What genre is The Village by the Sea?

"The Village by the Sea" is a children's novel by Anita Desai. It falls into the Coming-of-Age genre, often intertwined with Realistic Fiction and elements of Social Commentary.

Here's why:

* Coming-of-Age: The story centers on the protagonist, Hari, who is navigating childhood and discovering his place in the world. He faces challenges, learns about life, and grows emotionally throughout the narrative.

* Realistic Fiction: The story depicts the lives of ordinary people in a specific setting (a coastal village in India) with realistic experiences and problems.

* Social Commentary: The novel touches upon themes like poverty, social inequalities, and the impact of change on traditional communities. It subtly critiques certain societal structures and values.

While it's primarily categorized as children's fiction, "The Village by the Sea" can also be enjoyed by adults due to its insightful and thought-provoking themes.