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Memories of Fire
Memories of Fire is the compelling story of five childhood friends, four of whom are meeting after a gap of fifty-four years. They embark on a journey into the past, laden with nostalgia and humour, and encompassing all the ugly and wonderful things life has to offer.
Inspired by true events and interspersed with the dark contemporary history of India and Pakistan, Ashok Chopra’s first novel is peopled with remarkably realistic characters who tackle prejudice, prestige, privilege and even prison head-on. He skilfully weaves together five storylines as the friends move in and out of each other’s worlds. The result is a defining voyage through life, one that queries tough choices and the price one is willing to pay for them. It also asks the epic questions: What makes for happiness? Why do people make certain choices and not others? And why do men and women willingly make tremendous sacrifices for those they love?
Inspired by true events and interspersed with the dark contemporary history of India and Pakistan, Ashok Chopra’s first novel is peopled with remarkably realistic characters who tackle prejudice, prestige, privilege and even prison head-on. He skilfully weaves together five storylines as the friends move in and out of each other’s worlds. The result is a defining voyage through life, one that queries tough choices and the price one is willing to pay for them. It also asks the epic questions: What makes for happiness? Why do people make certain choices and not others? And why do men and women willingly make tremendous sacrifices for those they love?
420 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2018
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91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 19, 2018
Memories of Fire is a book of recollections. The book starts off with a prelude indicating four friends who meet after fifty-four years. Where once they were a group of five, only four turn up for this get-together. The fifth is in jail serving a life sentence.
Then you are taken on a journey. There is no delusion that this book is a joyous recollection of memories or a group of old men reminiscing about their childhood scrapes. Memories of Fire rids you of that notion in its first few pages, if not paragraphs. It soon becomes a book with many lessons - a lesson in literature, a lesson in history and a lesson in love. And as with lessons, there are plenty of questions. Some whose answers are as abstract as the question itself. The pages of Memories of Fire are wrought with delicious examples of history and literature that it was a delight to read. I do not know what I enjoyed more – the plot of the five friends and their lives or the pages with notes on history and poetry.
I loved Memories of Fire and everything about it!
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite.
Then you are taken on a journey. There is no delusion that this book is a joyous recollection of memories or a group of old men reminiscing about their childhood scrapes. Memories of Fire rids you of that notion in its first few pages, if not paragraphs. It soon becomes a book with many lessons - a lesson in literature, a lesson in history and a lesson in love. And as with lessons, there are plenty of questions. Some whose answers are as abstract as the question itself. The pages of Memories of Fire are wrought with delicious examples of history and literature that it was a delight to read. I do not know what I enjoyed more – the plot of the five friends and their lives or the pages with notes on history and poetry.
I loved Memories of Fire and everything about it!
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite.
July 2, 2020
This is my first read which had a true Indian taste about it. The India which our parents often get nostalgic about. A mind boggling narrative with vivid details of events and characters. It contains a wide spectra of emotions that the characters as well as the reader goes through. Filled with instances of friendship, love, pain and sacrifice with little garnishing of humour here and there. It was so intriguing that on several occasions I sprung up from deep slumber because I couldn't contain my urge to know what happens next.
January 17, 2018
After going through some of the rave reviews about the author’s previous works, I picked up this book with much hope. Unfortunately, I was in for disappointment. A novel that is ostentatiously about five friends, does little to shed light on their friendship. We know it began as they attended the same school, St Edwards. Radhey Shyam and Balbir Singh, two of the friends of the aforementioned five, were as close as families (or so we are told – we hardly see an example of this) as their fathers were best friends. The other three were Syed Ahmed Reza Khan (from Pakistan), Deepak Kumar from Chandigarh and Vijay Thakur. We barely get to know how they became such good friends, what they talked about when they were children and what bonded them together.
Among all the characters in the book, Vijay Thakur is the only one who seems to be the favorite one of the author. He’e the one character who’s most believable, most fleshed out. The rest are like paper cut-outs. We are informed of the life they lived and the careers they followed. But we never get to peep inside the real-world turmoil if any of them, other than Vijay Thakur. I felt as if the author is trying really hard to show how intellectual the characters are. Reza, Deepak and Radhey Shyam correspond via letters, and discuss philosophy, poetry, politics, and books. It could have been brilliant and witty, but instead its tedious and slows the pace of the book.
Among all the characters in the book, Vijay Thakur is the only one who seems to be the favorite one of the author. He’e the one character who’s most believable, most fleshed out. The rest are like paper cut-outs. We are informed of the life they lived and the careers they followed. But we never get to peep inside the real-world turmoil if any of them, other than Vijay Thakur. I felt as if the author is trying really hard to show how intellectual the characters are. Reza, Deepak and Radhey Shyam correspond via letters, and discuss philosophy, poetry, politics, and books. It could have been brilliant and witty, but instead its tedious and slows the pace of the book.
January 24, 2018
A book I could not stop reading... A real page turner. Informative and educative. The five characters, each distinctive, and yet, engrossing. Different lives, different settings and yet all woven together with beauty and clarity. If one has great sympathies for Radhey Shyam, one is totally captivated by Vijay Thakur who moves in and out of each character's lives. With rich historical facts, poetry and literature, theatre and films, at times it reads like a powerful Bollywood film. For me, Brother Walsch and Bansi were the most outstanding characters in the book - powerful and distinctive. I am re-reading the book already.
January 23, 2018
So, I read Ashok Chopra’s Memories of Fire on the train during one of my recent trips. And I just could not put it down. Trains, generally, evoke childhood memories and this book brings them alive like no other. I could actually visualize entire scenes from the book.
Well-written and fast moving this book is an amalgamation of entertainment, humour, politics, literature, love, history, art and poetry. There is something for everyone. The underlying themes of religious sentiments and terrorism during the time of partition and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots stay with you a long time after you’ve finished reading the book.
Do not miss out on this one!
Well-written and fast moving this book is an amalgamation of entertainment, humour, politics, literature, love, history, art and poetry. There is something for everyone. The underlying themes of religious sentiments and terrorism during the time of partition and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots stay with you a long time after you’ve finished reading the book.
Do not miss out on this one!
January 29, 2018
Memories of Fire - 4.5*s
Overwhelmed. Intoxicated. In Awe. Giddy with insights. Inspired. YET Angry. Disturbed. Upset. Overall an extremely heady and satisfying feeling.
These are but a few of the emotions I experienced reading this brilliant brilliant book.
Memories of Fire by Ashok Chopra is one of the most insightful books you will ever read.
Its almost like an encyclopedia more than a book. With numerous references, detailed background information and insightful anecdotes, this is a treasure trove of a read.
IF one were to judge an author by the book he writes, then surely one would sing praises of the man. His vast knowledge, in-dept research and citations makes this a read beyond just a book.
It's almost like researching about the best poems and literature that one could read in a lifetime.
One of the reasons why I wanted to read the Memories of Fire is the fact that it is set around the partition and early years of India's Independence as well as the formative years of Pakistan.
I have always wanted to know what causes the animosity between the people of the two countries (certainly beyond the obvious).
While I had my own beliefs, they were merely based on the little snippets I have read from here and there. This book describes quite extensively the situation prevalent in both countries around the time of partition and while the focus is around the then state of Punjab it does showcase the mood and sentiment of the people that is even prevalent today.
To read the full review - head to my blog here - https://kunalgwalani.blogspot.in/2018...
Overwhelmed. Intoxicated. In Awe. Giddy with insights. Inspired. YET Angry. Disturbed. Upset. Overall an extremely heady and satisfying feeling.
These are but a few of the emotions I experienced reading this brilliant brilliant book.
Memories of Fire by Ashok Chopra is one of the most insightful books you will ever read.
Its almost like an encyclopedia more than a book. With numerous references, detailed background information and insightful anecdotes, this is a treasure trove of a read.
IF one were to judge an author by the book he writes, then surely one would sing praises of the man. His vast knowledge, in-dept research and citations makes this a read beyond just a book.
It's almost like researching about the best poems and literature that one could read in a lifetime.
One of the reasons why I wanted to read the Memories of Fire is the fact that it is set around the partition and early years of India's Independence as well as the formative years of Pakistan.
I have always wanted to know what causes the animosity between the people of the two countries (certainly beyond the obvious).
While I had my own beliefs, they were merely based on the little snippets I have read from here and there. This book describes quite extensively the situation prevalent in both countries around the time of partition and while the focus is around the then state of Punjab it does showcase the mood and sentiment of the people that is even prevalent today.
To read the full review - head to my blog here - https://kunalgwalani.blogspot.in/2018...
July 7, 2020
The tone of the book is Indian, especially Punjabi. The book covers the story of 5 friends along with the historic events related to partition of India and Pakistan and other prominent event from 1940s to 1980s. I really enjoyed the combination of storytelling and history. Reading it game me the feeling of a typical bollywood movie.
The best part of the book for me was the essay on Saadat Hasan Manto. Each line of that esaay is so beautifully written, it inspired me to dig more into the life of Manto.
The best part of the book for me was the essay on Saadat Hasan Manto. Each line of that esaay is so beautifully written, it inspired me to dig more into the life of Manto.
January 21, 2018
I have mixed feelings for this book. When I tr I think this book is more of a personal recollection of events and places mixed with a fictional story that is not linear at all. Even in flashbacks , there is not a clear flow. There are letters and paragraph that read like a wikipedia posts , so dry and to the point. While you may enjoy those nuggets at times as per your interest, it takes away attention from the story. I really could not add up the two in many chapters.
January 31, 2018
Memories of Fire is not only a novel it is education also. The way Ashok Chopra has woven around all the characters in the book is amazing. It is only a person with clear thinking can produce such a wonderful piece of fiction. I have enjoyed all the emotions involved with the characters. Kudos to the writer. I wish that he would write more such books.
Dr Malkit Law
Dr Malkit Law
February 12, 2025
This is not my first encounter with a book written by a journalist, and it reaffirms my belief that they are have a class of their own (at least the one I have read so far). This book, picked up by Amma from a book fair normally wouldn't have caught my eyes otherwise. My greatest realization after finishing the book was that Compelling my self to read this book did so much good to me.
A book surfing through Indian and Pakistani politics spanning through the times after partition; during the time before, of and after the emergency; discussing the terrains of Hindu Sikh relations of unity and later aggression; all through the eyes of 5 friends, one among which is a Pakistani. The book interweaves reality and fiction so smoothly that the line almost does not exist at all.
What I liked
- The letters between these friends after years of separation, solitude, at different stages of their life – letters carrying personal as well as intellectual tidings that are a unique set of its own.
- Vijay’s (one among the five who scores the least and is not as “bright in grades” compared to the rest) character sketch – “Fortunately even in the face of his friends clarity on their ambitions and his own lack of it, his temperament was such that his disappointment and regret was short-lived and after each bout of soul searching, he would spring back to his usual cheerful lovable self.”
- “How right was Henrik Ibsen, the nineteenth century Norwegian playwright in saying that ‘Talent is not just a possession, it is a responsibility’”
- How Radhe Shyam consoles his beloved Aneez when the thunder lilies she plucked and kept in a tumbler dropped within a couple of hours – A : “What did I do wrong? Maybe I didn’t pluck them the right way. Perhaps the tumbler is not deep enough to sustain them” Radhe Shyam took her in his arms to console her “No Aneez, they are the creatures of the wild and they do not thrive in domesticity. One must enjoy them where they are and never try to possess them. They do not and cannot belong to anyone”.
- Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraz’s poem translated:
“The sun and moon are in the benign hands of God,
And yet not even a glow worm
Reached the dark homes of the poor”
- “Those who write, paint or compose don’t so for a particular community. They are a community in themselves. They belong to the whole world”.
Personally, my knowledge expanse widened a little by the contributions from this book and associated readings. Also the repeated reference to the world class novel ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ in the letters between Radhe Shyam and his friends stroked the curiosity of the reader inside me which in turn lead to my completing Gabriel Garcia’s all-time hit; that’s another review for another day 😊.
The letters between Radhe Shyam and his friends discussing politics, life, philosophy, books and what not inspired me to create a similar work in my native language Malayalam. Thus this books stands very close to my heart with numerous connections that I could adapt to my own life and hence the reason I give it a 5-star rating.
A book surfing through Indian and Pakistani politics spanning through the times after partition; during the time before, of and after the emergency; discussing the terrains of Hindu Sikh relations of unity and later aggression; all through the eyes of 5 friends, one among which is a Pakistani. The book interweaves reality and fiction so smoothly that the line almost does not exist at all.
What I liked
- The letters between these friends after years of separation, solitude, at different stages of their life – letters carrying personal as well as intellectual tidings that are a unique set of its own.
- Vijay’s (one among the five who scores the least and is not as “bright in grades” compared to the rest) character sketch – “Fortunately even in the face of his friends clarity on their ambitions and his own lack of it, his temperament was such that his disappointment and regret was short-lived and after each bout of soul searching, he would spring back to his usual cheerful lovable self.”
- “How right was Henrik Ibsen, the nineteenth century Norwegian playwright in saying that ‘Talent is not just a possession, it is a responsibility’”
- How Radhe Shyam consoles his beloved Aneez when the thunder lilies she plucked and kept in a tumbler dropped within a couple of hours – A : “What did I do wrong? Maybe I didn’t pluck them the right way. Perhaps the tumbler is not deep enough to sustain them” Radhe Shyam took her in his arms to console her “No Aneez, they are the creatures of the wild and they do not thrive in domesticity. One must enjoy them where they are and never try to possess them. They do not and cannot belong to anyone”.
- Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraz’s poem translated:
“The sun and moon are in the benign hands of God,
And yet not even a glow worm
Reached the dark homes of the poor”
- “Those who write, paint or compose don’t so for a particular community. They are a community in themselves. They belong to the whole world”.
Personally, my knowledge expanse widened a little by the contributions from this book and associated readings. Also the repeated reference to the world class novel ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ in the letters between Radhe Shyam and his friends stroked the curiosity of the reader inside me which in turn lead to my completing Gabriel Garcia’s all-time hit; that’s another review for another day 😊.
The letters between Radhe Shyam and his friends discussing politics, life, philosophy, books and what not inspired me to create a similar work in my native language Malayalam. Thus this books stands very close to my heart with numerous connections that I could adapt to my own life and hence the reason I give it a 5-star rating.
January 18, 2018
Ashok Chopra is author of bestselling “Of love and other sorrows” and “Scrapbook of memories”. He has been a part of publishing industry for long time. “Memories of fire” is his 1st fiction novel.
Childhood is the most wonderful time of life. Friendships made during childhood are treasure for life and they remain strong bond for a lifetime. However, another interesting aspect is that brightness shown during childhood doesn’t necessarily convert to success in later life. Many external factors influence our life path and its direction to major extent and they determine what we become in adult life.
Memories of fire is about life journey of 5 friends from Punjab, starting from their childhood to their adult life and to how different political and social events have effected and changed their lives.
Novel starts with friends meeting after long time for a school alumni get together and reminiscing their childhood life and their friendship. All five had different personalities but they were excellent in one skill or the other. What kept them together was their friendship.
As and when they grow one goes abroad for higher study, one becomes a journalist, one stays in hometown taking care of business, one goes to jail in unfortunate situation etc. Things they have done in past have repercussion in later life.
Stories of these 5 friends run in parallel, many times intersecting with each other. Few remain in touch with other, few become distant.
In spite of all these life goes on.
Book is interesting in many ways. It’s difficult to call a pure play novel. As the backdrop is partition and Punjab unrest, there are pages and pages talking about political incidents of those times, so much so that you start feeling how did contemporary history chapter get into the novel. Same time, at times there are pages and pages of content about literature and philosophy. So, it’s an interesting mix of history, literature, philosophy along with the story. Luckily I love Indian history, specially intendents that happened during partition and post that. So those parts were super interesting to me. All 5 friends’ characters are built well and author has not neglected any of them. Stories are realistic and you will identify with the same. Initially pacing is a little slow, but once author established the characters, story picks pace and from there on book becomes very interesting.
Book shows that author has reach command in literature, poetry, philosophy and history.
Overall a good read. I recommend the book.
Childhood is the most wonderful time of life. Friendships made during childhood are treasure for life and they remain strong bond for a lifetime. However, another interesting aspect is that brightness shown during childhood doesn’t necessarily convert to success in later life. Many external factors influence our life path and its direction to major extent and they determine what we become in adult life.
Memories of fire is about life journey of 5 friends from Punjab, starting from their childhood to their adult life and to how different political and social events have effected and changed their lives.
Novel starts with friends meeting after long time for a school alumni get together and reminiscing their childhood life and their friendship. All five had different personalities but they were excellent in one skill or the other. What kept them together was their friendship.
As and when they grow one goes abroad for higher study, one becomes a journalist, one stays in hometown taking care of business, one goes to jail in unfortunate situation etc. Things they have done in past have repercussion in later life.
Stories of these 5 friends run in parallel, many times intersecting with each other. Few remain in touch with other, few become distant.
In spite of all these life goes on.
Book is interesting in many ways. It’s difficult to call a pure play novel. As the backdrop is partition and Punjab unrest, there are pages and pages talking about political incidents of those times, so much so that you start feeling how did contemporary history chapter get into the novel. Same time, at times there are pages and pages of content about literature and philosophy. So, it’s an interesting mix of history, literature, philosophy along with the story. Luckily I love Indian history, specially intendents that happened during partition and post that. So those parts were super interesting to me. All 5 friends’ characters are built well and author has not neglected any of them. Stories are realistic and you will identify with the same. Initially pacing is a little slow, but once author established the characters, story picks pace and from there on book becomes very interesting.
Book shows that author has reach command in literature, poetry, philosophy and history.
Overall a good read. I recommend the book.
January 18, 2018
This review was first published in The Era I Lived In. Please head to the blog for a detailed review.
The book opens with an introduction to the lives of the five friends who first bonded during their school days. Right from the start, the book focuses at length on the life, culture, religious sentiments and lifestyle of the people of undivided Panjab.
The book takes turns to narrate the happenings in the lives of each of the five friends though Vijay Thakur’s life comes across as being given more space than the others.
The book generously highlights that the author has had some rich encounters with the legends of the field of art and music. Author’s eye for detail and master craftsmanship in weaving his love for poetry, drama, literature and cultures, shines brightly in his words.
However, the book loses its charm because of lack of restraint in sharing the details of the artwork, traditions, religious beliefs or the political history. For me, the book failed at seamlessly blending the lives of the five friends with the true events.
I’d recommend this book to the people who are more inclined towards politics than perhaps I am. This can definitely make for a good one-time read if you are interested in the history of Indian politics (particularly pertaining to in and around Punjab) from 1950 onward and are fine with it taking precedence over not so well-developed story-lines.
The book opens with an introduction to the lives of the five friends who first bonded during their school days. Right from the start, the book focuses at length on the life, culture, religious sentiments and lifestyle of the people of undivided Panjab.
The book takes turns to narrate the happenings in the lives of each of the five friends though Vijay Thakur’s life comes across as being given more space than the others.
The book generously highlights that the author has had some rich encounters with the legends of the field of art and music. Author’s eye for detail and master craftsmanship in weaving his love for poetry, drama, literature and cultures, shines brightly in his words.
However, the book loses its charm because of lack of restraint in sharing the details of the artwork, traditions, religious beliefs or the political history. For me, the book failed at seamlessly blending the lives of the five friends with the true events.
I’d recommend this book to the people who are more inclined towards politics than perhaps I am. This can definitely make for a good one-time read if you are interested in the history of Indian politics (particularly pertaining to in and around Punjab) from 1950 onward and are fine with it taking precedence over not so well-developed story-lines.
January 13, 2023
I am very disappointed by this book. I hoped/wished that it will be one of the amazing book by an Indian Author and I wanted to give a chance to him but it was miserable.
Story is supposed to revolve around friendship, India-Pakistan, a touching one, basically. But it lacked in creating a strong story base. I had to eventually DNF it.
1. There were too many useless, unrelated details of events/information which never added to story. I would have been okay if it was couple of occurrence where the info was added for glory but no. It looks like, author has an obsession with this
2. If chapter is of 10 pages then for first one and half it will revolve around characters and after that next 8 pages will be about something useless. Last paragraph of 4 lines will be again about story
3. There were multiple use of local language, hindi, punjabi and what not. I get this but it was too frequent.
I put the book aside after getting irritated but then I came back again next day, for next chapter, but he disappointed me again
Story is supposed to revolve around friendship, India-Pakistan, a touching one, basically. But it lacked in creating a strong story base. I had to eventually DNF it.
1. There were too many useless, unrelated details of events/information which never added to story. I would have been okay if it was couple of occurrence where the info was added for glory but no. It looks like, author has an obsession with this
2. If chapter is of 10 pages then for first one and half it will revolve around characters and after that next 8 pages will be about something useless. Last paragraph of 4 lines will be again about story
3. There were multiple use of local language, hindi, punjabi and what not. I get this but it was too frequent.
I put the book aside after getting irritated but then I came back again next day, for next chapter, but he disappointed me again
April 7, 2024
Memories of Fire is a historical fiction-like novel that explains the story of five childhood friends meeting after a gap of fifty years. I've heard many positive reviews about this book. But I didn't enjoy reading this🙂. After one chapter I thought that it was just starting trouble the story will be more engaging in the coming pages. I was wrong I just read this book to complete this book and reduce the number in my TBR pile. There were almost 40 chapters and the last paragraph or two mentions the characters. Other chapters contain a vast amount of history from the British invasion of India to the Assassination of Indira Gandhi. This book was like a history textbook. There is a large number of essays and processes that think were unnecessary. It took me more than two weeks to complete this book. I didn't like to leave a book uncompleted that was the only motivation for me😌. The stories were interlinked and the past and present were mixed up.
I didn't enjoy reading this one🙌. If you like reading history books and nonfiction you may like it.
This is not my cup of tea🙂
I didn't enjoy reading this one🙌. If you like reading history books and nonfiction you may like it.
This is not my cup of tea🙂
February 17, 2020
A book that beautifully describes the happenings india from 1947 to close to late 1980s (specially in Punjab) with the lives of 5 friends. The writing and authentic details are worth complementing.
Details of Indira Gandhi's regime, happenings in Pakistan along with discussions on literature, films music, religion etc are woven intricately along with the lives and times of the friends.
The start may be confusing for some but it grows upon you as you read. The lives of the friends are not detailed but described in parts at their lives different juncture.
The book is a must read and future reference types and can be reread as well.
Details of Indira Gandhi's regime, happenings in Pakistan along with discussions on literature, films music, religion etc are woven intricately along with the lives and times of the friends.
The start may be confusing for some but it grows upon you as you read. The lives of the friends are not detailed but described in parts at their lives different juncture.
The book is a must read and future reference types and can be reread as well.
February 8, 2018
I very much enjoyed reading Ashok Chopra's Memories of Fire. And what a story line spanning 6 decades and more, of 5 families running through modern history of India (basically North India). The characters are very interesting and distinctive. If Radhey Shyam or Bansi make you weep, it is the scenes of their teacher which make you very emotional. The writing throughout is gorgeous with a fine sense of place and time intermingled with anecdotes and rich historical details. I loved Scrapbook of Memories by him, and I'm glad to have picked up a copy of this book as well.
January 29, 2018
After a long time, one gets an unputdownable novel which skillfully weaves together the various storylines and characters as they move in and out of each other's lives. There is much to be admired in Ashok Chopra's writing despite the fact that there is an over abundance of detail and background information which slows down the narrative momentum at times. Please do read is what i would recommend. Check out my Instagram for more on this book.
July 23, 2020
This books gives the complete essence of life. It revolves around the lives of 5 people and their different encounter which shape their lives. Sometime making correct decision doesn't necessarily make a good result. Sometime we need to forgo our values and embrace the changes for good life and above all, this book proves that love has the power to move mountains and make us do which we even cannot think.
January 20, 2018
Overall, Memories of Fire is an uneven yet insightful and epic read, set around the lives of five childhood friends who lead incredibly diverse lives amidst the backdrop of modern India and are reunited after a span of 50 years.
Full review here - http://kanjisheik.blogspot.in/2018/01...
Full review here - http://kanjisheik.blogspot.in/2018/01...
January 16, 2020
Thoroughly engaging and thought provoking. The characters are appropriately complex and very relatable at the same time with a hint of nostalgia and moments of epiphany about the times without internet that our generation is deprived of.
January 23, 2018
This book will keep you hooked till the very end! What a great read.
Through the by lanes of memories and emotions, history and humour, the author creates the most exquisite suspense story. The characters are all very interesting; their life even more so. The anecdotal way of writing brings everything to life.
Makes for a great gift for anyone interested in reading a good book after a long time!
Through the by lanes of memories and emotions, history and humour, the author creates the most exquisite suspense story. The characters are all very interesting; their life even more so. The anecdotal way of writing brings everything to life.
Makes for a great gift for anyone interested in reading a good book after a long time!
March 26, 2018
Enjoyed reading "Memories of Fire" by Ashok Chopra. Well written, gripping, and packed with interesting information and history. Definitely worth a read!
October 15, 2021
Loved the way the characters unfolded their past and present . Detailing of Punjab/Haryana stands out.
September 14, 2022
Poignant
May 31, 2024
Definitely written by a man.
January 22, 2018
I very much enjoyed reading Memories of Fire by Ashok Chopra. Like his previous Scrapbook of Memories, this too is engaging. He has an impressive gift for storytelling, and for crafting a rich and complex world for his characters to inhabit. I would highly recommend it.
March 6, 2018
Ashok Chopra has written an extremely readable book. It is meticulously researched and very well written. Ashok has a great facility with the English language. His knowledge of a variety of subjects from history to literature, from art and architecture to psychology is most impressive. Ashok has also captured human emotions so well! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews