Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow by Rashi Rohatgi (ARC)

Posted March 3, 2020 by Alana in Book Reviews, Historic Fiction, Young Adult / 2 Comments

Book Review Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow by Rashi Rohatgi
Where the Sun Will Rise by Rashi Rohatgi
Published by Independently Published on March 2020
Genres: Historical, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 270
Format: Paperback
Source: ARC

It's 1905, and the Japanese victory over the Russians has shocked the British and their imperial subjects. Sixteen-year-old Leela and her younger sister, Maya, are spurred on to wear homespun to show the British that the Indians won't be oppressed for much longer, either, but when Leela's betrothed, Nash, asks her to circulate a petition amongst her classmates to desegregate the girls' school in Chadrapur, she's wary. She needs to remind Maya that the old ways are not all bad, for soon Maya will have to join her own betrothed and his family in their quiet village. When she discovers that Maya has embarked on a forbidden romance, Leela's response shocks her family, her town, and her country firmly into the new century.

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Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow was my introduction to South Asian historical fiction and an intriguing departure from my usual reads. I have very little background in South Asian history, at least that I’ve retained. I mean, it has been over a decade since I sat in a world history class. I found Rohatgi’s debut an insightful, layered and memorable coming of age tale. My heart ached for Leela and her struggle to reconcile her duties to family, community, and country with her wants and needs.

Leela’s story carries on at a very quick pace, providing snapshots of life for a 16-year-old girl reuniting with her betrothed while working to complete her teaching certification during the British occupation in India. Rohatgi treats readers to glimpses of everyday moments all while expertly weaving the complicated affairs of state as a grim but authentic backdrop to Leela’s story.

I wish I had a greater understanding of the British occupation of India and the relevant social mores of the time. I loved the warm, progressive setting in Leela’s home. Her father’s unwavering support of his girls made me smile. I wish we had a chance to see them interact a bit more.

Overall, this compelling debut novella was a fascinating look into a tumultuous period in Indian history from the eyes of a young girl. Truly, a thought-provoking story of love, family, and even a bit of self-discovery. I was left feeling unsatisfied at the end, though that is because I wished for a fairy-tale ending and it is clear that Rohatgi wanted to stay true to her themes. I highly recommend it for readers that want to read a historical fiction novel outside of the typical European settings!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Anonymously, Alana

2 responses to “Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow by Rashi Rohatgi (ARC)

  1. […] “I found Rohatgi’s debut an insightful, layered and memorable coming of age tale. My heart ached for Leela and her struggle to reconcile her duties to family, community, and country with her wants and needs…Overall, this compelling debut novella was a fascinating look into a tumultuous period in Indian history from the eyes of a young girl. Truly, a thought-provoking story of love, family, and even a bit of self-discovery.” —Dream Come Review […]

  2. […] “I found Rohatgi’s debut an insightful, layered and memorable coming of age tale. My heart ached for Leela and her struggle to reconcile her duties to family, community, and country with her wants and needs…Overall, this compelling debut novella was a fascinating look into a tumultuous period in Indian history from the eyes of a young girl. Truly, a thought-provoking story of love, family, and even a bit of self-discovery.”—Dream Come Review […]