It is based on the poverty, hardships and sorrow faced by a small rural, community in India.

This shows that even in one of the busiest, rickety and ramshackle cities such as Bombay there is still hope, love and affection.

"Desai's subject matter may be stereotypical, but her treatment and sensitive prose give depth to the story, Every minute detail and image ... assumes meaning and fits into the intricate, multi-layered pattern of the novel.

Also, Desai focuses on several other debatable issues pertaining to the contemporary Indian society through her novel, The Village by the Sea.

It is apparent that Desai’s vital thematic appeal, her strong emphasis on the complexities of the human existence and her incredible narrative style seem to have added immensely to the success of the particular novel thus signifying her excellence as one of the best writers of the twentieth century India.