THE BETRAYAL OF THE KINGDOM

(Children’s Literature)

AYISHA BASHEER ESRA

‘The Betrayal of the Kingdom’ which is indeed a pure classic in terms of explicit portrayal of the world that my generation is going to leave behind for the generations to follow. Esra’s free-flowing thoughts take us on a voyage to unknown territories while rooting us in the beautiful land called earth. The book addresses complex contemporary issues bothering mankind, in an analogical casting of characters that take us towards the logical solutions for a better tomorrow.

Preface
“The perceived World View of a Child is much more profound than the one among the Enlightened, for the young mind delves the surroundings with the innocence of emotions and crystal-clear openness while the latter transcends beyond the realms of emotions to interpret their observations”.
I say this with utmost clarity as I have been understanding the thought process of little ones, being with them ever so closely in the past 16 years. My statement is further validated after diving into the fictitious world of Esra’s “The Betrayal of the Kingdom” which is indeed a pure classic in terms of explicit portrayal of the world that my generation is going to leave behind for the generations to follow.
Having grown up with the characters of Mark Twain, Enid Blyton, Ruskin Bond, and the likes, as I indulged in the book, I find myself in the time machine, not to be wandering in a fantasy world; not the past and not at all to a world of joyful ecstasy, but the future that is filled with uncertainties and a deluge of mishaps that is alarming.
Esra’s free-flowing thoughts take us on a voyage to unknown territories while rooting us in the beautiful land called Earth. A journey that’s amazingly unpredictable when we speak of the storyline. I wouldn’t speak even a bit about the storyline as it is for the reader to explore as the young author grips us throughout, making it an at-a-stretch read.
What leaves me with awed delight, is the weaving of ideas that are truly “out of the world”. I am not able to fathom the relativity in the creativity of this eight-year-old. Here is a little masterpiece that addresses complex contemporary issues bothering mankind, in an analogical casting of characters that take us towards the logical solution for a better tomorrow. For an elderly reader, a sense of guilt is sure to be felt after the read.
Without speaking of the innocently superlative vocabulary and impeccable threading of the storyline, I am pondering how this little girl could think of, what she has portrayed in a fictional manner.
Working with kids and peeping into their minds on the creative canvas, I am not only convinced that great literary works to flow in the future from young authors like Esra, but also feel glad that the world will be in safer hands in the time to come.
Finally, as I compliment Ayisha Basheer Esra for giving us this priceless piece of literature, I recommend all to get into the time machine and internalize a journey into the future. Looking forward to read more from this little wonder.

– Srinivasan Nandagopal
Senior Journalist, Story Teller, Co-founder of Centre for Integrated Learning, Mangalore, Moderator – Bookaholics Junior – Book Club.