#Review: Raman and Chandrasekhar: Lighting Up the Stars by Arundhati Venkatesh

Arundhati Venkatesh’s novel is a delightful blend of humour, science, and family dynamics, making it an engaging read for young audiences. The story follows young Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who dreads his school holidays even more when his famous uncle, C.V. Raman, arrives and turns the household into a whirlwind of scientific experiments and misadventures. The narrative balances rollicking humour with insightful explorations of physics, making complex scientific concepts feel fun and approachable. The setting—a lively, chaotic home filled with curious children and exasperated adults—adds charm and relatability to the story, ensuring that both young readers and adults will find moments of laughter and nostalgia.

The language is crisp and engaging, making it highly accessible to children while still offering depth for older readers. The illustrations by Priya Kuriyan further enhance the reading experience, vividly capturing the riotous energy of the household. The book is an excellent choice for introducing kids to the wonders of science through storytelling, showing how curiosity and experimentation can lead to great discoveries. It is not just a fun holiday read but also an inspiring tale about the joy of learning, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.

Find this book here.