Homeless Bird

Homeless Bird
By Gloria Whelan
Harper Collins, 2000. 186 pgs. Young Adult

Koly is 13 years old and lives in India. As is custom, she is married off for her dowry so that her husbands’ family may have the money. They want the money to journey to the holy waters of the Ganges to heal their dying son who is her husband. Soon after their trip, her husband dies leaving Koly a young widow and now considered unclean. She is abandoned in Vrindavan to live in the streets and fend for herself.

This interesting novel gives a quick glance into the customs of India and makes me appreciate the freedoms I am allowed to have in my society.

KK