When Secrets Set Sail
Sita Brahmachari
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
Average rating
‘Truly unforgettable … deserves to be read and studied by all’ – Onjali Q. Rauf, bestselling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class
Secrets from the past are the keys to the future…if two children can find them. Bold adventure, timely themes and breath-taking writing from award-winning author, Sita Brahmachari.
Usha is devastated when her grandmother Kali Ma passes away. Then straight-talking Imtiaz arrives – her new adoptive sister – and the two girls clash instantly. They both feel lost. That is until Kali Ma’s ghost appears…with a task for them.
Immy’s and Usha’s home is full of history and secrets. Many years ago it was The House of the Ayahs – for those nannies who couldn’t return to their Indian homeland – and Kali Ma made a promise she couldn’t keep. She can’t pass on to the other side until the girls fulfil it.
Today, Usha and Immy’s over-worked parents run the house as a home for refugees, but eviction threatens. The precious documents that could save them are lost. As the house slowly fills up with ghosts, that only Usha and Imtiaz can see, the girls realise they have more to save than just one grandmother’s ghost.
With help from their new friend Cosmo, Usha and Immy must set off on a quest through London, accompanied by two bickering ghosts, working together to find a series of objects that shine a magical light on their family’s past and hold the clues to securing their future.
If they can set the secrets of generations free, will they be in time to save their home?
Endorsed by Amnesty International. Sita Brahmachari is a World Book Day author for 2021 with gorgeous short story, The River Whale!
Reviews
I like the ghost Lucky, because, when her past is unraveled, it shows a traumatic past, with lots of courage. I recommend it to 9+
Dame Sapphire Squirrel 30.08.2025
Star Reviewer
I loved this book! My favourite character was Usha becuse I think she is a lot like me. I did not expect anything which I really like. I liked the ghost of Kali-Ma, i thought she was very funny. My favourite bit is when they visit Cosmo's house boat and ind out more about Lucky/Lakashmi. This book was really interesting because of all the history about the ayahs which is something i've never heard of before, and this book was amazing at telling people all about the lost stories of the ayahs. I would give it 5 stars!
Senorita Angora Moonbeam 27.07.2024
Star Reviewer
I like Usha and Imtiaz because they had so many hurdles to overcome.
Sergeant Gargoyle Colly-Wobbles 26.07.2024
I liked it because it told you about the life of Indian Ayas in Britain and a lot about Indian heritage and culture. I disliked it because the ghosts in it were kind of creepy.
Baroness Blossom Peninsula 13.05.2024
Star Reviewer
This book really specifies in mysterious genre and tells that you can never figure out your secrets until the reveal. The character in this extraordinary book that I like best is Usha as she thinks about the loved ones she has and enjoy her family. I like that she is really independant in her choices, making her kind and passionate in every way
Lieutenant Leach Frankenstein 23.12.2022
The story was adventurous and intriguing.
Commander Mandrake Mozzarella 22.07.2022
I really liked this read. It was such a fitting story. I loved the 2 girls personalities and how they are different but also seeing both views differ throughout the book. I would very much recommend but I would have liked to see more action.
Princess Babs Quagmire 05.01.2022
Really exciting
Quest-seeker Banana Bumblebee 20.09.2021
My favourite person was the kid who is nice
Professor Mars Fascination 30.08.2021
