Climbing the Stairs, by Padma Venkatraman

[Valerie]

I read this book for the ATY 2019 Reading Challenge Week 49: a book that was written by a far East Asian Author or set in a far East Asian country.

This story takes place in India at the during World War II. Vadya, a strong-willed young woman in her late teens, lives with her father, a doctor, mother, and brother in Bombay. The country is in turmoil, because of factions pushing for freedom from Great Britain. Vadya and her family live a good life in Bombay. She is looking forward to graduating from high school and attending college. So different from most girls, who are heading for the traditional roles of wife and mother. In an instant, this idyllic life changes. Vadya and her family must go to live with her grandparents and extended family in Madras, where life is very traditional, and Vadya worries about her future.