Keeping Corner

Kashmira Sheth (Author)
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SKU
2145
Product Type: Hardcover Books
Age Groups: Ages 7 to 9, Ages 10 to 12
Pretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela has been spoiled all her life by everyone in her Gujarat village. She's never been in... (see details)

Pretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela has been spoiled all her life by everyone in her Gujarat village. She's never been interested in school and barely takes notice of the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine. And now, as the day she moves in with her husband's family draws near, she's too busy collecting bangles and ribbons to care about much else.

But when Leela's husband dies, her life changes forever. Instead of being showered with gifts and affection, she is is forced to shave her head and give away her beloved saris and bangles. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year-keep corner-in preparation for a life of mourning for a boy she barely knew.

When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers to give Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela begins to open her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts apolitical movement and practices "satyagraha"--non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength of "satyagraha" may liberate her country. Could it be that she can use the same path to liberate herself?

In this novel based on her great aunt's life, Kashmira Sheth paints a heartfelt and evocative portrait of a child turned widow in Gandhi-era India.

More Information
SKU 2145
ISBN 9780786838592
Language English
Lexile ® Measure 760L
Product Type Hardcover Books
Primary Contributor Kashmira Sheth
Age Groups Ages 7 to 9, Ages 10 to 12
Publisher Hachette Book Group