I think this is a cute book.
On the website climbingthestairsbook.com, there are a lot of 12 & 13
year olds commenting on her Guest Book which makes sense. I thought this book was an interesting peak
into Indian culture of the 1940’s from an Indian perspective. I liked the influence of Ghandi and
nonviolence vs. when violence seems like the only solution to defeat
Hitler. There are two different Indian
homes described, one of them is “traditional” multi-generational with the
dividing stairs. I also enjoyed the
insiders perspective on Hinduism and the various monthly celebrations. The Brahman caste embracing simplicity was
also very interesting. This is a good
book to learn a little of Indian culture because Vidya, the main character in
the book, finds good in everything and everyone even when she disagrees with
them. That is a great skill to learn. Padma received a lot of praise for the
research behind her writing, which is well-earned.
My Rating: Cute.
