Asian Literature review and interview (23)
Book Review: The Village of Manapparai: New Beginnings × Old Roots
Author: Paulomi Babre
Pages: 118
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Paulomi Babre’s The Village of Manapparai: New Beginnings × Old Roots is a delightful coming-of-age story that gracefully intertwines nostalgia, modernity, identity, and the power of relationships through the eyes of a spirited young girl, Yubhashana. Set in the contrasting worlds of a quiet Tamil village and the bustling city of Mumbai, this novel explores how change challenges our sense of belonging, and how roots, no matter how old, always find their way back into our hearts.
Thirteen-year-old Yubha, raised by her warm and wise grandmother Lakshmi Paati in the quaint village of Manapparai, is thrust into a whirlwind of changes when her estranged parents return and decide to move the family to Mumbai for better educational prospects. What follows is a heartfelt tale of transition: from Pongal breakfasts to sandwiches in tiffin boxes, from playing with Radha and Sumati to navigating school bullies and posh cliques in the big city.
Babre captures the cultural clash with nuance and humour. Yubha’s initial reluctance to leave her beloved village is palpable, and her struggle to adjust to city life—its food, fashion, pace, and peer pressure—is portrayed with touching authenticity. One standout scene is Yubha’s first encounter with bullying at school, where she stands up to being called a “hillbilly,” a moment that reveals both her resilience and vulnerability.
But the novel doesn’t rest on stereotypes. As Yubha adjusts, she finds herself changing too—forming friendships, enjoying the city’s delights, and eventually drifting from her roots. This tension between her old identity and her new life is one of the book’s strongest themes. It is poignantly captured when her grandmother and childhood friends visit her in Mumbai, only to be met with her embarrassment and momentary rejection. The shame, conflict, and eventual reconciliation are handled with remarkable sensitivity.
The story then circles back to Manapparai during the school holidays, offering Yubha (and the reader) a beautiful full-circle moment. The narrative arcs into mystery and adventure when her best friend Radha, lured by a suspicious contest, goes missing. What began as a slice-of-life tale now morphs into a thrilling detective story, led by Yubha’s quick wits and relentless courage. This shift in tone is executed smoothly, with enough suspense to keep younger readers engaged while staying grounded in emotional realism.
The book excels in its characterisation. Paati is a luminous presence throughout—wise, kind, and emotionally anchoring. Yubha’s inner monologues are pitch-perfect for her age, capturing the confusion and idealism of adolescence. Her friendships, especially with Radha and Sumati, are heartwarming and complex, shaped by loyalty, misunderstandings, and growth. Even secondary characters like the school bullies, classmates, and teachers are given depth and individuality.
What truly elevates The Village of Manapparai is its blend of traditional values with contemporary relevance. The narrative seamlessly addresses themes such as bullying, peer pressure, economic disparity, urban alienation, and even human trafficking, all without feeling heavy-handed. Babre’s writing is accessible, lyrical at times, and rich with cultural flavour. Whether she’s describing the aroma of Mysore Pak or the chaos of Mumbai traffic, her descriptions are vivid and immersive.
The story’s episodic structure, divided into short, fast-paced chapters, makes it especially appealing for middle-grade readers. Yet, it offers enough depth to resonate with adults, especially those nostalgic about growing up in smaller towns or navigating the pressures of cultural duality.
In the end, The Village of Manapparai is not just a story about a girl adjusting to a new life—it is a story of returning to one’s roots with greater clarity and appreciation. It reminds us that growing up doesn’t mean growing apart from where we come from. Instead, it is about finding strength in our stories, our food, our friendships, and our families.
Verdict:
A beautifully told, heartwarming story that blends tradition with modernity, innocence with resilience, and nostalgia with adventure. The Village of Manapparai is a perfect read for young adults and anyone who believes in the magic of childhood, the value of roots, and the journey of self-discovery.
Purchase Link: Amazon
