Review: Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar

Synopsis: In 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi asks Indians to give one family member to the freedom movement, ten-year-old Anjali is devastated to think of her father risking his life for the freedom struggle. But it turns out he isn't the one joining. Anjali's mother is. And with this change comes many more adjustments designed to improve their country and use "ahimsa"--non-violent resistance--to stand up to the British government. First the family must trade in their fine foreign-made clothes for homespun cotton, so Anjali has to give up her prettiest belongings. Then her mother decides to reach out to the Dalit community, the "untouchables" of society. Anjali is forced to get over her past prejudices as her family becomes increasingly involved in the movement. 

When Anjali's mother is jailed, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work, ensuring that her little part of the independence movement is completed. (from the online description)

Review: Anjali lives a comfortable life as a member of the Brahman caste in 1942 India. She enjoyed the privilege of intelligent parents, private school, lovely clothes, and good food.

She struggles to understand the sudden disruption to her life. When her mother quits her job working for the British and joins the Freedom for India movement, Anjali world shifts violently. 

The story concerns the journey of both Anjali and the people around her – including the adults. Her mother, her uncle, her classmates and neighbors.

Kelkar doesn’t sugar coat the events. There is violence. There is conflict. There is pain. Not everyone is saved, not everyone survives. Change is not pleasant. It’s awkward and uncomfortable and costly. Kelkar’s characters experience this in real ways, ways that cost them more than they thought they could pay.

This is a vital lesson for all of us. Kelkar’s uses real events to highlight this fact. With clear language, complex characters, fast-paced action, and real-world events, Kelkar creates a powerful novel. She transports the reader to India. The smells, the color, the culture, food, and clothes – she describes all of it with clear and clever language.

I would highly recommend this book to parents who want to expose their children to powerful life lessons and other cultures. Excellent for public or home education, and entertaining enough for any child.

Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: New Visions Awards, Winner (2017)

ISBN: 978-1-620-1435-68
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 5-12-18
Pages: 306