Sameer Gudhate Presents the Book Review of Dadi, Dantkatha and the Djinns by Avanti Sopory

I remember the first time I curled up beside my grandmother on a chilly winter evening, the aroma of simmering kahwa filling the room, as she spun tales that danced between the real and the magical. There was always a hush in the air, punctuated by the crackle of the fireplace and the occasional shiver of delight or fear. Opening Dadi, Dantkatha and the Djinns by Avanti Sopory felt like stepping back into that very moment, a portal into a world where the snow-dusted valleys of Kashmir are alive with whispers, secrets, and mischievous djinns. Avanti Sopory, with her tender reverence for Kashmiri folklore, has curated 27 tales that shimmer with timeless wisdom and childlike wonder, each one a delicate embroidery of imagination and life lessons passed down through generations.

From the first page, the book’s charm is undeniable. The prose is simple yet melodic, the pacing gentle, as if the storyteller herself leans in close to ensure you don’t miss a single nuance. Sopory’s language is tactile; you can almost feel the chill of the mountains, the warmth of a Kangri pressed against cold palms, and the hushed awe of villagers sharing stories under starlit skies. There is humor tucked in clever wordplay, a pang of melancholy in tales of loss and exile, and a spark of mischief in the antics of talking animals and wandering djinns.

The characters linger long after you close the cover. Kings and queens are more than archetypes; they are human in their pride and folly. Villagers radiate wisdom, patience, and a quiet resilience that mirrors the enduring spirit of Kashmir itself. Fairies, witches, and djinns embody lessons in morality and imagination, and even the smallest animals leave footprints on your heart. I found myself pausing mid-story to reflect on their relevance today — how these ancient tales, though wrapped in magic, echo universal truths about courage, kindness, and the consequences of our choices.

Structurally, the book flows like a gentle river, each story distinct yet seamlessly connected through the shared heartbeat of Kashmiri tradition. Sopory peppers the collection with subtle illustrations and Kashmiri phrases, enriching the texture without overwhelming the narrative. There are moments where the rhythm slows, inviting contemplation, and moments that quicken, brimming with suspense and delight. It’s a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with engagement, simplicity with depth.

What sets this book apart is its ability to transport you — not just through space, to the snow-capped peaks and gurgling rivers of the Valley, but through time, to nights spent huddled by the fire, hanging on to every syllable of a grandparent’s story. Reading it is an emotional journey: I laughed, I gasped, I quietly appreciated the enduring magic that folklore carries in preserving culture, identity, and values. The book’s strength lies in this human touch — it is both an archive and an embrace, a bridge connecting generations.

If there is any gentle critique, it is only that the rhythm of some tales could have been tightened for younger readers with shorter attention spans, though this is a minor quibble in a work so lovingly assembled. My own reflection upon finishing it was bittersweet; I realized how rare it is to encounter a book that feels like home, yet also invites you to travel far.

Dadi, Dantkatha and the Djinns is a treasure — a kaleidoscope of magic, wisdom, and nostalgia. Whether you are reading to a child, revisiting your own childhood, or seeking stories that whisper ancient truths, this book will leave an imprint. Close your eyes and imagine the snow-dusted valleys, the murmurs of djinns, the warmth of Dadi’s tales — and then, turn the page. Let these stories find their way into your heart, and perhaps, into the next generation’s imagination.

Pick up this book, and let the mountains of Kashmir speak to you once more.

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