Venkatraman paints an intricate and convincing backdrop of a conservative Brahmin home in a time of change… Venkatraman makes a memorable debut with this lushly evoked novel set in India during World War II…More than a feisty Cinderella story …this novel vivifies a unique era and culture as it movingly expresses how love and hope can blossom even under the most dismal of circumstances…

“…powerful images and motifs of sound…” * Horn Book “…dazzles and delights…beautifully written…” * Providence Journal ” a powerful depiction” * Chicago Tribune “Sure to go on my favorites list… This book will definitely dance its way through your heart as it did mine.” * Denver Post “Heart- achingly hopeful and beautifully written, this story will remain with readers long after the final line of verse.” * Starred Review, BCCB “This exceptional novel… is sure to appeal…” * Starred Review, SLJ

Told in verse, this story is magnificently strong as Veda’s determination dances off the page and into the reader’s heart.” * Starred Review, VOYA “The descriptions of contemporary India are beautiful and Venkatraman weaves images so divine that you can see the statues of Shiva, hear the ankle bells in the bharatanatyam dance, and smell the acrid scent of burnt rubber from the accident. “In Venkatraman’s delectably scented, sensual world, lyrically told through verse and through Veda, life is illuminated as a beautiful celebration of doing what comes naturally, as best as one is able.” * Starred Review, Booklist “Flowing free verse…A beautiful integration of art, religion, compassion and connection.” * Starred Review, Kirkus Stay posted! And in the meantime, enjoy her other award-winning novels: A TIME TO DANCE (Starred Reviews in Kirkus, Booklist, VOYA, SLJ and BCCB) ISLAND’S END (Starred Reviews in Kirkus, Booklist, PW and SLJ) and CLIMBING THE STAIRS (Starred Reviews in Booklist, PW, and VOYA).

Padma Venkatraman’s next novel, THE BRIDGE HOME, is scheduled for 2019 release from Nancy Paulsen Books.

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman