The Fire Walker
Written by Ainkaran Sivaaji
Illustrated by N. Dejeshwini
Published by Yali Books (an Imprint of Sambasivan & Parikh)
Mom's Review
Fire walking is not a new concept to me, but something I actually know nothing about. Reading a story that features a Tamil family preparing for and practicing the theemithi ritual was therefore of particular interest. (And I had to do some more research about it afterward.) I have no doubt kids unfamiliar with the ritual would be just as thrilled to learn about something new, while children whose communities do practice firewalking will appreciate a story set around an important tradition.
The story follows young Velan who worries about his father's poor health and ability to participate in the theemithi ceremony. Sivaaji perfectly captures the impact one person's failing health can have on their family as well as how difficult it can be for that person to accept their diminished capabilities; The Fire Walker is a sensitive look how a child and parent both handling the parent's aging, set against the backdrop of a Sri Lankan festival.
A thought-provoking book that calls to mind the universality of aging and mortality, The Fire Walker offers more than just the story on the surface.
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