What Is The Main Theme Of Pashmina?

Pashmina' is such a heartfelt graphic novel that dives deep into identity, culture, and self-discovery. The story follows Priyanka, a young Indian-American girl who feels disconnected from her roots until she discovers a magical pashmina shawl that transports her to India. Through this journey, she grapples with questions about her heritage, family secrets, and what it means to belong somewhere. The visuals are stunning, and the way it blends fantasy with real-world struggles makes it incredibly relatable.

What really stuck with me was how the book handles the tension between tradition and modernity. Priyanka’s mom refuses to talk about India, leaving her with so many unanswered questions. The pashmina becomes a bridge to understanding her past, but it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about finding her own voice within two cultures. The themes of female empowerment are subtle but powerful, especially when Priyanka learns about the challenges women in her family faced. It’s a story that lingers long after you finish reading.

Nidhi Chanani’s 'Pashmina' hits hard because it’s not just a coming-of-age tale—it’s a love letter to Diaspora kids. Priyanka’s curiosity about India feels so authentic, especially when she clashes with her mom’s reluctance to share. The pashmina shawl isn’t just a plot device; it symbolizes heritage as something magical yet burdensome. The book also quietly tackles gender issues, like when Priyanka learns why her mom left India. That moment shattered me—it’s about how women navigate oppression while still cherishing their culture.

'Pashmina' is a gem for anyone who’s ever felt torn between identities. Priyanka’s story resonates because it’s specific yet universal—that ache to connect with your roots while carving your own path. The magical elements make it whimsical, but the emotional weight is real. And that ending? No neat resolutions, just like life. It leaves you thinking about how we carry our histories forward.

I adore how 'Pashmina' explores the messy, beautiful process of figuring out who you are. Priyanka’s journey isn’t just about India or her mom’s silence—it’s about the universal teen experience of feeling caught between worlds. The magical realism adds this dreamy layer, but the core is so grounded: family expectations, cultural pride, and the frustration of not knowing your own history. The art style shifts between muted tones for her real life and vibrant colors for the pashmina’s visions, which mirrors her emotional arc perfectly.