A harrowing tale of lost childhoods, only some rare ones come out of such experiences and Sharon has given the lost daughter of India in this story a fighting chance. The research is impeccable and so close to reality it made me angry, afraid and frustrated at what goes on behind the glamour of my countries cinema hub. 

My heart was in my mouth reading this story but it is a terrific read nevertheless.

The cover is beautiful and I love the vivid colors, the girl and the title, very promising.
I enjoyed the book very much it was intense, sharp and realistic story, well built characters and a fast read.

The story is, however, more depth than I ever expected and at the time I didn't realize what topics it is covering. Not only family's drama, but also distance relationship, two national relationship, culture clash, culture shock, human/ children trafficking, corruption and wealth, lies, journey and love.

The book is told from all main character's perspectives as the story moves on, with time movement in the past, so I, a reader could easily develop the whole picture of characters and choose whether I live them or not. It starts with the days when Asha's parents are growing up, one in America and one in India, both of them seek for something more than their families wants them to become. Both are from traditional families in a way, both have strict parents without being connected with their parents. When Caroline and Kamal meets they find an instant connection and decides to get married very fast, they have built high expectations of their future and they both moves to India, Tamil region. Their life turns permanently when little Asha is born, as her parents are faced to live a distant-marriage because of Kamal's work. They both long to be together and start to live for real at least, and there's always something in between. It also comes up that Caroline have freaked out being a mum on her own, alone from Kamal and does't held's a bound with her baby daughter whom by now she entrusts to the family she's living at. The story moves on for next couple of years, showing both attitude until the day when Caroline runs away to America, leaving the baby with the family..and thus the story takes a place from Asha's perspective years later..

What I loved about the  book is that all the characters are perfectly fit to their roles, starting with Caroline, she is one type of American woman, even nowadays her expressions, attitude, exclaims fits the person who has always placed herself first, having a little hint of ego, not enough self- esteem and have taken the easiest step, with assurance from people nearby. 
Kamal on the other hand surprised me, I had developed impression about him from Asha's view point that his great nature was unexpected, how down on earth/"good bloke" he seemed. Of course, Kamal too has  self-esteem issues, unsettled family issues, high hopes and he has always wanted to be together with his daughter but was wordy spoken around...as in India, everyone else has a business in someone else life..
 They both fit in the time of the book, the culture barriers in both of the countries, India and America, their wish to accomplish something.

The story draws a real, ugly side of the India, where children are stolen and finding one seems as a needle in the barn. However, the story has a true based plot, and has a potential to draw attention on the matter. The story does ends on happy ending, but it will take the reader though nasty information, the content and be ready to give up a hope..

A very emotive read.  A stunning book mostly set in India which I love to read about but this touched on both the opulent and the extreme poverty.  I could visualise each place through Sharon's writing.  Some truly uncomfortable situations which in parts I had to take a break and hope that the description of Asha's situation would not take me any further.  A very educational read also and heartbreaking that this is based on truth.  Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for advanced copy.

Sharon Maas is a unique writer and one who really puts extra and more into each and every book.

This is as evocative and atmospheric as ever. Heartbreaking on so many levels and there are some difficult subjects examined here. Child trafficking has to be one of the most heartbreaking issues ever and this book made me sad and realise just how the problem takes hold and festers. Having the story set in India, the fight to get the little girl back was an education and really well written - it will more than make your realise the horrors which exist in the world, often in plain sight. I did find some of it very upsetting but then that’s the point and it does make you think.

On a more positive note, the novel is all about sight, sound and smell once again. It’s a painting of colour, action and aromas of India. A scene I remember is when Kama is hiding inside a hamper - what a ,memorable and evocative scene!

Sharon always managed to carefully weave in the cultural and historical background of the country her stories are based in.

When the nanny reads the Mahabharatha to the young girl, I was as entranced as she was.

Sharon is a very visual writer. She paints each and every scene with care and attention. The result is a rich tapestry of a novel and a worthy read on any shelf.

4.5*
This is my first book by Sharon Maas and it was so beautifully written.

The Lost Daughter of India is a powerful and emotional story of child trafficking and the sex trade in India and was truly heartbreaking.

The writing was so beautifully descriptive and at times I felt as though I was right there in India’

Wonderful, although some flawed characters, it did take time for me to warm to Caroline’s character, but when I did I loved her and her description of her love/hate relationship with India was truly stunning. Kamal and Janiki were just wonderful.

I can highly recommend this book, and although there seem to be loads of books about child trafficking at the moment, The Lost Daughter of India was different and stands out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased and voluntary.

Review: 

I loved the poignancy of the plot mainly because heart-breaking concept of child trafficking and prostitution. When it comes to the setting and the concept, the author was able to bring each and every nuance of the horrifying underworld of India - the darkness, the brutality, the fear and dejection that these ladies and young girls endure for years without any ray of hope. For me, that was the best part about the book. The second thing that I liked about the book would be the title, which somehow echoed the concept loud and clear. But the cover image definitely could have been a bit more substantial. 

Almost all characters were something that you can see as a real person, but the characterisation of Caroline felt like an empty shell; I know she went through acute depression and I do emphatise with her, but the post-ten years characterisation felt as empty as her previous depiction. Though the narration style is amiable and smooth, the meandering tone of using multiple narrators does make it a very slow and complicated story to start. But the end definitely makes up for it. 

My opinion: I loved the middle and end of the book, especially the parts that were  narrated by Asha and Janiki. If you are expecting some high level drama and excitement, you will disappointed. But I would recommend this book if you are agreeable to holding your patience. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5