Title: Dancing to the Flute by Manisha Jolie Amin

Publisher: Atria

Pages: 320

Released: 2013

Source: Blog Tour/Publisher

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis:

Kalu was abandoned as a child and left to fend for himself in rural India. Kalu has no material possessions, and a sore foot that is severely infected, causing a foul odor. People began to shun him, and didn’t want him around, thinking he was too lazy to wash. When a traveling healer name Vaid comes to town and offers to help Kalu, his life is changed forever. Kalu was initially skeptical of Vaid but he felt like it was worth a chance. The healer wraps up the foot, and tells Kalu he’ll return at a later date. Kalu worries about paying Vaid, he has nothing that he can give him. When his foot is unwrapped and cured, the healer asks Kalu to play his flute in return. Vaid offers Kalu to become a student of Guruji, a famous flute-player who lives in isolation. Kalu knows this is a great opportunity, and accepts the offer.

Review:

 I didn’t really enjoy this one. I thought the story was okay, but it didn’t really keep me interested. Kalu’s storyline is interesting, he had nothing and Vaid gave him a great opportunity. Those who shunned him, suddenly became more interested in him. Usually, I am drawn to stories that take place and India, and in this case it didn’t live up to my expectations. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. The writing is beautiful, and the descriptions are fantastic. It was the overall storyline that I had a hard time staying interested in. I might have to revisit this one at a later date.