At its heart is Satpreet, an Indian athlete who faces fierce backlash after publicly thanking his Pakistani coach—a man who had shot his father during the 1965 war but later found remorse and redemption through training him. This coach, once a soldier, seeks to atone for his actions by turning Satpreet into a world-class athlete, giving him both skill and a new understanding of humanity. The book highlights the struggle between personal vendettas and the desire for reconciliation, exploring how a single act of forgiveness can challenge deeply entrenched prejudice. Through Satpreet’s journey, the story urges readers to reconsider perspectives on justice, remorse, and the complex layers that shape human relationships across borders.
This book intricately weaves the story of Satpreet, an Indian athlete, whose remarkable journey intertwines with that of a Pakistani coach, a man whose past as a soldier is laden with both scars and burdens. Their unexpected friendship becomes the heart of the narrative, offering a poignant exploration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection. The author's masterful use of descriptive language enriches the story, bringing every scene to life with vivid detail, while maintaining a delicate balance that ensures the prose never overwhelms the unfolding narrative. The emotional depth of Satpreet's unwavering determination and the coach's painful yet redemptive path is portrayed with sensitivity and grace, each moment adding another layer to their complex relationship. What truly elevates the story is its exploration of the transformative power of kindness. One seemingly simple act, born from empathy and understanding, serves as the catalyst for uniting two people who, on the surface, appear to be worlds apart. Through this, the author illustrates how the human spirit can transcend the boundaries of nationality, history, and trauma, creating a bridge where there was once division, and changing lives in ways that resonate far beyond the pages of the book. I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this extraordinary journey, filled with hope and the promise of even greater revelations in Part II.
This book evokes the emotions that make you think about many things. The amount of research done in this book can be seen throughout this book. Two hockey players who are friends but are separated by the border. This book goes to and fro, between present and past, past showing those two friends. The emotional journey, the struggle and the efforts, all the details are given to the point. I liked how it was described and the way it ended in a cliffhanger, I can't wait for the next book. The suspense elements inside the book were great too which kept me hooked.
'Scaling The Wall - Part 1' by Vibhor Bijoy is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that navigates themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships shaped by history. Vibhor Bijoy crafts an emotionally charged narrative centered around Satpreet, an Indian athlete whose decision to acknowledge his Pakistani coach - once a soldier who killed his father - sets off a storm of controversy.
The book's strength lies in it's nuanced exploration of personal and nationalistic conflicts. Satpreet's journey is not just one of athletic excellence but also of moral introspection, as he struggles between the pain of his past and the unexpected mentorship of a man seeking redemption. The coach, whose remorse leads him to mold Satpreet into a world - class athlete, represents a powerful portrayal of atonement. Their evolving relationship challenges the rigid notions of enemy and ally, compelling readers to reflect on how history shapes personal biases.
Bijoy's writing is both poignant and evocative, making the emotional turmoil of the characters feel real and immersive. The tension between personal vendettas and the broader societal expectations is palpable throughout the novel, allowing readers to grapple with the weight of generational trauma and the courage it takes to break free from it.
The story also serves as a commentary on the nature of public perception and media scrutiny, as Satpreet faced backlash for his gratitude. This aspect of the book makes it timely and relevant, especially in an era where reconciliation is often met with skepticism.
"Scaling The Wall - Part 1" is a compelling read that goes beyond sports and politics to touch upon the fundamental aspects of human nature. It is a book that lingers, in the mind long after the last page urging readers to question their own perspectives on justice, forgiveness, and the power of second chances.
This novel beautifully weaves together themes of patriotism, partition days, India–Pak relationship, religious violence, politics, justice, remorse, sportsmanship, human bonds, and above all, the healing power of forgiveness.
The story revolves around Satpreet, an Indian athlete coached by a Pakistani mentor, once a soldier who killed Satpreet’s father during the 1965 war. As the coach seeks redemption, Satpreet is forced to navigate grief, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The book reminds us that forgiveness can truly transcend borders.
I loved how each chapter begins with a Hindi quote, and the titles perfectly reflect the essence of the chapters.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the attention to detail. The author did a wonderful job of balancing vivid descriptions with the core story, which never went off track and actually deepened my understanding of the situations.
The narrative shifts between two timelines - the past events and the present, where hidden truths slowly unfold.
What pulled me in the most was the match detailing. The tension of every India-pakistan match is captured so vividly that it feels just like watching one live on TV.
Kudos to the author for such in-depth research and for adding references that readers can even look up themselves.
Every chapter keeps you hooked, often ending on moments that make you want to turn the page immediately.
And yes, there are plot twists. Especially one towards the end that completely caught me off guard.
It’s also a short read, perfect to finish in a single day or even in one sitting.
So, if you’re a sports enthusiast, someone who enjoys stories from the partition era, or a reader who loves patriotic themes, this book is definitely worth picking up. I honestly can’t wait to know what happens next!
Vibhor Bijoy's SCALING THE WALL is a masterful novel of historical drama, sport, and suspense. The story begins in 2025 when Indian legend Satpreet Singh honors a Pakistani, Dara Khan Naqvi, sparking a national uproar. Satpreet must then defend his actions by revealing a decades-long saga starting in pre-Partition Lyallpur, where his grandfather, Satnam Singh, and Dara's father, Shehzad Khan Naqvi, shared an "eternal bond" over hockey. This friendship was tragically shattered by the communal violence and politics of 1946, leaving a legacy of pain and bitterness on both sides of the new border.
The narrative skillfully tracks the bond across generations, focusing on the sons: Dhyan Singh (Satnam's son) and the second Dara Khan Naqvi (Shehzad's son). Raised with inherited hate, the two become rivals on the hockey pitch in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics. Their encounters demonstrate how humanity triumphs over division, with Dara choosing friendship over vengeance, transforming himself, and ultimately helping Dhyan overcome his own struggles with self-doubt. Their connection becomes a testament to the fact that personal bonds can scale the wall built by nations, culminating in India's victory in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics final.
Woven into this epic history is a tense modern-day thriller where Satpreet's efforts to clear Dara's name expose a conspiracy involving his own family member, Gurinder, and the corrupt politician Bhau. The shocking revelation is that Dara, an activist, was murdered to prevent him from exposing a land scam, with his heart transplant deliberately sabotaged. SCALING THE WALL is a triumph of storytelling, expertly balancing history, sports rivalry, and conspiracy. It's a powerful read that proves love and friendship are the true victors over hate. Highly recommended!
Vibhor Bijoy’s “Scaling the Wall” is a powerful and provocative short read that expertly weaves together historical fiction, intense sports drama, and a deep exploration of forgiveness across generations. The narrative begins at a moment when the athlete Satpreet, an Indian sports hero, faces immediate and fierce national outrage after publicly thanking his Pakistani coach upon receiving the prestigious Dronacharya Award. This single act of gratitude ignites a media firestorm, forcing Satpreet to defend his statement by disclosing the buried truth that bridges past and present.
In order to defend his gratitude and reveal the truth, Satpreet revisits his family’s history—an account of friendship that spanned generations. His grandfather and father shared an unbreakable bond with Dara’s father, a bond that transcended religion, caste, and national boundaries. Yet, with the turmoil of partition, the rise of foreign influences, and the wars that followed, this friendship was torn apart.
The narrative seamlessly weaves historical fiction with the adrenaline of sports. The hockey matches are described so vividly that one feels as though they are watching them live, heart pounding with every move. Beneath the excitement lies a deeper, more emotional current: forgiveness, reconciliation, and the burden of inherited trauma.
This book is an emotional, political, and short read about trauma passed down through families. It argues that the pain of misunderstanding and separation can scar deeper than death. “Scaling the Wall” is a compelling story about breaking down old barriers with truth and forgiveness, ending on a suspenseful note that leaves you wanting the next part.
I just closed this book and honestly, I’m still sitting with the emotions it stirred up. What I expected was a story of sports and rivalry but what I got was a layered mix of history, friendship, loss and the kind of emotions that hit much harder when you know they’re rooted in something real like Partition.
The story flips between timelines from Satpreet Singh’s present day controversy (where one thank you to his Pakistani mentor turns his world upside down) to the older generations who actually lived through the Partition. The bond between Satnam Singh and Shehzad Khan Naqvi and later their sons Dhyan and Dara felt so alive that I could almost see them on the hockey field playing not just for medals but for pride, for identity and sometimes even for revenge.
What I loved most was how hockey wasn’t just a sport here it became a metaphor. Every match carried the weight of politics, history and personal grudges. Some of the match descriptions legit gave me the feeling of watching an India vs Pakistan game live on TV that same tension in the air.
But beyond the sport it’s really a story of forgiveness and what we carry from one generation to the next. It shows how hatred can be passed down like inheritance but also how one choice to forgive to extend a hand can change everything.
It’s not a heavy textbook kind of historical novel. It flows like a story your grandparents might tell you with warmth, with pain and with pride. By the end, i felt strong curiosity for Part II.
👉 If you’re are looking fot stories that blend history with human emotion & want a book that makes you think about borders and bonds at the same time this one is definitely worth picking up
Scaling of the Wall" by Vibhor Bijoy is a deeply compelling and emotionally charged story that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of trust. The narrative centers around Satpreet, an Indian athlete who faces societal backlash after publicly thanking his Pakistani coach—an act that reveals a complex history, as the coach was responsible for shooting Satpreet’s father during the 1965 war.
The story is crafted with remarkable depth, capturing the raw emotions and inner turmoil of its characters. The development of the plot is engaging, seamlessly weaving in elements of love for sport, dedication, and profound interpersonal bonds. The depiction of friendships and mentorships is both authentic and touching, especially the transformation of the coach and his journey towards seeking forgiveness for his past actions.
What stands out most is the author’s exploration of the concept of trust, illustrating how fragile and vital it is—and how easily it can be broken. The narrative beautifully emphasizes kindness and empathy, demonstrating how history, trauma, and acceptance shape personal growth. This book is a powerful reminder that the human mind has the capacity to change, and that second chances, though difficult, can lead to redemption and peace. A truly inspiring read that resonates on multiple levels.
A tale of friendship, politics, and betrayal. 'Scaling The Wall' is the story of Satpreet Singh, an Indian athlete who receives the 'Dronacharya Award' on 26th January 2025. In his speech, he credits Dara Naqvi, a Pakistani, as his mentor. This incident gets people furious, and they label Satpreet as undeserving, a traitor; yet Satpreet stands his ground without regretting, as only he knows the real story of Dara. Will Satpreet reveal the true story of Dara, or will his voice be silenced?
Written in simple and engaging language, the story is easy to understand. Its fast pace keeps it interesting. The author has written it in a dual timeline, between partition and present, avoiding any confusion, and it emotionally connects with readers.
I loved the bond of friendship between Dhyan and Dara, their enthusiasm for sports. The story is both emotional and thoughtful, exploring how the partition of our nation affected lives, relationships, and beliefs of people - how innocents were manipulated and brainwashed to fight in the name of religion. The end leaves me questioning and wondering for more and curious to read the next part.
A story of sacrifice, forgiveness and hatred that changed everything.
This book tells a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption, skillfully exploring the human connection and the love for sports. Story revolves around the journey of the Indian athelete, Satpreet Singh and his unexpected friendship with his Pakistani coach Dara Khan, who has killed Satpreet's father in the 1965 war. Dara's efforts to help Satpreet become one of the great athelete was mind blowing, skillfully giving insights into their growing friendship. Their journey together is not just about sports but about healing, understanding, and breaking the cycle of hatred.
The coach’s transformation from a soldier to a mentor seeking redemption is equally compelling. The writing style is crisp and evocative with a good balance of dialogue and description, and the author captures the weight of emotions beautifully. The characters are expertly crafted, each one with their own struggles and backstory. With its deep emotions and meaningful message, this book is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, making it a truly unforgettable read. Highly Recommended. I would definitely love to read more books by the author.
This isn’t just a tale about India and Pakistan. It’s about two boys, Dhyan and Dara who grew up chasing hockey balls through the streets of Lyallpur, dreaming of Olympic glory. It’s about fathers who believed in freedom more than fear, and sons who inherited both their love and their wounds.
It’s about Satpreet Singh, a decorated Indian coach, who dares to thank a Pakistani mentor Dara Khan Naqvi on national television. And in doing so, he sets off a storm that threatens his family, his reputation, and everything he’s built (gaddar is what they consider him).
“Death hurts briefly, but separation from a loved one due to misunderstanding scars forever.” This story isn’t just about history!!! It’s about healing!!!!!!About daring to remember the good in someone the world calls an enemy. About scaling the wall not with weapons, but with truth and friendship.
This novel is a sweeping, emotionally charged saga that blends historical fiction, sports drama, and intergenerational trauma. The author crafts a narrative that is unapologetically sentimental, politically provocative, and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of pre and post-partition India.
Just finished Scaling the Wall by Vibhor Bijoy, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful novels I’ve read in a while. The story starts with Satpreet, an Indian athlete who’s about to receive the Dronacharya award. While everything seems perfect, he does something unexpected on stage he credits his coach, Dara Khan Naqvi. That one moment changes everything. People who once cheered for him suddenly turn into haters, even his own family isn’t happy.
From there, the book takes a sharp turn. Satpreet agrees to an interview (which his wife initially refuses), and that’s where the real story kicks in. What struck me most was how Vibhor Bijoy captures the intensity you can literally feel the tension of an India vs Pakistan match while reading. But this isn’t just about sports. It’s about forgiveness, friendship, politics, and what it really means to be a sportsman.
The writing flows so smoothly that you could easily finish it in one sitting. For me, it wasn’t just a novel it felt like being part of something larger, like standing in the middle of a stadium with all the pressure, emotions, and noise around you. Definitely a must-read.
A really gripping short read. The book starts on 26th January 2025 Republic Day. Satpreet Singh former Indian athlete is about to be honoured by Dronacharya award. While receiving his award on stage he gives the credit to his Pakistani mentor Dara Khan Naqvi. That moment changes everything. From being celebrated , he suddenly becomes the target of trolling. Posters were burnt people called him anti-patriotic.. and you all will be familiar to the brutal social media .😶
To explain himself Satpreet sits down for an interview at India rising office with Jaya Sahani. Their personal history adds another layer of tension when they talk about one of the most controversial topic Nationwide.📺
What stood out:- ✨ The Indo Pak references used by the author felt like watching a real life match.
✨ Themes displayd patriotism partition religion politics friendship and sportsmanship.
✨ Despite being a story It's really a courageous move by the author to write something on such a topic. (Well justified)
The book starts on Republic Day when Satpreet Singh is about to get the Dronacharya award. What should have been a proud moment turns into chaos the second he thanks his Pakistani mentor Dara Khan Naqvi. From that point, his life just flips, people start calling him a traitor, social media drags him and the whole thing feels so real you can almost imagine it happening in today’s world.
I really liked the relationship between Satpreet and his coach. Dara isn’t just a mentor, he has a past tied to partition and even the war and that connection with Satpreet’s father adds so much weight. The story shows how anger and hate can destroy but also how forgiveness can heal.
The way the matches were described gave me the same tension as watching India vs Pakistan live. And the small touch of starting chapters with Hindi quotes made the reading experience even richer.
It’s not a long book, you can finish it in one sitting but it leaves you with a lot to think about.
If you like reading about partition, patriotism or just emotional stories about human bonds, you’ll enjoy this one.
This novel opens on Republic Day, with Satpreet Singh ready to receive the prestigious Dronacharya award. What should have been a proud moment quickly spirals into chaos when he unexpectedly thanks his Pakistani mentor, Dara Khan Naqvi. From that moment, Satpreet’s life turns upside down people label him a traitor, social media erupts, and the turmoil feels very realistic, mirroring today’s world. The core of the book is the complex relationship between Satpreet and Dara. Dara is more than just a coach; his past, tied to the partition and war, adds layers of meaning to their bond. The story explores not only anger and hatred but also the power of forgiveness and healing. The descriptions of the matches kept me on edge, much like watching a live India-Pakistan cricket game. Starting chapters with Hindi quotes enriched the reading experience, making it feel more authentic. Though the book is short enough to finish in a single sitting, it leaves much to reflect on. If you’re interested in stories about partition, patriotism, or emotional human connections, this is a compelling read.
The story follows Satpreet, an Indian athlete who faces hate and criticism after he thanks his Pakistani coach publicly. There is also a background involving the coach and Satpreet's father. But this coach, a former soldier, trains Satpreet to become one of the best at the sport. What follows is an emotional journey with forgiveness and redemption.
I really liked the story. The story navigates through a complex and delicate situation smoothly. The author’s skills are really appreciable here. There are so many morals to understand and learn here. I loved that the author showed that no amount of hatred can erase humanity. It also shows that if we redeem ourselves with our whole hearts, we'll be forgiven. The writing is easy and simple to understand for everyone. It also shows blind rage can make us do horrible things. The ending really shocked me. I want to read part 2 to see if Satpreet can find out the truth and bring it out.
The story is told in two timelines past and present. It shows how Dara, who once had a difficult past, helped Satpreet become a successful athlete. The book also has real hockey match references, which make it feel real and exciting. At times, it felt like watching the movie “Chak De India”, but with a different point of view.
The book talks about many deep topics like: *Forgiveness *Redemption *Nationalism *Sports *India-Pakistan partition *The pain of the past
This is the second book I have read by Vibhor Bijoy, and once again, the ending shocked me. Some parts of the story are very emotional, especially when Dara Khan dies that moment touched me the most. The book is not very long, but it leaves a strong impact on your heart and mind. I am now waiting for Part 2 to know what happens next.
If you like books related to patriotism, national sports, and politics, then you should definitely read this one.
This book is a story of forgiveness and redemption. It follows Satpreet, an Indian athlete who received the Dronacharya Award on 26th January 2025. He credited his success to his Pakistani mentor, Dara Khan Naqvi. But in just a matter of seconds, his life changed completely—people called him a traitor, and social media dragged him through endless criticism. Yet, only Satpreet knows the real story of Dara.
I loved the relationship between Satpreet and Dara. Dara trained Satpreet to become one of the best in his sport, and their bond was beautifully written.
The dual timeline between Partition and the present day was handled with great care. The sports angle made the story feel real and kept me hooked throughout.
The ending left me both shocked and curious for the second part.
This is a short book that you can finish in a single sitting, but it leaves you with so much to think about. Highly recommended!
“Scaling the Wall – Part 1” by Vibhor Bijoy is a thought-provoking story that blends sports, history, and human emotions into one unforgettable narrative.
The story revolves around Satpreet Singh, an athlete honored with the Dronacharya award, whose speech thanking his Pakistani coach Dara Khan Naqvi turns celebration into chaos. What follows is not only his journey of facing hate but also of uncovering painful truths buried in the past.
I truly appreciated the way the author balanced sensitive themes—patriotism, religion, partition trauma, and reconciliation—without losing sight of the emotional bond between mentor and student. The dual timelines added richness, and the writing style is simple yet impactful.
What stood out most to me was the message: forgiveness may not erase history, but it can rewrite the future. The ending left me stunned and eager for Part 2.
Scaling the Wall by Vibhor Bijoy is a novel about history, sports, and suspense. It starts in 2025 with Satpreet Singh, an Indian hockey legend, receives Dronacharya award, honoring a Pakistani Dara Khan Naqvi. Satpreet defends Dara's actions by telling a story from before India-Pakistan partition. But he was called traitor by this action. In pre-partition, Satnam Singh and Shehzad Khan Naqvi were friends over hockey. The 1946 violence broke their friendship causing pain on both sides of the new border. It's a mix of history, friendship, loss, and strong emotions. Hockey's a big part of the story, symbolizing politics, history, and grudges. It's about forgiveness. How hatred's passed down and how you can choose to forgive.
It's a short and engaging read, you can read it in just one sitting. It's fast paced written in dual timelines. Highly recommend this book.
The book details the life of Satpreet Singh, an Indian athlete, and his association with a Pakistani coach Dara Khan Naqvi. Nevertheless, the peculiar aspect of the book is that Dara's past is connected with Satpreet's father and the war, thus, their link is more profound and intricate. The story is about how their friendship evolves through hate, disapproval, and the heaviness of partition and war.
I just loved the book for what it is - very truthful and touching. The novel revolves around sports and the characters dealing with their positivity and negativity. It shows that negative emotions of anger, hatred, and rage can devastate and the positive ones of forgiveness and understanding can heal. The relationship between Satpreet and Dara is the most powerful moment of the book as it is not only for exercise but also about the disappearance of humanity and redemption.
Scaling The Wall by Vibhor Bijoy is an inspiring and emotional read, which beautifully blends sports and patriotism in one story.
The book follows the story of Satpreet an Indian athlete, who one day while receiving the Dhronacharya award mentions about his Pakistani coach, and receives intense criticism and hatred for it as he was the same man who killed his father.
The thing which I liked most about this book was the bonding between Satpreet and his coach. Their bond becomes a symbol of how forgiveness and humanity can rise above hatred, war, and generations of prejudice.
Overall this was a great book. The writing of the book is simple yet very powerful and emotional which teaches us how humanity can triumph over hatred if we choose compassion over vengeance. If you love reading books about Patriotism and the art of forgiveness then this is the perfect book for you.
It's the journey of the Indian athelete, Satpreet Singh and his unexpected friendship with his Pakistani coach Dara Khan, who has killed Satpreet's father in the 1965 war. Dara helps him to become a successful athelete and this results in their unexpected friendship and unbreakable bond. It is an emotional and powerful read. It mixes history, sports, and family drama in a way that feels both personal and larger than life. The way it showcases friendship through sports, had me hooked throughout the pages. It beautifully shows how real bonds replaces hate. The emotional journey makes the book worth reading. With amazing storytelling and vivid writing, it is a very powerful and emotional read. It's a very short book and absolutely worth it.
Scaling the Wall by Vibhor Bijoy is set in the 1900s and follows the journey of Satpreet, an athlete, as he forms an unexpected friendship with Coach Dara Khan Naqvi. The book revolves around a deep love for sports, offering a gripping tale that blends athletics with friendship. It beautifully describes Punjabi culture, making Punjabis proud! The story is well-portrayed and serves as an inspiring read for sports lovers and general readers alike. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy short books, as the author uses carefully chosen descriptions and maintains a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to turn the pages.
Scailing the Wall Part I by Vibhor Bijoy is a powerful blend of history, sports, and human emotion. Through the intertwined lives of the Singh and Naqvi families, it captures the tragedy of Partition, the passion of hockey, and the bonds of friendship tested by politics and war. The detail is rich, though at times a bit heavy, but the emotional depth and authenticity of the characters make it worth every page. The ending left me eager for Part 2. A moving and thought-provoking read that reminds us humanity can survive even in the harshest divides.
An emotional, inspiring, and eye-opening tale of friendship across borders and generations. For sports (fiction) lovers and those who enjoy reading partition stories, this will definitely be an enjoyable read
"Scaling the Wall – PART I" by author Vibhor Bijoy is a powerful novel that explores themes of patriotism, religious violence, the politics of hate, human relationships, forgiveness, redemption, personal growth, and self-transformation.
As the novel begins in Delhi, we see 50-year-old Indian athlete Satpreet Singh receiving the Dronacharya Award. During the ceremony, he publicly credits his success to Dara Khan Naqvi, the man who killed Satpreet's father in the 1965 war. After the award ceremony, Satpreet finds himself embroiled in a major controversy, facing accusations of being anti-patriotic and even a terrorist for mentioning Dara's name.
The narrative takes us through Satpreet's generational sports background, allowing readers to connect with his character on a deeper level. As Satpreet shares his story, we can feel the pain and inner turmoil he is experiencing. Each chapter begins with a Hindi quote, which adds a relatable touch to the narrative.
I really appreciated how the author, through the chapter titled "The Trust," inspires readers to understand that trust is essential for any relationship. When trust is broken, it can profoundly impact the people involved. Moreover, the chapter emphasizes that courage and acts of kindness can help dismantle walls that have been built over the years.
It's a short novel, and I am eagerly waiting to read the second part to discover more revelations.