India, July 18 -- At first glance, Stuti Agarwal's book appears geared toward a younger audience, given the pop cultural references. But there's more than what meets the eye in the layered narrative that introduces its three central characters - Pema, Inayat, and Nidra. The story beautifully embodies the struggles of adolescence and identity amid the political unrest in the hills of Darjeeling. The narrative explores the themes of identity, friendship, love, and more with empathy and nuance. Pema is a chatty day scholar navigating St Mary. Inayat is her opposite - a quiet soul who finds solace in the clay of pottery and the stillness of books. And then there's Nidra, the luminous house captain who effortlessly excels; she's a beacon of popularity and school triumph. With every page, the reader is invited into a world disrupted by the political unrest and the specific call for Gorkhaland. The unrest becomes personal, seeping into other areas of the girls' lives, shifting each girl's internal world. Inayat's faith, letters, and emails capture readers' attention beyond what is presented. Pema's honest ramblings and Nidra's journey from surface-level views to honest confessions allows us into their minds, their thoughts, and their worlds. To see their emotions, their battles, and most importantly, their acceptance is something that makes it worth reading till the end. The book is gentle; it doesn't rush and gives the reader ample space for grief, doubt, hope and healing. There is room to mourn and to mend the broken parts alongside the characters. Title: Daisies in the Wild Author: Stuti Agarwal Publisher: HarperCollins Price: Rs.250...