Despite Stolen Dreams

by Anita Krishan

Deep within the Kashmir Valley, a group of terrorists are left stumped as a man they were holding hostage vanishes into thin air with his family from right under their noses. Amidst the dust and grime of Delhi, this man reappears, only to sink back into the obscurity that a teeming metropolitan city offers, even as he grapples with the strange twists and turns of city life. Far away, at the Line of Control, an exchange of fire between the Indian Army and a group of terrorists leaves one man seriously wounded. Stranded and alone atop an icy mountain, he can either die or fight to stay alive.
This masterfully crafted tale will take you on a voyage through lives that are divergent, and yet, are interconnected. From the land of chinars, to the pulsating heart of India . . . it will lay bare for you, all the nuances of human emotions, from the darkest of thoughts to, tears, laughter, fear and courage, all indispensable parts of our lives, all inescapable facts of our existence . . .

About the Author:

Born in Shimla in 1955, Anita Krishan spent twenty-two years of her early life in this pristine Himalayan town, completing her education in 1976 with a Master’s degree in English Literature from Himachal University. Enriching the lives of countless youngsters as an English teacher, Anita has written and directed plays, penned down novels, stories, and poems. She has also spearheaded many initiatives that sensitise the youth to the urgent need to care for and nurture their social and physical environment. Her endeavour to affect a shift in human outlook with her unique perspective towards storytelling is ostensible in her writings. Anita is also a senior columnist with the Indian Economist. She has extensively travelled through the world, observing and absorbing the multiplicity of human ethos and cultures everywhere. At present, she lives in Delhi, NCR, with her family.

Genres: Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

About the author

Born in Shimla in 1955, Anita Krishan spent the initial twenty-two years of her life in this pristine Himalayan town, earning her master’s degree in English literature from Himachal University, and moving on to a career of introducing delights of the language to her young learners. In her long tenure as an educator, she has enriched the lives of countless students with the mystery of the narrative.

A versatile writer, each of her literary works appertains to a different genre . . . from the joys and travails of life, to terrorism that has brought the world to its tenterhooks, to now the paranormal.

She has travelled extensively around the globe absorbing the diverse human ethos and cultures––the delectable foods for her thoughts. Presently, she lives in Gurgaon with her family.

Reviews

[Alok Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anita Krishan has been a professor of literature and that mark can easily be seen in her beautiful language in her books and also her carefully constructed narrative. Her latest novel, Despite Stolen Dreams, is a wonder-journey of people afraid of terror to the land where they find themselves not only secure and free but also thriving ahead. Wali's life blossoms when he meets Kashmira and they go on a spree to make others' lives beautiful with happiness and smiles - Rao, Rosemary, Kapoor and others... a mini political map of India in a jolly jolly mode! Yes, the terror does strike back and it's fatal for Wali and his family and others - will he survive to continue the journey on a happiness track?
The theme of the novel is vast, no doubt. Moreover, the clever handling and a matching plot with twists and turns further add beauty to the end-fiction by Anita and I will surely go on to say that her novel becomes a contemporary classic! She writes wonderfully and her writing is certainly way ahead of her contemporary authors who just re-work the same theme everytime they write!
You have to read this! You have to enjoy this wonderful novel!

[Amit Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly, there are many novels which claim to represent the true face of terrorism in the disputed valley of Kashmir and there are authors too, who claim to be the unofficial spokespersons of the masses. Nevertheless, their agenda, we all know. Anita Krishan, on the other hand, carves her own path and pursues a fiction which does not only offer us a ringside view of the real problem but also tries it's best to decrypt a vision which could be the possible solution. In Despite Stolen Dreams, two contradictory forces - terrorism and peace, hatred and love are plotted in a direct confrontation and we all know which one wins in such cases. Wali Khan becomes a metaphor with a certain magnitude and his progress in the humane is directly proportional to kashmira Singh's insinuation. The transformation of Shakeel is our ray of hope that love can change almost everything. A must read and ac constructive fiction and also a great contribution to the great Indian English fiction.

[Snigdha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book a while ago in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good book. Let me stress that. It is a good book.
However, it is not excellent, nor did it move me in any way. There's great character development in the book, but I still did not connect with them. This is unusual. It was too superficial. There was no great depth to them.

I went through the entire book very passively. I think it concentrated more on narrating a series of events. Which is okay, for some people. I like some more depth. I feel like if any one of the particular events that happened had an entire story written about it, it would've been a lot more interesting.

While all this stands, there are many good things. It touched on a sore subject for many of us Indians, and showed that evil is not permanent in one's soul. One that ruins an entire family can change. Which is a great underlying theme.

Just could've been expressed in a better way.

[Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must have read various stories revolving around the Kashmir issue. This book also depicts the same essence but with a different twist. There is no doubt that leaving our home in few hours is the most painful experience in the world. This becomes more septic when one has to suffer without committing any mistake. The title of this book is catchy and gives a ray of hope. I would like to thank the publisher for giving me a chance to read this beautiful book.

You may read full book review here Despite Stolen Dreams by Anita Krishan - Book review

Plot summary:

Set in the backdrop of Kashmir, this book starts with the story of Hashim, an orphaned boy who is living in a shelter run by a kind man. He always gets bullied by other students and this sows a seed of hatred in his kind heart. After some time, a group of militants comes to the shelter and asks the head to hand over some boys whom they can groom to be a guerrilla. Though the head doesn’t want the innocent minds getting polluted, he doesn’t have a choice. From here, Hashim nurtures his hatred and becomes the most ruthless militant.

Then the story moves to Wali’s family. Kashmir is their homeland and they are a peaceful family but things worsen when one of the militants, Shakeel, under the guidance of Hashim, forces Wali and his family to marry his daughter Dr. Mehar to him.

They threaten to kill the family if they do not accept the proposal. The family runs away to Delhi fearing for their life.

In Delhi, they live with their son and soon start feeling suffocated from the city life. With this, they have a constant fear of getting caught by a terrorist. The worst thing is that they had taken care of Shakeel in his childhood and he didn’t think twice to ruin the life of this family.

Amid all these tensions, Wali meets Kashmira Singh who hails from Punjab. He also has a terrible past but he had accepted it and moved on. Kashmira motivated Wali and other people in the building to live their life.

Still, there are certain questions like when they will go back to their beloved valley? Will terrorists ever find them? What will happen if they find them? What is the fate of Mehar? Does everyone have a sad past? Do we need to mourn for this or move on? Read this beautiful book to know the answers.

My perception:

This book is very well written and I am looking forward to reading other books by the author. Apart from narrating the story of the Kashmir issue, the author has also focused on the various aspects of human nature through various characters. Kashmira Singh is a character which everyone wants to interact with. This book also depicts that terrorism doesn’t have a religion. With the story of Mehar and his family, this books also depicts the various sides of other characters which I felt is a balanced form of writing by the author. This book gives you hope despite broken dreams. A beautiful and optimistic book, which you should not miss!

[Aman Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes as a reader you know that you are going to like a book even when you are judging this statement just by looking at the cover and reading the blurb. My story with Despite Stolen Dreams written by Anita Krishan is similar. I love the cover the moment I saw and tiny fantasies started appearing in my head as if to predict what is written inside these 300 pages.



The plot begins in the troubled valley of Kashmir at the house of Wali Khan captured by a handful of terrorists. Wali Khan and his family manage to escape this house arrest with help of his clever servant Abdul and comes to Delhi to live with his son. There in the neighbourhood trying to fight nostalgia he befriends Kashmira Singh who faced and fought his own battles in past and is a victim of similar circumstances. Together these two friends change the attire of their surroundings until the destiny takes another turning point.

The storyline as described will really hook a reader as it did to me. From the starting chapter I could not let the book go out of my hands. The book does show how one struggles with his loses, acceptance regardless of their race and religion through empathy, few determinants can change the way a society behaves and redemption. The plot showcase themes that are norms of modern Indian society that is making it hollow.

I love how the characters are in development throughout the book. A reader can clearly observe the changes they go through for a better understanding of their surroundings. Especially as they created in a simple effortless manner yet they are a piece of imagination that will stay with a reader for long period time. The writing style is emphatically simple with a third person narrative voice that is smooth and helps to turn pages. It posses quality with tempo of the book getting variant at times and that is a great way to create thrill and chilling moments for a reader to enjoy. Overall the book is a great read and any reader will be hook towards it.

5 out of 5!

[Nidhi Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing piece of literature! It entertains you as well as offers you a complex read which is not really easy to be crafted by usual authors... The novel is based on a critical theme of terrorism in Kashmir and how it has changed the lives of peace-loving Kashmiris who want to leave with ease and love. Wali has to leave his homeland... it is a tough decision but he has to make it and once out of the terror zone, will his life be free of danger? That's a catch and for that, you need to read the novel!
Believe me; you will never read anything like this in lots - novels like Despite Stolen Dreams are written in isolation and it has been already done by the author! I can vouch for its uniqueness and refreshing reading pleasure! Go for it!

[Chetana]

Its a really good book. Beautifully written.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover of the book is too interesting. I loved it. The title and cover of the book made me read this book. I loved the cover and title. The plot is clear and written very well. I loved it. The book engages reader really well and manage to get reader's attention. The storyline is amazing. It shows how person face struggles, taking some decisions for life. The book also revolves around modern thinking where a girl choose her life partner from different caste and she gets family support. The book is all about friendship, struggle, acceptance. The characters that author developed are beautiful, How they face changes, one can feel it. Author has also created a beautiful surrounding that can easily be on readers mind. it's smooth and simple. The pace of the story is also good and so is the tempo of the book. The author managed to create various emotions like darkest of thoughts, tears, fear, laughter, courage and most important Understanding. The author used simple language for narration which made reading more interesting and connecting. The chemistry of wali and Kashmira was unexpected.

This book is really beautiful and would recommend everyone to read it! Looking forward to reading more books by this Author.

[Abhilash Ruhela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just done reading 48th book of this year and what an incredible stuff this book is- “Despite Stolen Dreams”. The book is written by Anita Krishan and published by Fingerprint! publication. While reading the bio of the authoress, I got to know that she has already published two novels. After reading this one, I am sure to pick them very soon though I don’t believe that she can ever match the magic she has woven in the book. Whenever any story is based upon Kashmir or India-Pakistan border or terrorism, it gets boring after a while because of the depressive state of characters that is spoken right from the first page to the last. Even the climax is always sad and predictable which makes almost all the books based on this topic sound like one.

I had the same expectation from this book too after reading the synopsis but that’s what made me excited about the book when I completed the first 30% of it. The book talks less about the depressive stories of the characters who have been victim of brutality but talks more about how they have forgotten about the tragic circumstances of their life and moved on. The book tries to spread positivity and the author’s efforts are clearly visible in these sections. The initial pages of the book makes you chill reading about how a family is been held captive just because the team of terrorist want the daughter of the house to marry one of their members. The author’s hold on the language and narrative can be easily judged from these initial pages itself.

Later on, the chemistry between Wali and Kashmira Singh is the USP of this book for which I shall always remember it even after suffering memory loss. That’s the impact the conversation between these two characters do to you. Also the other characters discussed in their colony and how they help them speaks a lot about the author’s motive behind writing this novel. The social issues described through the stories of different characters are very nicely handled without being too preachy or cliché. The anti-climax of the book is another great part of the book where Shakeel’s story is narrated separately. It brings the much needed change in the plot of the story. Talking about the climax, I liked how with all the tense moments etc. the book ends on a happy note. Overall, this is a book that you will always want to keep in your shelf. I give the book 4.5 star out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!

[Roopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Despite Stolen Dreams’ is a book about surging ahead despite personal loss, and shared tragedy. The book begins in the troubled valley of Kashmir, flows into the heart of India, the heartless city of Delhi until the two states collide and bring poetic justice to those who have suffered.

The book’s protagonist Wali Khan’s loss of his home and hearth in the valley at the hands of terrorists is the most beautifully described loss in the book. His pain is palpable through the pages and his suffocation in claustrophobic Delhi is felt strongly by the reader.

Until he strikes friendship with the jolly Sardar Kashmira Singh who has been a victim of tragic circumstances himself but is a shining beacon for everyone in the society he lives in as the man who laughs despite his pain. Together Wali Khan and Kashmira Singh, the two outsiders become do-gooders until they open each and every door in their society helping people, rushing to their beck and call and making them their own.

As Kashmira and Wali tackle Delhi’s problems one by one, the reader has a sense that the city of Delhi itself becomes a character of sorts. What is it about the city that incites so much apathy in its citizens? Is it the cold smog of winters or the fact that most of the population is a group of migrants. Could the people be cold because there is no sense of ownership? But if that were the case why would Kashmir become the breeding ground of terrorism? Who belongs to Kashmir and vice versa?

The book forces one to ask such questions and more until the denouement brings the terrorists from the Valley to Delhi just before Republic Day and ask Wali Khan and his innocent family to do the impossible.

The writing is simple and effective and the writer Anita Krishan has managed to portray the city of Delhi honestly and sometimes even ruthlessly pushing the narrative towards the futility of war whether its within the state or within oneself.

[Nisha Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Stolen Dreams is a beautifully woven tale of human strife, resilience, courage, love and all things that make us human. The author has done a wonderful job in bringing unforgettable and highly relatable characters to life. While the book describes the perils of the capital city, it does not engage in fear mongering or painting a gloomy picture of our future. Rather, it inspires the reader to cherish each experience of life and fight the shadows of our past to carve a beautiful future.

The book is especially relevant in today’s times as humanity succumbs to common prejudices only to distance itself from its own self.

A highly recommended piece of writing!

[Mamta Negi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three cheers to the Author !!!
Great work and beautifully portrayed the struggle of people in Kashmir.The reader can easily get connected with the story as the emotions and struggle described in the book are what exactly people are dealing in there today's life.The story has really inspired me personally,to never lose hope.The story teaches that a person is not bad,its the circumstances which make them change.Humanity exists but we need to practice it on daily basis so that we should not get effected by any external factors.

[Richa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked to this book till the last page. Set in ' the crazy Dilli', it takes us through the journey of Wali, who relentlessly tries to shield his family from a group of terrorists. At many levels, it also highlights the various problems that we grapple with, while living in a metropolis. The narrative has been weaved with diverse emotions that would unsettle the reader from complacency. It's a compelling read. Kudos to the author!

[Munmun Samanta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerging out of Fanatic Madness…

Book: Despite Stolen Dream
Author: Anita Krishnan

Publication: Fingerprint Publication
Pages: 304


Introduction:
" No one seemed to notice the solitary man with his face half- hidden behind the raised collar of his jacket braving the piercing wind and walking through the Avenue of trees as if he had no care in the world."
From the ending I like to begin the story as I feel a crazy inhibition to halt in the last lines again and again.
It is like an age old theme of good winning the battle over the bad. All the ominous clouds that gathered, suddenly gave way to bright sunshine.
The Plot:
The story is set at the backdrop of Kashmir, ravaged by the fanatism of terrorists.
The tragedy of the plot triggered by Shakeel's fancy desire to marry Wali's daughter and ended with his maturity and understanding the reality of life that could not be solved by terrorism.
One day he joined the militants to grip the power and but the naked reality of the brutal fatalism and fake idealism became clear very soon. And when the veil of velocity lifted he became desperate to cut out the rope of that virulent trap.
Finally he found the love in his life and significance of existence. In his own hand he ravaged the poison tree that he watered one day. He fired at Hasim, the head of the terrorists and Ahamed, a fellow companion and finally Shaukatm. When Shaukat screamed at him, "Have you gone mad, Shakeel?" he answered, “No, I have just emerged out of madness."
The Message:
This realization on the part of Shakeel toned the underlying message of the novel-
"...they call it jihad! How many innocents have they butchered in the name of this so- called jihad?"
At the very beginning chapter Anita Krishnan clearly decodes the 'devilish ploy’ of the militants who exploits the orphan boys with no familial attachment in their ' puppet show of terrorism, in the name of Allah'.
The author with impeachable integrity shows us how the seeds of terrorism are sown in the weak, needy, helpless brain luring them with power and money. The terrorists are portrayed primarily as the victim of devious brains who only care for money and power and later they transform into heartless, brainless virulent joker like Hashim.
Characters of assorted colors in the tight grip of plot:
The novel with its compact plot, story line, character sketch and above all sustainable development of tension, anxiety through the successive incidents keep the readers fixed in their honest attention till the end. Anita Krishnan's competency in handling the situation and portraying it with vivid pictorial efficacy makes the reader feel the terseness, tension, tenacity of the shreds of terror-stricken and helpless humanity, represented by the family of Wali. It is a story of terrorism, unrestrained, blind hatred, love faith, friendship and hope.
Myriads of characters from different spectrum of society appear with their distinct roles in this novel. Mr. Kapoor, Kashmira Singh, Mr. Sharma all along help to form an abridged social image in this novel. With the dramatic turn back of Shakeel and the death of terrorists the curtain falls in denouement. But the lingering effect of horror and relief simultaneously keep adding to our catharsis for a long time.

Alvina’s Verdict:
In this world that is often shattering into splinters of deaths and despair, uprooting the sanity and peace, the novel candles the hope of emancipation. Only the right navigation of human minds towards good, awakening the conscience to righteousness, guiding our thoughts in correct path can dismantle the dark cloak of brutality. And I will encourage everyone to read this book not for entertainment but as a pamphlet of peace.

[Neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are stories that start and finish, leaving an aftertaste that lingers for a while and gradually fades away. And there are tales that absorb you, mesmerise you and stay with you long after you've finished devouring them.

Despite Stolen Dreams is one such tale. The book starts in the Kashmir valley, giving the readers a glimpse of the terror-stricken state. A family is forced to flee the valley to escape terrorists, who were holding them hostage. Wali is restless when he lands in a city he cannot relate to at any level. Nothing seems even closely familiar and he and his family feel like outsiders in their new surroundings. As they try to settle in their new lives, life brings them friends in complete strangers. Wali finds Kashmira Singh, who changes his outlook towards life through his positivism and faith in himself and life begins to move on a bit more pleasantly. And just when they are on the verge of making peace with the sudden jolt that life had dealt them, their horrid past, that continued to haunt them over the years, returns and threatens to throw their lives apart once again.

A beautifully crafted tale, this one takes you deep into its characters and their emotions. Each character is explained beautifully with insight into what makes people behave the way they do. As a reader, you feel for Wali and literally live through his fears and uneasiness. On the other hand, Shakeel, the terror face in the novel, goes through a transformation after almost losing his life. The character of Kashmira Singh infuses life into the story and his laugh is infectious even through the words!

The story flows smoothly with every incident either leading to the next or revealing a character's nuances. The author even details supporting characters beautifully, be it Wali's mother whose heart aches to return to her homeland and is skeptical of marrying off her darling granddaughter into a family she barely knows or Shakeel's terrorist group and the way they make their way to spread terror.

Anita Krishan's way of weaving words is her strength. Unlike other stories set against a terror backdrop that are mostly about love and romance, this one is about a family and the people around it. She brings in love, laughter, tears and even surprise through her wonderful narration, compelling you to read on without a break.

If Indian fiction is your genre, this one is a must read. Versatile, modern and yet humane, that's how I will sum up this lovely tale.

[Sukanya Mallik · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Despite Stolen Dreams’ begins in the troubled valley of Kashmir, flows into the exact opposite landscape, the busy city of Delhi until the two states collide for something massive at the climax of the book.
The book can be subdivided into three parts as mentioned above with changing locations and situations. In the first part, we come across some interesting chapters in which the madrasa was being used to convert the students into militants by brainwashing them. After that a Kashmiri Muslim gentleman Wali Khan loses his home and wealth in the valley at the hands of terrorists. He and his family barely escaped death fooling the troop of a militant gang with the help of Abdul, their forever faithful servant. His pain is palpable through the pages and his suffocation in claustrophobic Delhi is felt strongly by the reader, until he meets Sardar Kashmira Singh who has been a victim of similar tragic circumstances himself but is a shining beacon for everyone in the society. Together Wali Khan and Kashmira Singh, the two outsiders become do-gooders until they open each and every door in their society helping people, rushing to their beck and call and making them their own. However, this should have been a short part of the story as a sub plot. I somehow felt that the extension of the life in Delhi could’ve been kept short and that’d make the entire storyline more concise because the story doesn’t end with the friendship of sardar and wali and the locality. There’s more to it at the end when the terrorism returns into their lives. Novels with variations and multiple ideas can do good, but there should a balance between the elements which was somewhat lacking in this book. Also the first few chapters of the book flew off like an express train which hooked me in as a reader. However the delhi part slowed down until the climax approached wherein I could not find much matter except Kasmira’s story. The language is simple, yet beautiful and effective and the writer Anita Krishan has managed to portray the scenes realistically. It leaves us in a retrospection wondering whether the futility of war whether it’s within states, nations, religions or within oneself.

[Alceste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes as a reader you know that you are going to like a book even when you are judging this statement just by looking at the cover and reading the blurb. My story with Despite Stolen Dreams written by Anita Krishan is similar. I love the cover the moment I saw and tiny fantasies started appearing in my head as if to predict what is written inside these 300 pages.



The plot begins in the troubled valley of Kashmir at the house of Wali Khan captured by a handful of terrorists. Wali Khan and his family manage to escape this house arrest with help of his clever servant Abdul and comes to Delhi to live with his son. There in the neighbourhood trying to fight nostalgia he befriends Kashmira Singh who faced and fought his own battles in past and is a victim of similar circumstances. Together these two friends change the attire of their surroundings until the destiny takes another turning point.

The storyline as described will really hook a reader as it did to me. From the starting chapter I could not let the book go out of my hands. The book does show how one struggles with his loses, acceptance regardless of their race and religion through empathy, few determinants can change the way a society behaves and redemption. The plot showcase themes that are norms of modern Indian society that is making it hollow.

I love how the characters are in development throughout the book. A reader can clearly observe the changes they go through for a better understanding of their surroundings. Especially as they created in a simple effortless manner yet they are a piece of imagination that will stay with a reader for long period time. The writing style is emphatically simple with a third person narrative voice that is smooth and helps to turn pages. It posses quality with tempo of the book getting variant at times and that is a great way to create thrill and chilling moments for a reader to enjoy. Overall the book is a great read and any reader will be hook towards it.

5 out of 5!

[Dr. Monidipa Dutta · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Despite Stolen Dreams" by Anita Krishnan is a thrilling and captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through lives that are divergent, yet interconnected. The book is set in the beautiful and troubled region of Kashmir, where a man and his family are held hostage by terrorists. However, in a surprising turn of events, the man and his family manage to escape from the terrorists and disappear into thin air, leaving the terrorists baffled.

The story then shifts to Delhi, where the man reappears, grappling with the strange twists and turns of city life. He struggles to adjust to the anonymity of a bustling metropolitan city while dealing with the trauma of his past experience. Meanwhile, on the Line of Control, an exchange of fire leaves a man severely wounded, and he must fight to survive alone atop an icy mountain.

Anita Krishnan masterfully weaves together these seemingly disparate stories, showcasing the interconnectivity of human lives. The book explores the nuances of human emotions, from the darkest of thoughts to tears, laughter, fear, and courage, all of which are essential parts of our existence.

Krishnan's writing is both poignant and insightful, bringing to life the characters and their struggles. She vividly captures the beauty and the tragedy of Kashmir, as well as the vibrancy and chaos of Delhi. The book is a page-turner, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its suspense and intrigue.

[Jagdish Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, you have to read this novel to understand the depth of a fiction which qualifies to be a literary fiction in the truest of its meaning... Anita Krishan has been a seasoned author and her novels have been appreciated by the readers as well as the critics. Her fiction always brings new dimensions of human emotions through the intriguing plots and wonderful themes. Despite Stolen Dreams is a novel which succeeds the novel Tears of Jhelum by Anita. It portrays in wonderful language the plight of a Kashmiri person Wali who has to leave Kashmir because of the threats from terrorists who are willing to harm him. After reaching Delhi, everything changes and Anita has wonderfully contradicted the thesis of terrorism with the description of love and affection which makes this novel a wonderful experience for the readers.... can love change all? You need to read this novel and that's it...

[Harish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The market is filled with such kind of books that explores the conditions of Kashmir value and tries to figure out or to reach out to a conclusion to give a possible solution. But my experiences with those books are not trustworthy, they are always motivated by some kind of propaganda in their books. But this book Despite Stolen Dreams by Anita Krishan, not only explores the problem and tries to give a possible solution also explains the inherent problem with the Kashmir valley. How frustration and anger towards some radical people taken away their innocence and they are always eager to go anywhere to enjoy the life but not to live in Kashmir. And when the characters came to Delhi the adventure starts and novel depicted the true face of humanity on many times. It is an interesting novel and I think everyone should read it!

[Supriya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well-executed piece of fiction on the author front, no doubt. The readers will enjoy the work very much albeit the youths, who might not find so much for them in this serious piece of fiction by Anita. Terrorism and Peace are directly plotted against each other. The novel, to me, does not go beyond the text and it remains there. Anita has tried her ways to justify the hatred of Shabman against the certain section of people but she has mended it well with the transformation of Shakeel... whatever be the case, Despite Stolen Dreams stands as a masterpiece which the modern readers must read in order to understand how serious and how complex the fiction can be!

[Ragunath · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel Despite Stolen Dreams defines reality in a different way and throughout the book tries to treat even a smaller issues in a well-fashioned manner. As A regular fiction reader, what I found most interesting in this book is the way it tells the story not just grip the readers but allow them to think constructively. The story starts from Kashmir and the usual dispute and fire exchange between India and Pakistan. People suffering from this try to escape and somehow managed to make it and comes to Delhi. What happened after is a treat to read. Love wins over hate. really an interesting one.

[Kailash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story presents a different argument than the ordinary leagues of writes used to do. If we talk about Arundhati Roy her writings are based on certain propaganda and on the other hand there are a bunch of young writes who hardly present anything than a hogwash. When I first got this novel I was totally amazed that how someone can present heavy arguments I these times. I finished the book as fast I can, and I can tell that this is awesome. Not only explores the problems of the valley but also showing the consequences that have been created due to certain reasons. At last, characters in this novel found the peace and love. So, my take away from this novel is 'love can change anything'.

[Sheetal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will not do the usual love this book type of review because it deserves more than that. After so many days, I got something inspiring from the Indian literary fraternity - Anita is surely a masterclass as rightly observed in some of the reviews on the web. This is not about terrorism only; it is also about a battle which we have to fight very well within us and Anita has captured those emotions really beautifully. Wali becomes a metaphor - true. Shakeel becomes a realised person - true. Meher becomes a herald of the changing contours - true! A must read...

[Prabhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surely one of the best book in the league. But, what is the problem with the younger generation is they seldom digest these types of works. A classic and elegant novel that depicts the true picture of the problems and tries to give solutions to them. This is not a usual story which can be read on the window seat of a train or somewhere in the park, you need a strong determination to grasp the whole idea of the book. Such a wonderful work in the current scenario of modern Indian English literature.

[Anirudh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quality of the literature produced by Anita Krishan is the way beyond the usual fictions that we have to witness these days. Hehr writing very well surpasses the casual literature vehemently produced by the young lit of the authors in the recent years. She picks up a serious theme, couples it with a splendid plot and provides a final polish with her beautiful and compelling narrative. Despite stolen Dreams, thus, certainly becomes a contemporary classic which will be sought as a landmark in the Indian English fiction.

[Anupam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel evolves in pieces... the first piece is where Wali is compelled to leave his motherland and the second piece is where he begins getting traction in Delhi and the third piece is when he leaves his religious prejudices behind and marries his daughter to her love... and many more pieces are there to be found and connected by the readers! A must read piece of literature on terrorism and want for peace... worth reading and much enjoyable!

[Nirmal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine piece by Anita! Certainly, somewhere and by someone, literary fiction is still being produced and it felt my heart with unspeakable joy! I enjoyed every page of this realistic fiction written with a great understanding of human psychology and also with a somewhat 'distant' vision that evil can also be transformed into goodness once the scenario is ripe... enjoyable and a worth reading piece of fiction!

[Chamn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean narrative - serious theme - versatile plot - and a masterpiece is delivered by Anita Krishan! As an active reader, I have been reading books which are based on terrorism in the Kashmir valley and all are good too. Nevertheless, the 'better' adjective can only be ascribed to some of them and Anita's Despite Stolen Dreams is one of them. Great work there. Wali is not only a single Kashmiri person but he is the representative of all the Kashmiris who want to live in peace...

[Ankita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quality fiction... it lacks nothing and it might not be appealing in the same manner as other contemporary books are (irrespective of the genre). Anita has created a world of her characters which seems very real to me and I can see myself somewhere there. A bit of reality and a bit of illusion and the classic style of writing makes Despite Stolen Dreams simply a modern masterclass! I enjoyed reading it very much.