The Ghost of Malabar
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
MY THOUGHTS
Rarely do you come across the word Ghost in the title of a children’s book, but The Ghost of Malabar will make you change your mind about a horror story for kids!
The Ghost of Malabar is about a young boy from a fishing community who meets Velu, a ghost wandering along the beach. Velu was slaughtered centuries ago by Kapitan Vasca da Gama and needs to get his hands on one precious thing before he can stop haunting and return to eternal sleep. He wants Edwin to help him find it because Edwin is the only one who can see and hear him. But Edwin doesn’t have time for this nonsense! His father is a recovering alcoholic and is very ill; his mother insists on a good education for Edwin and his siblings. Edwin detests his school and classmates, and now he has to deal with this ghost and his antics! He needs to get rid of Velu, and fast! Edwin does succeed, only to realise that Velu was helping his family all along! Now he wants Velu back and is willing to help him, but is not prepared for what happens next.
Author Soumya Ayer reveals on the podcast episode of Tell Me A Story that the universe aligned for her to write this book. Velu’s story was waiting to be told — if not by her, then by someone else. The story has fictional characters but is based on the massacre of fishermen by Vasco Da Gama in 1502. The book also deals with sensitive issues like poverty of the fishing community, bullying, the sorry state of schools in small-town India, and much more. Ayer paints a gruesome image of Velu the ghost– with stubs for limbs and no nose — but also helps you empathise with him quickly. The book brings forth a chapter in history with an interesting story and shows the readers facets of Kochi and life in the fishing community beautifully.
The book is perfect for readers 10+ and will be a great addition to their collection. It is not scary; it is simply a great way to tell a story, foster empathy, and introduce children to an important part of history.
If you think your child would enjoy this book, you can buy it here →
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