Topical YA novel about courage and perseverance in challenging times

Inspired by the true story of Jyoti Kumari

Jyoti lives in one of the poorest states in India. Her family is Dalit, the lowest group in the Indian caste system. Jyoti’s future is already mapped out: marriage and looking after her husband and in-laws. But then her life changes completely. Her father, who works hundreds of miles away in the big city, gets injured and Jyoti has to go and care for him. A new world opens up for her in the city.

Then, a deadly virus starts to spread. There is no work, and no work means no food or shelter. Determined to get home, Jyoti embarks on a gruelling 700-mile bike ride. The weight of her injured father on the rear rack, the stifling heat, lack of food, aching muscles and intrusive travel companions are not her only challenges. When she finally gets home, her mother wants to marry her off. Will she do what is expected of her or will she go her own way?

‘In her book The Girl Who Cycled Across India, which at times moves you and grabs you by the throat, Aletta André describes in detail the gruelling journey of about 1200 kilometres that father and daughter travelled together.’ – Trouw