Dancing to the Flute

 

Dancing to the Flute by Manisha Jolie Amin

Published March 28 2013 Alma Books

 

I greatly enjoyed this book and having never before read fiction set in India - I shall look out for more in future. I found the descriptions of the country, its traditions and people fascinating.

 

Dancing to the Flute is a heart warming coming-of-age novel following Kalu who was abandoned as a child in rural India. A stranger hears Kalu playing music - on a leaf flute  and encourages him to practice further. To believe he can change his future through music and find his place in the world.

 

The friendship's Kalu builds are told with warmth and this book is brimming with really interesting information about Indian music - specifically flute playing and Indian raag.

 

Malti, Ganga Ba, Guruji and Bal all add a richness to the novel. Amin seamlessly weaves their stories in and out of Kalu's

 

There is a very useful glossary included in the novel. This is Manisha's first novel and I am excited to read more.