Dava Shastri's Last Day

Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti tells the story of Dava Shastri, one of the world's wealthiest women, who has always lived with her sterling reputation in mind. A brain cancer diagnosis at the age of seventy changes everything for Dava, and she decides to take her death—like all matters of her life—into her own hands.

Summoning her four adult children to her private island, she discloses shocking news: in addition to having a terminal illness, she has arranged for the news of her death to break early, allowing her to read her own obituaries.

Dava, a lifelong supporter of the arts and the empowerment of women, expects to see articles praising her philanthropic work. Instead, her "death" reveals two devastating secrets—truths she thought she had buried forever. And now, the whole world knows, including her children.

In the time she has left, Dava must come to terms with the decisions that have led to this moment and make peace with those closest to her before it's too late. Compassionately written and rich with humour and heart, this powerful novel examines public versus private legacy, the complexities of love, and the never-ending joys—and frustrations—of family.

This book includes a Reading Group Guide.

Dava Shastri's Last Day was a Good Morning America and Lilly Singh's Lilly Library Book Club pick. It was one of the most anticipated books of fall 2021 by TIME, The Washington Post, Bustle, Goodreads, and Debutiful. It was also an Indie Next Pick, a Publishers Marketplace Buzz Book for Fall/Winter 2021, and was longlisted for the 2021 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.