The Village by the Sea is a coming-of-age novel by Indian author Anita Desai, set in a small coastal village in India. The story follows the lives of Lila and Hari, two young siblings who are forced to take on adult responsibilities when their father becomes ill and their mother leaves to earn a living in the city. Through their struggles and triumphs, the characters in The Village by the Sea demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of family.
Lila is the older sister and main protagonist of the novel. She is a strong-willed and determined young woman who takes on the role of breadwinner and caregiver for her family when her mother leaves. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of education and limited opportunities in the village, Lila remains optimistic and works hard to support her family. She is resourceful and adaptable, finding creative solutions to the family's problems and taking on various jobs to make ends meet.
Hari, the younger brother, is a kind and compassionate young boy who is deeply loyal to his family. He is also fiercely independent, often questioning the rules and expectations placed upon him by society. Despite his youth, Hari is a hard worker and helps his sister in whatever way he can. He is also a dreamer, with big ambitions for his future.
The mother of Lila and Hari, Kali, is a complex and multifaceted character. On the one hand, she is a loving and devoted mother who cares deeply for her children. On the other hand, she is also deeply unhappy and feels trapped in her role as a wife and mother in the village. She leaves to seek a better life in the city, but her absence is deeply felt by her children, who struggle to understand and forgive her actions.
The father of Lila and Hari, Piscine, is a gentle and kind-hearted man who is deeply devoted to his family. Despite his illness, he remains a constant source of love and support for his children and helps them navigate the challenges they face.
Overall, the characters in The Village by the Sea are complex and multifaceted, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and desires. Through their struggles and triumphs, they demonstrate the resilience and resourcefulness that are necessary to survive and thrive in a challenging world. Despite their struggles, the love and support of their family helps them overcome their challenges and find hope for the future.