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Kashmir
Maharaja Hari Singh rules Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Princely State expected to accede to Pakistan during the partition in 1947. But Hari Singh dreams of a Switzerland-like status for his Himalayan kingdom. Meanwhile, popular leader Sheikh Abdullah rallies for freedom and the Poonchis in western Jammu revolt, telegramming Jinnah for help; soon, fearsome kabailis are carving a swath of savagery and destruction through the kingdom towards Srinagar.
In the Valley, tourists flee in the face of the tribal invasion. When Durga Mehra’s husband is murdered by the kabailis, she seeks refuge in a camp where another desperate inmate, Zooni, is also awaiting passage to Srinagar. As rations become scarce, newly widowed Kashmira worries how she’ll feed her children, but her houseboat guest, intrepid American journalist Margot Parr, is unfazed. She realizes she has the scoop of a lifetime on her hands …
The rattled Maharaja signs the accession to India, pleading for immediate help. Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley, and Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis. Barely two months into independence, the two new nations are pitched into battle. The first Indo-Pak war begins, upending the subcontinent forever.
Kashmir is the thrilling conclusion to The Partition Trilogy that began with Lahore and continued with Hyderabad.
In the Valley, tourists flee in the face of the tribal invasion. When Durga Mehra’s husband is murdered by the kabailis, she seeks refuge in a camp where another desperate inmate, Zooni, is also awaiting passage to Srinagar. As rations become scarce, newly widowed Kashmira worries how she’ll feed her children, but her houseboat guest, intrepid American journalist Margot Parr, is unfazed. She realizes she has the scoop of a lifetime on her hands …
The rattled Maharaja signs the accession to India, pleading for immediate help. Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley, and Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis. Barely two months into independence, the two new nations are pitched into battle. The first Indo-Pak war begins, upending the subcontinent forever.
Kashmir is the thrilling conclusion to The Partition Trilogy that began with Lahore and continued with Hyderabad.
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Published December 1, 2023
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June 21, 2024
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ✦ 𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐈𝐑 ✦
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 : 297
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5✨
"O Home, for you I sacrifice a thousand houses,
I can never leave you behind.”
- Kashmiri proverb.
• Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's final book in the PARTITION TRILOGY, KASHMIR, delves into India's pressing issues, including the Line of Control (LOC), Jawaharlal Nehru's life, and the political maneuvers of Hari Singh. Amidst the political exchanges between Hari Singh and Sheikh Abdullah, the author also explores the Poonchis in the Western Jammu Revolt. 🌿
• The journey that started in Lahore culminates in Kashmir, focusing not only on political elites but also on ordinary people. The book highlights the conflicts between Maharaja Hari Singh and leaders like Nehru, Mountbatten, and Vallabhbhai Patel. It also delves into the impact of the "Doctrine of Lapse" on India's future, particularly in the annexation of princely states like Kashmir. Amidst the chaos of violence, rape, and murder, the story of Zooni stands out, capturing the communal tensions engulfing Kashmir at the time. ✨
“Zooni did not know if she was alive or dead until Koko Jan went limp in her hands. No sound, no word, only Koko Jan's warm blood coating Zooni's hands.
• The writing consists of two incidents. One is about politics, and the other is about political effects and evidence. One portion thinks about the state's mapping and about Hindu-Muslim evidence; the other is thinking about the consequences of their political results. This is actually a detailed history with a precise perception of the tension that revolves around Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindu Muslims. 🌙
“The Poonchis are fighting to have their grievances addressed. And the Maharaja refuses to listen.”
• The thought of “New Kashmir” breathed into the air, but “Should Kashmir accede to India or to Pakistan, or should it maintain its independent identity?” remained unanswered at that time. Prior to August 15, 1947, it was not the same for the Kashmiris. They're all struggling to fit into the new vibe of two whole new countries. Hari Singh's “We have lost Kashmir” can't only be a statement, but it also draws lines into the lives of every Indian. 🐋
• This fantastic narration jumps from Jammu to Kashmir, Kashmir to Srinagar, and sometimes Delhi too. With detailed analysis and various important characters, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar creates a mind-blowing tale of Kashmiris that somehow reinforces the thought of Article 370 about Hindu-Muslim pandits and border lines. 🍂
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 : 297
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5✨
"O Home, for you I sacrifice a thousand houses,
I can never leave you behind.”
- Kashmiri proverb.
• Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's final book in the PARTITION TRILOGY, KASHMIR, delves into India's pressing issues, including the Line of Control (LOC), Jawaharlal Nehru's life, and the political maneuvers of Hari Singh. Amidst the political exchanges between Hari Singh and Sheikh Abdullah, the author also explores the Poonchis in the Western Jammu Revolt. 🌿
• The journey that started in Lahore culminates in Kashmir, focusing not only on political elites but also on ordinary people. The book highlights the conflicts between Maharaja Hari Singh and leaders like Nehru, Mountbatten, and Vallabhbhai Patel. It also delves into the impact of the "Doctrine of Lapse" on India's future, particularly in the annexation of princely states like Kashmir. Amidst the chaos of violence, rape, and murder, the story of Zooni stands out, capturing the communal tensions engulfing Kashmir at the time. ✨
“Zooni did not know if she was alive or dead until Koko Jan went limp in her hands. No sound, no word, only Koko Jan's warm blood coating Zooni's hands.
• The writing consists of two incidents. One is about politics, and the other is about political effects and evidence. One portion thinks about the state's mapping and about Hindu-Muslim evidence; the other is thinking about the consequences of their political results. This is actually a detailed history with a precise perception of the tension that revolves around Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindu Muslims. 🌙
“The Poonchis are fighting to have their grievances addressed. And the Maharaja refuses to listen.”
• The thought of “New Kashmir” breathed into the air, but “Should Kashmir accede to India or to Pakistan, or should it maintain its independent identity?” remained unanswered at that time. Prior to August 15, 1947, it was not the same for the Kashmiris. They're all struggling to fit into the new vibe of two whole new countries. Hari Singh's “We have lost Kashmir” can't only be a statement, but it also draws lines into the lives of every Indian. 🐋
• This fantastic narration jumps from Jammu to Kashmir, Kashmir to Srinagar, and sometimes Delhi too. With detailed analysis and various important characters, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar creates a mind-blowing tale of Kashmiris that somehow reinforces the thought of Article 370 about Hindu-Muslim pandits and border lines. 🍂
December 9, 2023
Kashmir is the third and last book in the Partition Trilogy, which explores the events, exigencies and decisions that led to Independence, Partition and the Accession of States, which eventually led to the borders of India and Pakistan being what they now are. Kashmir is historical fiction told at two levels- the high-level political negotiations between the people who history books talk about, and the stories of the common people who were being pulled apart by forces beyond their control.
Most people who have grown up in Independent India have only a vague understanding of what is often called the Kashmir issue. This book goes a long way in filling the gap of the history of Kashmir, and of the conflicting interests which ensued that the issue never achieved a peaceful solution.
The author presents high level decision making through fictionalised scenes, but what really makes the book come alive are the common people who face the consequences of decisions made in cities far away.
History is often unkind to women- they are either erased completely from the pages of history books, or they are reduced to victims. This book, however, is full of stories of women who are recipients of or witness to senseless violence, but who rise above it to leave a mark. Durga Mehra, Kashmira, Zooni and Margot Parr are all composite characters of women who face (or witness) unimaginable brutality, yet, show deep resilience and empathy.
Kashmir is probably the most complex of the books in the Partition Trilogy, because unlike in case of the partition of Punjab and the Annexation of Hyderabad, even the political boundaries of Kashmir never got fixed in a satisfactory manner. Read it as a stand alone, or read it as a part of the Trilogy, but read it.
More detailed review at: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/12/...
Most people who have grown up in Independent India have only a vague understanding of what is often called the Kashmir issue. This book goes a long way in filling the gap of the history of Kashmir, and of the conflicting interests which ensued that the issue never achieved a peaceful solution.
The author presents high level decision making through fictionalised scenes, but what really makes the book come alive are the common people who face the consequences of decisions made in cities far away.
History is often unkind to women- they are either erased completely from the pages of history books, or they are reduced to victims. This book, however, is full of stories of women who are recipients of or witness to senseless violence, but who rise above it to leave a mark. Durga Mehra, Kashmira, Zooni and Margot Parr are all composite characters of women who face (or witness) unimaginable brutality, yet, show deep resilience and empathy.
Kashmir is probably the most complex of the books in the Partition Trilogy, because unlike in case of the partition of Punjab and the Annexation of Hyderabad, even the political boundaries of Kashmir never got fixed in a satisfactory manner. Read it as a stand alone, or read it as a part of the Trilogy, but read it.
More detailed review at: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/12/...
May 10, 2024
Who doesn’t love Kashmir? I feel the same way. This book,`Kashmir’ is the third book in the Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar which narrates events post-Independence of India from the British. The story opens with the dilemma of Maharaja Hari Singh over choosing sides after Independence to stay in India or join Pakistan. The Author narrates these events from two perspectives : the leaders making decisions and the villagers just trying to live their lives. We see how the leaders' choices impact the lives of ordinary people.
The author brings Kashmir to life with her vivid descriptions of picturesque landscapes and characters. My favorite character is Jooni because of her transformation from being a voiceless Second wife to becoming a sharp skilled shooter and participating in the Kashmir war she displayed so much courage and resilience. The events that unfolded in her life over the period truly brought tears to my eyes. Strong women like Kashmira, Durga, and Journalist Margot all have shown the strength of women impeccably in that patriarchal time. I hated it whenever Hassan's character entered the story. The book even shows the human side of the rulers and fighters, reminding us they were just people too. Some scenes were heartbreaking & made my heart ache for those poor ones, but it's important to see the brutality of this conflict.
The author's world-building and writing style is impeccable and shows her thorough research of these events. History mixed with fictional narrative made it much more interesting to read. This book was an emotional journey for me, and I highly recommend it.
The author brings Kashmir to life with her vivid descriptions of picturesque landscapes and characters. My favorite character is Jooni because of her transformation from being a voiceless Second wife to becoming a sharp skilled shooter and participating in the Kashmir war she displayed so much courage and resilience. The events that unfolded in her life over the period truly brought tears to my eyes. Strong women like Kashmira, Durga, and Journalist Margot all have shown the strength of women impeccably in that patriarchal time. I hated it whenever Hassan's character entered the story. The book even shows the human side of the rulers and fighters, reminding us they were just people too. Some scenes were heartbreaking & made my heart ache for those poor ones, but it's important to see the brutality of this conflict.
The author's world-building and writing style is impeccable and shows her thorough research of these events. History mixed with fictional narrative made it much more interesting to read. This book was an emotional journey for me, and I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2023
In 1845-46, the First Anglo-Sikh War resulted in the forces of the East India Company defeating the Sikh Empire. In the aftermath of this victory, the British signed the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) with Gulab Singh, not just a former general of the Sikhs, but also the Dogra monarch of Jammu, Ladakh, and some other parts of Kashmir. The one area Gulab Singh did not rule was the Kashmir Valley, and this, annexed by the British after the war, was sold to Gulab Singh for the sum of 75 lakh Nanakshahi rupees. The Dogras became the Hindu rulers of a Muslim-majority territory.
Just over a century later, this fact, a cause of constant rancour in all the intervening decades, erupted in further distress. India, newly independent and newly partitioned, found itself faced with the problem of Kashmir and Kashmiris. A land ruled by a Hindu (Maharaja Hari Singh), but with a population consisting in large part of Muslims. With communal fires blazing all along the Radcliffe Line and deeper inside, it was a situation fraught with tension.
This stressful period in the history of the Valley is brought out vividly in Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s Kashmir, the final novel of her Partition Trilogy. Preceded by Lahore and Hyderabad, Kashmir too is a blend of fiction and fictionalized non-fiction. On the one hand, there are the real people—Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Mountbatten, and Hari Singh among them—struggling to balance the contrasting demands of various factions. On the other, there are the people who might have been: the common people, the characters who inhabit Kashmir. The embroiderers, the houseboat owners, the farmers. The soldiers. The children.
Crisp, short chapters switch between Kashmir—Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu—and Delhi and Lahore. In Delhi and Lahore, and in Hari Singh’s palace in Srinagar, tensions mount as Hari Singh vacillates, as hordes of bloodthirsty kabaili tribesmen swarm across the new border, spreading terror as they go. In Kashmir, a young woman named Zooni, the second wife of a brutal husband, finds herself caught in the midst of the violence. As Zooni tries to make her way out along with her saut, her husband’s first wife, Koko Jan, she finds life taking her down unexpected new avenues. Across the border, in Pakistan, a soldier named Sikandar Malik, haunted by memories of his beautiful Tara, whom he lost to communal violence in Lahore (the first book of this trilogy), finds a way of laying Tara’s ghost to rest—through humanity.
It is humanity, in fact, which shines the strongest and the brightest in Kashmir. Whether it is the way Malik helps the Hindu women who, battered and mutilated, find themselves in a refugee shelter in Pakistan. Whether it’s American journalist Margot Parr’s attempt to understand the reality, and to find, also, the time to help a small, bereft family she grows close to. Whether it’s the way Zooni finally finds companionship, and her sister Kashmira a new lease of life: this novel shows the resilience and the basic humanity that helps people survive.
Kashmir is a fitting end to Sodhi Someshwar’s trilogy. It maintains a fine balance between hard facts—the swiftly escalating violence, the timeline of the Kashmir War, the considerations for the Kashmiri people as well as the Indian, Pakistani, and British stakeholders—and the fiction: how it was for the common people, crushed between opposing sides.
Interestingly, the main protagonist here, Zooni, is based on a real-life personality, the very brave Zuni Gujjari, a nationalist women’s leader who first rose against Dogra rule and later fought in the Kashmir War to defend her land from Pakistani invasion. Zuni is unknown today outside Kashmir; but Sodhi Someshwar helps bring her alive. As she does with the times Zuni lived in. Zooni, in Kashmir, becomes a symbol of the pain and trauma of Kashmir—and the indomitable will that helps Kashmiris go on.
(From my review for Open: The Magazine: https://openthemagazine.com/lounge/bo...)
Just over a century later, this fact, a cause of constant rancour in all the intervening decades, erupted in further distress. India, newly independent and newly partitioned, found itself faced with the problem of Kashmir and Kashmiris. A land ruled by a Hindu (Maharaja Hari Singh), but with a population consisting in large part of Muslims. With communal fires blazing all along the Radcliffe Line and deeper inside, it was a situation fraught with tension.
This stressful period in the history of the Valley is brought out vividly in Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s Kashmir, the final novel of her Partition Trilogy. Preceded by Lahore and Hyderabad, Kashmir too is a blend of fiction and fictionalized non-fiction. On the one hand, there are the real people—Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Mountbatten, and Hari Singh among them—struggling to balance the contrasting demands of various factions. On the other, there are the people who might have been: the common people, the characters who inhabit Kashmir. The embroiderers, the houseboat owners, the farmers. The soldiers. The children.
Crisp, short chapters switch between Kashmir—Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu—and Delhi and Lahore. In Delhi and Lahore, and in Hari Singh’s palace in Srinagar, tensions mount as Hari Singh vacillates, as hordes of bloodthirsty kabaili tribesmen swarm across the new border, spreading terror as they go. In Kashmir, a young woman named Zooni, the second wife of a brutal husband, finds herself caught in the midst of the violence. As Zooni tries to make her way out along with her saut, her husband’s first wife, Koko Jan, she finds life taking her down unexpected new avenues. Across the border, in Pakistan, a soldier named Sikandar Malik, haunted by memories of his beautiful Tara, whom he lost to communal violence in Lahore (the first book of this trilogy), finds a way of laying Tara’s ghost to rest—through humanity.
It is humanity, in fact, which shines the strongest and the brightest in Kashmir. Whether it is the way Malik helps the Hindu women who, battered and mutilated, find themselves in a refugee shelter in Pakistan. Whether it’s American journalist Margot Parr’s attempt to understand the reality, and to find, also, the time to help a small, bereft family she grows close to. Whether it’s the way Zooni finally finds companionship, and her sister Kashmira a new lease of life: this novel shows the resilience and the basic humanity that helps people survive.
Kashmir is a fitting end to Sodhi Someshwar’s trilogy. It maintains a fine balance between hard facts—the swiftly escalating violence, the timeline of the Kashmir War, the considerations for the Kashmiri people as well as the Indian, Pakistani, and British stakeholders—and the fiction: how it was for the common people, crushed between opposing sides.
Interestingly, the main protagonist here, Zooni, is based on a real-life personality, the very brave Zuni Gujjari, a nationalist women’s leader who first rose against Dogra rule and later fought in the Kashmir War to defend her land from Pakistani invasion. Zuni is unknown today outside Kashmir; but Sodhi Someshwar helps bring her alive. As she does with the times Zuni lived in. Zooni, in Kashmir, becomes a symbol of the pain and trauma of Kashmir—and the indomitable will that helps Kashmiris go on.
(From my review for Open: The Magazine: https://openthemagazine.com/lounge/bo...)
October 15, 2024
Kashmir is the final instalment from Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's THE PARTITION TRILOGY which began with Lahore, followed up with Hyderabad. This book speaks about the post partition consequences of India and Pakistan, the greed of some, the concerns of others but the one single desire of everyone- Kashmir. The story is narrated from the point of views of many political stalwarts from the time of Independence like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh, Louis Mountbatten, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sheikh Abdullah and many more, along with the turmoils faced by the ordinary citizens particularly the women.
The novel throws light on the several events that took place post August 1947, i.e just after India attained Independence till the end of the first Indo-Pak war. These events are presented as a retelling of the conversations that may have happened behind the scenes, which we were not privy to till date, and so we get an idea about how leaders like Nehru, Jinnah, Mountbatten thought and felt, in private, about everything that was happening around them.
To go along with the recounting of the events that did happen, the author also presents stories of ordinary people, who in the face of worst tragedies, displayed valour beyond any summary. One such story is of Zooni Gujjar, who is a real-life activist and sharpshooter about whom not much is known otherwise. There is also the story of Durga, who is an embodiment of the phrase 'taking the bull by its horn'. She holds on to her life and to her dignity and teaches the rest to do the same.
And then there is Kashmir itself. Her unparalled beauty described majestically with words and prose flowing majestically like the river Jhelum, meandering through the pages, providing relief and solace to the readers. You can beautifully visualise the grandeur of the lands, of the mountains, of the valleys, of her culture and you cannot help but be anguished at her plight and her perpetual existence in a conundrum.
While, this book can be a perfect starting point to anyone who wants to familiarise themselves with the Kashmir issue, and to understand in brief about what the power game has costed the people, it provides no further value additions to those who already know about the Kashmir issue. Though many conflicts and other issues are touched upon, they are not elaborated in details and therefore what you get is just the start and the finish of an event, but not an indepth exploration of the same. Therefore, one does get the feeling of reading an article in Wikipedia but with fanciful words.
Overall, Kashmir is indeed a tale of love, loss, identity, turmoil, strife, grief, endurance, beauty and it is a compelling read for anyone who wishes to know about the Kashmir issue. While, the book does have its problems of indulgence with excessive mention of the trees and weather and also of the eating habits of the people, the narration does manage to enscapulate the long history of the state in a brief and succint manner.
The novel throws light on the several events that took place post August 1947, i.e just after India attained Independence till the end of the first Indo-Pak war. These events are presented as a retelling of the conversations that may have happened behind the scenes, which we were not privy to till date, and so we get an idea about how leaders like Nehru, Jinnah, Mountbatten thought and felt, in private, about everything that was happening around them.
To go along with the recounting of the events that did happen, the author also presents stories of ordinary people, who in the face of worst tragedies, displayed valour beyond any summary. One such story is of Zooni Gujjar, who is a real-life activist and sharpshooter about whom not much is known otherwise. There is also the story of Durga, who is an embodiment of the phrase 'taking the bull by its horn'. She holds on to her life and to her dignity and teaches the rest to do the same.
And then there is Kashmir itself. Her unparalled beauty described majestically with words and prose flowing majestically like the river Jhelum, meandering through the pages, providing relief and solace to the readers. You can beautifully visualise the grandeur of the lands, of the mountains, of the valleys, of her culture and you cannot help but be anguished at her plight and her perpetual existence in a conundrum.
While, this book can be a perfect starting point to anyone who wants to familiarise themselves with the Kashmir issue, and to understand in brief about what the power game has costed the people, it provides no further value additions to those who already know about the Kashmir issue. Though many conflicts and other issues are touched upon, they are not elaborated in details and therefore what you get is just the start and the finish of an event, but not an indepth exploration of the same. Therefore, one does get the feeling of reading an article in Wikipedia but with fanciful words.
Overall, Kashmir is indeed a tale of love, loss, identity, turmoil, strife, grief, endurance, beauty and it is a compelling read for anyone who wishes to know about the Kashmir issue. While, the book does have its problems of indulgence with excessive mention of the trees and weather and also of the eating habits of the people, the narration does manage to enscapulate the long history of the state in a brief and succint manner.
June 6, 2024
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What comes first to your mind when you think about Kashmir? For me, it's a political and religious feud, and these are the main themes going on in the book. The major changes in the lives of the people of Kashmir happened between the pre and post-independence days. This is highlighted beautifully in the story by the author. Maharaja Hari Singh is in a dilemma on which side he should choose- India or Pakistan. The book beautifully illustrated how politics played a role in the partition and how the countries were not stable even after the partition. Soon after the partition, they became rivals, which is still ongoing.
The author has done a beautiful job of filling the gaps in the history of Kashmir for the readers, as it is lesser known to most people. The author also talks about how the political conflicts of the two countries ensured that the two countries never come to a peaceful solution. This shows how well-researched the author's work is. The way she has picked the characters, their emotions, and the situations they have to go through made me emotional from time to time while reading this book. The best thing about this book is that it not only talks about the influential people of Kashmir but also about the ordinary people of Kashmir who were caught in the crossfire.
If you are looking for a book that will teach you about history through fiction, stop, your search is over. Buy this book! The book not only talks about men during the partition, but it also emphasizes the experiences women had to go through during the partition. I highly recommend this book!
What comes first to your mind when you think about Kashmir? For me, it's a political and religious feud, and these are the main themes going on in the book. The major changes in the lives of the people of Kashmir happened between the pre and post-independence days. This is highlighted beautifully in the story by the author. Maharaja Hari Singh is in a dilemma on which side he should choose- India or Pakistan. The book beautifully illustrated how politics played a role in the partition and how the countries were not stable even after the partition. Soon after the partition, they became rivals, which is still ongoing.
The author has done a beautiful job of filling the gaps in the history of Kashmir for the readers, as it is lesser known to most people. The author also talks about how the political conflicts of the two countries ensured that the two countries never come to a peaceful solution. This shows how well-researched the author's work is. The way she has picked the characters, their emotions, and the situations they have to go through made me emotional from time to time while reading this book. The best thing about this book is that it not only talks about the influential people of Kashmir but also about the ordinary people of Kashmir who were caught in the crossfire.
If you are looking for a book that will teach you about history through fiction, stop, your search is over. Buy this book! The book not only talks about men during the partition, but it also emphasizes the experiences women had to go through during the partition. I highly recommend this book!
July 1, 2024
Maharaja Hari Singh rules Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Princely State expected to accede to Pakistan during the partition in 1947. But Hari Singh dreams of a Switzerland-like status for his Himalayan kingdom. Meanwhile, popular leader Sheikh Abdullah rallies for freedom and the Poonchis in western Jammu revolt, telegramming Jinnah for help; soon, fearsome kabailis are carving a swath of savagery and destruction through the kingdom towards Srinagar.
In the Valley, tourists flee in the face of the tribal invasion. When Durga Mehra’s husband is murdered by the kabailis, she seeks refuge in a camp where another desperate inmate, Zooni, is also awaiting passage to Srinagar. As rations become scarce, newly widowed Kashmira worries how she’ll feed her children, but her houseboat guest, intrepid American journalist Margot Parr, is unfazed. She realizes she has the scoop of a lifetime on her hands …
The rattled Maharaja signs the accession to India, pleading for immediate help. Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley, and Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis. Barely two months into independence, the two new nations are pitched into battle. The first Indo-Pak war begins, upending the subcontinent forever.
Kashmir is the thrilling conclusion to The Partition Trilogy that began with Lahore and continued with Hyderabad.
In the Valley, tourists flee in the face of the tribal invasion. When Durga Mehra’s husband is murdered by the kabailis, she seeks refuge in a camp where another desperate inmate, Zooni, is also awaiting passage to Srinagar. As rations become scarce, newly widowed Kashmira worries how she’ll feed her children, but her houseboat guest, intrepid American journalist Margot Parr, is unfazed. She realizes she has the scoop of a lifetime on her hands …
The rattled Maharaja signs the accession to India, pleading for immediate help. Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley, and Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis. Barely two months into independence, the two new nations are pitched into battle. The first Indo-Pak war begins, upending the subcontinent forever.
Kashmir is the thrilling conclusion to The Partition Trilogy that began with Lahore and continued with Hyderabad.
June 8, 2024
✨Sadly bidding farewell with happy tears 🥹✨ —> Finally the third and the final book of the Partition trilogy 💕. Like the first two , this book covers the timeline of pre, during and post independence about how bloody the partition turned out to be and its focus here is on ✨Crown jewel of India —> Kashmir✨.
✨“What will the future of Kashmir be?’ Dickie Mountbatten gazed earnestly at his host.” ✨
Did we get the answer to this question that was raised in 1947 in 2024?? In Kashmir, it takes a violent turn. The wars, the communal riots, the loss of people, patriarchy against women, the political struggles, on n off negotiations made the jewel shatter.
Things I love about this book
✨ it’s so cute Tara and Malik meeting after 3 years, after the strain off from Lahore.
✨ the description is different from the prior books.. here it is a natural description of the lush and Kashmir valley
✨ Mentions of river ( more than the other books ) made it refreshing.
Would I recommend it? Yes definitely… like it’s a proper infotainment book, it left me with a overwhelming and hefty feeling after reading these three books on a go.
✨“What will the future of Kashmir be?’ Dickie Mountbatten gazed earnestly at his host.” ✨
Did we get the answer to this question that was raised in 1947 in 2024?? In Kashmir, it takes a violent turn. The wars, the communal riots, the loss of people, patriarchy against women, the political struggles, on n off negotiations made the jewel shatter.
Things I love about this book
✨ it’s so cute Tara and Malik meeting after 3 years, after the strain off from Lahore.
✨ the description is different from the prior books.. here it is a natural description of the lush and Kashmir valley
✨ Mentions of river ( more than the other books ) made it refreshing.
Would I recommend it? Yes definitely… like it’s a proper infotainment book, it left me with a overwhelming and hefty feeling after reading these three books on a go.
June 7, 2024
The book explores the partition era of Kashmir which remains one of the most sensitive issues. Following the conflict of partition, Maharaj Hari Singh became the point of contact for both the nation.
Both the countries had faced the communal violence and widespread mass of people killing and losing livelihood and lack of women safety. The turmoil of the partition effects were widespread among people & within their hearts. During the partition, both the nations have tried to claim the entirety of Kashmir.
Additional aspect of the book is that blending of the fictional characters with storytelling, has showed strongness and confident to take risk as a remarkable history of partition, in the following trilogy of Kashmir.
Being a true citizen, it’s very important to understand the dynamics of history and its complexity of events happened and have knowledge of sufferings which our country has gone through.
Both the countries had faced the communal violence and widespread mass of people killing and losing livelihood and lack of women safety. The turmoil of the partition effects were widespread among people & within their hearts. During the partition, both the nations have tried to claim the entirety of Kashmir.
Additional aspect of the book is that blending of the fictional characters with storytelling, has showed strongness and confident to take risk as a remarkable history of partition, in the following trilogy of Kashmir.
Being a true citizen, it’s very important to understand the dynamics of history and its complexity of events happened and have knowledge of sufferings which our country has gone through.
September 7, 2024
A follow through from the story of independence and partition of India, although in Kashmir the issue has been ongoing for decades.
The women characters of Zooni, Durga, Kasmeera and the American journalist Margot Parr are very interesting and add depth amidst the numerous militants, rebels, army men and politicians.
The women characters of Zooni, Durga, Kasmeera and the American journalist Margot Parr are very interesting and add depth amidst the numerous militants, rebels, army men and politicians.
January 12, 2024
Hyderabad. Lahore. Kashmir.
With ‘Kashmir’, ends the Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar –a powerful chronicle bringing alive the hopes, fears, anguish, pain, and the undying fortitude of the human existence.
The Independence and the partition of India and Pakistan is a topic fiercely debated and discussed arousing passions and emotions even today, especially in the troubled valley of Kashmir.
‘Kashmir’ is the last book of this trilogy after ‘Lahore’ and ‘Hyderabad’ relating events leading upto the partition and the violence and unrest erupting thereafter. A well-crafted narrative amidst the haunting beauty of the valley, the last of this trilogy portrays the intense research undertaken by the author.
India is independent. India is free, but scarred by the horrors of the partition. The book begins in October 1947. Maharaja Hari Singh is unwilling to sign the accession to India. And the valley is being attacked by kabalis, acts of savagery and terror from across Pakistan who are hell-bent on making Kashmir theirs. Sheikh Abdullah is imprisoned, but then brought in under house arrest to thwart further violence and gain peace for the state.
Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army fights a desperate battle to make Kashmir his. And a shaken Maharaja Hari Singh signs accession to India prompting military help to save Kashmir. Just 2 months into independence, India and Pakistan are at war.
The whole valley is up in flames. Terror. Horrors. Escape. Survival. The story is narrated through the tales of the common people who are trying to outlive the seemingly closing in of death and finality.
Zooni escapes the brutality being inflicted all around. Kashmira is desperately trying to stay alive and feed a family in the face of her nasty brother-in-law after her husband is accidentally killed by the Indian army. Durga seeks refuge in the refugee camp after her husband is killed by kabalis. Margot, the journalist caught in the lives of the characters as she looks for her stories.
Historical research and facts are woven onto a fictional canvas creating a gripping portrayal of the events of partition and the circumstances exploding soon thereafter.
Each chapter shifts to different cities and geographies. In the entire trilogy, Manreet Sodhi has brought alive the characters of Pandit Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Lord Mountbatten by giving them a very intimate flavour. Indira playing with her sons. Maniben counting Valllabhbhai’s cups of teas. Nehru walking across to Valllabbhai’s house to discuss important issues.
Zooni. Margot. Kashmira. Durga. The main female characters of the book are inspired by real-life characters. Zoon Gujjar was a real-life activist and a sharpshooter who joined the Indian army to throw off the invaders.
“two goals were very clear to me…..the other was to bring the women front and centre of my narrative…….. I want them to tell their stories”, says Manreet Sodhi Someshwar while discussing the Partition Trilogy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJyQz...
Chapter 50 Tithwal (June 1948) is interesting. Truce period. Gentleman’s agreement. Enmity and an understanding across the border.
What I enjoy about Manreet Sodhi is the way she brings alive the landscape of the place….in all the 3 books of the trilogy, her physical description of the place seems so real, so just in existence, that one cannot help but be submerged into the physical geography of those times.
‘Kashmir’ is a fitting finale to the partition trilogy. As Manreet Sodhi Someshwar says, “Partition is not in our past, it is resonating loudly in our present….” http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ar...
February 10, 2025
"Each nation holds a part of Kashmir, but desires the whole – above all the Valley of lily-covered lakes with its increasingly blood-soaked land."
The third and the last book of the 'Partition trilogy' by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar which narrates events of post independence India.
What comes to your mind when you think about Kashmir? Mostly it's the scenic view of Dal Lake,houseboats,pashmina,noon chai(nun cha) but with the good comes the bad people there live under a constant fear of militants and tug of war between it's neighbouring countries which makes Kashmir less of a paradise on Earth.
The story is narrated from the point of views of many political stalwarts from the time of Independence like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh, Louis Mountbatten, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sheikh Abdullah and many more, along with the turmoils faced by the ordinary citizens particularly the women.
Most people make the same assumption about Kashmir that the kabailis did: The Valley is Kashmir. The populous Valley, because of its peculiar beauty and fecundity, could be considered the heart of Kashmir. It is not, however, the entirety of Kashmir. Which consists of Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, besides the Kashmir valley. The state, with a 77 per cent Muslim population, was diverse in its own unique way. Jammu, in the south, was nearly half-Hindu. Ladakh, to the east, was majority Buddhist. The residents of the Valley, majority Muslim, practiced a version of Islam influenced by Sufism. The western regions, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Reasi, Mirpur, were ethnically close to western Panjab. Gilgit, Baltistan were sparsely populated(straight from book).
"Singing hymns will not make you Hindu again,because who else would accept them now …"
This sentence has been on my mind a long time, who suffers the most during these war torn conditions or who becomes the priced possessions when these wars are over the simple answer is women! These men then don't discriminate on the grounds of caste or religion just because they are helpless in most case scenarios.
This book was different from the other two as it was mixture of interconnections,some past reformed characters,actual conditions of women and the roles that women played.
There are many characters in this book but the ones that stand are:
Zooni: who in my opinion deserved better from being married to a man double her age as the second wife just to bear him children to in order to survive she had to hold herself back as her young friend died in a fire set by Kabailis,fled her home,pretend being a corpse while the pak army killed a bus full of people including Koko jaan(who despite being her husband's first wife was her family),to her inspiring other women folk to not be afraid,become independent, participate in WSDC as a sniper (women did participate in cross border wars but without credit), to protecting what last of her family was left while still hoping to meet Fateh Singh.
Kashmira: Despite being a naive girl at the time of her marriage to Ali who I would say knows how to react in times of adversity, was a very strong woman. In her becoming this strong there was a major role played by Ali and in some parts Zooni. Ali encouraged her to practice the certain needle work on pashmina( which was equal to gold at that time),he helped her learn how to live in houseboats and how to make a living there.Ali was there for Kashmira every step of the way.
Ali : was a gentle soul who was taken away too soon.I think Ali's mother, the real 'ustaad' played a very major role in him being that way because kind souls are not born they are likely to be made from observation and consuming oppression in different forms.
That is why Ali and Kashmira's children were so different in a good way.(Gul who was like Ali quite, observant,reader and Safina who was resilient like Zooni)
Durga Mehra: late wife of an army general who was killed in line of duty but she helped many women folk to process their grief and helped most women who belonged to themselves move on and become independent.
Hassan and Masud: the most unethical and wretched kind of men, who made oppression and aggression their weapon and thought just because they are men they know better.
The third and the last book of the 'Partition trilogy' by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar which narrates events of post independence India.
What comes to your mind when you think about Kashmir? Mostly it's the scenic view of Dal Lake,houseboats,pashmina,noon chai(nun cha) but with the good comes the bad people there live under a constant fear of militants and tug of war between it's neighbouring countries which makes Kashmir less of a paradise on Earth.
The story is narrated from the point of views of many political stalwarts from the time of Independence like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh, Louis Mountbatten, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sheikh Abdullah and many more, along with the turmoils faced by the ordinary citizens particularly the women.
Most people make the same assumption about Kashmir that the kabailis did: The Valley is Kashmir. The populous Valley, because of its peculiar beauty and fecundity, could be considered the heart of Kashmir. It is not, however, the entirety of Kashmir. Which consists of Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, besides the Kashmir valley. The state, with a 77 per cent Muslim population, was diverse in its own unique way. Jammu, in the south, was nearly half-Hindu. Ladakh, to the east, was majority Buddhist. The residents of the Valley, majority Muslim, practiced a version of Islam influenced by Sufism. The western regions, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Reasi, Mirpur, were ethnically close to western Panjab. Gilgit, Baltistan were sparsely populated(straight from book).
"Singing hymns will not make you Hindu again,because who else would accept them now …"
This sentence has been on my mind a long time, who suffers the most during these war torn conditions or who becomes the priced possessions when these wars are over the simple answer is women! These men then don't discriminate on the grounds of caste or religion just because they are helpless in most case scenarios.
This book was different from the other two as it was mixture of interconnections,some past reformed characters,actual conditions of women and the roles that women played.
There are many characters in this book but the ones that stand are:
Zooni: who in my opinion deserved better from being married to a man double her age as the second wife just to bear him children to in order to survive she had to hold herself back as her young friend died in a fire set by Kabailis,fled her home,pretend being a corpse while the pak army killed a bus full of people including Koko jaan(who despite being her husband's first wife was her family),to her inspiring other women folk to not be afraid,become independent, participate in WSDC as a sniper (women did participate in cross border wars but without credit), to protecting what last of her family was left while still hoping to meet Fateh Singh.
Kashmira: Despite being a naive girl at the time of her marriage to Ali who I would say knows how to react in times of adversity, was a very strong woman. In her becoming this strong there was a major role played by Ali and in some parts Zooni. Ali encouraged her to practice the certain needle work on pashmina( which was equal to gold at that time),he helped her learn how to live in houseboats and how to make a living there.Ali was there for Kashmira every step of the way.
Ali : was a gentle soul who was taken away too soon.I think Ali's mother, the real 'ustaad' played a very major role in him being that way because kind souls are not born they are likely to be made from observation and consuming oppression in different forms.
That is why Ali and Kashmira's children were so different in a good way.(Gul who was like Ali quite, observant,reader and Safina who was resilient like Zooni)
Durga Mehra: late wife of an army general who was killed in line of duty but she helped many women folk to process their grief and helped most women who belonged to themselves move on and become independent.
Hassan and Masud: the most unethical and wretched kind of men, who made oppression and aggression their weapon and thought just because they are men they know better.
May 6, 2024
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦.
Maharaja Hari Singh is in a dilemma about whether to join the newly independent nations of India or Pakistan or, if possible, be independent. But violence erupts in Kashmir, and the Maharaja looks towards India for help. India agrees, but in return for his signing of an instrument of accession,. And less than two months after gaining independence, the two nations get into a battle. The first Indo-Pak war began, which shaped and changed relations between the countries forever.
The synopsis I've given above is just the tip of the iceberg. There's many more to come across in the final book of The Partition Trilogy. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but credit where credit is due. I just can't praise enough how breathtakingly beautiful the cover is. And there are no issues at all for those of you wondering whether LAHORE and HYDERABAD must be visited before exploring KASHMIR. It can truly be enjoyed as a stand-alone one.
Heaven on Earth, the Switzerland of India, Kashmir is called by so many nicknames. But as beautiful as its natural beauty and valleys are, its history has been equally violent. The snow-clad mountains look silent, but only a few people understand how much noise is hidden in that silence. This book introduces us to that history. The impact of the decisions taken in Delhi on the common people of partition-affected Pakistan, India and Kashmir has also been told without any filter.
The book follows a human perspective to its core. Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mountbatten are the three political protagonists of the story. You can feel the tensions and dilemmas of freedom fighters and rule-makers. They were made of flesh and bones like any other human and had to take tough decisions considering the critical conditions. There were instances when not even a single word was spoken by the characters, but I felt the tension building.
There are a lot of characters in the book, but Zooni has a luminance of her own. She's a beacon of hope, showing that if there's a will, there's a way. She never gave up or forgot what she's gone through and what others have done for her. And after reading the acknowledgement section, my admiration for her grew even more. Manreet wanted to show history through the eyes of women, who are often neglected in historical narratives but are the first targets of ordeals in times of turmoil. And there's Durga Mehra too, who lost her husband but not her courage and became a pillar of strength for other women in the refugee camp.
If partition-related books attract you or you have a keen interest in the history of the Indian subcontinent, then this one should definitely be read by you. RECOMMENDED.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦.
Maharaja Hari Singh is in a dilemma about whether to join the newly independent nations of India or Pakistan or, if possible, be independent. But violence erupts in Kashmir, and the Maharaja looks towards India for help. India agrees, but in return for his signing of an instrument of accession,. And less than two months after gaining independence, the two nations get into a battle. The first Indo-Pak war began, which shaped and changed relations between the countries forever.
The synopsis I've given above is just the tip of the iceberg. There's many more to come across in the final book of The Partition Trilogy. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but credit where credit is due. I just can't praise enough how breathtakingly beautiful the cover is. And there are no issues at all for those of you wondering whether LAHORE and HYDERABAD must be visited before exploring KASHMIR. It can truly be enjoyed as a stand-alone one.
Heaven on Earth, the Switzerland of India, Kashmir is called by so many nicknames. But as beautiful as its natural beauty and valleys are, its history has been equally violent. The snow-clad mountains look silent, but only a few people understand how much noise is hidden in that silence. This book introduces us to that history. The impact of the decisions taken in Delhi on the common people of partition-affected Pakistan, India and Kashmir has also been told without any filter.
The book follows a human perspective to its core. Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mountbatten are the three political protagonists of the story. You can feel the tensions and dilemmas of freedom fighters and rule-makers. They were made of flesh and bones like any other human and had to take tough decisions considering the critical conditions. There were instances when not even a single word was spoken by the characters, but I felt the tension building.
There are a lot of characters in the book, but Zooni has a luminance of her own. She's a beacon of hope, showing that if there's a will, there's a way. She never gave up or forgot what she's gone through and what others have done for her. And after reading the acknowledgement section, my admiration for her grew even more. Manreet wanted to show history through the eyes of women, who are often neglected in historical narratives but are the first targets of ordeals in times of turmoil. And there's Durga Mehra too, who lost her husband but not her courage and became a pillar of strength for other women in the refugee camp.
If partition-related books attract you or you have a keen interest in the history of the Indian subcontinent, then this one should definitely be read by you. RECOMMENDED.
January 14, 2024
Being a book enthusiast comes with its own set of quirks, and I'm no exception. Each year, I go through a ritual of carefully selecting the first book to kick-start my reading journey. It's all about setting the right tone, isn't it? This time around, after much contemplation, I dove into Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's 'Kashmir,' the thrilling finale of The Partition Trilogy, as my inaugural read for 2024.
Though I have mixed feelings about the experience, there's no denying that it’s an interesting and well-researched book. Blending real and fictionalised events and characters, Someshwar presents her readers with a significant and bloody chapter in India’s partition.
Picture this: 1947, a time when Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir is torn between dreams of independence and the looming pressure to join Pakistan due to the Muslim majority. As marauding tribal cross the border, unleashing havoc, Singh reaches out to India for help, ultimately setting the stage for Kashmir's accession to India. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pak war, altering the course of history between the two nations.
Traversing across various cities in India and Pakistan, the candid narrative highlights fictional scenes behind the political negotiations between leaders, the rabid tribal ravaging the pristine land, brave army personnel weathering unwelcome conditions to defend the nation, the plight of the common man, and courageous women who face inhumane brutality and remain resilient.
This meticulously researched piece of work shows the unknown and intimate sides of various historical figures and political leaders. Most of the female characters are inspired by true events and emerge as beacons of inspiration.
Someshwar’s storytelling is a treat to the senses. I was transported to the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, taking in the sight of the enchanting chinar trees, or navigating the steep slopes with Zooni, or living in the houseboats with Kashmira’s family.
Yet, despite the smooth language and vivid imagery, I yearned for a deeper emotional connection to the harrowing events of the partition. The story is more like a commentary on events that transpired and stopped short of stirring my emotions. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped to, but would still recommend it to readers of historical fiction.
Kashmir is a well-researched and informative book and provides detailed information on events surrounding Kashmir’s accession to India.
____________________________________________________________
Hit me up on Twitter | Instagram | Blog and let’s talk BOOKS!!
Though I have mixed feelings about the experience, there's no denying that it’s an interesting and well-researched book. Blending real and fictionalised events and characters, Someshwar presents her readers with a significant and bloody chapter in India’s partition.
Picture this: 1947, a time when Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir is torn between dreams of independence and the looming pressure to join Pakistan due to the Muslim majority. As marauding tribal cross the border, unleashing havoc, Singh reaches out to India for help, ultimately setting the stage for Kashmir's accession to India. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pak war, altering the course of history between the two nations.
Traversing across various cities in India and Pakistan, the candid narrative highlights fictional scenes behind the political negotiations between leaders, the rabid tribal ravaging the pristine land, brave army personnel weathering unwelcome conditions to defend the nation, the plight of the common man, and courageous women who face inhumane brutality and remain resilient.
This meticulously researched piece of work shows the unknown and intimate sides of various historical figures and political leaders. Most of the female characters are inspired by true events and emerge as beacons of inspiration.
Someshwar’s storytelling is a treat to the senses. I was transported to the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, taking in the sight of the enchanting chinar trees, or navigating the steep slopes with Zooni, or living in the houseboats with Kashmira’s family.
Yet, despite the smooth language and vivid imagery, I yearned for a deeper emotional connection to the harrowing events of the partition. The story is more like a commentary on events that transpired and stopped short of stirring my emotions. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped to, but would still recommend it to readers of historical fiction.
Kashmir is a well-researched and informative book and provides detailed information on events surrounding Kashmir’s accession to India.
____________________________________________________________
Hit me up on Twitter | Instagram | Blog and let’s talk BOOKS!!
June 4, 2024
"Kashmir: Book 3 of The Partition Trilogy" by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is a gripping historical novel that vividly brings to life the tumultuous events of 1947 in Kashmir. The story is set during the partition of India and Pakistan, a time when the future of the princely state of Kashmir hangs in the balance.
The book opens with Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Kashmir, who dreams of maintaining independence for his kingdom, envisioning it as a Switzerland-like neutral state amidst the chaos of partition. However, the political landscape is far from stable. Sheikh Abdullah, a popular leader, is rallying for freedom, and the Poonchis in western Jammu are revolting and seeking help from Pakistan’s Jinnah. The situation quickly deteriorates as tribal invaders, known as kabailis, begin a brutal campaign towards Srinagar, causing widespread panic and destruction.
Amidst this chaos, the story brings several compelling characters to the forefront. Durga Mehra, after her husband is murdered by the invaders, seeks refuge in a camp. There, she meets Zooni, another desperate individual waiting for safe passage to Srinagar. The scenes in the camp are heart-wrenching, highlighting the dire conditions and scarcity of resources. Kashmira, a newly widowed mother, is overwhelmed with worry about how to feed her children. Her plight is contrasted by Margot Parr, an American journalist staying on a houseboat, who views the unfolding crisis as a significant scoop for her career.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Maharaja Hari Singh, under immense pressure, signs the Instrument of Accession to India, pleading for military assistance. This decision triggers a swift response from India’s Prime Minister Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel, who dispatch the Indian Army to defend Kashmir. Simultaneously, Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army rushes to aid the tribal invaders, leading to the first Indo-Pak war. The author does a fantastic job of depicting the intense and fast-paced military and political maneuvers that follow.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s writing is both engaging and educational. She weaves historical facts with personal stories, making the complex political scenario accessible and relatable. The characters are well-developed, and their personal struggles add depth to the broader historical events.
All-in-all, "Kashmir: Book 3 of The Partition Trilogy" is a compelling read that offers a detailed and humanized account of a pivotal moment in South Asian history. It captures the fear, hope, and resilience of people caught in the crossfire of a newly divided subcontinent. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual reader, this book provides a profound insight into the first Indo-Pak war and the enduring conflict over Kashmir.
The book opens with Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Kashmir, who dreams of maintaining independence for his kingdom, envisioning it as a Switzerland-like neutral state amidst the chaos of partition. However, the political landscape is far from stable. Sheikh Abdullah, a popular leader, is rallying for freedom, and the Poonchis in western Jammu are revolting and seeking help from Pakistan’s Jinnah. The situation quickly deteriorates as tribal invaders, known as kabailis, begin a brutal campaign towards Srinagar, causing widespread panic and destruction.
Amidst this chaos, the story brings several compelling characters to the forefront. Durga Mehra, after her husband is murdered by the invaders, seeks refuge in a camp. There, she meets Zooni, another desperate individual waiting for safe passage to Srinagar. The scenes in the camp are heart-wrenching, highlighting the dire conditions and scarcity of resources. Kashmira, a newly widowed mother, is overwhelmed with worry about how to feed her children. Her plight is contrasted by Margot Parr, an American journalist staying on a houseboat, who views the unfolding crisis as a significant scoop for her career.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Maharaja Hari Singh, under immense pressure, signs the Instrument of Accession to India, pleading for military assistance. This decision triggers a swift response from India’s Prime Minister Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel, who dispatch the Indian Army to defend Kashmir. Simultaneously, Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army rushes to aid the tribal invaders, leading to the first Indo-Pak war. The author does a fantastic job of depicting the intense and fast-paced military and political maneuvers that follow.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s writing is both engaging and educational. She weaves historical facts with personal stories, making the complex political scenario accessible and relatable. The characters are well-developed, and their personal struggles add depth to the broader historical events.
All-in-all, "Kashmir: Book 3 of The Partition Trilogy" is a compelling read that offers a detailed and humanized account of a pivotal moment in South Asian history. It captures the fear, hope, and resilience of people caught in the crossfire of a newly divided subcontinent. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual reader, this book provides a profound insight into the first Indo-Pak war and the enduring conflict over Kashmir.
May 28, 2024
“If there is paradise on this earth, it is here, it is here, it is here…” Lines spoken in awe by the great poet Amir Khusrau, on Kashmir.
The region is famous not only for its scenic beauty, but also for the constant strife and conflict that affect it.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has written the Partition Trilogy comprising the following books... Lahore, Hyderabad and Kashmir. Kashmir is the final book in the series. Though part of a trilogy it can be read by itself. The author crafts an interesting and poignant saga covering the entire history of Kashmir from partition to accession and the conflicts thereof.
In 1845-46, the First Anglo-Sikh War resulted in the forces of the East India Company defeating the Sikhs. After the war, the British signed the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) with Gulab Singh, who was a former general of the Sikhs, as well as the Dogra monarch of Jammu, Ladakh, and some other parts of Kashmir. The one area Gulab Singh did not rule was the Kashmir Valley, and this, annexed by the British after the war, was sold to Gulab Singh for 75 lakh Nanakshahi rupees. The Dogras became the Hindu rulers of a Muslim-majority territory. This caused a huge problem between the ruler and the people and only added to the trouble in the so called paradise.
The author seamlessly weaves facts and fiction together with familiar characters like Sardar Patel, Nehru, Mountbatten, Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Abdullah etc and fictional characters like Hassan, Durga Mehra, Zooni, Kashmira etc.
Independence came in 1947 and along with it the options given to the Princely states to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir is in a dilemna...to remain independent or yield to the pressure of joining Pakistan due to the Muslim majority. As a brutal army of tribals cross the border, wreaking havoc and inhumane suffering on the people particukarly the Hindus, the Maharaja is compelled to seek aid from India. The instrument of accession is signed, Kashmir accedes to India. The Indian Army is despatched to defend the valley. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pak war, it's consequences, appeal to the UN and finally the promised plebiscite.
The author's focus on women is laudable. The sufferings of the common people especially the women is heartrending.
The plot is well fleshed out, language impeccable, keeps the interest alive until the end. The link to abrogation of Article 370 brings the book close to the present.
I would award 5 stars for the plot, the language and for so beautifully weaving facts and fiction together. While I will definitely try to read the others in the trilogy, I request the author to write on Kolkata, Amritsar and Travancore.
The region is famous not only for its scenic beauty, but also for the constant strife and conflict that affect it.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has written the Partition Trilogy comprising the following books... Lahore, Hyderabad and Kashmir. Kashmir is the final book in the series. Though part of a trilogy it can be read by itself. The author crafts an interesting and poignant saga covering the entire history of Kashmir from partition to accession and the conflicts thereof.
In 1845-46, the First Anglo-Sikh War resulted in the forces of the East India Company defeating the Sikhs. After the war, the British signed the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) with Gulab Singh, who was a former general of the Sikhs, as well as the Dogra monarch of Jammu, Ladakh, and some other parts of Kashmir. The one area Gulab Singh did not rule was the Kashmir Valley, and this, annexed by the British after the war, was sold to Gulab Singh for 75 lakh Nanakshahi rupees. The Dogras became the Hindu rulers of a Muslim-majority territory. This caused a huge problem between the ruler and the people and only added to the trouble in the so called paradise.
The author seamlessly weaves facts and fiction together with familiar characters like Sardar Patel, Nehru, Mountbatten, Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Abdullah etc and fictional characters like Hassan, Durga Mehra, Zooni, Kashmira etc.
Independence came in 1947 and along with it the options given to the Princely states to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir is in a dilemna...to remain independent or yield to the pressure of joining Pakistan due to the Muslim majority. As a brutal army of tribals cross the border, wreaking havoc and inhumane suffering on the people particukarly the Hindus, the Maharaja is compelled to seek aid from India. The instrument of accession is signed, Kashmir accedes to India. The Indian Army is despatched to defend the valley. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pak war, it's consequences, appeal to the UN and finally the promised plebiscite.
The author's focus on women is laudable. The sufferings of the common people especially the women is heartrending.
The plot is well fleshed out, language impeccable, keeps the interest alive until the end. The link to abrogation of Article 370 brings the book close to the present.
I would award 5 stars for the plot, the language and for so beautifully weaving facts and fiction together. While I will definitely try to read the others in the trilogy, I request the author to write on Kolkata, Amritsar and Travancore.
June 3, 2024
The Partition of India was probably the most significant historical event in the history of Modern India. But one of the lesser talked about aspects of the Partition was the integration of several princely states into either India and Pakistan. The Partition trilogy by Author Manreet Singh Sodhi, explores the stories behind the integration of such princely states with 'Kashmir' being the third book in the trilogy.
The book begins on the cusp of Indian Independence with both India and Pakistan claiming the princely state of Kashmir; a Muslim majority state with a Hindu ruler. The ruler Hari Singh dreams of becoming a sovereign state like Switzerland, independent from both India and Pakistan. His plans are foiled by the tribal invasion backed by Pakistan, threatening to destroy the entire Kashmir. With no other option left, The Maharaja agrees to accede to India, pleading for immediate help. The Indian Army arrives to defend Kashmir while the Pakistani Army comes to aid of the tribal invaders. What follows is a pitched battle, with both the countries plunged into a full-blown war. What will be the outcome of the War and will the life for ordinary Kashmiris ever go back to the peaceful times?
Combining real history with some fictional characters, the book is a gripping narrative of the events surrounding the merger of Kashmir in India. The author has done extensive research to unfold the key events in the entire saga. Nehru, Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Abdullah and Mountbatten form the key characters. The book explores the lesser-known aspects surrounding all the key events from the invasion of Kashmir by the tribal hordes, the signing of the instrument of accession, the actual battles and the UN sponsored ceasefire. The descriptions of the battle at Shalateng and Tithwal complete with maps, were thrilling to read. The best thing about the book is that it explores multiple perspectives including those of the ordinary Kashmiris caught in the crossfire.
The thing I loved the most about the book was the author’s ability to capture the stories behind the history. Beyond the historical characters, the characters like Zooni, Durga, Margot, Kashmira all narrate the real stories of ordinary Kashmiris fighting a battle for their survival. The book narrates their raw stories of oppression and unparalleled courage as they struggle to protect their common heritage; Kashmir.
Overall, ‘Kashmir’ is a well detailed, gripping read and a fantastic conclusion to the Partition series. Maintaining a fine balance between facts and fiction, the book is a realistic and nuanced take on a complex historical event.
The book begins on the cusp of Indian Independence with both India and Pakistan claiming the princely state of Kashmir; a Muslim majority state with a Hindu ruler. The ruler Hari Singh dreams of becoming a sovereign state like Switzerland, independent from both India and Pakistan. His plans are foiled by the tribal invasion backed by Pakistan, threatening to destroy the entire Kashmir. With no other option left, The Maharaja agrees to accede to India, pleading for immediate help. The Indian Army arrives to defend Kashmir while the Pakistani Army comes to aid of the tribal invaders. What follows is a pitched battle, with both the countries plunged into a full-blown war. What will be the outcome of the War and will the life for ordinary Kashmiris ever go back to the peaceful times?
Combining real history with some fictional characters, the book is a gripping narrative of the events surrounding the merger of Kashmir in India. The author has done extensive research to unfold the key events in the entire saga. Nehru, Patel, Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Abdullah and Mountbatten form the key characters. The book explores the lesser-known aspects surrounding all the key events from the invasion of Kashmir by the tribal hordes, the signing of the instrument of accession, the actual battles and the UN sponsored ceasefire. The descriptions of the battle at Shalateng and Tithwal complete with maps, were thrilling to read. The best thing about the book is that it explores multiple perspectives including those of the ordinary Kashmiris caught in the crossfire.
The thing I loved the most about the book was the author’s ability to capture the stories behind the history. Beyond the historical characters, the characters like Zooni, Durga, Margot, Kashmira all narrate the real stories of ordinary Kashmiris fighting a battle for their survival. The book narrates their raw stories of oppression and unparalleled courage as they struggle to protect their common heritage; Kashmir.
Overall, ‘Kashmir’ is a well detailed, gripping read and a fantastic conclusion to the Partition series. Maintaining a fine balance between facts and fiction, the book is a realistic and nuanced take on a complex historical event.
June 16, 2024
Setting the story in Kashmir, Manreet presents a detailed version of events that take place here, through the eyes of prominent political figures as well as common folks. While the first book was focused primarily on the events preceding the partition, and the second on the events while the partition was taking place, Kashmir sheds light on the emotions and how Kashmir was affected by the partition. The author has explored the impact of the unrest through various aspects such as tourism and livelihood. The details of the first Indo-Pak war and its impact on the life and the viewpoint of the local residents has been captured quite in detail. What I liked about the book is that while Manreet shows the emotions and the reactions of the local populace, she has included the character of a foreign journalist which adds a third-person perspective to the narrative. Another aspect of the book that stands out is the focus on minute details and how the multiple threads come together at the end to tie the story in a bow. As in the previous books, the blend of historical facts and fictional story was quite balanced and there are events which give you an aha moment as you come across a fact that you have heard before. The part about the transit camp for women has been very well written and the focus on the human aspect of history is very well portrayed. Talking about the pace of the book, the initial part of the book is a bot slow as it sets the tone of the events that are to take place, but as it moves forward, the pace increases but stays comfortable enough to enable the reader to grasp the storyline. Another thing that stood out for me was the focus on Pashmina and how that becomes an important part in the story.
The characters in the story are crucial to the storyline that Manreet has built. While the historical characters maintain their detailing in this book as well, what stood out for me was the manner in which Zooni’s character was shaped right from the first page to the very last. The character arc has been well-planned and at no point do you feel that the same is not aligned with the story. Kashmira’s character is another one that I liked in the manner it was built into the storyline.
Overall, Kashmir is a fitting closure for The Partition Trilogy which started from the events in Lahore to Hyderabad, culminating in Kashmir. While the timeline might seem small (February 1947 to September 1948) across the three books, they cover one of the key events in the history of the subcontinent and Manreet captures the key events in an engaging manner.
The characters in the story are crucial to the storyline that Manreet has built. While the historical characters maintain their detailing in this book as well, what stood out for me was the manner in which Zooni’s character was shaped right from the first page to the very last. The character arc has been well-planned and at no point do you feel that the same is not aligned with the story. Kashmira’s character is another one that I liked in the manner it was built into the storyline.
Overall, Kashmir is a fitting closure for The Partition Trilogy which started from the events in Lahore to Hyderabad, culminating in Kashmir. While the timeline might seem small (February 1947 to September 1948) across the three books, they cover one of the key events in the history of the subcontinent and Manreet captures the key events in an engaging manner.
May 11, 2024
'Kashmir' - The final installment of the Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar serves as a significant testament to the history of partition and its profound impact on the princely state of Kashmir. Commencing with a vivid portrayal of the unique beauty and rich heritage of Baramulla, the narrative delves into the intricate and poignant journey of rulers and refugees as they navigate through their formidable challenges. With great skill, Someshwar intertwines the stories of Maharaja Hari Singh, Pandit Nehru, and Sardar Patel, who stand united in their determination to defend the valley. Similarly, the book sheds light on Akbar Khan from Pakistan, who strengthens his army to support the Kabailis, enticed by the allure of Kashmir's beauty and its women. Amidst the conflicts between these two communities, the narrative also captures the serene essence of the place.
'Kashmir' seamlessly combines the allure of the princely state with the devastating consequences of partition. It aptly explores the lasting effects of differences and divisions on the history, people, and cultures of the region. The narrative delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who seek refuge and endure immense suffering due to the prolonged battles and divisions. Characters like Zooni, Kashmira, and Durga Mehra, among others, intricately weave the tale of the formidable challenges faced by those displaced by the partition.
While 'Kashmir' beautifully encapsulates the captivating valleys and orchards, it also unravels the tapestry of history, particularly the Indo-Pak war that ensued shortly after achieving independence in 1947. History enthusiasts are taken on a roller-coaster ride through the lesser-known past of Kashmir, which holds a crucial part of the independence narrative. As the state becomes divided, both sides aspire to claim it in its entirety. Amendments have been made to the constitution to acknowledge the state, yet its people continue to strive for true freedom amidst the enduring suffering endured by the common folk.
The subject of Kashmir has always been a controversial one. However, Manreet, in her book, skillfully narrates the intricacies without keeping the tale biased. Readers are provided with a clear vision of the history which is both fair and insightful.
'Kashmir' seamlessly combines the allure of the princely state with the devastating consequences of partition. It aptly explores the lasting effects of differences and divisions on the history, people, and cultures of the region. The narrative delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who seek refuge and endure immense suffering due to the prolonged battles and divisions. Characters like Zooni, Kashmira, and Durga Mehra, among others, intricately weave the tale of the formidable challenges faced by those displaced by the partition.
While 'Kashmir' beautifully encapsulates the captivating valleys and orchards, it also unravels the tapestry of history, particularly the Indo-Pak war that ensued shortly after achieving independence in 1947. History enthusiasts are taken on a roller-coaster ride through the lesser-known past of Kashmir, which holds a crucial part of the independence narrative. As the state becomes divided, both sides aspire to claim it in its entirety. Amendments have been made to the constitution to acknowledge the state, yet its people continue to strive for true freedom amidst the enduring suffering endured by the common folk.
The subject of Kashmir has always been a controversial one. However, Manreet, in her book, skillfully narrates the intricacies without keeping the tale biased. Readers are provided with a clear vision of the history which is both fair and insightful.
May 13, 2024
"Kashmir" concludes the Partition Trilogy by diving into the complicated tapestry of events that determined India's independence, partition, and subsequent state accession, determining India and Pakistan's contemporary borders. Set against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pak war, it offers a candid narrative that spans various cities in both nations.
This piece of historical fiction functions on two levels: it provides a view into high-stakes political talks between major historical actors while also intertwining the tragic histories of ordinary people caught up in history's turbulence.
Through vivid storytelling, it sheds light on the political negotiations, tribal conflicts, the bravery of soldiers, the struggles of civilians, and the resilience of women amidst brutal circumstances.
For those who grew up in post-Independence India, the Kashmir issue remains ambiguous. Through painstaking research and storytelling prowess, the author attempts to bridge this gap, offering insight on the complexity and competing interests that have impeded a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.
While the author expertly creates fictionalised situations to depict the machinations of high-level decision-makers, it is the palpable humanity of ordinary individuals dealing with the consequences of faraway demands that truly animate the story.
Their voices, which are sometimes overlooked in traditional historical accounts, emerge as the beating core of the story, providing a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of political manoeuvring. Despite having conflicting feelings about the reading experience, there is no denying the pull of Someshwar's beautiful tapestry of fact and imagination.
By effortlessly combining genuine and fictionalised events and personalities, the author offers readers to see a significant and traumatic chapter in India's partition drama, ensuring that Kashmir's legacy lives on beyond history.
It's a fascinating and thoroughly researched book, even though my opinions about the event are conflicted. Even if I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped, historical fiction enthusiasts should still read it.
I would still recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
This piece of historical fiction functions on two levels: it provides a view into high-stakes political talks between major historical actors while also intertwining the tragic histories of ordinary people caught up in history's turbulence.
Through vivid storytelling, it sheds light on the political negotiations, tribal conflicts, the bravery of soldiers, the struggles of civilians, and the resilience of women amidst brutal circumstances.
For those who grew up in post-Independence India, the Kashmir issue remains ambiguous. Through painstaking research and storytelling prowess, the author attempts to bridge this gap, offering insight on the complexity and competing interests that have impeded a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.
While the author expertly creates fictionalised situations to depict the machinations of high-level decision-makers, it is the palpable humanity of ordinary individuals dealing with the consequences of faraway demands that truly animate the story.
Their voices, which are sometimes overlooked in traditional historical accounts, emerge as the beating core of the story, providing a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of political manoeuvring. Despite having conflicting feelings about the reading experience, there is no denying the pull of Someshwar's beautiful tapestry of fact and imagination.
By effortlessly combining genuine and fictionalised events and personalities, the author offers readers to see a significant and traumatic chapter in India's partition drama, ensuring that Kashmir's legacy lives on beyond history.
It's a fascinating and thoroughly researched book, even though my opinions about the event are conflicted. Even if I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped, historical fiction enthusiasts should still read it.
I would still recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
June 5, 2024
Lush greenery, snowclad mountain peaks, peaceful ambience, Kashmir is something different altogether to behold. But why does the King of such a majestic place have no peace of mind? Maharaja Hari Singh rules Kashmir, a Muslim-majority princely state. He is expected to accede to Pakistan during the partition and formation of two new states, India and Pakistan, in 1947. However, he dreams of a Switzerland-like status for his Himalayan kingdom, hoping for neutrality and tranquility amidst the turbulent times. But internal conflicts are rising, and soon fearsome Kabailis are carving a swath of savagery and destruction towards Srinagar. What will happen when the Maharaja finds it hard to tackle?
"Kashmir" is the last chapter in the partition trilogy but it sets the stage for the bloodbath that ensued. This historical fiction revolves around the story of beautiful valleys and people inhabiting it. The life of Zooni was upturned by the invaders bringing chaos and violence, and the idyllic valleys echo with the cries of distress. On the other hand, the relentless pressure from both India and Pakistan added misery to Maharaja Hari Singh's life. As the Maharaja finds himself caught in a maelstrom of political and military crises leaving him with no choice than accession to India, his vision of a peaceful, autonomous Kashmir slips away. This deeply intricate story unfolded beautifully as I read further, it has this unique charm to draw you in and let you feel the characters. I was drawn to it from the very beginning by it's neat plot build up and amazing writing. But more than that I loved the character sketches. How simple yet profound they could get. Zooni's character added a new dimension to the story.
Coming to the writing, it is the writing in the first place that caught me offguard. A good narrative breaths air into a historical fiction and this book is no exception. The writing, both in terms of quality and style is extraordinary. As the narrative runs parallel with multiple plots it draws a wonderful portrayal of that period. Loved it slow paced narrative. This book can be read separately if you haven't read the previous books in the series. Recommended to historical fiction readers.
"Kashmir" is the last chapter in the partition trilogy but it sets the stage for the bloodbath that ensued. This historical fiction revolves around the story of beautiful valleys and people inhabiting it. The life of Zooni was upturned by the invaders bringing chaos and violence, and the idyllic valleys echo with the cries of distress. On the other hand, the relentless pressure from both India and Pakistan added misery to Maharaja Hari Singh's life. As the Maharaja finds himself caught in a maelstrom of political and military crises leaving him with no choice than accession to India, his vision of a peaceful, autonomous Kashmir slips away. This deeply intricate story unfolded beautifully as I read further, it has this unique charm to draw you in and let you feel the characters. I was drawn to it from the very beginning by it's neat plot build up and amazing writing. But more than that I loved the character sketches. How simple yet profound they could get. Zooni's character added a new dimension to the story.
Coming to the writing, it is the writing in the first place that caught me offguard. A good narrative breaths air into a historical fiction and this book is no exception. The writing, both in terms of quality and style is extraordinary. As the narrative runs parallel with multiple plots it draws a wonderful portrayal of that period. Loved it slow paced narrative. This book can be read separately if you haven't read the previous books in the series. Recommended to historical fiction readers.
June 6, 2024
‘Kashmir’, the concluding part of Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s Partition Trilogy is a skilfully crafted, well researched narrative that paints a vivid picture of one of the darkest periods in South Asian history. It conveys the atrocity of 1947's partition capturing both the macro political machinations and the micro-human tragedies that define this era.
The book starts by depicting the internal conflict of Maharaja Hari Singh about the future of his principality, torn between independence and the increase in demands to accede to either India or Pakistan. This forms an interesting framework for a story that gradually blends in the viewpoints of some prominent historical figures – Nehru, Sardar Patel, Lord Mountbatten, and Hari Singh – with those of ordinary Kashmiris who are the protagonists and whose lives are affected significantly by unfolding events.
The dual narrative structure of the book is what makes it particularly effective. In intertwining the grand political drama and the intimate stories of common people, she gives a complete picture on how partition actually affected India This approach focuses on the stark difference between the decisions made in palaces and government offices on one hand and their brutal effects on the other. The depiction of characters like Masud Ahmed, his wives Koko Jan and Zooni, as well as Margot Parr-the American journalist, are proof of how well an author can animate both historical figures and fictional characters.
The historical context is filled with the most precise details of events, and the alternation of real events with fictional elements is perfectly managed. The novel’s freshly rapid, flowing narrative indeed makes readers have no time to feel bored even among the dark issues that are on their way.
In conclusion,it conveys a strong message on how the common people fight off the difficulties in the wake of grave challenges and is a significant addition to the literature on the division of Indo-Pak. For those who love reading history and books “Kashmir” is one of those books you cannot afford to miss since you will enjoy both a very detailed historical account as well as an interesting human story.
The book starts by depicting the internal conflict of Maharaja Hari Singh about the future of his principality, torn between independence and the increase in demands to accede to either India or Pakistan. This forms an interesting framework for a story that gradually blends in the viewpoints of some prominent historical figures – Nehru, Sardar Patel, Lord Mountbatten, and Hari Singh – with those of ordinary Kashmiris who are the protagonists and whose lives are affected significantly by unfolding events.
The dual narrative structure of the book is what makes it particularly effective. In intertwining the grand political drama and the intimate stories of common people, she gives a complete picture on how partition actually affected India This approach focuses on the stark difference between the decisions made in palaces and government offices on one hand and their brutal effects on the other. The depiction of characters like Masud Ahmed, his wives Koko Jan and Zooni, as well as Margot Parr-the American journalist, are proof of how well an author can animate both historical figures and fictional characters.
The historical context is filled with the most precise details of events, and the alternation of real events with fictional elements is perfectly managed. The novel’s freshly rapid, flowing narrative indeed makes readers have no time to feel bored even among the dark issues that are on their way.
In conclusion,it conveys a strong message on how the common people fight off the difficulties in the wake of grave challenges and is a significant addition to the literature on the division of Indo-Pak. For those who love reading history and books “Kashmir” is one of those books you cannot afford to miss since you will enjoy both a very detailed historical account as well as an interesting human story.
May 25, 2024
In 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir faces a pivotal decision, torn between aspirations for independence and the pressure to align with Pakistan due to the region’s Muslim majority. As tribal forces invade, causing widespread chaos, Singh turns to India for help, setting the stage for Kashmir’s integration into the Indian union. This narrative is set against the backdrop of the first Indo-Pakistani conflict, altering the course of history for both nations.
“Kashmir: Book 3 of The Partition Trilogy” by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is the final installment in this series, vividly portraying the tumultuous events of the time. The novel intricately weaves historical figures such as Nehru, Sardar Patel, Lord Mountbatten, and Hari Singh with fictional characters representing ordinary Kashmiri inhabitants. This blend of fact and fiction provides a comprehensive view of the era.
The valley is depicted as engulfed in terror, with its inhabitants driven by the urgency of escape and survival. Through the lens of fictional characters like Zooni, Margot, Kashmira, and Durga, who draw inspiration from real events, the narrative highlights the personal and often overlooked stories of courage and resilience, particularly among women.
Manreet’s extensive research shines through, offering deep insights into the personal facets of numerous historical figures and political dignitaries. The author’s ability to capture the allure of Kashmir amidst its geopolitical struggles provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the region’s history and contemporary issues.
While the rich historical detail and human perspective captivated me, I found it challenging to form a profound emotional bond with the characters. Despite this, the narrative is both eloquent and enlightening, making “Kashmir” a significant contribution to literature on one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history. The novel not only educates but also resonates on a deeply human level, offering a critical exploration of the decisions made during that period and their lasting impact on ordinary people.
“Kashmir: Book 3 of The Partition Trilogy” by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is the final installment in this series, vividly portraying the tumultuous events of the time. The novel intricately weaves historical figures such as Nehru, Sardar Patel, Lord Mountbatten, and Hari Singh with fictional characters representing ordinary Kashmiri inhabitants. This blend of fact and fiction provides a comprehensive view of the era.
The valley is depicted as engulfed in terror, with its inhabitants driven by the urgency of escape and survival. Through the lens of fictional characters like Zooni, Margot, Kashmira, and Durga, who draw inspiration from real events, the narrative highlights the personal and often overlooked stories of courage and resilience, particularly among women.
Manreet’s extensive research shines through, offering deep insights into the personal facets of numerous historical figures and political dignitaries. The author’s ability to capture the allure of Kashmir amidst its geopolitical struggles provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the region’s history and contemporary issues.
While the rich historical detail and human perspective captivated me, I found it challenging to form a profound emotional bond with the characters. Despite this, the narrative is both eloquent and enlightening, making “Kashmir” a significant contribution to literature on one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history. The novel not only educates but also resonates on a deeply human level, offering a critical exploration of the decisions made during that period and their lasting impact on ordinary people.
June 3, 2024
Partition” this word itself sends cold chills to my spine just thinking of the horrors of the incident that took place. All I could visualise was death, distress and pain all around. Kashmir is the first place in India that I remember whenever I remember that word. So even being the final part of the Trilogy I felt an urge to get this book first and I did. TBH I don’t know if any characters from the first or second part of the Trilogy had an appearance in this book but still I feel that it can be read as a standalone as well. This is one of my best reads of this year and I’m looking forward to reading the remaining two parts of the series as well.
As the blurb speaks best about the plot, everyone can feel the vibes and tense atmosphere by just reading the blurb and when we dive into it, it feels like we are living in those situations. With best narration and research author had written a book which makes us feel the nit and grit of India , Pakistan formations, Indo-Pak war,stories of the Maharaja of Kashmir, our first PM ,and Sardar Vallabhai Patel who stood strong in defending Kashmir and make it a part of India.
Amongst the devastating scenes of partition, war and unrest, the author didn't make us miss the beauty of Kashmir in her narrative, which was quite refreshing for me to picture Kashmir other than the devastating scene of partition. Every character of this book showed me the challenges faced by the people of that time and some scenes were quite heart wrenching that I couldn’t read for sometime and just think about it.
Kudos to the author for writing this masterpiece, a historical fiction that everyone must read. The writing style of the author was simple and beautiful enough so that beginners don't need any hesitation to pick up this book and go through the roller coaster ride of emotions into the scenes of a part of history that no one can forget.
I highly recommend this book to all my bookish friends to give this one a try for sure and I'm so excited to read the remaining two books of the Trilogy. Happy Reading…
As the blurb speaks best about the plot, everyone can feel the vibes and tense atmosphere by just reading the blurb and when we dive into it, it feels like we are living in those situations. With best narration and research author had written a book which makes us feel the nit and grit of India , Pakistan formations, Indo-Pak war,stories of the Maharaja of Kashmir, our first PM ,and Sardar Vallabhai Patel who stood strong in defending Kashmir and make it a part of India.
Amongst the devastating scenes of partition, war and unrest, the author didn't make us miss the beauty of Kashmir in her narrative, which was quite refreshing for me to picture Kashmir other than the devastating scene of partition. Every character of this book showed me the challenges faced by the people of that time and some scenes were quite heart wrenching that I couldn’t read for sometime and just think about it.
Kudos to the author for writing this masterpiece, a historical fiction that everyone must read. The writing style of the author was simple and beautiful enough so that beginners don't need any hesitation to pick up this book and go through the roller coaster ride of emotions into the scenes of a part of history that no one can forget.
I highly recommend this book to all my bookish friends to give this one a try for sure and I'm so excited to read the remaining two books of the Trilogy. Happy Reading…
June 5, 2024
"𝑯𝒖𝒎 𝑲𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒊 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒚𝒂𝒓!"
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🏔 "Kashmir" authored by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar, is the final novel from 'The Partition Trilogy' which sketches an accurate representation concerning this period of history within the Paradise on Earth, Kashmir. Considering the stronghold of Muslims around the vicinity, the plot delves around Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir, who encounters his own fate facing an impasse in 1947, riven among increasing coercion to join forces alongside Pakistan as well as aims towards sovereignty. While rebellious nomad traverse across the line causing wreckage, the Maharaja signals for India to render helping hands for the sake to facilitate Kashmir's integrating directly into India. The story line nurtures in response towards the Indo-Pakistani disagreement, that drastically changed the historical paths of both nations.
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🏔 This piece of work definitely qualifies as historical novella since it incorporates ancient fictitious parts. Author adeptly integrates the accounts regarding prominent figures including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, with the perspectives of common people consisting of Durga Mehra, Kashmira, and Zooni to portray an astounding personae of the obstacles endured by folks enmeshed with turmoil and segregation.
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🏔 Most notably, the narrative explores the manner in which the reigning monarch and also, thereafter, the administration, implemented policies that ultimately had a profound effect upon the inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley. With minimal digression beyond a fundamental notion, the writer's style of expression is concise and unambiguous in order.
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🏔 One more aspect which really stuck for me was how the author succeeded in conveying the exquisite scenery of Kashmir through her composing, although her work consisted of potent dialogues and an abundance of weight. Those ravines as described, seems summoning readers, and their aesthetic feels so magnificent making readers en route there. All things considered, I highly recommend reading this novel!!
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🏔 "Kashmir" authored by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar, is the final novel from 'The Partition Trilogy' which sketches an accurate representation concerning this period of history within the Paradise on Earth, Kashmir. Considering the stronghold of Muslims around the vicinity, the plot delves around Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir, who encounters his own fate facing an impasse in 1947, riven among increasing coercion to join forces alongside Pakistan as well as aims towards sovereignty. While rebellious nomad traverse across the line causing wreckage, the Maharaja signals for India to render helping hands for the sake to facilitate Kashmir's integrating directly into India. The story line nurtures in response towards the Indo-Pakistani disagreement, that drastically changed the historical paths of both nations.
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🏔 This piece of work definitely qualifies as historical novella since it incorporates ancient fictitious parts. Author adeptly integrates the accounts regarding prominent figures including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, with the perspectives of common people consisting of Durga Mehra, Kashmira, and Zooni to portray an astounding personae of the obstacles endured by folks enmeshed with turmoil and segregation.
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🏔 Most notably, the narrative explores the manner in which the reigning monarch and also, thereafter, the administration, implemented policies that ultimately had a profound effect upon the inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley. With minimal digression beyond a fundamental notion, the writer's style of expression is concise and unambiguous in order.
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🏔 One more aspect which really stuck for me was how the author succeeded in conveying the exquisite scenery of Kashmir through her composing, although her work consisted of potent dialogues and an abundance of weight. Those ravines as described, seems summoning readers, and their aesthetic feels so magnificent making readers en route there. All things considered, I highly recommend reading this novel!!
May 7, 2024
"Malik would never forget how the women had eyed him when he walked in with Akbar and was introduced by Abdul Aziz as their camp commander. In the dim light of the kerosene lamp, the women, gaunt, lifeless, appeared like skeletons in rags."
Kashmir is the third book in the Partition trilogy by the author. India's partition is now final. But out of all the princely states which are granted the freedom to decide the side they would choose, Kashmir is the most crucial one. The government of both sides are trying their best to include kashmir in their country's map. But would this happen peacefully?
Indo Pak war has officially started. When there is a war, the one suffering are it's citizens. This book depicts exactly this emotion with stories we might have heard so many times, yet we can never really understand. Houses are on fire, people are burning and the one suffering the most is the common man. But the main question here is who is taking revenge on whom? Riots affect everyone, no matter the religion. There is a character in this book who tells that one of the family member is killed by supporters of one side whereas another family member is killed by another side. So whom should they actually trust?
Along with the story, the readers will be emotionally invested in the characters as well. Specially, Zooni. Character development is something which I enjoy a little too much. Hence the story of Zooni was the focal point of this book for me. Other than her, I was intrigued by the characters of Durga Mehra, American journalist Margot Parr and Malik. The central politics and the action of war was aptly depicted too.
This book is thoroughly researched. Hence, it'll definitely invoke some emotions in the readers' hearts. Beautifully written and engrossing as well, it definitely struck a chord. The series is a must read for all the book lovers. A highly recommended book for every Bibliophile!
Kashmir is the third book in the Partition trilogy by the author. India's partition is now final. But out of all the princely states which are granted the freedom to decide the side they would choose, Kashmir is the most crucial one. The government of both sides are trying their best to include kashmir in their country's map. But would this happen peacefully?
Indo Pak war has officially started. When there is a war, the one suffering are it's citizens. This book depicts exactly this emotion with stories we might have heard so many times, yet we can never really understand. Houses are on fire, people are burning and the one suffering the most is the common man. But the main question here is who is taking revenge on whom? Riots affect everyone, no matter the religion. There is a character in this book who tells that one of the family member is killed by supporters of one side whereas another family member is killed by another side. So whom should they actually trust?
Along with the story, the readers will be emotionally invested in the characters as well. Specially, Zooni. Character development is something which I enjoy a little too much. Hence the story of Zooni was the focal point of this book for me. Other than her, I was intrigued by the characters of Durga Mehra, American journalist Margot Parr and Malik. The central politics and the action of war was aptly depicted too.
This book is thoroughly researched. Hence, it'll definitely invoke some emotions in the readers' hearts. Beautifully written and engrossing as well, it definitely struck a chord. The series is a must read for all the book lovers. A highly recommended book for every Bibliophile!
May 2, 2024
This is the third book in the partition trilogy which covers the events leading up to the partition. The book covers how certain decisions and reforms are affecting the commoners. The book starts with Maharaja Hari Singh discussing Kashmir's future which sets the tone for the book. He is in a dilemma as he wants independence but a dark cloud is over him to join Pakistan. What I loved about the book is that we not only follow the story from the perspective of the reformers but the story is also narrated from the perspective of the villagers and commoners who are trying to survive and live their lives in Kashmir. We are alternating between these two angles where whatever decisions are made by the kings and rulers, we see the effect on the people living in Kashmir. When I was reading the book, I could see the fear that was still there even though India was free from Colonial rule.
Coming to world-building, through her writing style Kashmir was brought to life. Through the daily routines of the people, we learn about their culture, how they live, certain words used while they speak, etc. The author has researched very well because her writing style transported me to the post-independence period. There are commoners such as Masud Ahmed who has two wives, Koko Jan and Zooni. Through Masud's character, the male dominance in the household has been captured. Coming to the female characters, they are based on real personalities who were a part of this period and fought for the people. For example, Zooni is actually Zuni Gujjari who stood against Dogra rule and fought in the Kashmir war. Even though these women are suffering but they are still resilient.
We also see the personal side of the freedom fighters and rulers, which was grounding and made us realise that they were normal human beings too. There are some scenes in the book that are hard to read as the children and other people are attacked and killed. It was very heartbreaking that many people lost their lives and how ruthless the killers were. Personally, it was important for me to read this book and it is definitely an emotional rollercoaster that tells the tale of the events that occurred after the independence in Kashmir. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and the rest of the series!
Coming to world-building, through her writing style Kashmir was brought to life. Through the daily routines of the people, we learn about their culture, how they live, certain words used while they speak, etc. The author has researched very well because her writing style transported me to the post-independence period. There are commoners such as Masud Ahmed who has two wives, Koko Jan and Zooni. Through Masud's character, the male dominance in the household has been captured. Coming to the female characters, they are based on real personalities who were a part of this period and fought for the people. For example, Zooni is actually Zuni Gujjari who stood against Dogra rule and fought in the Kashmir war. Even though these women are suffering but they are still resilient.
We also see the personal side of the freedom fighters and rulers, which was grounding and made us realise that they were normal human beings too. There are some scenes in the book that are hard to read as the children and other people are attacked and killed. It was very heartbreaking that many people lost their lives and how ruthless the killers were. Personally, it was important for me to read this book and it is definitely an emotional rollercoaster that tells the tale of the events that occurred after the independence in Kashmir. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and the rest of the series!
May 30, 2024
This book is the thrilling finale of the Partition trilogy. As the name suggests, it is a heavenly tale that takes us to the astonishing valley of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a book that is woven together with the historical events along with a beautiful narrative and the power of resilience through it all. When just a few months were left for the Independence and both India and Pakistan were in a tense face-off over Kashmir, once a breathtaking place became a battleground. Faced with this situation Maharaja Hari Singh was caught between loyalties and lacking political resources.
A lot happens in these situations between the various conflicts, perspectives, themes, and lessons. Many characters feel alive in the story with memories, unexpected turns and a deep understanding of their pain and suffering which knew no bounds. This book talks about the ordinary people who were forced to see the extraordinary circumstances with a struggle for survival in the war zone. It has lessons from history most of which are still unknowns and are moving in through generations.
The author’s writing style is very candid and impactful. You get to read a narrative that is neutral and doesn't take any particular sides which presents the struggle as it is and makes us feel a bit of everything that you read had happened. It takes us on a journey through the brutality of war and the beauty of Kashmir, the Power of resilience, humanity and chaos, and hopes hidden within fears of life.
It is well-researched and informative with a lot of exploration that’s usually overlooked and covers the impact of such events on diverse lives therefore, if you are someone who wants to know about our history with an honest portrayal of challenges that will keep you compelled and hooked till the very end.
June 7, 2024
Kashmir" is a gripping Tale of War, Independence, and Human Resilience. This last part in the Partition Trilogy, depicts the disturbing events surrounding the attainment of this royal state into India during the partition of 1947.
With the anxieties and despondency for the aspirations of freedom hovering in the mind of people, the novel pictures compelling characters who were caught in this crossfire of history.
Maharaja Hari Singh, a visionary ruler, dreams of a peaceful and independent Kashmir, while popular leader Sheikh Abdullah advocates for Kashmiri self-determination. Amidst the political turmoil, the brutal invasion by Pakistani tribesmen, known as kabailis, unleashes chaos and terror upon the region.
Characters like Durga Mehra, a young widow who flees the horrors of the invasion to Srinagar, where she encounters Zooni, another refugee desperately seeking passage home and Kashmira, a newly widowed mother, grapples with survival of her children
as food becomes scarce due tough conditions. Besides this there is also an American journalist Margot Parr who is witnessing the unfolding tragedy firsthand.
With the Maharaja reluctantly signing the accession to India, the first Indo-Pak war erupts, forever changing the destiny of the subcontinent. Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis, while Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley. Lives are torn apart as the region becomes a battleground for two newly independent nations.
"Kashmir" is a well-researched and gripping historical novel that sheds light on a critical chapter in the history of India and Pakistan and is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, political thrillers, and anyone interested in the complexities of Indian history.
With the anxieties and despondency for the aspirations of freedom hovering in the mind of people, the novel pictures compelling characters who were caught in this crossfire of history.
Maharaja Hari Singh, a visionary ruler, dreams of a peaceful and independent Kashmir, while popular leader Sheikh Abdullah advocates for Kashmiri self-determination. Amidst the political turmoil, the brutal invasion by Pakistani tribesmen, known as kabailis, unleashes chaos and terror upon the region.
Characters like Durga Mehra, a young widow who flees the horrors of the invasion to Srinagar, where she encounters Zooni, another refugee desperately seeking passage home and Kashmira, a newly widowed mother, grapples with survival of her children
as food becomes scarce due tough conditions. Besides this there is also an American journalist Margot Parr who is witnessing the unfolding tragedy firsthand.
With the Maharaja reluctantly signing the accession to India, the first Indo-Pak war erupts, forever changing the destiny of the subcontinent. Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army races to aid the kabailis, while Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel dispatch the Indian Army to defend the Valley. Lives are torn apart as the region becomes a battleground for two newly independent nations.
"Kashmir" is a well-researched and gripping historical novel that sheds light on a critical chapter in the history of India and Pakistan and is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, political thrillers, and anyone interested in the complexities of Indian history.
May 6, 2024
Partition books hold sacred place in my heart. Being a Punjabi, it is a part of our identity. Therefore I know much about the socio-political conditions of Panjab, but not kashmir.
As soon as I opened the book, I was transported to the valleys of Kashmir via beautiful description by the author, "Earth dressed as a bride" 🤌🏻
As I moved further, I realised it's not like other books that are mostly accounts of social atrocities and it's impact.
Kashmir offers us with historical, political and social events and consequences of Partition. I felt as if all the names from my history book came to life. The author must have researched thoroughly because the book mentions all important political decisions and treaties. The book begins with Maharaja Hari Singh worrying about Kashmir's future. It narrates the chain of events that ultimately lead to Kashmir becoming a part of India. Moreover, the social life is shown through the journey of Zooni.
That's my favourite thing about this book: Zooni. From being a second wife and staying voiceless to becoming empowered and fighting a war. The book beautifully tells the story of countless women who suffered and survived Partition. Not all of them went to war, but they did fight each day and paid the price of a political decision. Zooni's story highlights how women rebuilt their homes as well comunity after losing their 'Home' during Partition.
What's cherry on top?
• Map
• Cast of Characters
• For me, the little parts of my heritage that I found inbetween the pages of this book. Like: Urdu-punjabi (language spoken by my Grandparents) and mention of Panjiri laddoos(pinni) ❤️
It's always the tiny details that make fiction feel real.
So, if you too love reading about pre and post Partition Era, pick this book asap!
As soon as I opened the book, I was transported to the valleys of Kashmir via beautiful description by the author, "Earth dressed as a bride" 🤌🏻
As I moved further, I realised it's not like other books that are mostly accounts of social atrocities and it's impact.
Kashmir offers us with historical, political and social events and consequences of Partition. I felt as if all the names from my history book came to life. The author must have researched thoroughly because the book mentions all important political decisions and treaties. The book begins with Maharaja Hari Singh worrying about Kashmir's future. It narrates the chain of events that ultimately lead to Kashmir becoming a part of India. Moreover, the social life is shown through the journey of Zooni.
That's my favourite thing about this book: Zooni. From being a second wife and staying voiceless to becoming empowered and fighting a war. The book beautifully tells the story of countless women who suffered and survived Partition. Not all of them went to war, but they did fight each day and paid the price of a political decision. Zooni's story highlights how women rebuilt their homes as well comunity after losing their 'Home' during Partition.
What's cherry on top?
• Map
• Cast of Characters
• For me, the little parts of my heritage that I found inbetween the pages of this book. Like: Urdu-punjabi (language spoken by my Grandparents) and mention of Panjiri laddoos(pinni) ❤️
It's always the tiny details that make fiction feel real.
So, if you too love reading about pre and post Partition Era, pick this book asap!
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