Title:

Shiva’s Fire                                                                      YA #6

Author:

Suzanne Fisher Staples

Publisher:

Trophy

Date:

2001

ISBN:

0064409791

# of Pages (Readership):

288 pp. (YA)

Genre

Realistic fiction

Diversity

Religion – Hindu

Culture – Indian

Plot Summary:

Nandipuram, South India

A cyclone demolished her small Indian village on the day Parvati was born. It also killed her father who tended and trained elephants for the maharajah. With Meenakshi (her mother) and two brothers, she lives with her uncle and aunt, barely surviving while the village rebuilds and farms recover.

P. is different child – has mysterious powers. She charms animals (fish, cobra) and feels music in her body. At age 6, she dances in a fire without being burned. Rumors, fueled by her aunt, blame her for the cyclone. M. loves fiercely and protects.

Life changes when Guru Pillai hears about P.’s talent as dancer and offers family $ in exchange for P. studying to be a deva dasi, classical dancer, at his school, where her gift can be nurtured.

Ultimately, P. is invited back to Nadipuram to perform for the maharajah’s birthday. She visits her family for the first time since leaving home and finds they are prosperous thanks to her support.

P. falls in love with Rama, the maharajah’s son, who was also born on the day of the cyclone and blames himself for the events of that day. R. wants to go to U.S. to study to be a doctor.

Both realize they must follow their callings. The reader is left believing they will one day be reunited when their talents have matured.

Theme(s):

You’ll know it when you’ve found your true calling (and your true love).

Personal Response:

This quick read gives a glimpse into Hindu culture and the caste system. Although some of the plot doesn’t seem sufficiently plausible, the characterization is strong.

Curricular or Programming Connections:

India – Hindu culture – caste system

Dharma

Dance