? Kirkus Verdict: GET IT
"An illuminating novel in which familial love, compassion, and kindness shine in a setting of greed, discourtesy, and exploitation." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This story will strike a chord with many in Pakistan as well." -- Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language newspaper

About the Book
Set in the India of the 1980s, Tholly - No Way to Die Poor is a gripping coming-of-age novella that explores how a young boy's struggle against poverty shapes his destiny. When fourteen-year-old Tholly takes his ailing father to the city hospital, he is thrust into a harsh world of greed, corruption, pain, and indifference. Amid social disparity and communal tension, one realization transforms him forever:

"I was born poor, but I won't die poor. I need to be rich -- very rich. No matter what it takes."

Through humor, heartbreak, and haunting realism, Tholly unravels how poverty can corrupt innocence yet ignite resilience. The novella captures India's shifting moral landscape and the universal human desire for dignity, choice, and survival.

Why Readers Love It
? A 100-page quick read packed with emotional depth and social commentary.
? Evokes the spirit of R.K. Narayan and Arundhati Roy in its vivid portrayal of small-town India.
? A story that resonates across India, Pakistan, and South Asia -- exploring the shared scars of inequality and hope.

Perfect for readers who enjoy
- Indian fiction & realistic storytelling
- Coming-of-age and inspirational journeys
- Stories about social injustice and human courage

Reviews & Mentions
? Read the Kirkus Review
? Read the Dawn Review

Keywords: Indian fiction, coming-of-age novella, inspirational story, social inequality, poverty and ambition, Indian literature, short novel, realistic fiction, South Asian author, moral awakening.

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• Publication Date: March 5, 2021
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 98 Pages
• File Size: 17 KB