Analysis Of The Village By The Sea

"The Village by the Sea" is a novel about a poor Indian family composed by Anita Desai. The novel, The Village by the Sea, was published in London in 1982 and is inspired by Anita Desai's own childhood experience. Desai received Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for the novel in 1983.
The Novel is based on poverty, hardship, and misery. It is a story of a 13 years young lady named Lila, a 12 years old boy named Hari, a sick mother who was suffering from Anemia and a father who instead of working or taking care of the children spends his time drinking. The family is financially poor and lives in Thul, a small village close to the sea. Lila and Hari are the leading characters who become the parental figures for their younger siblings Bela and

In spite of the fact that the story is short, Desai has filled each line with a deep meaning of great importance. The reader is completely engross in the novel with the clearness of description and vivid imagery- as if they are an alive observer of each turn that the story takes. The feeling of aesthetics stands out while the author describes or portrays the magnificence of the sea, sand, trees, winged creatures and animals in the small village of Thul. The simple and humble living methods of the people are the deepest of all feelings. The range of sentiments is so wide to the point that the reader is able to connect to each point of view, every incident portrayed, with few of the other face of his own

The book isn't just to be read as a wonderful abstract work, or to be cherished, or for joy, but for inspiration or motivation. One needs to acknowledge the difficulties of life and endeavor to meet them with dignity. This book is about how Hari and Lila transcend their struggles and emerge victorious in their journey for survival.
An important message the book, The village by the Sea passes on is the need for change for the better. Our environment and condition are continually hinting at change and we should adjust our viewpoint likewise. In order to progress, one needs to widen or expand their view points. As Heraclitus once stated, "Change is the only steady." In the novel there is one magnificent line in regards to a similar thought, "The wheel turns and turns and turns; it never stops and stands still."
The writing style of Desai's is unique and motivational. Her stories are deep from the heart. They contain the flavor of the soil and familiarize readers with Indian culture and customs. I think this novel will be appreciated , liked and enjoyed by most age groups. The Novel, village by the sea is beautifully composed, unpredictably woven, and filled with