Keya Das's Second ACT

by Sopan Deb

[Quirky Cat]

If you're looking for a novel that will stand out in your memory, may I suggest Keya Da's Second Act, written by Sopan Deb. This novel is every bit as heartwarming as it promised to be, if not more so.

Shantanu Das has been living with ghosts for years now. One could say he is used to it – but that isn't quite the truth. It's been years since he and his wife spoke to their eldest daughter – and given her death, that will never change.

When going through Keya's things, he finds a manuscript she had written but never released. Perhaps now is the time to honor her memory and to right the wrongs that haunt the family.

“What is peace but just another precursor to war?”

Keya Da's Second Act is quite an emotional read, so you better prepare yourself for what lies ahead. This book tackles many heavy subjects, predominantly grief, homophobia, and LGBT/what it takes to be an ally.

The thing I love the most about Keya Da's Second Act is the critical conversation this book brings up. We all know somebody who regrets an action in their past. Maybe they said something horrible. Or maybe they didn't back a friend the way they should have. Either way, they're carrying that weight now and are trying to find a way to make amends.

Most of us have the option to reach out and apologize to those we've done wrong. But sometimes that isn't possible – and it will never be possible. That is the situation our main character is in. He let homophobia and familial expectations get between him and his daughter, and her death removed any opportunity to make things right.

Well, not in a direct sense. He can still do something; it just won't be an apology that she can hear. That's what makes this story hit so hard. The loss, the regrets, the (admittedly late) determination to stand up and do something about it.

Thanks to Simon Schuster and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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