Based on a true incident, this book tells the story of how an island was saved from darkness. Leela, the protagonist, is a young girl who loves to read, ask questions and make efforts to bring about change. Her parents work from morning to dusk as vendors at the Elephanta Caves, where tourists visit all day long, but return as soon as it begins to get dark. The island has no electricity.
Leela is shown as a strong character who writes to the mainland officials to ask for electrification of her island. She mentions all the things she cannot do once it gets dark. Her parents also support her and encourage her to write. In fact, she urges the other islanders also to write letters to the officials.
A well-told story that is motivating to a young reader and also revealing. To readers who have never known darkness, at least not night after night, it could be a window for them to watch something so new and unusual on Leela’s island. At the same time, it represents many other such places which are still in darkness; where after dusk, people stay indoors, fear noises because they cannot confirm who they belong to, avoid using the toilets at night as they are mostly outside their house and wait for dawn for life to be ‘normal’ again.
This book is fictionalized non-fiction and inspires readers to take initiative for their rights and essential needs. Readable, believable with illustrations bringing the scenario alive to the reader, one does not stop to ask, ‘Can this be true?’ or question the facts in the story.
A good one-time read for most readers. For those facing similar issues, it could be a keepsake to go back to for inspiration and a feeling of positivity. Also, it is a celebration of people like Leela, who are perseverant in raising a voice for basic rights.