Servant: How It Was Written

by Robin Singh

This deeply moving story of the Das family begins with Hari, a peasant farmer who leaves his impoverished village to fight a rebellion after losing his wife and child to a famine. Though he defeats one of his oppressors in battle, Hari is executed shortly after, leaving his remaining children, Arjun and Hema.

Throughout their children’s lives, Arjun and his wife Baruni’s focus on education became paramount, wishing a better future for their children. They are thrilled when his teenaged son Balram is accepted to secondary school in Calcutta, however improbable it might have been.

Everything changes for Balram when he meets Radha, a beautiful young woman every bit as smart as he is. Radha is from a higher caste and her father Dewan, forbids her from socializing with a peasant; he has already promised Radha to the son of a business associate. Despite these warnings, the two young lovers begin a passionate and secretive romance that only intensifies over the years. When Dewan learns Radha has given her heart to Balram, a brutal confrontation ensues that might spell the end of a love, which had been forged many decades before.

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2019

Reviews

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a back story on this. I was sitting and waiting to get my hair cut, reading a book as I always do when waiting for something. A young man approached me and said that he noticed I was reading; he gave me his card and hoped I would read his book. A quick search of our library's catalog revealed that the book was in their collection so I checked it out and was treated to a good read. The author gives a believable picture of late 19th century India - the caste system, the poverty, the prejudices, the English presence, and the belief in reincarnation. At the heart of the story is the Das family. Hari Das is a peasant farmer and brave warrior. His son Arjun continues the farming tradition while seeing that his children are educated. And Arjun's son Balram seeks to further his education and comes up against the caste system when he and a beautiful young woman fall in love. The characters were well-drawn, sympathetic, and believable. The plot was absorbing. There were a few places where the grammar should have been checked - using he or she instead of him or her for instance. This did not detract from the story at all. A good look at the customs and circumstances of India near the turn of the 20th century.

[Michael Ramotar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Servant: How It Was Written
by Robin Singh

This novel will tug at your heartstrings as you are walked through the daily lives of the Das family. The tragedy, cruel and unjust treat of this family and other families of poor farmers. This novel is set in the time period that the British ruled over India. But it is a novel that stands the test of time.
The novel is a historical fiction. But if you look into the history of the British rule over India, it represents reality. The author shows an understanding of the violent and inhumane actions of this time period. You will cheer at the bravery and the humanity of the farmers.
The rebellion that the farmers put up against such great odds, shows that everyone has a breaking point.
The characters are so well documented that you could picture them as you follow their hardships, their struggles. You will find yourself sadden by the cruelty that the Das family goes through at the hands of the British as well as the wealthy Indian land owners.

[Indira-Anita Stansfield]

Overall Servant was a great read! Get the tissues ready, because some of it will bring on the tears. I had many thoughts after reading this book, but here are a few. From the very beginning of the book, you get a sense of family unity, love, hard work and sacrifice. You see a mother and father’s love for each other, their children and community. You see a family along with neighbors fighting for freedom from oppression. You’ll experience the horrors of war and occupation but there is great love along the way. Also got a few good laughs.

I found this to be a great human story. There is love, romance, and selfless acts of sacrifice. In spite of obstacles, they fought for a better life. Experience selfless acts of bravery, the strength and determination of women, never settling for the norm. It was a great representation of family and community before self.

You see one man’s sacrifice, many years later, being recognized by people as a brave man who fought for his people. His sacrifice did not go unnoticed.

I loved that the author covered so many men and women of strength and character in this book. In many ways, it was very encouraging for that time period and today.

I enjoyed the book very much and it was amazing getting to one of the book signings. I got a sense of how very much the author researched the contents of the book.

Last note. A few areas in the book have some explicit language and sexual scenes. However, this is all part of the human story.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, three generational historical fiction/romance! Servant delivers a unique account and perspective on the harsh realities of British rule in India through the lens of a three generational family. Each chapter takes you through the Das family's journey to from starvation and struggle, to better education, to the freedom to love. The author's ability to develop the characters not just individually, but also as part of a family, notably contributes to the overall breadth and depth of the story. No matter your background or status in life, you are bound to relate to at least one character in this book. Servant does not provide you the typical HEA, and will leave you eager to see what happens in book two.

[Michael McGurk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. It is a well research trip to India in the 1850-80's under Colonial rule. A period that may be better forgotten but needs to be remembered. Follow the Das family as they fight, literally and figuratively the system that oppressed many of the working class. The author paints a vivid picture of the times intertwined with a beautiful love story. Can love triumph over caste? Does the original "evil empire" rule over the people? How do families balance the need to grow, and the need to merely survive? Join Radah and Balram on their journey. You will be glad you did. -- I bought and read this novel on my own. --

[Kimberly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly captivating storyline. I was unable to put Servant down once I had picked it up. The history, the romance, the true grit of the characters in such a fascinating setting. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I cannot say enough of how much I enjoyed this excellent read, and it has become a recommendation to all!