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49 pages 1 hour read

Ice Candy Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Bapsi Sidhwa

Ice Candy Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lahore, Punjab • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa is narrated by Lenny Sethi, a young Parsee girl, and explores the turmoil of the Partition of India in 1947, focusing on religious intolerance and mass violence. Lenny witnesses the disintegration of ethnic and religious harmony in Lahore and matures through these harrowing experiences. The novel delves into themes of identity, ethnic strife, and women's resilience. The narrative addresses graphic violence, sexual assault, and the subjugation of women.

Mysterious

Dark

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa captures the harrowing impact of the Partition of India through the innocent lens of a young girl. Reviewers praise Sidhwa's vivid storytelling and historical insight, though some criticize the graphic violence and complex narrative structure. Overall, the novel stands out for its emotional depth and cultural significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ice Candy Man?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction infused with personal and cultural turmoil will enjoy Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children will find its exploration of the Partition of India similarly gripping and poignant.

Character List

Lenny Sethi

The protagonist who recounts her childhood in Lahore, she navigates the complexities of the world around her despite the challenges of polio.

A young, beautiful Hindu nursemaid to Lenny and Adi, who brings Lenny into the adult world through their close companionship.

A charming and manipulative figure whose multiple occupations include selling treats, playing a significant role in Ayah's life.

A graceful Hindu man who pursues Ayah, developing a deepening connection with her amidst rising tensions in Lahore.

Lenny’s loving godmother who provides stability and affection, her home serving as a sanctuary for Lenny.

Lenny’s male cousin who educates her on various subjects and is her first encounter with romantic infatuation.

Lenny’s distant yet caring mother who engages in secretive and courageous activities to aid women post-Partition.

Lenny’s serious and mostly distant father, whose primary role is to provide for and protect the family.

Godmother’s younger sister, who livens Lenny’s visits with her bickering and handles household tasks.

The great-grandson of the Sethi family’s cook and Lenny’s peer, who experiences and survives tumultuous events during Partition.

Lenny’s younger brother, who enjoys good health and attends regular school, fostering a complex sibling dynamic with Lenny.

Lenny’s doctor and a leader in the Parsee community, advocating for caution and neutrality during Partition tensions to protect their minority group.

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lahore, Punjab • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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