No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer.

This is a story that is both easily enjoyable and hard to put down.įluid writing and a delightful, realistic point of view make Ahimsa an enjoyable period piece for young adults.ĭisclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. It is almost a surprise to find how much time has passed near the end, since the pace does not slow. Time is well plotted, moving along quickly with no skips or awkward pausing. It includes wonderful descriptions of India, paying attention to details such as cuisine and clothes. The writing reflects Anjali’s age, with a youthful but complex voice. Fights among her peers and issues within the freedom movement make her scared and often confused, but she does not abandon her values or beliefs.Īnjali admirably adapts to new ideals, as when a friend in the lower caste system informs her that one of the movement’s actions is actually hurtful she listens and changes for the better. When problems arise, she is brave but also reacts realistically. She is not necessarily mature yet, but she is a happy, insightful girl. Difficulties come both Anjali and her mother struggle with the opinions of others in lower and upper castes, as well as the threat of the law.Īt ten years old, Anjali’s perspective is rendered well. Her mother quit her job working for a British officer to join the freedom movement, which is dedicated to equality in India-no more castes.

These factors help to set the groundwork for Anjali’s coming activism.Īnjali’s life is already different. Anjali’s best friend, Irfaan, is Muslim-another rarity, in a time of conflict between Muslims and Hindus. Writing is youthful yet complex, and includes wonderful descriptions of India.Īhimsa is the story of a young Indian girl, Anjali, whose mother has just joined 1942’s freedom movement, upending her whole world and changing her perspective.Īnjali is at the top of the caste system, though her parents are of the rare opinion that those lower in the system are not lesser than they are.

Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar