Shakti is a terribly cute, modern story (several GLBTQ characters and diverse people) but does not dwell on the diversity, but the story of how Shakti herself starts coming of age. This is probably my favorite part as Shakti is representing differences while making it relatable to everyone who reads. Even to the adult-kid-at-heart who is writing this review.
SJ Sindu’s book was not an “OMG BEST BOOK EVER!” book, but I liked it and glad I read it now and not when it first came out. I was in the right frame of mind for this story of a young girl, her family and their magic (literal and figurative). As an adult who has read a lot of this type of story, it is important for me to be in the “right frame” when reading. However the 10-to-14-year-old (younger can read if they are a stronger reader due to concepts more than content), will devour this graphic novel. The best part of things is the bringing in a culture that we do not usually see and in a way that it is not usually represented when we do. The artwork of Nabi H. Ali is cute, fun, simple but not simplistic, colorful and minimal details to fit the scene. It helps temper some of the more intense moments by making the colors positive and images softer, but has “oomph” to them.
It does not have a “meat and potatoes” feeling (heavy, filling), but a pasta and bread one (lighter, still filling). Or, there is a solidness to things, but it is more “comfort food.” While it is not as “serious as all that” it does deal with issues such as bullies, a mother taking ill when she is in the hospital having the baby, and trying to have forgiveness and balance.
The bullies are witches, as is Shakti and one of her mothers, so sensitive readers might not be okay with that aspect such as the the spells are used to control and/or hurt people (they give Shakti a really bad day), but overall it is handled well. And while I was really hoping for more information on the goddess Kali Ma and Durga Ma (especially them as this was probably the first time I had learned about her), this is a well-done introduction to them. I mostly liked that Kali Ma, while she is usually portrayed as the “villain” is given a more rounded look. This dipping our toes into East Indian culture was interesting.
