Razia and The Pesky Presents-Storyline and Review

Year of Release:2019

Author: Natasha Sharma

Language: English

Reading age: 8-10 years

‘Razia and the Pesky Presents’ is a cute little book about Razia Sultan, the first female ‘Sultan’ from the Delhi Sultanate (present-day India).

When Razia ruled, people were not used to seeing or accepting women as the head of the State. Despite the challenges, Razia ruled and did an excellent job at that. This book is a humorous take on Razia’s plight, as someone in the court, much to her dislike, plays a prank on her by constantly sending her typical ‘ girly’ gifts.

Razia is a ruler and doesn’t like to see herself as delicate or weak. She is self-made and bold enough to stand up for herself. She would not put up with anyone questioning or making fun of her authority. But here, Razia is helpless. Since the gift’s sender is unknown, Razia has no option but to be irritated.

But are these gifts to pull her leg and have fun, or do they have a message to convey? Are these gifts sent to remind her that she is a woman and that, probably, by being a ruler, she is doing something wrong? Is it to remind her that her place is elsewhere and not in the court? As the gifts keep coming, Razia becomes more and more restless. Ultimately, her extreme irritation and impatience lead her on a trail to find the mischief-maker.

The book is packed with witty lines and funny incidents, all making up for a good dose of laughter. Children will indeed have fun reading it and, in the process, learn a bit of history too!