We all know about the infamous salt tax and the march to Dandi. What would the people of Dandi have felt at the time? Were people even aware of this huge political upheaval brewing in various parts of the country?
A Demon in Dandi by Lavanya Karthik is part of Duckbill’s Songs of Freedom series, and it reimagines a few days in this tumultuous period from the point of view of a Sherlock Holmes fan, Dinu. Dinu is slow to find motivation when it comes to Bapu’s call to action. He can’t spin and he can barely concentrate while he’s praying. What role could he possibly have in Bapu’s march to Dandi?
As the story unfolds, Dinu finds that he does after all have the motivation it takes. Against the backdrop of the Dandi march, Dinu finds himself plunged in a murder mystery, one that he must solve, if only for his friend Alif. In true Sherlock Holmes style, he begins his investigation, one that ends in a most satisfying way.
A Demon in Dandi is an enjoyable read because of the seamless way in which it weaves together a story and its historical backdrop. Superstitious beliefs are rampant, and this brings me to the title–a demon in Dandi. I love it! Who is the demon, really? The one the villagers believe in? Sergeant Diggle who is determined to foil Gandhi’s plans? Or Gandhi himself who is stirring things up?
An engaging read that immerses us in 1930-Gujarat (although the state of Gujarat didn’t yet exist, as the author points out), A Demon in Dandi is a pacy addition to a series I’ve enjoyed reading!
| Title | A Demon in Dandi |
| Author | Lavanya Karthik |
| Tags | Songs of Freedom, Historical Fiction |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4 |
| Ages | 10+ |
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