Hiraeth
Book Review:
Title: Hiraeth, partition stories from 1947
Author: Dr. Shivani Salil
Published by: Artoonsinn Room9 Publications
Genre: Fiction
When a doctor turns into a writer what do you expect?
Yes, she touches not only your heart but stirs your soul.
When I picked Hiraeth, I found its title and cover picture very intriguing. Hiraeth, which means longing for one’s homeland is a perfect title for a book that narrates the longing to be at home. The cover picture has lightning piercing through a tree splitting it into two while its root remains intact, depicting the India , Pakistan partition so well.
I will begin with the preface which comes straight from the author's heart. Being called a ‘refugee’s child’ when you are actually a citizen of a country is heartbreaking. Shivani tells us how even when the partition took everything away, they managed to keep their culture and traditions alive. How compassionate they were in spite of all their loss and sufferings.
Hiraeth by Dr. Shivani Salil is a book that narrates stories inspired by the bitter truth of partition. An anthology of 24 stories takes you through its unassuming language to the bygone era effortlessly.
I like the way the author has looked into small details like the index page, the glossary with numbers etc. The names of the chapters ( in alphabetical order) are kept so beautifully by the author that it leaves a ‘chinh’ in your heart. Shivani has not left an iota of effort to look into the fine details and make the book so beautiful.
The language of the book is simple. It is infused with the local dialect which adds grace to the flow of the story and also renders a feel of the era. The river of emotions flows in all the 24 stories. I cannot say that I liked this or that particular story more, as all stories have their own tales of emotions, trauma and catharsis.
The author has done a wonderful job of compiling stories from a true event. It is a must-read
Stories of "homecoming" but unfortunately they were called refugees.
The stories tug the heartstrings on one hand and bring tears on the other. I was so moved reading the book that I literally said a prayer for each and every character mentioned. After reading the hard-hitting stories all I wish and pray is that this history should never repeat and a person coming home should never be called a refugee.
Shristee Singh
Links for purchase:
Comments