Lion of the Sky

I love historical fiction, and I love novels in verse. A middle-grade work of historical fiction in verse? I knew I wanted to read it.

And Lion of the Sky by Ritu Hemnani didn’t disappoint.

Set in Sindh in August 1947, Lion of the Sky tells the story of Raj and his family, who are confused by all that is happening around them. On the one hand, India is soon to be independent. On the other hand, they hear that a line is going to be drawn through the nation, carving out a separate country for Muslims. Initially, Raj thinks that his best friend Iqbal will have to leave. Soon, however, he realises that it is not the Muslims who must leave Sindh, but the Hindus.

Lion of the Sky is both heart-breaking and optimistic. When suspicions run high and we are inclined to think the worst of one another, what do we do? Do we hold on to love, kindness and hope, or do we grow angry and resentful? 

Lion of the Sky is a gorgeous story about finding courage. It reaffirms that friendship surmounts everything. Even at our lowest, when we choose to stand up for those who are powerless, we are the true victors. Above all, I loved the character arcs. Raj grows through the story, slowly finding within himself the courage to step out of the shadows of the older males in his family. He makes mistakes, but he learns and grows. He aches for his father’s approval, but it is when he discovers his own strengths that he blossoms. 

With Raj, we live through the tumultuous Partition and arrive, finally, at an imperfect yet optimistic sense of peace. The verse form of the story is perfect, leaving us with a sense of love, loss and hope.