The Village by The Sea
Uploaded by
Dr. Vijayalakshmi SThe Village by The Sea
Uploaded by
Dr. Vijayalakshmi SAnita Desai
Anita Desai (born 1937) is one of India’s most acclaimed contemporary writers in English.
She is known for her sensitive portrayal of human emotions, psychological depth, and her
exploration of themes such as identity, family relationships, social change, and the conflict
between tradition and modernity. Born in Mussoorie to a Bengali father and a German
mother, Desai grew up speaking several languages, which shaped her diverse literary
sensibilities.
She began writing at an early age and went on to produce award-winning novels, short
stories, and children’s literature. Some of her notable works include Cry, the Peacock, Clear
Light of Day, Fire on the Mountain, and In Custody, which was nominated for the Booker
Prize. Her writing is marked by lyrical prose, emotional subtlety, and an intimate
understanding of the struggles of everyday Indian life.
Published in 1982, The Village by the Sea is one of her most popular works, especially among
young readers. It won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award and is admired for its simple
yet profound depiction of rural India, poverty, resilience, and hope.
The Village by the Sea
The Village by the Sea is a deeply moving novel set in the quiet coastal village of Thul, near
Bombay, and follows the struggle and emotional growth of two young siblings, Lila and
Hari, who bravely shoulder the responsibilities of their troubled family.
The story begins by introducing the reader to the difficult life of Lila and Hari. Their mother
is gravely ill and bedridden, unable to participate in daily life or help her children. Their
father, unable to cope with poverty and his wife’s sickness, turns to alcohol, spending
whatever little money he earns on drinking and becoming increasingly irresponsible. This
forces Lila and Hari, though still very young, to take on the full burden of keeping the
household functioning. They look after their younger sisters, Bela and Kamal, carry out the
daily chores, and struggle to earn money in any way they can.
Thul, though peaceful and scenic, offers little opportunity. The villagers depend on fishing
and simple farming, but their livelihoods are threatened as plans for factories and industrial
development begin to emerge. These changes bring anxiety, fear, and uncertainty to the
village, as the people of Thul worry about losing their land, traditions, and source of living.
Feeling trapped and helpless, Hari decides that he must leave the village and search for work
in Bombay, hoping to earn enough to support his family. His journey to the city becomes a
powerful emotional and physical adventure. Bombay is overwhelming—vast, crowded,
noisy, and indifferent to the struggles of a lonely village boy. Hari experiences hunger, fear,
and rejection before he finds kindness in unexpected places.
Hari is taken in by Jagu, the owner of a small eating house who offers him food and a place
to sleep. Gradually, Hari regains strength. Another significant figure in his life is Mr.
Panwallah, a gentle, generous watch repairer who teaches Hari the skill of mending watches
and clocks. Under his guidance, Hari discovers patience, confidence, and a sense of self-
worth. Bombay, once frightening, becomes a place where Hari begins to dream of a future
shaped by his own abilities.
Meanwhile, in Thul, Lila manages the household with remarkable maturity. She looks after
her sick mother, handles the behavior of her alcoholic father, and tries to keep her younger
sisters safe. She receives much-needed support from the De Silvas, a wealthy family from
Bombay who own a holiday home in Thul. Mrs. De Silva helps arrange medical treatment for
Lila’s mother, bringing a ray of hope into their lives.
As the months pass, both Lila and Hari grow emotionally stronger in their own ways. When
Hari finally returns from Bombay, he is no longer the frightened boy who left the village. He
is confident, skilled, and full of ideas. He dreams of starting a watch repair shop or a poultry
farm—simple yet meaningful steps toward rebuilding their lives.
The novel ends on a hopeful note. Though their struggles are not fully resolved, the children
have gained strength, direction, and courage. They believe in a better future, not through
miracle, but through their own hard work and resilience.
