Ice Boys in Bell Bottoms
Krishna Shastri Devulapalli
2011
Harper Collins India
pp. 263
(Available here https://amzn.to/2Hs5uS9)
Ice Boys in Bell Bottoms is a coming of age story. The chief protagonist is the grandson of a famous Telugu poet and a nearly equally famous illustrator. Set in Hyderabad and then Chennai, the story gives a vivid description of life in a household full of artistes. When you have a house filled with out of the box thinkers, you can’t help having a crazy life. And although it was thoroughly enjoyable to read about it, I am sure growing up would not have been easy. Of course, adolescence for most people is fun in a not so easy way.
Krishna Shastri Devulapalli
2011
Harper Collins India
pp. 263
(Available here https://amzn.to/2Hs5uS9)
Ice Boys in Bell Bottoms is a coming of age story. The chief protagonist is the grandson of a famous Telugu poet and a nearly equally famous illustrator. Set in Hyderabad and then Chennai, the story gives a vivid description of life in a household full of artistes. When you have a house filled with out of the box thinkers, you can’t help having a crazy life. And although it was thoroughly enjoyable to read about it, I am sure growing up would not have been easy. Of course, adolescence for most people is fun in a not so easy way.
The situations described are the very everyday and that’s why you can totally relate with what he is experiencing. His cleverness and enterprising initiatives in handling situations are quite appreciable. At one point I was wondering, why didn’t I think of that earlier? The book is an enjoyable read. The adolescent concerns of identity, body image, peer pressure, inter generational conflict, and growing up to shoulder responsibilities are addressed well. How much of it is autobiographical is not mentioned.
This man has talent and I am now on the lookout for what else I can read from him. Suggestions are welcome.