Loal Kashmir: Love and Longing in a Torn Land

by Mehak Jamal

A rare collection of stories of love, longing and loss from a region that has witnessed decades of conflict, Loal Kashmir seeks to answer the what happens when you cannot communicate your longing to your beloved?

Loal, the Kashmiri word for love and affection, is the common thread running through all sixteen of these true-life Javed, on his way to show off his love letter to a friend, gets caught in a crackdown; newlywed Zara waits to be reunited with her husband in America, her visa application flagged indefinitely; Sagar and Aalmeen plan moments of stolen time during the uncertainty of militancy; Nadiya looks for Shahid from her window, coughing as caustic fumes of tear gas seep in; Khawar and Iqra struggle to reach each other when the abrogation of Article 370 leads to a shutdown across Kashmir.

While the waves of discord in the Valley have been cemented in history, what has been rendered invisible are the lived experiences of its inhabitants. Loal Kashmir, by gathering the tenderest of Kashmir's tales--its accounts of love--attempts correcting this lapse.

Genres: Short Stories, India, Audiobook

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

About the author

Mehak Jamal is a filmmaker and writer. She was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir, and has always wanted to tell stories from her homeland. Mehak likes to subvert stereotypes and explore shades of grey through the stories she tells, be it in film or books.

Mehak is a 2022 South Asia Speaks Fellow, awarded to outstanding emerging writers from the region. Her film Bad Egg premiered at the 19th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart and won the Audience Award. It went on to screen and win awards at multiple film festivals all over the world including Melbourne, Madrid, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Kerala and Dharamshala, etc.

'Lōal Kashmir - Love and Longing in a Torn Land' is her first book. It was published by 4th Estate, an imprint of HarperCollins India in January, 2025. Lōal Kashmir is a rare collection of sixteen real-life stories of love, longing and loss from Kashmir, a region that has witnessed decades of conflict.

Mehak is a film alumna of Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore.

Reviews

[Prachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books you read, and then there are books you feel. Loal Kashmir by Mehak Jamal is one of those rare, powerful reads that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. This is not fiction. This is real. Every story in this book is based on true events, true people, and true emotions—making it even more intimate and unforgettable.

The book is a collection of sixteen deeply personal, non-fiction stories that revolve around love in its many forms—romantic, familial, platonic—all set in the emotionally and politically charged backdrop of Kashmir. The stories span across three timelines: the early 1990s, the post-2008 period, and the time after the abrogation of Article 370. Through these stories, we glimpse the everyday lives of people navigating not only love, but loss, curfews, communication blackouts, and a sense of constant uncertainty. Each narrative captures how ordinary people cling to extraordinary hope amidst conflict, and how even in silence and separation, love can endure.

It took me almost 12 days to finish reading it. Not because it was hard to get through in terms of language or style, but because it demanded to be felt, understood, and lived with. You don’t just read Loal Kashmir, you experience it. It’s the kind of book you devour slowly, letting each story sink into your soul.

This book is a tapestry of love, pain, hope, persistency, resilience, patience… and honestly, the list is endless. Each story offered something so raw and deeply human. Some spoke of love that overcame all odds, that bloomed even in the shadows of conflict. Others showed love in its most heartbreaking, brutal form—love that was lost, paused, or tested by circumstances no one should ever have to endure. It broke my heart and healed it at the same time.

What struck me most is how quietly powerful each narrative was. No dramatics, no embellishments—just pure, honest storytelling that reflects the everyday heroism of people living in a place constantly marked by unrest. The way Mehak Jamal wove these stories together with empathy and grace is remarkable. She brings forth voices that are too often silenced or overlooked, and she does so with immense respect and compassion.

My heart went out to every person whose story was told in these pages. Their strength, their quiet courage, and their unshakable capacity to love despite everything—they humbled me.

My heart goes out to all those—Kashmiri or not—who have had to, and still continue to, endure such hardships. May their stories be heard, held, and honored.

I’m so glad I chose this book. It turned out to be one of the most touching, soul-stirring books I’ve read in a long time. I totally loved this book. It reminded me that even in the darkest places, love still finds a way.

[Furqan Reshie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the stories are touching, the book feels one dimensional. It focuses too much on romance and misses out on important relationships like family, friends, and community. This makes the theme of loal feel limited. “Mai ous choun loal aamut”

At the same time I appreciate the writer for picking up topics that would be seen taboo in Kashmir.

[Nix · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was lovely hearing stories about Kashmiris and how hartaals and other political situations have upended life in the region. These are stories rarely heard. However, the writing itself was one-dimensional. It was written chronologically with time stamps and dates in each short story, which was not always necessary. Jamal could have used literary devices to develop each story and allow the reader to create the world in their head.

[J.Sujata · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories in 'Loal Kashmir' by Mehak Jamal are based on real life events in the lives of ordinary Kashmiris in the midst of all the hartals, lockdowns, clampdown on telephonic and internet communications. How they handle their lives in such uncertain and hopeless situations is the crux of the book.
But saturation set in when it got repetitive beyond a point; so much so that my empathy began to wane by the end of the book. It deals mostly with the young - school and college students, romantic couples, etc. It must be very depressing indeed but full marks for their resilience. The book needs to be read if only to realise how tough life must be in the absence of so many things we take for granted in this age, not least of which are our mobiles and internet connectivity.

[Snail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special book with beautiful stories that tug at your heartstrings. Mehak Jamal has written every line in this book with such careful thought. Every character, their experiences, and the emotions they felt, I felt it resonating within me. This is one of those special books that always stays with you, reminds you the importance of kindness and love. It offers you a new and more personal perspective of the people in the valley and how they have been living through the various tumultuous and distressing periods, their normal which is so isolating and hard to fathom as an outsider. Truly, a memorable read.

[Kartik Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixteen stories of love, longing and resilience in Kashmir—tender, heartfelt and usually heartbreaking, as love stories go, but also at their centre brimming with courage and revolution-resistance. Love is indeed more powerful than whatever-is-the-opposite of it, and this important book is as much as the former as it is about the latter.

[Indrani Dey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While waiting in a long queue, I finished Loal Kashmir—an exceptional debut by Mehak Jamal. The 16 true-life narratives echo with resilience, patience, and unwavering faith in love during times of complete communication blackout.

It made me pause and reflect on how easily we take life’s little privileges for granted—a glance, a voice, a phone call. The calls we delay can suddenly become impossible. So pick up your phone and say what’s in your heart, however small it may seem.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for stories of love, longing, and wants to understand the lived reality of people in conflict zones. Moving, honest, and deeply human.

[Adrija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost all the stories felt the same. The author writes very clinically and the book lacks depth. Also, the colloquial language used like "What a pappu" and "chaddi buddies" takes away what little substance the stories had. I'm massively disappointed.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I closed the cover of "Loal Kashmir: Love and Longing in a Torn Land", I felt a lump in my throat. This book is a collection of stories that will break your heart, but also fill you with hope and resilience.

Mehak Jamal's writing is like a warm hug on a cold winter's day. It's comforting, yet it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in Kashmir. Through these 16 stories, we get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who are struggling to find love, happiness, and normalcy in a region torn apart by conflict.

What struck me most about this book is the way it humanizes the people of Kashmir. We're so used to seeing headlines about violence and militancy that we forget there are real people living there, with real hopes and dreams. Mehak's stories put a face to these statistics, and remind us that love and longing are universal languages that transcend borders and conflict.

Each story is a masterpiece in its own right. From Javed's love letter to Zara's wait for her husband, from Sagar and Aalmeen's stolen moments to Nadiya's search for Shahid, each tale is a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.

What I loved most about this book is how it shows the human side of life in Kashmir. It's not just about the conflict and the struggles, but also about the people and their stories. It's a reminder that even in tough times, there's always hope and always love.

If you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and make you think, then "Loal Kashmir" is a great choice. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Kashmir and its people. If you liked books like "The Kite Runner" or "The Namesake", you might enjoy this one. You might also want to check out other books that explore similar themes, like "The Bestseller She Wrote" or "The Space Between Us".

[Gurpreet Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lōal Kashmir(2025) by Mehak Jamal
It is a collection of 16 stories of love and longing in the torn land of Kashmir. The book is divided into three sections namely Ōtrü: Day before yesterday, covering the stories of early nineties; Rāth:Yesterday, covering the stories of early 2000’s and Az: Today, focusing on stories related to abrogation of Article 370. The stories are mostly romantic and few are of friendly and platonic love. All the stories focus on love and longing in period of incommunicado. It is a good one time read.

[Dyuthi · Rating 2 out of 5]

These are important stories, but the actual storytelling is so bland I barely made it through. What should have been a couple days' read took me months. There's a lot of passive storytelling; telling rather than showing, without trying to create curiosity in the reader. It was a slog. I wish I had borrowed this book instead of having jumped the gun to buy it.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Is It Love If It Can't Scream From Rooftops?-
Review of 'Loal Kashmir'

Quote Alert
'𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧?'

A trifecta of themes run through Loal Kashmir- The first two are obvious, love and kashmir, but the third one is peculiar as the people from the conflicted zones all over the world must be aware of: the hurdles, the commas the lovers have to endure. These commas may be in form of fracture of daily commute (when lovers share a same school or office) or in the form of internet shutdown.

Love threads through these stories: all kinds of love. Love for your beloved, love of a mother, love for one's soil, love for the words you speak when you talk to someone who's known you since school, love for better times, love for times gone by, love for everything Kashmiri. Love is the spine that supports and helps this anthology stand tall.

A rare collection of stories of love, longing and loss from a region that has witnessed decades of conflict, Loal Kashmir seeks to answer the question: what happens when you cannot communicate your longing to your beloved?

Loal is the Kashmiri word for love and affection. It weaves 16 of these stories that are inspired from real lives, waving through them, binding them in a collective embrace. A boy who gets apprehended by armymen is carrying a love letter, a newly wed bride in USA is waiting to meet her husband, lovers wait while internet is shut down during the abrogation of Article 370. Jemal says that her initial goal was to preserve memory, but later she thought it was better to preserve some of the history of the land too.

Loved these lines-
"Then he said the one line that Beena would remember forever;a line that she cherished and that still gives her goosebumps; a line she remembered during those days of uncertainty leading up to the wedding. It's the line she tweeted before the Wi-Fi got cut, and the line that she saw, weeks later, had been retweeted hundreds of times and had even been featured in a Buzzfeed article.
Sakib said in a soft voice, 'I will walk to you if I have to.'"

In one word, Loal Kashmir is fascinating.

[_booksagsm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mehak Jamal’s Loal Kashmir: Love and Longing in a Torn Land is a quiet yet powerful collection of sixteen true-life stories that reframe how we understand Kashmir. Instead of focusing on the usual narratives of conflict and militancy, the book centers on love—tender, complicated, and persistent—told through the lived experiences of people navigating daily life in a region shaped by unrest. By using “Loal,” the Kashmiri word for love, as the central thread, Jamal highlights how even in places fractured by violence, the human need for connection endures.

The stories unfold against a backdrop of curfews, crackdowns, communication blackouts, and political uncertainty, particularly in the wake of Article 370’s abrogation. But Jamal deliberately keeps politics at the edges, using it instead as the harsh setting in which ordinary people try to hold on to something as simple as a conversation or a meeting. Whether it’s a boy detained while carrying a love letter, or lovers separated by an internet shutdown, each narrative shows how personal relationships are disrupted by forces beyond their control. Yet, instead of despair, what shines through is emotional strength and the will to keep loving.

What makes Loal Kashmir exceptional is its ability to humanize a region so often reduced to headlines. It asks readers to think about what it means to love in a place where even a phone call can become impossible. Jamal offers no sweeping solutions—just deeply personal moments that stay with you. This book doesn’t demand pity; it demands empathy. And in doing so, it quietly reclaims space for stories that deserve to be heard.

[Sharimila K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loal Kashmir by Mehak Jamal is a heartbreaking debut novel. It explores the complex politics of Kashmir to show the intricate emotion and value love had in Kashmir. Despite being set in a conflict-filled environment, the the author has made priority to depict the human connections, personal stories, and the strength of those involved. Taking this book for the February book of the month in our club is the best decision.

Loal Kashmir demonstrates how love can be a source of fortitude in the face of adversity. In spite of physical and emotional distance as well as unfavorable circumstances, the characters' connections make love in the book seem nearly divine. This love is not romantic; rather, it is a connection that is stronger than blood and a sense of acceptance that cannot be diminished by dispute.

Loal Kashmir is a masterpiece for anyone who enjoys reading deep emotions and is an ardent follower of contemporary issues. This book is not only limited to covering Kashmir; it deeply targets humans, memories, and the undying breath of life for those who still dare to dream amidst the depths of despair.

I am glad for having read such a masterpiece and I am more than thankful for Mehak Jamal to bring such love to us in this era of fast forward and fast food life style period.

[Shefali Tripathi Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

​I read one and a half stories and found nothing particularly remarkable (which raises the question of why the author/editor/publisher would not feature the best at the beginning, as is customary in anthologies). However, as I continued reading, I became thoroughly engrossed, to the point where I could not set the book down. The narratives of young lovers in a region torn by conflict, insurgency, and human rights violations are moving and at times, heartbreaking. I found myself in tears many times, and wept on reading the poignant account of a flight attendant living far from her home in Kashmir, longing for news, the sound of the voice of her dear ones. While the title emphasizes ‘love and longing’ in Kashmir, the everyday struggles faced by the common Kashmiri, whether in the valley or elsewhere, are woven deftly into the narrative and stand out with remarkable intensity for the world to read and know.

Harper Collins India has redeemed itself a little by not unleashing another poorly edited book upon unsuspecting readers, especially after their dismal editing of another equally important book of our times, which I think is also a huge disservice to the author and the reading community.

[Deepa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely collection of 16 short stories (all non-fiction and changed names) from the land of Kashmir. And all the stories have one common element- Love- in different forms- among friends, family and the romantic love.

These are the stories of ordinary people who navigate life amidst curfews, communication blackouts, and political turmoil. It is a moving, non-violent journey into the innocent and resilient hearts of Kashmir. Spanning from the 1990s through the abrogation of Article 370, the book showcases a people who yearn for normalcy, happiness, and enduring love

Told with calm, natural storytelling and no theatrics, this collection is an inspiring testament to the human spirit. It reveals how the people of Kashmir cling to hope and resilience through silence, separation, and uncertainty. However, I must admit that after a few chapters, the stories got a bit repetitive – the abrogation of the article and the immediate black out of the communication and the curfew imposed. Yes, I agree it is new to me and possible that’s why I felt it was saturating.

[Moazzam Mattu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loal Kashmir is a collection of short stories centered on young people navigating life amid Kashmir’s decades of conflict, marked by wars, hartals, and floods. The book is well-researched and thoughtfully written, with Mehak Jamal delivering a commendable piece of work. The stories are divided into three sections, spanning the turbulent 1990s to the period between 2010 and 2016, capturing the profound changes Kashmir has witnessed over these decades.

Although love and longing are not typically my preferred themes, listening to the audiobook allowed me to appreciate the depth of human emotions explored here. The book beautifully portrays how love and longing transcend religion, culture, and politics.

I’d rate this book 3.5/5. While the writing is strong and evocative, some stories felt somewhat similar, and I was hoping for a bit more diversity in themes and narratives.

[Prerona Sanyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today’s age, and especially now, a few days after the Pahalgam attack, it is more important than ever to look at Kashmir and its people as human, as living, breathing, entities that have faced brutalities beyond our imagination. We have grown up to look at Kashmir with either fear, or hatred, or Bollywood-tinted aesthetics, or a combination of some or all of them. This is a very critical piece to help each of us see that Kashmir and its people are as different from us because of their brutal circumstances and as alike as us because of the emotions and feelings that are common to all of humanity.

[Surabhi Jamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loal Kashmir by Mehak Jamal is a powerful collection of true-life narratives that delve into the themes of love, longing, and loss in the Kashmir Valley. Through tender, personal stories, the book offers a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of a region ravaged by conflict, yet resilient in its pursuit of human connection. By focusing on intimate tales of affection, it highlights the universal power of love and the enduring human spirit amid adversity. A must-read for all.

[Kanishka Deo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how Mehak has used love as a tool of resistance to tell these real and powerful love stories from Kashmir. We have heard about the abrogation of Kashmir, the hartals, the curfews, the militancy and the over militarisation of the state but to see it through the lens of these stories binds you in empathy. You can’t look at news from Kashmir in the same manner after this. I’m glad I got to read this.

[Shyamolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mehak Jamal brings us an evocative collection of lived experiences of the people of Kashmir. A region marked by turbulence and conflict and yet a people resilient, courageous, and full of strength, hopefulness an ultimately brimming with love. Immersive and beautifully crafted stories of optimism and hope, that are a slice of life from Kashmir amidst a political landscape that otherwise is heartbreaking. A must read.

[Vaishali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a rare and beautiful read. Lovingly curated love stories from Kashmir, and perspectives that we never ever hear about, about the real lives of people living in one of the most militarised regions of the world. As an Indian it's eye opening to read such books and realise how little we know about the lives of Kashmiris and the intense suffering and trauma they are made to go through, and how they find and express love amidst it all. I will be gifting copies to friends!

[Tanushri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lōal Kashmir is my first 5 star book for the year 2025. Based on real life experiences and stories of love, it successfully evokes the spirit of love and loss while narrating some truly beautiful stories.

[Naveed Qazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loal Kashmir is a non fiction book full of comprehensive character development. It not only has talked about some unwritten social dynamics, but also shown tension, conflict, yearnings, and uncertainty through love stories which is the primary motif. A unique concept that deserves a mention. Politically, it has depicted a time in Kashmir mostly around post Article 370 abrogation. Not only that, it is a book to be savoured for its details as well as some vivid descriptions. A welcome addition.

[Toiba Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have allowed this book to bits and pieces. The way it reminded me of the communication blockade in 2019. The way I have resonated with this book the characters. The feels the way it reminded me of the trauma it made me smile. It made me cry, it had everything in it.

[DarkAng3L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that truly warms the heart.
It is about survival during a tough time, unheard stories of common people yet it is truly inspiring !

I look forward to more books by this author :)

This is indeed a must read !

[Nayanika Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful ❤️

[Zeerak J.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I liked the use of Kashmiri words in the book, made it more special. The love stories were amazing and the storytelling even better.

[Shanker Raman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book of the year.

[Ishika Khurana · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so incredibly beautiful ⭐️