Rajani LaRocca, a Newbery Honor-winning author and physician, offers a contemporary retelling of the ‘Ramayana’ in her upcoming young adult novel, ‘Such Great Heights.’
BOSTON, MA – Rajani LaRocca, a Newbery Honor-winning author and practicing primary care physician, is set to release her first young adult novel, titled ‘Such Great Heights,’ this August.
This novel presents a contemporary retelling of the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana,’ with a modern interpretation centered around the character of Sita. The narrative follows Siya, a high school sophomore who is part of a competitive mock trial team. As she navigates her life, she grapples with the emotional aftermath of her mother’s death in a car accident that occurred four years earlier. Through this lens, the story delves into themes of grief, identity, and the nature of truth, prompting readers to consider whether truth retains its value if it is not believed.
LaRocca’s journey began in India, where she was born, before moving to Kentucky, and she currently resides in the Boston area. Alongside her writing career, she practices medicine and has earned degrees from both Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. Her literary contributions span various genres aimed at young readers, including novels and picture books presented in both prose and verse.
Her previous work includes the acclaimed novel in verse, ‘Red, White, and Whole,’ which garnered a Newbery Honor, the Walter Award, and was recognized as a Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year. In a starred review, ALA Booklist remarked that the novel “will change” readers, while BookPage praised it as “a sensitive coming-of-age story with all the makings of a new middle grade classic.”
In addition to her notable works, LaRocca has authored ‘Mirror to Mirror,’ which National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson described as “a thoughtful and deeply moving story in verse.” Her title ‘Sona and the Golden Beasts’ has also received acclaim, earning starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and School Library Journal for its engaging storytelling and rich world-building.
The upcoming release of ‘Such Great Heights’ aligns with a growing interest in reinterpretations of classical narratives, particularly those that introduce diverse cultural perspectives to well-established stories. LaRocca’s work exemplifies this trend, offering readers a fresh and relevant take on a timeless epic.
According to India-West, LaRocca’s novel promises to resonate with both young adults and those interested in contemporary literature that reflects diverse experiences and viewpoints.