Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa – Kitab Mahal

Ice Candy Man, also known as Cracking India, is a poignant and powerful novel by Bapsi Sidhwa that delves into the turbulent period of the Partition of India in 1947. Set in Lahore, the novel is narrated through the eyes of Lenny, a young Parsi girl, who witnesses the horrifying consequences of partition, religious intolerance, and communal violence. The narrative is both personal and historical, exploring the impact of political events on individuals and families, as well as the deep divisions between Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs during the period of partition.

Key Points

1. Historical Context: The novel is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, a traumatic event in South Asian history, exploring its impact on individuals and families.
2. Narrative Perspective: The story is told through the innocent eyes of Lenny, a young girl, whose understanding of the complex political landscape evolves over time.
3. Religious and Communal Tensions: The novel vividly portrays the deep-seated religious and communal tensions that erupted during the partition, leading to violence and division.
4. Character Development: The central character, Lenny, grows up amidst the turmoil, and her relationships with the people around her, including the enigmatic Ice Candy Man, reflect the larger political divide.
5. Humanity Amidst Chaos: Despite the violence and hatred, the novel also highlights moments of compassion, love, and friendship that transcend religious boundaries.

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Writer                 ✤     Bapsi Sidhwa

Publishers           ✤    Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM