The Village by the Sea
The New windmill series
on Goodreads (3,947)
What’s inside...
Anita Desai’s The Village by the Sea is a classic survival story set in a quiet village outside of Bombay, India. It follows the lives of thirteen-year-old Lila and her twelve-year-old brother, Hari, as they navigate the challenges of caring for their ailing parents and two younger sisters. With their father having sold his boat to pay off debts and their mother falling ill, the responsibility of sustaining their family falls on the young siblings. The story intensifies when Hari joins a group of farmers and fishermen to protest against the construction of a fertilizer factory that threatens their coastal livelihood. As Hari tries to adapt to life in the bustling city of Bombay, Lila is left to manage the household. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptation, and resilience, as both siblings rely on their ingenuity and the kindness of strangers to overcome the hardships they face.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hari
Lila
Mr. Panwallah
Mr. De Silva
Hari And Lila'S Father
Discussion points
How do the challenges faced by the children in the village change their perspective on family and community?
What role does the sea play in the lives of the village people?
How do the characters in the story show resilience and courage in difficult situations?
What can we learn from the way the children in the story help each other?
How would you help a friend or a family member in a similar situation as the children in the village?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of community by relating it to their own experiences with friends and neighbors.
Discuss the natural setting of the story, the sea, and its impact on the village to enhance environmental awareness.
Highlight the themes of resilience and hope in the story, asking your child to think of personal instances where they demonstrated or observed similar qualities.
Use the characters' experiences to discuss problem-solving and teamwork, emphasizing how working together can lead to solutions.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable, discussing why it stood out to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The children in 'The Village by the Sea' face difficult circumstances but continually strive to improve their situation, demonstrating tenacity and hope.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their challenges, whether it's solving tough academic problems or managing personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Importance of family unity
Explanation: The siblings in the novel support and care for each other, emphasizing the strength found in familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Kids can appreciate and cultivate strong relationships with their family members, recognizing the importance of support and affection at home.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The setting of a sea-side village highlights the interconnection between the community and their natural environment, promoting a respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or taking part in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The protagonist's efforts to sustain their family and improve their circumstances exemplify the rewards of dedication and labor.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to apply themselves diligently in their studies and chores, understanding the long-term benefits of hard work and commitment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and helping others
Explanation: Characters in the story often help their neighbors and friends, illustrating the importance of community support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers and extend help in school or in their communities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.