Ice-candy man

As British rule in India draws to a close, the threat of Partition gathers and sectarian violence escalates, spreading across the nation and inching ever closer to the affluent fringes of Lahore.

Lahore is where 8-year-old Lenny lives. Crippled by polio but inquisitive and spirited, Lenny spends her days in the park with her beautiful Ayah, enjoying the company of the plethora of suitors drawn to her striking nanny.

There's the Sikh zoo-keeper, the Masseur, the Pathan, strong Imman Din, and Ice-Candy Man, peddling popsicles along with political unrest through the streets.

But Lenny's world is upended as riots break out and the once harmonious people of Lahore turn against one another.

Amid the chaos, her beloved Ayah is abducted. Lenny's innocence, exuberant humour, and heart-wrenching perspicacity leads us through these momentuous events.