Ahimsa - Supriya Kelkar - ★★★★.¾

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AUTHOR: Supriya Kelkar
GENRE: Middle-grade Fiction, Indian.
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2018
RATING: 4.75 stars.


My 12th grade Hindi teacher had once told us in class, "A great book begins at the end." I couldn't completely understand what she meant by that but over the years, I have come to realize the beauty of that sentiment. A good book is fun to read; A great book stays with you after it's over too. The characters get imprinted on your heart, the story gets fixated in your mind, and you ponder over the experience for days.

The last time this happened to me was when I had read "Wonder". And today I have had the pleasure of experiencing yet another fabulous book. This is a book I had purchased as a birthday gift for my elder daughter, but as it worked out, I happened to read it first.

We all have studied about our freedom struggle in school, but have we ever wondered what went through in the lives of the children living in those tumultuous days? Ahimsa is the story of one such child, a ten-year-old girl who is caught up in our freedom struggle inadvertently. The whole book is narrated through her perspective.

As a history buff, I thought I knew quite a lot about my country's struggle for independence, but this book has made me think and rethink. It's a beautiful story of courage, hope and strength in times of difficulty.

Recommended to every Indian above the age of 10.

Mind you, it is not an easy read for kids. Be prepared for questions especially on sensitive issues. But it certainly should be read.

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