Rising Sons is a powerful historical fiction that unfolds in pre-independence India, centered in the small Karnataka village of Kesarugattu. The novel follows Devaraya, a Brahmin determined to preserve his family’s status within a society ruled by strict caste and religious norms, where inter-caste marriages are frowned upon and the daily lives of villagers are shaped by the rules set by wealthy upper-caste men. As the nation stirs toward independence, this deeply humane story speaks to readers who love sweeping family sagas, social history, and intimate portraits of ordinary people facing extraordinary change. It’s a thoughtful, hopeful, and emotionally resonant journey designed for adults and older teens seeking a rich, character-driven tale.
Structured in four parts, Rising Sons draws you into a world where tradition and longing collide. The narrative follows Devaraya, his wife Gowru, and their two sons, Nanju and Anna, as a haunting secret from the past resurfaces and tests loyalties, marriages, and futures. The Ai tribes living in the surrounding forests add layers of mystery and distance, hinting at a wider world just beyond the village's boundaries. As the independence movement breathes life into the country, the novel explores the delicate dance between obligation and aspiration, asking how far a family—and a community—will go to protect what they value most. The writing blends intimate family scenes with social commentary, offering a steady, engaging pace that makes the historical setting feel immediate and real.
- Four-part narrative that follows a family through changing times
- Vivid, authentic setting in a Karnataka village on the eve of independence
- Exploration of tradition, caste, love, duty, and intergenerational tension
- Close-knit characters: Devaraya, Gowru, Nanju, Anna, and the distant world of the Ai tribes
- Haunting secret from the past that reshapes choices and futures
- Lyrical, immersive prose that weaves history with heartfelt storytelling
After finishing Rising Sons, readers gain a nuanced understanding of how families navigate constraint with resilience, and how the push for a broader national transformation can illuminate the personal journeys that underpin history. The story invites empathy for the characters’ struggles and leaves a lasting sense of hope—that even amidst tradition and trouble, new paths can emerge and endure.
