The village by the sea Chapter 1

Summary The story starts with a girl named Lila walking on the beach while thinking about her miserable life and admiring everything around her. Lila was the eldest of three kids. She had two younger sisters and a year younger brother. Lila wasn’t like any other kid; she dropped out of school and worked to provide money for her family (same thing for his brother Hari). They had a sick mother who was to week to move and a father who did nothing but sleep and get drunk. Hari (Lila’s brother) was working one day on the fields when a friend of his stopped by and began talking about the factories that were going to be built in their village. These factories will facilitate everything. Hari thought that maybe he might get a chance of working there. But how to work in a factory when he’s not even educated. Lila and Hari talked about their family situation and the fact that they are running out of money and no one knew what else to do.

The chapter continues as Bella and Kamal came back from school and when to the beach to collect Molluscs for dinner. At the beach there were mothers, grandmothers and kids working with love unlike Bella and Kamal. People there started gossiping about the rich family as they walked by. They talked about their innumerable fishes and boats. Pinto the dog has been introduced to the story. The narrator talked about his story and how did he become a part of Lila’s family. Pinto was a village man’s puppy (the man was also named pinto). When the man disappeared and left his puppy’s behind, Kamal picked the weakest one of all and took it home.

Characters Lila: thoughtful and caring 13 years old girl. Oldest and most hard working child in the family. She connects with god, people, and culture. Hira: Being young and impatient. Ambitious about jobs, business and dreams. Ramu: Hira’s friend. He’s informative about the factory building plan in the village. Bella: A crier and a bit ignorant.

Kamal: Young and playful. Pinto: small and furry, grey and white. Was prevoiusly weak, but now brave as a lion. Father: A drunkard. Sold his boat and the cow to pay debts and gave up on his business. Viewed as irresponsible, violent and educated father. Biju: One of the richest fishmen who plan to have his fishing boat with engine Mother: Been sick and bed-ridden. Need to be taken cared of most time.

Settings Places At beach, on the rock At the seasides Coconut grove Bazaar Toddy shop House-hut Near tin roofed school At the field The hill Time One day Early morning Afternoon Evening

Plot Activity

Resolutions They all returned home with some barnacles (less valuable food) They are left with fear, insecurity and emptiness. This one day event stimulate hope and dreams. It seems that gods did not answer Lila’s prayers

Themes Sorrow Hardship Broken family and child labours Social and cultural life patterns