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Keeping Corner
Pretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela has been spoiled all her life. She doesn't care for school and barely marks the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine.
Leela's whole life changes, though, when her husband dies. She's now expected to behave like a proper widow: shaving her head and trading her jewel-toned saris for rough, earth-colored ones. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning a boy she barely knew.
When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela opens her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts a political movement and practices satyagraha—non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength of satyagraha may liberate her country. Could she use the same path to liberate herself?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2007
33 people are currently reading
1668 people want to read
About the author
Kashmira Sheth
30 books97 followersKashmira Sheth grew up in Bhavangar, Gujarat, for eight years, when she was three she joined Montessori school. She lived with her grandparents, because her parents lived in Mumbai three hundred miles away from Bhavangar.
At eight years Sheth, left Bhavangar, for Mumbai.
She did her studying there until she was seventeen. She left Mumbai, to go to college, in Ames Iowa to do her BS at Iowa State University. Many people ask her why she chose Iowa. "I chose Iowa State, because my uncle worked there as a professor." is the answer.
She is the author of 7 books, two of them are picture books, called "My Dadima Wears a Sari." and "Monsoon Rains"
She has three books meant for teens.
The fist one is called "Blue Jasmine"; which is about a girl named Seema who moved from India to Iowa.
The second one is called; 'Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet'; this book is about a girl who is sixteen named Jeeta, her two sisters are married
and now its her turn. Trouble is she does not want an arranged marriage.
The last one and the most currents one is called, "Keeping Corner". This one is about a girl who is thirteen, named Leela, is widowed. She was married at age nine, and was about to be sent off to live with her husband. But her husband gets bitten by a venomous snake, and dies. Leela faces hardship, anger, and frustration. She is forced to shave her head, and never ever wear jewellery or colors. This takes place in the Gandhi era.
Sheth is publishing a book called "Boys Without Names." in 2010
Kashmira Sheth is now with her two daughters; Neha and Rupa, her husband in Madison Wisconsin.
At eight years Sheth, left Bhavangar, for Mumbai.
She did her studying there until she was seventeen. She left Mumbai, to go to college, in Ames Iowa to do her BS at Iowa State University. Many people ask her why she chose Iowa. "I chose Iowa State, because my uncle worked there as a professor." is the answer.
She is the author of 7 books, two of them are picture books, called "My Dadima Wears a Sari." and "Monsoon Rains"
She has three books meant for teens.
The fist one is called "Blue Jasmine"; which is about a girl named Seema who moved from India to Iowa.
The second one is called; 'Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet'; this book is about a girl who is sixteen named Jeeta, her two sisters are married
and now its her turn. Trouble is she does not want an arranged marriage.
The last one and the most currents one is called, "Keeping Corner". This one is about a girl who is thirteen, named Leela, is widowed. She was married at age nine, and was about to be sent off to live with her husband. But her husband gets bitten by a venomous snake, and dies. Leela faces hardship, anger, and frustration. She is forced to shave her head, and never ever wear jewellery or colors. This takes place in the Gandhi era.
Sheth is publishing a book called "Boys Without Names." in 2010
Kashmira Sheth is now with her two daughters; Neha and Rupa, her husband in Madison Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
February 23, 2021
this book really touched upon heavy topics on india during the 1930's before our independence. something i loved was the way it spoke about casteism, and practically no gender equality at that time. obviously things are WAY better now, and nobody around me cares about castes, or what gender you are, but i know in the less affluent families, or some families living in tiny villages still follow this. until recently, i've been lucky to be unaware of the cruelties taking place around me. as someone born into an upper-middle-class family, i go to a private school, and feel safe amongst my guy friends, cousins, and most men/boys around me. but knowing that just maybe a few kilometres away from my house a 6-year-old is being raped by her father is scary. knowing that 2-month-olds are being raped as well is scarier, and just reading this book showed me how much i didn't know about what's happening around me. this book also touched how when a woman is raped, it brings dishonour to her family rather than the rapists, and what was sad was that we only heard about this for one chapter. i really wish we could have seen more of this in the novel. this was definitely a moving read, and something i enjoyed though i only read it for school.
April 21, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ואנגלית קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/שנת-...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/שנת-...
May 30, 2017
The concept of the book was fascinating, and I wish we could have heard stories from other widows. I found the multiple Hindi words per page slightly annoying. I get it, it's about Indian culture, but it was disruptive to constantly be looking back and forth from the glossary. As others have said, it is a slow book, but I enjoyed being inside Leela's head during this time. My favorite line in the book was: I wanted to ask Ba why sometimes I was treated like a child and other times I was expected to behave like a mature woman. If I was too young to be trusted with everyday information, I was too young to be a widow; but if I was old enough to live like a widow, then I must be grown up.
June 24, 2009
This book is about a girl named Leela who is living in Ghandi-era India. When Leela's husband dies, she is subjected to live the life of a widow, having to shave her head and "keep corner" in her house for a full year, even though she only is 12. Leela learns to appreciate the world around her and find the good in bad situations during her year of keeping corner, and she finds that sometimes tradtion needs to be broken so that new ideas can improve life.
December 10, 2009
This story takes place during the WWI. The young lady becomes a widow and how people treat her. Her liberation comes through reading and the help of her brother, her mother, a young teacher and others.
Interesting look at how along w/India receiving liberation from British rule, she receives her freedom from Widowhood.
Interesting look at how along w/India receiving liberation from British rule, she receives her freedom from Widowhood.
April 9, 2023
A YA novel with its focus on one tradition observed by the Brahmin caste in India at the turn of the century that directly affected one young Indian girl named Leela.
Following local customs, Leela was two when she was engaged to her future husband who was only a few years older than she, nine when she was married and when she turns thirteen, when her husband finishes school, she would then move into her in-laws house to finally be with him. A year before this was to happen Leela’s husband dies making her a widow at twelve years of age. Following the customs of her Brahmin caste she had to remove all of her jewelry and to never again wear any, she has to continually wear brown and never again any of the other colorful hues that saris commonly are, she had to shave her head and for the rest of her life keep it shaved, she can never again marry, and for the rest of her life she will be a burden to her family. Henceforth, her community and the rest of society will look upon her with loathing and contempt. In addition, for one year following the death of her husband she has to remain closed up in her parent’s home - this is called Keeping Corner. During that year of confinement even her family is forbidden from participating in any festivals or holiday celebrations. The story is told from the perspective of Leela and it encompasses the period of time right before the death of her husband up to a few months beyond the end of her confinement. The events in the story take place in the early 1900s when social reformer Mohandas Ghandi had become a public figure in India and was encouraging its citizens to question various aspects of their society and to band together to work on changing those that were deemed unacceptable. Being aware of this movement within her country caused Leela in turn to question this particular tradition and she was determined to not accept what society deemed was her undesired but destined fate.
I enjoy reading about other cultures and societies and I found it interesting learning about this particular tradition and of the historical events occurring in India around that same time. It was sad to learn that such traditions existed. On the positive side of reading the book, the author filled the book with such rich imagery of all of the typical features specific to India. In my mind’s eye I easily saw the vibrant, colorful saris of the Indian women, I could imagine inhaling the mysterious and captivating fragrances of the burning incense, and I could taste the mouthwatering foods of the various dishes described throughout the reading. Although it was poignant to be aware of Leela’s plight, and I could empathize with her, my reading experience of the story was a multi-sensory trip through early 1900s India that I savored and indulged in from the comfort of my armchair.
Following local customs, Leela was two when she was engaged to her future husband who was only a few years older than she, nine when she was married and when she turns thirteen, when her husband finishes school, she would then move into her in-laws house to finally be with him. A year before this was to happen Leela’s husband dies making her a widow at twelve years of age. Following the customs of her Brahmin caste she had to remove all of her jewelry and to never again wear any, she has to continually wear brown and never again any of the other colorful hues that saris commonly are, she had to shave her head and for the rest of her life keep it shaved, she can never again marry, and for the rest of her life she will be a burden to her family. Henceforth, her community and the rest of society will look upon her with loathing and contempt. In addition, for one year following the death of her husband she has to remain closed up in her parent’s home - this is called Keeping Corner. During that year of confinement even her family is forbidden from participating in any festivals or holiday celebrations. The story is told from the perspective of Leela and it encompasses the period of time right before the death of her husband up to a few months beyond the end of her confinement. The events in the story take place in the early 1900s when social reformer Mohandas Ghandi had become a public figure in India and was encouraging its citizens to question various aspects of their society and to band together to work on changing those that were deemed unacceptable. Being aware of this movement within her country caused Leela in turn to question this particular tradition and she was determined to not accept what society deemed was her undesired but destined fate.
I enjoy reading about other cultures and societies and I found it interesting learning about this particular tradition and of the historical events occurring in India around that same time. It was sad to learn that such traditions existed. On the positive side of reading the book, the author filled the book with such rich imagery of all of the typical features specific to India. In my mind’s eye I easily saw the vibrant, colorful saris of the Indian women, I could imagine inhaling the mysterious and captivating fragrances of the burning incense, and I could taste the mouthwatering foods of the various dishes described throughout the reading. Although it was poignant to be aware of Leela’s plight, and I could empathize with her, my reading experience of the story was a multi-sensory trip through early 1900s India that I savored and indulged in from the comfort of my armchair.
December 17, 2017
Unlike money, knowledge increases many folds when you part with it” (pg. 170)
“Don’t forget that sense arrives before beauty. God gives sense at sixteen and beauty at twenty for some reason.” (pg 65)
So- took a foray into a new culture and one of our library’s more diverse books—an Indian novel set in 1918 about a thirteen-year old widow. So Leela our protagonist has been engaged since three and married since nine only she has not yet moved in with her betrothed. She lives at home with her parents, uncle and aunt and their animal helper with her other aunt living close by. Leela is beautiful and rich with her family belonging to the highest caste of society and everything she wants she gets and her relationship with her fiancée and his family is going well and her future seems perfect—until her fiancée gets bit by a snake and dies.
In this country and time period women who become widows must become shadows of themselves, cut off all their hair, are forbidden from wearing any color or participating in any holidays and “keep corner” in their house away from the world for a year. It is a cruel fate and punishment and she laments the unfairness of her situation often……Everyone pities her and after Leela’s head is shaved, all the joy is sucked from her and her family’s life, she is house bound and shunned by her community..Now this is the essential story as Leela uses education to free herself from her fate and mark as an unlucky widow unable to have a life; however the novel is also heavily accented with Indian terms and vocabulary, lots and lots of vocabulary and descriptions –so much so that you find yourself frequently using the convenient glossary in the back of the book..there are also discussion questions, lots of accolades and reviews that make this an ideal book for book clubs and school reads—only it was a little boring and overly complicated..Weaving in and out of the plight of Leela and her widowhood is Gandhi’s fight for freedom in the country and the quiet nonviolence of unity in a parallel to the situation for women widows versus men widows..I struggled to keep interest in this one at times but learned a lot but think focusing on one storyline would have been more powerful and concise as I can not see this as a young adult read students will rush out to read and I can see many of them struggling with the language and content..overall I am glad I did read this as I see it interesting a few avid readers I know as it was educational and a great introduction to the Indian culture, beliefs, food and traditions..
“Don’t forget that sense arrives before beauty. God gives sense at sixteen and beauty at twenty for some reason.” (pg 65)
So- took a foray into a new culture and one of our library’s more diverse books—an Indian novel set in 1918 about a thirteen-year old widow. So Leela our protagonist has been engaged since three and married since nine only she has not yet moved in with her betrothed. She lives at home with her parents, uncle and aunt and their animal helper with her other aunt living close by. Leela is beautiful and rich with her family belonging to the highest caste of society and everything she wants she gets and her relationship with her fiancée and his family is going well and her future seems perfect—until her fiancée gets bit by a snake and dies.
In this country and time period women who become widows must become shadows of themselves, cut off all their hair, are forbidden from wearing any color or participating in any holidays and “keep corner” in their house away from the world for a year. It is a cruel fate and punishment and she laments the unfairness of her situation often……Everyone pities her and after Leela’s head is shaved, all the joy is sucked from her and her family’s life, she is house bound and shunned by her community..Now this is the essential story as Leela uses education to free herself from her fate and mark as an unlucky widow unable to have a life; however the novel is also heavily accented with Indian terms and vocabulary, lots and lots of vocabulary and descriptions –so much so that you find yourself frequently using the convenient glossary in the back of the book..there are also discussion questions, lots of accolades and reviews that make this an ideal book for book clubs and school reads—only it was a little boring and overly complicated..Weaving in and out of the plight of Leela and her widowhood is Gandhi’s fight for freedom in the country and the quiet nonviolence of unity in a parallel to the situation for women widows versus men widows..I struggled to keep interest in this one at times but learned a lot but think focusing on one storyline would have been more powerful and concise as I can not see this as a young adult read students will rush out to read and I can see many of them struggling with the language and content..overall I am glad I did read this as I see it interesting a few avid readers I know as it was educational and a great introduction to the Indian culture, beliefs, food and traditions..
December 20, 2023
"Keeping Corner" by Kashmira Sheth is a compelling exploration of a crucial social issue—women's education in history. The novel earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its insightful portrayal of the challenges women faced during India's struggle for independence, particularly concerning child marriage and its impact on education. Sheth skillfully navigates the historical landscape, shedding light on the societal norms that hindered women's educational pursuits. The book, however, falls slightly short of a perfect score due to its somewhat conventional approach. While the backdrop of India's fight for independence is well-known, "Keeping Corner" could have carved a more unique niche within this historical context. The pacing, though commendable, could have benefited from a swifter tempo, injecting a sense of urgency into the narrative. Additionally, a less predictable plot would have elevated the storytelling, making it more engaging for readers familiar with the struggles of that era. Nevertheless, the book stands out as an enjoyable and enlightening read, striking a balance between entertainment and education. The narrative succeeds in imparting valuable insights into the challenges women confronted, making it a valuable resource for those seeking historical understanding. "Keeping Corner" may not break entirely new ground, but its strength lies in its ability to make history accessible and engaging. It serves as a gateway for readers to delve into the complexities of women's education during a transformative period in India. For those looking for an informative yet entertaining read, this book is a worthwhile choice, offering a glimpse into a pivotal aspect of history that continues to resonate today.
"Keeping Corner" by Kashmira Sheth earns 4 out of 5 stars for its insightful portrayal of women's education during India's independence struggle. While the novel excels in shedding light on historical challenges, its conventional approach and predictable plot prevent a perfect score. Despite these minor shortcomings, the book strikes a commendable balance between entertainment and education, making it a valuable and accessible read for those interested in the historical context of women's struggles for education in India.
Tithi Mehta, Grade 9
"Keeping Corner" by Kashmira Sheth earns 4 out of 5 stars for its insightful portrayal of women's education during India's independence struggle. While the novel excels in shedding light on historical challenges, its conventional approach and predictable plot prevent a perfect score. Despite these minor shortcomings, the book strikes a commendable balance between entertainment and education, making it a valuable and accessible read for those interested in the historical context of women's struggles for education in India.
Tithi Mehta, Grade 9
January 23, 2021
Pretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela has been spoiled all her life. She doesn't care for school and barely marks the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine.
Leela's whole life changes, though, when her husband dies. She's now expected to behave like a proper widow: shaving her head and trading her jewel-toned saris for rough, earth-colored ones. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning a boy she barely knew.
When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela opens her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts a political movement and practices satyagraha—non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength of satyagraha may liberate her country. Could she use the same path to liberate herself?
Leela's whole life changes, though, when her husband dies. She's now expected to behave like a proper widow: shaving her head and trading her jewel-toned saris for rough, earth-colored ones. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning a boy she barely knew.
When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela opens her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts a political movement and practices satyagraha—non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength of satyagraha may liberate her country. Could she use the same path to liberate herself?
October 2, 2020
When I first started reading this book I didn't think I would enjoy it very much, but when you start to get into it you realize that slowly you enjoy the book more and more. Keeping Corner is about a 12 year old girl who had her whole life planned until her husband dies of a snake bite. In her tradition, when the husband dies, she can no longer go out for a year, she has to shave her head, and better yet, she can't remarry. So her journey is about her being trapped in her house for a year while she figures out what she's gonna make of her life. The choice between staying home and being a widow all her life or, her perusing her studies and being a part of Ghandi's revolution. If you like drama and historic religion than this book is and excellent book to read in your spare time.
April 11, 2013
Crystal Hansen LS 583. Sheth, K. (2007). Keeping corner. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. Genre: Multicultural. Format: print book. Selected from: Cooperative Children's Book Center 30 Multicultural Books Every Teen Should Know. Highly Recommend
Keeping Corner is set in India in the early twentieth century. It is the story of a twelve-year-old girl named Leelah, who is already married per the customs of the day. She still lives with her doting parents, but is anticipating a time in the near future when she will go to live with her husband and his family. Leelah is vivacious, and adored by her loved ones; her life has been fortunate up to this point, but in one ill-fated day, that all changes. The young bride's husband is bitten by a venomous snake. He is killed and she is left a child widow.
While these events are sad, Leelah's grief is compounded by the fact that she must follow the tradition of "keeping corner." This means that she cannot leave her house for a year after the day of her husband's death. Furthermore, she must keep her head shaved, wear only the plainest of clothes and never remarry (although widowed men are allowed to marry again and are not ostracized). Female widows in India who live this way are shunned and marginalized for the rest of their lives. Leelah has been vaguely aware of this, having known of widows in her community, but she doesn't know the full reality of this unjust existence until it is forced upon her.
In the beginning, Leelah is grief stricken and bitter, but loyal friends and family members help ease the pain. Her brother, a man with modern ideals who lives in a nearby city, arranges for a teacher to come to Leelah and give her lessons. At first, she doesn't see the point, but in the end, learning is what saves her. In her year of keeping corner, Leelah learns much about the world through studying and reading the newspaper every day. She learns about Ghandi and his work to promote equality among social classes and men and women through non-violence. His work has a large impact on India, and it is providing hope for Leelah who dares to dream of higher education and a life in which she can become more than a widow.
Keeping Corner is set in India in the early twentieth century. It is the story of a twelve-year-old girl named Leelah, who is already married per the customs of the day. She still lives with her doting parents, but is anticipating a time in the near future when she will go to live with her husband and his family. Leelah is vivacious, and adored by her loved ones; her life has been fortunate up to this point, but in one ill-fated day, that all changes. The young bride's husband is bitten by a venomous snake. He is killed and she is left a child widow.
While these events are sad, Leelah's grief is compounded by the fact that she must follow the tradition of "keeping corner." This means that she cannot leave her house for a year after the day of her husband's death. Furthermore, she must keep her head shaved, wear only the plainest of clothes and never remarry (although widowed men are allowed to marry again and are not ostracized). Female widows in India who live this way are shunned and marginalized for the rest of their lives. Leelah has been vaguely aware of this, having known of widows in her community, but she doesn't know the full reality of this unjust existence until it is forced upon her.
In the beginning, Leelah is grief stricken and bitter, but loyal friends and family members help ease the pain. Her brother, a man with modern ideals who lives in a nearby city, arranges for a teacher to come to Leelah and give her lessons. At first, she doesn't see the point, but in the end, learning is what saves her. In her year of keeping corner, Leelah learns much about the world through studying and reading the newspaper every day. She learns about Ghandi and his work to promote equality among social classes and men and women through non-violence. His work has a large impact on India, and it is providing hope for Leelah who dares to dream of higher education and a life in which she can become more than a widow.
February 24, 2017
Leela, a twelve year old girl who lives in India, has grew up to be a very spoiled girl. She has never cared for school or the outside world. Leela got engaged when she was two and was married at the age of nine. She was supposed to be sent off to her in laws house but a few weeks before her husband Ramanlal dies of a snake bite. He leaves her to live the rest of her life as a widow. After shaving her silky hair and taking all her jewelry Leela has to keep corner for a year and not step out of the house. Her school teacher hears of her unlucky fate and offers to come to Leela's home to teach her. Leela's eyes are finally opened to all the things happening like the drought and the how the raise of taxes has left farmers unable to pay them. Gandhi Ji creates a political protest that refuses to pay any taxes. Day by day things get taken away from the farmers families. Leela starts to wonder if this could liberate her country can she liberate her own fate.
I recommend this book to readers who love historical fiction, young adult, cultural, fiction, and historical.
I recommend this book to readers who love historical fiction, young adult, cultural, fiction, and historical.
October 25, 2017
Keeping Corner by the amazing Kashmira Sheth really is an open door for outsiders to see what an amazing life of a young Indian girl is and how the life of an young Indian girl to turn in to a horrid devastating tale. This book really just made me think about how a beautiful blooming flower could lose all its petals and beauty and thats just the end of its life, no one cares about it and no one stops to admire it anymore. This is exactly what happened to twelve-year-old Leela. Pretty as a peacock, at a young age Leela gets engaged to an amazing handsome boy, it seems like her dream has come true like she's living in a fairy tail, but can anything go wrong? YES! Leela's husband dies and Leela's life ends at a young age, for young widows in India are looked down upon and are not cared for by society. As Leela keeps corner for a year she studies so very hard to pass her exams she thinks girls can become teachers too, so with the help of her guru she is able to over come her keeping corner and break free. This really connects with me because firstly in the most amazing times bad can happen and in those bad times you just have to make it work and that work means something and can make a change. Interested about the lives of young girls in India? This book is perfect!
April 15, 2010
Keeping Corner is the story of a young girl in India who is betrothed at age 2, married at age 9, and before she goes to live with her husband (after her "anu") her husband is killed by a snake bite and she becomes a 12 year old widow. Widows in her caste are never allowed to marry again and are forced to live in the shadows of society. It is based on the life of the author's aunt and takes place in 1918. Keeping Corner is the ritual where a widow does not leave her home for a year after her husbands death. The book takes place over the year of Leela keeping corner. The backdrop of Leela's life is the time of Ghandi. It was fascinating to learn more about Indian culture and some of the things that Ghandi did for his country. There is significant growth in Leela over the course of the year,and it is a good reminder that although we do not always get to choose our circumstances, we can choose how we react to those circumstances. It is inspiring to see the difference that can occur in a society when people have the courage to stand up to injustice.
July 12, 2009
This book was very well written and amazingly pure. Leela a girl who was engaged when she was two, married when she was nine and widowed when she was thirteen, is a very brave girl who has lots of courage. Leela is forced to shave her head and give up all her pretty jewellery and clothes and keep away in a corner for a year.
She is treated very badly, and when her principle from her old school comes and offers to educate her, her mother and father accept. She learns about how Gandhi is doing something called Satyagraha which is really just non-violence. She is amazed by this and new ideas that men and woman are equal and wants to become a teacher or doctor. In 1918 (when this story takes place) many Indians believed these were "a man's job" To learn more you just have to read the book.
She is treated very badly, and when her principle from her old school comes and offers to educate her, her mother and father accept. She learns about how Gandhi is doing something called Satyagraha which is really just non-violence. She is amazed by this and new ideas that men and woman are equal and wants to become a teacher or doctor. In 1918 (when this story takes place) many Indians believed these were "a man's job" To learn more you just have to read the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2011
Leela struggles to find her place given the expectations of Indian society based on her caste as a Brahmin during her year of "keeping corner" after being widowed at a young age. Education becomes a means for her to find purpose in her life. As she reads about Gandhi in the newspaper and the writings of Narmad, her ideas of what's possible for her life change.
Contains some great mentions about writing a journal and poetry. Also, an interesting part where Leela teaches the wife of a servant how to read.
Contains some great mentions about writing a journal and poetry. Also, an interesting part where Leela teaches the wife of a servant how to read.
February 23, 2008
It's only February and I have discovered several outstanding children's books this year, I feel very lucky. This is a wonderful introduction to Indian culture (the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly), the teachings of Gandhi, and women's rights. Really an inspiration to girls to better themselves. Another one up there with Stargirl.
February 26, 2008
Although fiction, the jacket said this was based on a true story. It was actually very compelling and a good account of what happens in Indian culture when a woman's husband dies. Unfortunately for the woman, she was actually a child and it was her fiance who died, but the rules and customs were the same. This book was intriguing.
March 17, 2008
I really liked this book. It is about a young girl in India during some revolutionary times, with Ghandi and the war. It is a story about the struggle between tradition and change. Even though it is fiction, it really helped me learn more about Indian people and culture, a thing I know very little about. I recommend this book!
December 24, 2015
Bride burning was the thing when I visited India in 1997. I never thought about child brides among the Brahman. I do not know if this practice continues today, but this story about what it meant to be a widow in the days of the massacre in Amritsar is priceless.
February 1, 2017
I love this book. It is very informational, however it tells you the life of a fictional character. This is the type of book that at first you might not like. However, after a few pages it gets really interesting. If you want to learn a little about Indian culture than this is the book for you.
December 4, 2009
I thought this book was very interesting because I had a chance to learn someone elses culture. I also learned a few Hindi words. But other than that the book was really good.
August 10, 2011
I read this book in 6th grade... I was 11, and still am. Anyway, it's pretty good!
February 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. And, honestly, that was extremely surprising. With its underwhelming cover and weirdly-spaced text, I thought there was no way that I could ever enjoy this book. But, I needed some light reading and this is all that I had so I thought I should give it a shot and started to read.
I was pleasantly surprised.
With its rich and ripping narrative, Keeping Corner tells the tale of a twelve-year old girl named Leela. Destined to marry a boy she that she never really knew, Leela thinks that her life has been set in stone. However, tragedy strikes when Leela's fiancee is bitten by a snake. Now a widow, Leela must keep to her house (hence the title Keeping Corner) for one year and is forbidden to leave. However, this is also the time of Ghadiji's revolution and there is unrest in the streets and room for new ideas. So, headstong Leela resumes her studies and in this her life is changed forever.
Keeping Corner was rich in its narrative with compelling three-dimensional characters. It realisticly portrays how much unrest there was and the character Masi realisticly depicts the prejudice facing Leela as she tries to start a new life, not wanting to be confined to mourning for the rest of her life. I cannot tell you how amazing this book was for me, keeping me extremely captivated the entire time that I was reading. Leela grows and matures during the book, starting off not caring about the more important issues that faced India, preoccupied by her bangles and finery. However, as she is forced to shave her head and give up all of this finery she realizes that there is an entire world out there for her to explore and her views are further enforced by Dandiyo a book recommended by her teacher, Saviban by the author Narmand. All of this makes it an extremely captivating book.
However, there are some drawbacks. Here is the major one : the constant use of Hindi. Yes, I am Hindu and can understand most of the phrases used but I can understand how this can put off some readers, as you have to keep flipping from the glossary to the front back and forth. So annoying. But other than that, this is really a book that you should give a chance. I can almost guarantee you will like it as much as I have.
I was pleasantly surprised.
With its rich and ripping narrative, Keeping Corner tells the tale of a twelve-year old girl named Leela. Destined to marry a boy she that she never really knew, Leela thinks that her life has been set in stone. However, tragedy strikes when Leela's fiancee is bitten by a snake. Now a widow, Leela must keep to her house (hence the title Keeping Corner) for one year and is forbidden to leave. However, this is also the time of Ghadiji's revolution and there is unrest in the streets and room for new ideas. So, headstong Leela resumes her studies and in this her life is changed forever.
Keeping Corner was rich in its narrative with compelling three-dimensional characters. It realisticly portrays how much unrest there was and the character Masi realisticly depicts the prejudice facing Leela as she tries to start a new life, not wanting to be confined to mourning for the rest of her life. I cannot tell you how amazing this book was for me, keeping me extremely captivated the entire time that I was reading. Leela grows and matures during the book, starting off not caring about the more important issues that faced India, preoccupied by her bangles and finery. However, as she is forced to shave her head and give up all of this finery she realizes that there is an entire world out there for her to explore and her views are further enforced by Dandiyo a book recommended by her teacher, Saviban by the author Narmand. All of this makes it an extremely captivating book.
However, there are some drawbacks. Here is the major one : the constant use of Hindi. Yes, I am Hindu and can understand most of the phrases used but I can understand how this can put off some readers, as you have to keep flipping from the glossary to the front back and forth. So annoying. But other than that, this is really a book that you should give a chance. I can almost guarantee you will like it as much as I have.
July 25, 2019
This is a book I was supposed to read for class in the seventh grade. At that time I felt no interest in reading but kept the book feeling I would read it eventually. I am truly glad I did. This book was amazing not only did it give a glimpse at a life I could never know of otherwise but it also showed a culture full of traditions that I didn’t know existed. I learned more about how India was effected during the time they were ruled by the British in this book then in my world history class. Leela character development was amazing and everything that happened to her , good and bad, was necessary for her character to develop. The stable, courageous, and powerful character she became at the end was nothing short of amazing. Not to mention the beautiful details that helped me see a part of the world that I knew nothing about.
June 4, 2018
A “corner” stone of modern Indian-American literature.
But haha. I kid myself. Let’s get down to business.
As long time readers may know, when it comes to the lovely Mrs. Kashmira Sheth I am not a true fanatic. Though I was introduced to her vast extended universe of prose and poetry in 2013’s Tiger In My Soup (and am anxiously anticipating the 2020 release of the sequel, Tiger in My Pants), I was more than disappointed by her 2004 debut Blue Jasmine (which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film of the same name by world renowned humanitarian Woody Allen). But I digress. Or rather, I’m done (isn’t this ever the dilemma of the intellectual).
Farewell for now
and
Faithfully yours,
Gavin
But haha. I kid myself. Let’s get down to business.
As long time readers may know, when it comes to the lovely Mrs. Kashmira Sheth I am not a true fanatic. Though I was introduced to her vast extended universe of prose and poetry in 2013’s Tiger In My Soup (and am anxiously anticipating the 2020 release of the sequel, Tiger in My Pants), I was more than disappointed by her 2004 debut Blue Jasmine (which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film of the same name by world renowned humanitarian Woody Allen). But I digress. Or rather, I’m done (isn’t this ever the dilemma of the intellectual).
Farewell for now
and
Faithfully yours,
Gavin
August 13, 2018
This was an interesting book. It contains a lot of factual information woven into a fictional story. If you read the author's note at the end you can learn what prompted this story.
Lots of Indian vocabulary that usually is explained right after it is written, but there is also a glossary at the end of the book containing all the words used in the story.
This culture is completely foreign to me and my heart ached for Leela. Cultural tradition is a hard one to break through. This was inspirational and eye opening at the same time.
The analogies used in the book were so vivid and flowing.
Overall a great read, even if it did make my heart hurt at times.
Lots of Indian vocabulary that usually is explained right after it is written, but there is also a glossary at the end of the book containing all the words used in the story.
This culture is completely foreign to me and my heart ached for Leela. Cultural tradition is a hard one to break through. This was inspirational and eye opening at the same time.
The analogies used in the book were so vivid and flowing.
Overall a great read, even if it did make my heart hurt at times.
March 1, 2023
Loved the book. Felt really sad for the young girl and her family who had been brought up with the caste system and belief system in India. Although this is set in the 1930 I don't know that in a lot of the rural places it would be any different. Women treated so poorly and by other women as well,,woman also treated as second class citizens and there are a lot of places where this still occurs shame on us all for allowing this to still occur in this day and age we may have different roles however we are all equal and that's how we should all be treated no matter colour,language.belief or place of birth.
August 19, 2024
I had tears in my eyes most of this book. It’s based on the author’s aunt’s life. Leela was engaged at 2 yrs old, married at 9 and widowed by 12. The life of a widow in India during this time period is hard. They are shunned. Watching a vibrant girl turn into a sad, shunned creature that people in her town think is bad luck is heartbreaking. Everything she loves is stripped from her. This book is about the courage it takes to change your fate. Customs can and should be broken when they harm others. We get a glimpse of life during colonial rule and the Gandhi era that helped change a nation. An excellent read.
September 19, 2017
I was not a huge fan of this book. It told a lot about Indian culture, but it was very slow. There were parts that were definitely stretched out longer than they needed to be. I think that new points of the story line should have been introduced earlier than they were. I did learn a lot about small villages in India, and what it is like to be a young widow. It is interesting to think there are young girls going through this in the present day world. Overall, I was not a fan of this book, and I would only recommend it to someone interested in what it is like to be a young widow in India.
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