As a true fan of this author I was very excited for the opportunity to get to read an advanced copy of her newest novel A Great Country. This is the fourth novel by Shilpi Somaya Gowda that I have read and I found it hard to put down.

Following a family after one of its members, the youngest in the family, is accused of serious criminal activity, A Great Country highlights the many facets to police and societal views on the incident. We see how one innocent mistake can quickly grow to monumental consequences and how this family fairs in the wake. 

The steady pacing and suspense as to what will happen to this young person had me reading beyond what my eyes wanted to tolerate. While this novel is primarily plot driven I still enjoyed the characters and motivations. I found myself reflecting on my own biases and how what happened in the novel would play out where I live. 

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. A Great Country publishes March 26, 2024. I’ll be here cheering it on and waiting for whatever Gowda writes next!

Oh and pay attention to the illustrations at the beginning of each part and how they change. A story in itself!