49 pages 1 hour read

Bapsi Sidhwa

Ice Candy Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa is narrated by Lenny Sethi, a young Parsee girl, and explores the turmoil of the Partition of India in 1947, focusing on religious intolerance and mass violence. Lenny witnesses the disintegration of ethnic and religious harmony in Lahore and matures through these harrowing experiences. The novel delves into themes of identity, ethnic strife, and women's resilience. The narrative addresses graphic violence, sexual assault, and the subjugation of women.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa captures the harrowing impact of the Partition of India through the innocent lens of a young girl. Reviewers praise Sidhwa's vivid storytelling and historical insight, though some criticize the graphic violence and complex narrative structure. Overall, the novel stands out for its emotional depth and cultural significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ice Candy Man?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction infused with personal and cultural turmoil will enjoy Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children will find its exploration of the Partition of India similarly gripping and poignant.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Genre

Indian Literature