181-an-immigrant-story-shanthi-sekaran.html
2. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/shanthi-sekaran/lucky-boy-sekaran/

Something about the author:

1. https://www.npr.org/2017/01/10/508409085/immigration-and-infertility-bring-two-mothers-together-over-one-lucky-boy
2. https://www.sfgate.com/books/article/Interview-with-Shanthi-Sekaran-author-of-12241893.php
3. https://www.shanthisekaran.com/
4. https://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/2900/shanthi-sekaran

Book discussion questions:

1. https://mppl.org/check_it_out/book-discussion-questions-lucky-boy-by-shanthi-sekaran/
2. https://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/fiction/10875-lucky-boy-sekaran?start=3