Mahala by Carol Marques Barriors
Mahala is based on a true story of author’s paternal grandmother. The story begins in 1898 on St. Vincent Island, British West Indies, where many Indian families came in hopes of better lives, and where men indentured themselves for a few years. The story focuses on two Indian families. Kavita’s husband Ganesh agreed to seven-year indenture for a sugar mill. They came from India to escape poverty, but shortly after they arrived Kavita started missing her family and the close connection they had. Things became even harder for her when she was unable to conceive a child. Jane’s husband John already fulfilled his indenture contract. However, with a serious miss-step and with already four children, they couldn’t afford another child as Jane was pregnant again. As Jane and Kavita were best friends and neighbors, both families agreed on adoption. 1913: As Mahala grows up on the island, it makes her closely connected to the beach, but currents can be unpredictable. One day, the ...