Sonal Singh On Sonal's Table
Kanmani & Co. by Lalitha Ramanathan was a trip to my childhood, to the days when I used to be hooked on Enid Blyton’s. The book is a delightful, fun, easy, cute read. Right from the naughty protagonists to the narrative, Lalitha brings us an offering that everyone will relate to.
Equal parts nostalgic, tender, with a vein of wisdom holding the narrative together, this book is a heartwarming celebration of childhood, friendship, curiosity and the little adventures and escapades that shape growing up.
Set in the fictional village of Maaripuram, the story follows spirited young Kanmani and her lively gang of friends — Seeta, Subru, Sreejith, Palani — along with the star, the adorable cat, Varam. Together, they tumble from one escapade to another, carrying the reader into a world where imagination is ripe, friendship is more sacred than a pinkie swear, and every mundane day sits potentially on a teetering pile of chaos.
What I particularly loved was how authentically the world of Maaripuram comes alive. Lalitha uses vernacular words to lend authenticity to the story. She makes the village come alive so beautifully in the reader’s visuals that it almost feels like the annual summer trips that we took to Dadi and Nani’s houses, as kids. The writing beautifully captures the rhythm of small-town life, its warmth, eccentricities, gossip, innocence, and deeply rooted sense of community.
Each chapter unfolds like a self-contained little adventure with its own conflict, humour, and emotional takeaway. The book effortlessly weaves in meaningful themes like literacy, inclusivity, body positivity, empathy, friendship, and breaking gender stereotypes with remarkable gentleness and maturity.
Kanmani and her friends are flawed and hence, lovable. Their interactions feel organic and believable, full of banter, misunderstandings, teamwork, and affection.
The illustrations…vibrant and bursting with creative personality enhance the reading experience.
Kanmani & Co. is ultimately a joyous reminder of messy, magical childhoods and the quiet lessons hidden within them. A thoroughly delightful read for both children and adults alike.
