Title: Let There Be Light – A Diwali Story
Author: Siva K.C. Penamakuru
Publisher: MayalayaS Press
Genre: Children’s Literature
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Let There Be Light – A Diwali Story by Siva K.C. Penamakuru
Diwali is a serious matter for the Pulis–Adhvika and Aadi. The preparation begins weeks in advance, usually. However, this year, it’s different. Due to certain circumstances, they were not ready, despite it being Diwali day. As their friends, the Gajas–-Subbu and Sumati, and Jambu, join and help them prepare the house for the festival, things inadvertently become ‘Un-Diwali’ like. What happens next?
Come, explore, and re-discover the true essence of Diwali along with the Pasumans – Adhvika, Aadi, Subbu, Sumati, and Jambu, as they take you on a roller-coaster ride of celebrations, traditions, songs, and festive treats. You surely are in for a Diwali Delight!!!
Book Review: Let There Be Light – A Diwali Story by Siva K.C. Penamakuru
The festival of lights, Diwali, is a special time of year that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. At its heart, Diwali symbolizes the power of light to overcome darkness and the importance of togetherness. Siva Penamakuru’s children’s book “Let There Be Light – A Diwali Story” beautifully captures these themes through the lens of five unique friends on their journey to understand the true meaning of the holiday.
The story is set on the fictional planet of Vajra Dvipa that closely mimics Earth. It focuses on the lives of five main characters – tiger pasumans Adhvika and Aadi (the Pulis), elephant pasumans Sumati and Subbu (the Gajas), and bear pasuman Jambu.
As Diwali approaches, Pulis are unprepared due to last-minute travel plans. When Gajas arrive to celebrate with them, chaos ensues as they rush to decorate the house. Between Subbu’s continuous eating, Aadi’s travel stories, and Sumati’s perfectionism – tasks get delayed. Adhvika is stressed to deliver her signature Diwali but realizes decorations don’t define the festival’s essence.
Through interactions and humorous experiences, the characters learn friendship is more important than outward appearances. They bond over food preparations and rediscover what truly matters – togetherness, charitable acts, tradition and faith. By nightfall, despite challenges, the house glows with light, love and community spirit. Jambu’s letter at the end explains Diwali’s deeper meaning beyond celebrations.
Character Analysis
Strong and relatable characters are at the heart of any good story. Penamakuru successfully develops five well-rounded main characters who drive the plot. Their unique personalities and dynamics realistically portray different perspectives in any community.
Adhvika is ambitious yet sensitive about Diwali celebrations. As the story begins, her meticulous planning is disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. This opens an opportunity for introspection about priorities. Her character arc shows how traditions can evolve meaningfully while preserving essence.
Aadi is portrayed as a loyal partner but easily distractible. As Adhvika’s counterpart, his adventurous tendencies add comic relief but also challenges. Their relationship demonstrates complementing yet opposing traits in partnerships.
Subbu emerges as a gentle soul whose greatest joy comes through new experiences, especially involving food. His positive energy and innocent curiosities lighten any situation. Readers witness sensitivity beneath initial impressions of frivolity.
Sumati is the thoughtful artist whose dedication sometimes hinders flexibility. Yet beneath restraint lies passionate care and nuanced perceptions. Her character highlights achieving balance between competing virtues.
Jambu, as the elder friend, brings calm wisdom but also playful irreverence. His ponderings cut through superficial worries to reveal deeper lessons. Readers learn from his embodying of care, criticism and vigilance in one.
Overall, the characters are multi-dimensional and evolve believably due to challenges. Their interactions feel authentic, eliciting smiles as well as reflections on relationships and individual growth.
Theme Exploration
In exploring the central theme of rediscovering festive essence amid obstacles, the plot adeptly brings out interconnected life lessons.
Adhvika’s initial worry about upholding rituals perfectly mirrors societal pressures of one-upmanship. Her character questions what truly fulfills the spirit – elaborate displays or meaningful togetherness? Readers see how foundational traditions can flexibly adjust to circumstances without losing significance.
Subbu’s seeming frivolousness hints at taking pleasure in small joys. His curiosity demonstrates remaining childlike amid responsibilities. Sumati’s passion cautions balance between dedication and flexibility.
Aadi’s distractedness reminds the importance of presence over spacing out physically or mentally. Jambu’s guidance brings Philosophy and mirth together in seeing through surface issues to core principles.
The plot passes through troubles seamlessly instead of forcing morals. Characters thoughtfully arrive at realizations that rituals evolve but essence remains – Light over darkness, Hope over despair, Love over hatred. The story inspires readers to look within during celebrations and strengthen what truly matters.
Writing
Penamakuru crafts the story in clear, simple prose with a conversational tone. This draws readers effortlessly into the fictional world. Descriptions of landscape, people and relatable everyday dilemmas make abstract concepts easily accessible.
Dialogues realistically portray the characters through subtle behaviors, regional idioms and tactful criticisms. They move the plot meaningfully while entertaining readers with humor. Inner thoughts revealed at climactic moments generate empathy and lessons implicitly.
An omniscient Third-Person Narrative balances showing multiple perspectives without confusion. It fluidly switches between settings and thought streams to keep the pace fast yet meaningful. Foreshadowing and callbacks efficiently aid cohesion in a short format.
Overall, the writing style is lively yet grounded. It brings out layered insights and feel-good emotions among readers of all ages. Playfulness banishes any perception of being preachy. Instead of sermonizing, it inspires positivity through relatable experiences.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ‘Let There Be Light – A Diwali Story’ is a heartwarming holiday story that explores important life lessons of traditions, relationships and overcoming obstacles through well-developed characters and a thoughtful plot. Siva K.C. Penamakuru’s writing style is simple yet profound in drawing readers young and old into this fictional world. He adeptly develops themes of festive essence, bringing out layered reflections on philosophy, community and priorities in life through entertaining prose. The book is highly recommended for readers seeking a fun as well as thought-provoking Diwali tale.