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Valtoha
VALTOHA is an epistolary non-fictional narrative about a boy's search for his grandfather and a man's search for his roots. It begins with an unusual practice of writing to the dead and then the actual search for his grandfather's village. Armed with only a post office address from a letter between brothers, the writer and his family set off for India to find out more about their past. They meet several characters and encounters as they retrace his steps from a farming village in Punjab to his eventual arrival in Singapore.
While the story is mostly an immigrant's one, themes of family, manhood and secrecy are explored as well. The book is a simultaneous journey of progression and regression, an account of learning histories as well as self-discovery. Complete with pictures and documents, VALTOHA shows how much can be unearthed once the choice is made to start digging.
While the story is mostly an immigrant's one, themes of family, manhood and secrecy are explored as well. The book is a simultaneous journey of progression and regression, an account of learning histories as well as self-discovery. Complete with pictures and documents, VALTOHA shows how much can be unearthed once the choice is made to start digging.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 21, 2024
Valtoha, by Hamant Singh, is a poignant and contemplative journey into the past, offering a narrative rich in family history and human growth. The story begins with Singh's quest to uncover the history of his grandfather, Singara Singh Valtoha, who tragically passed away when Singh's father was still a child. This exploration takes him from the bustling streets of Singapore to the small town of Valtoha in India, weaving a tapestry that examines identity, memory, and legacy.
Singh introduces a deeply personal touch through his grandfather's heartfelt and direct letters. These letters serve as a bridge across time, allowing readers to engage in a generational dialogue. Through them, Singh’s emotions and thoughts are powerfully conveyed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The novel is characterized by its rich sensory details and cultural references, painting vivid images of the diverse emotional and physical landscapes Singh traverses. His keen attention to detail and poetic descriptive passages vividly capture the essence of each location, from the dynamic streets of Singapore to the tranquil town of Valtoha, immersing readers in these environments.
The conclusion of Valtoha is both tragic and enlightening. The discovery of newspaper articles about his grandfather's death brings Singh’s quest to a bittersweet end. Singh handles the irony and tragedy of his grandfather's passing with sensitivity, highlighting its profound impact on the surviving family members and adding a layer of moving insight to the narrative.
Far from being a mere biography, this book is a celebration of resilience, family, and the enduring power of storytelling. Singh's expressive and passionate prose offers a vivid portrayal of his grandfather's life and legacy, resonating with anyone who has felt the pull of their roots or a desire to reconnect with their heritage. A notable stylistic feature of Singh’s writing is his introspective tone. He frequently pauses to reflect on the broader implications of his discoveries, offering philosophical musings on identity, memory, and legacy. This reflective approach deepens readers' connection to the story, encouraging them to consider their own cultural heritage and familial bonds.
Valtoha stands as a touching tribute to family history and the exploration of personal identity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
Singh introduces a deeply personal touch through his grandfather's heartfelt and direct letters. These letters serve as a bridge across time, allowing readers to engage in a generational dialogue. Through them, Singh’s emotions and thoughts are powerfully conveyed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The novel is characterized by its rich sensory details and cultural references, painting vivid images of the diverse emotional and physical landscapes Singh traverses. His keen attention to detail and poetic descriptive passages vividly capture the essence of each location, from the dynamic streets of Singapore to the tranquil town of Valtoha, immersing readers in these environments.
The conclusion of Valtoha is both tragic and enlightening. The discovery of newspaper articles about his grandfather's death brings Singh’s quest to a bittersweet end. Singh handles the irony and tragedy of his grandfather's passing with sensitivity, highlighting its profound impact on the surviving family members and adding a layer of moving insight to the narrative.
Far from being a mere biography, this book is a celebration of resilience, family, and the enduring power of storytelling. Singh's expressive and passionate prose offers a vivid portrayal of his grandfather's life and legacy, resonating with anyone who has felt the pull of their roots or a desire to reconnect with their heritage. A notable stylistic feature of Singh’s writing is his introspective tone. He frequently pauses to reflect on the broader implications of his discoveries, offering philosophical musings on identity, memory, and legacy. This reflective approach deepens readers' connection to the story, encouraging them to consider their own cultural heritage and familial bonds.
Valtoha stands as a touching tribute to family history and the exploration of personal identity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
Displaying 1 of 1 review