Twelve-year-old Amil and his twin sister Nisha, their father, grandmother and family caretaker have been forced to flee from their beloved homeland in what is now Pakistan to be re-homed in Bombay, India, as a result of a political decision made in the aftermath of WWII. The Partition in 1947 established two separate nations of Pakistan and India. Muslims are relegated to Pakistan while Hindus and Sikhs are to reside in India. This sad, violent migration is the subject of many movies, as well as books. Amil’s story is a sequel to the award winning The Night Diary in which the trauma is told through the eyes of his sister Nisha. Amil’s point of view continues the story after they emigrate to India in 1948.
Amil is a sensitive boy who finds it difficult to express his feelings. Unlike his sister’s facility with reading and writing, Amil, who is most likely an undiagnosed dyslexic, finds his strength in depicting events in detailed drawings. His father, a doctor, doesn’t seem to understand the source of the problem and is impatient with his son’s seemingly lack of interest in school. Amil is well aware of his father’s disappointment in him. Later in the story, Amil’s father begins to understand but his aloofness and preoccupation with his work at the hospital, are devastating to Amil who thrives on love, affection and attention.
The children’s mother died as a result of childbirth and Amil blames himself as a “feet-first” baby for his family’s tragedy, constantly seeking reassurance that this is not the case. Amil has two great desires in his new life: a bicycle and a friend. Both wishes come true but not without conflict. Amil is forever reminded that while wishes come true, they do not come without strings attached. People, places, and things require care and nurturing. People often hide the truth of their lives. He can’t be a carefree kid. The reality of his world hangs heavy in his heart
In the end, Amil … “didn’t want to think about the before or about what would happen after—after today, after tomorrow, and so on. All he knew was that right now, he had everything he wanted, and it was magical.”
This is a sad story in many ways. Amil is only temporarily happy. His complaints about what is lacking in his life border on whining. He lives in the here and now without constructive plans or determination to improve his future. For this reason, I do not feel it’s a good role model for young readers. However unrealistic, I think all readers should be elevated by what they read, not left depressed without inspiration or a character to emulate in the future.
We know Amil is sooo sad but where is the climax where he finds his mojo to turn his life and attitude around instead of dwelling in self-pity and disappointment?
Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.n
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
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Elaine Donadio Writes 