how are the characters in the book the magic of the lost Temple.
and the summary of this book too in 100-200 words
Answers
It was indeed a pleasure to have read a children’s book after so long. I treasured every single moment of it as fond memories of childhood and the era of a carefree countenance wafted through my mind. While reading, I became a part of the story; it became a part of me.
The book has everything an Indian child craves for and relates to. The book offers episodes of friendship, vacations, magic, loving grandparents, village folklore, late night storytelling, picnicking, the humdrum of daily chores in the village, life with cousins, and so on. It’s hard not to enjoy learning about plants, medicinal herbs, village marriages, traditions and customs as the author beautifully weaves the story into the minds and hearts of her young readers.
“The Magic of the Lost Temple” is a story of Nooni, a young girl, who gets enchanted and fascinated by the story of an old stepwell told to her by her grandparents. This stepwell, which was apparently created by a “celestial architect” was used by “celestial maidens”, and now is lost to the village forever. Whatever happened to it and how it went missing in the old forest are all there for the reader to discover. The book holds the readers interest by acquainting them with the old ways of oiling and shampooing one’s hair, papad making, and so on.
The reader will enjoy how the adventurous and tomboyish, Nooni helps a pregnant cow. While journeying through Nooni’s world, the reader discovers the simple joys of living in the village and learns to connect with nature. We get to live a story that will stay with us for a long time.
"The lucid language and the amazing illustrations make this brilliant book come alive." The illustrations, in particular, facilitate a better understanding of the text. The book being the perfect combination of humour, adventure, mystery, and entertainment is thus a must read for any age.
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A Sudha Murty book always comes to my rescue when I want to do this as it effortlessly takes me back into my childhood. Even my daughter who has not seen that era and is always eager to know about my childhood days, gets a glimpse of how life and lifestyles were back then.
‘The magic of the lost temple’ by Sudha Murty is a delight to read. It is a perfect choice for anyone who is tired of the chaotic city life and routine and wants to sit back and connect to something which is more peaceful, simpler and joy giving. Even without visiting a village, a child or adult can get a fair idea of how life in a village, which is usually considered to be slow paced and less glamorous, is soulfully enriching.
The story in this novel revolves around Nooni (Anoushka), a 12 year old girl who lives in Bangalore with her father (Dr. Shekhar, a busy doctor) and mother (Usha, a banker by profession). She is a happy-go-lucky tomboy who loves all forms of physical activity. She is fairly good at studies too. Like most city kids, she too (at her parents behest) has joined all sorts of activity classes from time to time, with or without interest and is craving for some real fun during her forthcoming summer vacation.
Nooni’s final exam results are out and a ten week long summer vacation is about to begin. Instead of being happy or excited she is sad that like every year, her parents will have limited holidays. As usual, they will visit a nearby hill station for a few days and then she will join a summer camp and few more activity classes which seemed repetitive and boring.
Summer Adventure with the Grandparents!
Luckily for Nooni, that year a turn of events takes place in a such a way that she gets a chance to spend her vacation with her paternal grandparents who live in Somanahalli, a village in Karnataka. This village is not only known for its picturesque view, good weather and kind people but also is famous for a fabled stepwell.
Now people had not seen this stepwell for ages, but stories associated with it could be heard in different versions from many villagers who had stayed there for generations.
Nooni’s grandpa (Ajja) and grandma (Ajji) are respected elders of this village and they welcome Nooni with open arms. Thereafter starts a vacation which is full of fun and adventure for Nooni.
The Indian Village Vacation!
In her first few days itself Nooni makes new friends, learns to ride a bicycle, goes for a picnic and even attends a village wedding. She admires Ajja for his wisdom, simplicity, loving and caring nature and disciplined life while Ajji is like her friend with whom she can share any and everything. Nooni keeps asking questions and Ajji being a patient and loving grandmother, teaches Nooni many new things every single day. Ajji is very caring and loving towards Nooni.
Nooni is very happy with her village vacation and soon gets used to it’s gentle routine. She too gets to hear the story of the stepwell from both Ajji and Ajja (slightly different versions) and develops a secret desire to find the stepwell. Luck is standing by Nooni’s side during this vacation as one day when she is going on a small excursion to see the Varada river with her friends, she stumbles upon a shrub and in her excitement to go near it, she gets stuck in a swamp.
The Search of the Mysterious Stepwell…
One event leads to another and because of Nooni’s determination and enthusiasm, the search for the stepwell first starts at village level and later authorities also get involved.
What was that fable that got Nooni so interested in finding the stepwell…?Was she able to find it…? How were Somanahalli and its people affected by this adventure makes a very interesting read for both kids and adults.
This is one of Sudha Murty’s best novels and a bestseller. It is highly recommended by me and my 9 year old daughter.
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