When Impossible Happens

A poignant story of life in India during the pandemic that mixes loss, hope, and even a mystery solved by imaginative, lively, almost-nine-year-old Swara.

When the pandemic hits and India goes into lockdown, high-spirited Swara keeps up her daily chats with her just-as-imaginative grandmother, Pitter Paati, through video calls. But soon Pitter Paati becomes too ill to even call, and then Swara’s parents say she has died of the virus.

Swara can’t believe it. Pitter Paati would not just leave! It’s impossible!

As Swara investigates the mystery of her grandmother’s disappearance, she stumbles upon a neighborhood mystery as well. With help from her friends, usually-annoying brother, and clues she’s certain came from Pitter Paati, Swara solves that very real mystery and, slowly, comes to terms with the truth about her grandmother.

She also realizes Pitter Paati will be with her, in many important ways, forever.

Jane De Suza is the author of several bestselling adult and children’s books published in India. She writes a humor column for The Hindu, a daily newspaper in India, and had a parenting column for Good Housekeeping. Jane earned an MBA at the Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur, India, and has worked in advertising for many years as a Creative Director. She currently lives in Singapore with her family.