Review: Divining the Leaves by S.T. Haggerty
When I first caught sight of Divining the Leaves, with that enchanting cover promising a lush, magical journey, I knew I had to dive in. S.T. Haggerty’s vibrant blend of rich cultures, the ethereal world of yakshas, and themes of acceptance had me hooked from the start. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself in a bit of a love-hate relationship with this tale, especially the male main character (MMC), Nilesh Batra—let’s just say, the guy needs a serious wake-up call.
At the heart of this story is Ridhi Kapadia, a girl who embodies a deep connection to nature, embracing the flora and soul of the forests. While her classmates taunt her, the beauty of Alkapuri—the kingdom of yakshas—calls her home. Ridhi’s journey is deeply intertwined with the colorful festival of Holi, a vibrant focal point of the narrative. One of my favorite aspects is how well Haggerty weaves in the significance of this festival, portraying its joyous chaos and intricate preparations through lush, sensory details. If there’s one thing I can unequivocally praise, it’s the writing: it’s poetic and immersive, painting pictures that are vivid and richly aromatic.
However, then we have Nilesh. Spoiled and aimless at first, he becomes a bit of a liability as he meanders into danger, fixated on Kamini, a yakshini with a mystery of her own. Look, he’s hurting from his parents’ revelation, but that doesn’t excuse his often frustrating decisions. I found myself yearning for him to grow more quickly than he did. There were hints of a queer angle throughout, but I feel like it dipped below the radar until the very end. It left me wondering—what took so long? A snippet here or there could have seamlessly blended that subplot into the main narrative.
Despite its pacing issues (with much of the excitement crammed into the last quarter—quarantine-induced whiplash, anyone?), Divining the Leaves thrives in its atmosphere. The sensory overload—sights, sounds, tastes—made me want to jump into the pages and celebrate Holi alongside Ridhi and her community. The balance of desi flavors, like saris and bhajis mixed with American influences, beautifully captures the essence of diasporic life. It’s a mix of vibrant cultures and flavors that grounded the fantastical elements in something real.
Ridhi’s character definitely resonated with me; her struggles with self-acceptance and belonging struck a chord. The reminders to embrace one’s identity amid ignorance—especially from some of her fellow Indians—made me nod with familiarity. There’s something so refreshing about a protagonist who is unapologetically herself, even when faced with disdain.
Ultimately, while Divining the Leaves has its share of contrasting elements—gorgeous prose against the backdrop of a slow-moving plot—the heart of the tale lies in its cultural representation and Ridhi’s indomitable spirit. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a lush fantasy threaded with South Asian identity, though prospective readers should be forewarned about the MMC’s frustrating antics and the slower pacing.
In a space where there’s often a distortion of cultural narratives, it’s refreshing to see Divining the Leaves stand firmly rooted in its Hindu essence. With some nudging on character development and pacing, it could have blossomed into an unforgettable journey. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Children, for the eARC—I’m grateful for the chance to explore this captivating yet flawed world.