I had this book since long but picked up now to complete the brunch book challenge. Book as the name suggests is about the partition phase in India. The partition phase and the mass looting has been showcased in lot of movies already so even before reading a lot of things were already anticipated by me.
Book is based in a small village Mano Majra located near the India and Pakistan border and the lives of the villagers living in it during the partition period. It showcases the term freedom brilliantly. It makes me ponder what Freedom really meant? The villagers seemed to find themselves in a vulnerable position after hearing about freedom and felt they were safe during the British regime. The question is relevant in today's era as well. What does freedom actually mean? Just 2 national holidays?
The statement that "hindus blamed muslims and muslims blamed hindus but in reality both are to blamed as both killed each other" creates quite an impact. A lot had happened during that period and with so many rumours floating on who is to be blamed both the parties blamed each other for the happenings and bloodshed happened. While reading the book, you think a lot about these aspects and just wonder how was the condition of people living in that era though without a doubt it was a terrible regime to be in.
The book also throws some light on the authorities in charge and their role in disposing off the bodies that came in the train. The description of the scene of dead bodies in the train is a bit spine chilling along with the narration of what must have happened before the people were killed. Though the book portrays only the train that came from Pakistan with around 1500 bodies in it, it also informs that there was train with dead bodies that went to Pakistan from India as well. Further, none of the people born and bought up in the place wanted to leave which was forced upon them.
It also highlights the corruption of officials at the time. Though bribery is not a part of the highlight, it definitely covers manipulation of records.
With this book there's lot to think upon. The book makes for an intensive reading.
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