Author: Ranbir Sidhu
Publisher: Context (Westland Books)
Do you ever wish to go back in time and change things?
Dark Star by Ranbir
Sidhu tells us the story of an old woman who lies in bed in Punjab, dreaming of
an India before Partition. One day she will walk again, and when she does, she
tells herself, she will walk all the way to Delhi, she will tell the men who
rule India what she really thinks.
There are many books that tell the story of the partition of India, and each of them is heart wrenching. This story is told from the perspective of a woman who went through it as a young woman and all through the present time, Ranbir comments on the society as the woman journeys through time. As you read through the woman’s musings about the past, present and the future, and about family and life, there are passages that would resonate with you irrespective of your age or beliefs. The narration that Ranbir has used is interesting, and while I was initially a bit dazed with the format, the storytelling grows on you and once you’ve figured out the tone, the visualization is quite deep and you are transported into the world the old woman is painting. You start feeling the pain, and listening to the sounds and the sounds that the husband is making. Right from the horrors of the partition to the current political scenario, the old woman’s perspective is refreshing and eye opening. The book relies heavily on the audio-visual impact it creates, and there are passages that need you to read between the lines.
I would highly recommend the book if you like to read something that is
written in a non-conventional manner, and you enjoy a book that needs to be savored, rather than devoured. The book scores a 4.75/5 for me.
I got my copy at the amazing Faqirchand Booksellers, Khan Market.
Get your copy from your nearest bookstore or on Amazon India.
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