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Type of bind: Hardcover
EAN num: 9780399247460
ISBN number: 0399247467
Label: Putnam Juvenile
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 256
Printing Date: May 01, 2008
Publishing house: Putnam Juvenile
Age index: Young Adult
Sale Popularity Level: 214344
Studio: Putnam Juvenile
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During World War II and the last days of British occupation in India, fifteen-year-old Vidya dreams of attending college. But when her forward-thinking father is beaten senseless by the British police, she is forced to live with her grandfather's large traditional family, where the women live apart from the men and are meant to be married off as soon as possible.
Vidya's only refuge becomes her grandfather's upstairs library, which is forbidden to women. There she meets Raman, a young man also living in the house who relishes her intellectual curiosity. But when Vidya's brother makes a choice the family cannot condone, and when Raman seems to want more than friendship, Vidkya must question all she has believed in.
Padma Venkatraman's debut novel poignantly shows a girl struggling to find her place in a mixedup world. Climbing the Stairs is a powerful story about love and loss set against a fascinating historical backdrop.
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Rated by buyers -
This is a beautifully written book which tells the story of a young and courageous Indian girl, who grows up, confronts many challenges, and finds herself, during the tumultuous times of World War II and India's struggle for independence. I had to stay up late to finish the book at one sitting because I could not put it down!
The author paints a vivid picture of life in a orthodox, Brahmin family in south India in the forties. The descriptions of day to day life and the festivals are very detailed and very authentic. As I read the book, it brought back memories of stories that my parents told me, about their childhoods in similar extended families in India.
I was moved to tears by parts of "Climbing the Stairs". It reminded me of
the unique courage of Indians who lived during those difficult times, and especially, renewed my appreciation for the women of that generation who fought so hard for the things that we all take for granted these days.
The story of Vidya's struggle to rise above her circumstances is universal, and she is a great role model for girls even today. Their "stairs" may be different, but they must climb them, if they want to go where others have not gone before....
Rated by buyers -
To borrow my daughter's words, Climbing the Stairs included a "little bit of everything! It had some adventure, some action, some romance, some tragedy and just some normal parts." Also, given the historical background and the variety and depth of characters, the book appealed to multiple generations in my home. My parents, my daughter and I, all thoroughly enjoyed the book. The author has a way with words and of mixing history, tradition, fact and fiction. A truly great read.
Rated by buyers -
Have you ever wondered how it might feel to have your marriage arranged for you by your parents and relatives? Have you ever imagined permanently living under the same roof as your extended family? Have you ever known the desperation of living without rights or a voice of your own? If so, Padma Venkatraman's "Climbing the Stairs" is the book for you.
This book gives readers a glimpse into what it means to live in a traditional Indian joint family and of the restrictions imposed on people due to social and cultural norms. It speaks to the searing pain of oppression and the struggle for independence, both national and personal. Vidya, the protagonist of this story, is a curious girl who tries to make sense of the changing world in which she finds herself. India is in the midst of its freedom struggle against British rule and there are strong opinions on how this must be attained. Vidya grapples with the question of "means and ends" and "love and loyalty," while trying to remain true to her still formulating beliefs. Despite circumstances that unalterably change the course of Vidya's life, this courageous spitfire of a girl navigates her circumstances to uncompromisingly reach for her goals. Venkatraman's "Climbing the Stairs" is a fast paced book full of memorable characters, a strong story line, and a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend readers accompany Vidya on her journey; they will be changed just as she is.
Rated by buyers -
Vidya dreams about going to college. She likes to read and enjoys school, and unlike other girls around her she doesn't want to get married. Vidya isn't a typical Indian woman.
Everything is going well for her, until the day her father is brutally beaten by an English soldier. With her father unable to work she must move into her grandfather's house which is occupied by an interesting cast of characters. Vidya's life is miserable and the only solace she finds is going upstairs to the library where she reads for hours. But going upstairs into the men's quarters is forbidden.
While in the library Vidya meets a young man named Raman. He's unlike the others in the household because he treats her like an equal and encourages her to read. As time goes on Vidya begins to develop feelings for Raman but she doesn't know if she is willing to give up college for a man.
What was different about this book compared to so many that I read set during World War II was this book took place in India. Ms. Venkatraman does an excellent of immersing the reader in Indian culture. She explains the foods, festivals and different customs. The caste system is explored in this book as well as the gender roles.
The only drawback to this book is there was no glossary. The author uses so many Indian words, which is wonderful, but I think the addition of a glossary would have helped students.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I think it would be an excellent book for a social studies teacher to use. So many topics are coved in this book that it would be an excellent teaching too. Teens who want to read about history, politics and other cultures will enjoy this novel.
Rated by buyers -
I shared the book with my mother(Usha) and my daughter(Arathi). All three of us found the plot very engaging and could not put the book down till we finished it. Each of us could identify with Vidya in different ways. The author's narration is so vivid and spontaneous that the characters come to life. The experience of growing up in a 'joint family' is described most realistically. It brought back memories, good and not-so-good, of summer vacations when a whole host of cousins, uncles, aunts would descend on us. The covert hierarchy that exists in extended Indian families is also portrayed very well. In my own family, the more 'successful' and prosperous members were accorded more respect and treated better than the others. They also tended to be about as nasty as Vidya's periamma.
I look forward to reading more books by Padma.
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