TITLE- SNAKES IN THE MEADOWS
AUTHOR- AYAZ KOHLI
GENRE- FICTION
NUMBER OF PAGES- 276
PUBLISHERS- RUPA PUBLICATIONS
FORMAT- PAPERBACK
About the book-
Jammu and Kashmir, 1987. In the hilly village of Pathri Aali, where legends appear true, Aslam and Ashwar, two young lovers, dream of marriage and good things of life. But that is not to be. Unable to cope, Aslam leaves Pathri Aali forever.
Years later, as men migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, Pathri Aali is populated mostly populated by women and children. Soon they realize the Mujahideen, who guise themselves as their liberators, are the worst perpetrators, and misery seems inescapable. Ashwar refuses to be cowed down by this reign of terror and is determined not to let it devastate the once peaceful village. The only one she can bank on is Aslam- and she calls out to him across the distance of time and space, to return and live up to the legends of their village. This is a saga of the onset of militancy, the suffering and the resilience of Pir Panjal- the 'and' of Jammu and Kashmir.
My rating- ★★★★.8☆
My review-
Set in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, this story initially speaks about the little yet mesmerizing village of Pathri Aali and the innocent lives that lives here. As the story progresses we come across the harsh realities, the dreadful conditions that the inhabitants face there.
Starting from the rise of militancy, to the schemes of Pakistan against India, to the lies fed to young boys forcing them towards "freedom" to the events that follow- this story brings to light not only the simple yet tragic love story of Aslam and Ashwar but also focuses on cross continent sentiments and the daily struggle to survive at any cost.
This story doesn't exactly focus on a particular issue- it tells the readers of the exact situation in Kashmir in 1987- the struggle among the masses to earn their living, their exploitation at the hands of the so called Mujahideen, the plight of the ones who lost their way, the short comings of the Indian army, the struggle of the women left behind to protect their children, their failed attempts to protect their dignity- the courage of a single woman to stand up against the hooligans and the bravery of a single man leaving behind his settled life abroad to return to his Homeland to freed her from the occupants.
This is the story of courage, bravery, brotherhood, patriotism, revenge, love, hatred, sorrow, sacrifice and everything else which are valued by humans.
This book is not only absolutely well researched but also contains every human emotions in just the right amount. From the plight of the villagers to the tragic love of Aslam and Ashwar everything appeals to the readers' emotions.
The only minor problem is the last few pages- the resistance is a bit rushed though the major part of the book has steadily built up the events leading to it in a great detail but nonetheless this book is an absolute page turner.
Characters-
Aslam- a simple boy with a proud father, who falls in love only to be rejected but later on moves away from his Homeland to make a living. However he doesn't hesitate to return at the call of duty- he is a brave man, his pride equivalent to that of his father, he possess all the virtues possible.
A son seeking revenge, a skilled and confident leader, an ever waiting lover- he is the reason Pathri Aali finds peace.
Reading his heroic accounts will send shivers along the spine.
Ashwar- a determined girl since a young age yet she accepts her fate easily when separated from her love. Years later, when things come down to saving her family she single handedly takes on the responsibility to fight back. A valient lady, a loving mother, an eager lover and a dignified woman- she is one who forsake her most precious things to save her people.
There are a whole lot of other characters including Lal Jaan, Major Sakeera, Zuber, Khalil, Zaitoon and other who played their own roles major or minor to add to the depth of the story- who infact hold the story and take it forward.
Writing style-
The writing style is absolutely gripping, with twists and turns at every point. The author introduces the characters at appropriate times which increases the intensity of the story.
The story is well researched, well formed and most importantly well narrated. The simultaneously occuring events, the fights between both the sides and the emotional turmoil of the characters is palpable throughout the book.
This book is a must read, not recommended for beginners though. It invokes into the readers all kinds of emotions, particularly a calm, a satisfaction when the story ends- a particularly simple yet complex narration, a bold plotline and endearing characters - this book is the perfect balance of everything readers are looking for- a highly satisfying read.
Thanks to bookscharming for the review copy. This was such an awesome read.
Purchase link-
About the author-
Ayaz Kohli is a 2007 batch IRS officer, presently serving as Joint Commissioner- GST, Mumbai.
He was born and brought up in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2007, he became the first person from his community and region to qualify the civil services. Having seen the rise and repercussions of militancy from very close quarters, and moves by the plight of people on the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir he decided to pen down his first novel, Snakes in the meadows.
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