Magic is not unheard of. In this story exists a magical, mystical land — Aleya — which overlaps ours. In fact, most of us are neither aware of the land nor do we believe in its existence. It is only when Ahan, a strange looking boy, lands in Juno’s garden does she realise that Aleya is not a figment of her imagination! It dawns on her that her grandfather’s disappearance too was something to worry about.
Juno decides to visit Aleya, and she learns about Queen Marisha and her children, the twins — Tuhin and Mia. She also understands that unlike Tuhin who is wise and kind, his sister Mia is stubborn. It is her love for plants and the obsession with her garden that lead her to the garden of Djinn to take the moonflower (a magical herb), that causes her disappearance.
Magic is might
Juno’s grandfather tries to help the Aleyans. However, stumbling upon important evidence, he too disappears. Aleya is in trouble as the magic is waning, people are losing their powers, and also vanishing. The Queen wanted to go to war to protect her people. She decides to look for her beloved grandfather, the princess, and also protect Aleya. Armed with a bracelet on her right wrist, a cloak that would enable her to fly and also keep her warm, an engraved casket made from the rarest sandalwood, and a long parchment that was actually a talking map, Juno sets out into the unknown with two friends Niyati and Ahan. Despite her long journey, Juno is spurred by her quest.
Rohini Chowdhury’s book is detailed, descriptive and draws readers to it with a certain amount of interest that’s unexplainable. If you love fairy tales and the power of magic, you will like this book. The characters will walk you through the magic land and you will soon learn that they not only have names you are familiar with but are also your friends. Well-paced and evenly tempered, the book is unputdownable.
THE GARDEN OF THE DJINN, Rohini Chowdhury, Red Turtle, Rs.195
