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With Dark Understandings
In 1492 the kingdom is under dangerous and turbulent times as the visions of a 60-year old fortune teller predicts that a huge calamity would unleash. A new empress with her allies soon invades, making the prediction come true. The lands that used to be owned for seven centuries by a peaceful kingdom will be no more. Intended to maintain the intentions of the new empress, mass burnings and destructions plagued the land to replace the old order. Intended primarily to identify heretics among those who converted from one faith to another, intensity of silent warfare soon brewed underneath and did not rise to surface until the civil war of 1936.
The right wing-fascist party PAM controlled the nation with the help of the authoritarian military after the vicious civil war that ended in 1939. Provinces in the north and east had rebelled for years but began to take up arms to fight the military. The Liberal Socialists, the only viable political opposition in parliament tried for years to bring reforms but they were always vetoed by PAM and the military. Politically and economically isolated by 1976, the country was on the brink of collapse when finally, the military unpromisingly permitted a free and fair election in June of 1977.
The right wing-fascist party PAM controlled the nation with the help of the authoritarian military after the vicious civil war that ended in 1939. Provinces in the north and east had rebelled for years but began to take up arms to fight the military. The Liberal Socialists, the only viable political opposition in parliament tried for years to bring reforms but they were always vetoed by PAM and the military. Politically and economically isolated by 1976, the country was on the brink of collapse when finally, the military unpromisingly permitted a free and fair election in June of 1977.
354 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 28, 2020
As a political scientist, I really enjoy a story laced with what Shakespeare described as “the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy take,” especially when the spurns and the merit are politically laced. Add to that an unfamiliar Asian subcontinent setting, and you could keep me reading forever. This is what Chowdhury gives us.
The novel’s prologue gives us a background dating several centuries -1492 specifically- which the first chapter takes up in 1975, with friends Arman Sultani and Andres Orce enjoying a vacation in the latter’s family estate. That Orce suffers from nightmares similar to the 15th Century fortune teller with whom the Prologue opens gives the reader an early warning that a tragedy shall ensue. I normally don’t write this way, but I wanted to give the reader a taste of Chowdhury’s style; which might confuse Americans. That said, the author uses the perfect style for the intricate and surprising plot twists to come.
The author’s style is the only thing I could criticize. Novelists who write in English should take into consideration Americans make up one of the largest reading blocks. It is true many in India have English as a strong second language; and those English speakers would feel comfortable with the author’s style. I personally would seek more of a balance. However, the story is so titillating in its political foreignness that I have to make ample allowances for a departure from commercial concerns.
The story and the characters are well developed. And Chowdhury has come up with a terrific yarn that will keep you turning pages.
Five Stars!
The novel’s prologue gives us a background dating several centuries -1492 specifically- which the first chapter takes up in 1975, with friends Arman Sultani and Andres Orce enjoying a vacation in the latter’s family estate. That Orce suffers from nightmares similar to the 15th Century fortune teller with whom the Prologue opens gives the reader an early warning that a tragedy shall ensue. I normally don’t write this way, but I wanted to give the reader a taste of Chowdhury’s style; which might confuse Americans. That said, the author uses the perfect style for the intricate and surprising plot twists to come.
The author’s style is the only thing I could criticize. Novelists who write in English should take into consideration Americans make up one of the largest reading blocks. It is true many in India have English as a strong second language; and those English speakers would feel comfortable with the author’s style. I personally would seek more of a balance. However, the story is so titillating in its political foreignness that I have to make ample allowances for a departure from commercial concerns.
The story and the characters are well developed. And Chowdhury has come up with a terrific yarn that will keep you turning pages.
Five Stars!
December 1, 2023
"With Dark Understandings" by Fazle Chowdhury is a gripping historical novel that takes readers on a tumultuous journey through a kingdom facing perilous times. The storyline, set in 1492, unfolds with a prophecy from a 60-year-old fortune teller predicting impending calamity. The entry of a new empress and her allies validates the prophecy, leading to the demise of a seven-century-old peaceful kingdom!
Chowdhury intricately weaves a narrative that explores the consequences of the new empress's rule. Mass burnings and destruction alter the once serene landscape, replacing the old order with chaos. Silent warfare simmers beneath the surface, erupting during the civil war of 1936. The PAM, a right-wing fascist party, assumes control after a vicious civil war, plunging the nation into authoritarian rule.
The author delves into the complexities of political opposition, as the Liberal Socialists attempt reforms repeatedly thwarted by PAM and the military. The provinces rebel, and by 1976, the country is teetering on the edge of collapse. The narrative reaches a pivotal moment in 1977 when the military reluctantly allows a free and fair election, providing a glimmer of hope!
Chowdhury's storytelling is marked by a keen understanding of historical intricacies, political maneuvering, and the human condition. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of power, resilience, and the enduring struggle for freedom. "With Dark Understandings" is not just a historical tale; it is a reflection on the cycles of power, the consequences of tyranny, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to resist.
Chowdhury intricately weaves a narrative that explores the consequences of the new empress's rule. Mass burnings and destruction alter the once serene landscape, replacing the old order with chaos. Silent warfare simmers beneath the surface, erupting during the civil war of 1936. The PAM, a right-wing fascist party, assumes control after a vicious civil war, plunging the nation into authoritarian rule.
The author delves into the complexities of political opposition, as the Liberal Socialists attempt reforms repeatedly thwarted by PAM and the military. The provinces rebel, and by 1976, the country is teetering on the edge of collapse. The narrative reaches a pivotal moment in 1977 when the military reluctantly allows a free and fair election, providing a glimmer of hope!
Chowdhury's storytelling is marked by a keen understanding of historical intricacies, political maneuvering, and the human condition. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of power, resilience, and the enduring struggle for freedom. "With Dark Understandings" is not just a historical tale; it is a reflection on the cycles of power, the consequences of tyranny, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to resist.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews