Where the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow
In 1905, political turmoil exists in parts of India because there are those who believe in self-determination and independence from Britain. Sisters Leela, age sixteen, and Maya, age fifteen, are caught up in the dispute, especially Leela after her boyfriend Nash returns from Japan after three years of study for an engineering scholarship. The British had recalled all Indian students from Japan after Japan defeated the Russians in the war between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Leela has two more years of study to become a teacher. When Nash asks Leela to distribute a petition to desegregate the girls’ school in Chandrapur and allow both Hindu and Muslim girls to study together, she becomes confused as to what to do. Then Maya surprises everyone by beginning a forbidden romance, and Leela shocks her family with her response.
Although the novel is rich in historical detail and reveals Rohtagi’s command of Indian history during this period, I found myself confused at times when Indian words and phrases were used throughout the story. I had to stop reading and try to understand their meanings, which eventually became a distraction. Because the story lacks emotional depth, I felt little empathy for the characters, making this a tedious read.
