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das_susrita99's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
princessjulia's review against another edition
3.0
3/3.5
It took me ages to get into this book and I felt so detached to the characters that it was like reading an academic text more than a novel, I think I just had to get used to the writing style. Once I did, I really enjoyed the book but it seemed a bit too late as the beginning was just too slow and didn't do justice to the characters.
I'm also unsure about the message of the book, it seems to come from a very privileged point of view but on the other hand I loved the theme of hope and positive thinking. I am totally conflicted on this!
I did like the perspective of this book as it's rare that I read a book like this, but this has definitely consolidated the idea in me that I have to read more books like this.
It took me ages to get into this book and I felt so detached to the characters that it was like reading an academic text more than a novel, I think I just had to get used to the writing style. Once I did, I really enjoyed the book but it seemed a bit too late as the beginning was just too slow and didn't do justice to the characters.
I'm also unsure about the message of the book, it seems to come from a very privileged point of view but on the other hand I loved the theme of hope and positive thinking. I am totally conflicted on this!
I did like the perspective of this book as it's rare that I read a book like this, but this has definitely consolidated the idea in me that I have to read more books like this.
sokhiengtim's review against another edition
4.0
The situation in the story, obviously, could reflect the situation in Cambodia. In rural parts of Cambodia, almost every families are poor and cannot do any jobs rather than farming and fishing — if they live near the river. Like in the story, Hari and Lia decided to give up on studying, so this has been occurring in Cambodia, too, for the same reason of Hari and Lila — to help their family.
Plus, the moment when a father who was drunk every day — I experienced it back in the day.
Plus, the moment when a father who was drunk every day — I experienced it back in the day.
salhamaryam02's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
misspalah's review against another edition
4.0
A story of overcoming adversities and hardships of one family from one small village called Thul in india. The story was written solely for young adult hence I don't really mind that the plot is a bit lackluster and the characters in the story are lacking in depth. I did enjoyed the story afterall. Both Hari and Lila was forced to grow up quickly so that they can fend for themselves. Hari ran away to Mumbai in a hope of getting a job. He hoped to make enough money so that he can comes back to his village quickly. He finds living in Mumbai very suffocating. Lila, on the other hand, had to step up and be in charge of her family's affair. Her good for nothing father is always drunk and her mother is bedridden for a long as she can remember. Her only loyal friend is Pinto, her dog who's always by her side. Besides Pinto, she's also need to take care of her younger siblings, Bella and Kamal. A short and light reading I must say, there are few political bits here and there in the book but it was necessary for what Hari and Lila go through in their daily life. Overall, this is an enjoyable reading.
pixistachio's review against another edition
4.0
One of the Good children's book! To take a break from the tight world! Good stress buster! Takes to you to Mumbai of 1980's when there wasn't even a good communication system, without a good communication system, transport and even health care. The kids tries to overcome their challenges with their father being drunk and mom being sick! Absolutely love the pace of the story, the style - Beautiful!
clehris's review against another edition
3.0
It made me realise how fortunate I am and helped my understand more about people who are not as lucky as I am. Although I didn't really like the style of writing, I did enjoy how Anita Desai tried potraying the characters - Hari as the "head" of the family although there are times he wanted to give up and isn't as strong as his sisters think he is, Lila as the girl who wanted to be like her two little sisters but unfortunately, had to be more mature than kids her age is expected to be.
gargi's review against another edition
5.0
What would you do if you had a permanently bed-ridden mother and a drunkard for a father,with three siblings to look after.
Lila lives with her mother, father and three siblings – Hari, her brother, and Bela and Kamal, her sisters – in the fishing village of Thul, fourteen kilometres from the Metro city of Mumbai, or Bombay as it was called then. Hari, the only son, works everyday to pay off his father’s debts.
Disturbed and agitated by the conditions at his place, Hari runs away to Bombay, leaving behind Lila to take care of their parents and sisters.
Anita Desai beautifully, and in a very simple language, describes the events that follow.
The Village by the Sea is the story of evolution of Lila and Hari into ‘adults’ as they face their family’s predicament. The story has a gentle voice and is very impressive. Desai brilliantly portrays the issues in the village of Thul, doomed for destruction b the advance of industrialisation.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a simple story of how children become mature before age and take up their family’s responsibilities. It beautifully shows the typical village life in India. It is an Indian fairytale. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
Lila lives with her mother, father and three siblings – Hari, her brother, and Bela and Kamal, her sisters – in the fishing village of Thul, fourteen kilometres from the Metro city of Mumbai, or Bombay as it was called then. Hari, the only son, works everyday to pay off his father’s debts.
Disturbed and agitated by the conditions at his place, Hari runs away to Bombay, leaving behind Lila to take care of their parents and sisters.
Anita Desai beautifully, and in a very simple language, describes the events that follow.
The Village by the Sea is the story of evolution of Lila and Hari into ‘adults’ as they face their family’s predicament. The story has a gentle voice and is very impressive. Desai brilliantly portrays the issues in the village of Thul, doomed for destruction b the advance of industrialisation.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a simple story of how children become mature before age and take up their family’s responsibilities. It beautifully shows the typical village life in India. It is an Indian fairytale. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.